what the research unit can and cannot do for you

for legislators and staff, the research unit:

Conducts original research into the topic of your choosing. The division has a library, special access to state library materials, and electronic access to several national and state databases. Research Unit staff frequently contacts government officials and policy experts across the nation, as well as confers with national legislative organizations inlcluding National Conference of State Legislatures and Council of State Governments. We seek the best source of information on each topic, communicating with the source directly whenever possible.

Surveys other states' laws, including providing comparisons with Illinois' law.

Researches and provides copies of bills from other state assemblies.

Researches and/or provides copies of historical state documents, such as task force or commission reports—the Research Unit is the statutory repository of many reports required by state law.

Always does its best to get legislators and legislative staff the information they have requested, within the requested time frame.

the research unit does not:

Tell any other legislator, legislative staff person, media representative or member of the public, what the Research Unit has done or is doing, for another legislator or staff member. The Research Unit staff's conversations with, and research provided to, members and staff are strictly confidential. It is up to the recipient to decide how to use it. However, if two persons ask for research on the same topic, they will receive the same information.

Conduct any research for political purposes. Like legislators and legislative staff, the Research Unit is not permitted to conduct policy or other research for political purposes.

for the press and public, the research unit can:

Provide many of our publications for free download from this website. If the information is posted on this website, it is available to the public to peruse or download at no charge. Additionally, Research Unit documents can be used to supplement personal and/or academic research of your own; however, please properly cite the Research Unit as the source of the information, and do not alter or change what has been written.

Provide printed copies of publications in reasonable numbers, while supplies last.

the research unit cannot:

Conduct research for the public on request; the Research Unit does not have the resources.

Provide information on research compiled for members of the General Assembly or legislative staff.

Provide information about current or past research activities.

Provide any form of legal counsel or advice.

Contact legislators or legislative staff on your behalf.