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Illinois Constitution

Law Making

The Process of Making Laws

According to Article IV of the Constitution, "the General Assembly shall enact laws only by bills. Bills may originate in either house, but may be amended or rejected by the other."

In general, a bill becomes a law after passing both houses of the General Assembly and receives the Governor's approval. In case of a veto from the Governor, the bill can still become a law by passing both houses by a 3/5 vote.

A bill may start in either house. Committees are used in the state law-making process much like in the federal government.

Bills only need a majority vote for passage. However, if the Governor vetoes a bill that has been sent to him, the General Assembly must then pass the bill by a 3/5 vote in both houses to override his veto.

The constitution's rules about passing bills include:

1. Bills are to be read on 3 different days (by title) before final vote on passage.

2. Most bills are confined to one subject.

3. A bill passed by both houses must be sent to the Governor within 30 days. The Governor has 60 calendar days to sign it, or to return it with his veto. If he does nothing, the bill will automatically become a law after the 60-day period.

Lobbies are important in the law-making process. Lobbies are organized groups who seek to influence lawmakers. Most of these lobbies operate legally under the laws controlling them, and some of them do a service of informing our lawmakers. However, there are some instances where these lobbies exert too much influence and the views of other citizens are overlooked.

While our legislators are making laws they are free from arrest except from major crimes such as felonies. Restrictions on the State Senators and Representatives include:

1. They cannot receive an appointment by the Governor to another public office.

2. They cannot hold any other public office in the state.

3. They must file a statement of economic interests.

4. They cannot receive a salary increase during their term of office.

5. Neither house can adjourn without the consent (approval) of the other house.