SPRINGFIELD - The clock ran out on lawmakers this year as they left town early Monday with a number of hot-button issues unresolved.

The unfinished legislation could still be voted on in the coming two years, but for now, they remain in limbo.

Here's a rundown of some of the undone legislation:

Civil unions

Supporters of same-sex marriage have won victories in several states across the country, like Iowa, but the same could not be said for Illinois. A House panel advanced a measure in March, but the legislation floundered after that.

The proposal would not legalize same-sex marriage, but it would give gay couples many of the legal benefits of marriage. Opponents of the proposal claimed gay marriage would tarnish traditional marriage or force churches and businesses to endorse relationships they find immoral.

"The majority of the people of Illinois do not want civil unions," said state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill, who has sponsored a constitutional ban of gay marriage for several years. "It would set the state of Illinois for a lawsuit that would allow gay marriages through the courts."

Cigarette tax

Lawmakers also appeared to be on their way to raise the tax on cigarettes $1. The increase could have generated $350 million. The Senate approved the measure 30-25 but the full House never brought the issue up because of a lack of support.

Now, Illinois smokers pay 98 cents in state taxes, plus 39 cents in federal taxes. State Rep. Karen Yarbrough, D-Chicago, who sponsored the legislation, said already approved tax increases on alcohol, candy and soft drinks thwarted the cigarette tax push.

Medical marijuana

The argument to legalize the marijuana for medicinal purposes won over senators but members of the House didn't take it up. The legislation would allow qualified patients to grow three marijuana plants in their home.

Proponents of the proposal said smoking marijuana could alleviate chronic pain and nausea when other treatments have failed. Opponents worried the drug could reach the wrong hands.

Helmet laws

Lawmakers also shot down a plan making helmets mandatory for motorcycle riders. The proposal received just 14 "yes" votes, as opposed to 42 "no" votes in the Senate, amidst outcry that the proposal would take away a freedom.

"I do not want to wear a helmet. My life is my life," said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, during the debate.

Sales tax holiday

Gov. Pat Quinn proposed a sales tax holiday for the back-to-school season but lawmakers didn't want to give up the revenue during tight financial times. Quinn called for dropping state sales tax collections on clothes and other school-related supplies for a 10-day span in August.

Just because the issues fell on deaf ears this go around doesn't mean the issues are off the table permanently. Lawmakers can reconvene at any time or may re-examine the issues when they're scheduled to come back to Springfield in November.