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HJR 66

OAC-REP. FLYNN CURRIE PORTRAIT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 48 co-sponsors

The bill directs the Office of the Architect of the Capitol to design and place a portrait of Barbara Flynn Currie in the State Capitol to honor her legacy.

Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · HJR 66

Overview

  • Bill: HJR 66
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Illinois, 104th General Assembly
  • Type: House Joint Resolution (concurrent resolution)
  • Purpose: Urge the Office of the Architect of the Capitol to design and create a portrait honoring Barbara Flynn Currie, former Illinois State Representative and House Majority Leader.

Purpose and intent

  • Recognizes and honors the accomplishments and contributions of Barbara Flynn Currie, a pioneering female leader in Illinois government.
  • Aims to memorialize Currie with a portrait to be hung in the State Capitol Building, serving as an enduring inspiration for future generations.

Key provisions and changes

  • The resolution explicitly requests the Office of the Architect of the Capitol to oversee the design and creation of a portrait of Barbara Flynn Currie.
  • It identifies Currie’s historic roles and impact, including:
    • 40-year tenure in the Illinois House of Representatives
    • First woman to serve as House Majority Leader
    • Leadership roles and notable actions (e.g., involvement in impeachment committee for Governor Blagojevich, advocacy on wage growth, early childhood education funding, gun safety, reproductive rights, and equity initiatives)
    • Past positions and contributions beyond the House (e.g., leadership within the Chicago League of Women Voters, teaching, and public service organizations)
  • The resolution emphasizes Currie’s influence on expanding opportunities for women and her broader impact on Illinois politics and public policy.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Barbara Flynn Currie (honoree)
  • State institutions: Office of the Architect of the Capitol (design and commissioning of the portrait)
  • General public: Illinois residents, particularly future generations who will view the portrait in the State Capitol

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to Rules Committee (as of 2026-05-12)
  • Introduction/Filed: May 7, 2026 (by Rep. Robyn Gabel)
  • Co-sponsor: Rep. Robyn Gabel
  • As a joint resolution, it does not itself create new law but expresses legislative intent to commission and display a portrait.
  • If approved by both chambers, the resolution would authorize and direct the specified office to proceed with portrait creation and placement.

Summary in plain language

HJR 66 asks the Illinois General Assembly to recognize Barbara Flynn Currie, a longtime former state representative and the first female Illinois House Majority Leader, by commissioning a portrait to hang in the State Capitol. The resolution outlines Currie’s career achievements and her role in advancing liberal and equity-focused policy, and it directs the Office of the Architect of the Capitol to oversee the portrait’s design and creation for display in the Capitol Building. The measure reflects a commemorative effort to honor Currie’s legacy and inspire future generations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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