State lawmakers seek emergency meeting of Legislature

CHICAGO (AP) - Three members of the Illinois Legislature want lawmakers to return to Springfield for an emergency legislative session to address criminal justice reform and rebuilding communities in the wake of 'œprotests and subsequent civil unrest'ť in recent days.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that in a letter to House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon, Representatives Kam Buckner, Curtis Tarver and Lamont Robinson, all Democrats, say communities can't wait until the fall veto session to address the unrest resulting from the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

'œWe are in a state of emergency and need to act immediately,'ť the lawmakers wrote.

The COVID-19 pandemic has kept the General Assembly from Springfield, with lawmakers meeting in May for a four-day session to pass a budget and other legislation. At the time legislators' adjourned on May 24, Harmon said he didn't think anyone was eager to return for a special session.

Spokesmen for Madigan, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady did not respond to requests for comment on the legislators' request.

However, a Harmon spokesman said the senator is eager to engage in "building an agenda for action.'ť But he didn't clarify whether that means the Oak Park Democrat supports a special session.

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This story that initially moved late Wednesday has been updated to correct the name of George Floyd from Floyd George.