Fall Veto Session gets underway in Springfield
State lawmakers were back in Springfield for the first three days of the annual fall Veto Session. During the 2023 spring session, more than 550 bills were passed through both chambers of the General Assembly and sent to the Governor for final action. Gov. JB Pritzker signed all but six into law. Of the six bills, three received total vetoes, and an additional three received partial, or amendatory, vetoes.
Legislators can override a full veto with a 3/5 vote in the House and Senate. If a vetoed bill is not called for a vote, the veto stands, and the bill dies. For bills that received amendatory vetoes, the Legislature can either vote to approve the Governor’s amended bill language with a simple majority vote, or lawmakers can override the amendatory veto with a 3/5 vote to approve the original bill. It’s up to the leaders of the Majority Party to decide which, if any, bills are called for reconsideration.
There was little action on vetoed bills; however, the Illinois Senate took the opportunity to take up other measures that are now on their way to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Lawmakers will return for the final week of veto session starting Nov. 7.
Senate Republicans still collecting submissions for Veterans Wall of Honor
To show appreciation for veterans’ sacrifices and service, the Senate Republican Caucus is once again showcasing veterans’ legacy of service on a “Wall of Honor” that will be on display in the Capitol rotunda Nov. 7-20. With Veterans Day coming up on Nov. 11, it’s a perfect opportunity to share amazing stories of our heroes with those who visit the State Capitol.
Submissions should include a photo and a written story (maximum 250 words), along with the following information: name, military branch, and conflict served if they served during a time of war. Submissions should be sent to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 6. Submissions can also be mailed to: Veterans Day “Wall of Honor,” 110D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706.
For more information about this tribute to veterans, please call (217) 782-7219.
ISP announces three dates and locations for “Assault Weapons Ban” gun registration process
A new Illinois law, which bans a long list of firearms, magazines, and other devices, will be the subject of public hearings hosted by the Illinois State Police (ISP).
These hearings are in response to the registration process outlined in the new law, which requires individuals who possessed one or more of these now-banned firearms prior to the Act taking effect on Jan. 19, 2023, to submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card account in order to legally maintain possession.
Unfortunately, the rush to pass and implement this unconstitutional law has left many Illinoisans confused. In an effort to clear up confusion and concerns about the registration process, the ISP is holding three public hearings across the state. The hearings are open to the public but can also be heard via WebEx. Persons wishing to speak at a public hearing must do so in person and must submit a completed witness slip. The dates and locations for the hearings are as follows:
- Thursday, November 2, 2023
9:30 a.m., Room D1 of the Stratton Building, 401 Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62704 - Friday, November 3, 2023
9:30 a.m., Room C-600 of the Bilandic Building, 160 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60601 - Monday, November 6, 2023
9:30 a.m., Caseyville Community Center at Village Hall, 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, IL 62232
For more information and to access the WebEx links, click here.
State Senator Terri Bryant voted against this law and believes it violates law-abiding citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights. Sen. Bryant also says she is hopeful the law will eventually be ruled unconstitutional by the federal court system, where lawsuits are currently pending.