2026 Legislative Calendar Roils Lobbyists, Associations
The rotunda in the Illinois Capitol.
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If you walk off an elevator on the third floor of the Statehouse during the spring, you’re often met with a mass of people.
Lobbyists, media, and regular people in town to advocate on behalf of one of a seemingly limitless number of issues they are trying to get in front of lawmakers make the third floor “rail” the place to be.
The Senate in session on one side. The House in session on the other.
Both chambers have released their 2026 legislative calendars, and the number of weeks where just one chamber is in session is double the amount of 2025.
In 2025, there were four weeks the House was in session and the Senate wasn’t, or vice versa. In 2026, the number doubles, to eight. Between January and April, both chambers will be in session just five weeks.
It’s drawing the ire of lobbyists, especially those who drive to Springfield from Chicago, or those attempting to plan legislative lobby days.
“Think about all of the small groups without a ton of money that are trying to get in front of legislators,” said one lobbyist, who asked not to be identified. “They’re going to be fighting for a precious few minutes with a lawmaker. This limits the public’s ability to advocate for issues important to them.”
Legislative leaders say, sometimes, the schedules just don’t work out.
“We try our best to coordinate schedules, sometimes with varying results,” said John Patterson, a spokesman for Senate President Don Harmon.
Did the two chambers even coordinate their calendars? They say yes.
“The House’s 2026 calendar was developed in consultation with the Senate with the goal of giving members the opportunity to advance our legislative priorities through both chambers,” said Delores Walton, a spokesperson for House Speaker Chris Welch.
We’re told many lobbyists, members of the so-called “Third House” have lodged complaints, both internally, and to lawmakers.
But, don’t expect any changes to the calendar.
“Major changes are not anticipated,” Patterson said.
