SPRINGFIELD (ILLINOIS CAPITOL BUREAU) -- Illinois state lawmakers have canceled their second straight week of session to combat the spread of novel coronavirus. The General Assembly was scheduled to come back to Springfield on March 24.
In an email sent to House Democrats Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Mike Madigan's Chief of Staff Jessica Basham said the session schedule is "in flux." Basham noted members should be prepared to return to the Capitol if they need to address urgent matters.
The deadline for House bills to move out of committee was originally set for March 27, but Basham said it has been extended to April 3. Members were also told to re-evaluate any travel plans they made for the scheduled Spring Break period (April 6-17). Lawmakers may end up calling session those weeks to make up for time lost.
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon canceled session for his chamber through an email Thursday morning. Harmon stated that his leadership team has remained in contact with Senators about legislative and scheduling priorities in order to act quickly when session reconvenes.
"For now, we are taking it day by day and urging everyone to heed the advice of health care professionals by practicing social distancing, regularly washing hands and avoiding unneeded travel," stated Harmon.
The deadline to move bills out of Senate Committee is still set for March 27.
The Illinois Constitution requires lawmakers pass a budget before they adjourn on May 31.
