How often does the Illinois General Assembly meet?

The Illinois General Assembly meets annually, which means it convenes sessions once each year. This structure is designed to allow lawmakers to review and propose legislation, address state issues, and respond to the needs of their constituents effectively.

In addition to the annual meetings, the General Assembly can also call special sessions when urgent matters arise that require immediate attention outside of the regular schedule. This flexibility helps the legislature address pressing issues throughout the year. Other options, such as meeting biannually or every three years, do not align with the established frequency of legislative sessions in Illinois, as these would not provide the necessary regularity for governance. Monthly sessions are also impractical for a legislative body that requires thorough deliberation and planning. Thus, the choice of annual meetings aligns with the typical legislative practices seen in many states, including Illinois.