Sen. Laura Ellman supports bill requiring county law libraries to operate during courthouse hours

During the 104th General Assembly, Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) voted Yes on SB3111, legislation requiring county law libraries to operate during courthouse hours. The Illinois Senate passed the measure unanimously, 57-0, on May 31, 2026, records from the Illinois Senate show.

The official bill summary notes: "COUNTIES CD-COUNTY LIBRARY."

The following description is derived from the actual bill language and may include explanation to provide clarity regarding its requirements.

SB3111 establishes that county law libraries must remain open whenever courthouses are open, aside from closures due to operational reasons or county board decisions. The bill stipulates law library access for licensed attorneys, judges, county public officials, and the general public. It further authorizes self-service legal centers and legal assistance offerings on-site and online. Additionally, it permits county treasurers or relevant county departments to hold and manage law library fees in the County Law Library Fund and allows for the disbursal of those funds as directed through current processes.

The legislative record for SB3111 reports the entry, 'House Committee Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs.'

Ellman earned her bachelor of science from Grinnell College in 1987.

Representing Illinois’ 21st Senate District as a Democrat since 2019, Ellman succeeded former state Sen. Michael Connelly.

Illinois legislation progresses through a multi-step process involving introduction in either legislative chamber, committee evaluation, floor debate, and votes by both the House and Senate before presenting the legislation to the governor. The General Assembly acts on a biennial timetable, during which thousands of bills are considered each session, yet only a limited number ultimately become law.