* Politico…

State lawmakers are returning to Springfield to wrap up what will be a super-abbreviated legislative session hampered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Democrats are holding Zoom caucus meetings today at 10 a.m. to discuss when and how they’ll go to the state capitol. Most likely, they will return on staggered schedules, with senators going first.

Lawmakers expect to be called to Springfield soon. They were told this week to be sure to get tested for the coronavirus even if they don’t have symptoms.

House Speaker Michael Madigan holds the cards on all the details. Lawmakers could convene (in a social distancing sort of way) as early as next week, though they could wait to meet until after Memorial Day.

By then, Illinois will have a better idea about how much and what kind of federal funding would be directed toward the state in the latest relief package to help budgets bleeding revenue.

Technically, legislators are already in session through May 30, but their return could be deemed a “special session” — which would allow them to focus on a limited number of issues. It’s one of those confusing, legislative inside-baseball-sort-of-things.

I’m not quite sure what that last paragraph is supposed to mean (they could use a special session to limit the topics of discussion) and the spring session, as always, is scheduled through May 31, but subscribers know a lot more about options for a return.

…Adding… Subscribers were told about this as well…

The Illinois General Assembly might gather at the Bank of Springfield Center to allow social distancing amid pandemic.

Brian Oaks, general manager of the downtown convention center, said that he’s been talking with House Speaker Michael Madigan’s office. “We don’t have anything final,” Oaks said.

*** UPDATE 1 *** House Democrats were just told in caucus that they’re returning next week.

*** UPDATE 2 *** House Democrats were told that they will, indeed, meet in the convention center.

*** UPDATE 3 *** Senate Democrats were told they will come back next Wednesday through Friday. As I told subscribers this morning, the Senate will convene at the Statehouse.

*** UPDATE 4 *** Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Michael Madigan are expected to issue a statement at around noon today.

*** UPDATE 5 *** Click here for the House’s plan. This will indeed be a special session in order to limit the number of topics. Speaker Madigan has also asked his members to sign a pledge…

In the interest of conducting the necessary business of the Illinois House of Representatives in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of our fellow members, staff, and our communities at large, we do hereby pledge to follow the recommendations as approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health by:

• Getting tested for COVID-19 in the days before the House is to resume – even if we are asymptomatic or have recovered from a previous infection. If we test positive, we will stay home and self-quarantine.
• Undergoing a temperature check on session days prior to entering the Capitol or any other grounds used to convene session. If we record an elevated fever, we will undergo a new test prior to entering the building.
• Wearing a facemask at all times when in session and whenever in the company of colleagues and staff. We understand additional protective equipment may be required if recommended by experts, and we commit to using it. (Cloth face coverings will be provided to members and essential staff who need it.)
• Traveling to session alone and staying in a hotel or apartment on our own, including doing our best to travel without spouses, children and other family members.
• Avoiding any unnecessary exposure by refraining from extracurricular activities like non-essential meetings, gatherings, shared meals or drinks with colleagues, lobbyists, or others while in session.
• Following social distancing recommendations at all times while in Springfield for the business of the House.
• Upon returning home, we will seek another test for COVID-19 and/or self- quarantine for at least seven days.
• Taking any additional individual precautions necessary to contribute to the health and safety of those around us.

*** UPDATE 6 *** As often happens, the House will have a concurrent special session along with its regular session.

*** UPDATE 7 *** Speaker Madigan has sent a letter to House GOP Leader Jim Durkin asking that the House Republicans sign the above pledge “Given your enthusiasm to resume normal operations of the House and the uncertainty of these times.” Click here to read the letter.

*** UPDATE 8 *** From the Senate Democrats…

We will be scheduling a special session for May 20, 21 and 22 to address fiscal and COVID-19 related issues.

The Senate plans to meet at the Capitol in the Senate chamber.