IllinoisHR0211104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

BENIN BRONZES-REPATRIATION

Sponsored By: Carol Ammons

Passed

Summary

Acknowledges and condemns the historical injustice associated with the original creation of the Benin Bronzes, the subsequent British acquisition and distribution of the relics, and the current possession of the Benin Bronzes by museums and collectors who are unwilling to share the relics with the heirs of the enslaved people who paid for them with their lives and the heirs of the Benin Kingdom slave traders. Urges the following steps be taken in regard to the Benin Bronzes: (1) an official request for the return and sharing of the Benin Bronzes, (2) the establishment of the Repatriation Committee, (3) the formation of an inventory and comprehensive documentation, (4) the development of a decision-making process, (5) the development of a sharing framework, (6) the collection of resale royalties, (7) the allocation of adequate resources from museum exhibit, loan, and resale royalty fees, (8) the initiation of programs and initiatives to bring heirs of the enslaved and the Benin Kingdom together for healing and reconciliation, and (9) the cooperation of heirs. Urges all nations, stakeholder museums, and collectors to support and adhere to this resolution, recognizing the importance of equitable sharing, redress, and healing in the context of the Benin Bronzes.

museum, arts, culture, and entertainment

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Bill Overview

No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carol Ammons

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Camille Y. Lilly

    Affiliation unavailable

  • La Shawn K. Ford

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Lisa Davis

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Maurice A. West, II

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Michael Crawford

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Sonya M. Harper

    Affiliation unavailable

  • William "Will" Davis

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 80 • No: 40

House vote 4/16/2026

Recommends Be Adopted Museum, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment;

Yes: 8 • No: 3

House vote 4/14/2026

Motion to Suspend Rule 21 - Prevailed

Yes: 72 • No: 37

Actions Timeline

  1. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. William "Will" Davis

    5/25/2026House
  2. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lisa Davis

    5/25/2026House
  3. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael Crawford

    5/25/2026House
  4. Resolution Adopted

    5/25/2026House
  5. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper

    5/25/2026House
  6. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Maurice A. West, II

    5/25/2026House
  7. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. La Shawn K. Ford

    5/25/2026House
  8. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly

    5/25/2026House
  9. Placed on Calendar Order of Resolutions

    4/16/2026House
  10. Recommends Be Adopted Museum, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment; 008-003-000

    4/16/2026House
  11. Motion to Suspend Rule 21 - Prevailed 072-037-000

    4/14/2026House
  12. Motion Filed to Suspend Rule 21 Museum, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment; Rep. Robyn Gabel

    4/14/2026House
  13. Assigned to Museum, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

    3/18/2026House
  14. Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

    7/1/2025House
  15. Removed Co-Sponsor Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet

    5/8/2025House
  16. Assigned to Museum, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

    4/22/2025House
  17. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet

    4/9/2025House
  18. Referred to Rules Committee

    3/26/2025House
  19. Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Carol Ammons

    3/25/2025House

Bill Text

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