Sangamon Sun

The Illinois House of Representatives voted to renew the procedural rules that will govern its legislative process for the next two years. These rules, drafted by the Democrat supermajority without input from the Republican minority, have sparked criticism over issues of accountability and transparency.

House Republicans proposed changes aimed at increasing these elements, but their suggestions were not adopted by the majority. The renewed rules continue to vest significant power in the Speaker of the House, a point of contention for some legislators. The Speaker retains authority over defining committee numbers and composition, with chairpersons receiving additional pay—an arrangement that critics argue consolidates loyalty to the Speaker.

The procedural framework also influences which bills advance to public hearings or remain stalled in committee stages. Concerns have been raised about past instances where legislative procedures were allegedly bypassed, such as voting multiple times on tax legislation until it passed.

Critics argue that these rules shield both the supermajority caucus and its leadership from accountability. Despite these concerns, all members of the Democrat supermajority supported implementing them again. Speaker Welch had previously indicated intentions for change with his "New Day" promise but is perceived by some as maintaining longstanding practices.