It’s been a few weeks since the Legislature adjourned following the 2024 Fall Veto Session. Since then, Senator Dale Fowler has been busy around the district speaking with local groups, meeting with constituents, and attending various events to better understand the challenges and concerns affecting the community.
While Senators are working in their districts, it’s also a time when they start the drafting process for bills they plan to file for the new General Assembly, which is set to begin on Inauguration Day, January 8, 2025.
Prior to Inauguration Day, Senators are expected to return to Springfield between January 2 and January 7 for a “lame-duck session.” In years when they occur, lame-duck sessions are held after the election and fall veto session, but before newly elected officials are sworn in. It’s widely seen as a time when outgoing legislators may be more likely to vote in favor of controversial legislation without fear of political repercussions.
The most recent lame-duck session took place in January 2023 and saw the passage of a weapons ban and an expansion of abortion services. In 2021, lame-duck session led to the passage of the controversial SAFE-T Act, and back in 2011 it led to the passage of a 67% increase in the income tax.