Hirschauer votes affirmative on SB2715 to permit closed sessions with statewide association reps

During the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49th) supported SB2715, legislation enabling closed meetings with statewide association representatives, Illinois House records show; the bill was approved unanimously in the House with a 117-0 vote.

The official bill text summarizes the proposal as: "OPEN MTGS-STATEWIDE ASSOC."

The following explanation is grounded in the bill’s official language and may use interpretive language to clarify the legislation’s intent.

Essentially, the bill updates the Open Meetings Act so that public bodies can enter closed sessions for self-evaluation, procedures, or ethics discussions when a representative of a statewide association, which the public body belongs to, is present. This change applies only to statewide associations, not regional ones. Implementation depends on Senate Bill 243 of the 104th General Assembly, as amended by House Amendment No. 1, being enacted. The bill will be effective as soon as it is signed into law or once Senate Bill 243 becomes law, whichever is later.

The action for SB2715 was recorded as 'Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed.'

Hirschauer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College.

First elected in 2021, the Democrat represents Illinois’ 49th House District, succeeding Karina Villa in the seat.

Each Illinois bill follows a multi-step path through the legislature, progressing from initial introduction to committee review, floor debate, and votes by both chambers before the governor either signs or vetoes the measure. The General Assembly meets every two years; thousands of proposals are introduced during each term, but only a limited number are enacted into law.