East Central Reporter

In the closing moments of the Illinois House of Representatives' 2024 Veto Session, House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst called for a vote to adjourn the session "sine die," meaning without setting a date to reconvene. The motion was rejected by House Democrats, allowing the 103rd General Assembly to reconvene in early January for a "lame duck session."

A lame duck session occurs when members of one General Assembly meet after a new General Assembly has been elected but before members are sworn in. This period allows outgoing legislators to continue their duties until their successors take office. Critics argue that this can lead to legislation being passed without accountability, as outgoing members may not act in their constituents' best interests.

During lame duck sessions, bills can pass with a simple majority rather than the supermajority required during regular sessions. This reduced threshold allows the majority party to advance significant legislation more easily. In recent years, Democrats have used this opportunity to pass controversial bills with minimal deliberation.

Notable bills passed during previous lame duck sessions include SB 2505 (2011), which increased income and employer taxes; SB 3531 (2019), granting pay raises to bureaucrats; HB 3653 (2021), eliminating cash bail; HB 5471 (2023), establishing an assault weapons ban; SB 1720 (2023), increasing pay for politicians; and HB 969 (2023), creating a supplemental budget.

House Republicans have called for reforms to limit or eliminate lame duck sessions. Former Minority Leader Jim Durkin proposed moving inauguration dates and requiring work completion by election day, but his proposal was blocked by Democrats.

With the upcoming lame duck session scheduled from January 4th to 7th, new legislation is expected amid Illinois' estimated $3 billion budget deficit. Discussions may include tax increases or reallocating funds. The state's pension crisis could also be addressed, though quick fixes might only prolong issues.

Illinois Democrats have expressed intentions to counteract potential policies from the incoming President through progressive legislation during this session. These efforts could involve environmental regulations, job creator burdens, migrant programs, and abortion protections.