Who has the authority to call special sessions of the Illinois General Assembly?

The Governor has the authority to call special sessions of the Illinois General Assembly. This power is crucial because it allows the Governor to convene the legislature outside of its regular session schedule to address urgent issues or specific matters that require legislative attention.

In Illinois, the General Assembly meets regularly, but there are circumstances, such as emergencies or unforeseen events, that may require lawmakers to discuss and act on important legislation in a timely manner. The Governor's ability to call these special sessions ensures that important matters can be addressed without waiting for the next regular session to begin.

The roles of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, while significant in organizing legislative business and leading their respective chambers, do not extend to summoning the legislature for special sessions. The Attorney General's role focuses on legal matters and representation of the state, rather than legislative processes. Thus, the Governor's authority is essential for maintaining the responsiveness of the legislature to pressing state issues.