East Central Reporter

Today, the Democratic majority in the Illinois House of Representatives voted to maintain rules established during Michael Madigan's tenure. This decision was made without input from the Republican minority, affecting over four million constituents represented by House Republicans.

The rules for the 104th General Assembly were drafted by the Democrat supermajority and will govern the House for two years. Despite proposing changes aimed at increasing accountability and transparency, Republicans saw their suggestions rejected by the majority.

Speaker Welch had previously promised a "New Day" but maintained Madigan-era rules, leading some to remark that it's a case of "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

Republicans proposed several measures to improve transparency:

- HR 16: Aims to close loopholes allowing resolutions to bypass publication requirements.

- HR 17: Calls for committee hearings and votes on bills with bipartisan support.

- HR 18: Seeks public disclosure of pre-filing for Senate bill sponsorship.

- HR 19: Proposes a minimum review period before final action on appropriation bills.

- HR 20: Suggests using conference committees to retain bill numbers throughout consideration.

- HR 21: Limits consent calendar bills from 80 to 25.

- HR 22: Restores supermajority requirement to close floor debate.

- HR 23: Ensures member access during Clerk’s Office business hours.

- HR 24: Requires audio recordings of meetings be available online within a day.

- HR 25: Mandates record votes when closing floor debates if unanimous consent is denied.

- HR 26: Allows each member one guaranteed committee hearing and vote per session.