This year, just short of 2,900 Senate Bills were filed by Illinois’ 59 Senators. In an effort to meet statutory deadlines for bill consideration, the Senate has decided to utilize a voting maneuver that has not been used for approximately 15 years— an “agreed bill” list. This procedural move will allow the Senate body to approve several bills under one sweeping vote.

The agreed bill list, which was drafted together by Senate Democrats and Republicans, includes legislation that is determined to be without controversy or opposition. Still, a mechanism is in place for senators to be recorded as a no, present, or not voting.