Illinois General Assembly approves rules Republicans say are unfair

[January 10, 2025]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The rules for the 104th Illinois General Assembly are now in place despite House Republicans urging for changes to make things more fair for the minority party.

The new 104th General Assembly elected in November was seated Wednesday. Thursday, the first order of business was to approve the rules of how both chambers operate.

Without debate, the Senate approved its rules. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, explained a few committee additions, and changes to how senators conduct themselves.

“We will specifically require senators to avoid threats, inciting violence or other assaults in debate,” Lightford said.

In the House, Majority Leader Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, said the rules are similar to the 103rd House with various changes.

“We are creating a new Appropriations Pension Committee to facilitate the ongoing discussion on retirement security of our public employees,” Gabel said.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who is testifying at his corruption trial in Chicago, spoke about House rules under his historic tenure. State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, said the rules that gave Madigan immense power haven’t changed.

The Illinois Senate in January 2025
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“And I’m sure that you’ll also say that ‘Lee Daniels had rules in place in 1994 for a small period of time,’ and that’s true as well, but these are Speaker Madigan’s rules that have existed for decades,” Spain said.

Madigan was speaker for all but two years between 1983 and 2021. He and codefendant Michael McClain face 23 charges of corruption where federal prosecutors allege they used Madigan’s public office for personal gain. Madigan surprised the federal courtroom Tuesday when he took the witness stand. He will face cross-examination from prosecutors next week.

State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, urged for more fairness to ensure Republicans’ constituents have their voices heard.

Despite Republicans urging to hold the rules Thursday, so their proposals fostering fairness could be considered, the rules passed along party lines. Without debate, the Senate approved their rules along party lines.

Legislators adjourned Thursday. They return to the capitol Jan. 28.