Bipartisan splits mark e-learning bill's passage in Illinois General Assembly

Bipartisan defections were notable as HB4535, a bill concerning e-learning days during elections, moved forward in the Illinois General Assembly on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Illinois General Assembly records show.

The bill passed in the House by a vote of 81-25. Democrats recorded 72 yes votes and no no votes; Republicans had 9 yes votes and 25 against.

In the Senate, the measure was approved 43-10. Among Democrats, 38 voted in favor and none opposed; Republicans voted 5 for and 10 against.

Records from the Illinois General Assembly confirm HB4535 received passage in both chambers on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

This overview of HB4535 from the 2026 session is derived from the official bill text, with explanation included for clarity of its details.

Under the bill, school boards may implement an annually verified e-learning plan to provide remote instruction to students on an election day when a school doubles as a polling place. These e-learning days for elections cannot substitute for the district's required emergency days listed in the school calendar. All current provisions for e-learning programs—such as access and service requirements for all students—are maintained while allowing this additional use for election days.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49th) sponsored the bill.

Hirschauer holds a bachelor's degree from Colby College. She was elected as a Democrat to the Illinois State House in 2021 representing the 49th District, succeeding former Rep. Karina Villa.

Legislation in Illinois undergoes a staged legislative process, starting with its introduction in either chamber, review in committees, floor debate and votes in both the House and Senate, and finally submission to the governor for signing or veto. The Illinois General Assembly works on a biennial cycle, where thousands of measures are introduced but only a select number become law.