"The House will be in order. Members will please be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Drake Caudill, who is with the First Baptist Church of Carmi. Pastor Caudill is the guest of Representative Bailey. Members and their guests are suggest… are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers, and please rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Caudill."
"Thank you, Mr. Harris. Let us pray. Our Father, we thank you for your many blessings. All good things come from you, and we give you thanks for the opportunity to serve the people of the great State of Illinois. I personally thank you for the men and women who stand here today and have committed their lives to the welfare and good of the wonderful citizens of Illinois. I thank you for their service and for the sacrifice both they and their families have made. We also give you thanks for the wisdom you provide. And it's for this we come to you today. You alone are all knowing and all wise. And because of this we humbly ask that you grant each lawmaker here today the wisdom to uphold and maintain laws that do not forget the poor, the immigrant, the elderly, the unborn, and children in foster care. Guide each lawmaker with the insight to lead our state according to the command you gave to love our neighbor as ourselves. Direct their decisions so that you are not forgotten in political agendas and state policies. Give them courage to stand for truth, human dignity and life, and help them to remember today that their power and position comes from you and help them to govern with humility. And as we look to you today for wisdom, strength, and direction, we 10100029.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 finally give you thanks for the blessing of your Son whom you himself given through the sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection. And we thank you for the time you've blessed us with today, and we thank you for hearing our prayer. And I pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. And Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Gabel."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Mr. Clerk, Roll Call for Attendance. And… Leader Willis, do you have a report on absences on the Democrat side of the aisle?"
"From the Democratic side, the only excused is absence from Representative Gordon-Booth."
"And Leader Butler for the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Abraham Lincoln Caucus has Representative Bennett and Representative Welter excused today."
"Have all recorded themselves? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 115 Members answering the roll, a quorum is present. On page 17 of the Calendar, under the Order of Agreed Resolutions, we have House Resolution 13, offered by Leader Durkin. Leader Durkin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Resolution. And would Members please stand."
"House Resolution 13, offered by Representative Durkin. 10100029.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois State Representative and State Senator Tom Johnson, who passed away on December 3, 2018 at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson was born in California on April 30, 1945 and grew up in South Dakota and Illinois; he was raised in a Christian household, the son of an ordained minister, Wallace Johnson; he graduated from Oak Lawn Community High School in 1963; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson married his sweetheart, Virginia "Ginger" Van Der Molen; they began a life together that produced three sons, Soren, Derek, and Kirk, and grew to include three daughters-in-law and many grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, which included service in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968; and WHEREAS, After his military service, Sen. Johnson continued his education; he earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan in 1970 and a doctorate of law from DePaul University in 1974; and WHEREAS, As a young Illinois lawyer, Sen. Johnson joined the office of the DuPage County State's Attorney's office and gained experience as a prosecutor; he co-founded the partnership of Johnson & Westra in 1979; these were boom years in DuPage County, and he developed professional standing and provided for his family; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson entered politics and, in 1992, was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives; after taking office 10100029.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 in January of 1993, he specialized in issues of criminal law; he served as chairman of the House Judiciary - Criminal Law Committee in the 89th General Assembly in 1995 and 1996; and WHEREAS, During his tenure as chairman of this key committee, it moved numerous laws that remain on the statute books of Illinois, including the Sex Offender Registration Act; it pioneered laws to expand victim's rights and create the new offense of criminal streetgang racketeering; and WHEREAS, One of the foremost achievements of Sen. Johnson's Judiciary Committee was the enactment of a Truth in Sentencing law to better match the public time of a sentence passed upon a defendant at trial with the actual length of time the defendant would actually serve in prison upon his or her final adjudication as a convicted person; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson continued his interest in criminal law after leaving the House of Representatives in 2003; he was appointed to serve on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, where he was able to not only hear from individual prisoners and their guards, but also to investigate operational problems of the Illinois Department of Corrections; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson combined being tough on crime with genuine compassion for those whose lives had gone wrong; he backed the award of good-conduct credits, a program of rewards for good conduct shown by some prisoners, that led to their early release from state prisons; and WHEREAS, As a lawmaker and advocate, Sen. Johnson was a fighter for the Illinois pioneering system of juvenile justice, which has turned the lives of many troubled young Illinoisans around 10100029.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 and given them the chance to set their feet on pathways that move away from lives of crime and despair; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson served not only in the Illinois House of Representatives, but also in the Illinois Senate from 2011 to 2013 as an appointed member following a vacancy; he was thus a member of both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and of the executive branch through his 14-year tenure on the Prisoner Review Board; and WHEREAS, Sen. Johnson was a member of Wheaton Bible Church; his faith guided many of the policy decisions and advocacy points for which he fought throughout his life; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former Illinois State Representative and State Senator Tom Johnson and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Virginia "Ginger" Van Der Molen Johnson, the wife of the late Sen. Johnson, and his family."
"Leader Durkin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure and honor to speak on behalf of my friend, Tom Johnson, of West Chicago, Illinois. A few of us who are here today served with Tom back in the 90s and at some point during the 2000s, but we'll remember Tom as a gentlemen's gentlemen. When I had began my first tour of duty in Springfield in 1995, I had just left the Cook County State's Attorneys Office as an assistant. But 10100029.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 hard to believe that when I came down here at that time I had a lot of thoughts and also comments about the criminal justice system. Tom at that time was the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. And at that time, we did some pretty extraordinary things in D-1 Stratton. And some will say that we actually accomplished some things that rose to the national level, but we did it under Tom's leadership. That committee, at the time, was full of the tough-on-crime prosecutors, police officers, and that was the attitude in the country and the state at that time. But Tom, to his credit, ran that committee with professionalism, dignity, and tempered those overly aggressive former prosecutors, such as myself, on particular pieces of legislation and also with witnesses. Tom always reminded myself, former Leader Tom Cross, and now Justice John Turner… all of us served in capacities as prosecutors that we need to be measured, thoughtful, and also most importantly, be reasonable. After Tom graduated from the General Assembly, he served both in the House and the Senate, he served on the Prisoner Review Board. Tom was unique. He always… this is back years ago, Tom always believed in second chances. He believed in redemption for those who had mistakes, who have made mistakes, and some of those tragic mistakes. Tom had come full circle on the issues of criminal justice and criminal justice reform. To me that's one of the most enduring qualities of Tom. Of how he was able to look at a person or an issue, think about the short term, long term effects, what type of impact, what we're doing would have on society, and what is the proper way for us to move forward. 10100029.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 But Tom did that because he was a man of deep religion, and as I said earlier, believed that everyone deserved another chance at life to make things better, and to redeem yourself for what you've caused in the past. So, I am honored to speak here, as I said earlier, on my friend, Tom Johnson, who I looked at as an older brother back in those times in the General Assembly. But I am also proud to say that Tom's wife, Virginia, we call her Ginger, and his son, Derek, and Derek's wife, Caroline, are here in the gallery today. Thank you for joining us. And for Ginger and your family, I just want to thank you for sharing Tom with us for those many years. Tom will be remembered by us as a statesman, who served Illinois and its citizenry well. I can't think of a better way to leave this chamber and have those words spoken on behalf of a Member. And I hope that someday we will… someday that someone will say that for us. So, with that, I appreciate this opportunity. And Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all Members be added as cosponsors to this Resolution. Thank you very much."
"Leader Durkin has requested that all Members be added to the Resolution. If there's no further discussion, the Gentlemen moves that House Resolution 13 be adopted. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. House Resolution 13 is adopted. Thank you, Mr. Durkin. House Resolution 147, Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. If my group could stand up, I'd appreciate it. I'm so happy to be able to bring this really special group of folks from Edwardsville and surrounding area to visit you 10100029.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 guys. Today we're recognizing Susan Converse, who was named as the 2019 Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education. I feel lucky to be able to consider Susan a colleague and a friend as well. And I'm so proud of her. I just want to take a few minutes to tell you a little bit about this special thing she does. She's the high school special education teacher. She serves students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism in the Edwardsville Community School Unit District #7. She's worked in the field for the last 23 years teaching at all levels elementary, middle school, and high school. She also did spend a brief part of her career as an administrator and then returned to the classroom in 2013. She's inspiring to many of her students and also too many of the students in the regular Ed population. She has a profound impact on their development as they transition out of high school. And this, I think, speaks to what she did to get this special honor. In 2016, she implemented a new program, a student-run coffee shop called the Tiger Den that allows her students an opportunity to experience and develop important functioning life skills. And guys, I have to tell you, I talked to a lot of teachers at EHS and told them about having you here today and they all wanted me to pass on a big 'thank you' for making it easier for them to get their caffeine in the morning. Over the past two years, not only has this provided a great opportunity for these students, it's also been able to donate more than $10 thousand to local families in need and supported community initiatives which promote 10100029.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 inclusion of individuals with disabilities. These students are learning to create a product, sell it, and maintain the shop right alongside general education students on a day-to- day basis. Students… Susan is joined by a large group today and I'd like to a take a second and let you know who is with her. Her husband, Tim, and other members of her family and also some staff and administration from the high school, her classroom assistant, Ann Canton… or Caton sorry; Dave Lewis, a school social worker; Liz Bray, speech therapist; Kris Ellsworth, a parent and an employee at the Tiger Den; Peggy Mitchell, another parent; Nik Opel, a college student and Tiger Den worker; Adam Garrett, the Special Ed Director at Edwardsville Schools; Lori Compton, the Special Ed coordinator; Dennis Cramsey, the high school principal. And I think some of the most important people here today are some of her students. We've got Kamali Mitchell, Caleb Byrd, Cameron Ellsworth, Caleb Carnes, Tyarra Pattin, Jack Hultz, Kaitlin Hogan, Eli Kaase, and Justin Bonner. If we could give them a warm welcome. Thank you."
"Congratulations, Ms. Converse. And welcome to Springfield, everyone. Representative Carroll, for what reason do you seek recognition? His light is off. Representative Didech, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"We have some very special guests with us in the gallery behind us. I would ask the delegation from Buffalo Grove to 10100029.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 please stand up. We have with us, Trustee Dave Weidenfeld, Trustee Joanne Johnson, and Village Manager Dane Bragg, and Assistant Village Manager Jenny Maltas. These people are a big part of the reason why people from all around the world are choosing to live in Buffalo Grove. They make sure our roads are well maintained, they make sure ours homes very rarely flood, and they make sure that we have our police and fire departments, who do a phenomenal job keeping us safe. So, I want to thank you for all of your public service to our community. And I ask this chamber to give them a very warm welcome to Springfield."
"Representative Carroll, for what reason to seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I know we have a special birthday in here of Representative Tim Butler. Happy birthday, Sir. I mention that 'cause it's also my son's birthday today. So, he's not here with us. And then I want to welcome a special group to my heart. If you look up over there. Would you please stand up, my Moms Demand Action members? Please stand up. I want to welcome Moms Demand Action to the chamber today. Moms Demand Action is fighting for responsible gun legislation. Welcome to Springfield and keep up the good fight. Thank you."
"And Representative Villa, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege just to piggy back on Representative Carroll. The Moms Demand Action group that’s here, actually from my 10100029.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 district, Kendall and Kane County. So thank you all for being here. They're working on really important legislation. It's said that history is made by those who show up. And these moms do just that. With the chapter compromised of nearly 700 activist moms, Kane and Kendall County Moms Demand Action work diligently with local officials on gun control and safety by providing evidence based research from verified sources. In addition to their tireless research and meetings with Legislators, the Kane and Kendall Moms Demand Action encourage members to partake in the Be SMART program. Educating the public on how to have conversation with our children, gun and safety in our community. Welcome ladies and keep up the great work."
"Representative Wehrli, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Today I rise to wish my former seatmate and champion of all things Springfield, Representative Tim Butler, a happy 52nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Tim."
"Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'd like to declare today Shelby County Day. Behind me and on the opposite side of the chamber are several members of my community and county. I would like to introduce my wife, Linda; my mother, Carolyn; 10100029.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 my LA, Jody Askins; our Executive Director of the Pregnancy Resource Center Cassie Cox is here with us; our pastor's wife, Sheri Tapscott, is also with us; along with over two dozen members of our county and our community be here today to show support for the Yet to be Born. Thank you, let's give them a great Springfield welcome."
"Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Willis, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"I'd like to welcome, in the gallery, we have all of the AFFI legislative team up here today. They're doing their legislative conference. But along with all of the AFFI legislative members, I'd like to do a personal shout out to someone that's dear to me, my husband, Tom Willis, is up in the gallery. So please welcome him along with other members from the Lombard Fire Department. We have Alex, Jeff, Joe, and Kevin. So please welcome them all. Thank you."
"Thank you, firefighters. Welcome to your Capitol and thank you for your service protecting our families every day. Representative Hernandez, for what reason do seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." Hernandez, L.: "I also want to ask the Members of the General Assembly to help me welcome, I think some of the best 10100029.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 firefighters in the State of Illinois, that's Local 717 coming from Cicero. How about saying a hello and a welcome to them?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to proceed to the Order of Second Readings. We are going to start with Second Readings of persons who were at the harassment ethics training yesterday who were off the floor. So, please have your books ready and open to page 3 of the Calendar. House Bill 247, Representative Carroll. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. House Bill 247."
"House Bill 247, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Kifowit, House Bill 831. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 831, a Bill for an Act concerning children. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Kifowit."
Speaker Harris: "Representative Kifowit to explain Floor Amendment 1."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment 1 was some clean up language to the initial Bill. It's just technical changes."
"Representative Kifowit moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?" 10100029.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. On page 5 of the Calendar, House Bill 2276, Representative Carroll. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2276, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. On page 6 of the Calendar, House Bill 2764, Representative Hurley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2764, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. On page 7 of the Calendar, House Bill 3216, Representative Kifowit. Representative Kifowit. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3216, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Proceeding to the Order of House Bills on Third Reading. On page 9 of the Calendar… I'm sorry, on page 8 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 303, Representative McSweeney. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 303, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. McSweeney." 10100029.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Mr. Speaker, House Bill 303 simply adds sick pay to the list of the disclosable items for certain non-union IMRF employees. This is a transparency Bill. It does nothing to change pensions. And I would appreciate a 'yes' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Representative McSweeney has moved adoption of House Bill 303. Mr. Clerk… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 303 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar, under Third Readings, we have House Bill 808, offered by Representative D'Amico. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 808, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentlemen from Cook, Representative D'Amico, is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 808 basically reduces the fee for somebody that… somebody under 18 that wants to go in and get a state ID from $10 to $5. I appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the Chair… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 808 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 10100029.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 115 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', on this question, this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 814, under the Order of Third Readings, offered by Representative Kifowit. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 814, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Harris: "The Lady, Representative Kifowit, is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 814 is an initiative of the Illinois Municipal League that allows them to conduct open meetings trainings for their members."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 814 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 113 voting 'aye', and 0 voting 'nay', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Also on page 9 of the Calendar, House Bill 900, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Out of the record. On House Bill 909, also appearing on page 9, by Representative Welch. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 909, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10100029.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative Welch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 909 is a Bill that was brought to me by a constituent in the district who actually runs a children's advocacy center. What this Bill seeks to do is clarify the processes related to certain fact finding interviews conducted with children, known as forensic interviews. The Bill updates current law to ensure forensic interviews are electronically recorded rather than digitally recorded. Provides that consent is not required for a forensic interview to be electronically recorded. Clarifies that certain forensic interviews related to materials are not subject to FOIA. And defines a forensic interview transcription as a verbatim transcript of a forensic interview for purposes of translating the interview in another language. These changes are important because these centers deal with children who are victims. And many times a parent may be the person who's victimizing the child. What we seek to do is… everything within our power is to protect children. The CACs of Illinois are strong proponents of this, so is the Attorney General. My analysis has one opponent listed, but they're not actually an opponent because they're now proponents. I would ask for approval of House Bill 909."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates he'll yield." 10100029.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative, we just wanted to let you know that we're awake on this side of the aisle. But real quick was the Amendment adopted?"
"The Amendment was adopted a couple of weeks ago."
"Okay the Amendment was… and could you clarify what you said about the opponent that's not an opponent but is a proponent?"
"It is my understanding that that was a mistake. That they are…"
"And what group is that?"
"Morrison Police Department."
"Okay. All right. Thank you very much."
"Thank you."
Speaker Harris: "Any further discussion? Seeing none, Representative Welch to close."
"I ask for approval."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 909 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar, under Third Readings, we have House Bill 921, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the… I'm sorry, out of the record. On page 9 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 1471, Representative Williams. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10100029.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"House Bill 1471, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a comprehensive reorganization of the Illinois Trust Code. Currently an attorney who practices in this area of law must refer to 20 separate Acts in order to get resources and legal statutes… statutes that pertain to trust law. This does similar to the UCC, creates a compilation of these laws to provide a comprehensive and accessible code to address trust law questions that apply to attorneys, trustees, trust beneficiaries, and other parties that deal with trusts. It is a comprehensive rewrite but makes very few substantive changes. Those are limited to changes pertaining to updating the law with things like transparency and disclosure to beneficiaries. Happy to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1471 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, by a vote of 114 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Also appearing on page 9 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1472, Representative Davidsmeyer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1472, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10100029.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Mr. Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that many of you have seen before in the past. This just ensures that in a school district where there's openings for teachers, and they can't fill it… that a retired teacher can come back to fill that position without affecting their pension. This just extends the sunset date to June 30, 2021. And I appreciate your 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1472 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 115 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar appears House 1551, Representative Feigenholtz. Out of the record. On page 10 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 1559, Representative Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1559, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 1559 would permit all public high schools to include a unit of instruction on media literacy in their curriculum. With the rise on false information spread across the internet, which really can pose a real threat to our democracy, this is a way we can communicate with one another. So, what the Bill essentially 10100029.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 is going do is give students an opportunity to learn how to distinguish fact from the… from false information early on. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, I wouldn't have asked this but our computers are showing no analysis. Is this a 'shall' or a 'may'? Is this a mandate or is this allowing the municipalities or school districts to do this?"
"Permissive, 'may'."
"Permissive. Okay. Thank you very much."
"There being no further questions, Representative Hernandez to close."
"I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1559 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representatives Hammond, Sommer, Unes. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 113 voting 'yay', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting presenting, House Bill 1559, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1580, Representative Martwick. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1580, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10100029.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Mr. Martwick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1580 makes a number of modernized changes to the disability provisions of the SERS, State Employees' Retirement System pension article. So, it changes retroactive payments of non-occupational disability benefits. This is to address a problem where people who are eligible for disabilities are not aware of the deadline due to a serious disease which prevents them from hitting this deadline. It gives… serves more flexibility to grant those. There's no cost associated with that because the number is so low. Allows for other qualified medical professionals to authorize medical reports associated with disability benefits. Waves some filing deadlines for temporary disability benefits. And changes references to dated social security age references in the… in the Act. I know of no opposition. It passed unanimously out of the Pension Committee. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Representative Martwick moves that House Bill 1580 do pass. Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Ugaste. Okay, by a vote of… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 115 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar appears House 10100029.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Bill 1581, Representative Scherer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1581, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am presenting House Bill 1581. This amends the Credit Card Marketing Act of 2009. It creates the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force. So it provides legislative findings and provides for who will be the members of the task force. It is a study on student credit card debt. The Department of IDFPR has informed me that they may be unable to collect the information being asked for in the Bill. I still feel this would be a very valuable piece of information for the Credit Card Task Force to have. I would be happy to answer any questions and appreciate an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, I assume that that's why the IDPFR is opposed to the Bill that they can't accomplish the task that we're going to put in front of them? Is that the issue?"
"Correct. Originally, they were but I have a letter here from them that said they wanted to follow up on 1581. That was their original position but now they are neutral."
"Okay. Thanks for the clarification." 10100029.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1581 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Mazzochi and Bailey. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 78 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'nay', and 2 voting 'present', this question, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 10 of the Calendar is House Bill 1583, Representative Willis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1583, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of the DuPage County's Attorneys Office. They are requesting the ability to have audio and video technology, such as Skype, to be able to issue arrest warrants. We have already allowed this for search warrants. They're just asking to expand that. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1583 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a question of… on this question, there are 114 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'nay', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On House Bill… I'm sorry. On page 10 of the Calendar appears House 10100029.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Bill 16… on page 10 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1656, Representative McDermed. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1656, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative McDermed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1656 adds a definition to the Illinois Criminal Code. Where we're talking about identity theft, and I am talking about the personal identifying information that will bring in criminal charges. In other words, what kind of things you can steal and be charged with the crime of identity theft, we are adding medical information. So, information regarding a person's medical history, mental or physical condition, their treatment or diagnosis, their health insurance policy number, subscriber information number, or any unique identifier that allows them to access your health care and steal it for themselves. This is a clarification to make sure that we collect this latest kind of identity theft among those things with which we can charge people. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1656 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Buckner. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared 10100029.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 passed. On page 10 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1659, Representative Halpin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1659, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Halpin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1659 is an initiative of a local river conservancy district in my district seeking to raise the competitive bidding threshold from $25 hundred up to $10 thousand to bring it in line with other local governments such as sanitary districts, some other municipal districts. It affects about 14… 13 or 14 districts in the state, and I'd ask for a 'yes' vote. I'm happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates he will yield."
"Hey Representative, I'm sorry, I was in a little bit of a side bar…"
"No problem."
"…and I know we briefly talked about this in committee. This changes the amount that you need to go out to bid from a $25 hundred threshold to a $10 thousand threshold?"
"That's correct."
"And what was the main reason for just this one organization doing that?" 10100029.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"So, my local organization had trouble with some concrete projects and finding a contractor that was willing to go through the additional, you know, paperwork and requirements for the competitive bidding. For most of our other districts the threshold is much higher and ultimately the idea is to eliminate, you know, corruption and kind of cronyism. I'm just trying to bring this district up to where some of our other local governments are."
"Okay. Thank you for the explanation. I think some of us… some of the people on my side may support it, may be against is, I'll sit back and listen to the rest of the discussion. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1659 pass?" All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Connor. Mason. Unes. Villa. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 75 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2073, Representative Butler. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2073, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Butler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2073 amends the Park District Code. Basically it would allow park districts which 10100029.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 have property leases with nongovernmental entities to be raised from the current 50 years to a maximum of 90 years. The leases referenced in this Bill, as is current law, are only allowed on property that is deemed by a park district board to not have a park or recreational purpose. I know of no opposition. This is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. And I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2073 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Burke. Marron. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of… this question has 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2074, also Representative Butler. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2074, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Butler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I could not think of a better Bill to pass on my birthday today than this one. This is a Bill that passed in the last General Assembly but got amended in the Senate. It's simply amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. And as the cochair of the Bicentennial Commission we tried to get this done during the bicentennial year last 10100029.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 year. This simply amends the State Commemorative Dates Act to say that the August 26 annually will be Illinois Constitution Day in Illinois to celebrate the August 26, 1818 approval of our first Constitution. This is not a state holiday, it's just a commemorative day. And I would ask for an 'aye' vote.'
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2074 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed on Tim Butler's birthday. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2081, Representative Wehrli. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2081, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Wehrli."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. It's technical in nature. It defines how we stagger terms and when we go from a six year to a four year term. I know of no opposition. Urge an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2081 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Meyers-Martin. Miller. Skillicorn. 10100029.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a record… by a vote of 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2086, Representative Bryant. Out of the record. On House Bill… on page 11, there appears House Bill 2103, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2103, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is HB2103. This is a Bill that will assist the sanitary districts of the North Shore Water Reclamation District and also those… addresses those… it matches up the different statutes that we have about the period of time that you can lease property. In particular, we have sanitation districts all over the State of Illinois that are trying to have longer term leases for their property. In particular, as we look towards clean energy jobs of wind and solar. So this matches up where the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in Chicago and Cook County already has a 99-year lease allowance. This matches it a little closer instead of 10- and 20-year leases, provides for a 50-year lease. I know of no opposition. And again, this just allows us to better use our government property."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates he will yield." 10100029.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative Morgan, is this your first Bill, Sir?"
"Humbly, it is."
"It is. Okay. A couple of questions for you. What's the cost of this?"
"There is no cost associated with this, as this is using existing property that the government already has available. So this will allow us, in fact, to bring in new revenue for those of us trying to save taxpayer dollars and bring in more revenue to the state and local districts. This will help us to do that."
"So, the land was free and couldn't be sold or anything like that?"
"No, I don't think this prohibits it from being sold, but this is property that we want to continue to retain as government property to raise more revenue for our local water districts."
"Okay. And the opposition?"
"I am aware of no opposition."
"Did you talk to all the mayors in your district?"
"I have not spoken to every mayor in my district. Though, my district is well aware of this piece of legislation. Your district and everybody in the state, the association… and statewide associations for water… the sanitary districts are all very supportive of this legislation."
"All right. Have you talked to park district commissioners in your district, all of those, too?" 10100029.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Again, every municipal district is aware of this legislation and the Statewide Association of Sanitary Districts is supportive and is the lead driver of this Bill."
"All right. I've got nothing else, I'm trying here. Congratulations."
"I appreciate all of the questions."
"Representative Wehrli."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will yield."
"So, I, too, understand that this is your first Bill. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"Are you a former federal prosecutor?"
"I am not a former assistant federal prosecutor and never have been."
"Have you spoken with any former federal assistant prosecutors about this piece of legislation?"
"You know, I know of no opposition from anyone including any former assistant federal prosecutors."
"I appreciate your indulgence, congratulations. Support the Bill please."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"Thank you for everyone's support. Again, there is no opposition. This is an initiative that helps us better use our government property, in particular increasing the number of solar and wind projects we have throughout the state. I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 10100029.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2103 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. And voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 114 voting 'yay', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2129, Representative DeLuca. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2129, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. DeLuca."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. House Bill 2020… 2129, is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. There's no opposition and what this allows is for a lease for equipment and machinery to be extended up to eight years as opposed to five years. Be happy to answer any questions. I ask for your 'yes' vote."
"Is there any discussion… sorry. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2129 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'in favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar appears House 10100029.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Bill 2222, Representative Hurley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2222, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hurley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Members of the General Assembly. House Bill 2222 simply says it helps combat the opioid crisis and assist the CFD EMS with real time reporting. So it helps direct services to when and where they're needed. And I am here for any questions."
"Are there any questions? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2222 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it… okay, let's start this over again, Ladies and Gentlemen. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2222 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. Voting is open. Have all those voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Also on page 12 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2252, Representative Ammons. Out of the record. And I am sorry, I skipped one. On House Bill 2238… on page 12 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2238, Representative Kifowit. Representative Kifowit. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2238, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10100029.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2238 amends the Deposit of State Moneys Act to allow the State Treasurer to invest in qualified highly rated county municipal bonds without restrictions on the price and invest up to five percent of certain administrative funds of the State Treasurer in common or preferred stocks of public traded corporations. In short, this is an initiative of the Treasurer to allow for a more balanced financial portfolio."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2238 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 921, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 921, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. 921 is simply a Bill that will provide paraprofessionals and school related personnel, who are removed or dismissed, but then are rehired within a year to be able to maintain any rights they accrued during their previous service to the school district. It gives parity with our school support professionals that putting them on the 10100029.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 same field plain as we do with our teachers. I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will yield."
"I think I caught most of what you said, Representative. Can you… short synopsis?"
"Sure. Yeah, so, paraprofessionals, so teacher's aides and the like in our school districts, if they are let go at the end of one school year and then hired back within a year, it would allow for them to retain their standing and their, you know, rights accrued during their service to the district. So it would give them the same treatment that we give our teachers."
"Okay. Can you speak to the nature of the opposition? There seems to be quite a bit."
"I think the opposition comes from the fact that some school districts are trying to treat these employees unfairly."
"Okay. So the Illinois High School District Association… I mean, you want to say that about all of those organizations? I mean, there has to be an underlying nature. What's the underlying reason that they… that they oppose the Bill?"
"I assume it probably has to do with the fact that it would allow people to retain where they are on a salary schedule. And so it would might increase the level of pay that we pay these important professionals in our schools." 10100029.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Okay. I'm going to sit back and listen to the rest of the debate. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Bourne."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will yield."
"Thank you. Representative, I think we had a pretty good conversation about this in committee. And I actually voted 'no' but after I've had more conversations, I'm inclined to support your Bill. But I wanted a few clarifying questions, if that's okay?"
"Well and thank you. I appreciate the support."
"Under this Bill, employees who are fired and rehired would only be hired with the benefits that are included in the current contract, not the one they were hired under, correct?"
"That's my understanding, yes."
"And this is something that we already afford other employees of the school district who are teachers, correct?"
"Exactly, yes."
"So, in my conversations with the opponent, to Representative Batinick's point, many of the opposition comes from the perspective that schools have finite resources. Which I understand and appreciate and vote against Bills often because of the finite resources we send to schools. However, this protects employees from… they could be fired after 20 years of service, and correct me if I'm wrong, they could 10100029.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 come back the next year and be paid as a first-year employee. Is that correct?"
"That's exactly correct and that's something that we cannot do to teachers and these important professionals need that same kind of level workplace protection."
"And is it your perspective that employees who fall under your Bill are more likely to be in volatile positions within the school district where they may not know what the appropriate staffing levels will be for the next school year?"
"Yeah, those staffing levels are done, they're very much year-to-year, they are very contingent on school population which can change. So, this specific population of employee is very vulnerable to those changes."
"And this only applies to someone who is hired back one year, but not beyond that?"
"Correct, there's a limit of one year."
"Okay. I would… I would tell me colleagues there are certainly concerns with the finite resources that schools have and the flexibility that they are or are not afforded. I was opposed to this Bill in committee, but I will urging an 'aye' vote because I think this is the right thing to do in our school districts. Thank you."
"Thank you very much."
Speaker Harris: "There being no further Members seeking recognition, Representative Stuart to close."
"I and the paraprofessionals would appreciate an 'aye' vote." 10100029.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 921 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Keicher. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 106 voting 'yes', 9 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2086, Representative Bryant. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2086, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bryant."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I am sorry I wasn't ready previously because this is the best Bill that anyone is going to see today. It just changes the Commemorative Dates Act and provides that April each year will be designated as Healthy Pet Month. It's everybody's chance to show how much they love our healthy pets. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is 'Shall House Bill 2086 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Morrison. On this question… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yay', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to return to the top of the House Bills on Third Reading that begins on 10100029.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 page 8. House Bill 13, Representative Flowers. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 13, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation, which may be known as the Prescription Data Privacy Act. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Flowers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 13 would prohibit the… I'm sorry, House Bill 13 would prohibit the insurance companies from selling any records with patients… with patients' identifiable data for any commercial purposes. And I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 13 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yay', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 8 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 27, Representative Thapedi. Representative Thapedi. Mr. Clerk, out of the record. On page 8 of the Calendar appears House Bill 158, Representative DeLuca. Representative DeLuca. Mr. Clerk, out of the record. On House Bill… on page 8 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 210, Representative Bryant. Representative Bryant. Out of the record. On page 8 of the Calendar, there 10100029.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 appears House Bill 313, Representative McSweeney. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 313, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. McSweeney."
"Mr. Speaker, House Bill 313 is an initiative I worked on with the Comptroller's Office to require online ledger of expenditures. The Comptroller's Office is already doing this. We just want to codify this for the future. I know of no opposition and I would appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 313 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. Mr. Clerk… voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a question of… on this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 on the Calendar, there appears House Bill 355, Representative Batinick. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 355, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 355 simply adds to the list of continuing education subjects that teachers may take as inclusion training. As we know, we're having a lot more inclusion in classrooms and this helps with teachers with their continuing education. No opponents. Thank you." 10100029.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 355 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this Bill, there are 114 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting present. And this legislation… Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 822, Representative Halpin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 822, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Halpin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is another local initiative from a local school nurse in my district. What it does is it allows schools to have what's called an undesignated glucagon kit in their schools in case of an emergency. Right now schools are permitted, under the Students with Diabetes Act, to allow students to have their own kit. This would just allow schools to have a kit that's not designated for any particular person for use in the case of an emergency. I will point out that it is not a mandate. It is permissive only. It's up to each school whether they want to do this. I'm happy to answer any questions and would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1822 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all 10100029.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 voted who wish? Representative Walker. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'aye', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. On page 9 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 1553, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Representative Gong- Gershowitz. Out of the… out of the record, Mr. Clerk. On House Bill… on page 10 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1554, Representative Halpin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1554, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Halpin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a task force created to study the outsourcing… effective outsourcing in the Quad Cities. It has representatives appointed by the Legislature, the Governor's Office, and local business and labor leaders. I think it'll be a good way to study some of the impact on our economy that outsourcing is having in the Quad Cities. And I would ask for a 'yes' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1554 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Wheeler. Miller. Meyers-Martin. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 111 voting 'aye'; 4 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar, there is House Bill 1557, 10100029.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Representative Hernandez. Representative Hernandez. Out of the record. On page 10 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2038, Representative Cabello. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2038, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Cabello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 2038 is a Bill that has been filed several times. It provides for a license plate registration fee reduction of 50 percent for any Illinois vehicle owner who is veteran of the United States Military. I would request fully and ask for an 'aye' vote and answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2038 pass?" All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Sommer and Davis. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of Calendar, there appears House Bill 2050, Representative Meier. Mr. Meier. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2050, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"We can't hear you, Mr. Meier. Just give us a sec." 10100029.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"House Bill 2050 is a Bill brought to me by a constituent, retired Air Force. And when you get your Illinois retired Air Force Plates you pay an extra $20 on them then that money was going to the Octave Chanute Aerospace Heritage Fund. This museum no longer exists in Illinois. And they would like their plates to be like most other military plates. Only the Marines have a military plate that they pay extra for. The fund was… the money in this fund was given to the Rantoul Museum, a private museum. And so they think that they'd rather keep their money than to support a museum somewhere that's not an Air Force Museum."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2050 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Marron. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'nay', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 28, Mr. Swanson. House Bill 2088, Mr. Swanson. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2088, A Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2088 provides the Secretary of State may issue Cold War License Plates to Illinois residents that served in the United States Armed Forces between August 15, 1945, which is recognized as Victory 10100029.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 over Japan Day, and January 1, 1992, which represents the Soviet Union collapsing on the 25th of December, 1991. This Bill was brought to me by Representative Carroll who has a constituent who asked for this. I am sure many of you spoke at Veterans' Day or Memorial Day and we've spoke to veterans, they've often expressed, well, I was in but never served in war. The following can be your response, you served and you served during the Cold War. It's estimated 22 million former, current military Department of Defense civilian, intelligence, Foreign Service, and United States employees faithfully performed their Cold War duties. There are estimates of Cold War casualties of 400 thousand who were exposed to toxins, 59 percent of those died to exposure. A Department of Defense investigation reports that 35 hundred United States Army personnel died of gunshot wounds, fragmentation, and rock repelled grenades, car and truck bomb blasts. Of 15 incidents involving U.S. air craft, 364 American pilots were shot down, 187 recovered alive, 36 recovered dead, 123 pilots missing, 269 civilians missing, and the U.S. Government has not revealed their fates to their next of kin. So, as I stated with all of those numbers you can tell your constituents, you can tell that veteran that you may not have served during a combat action, but you did serve during the Cold War."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2088 pass? All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all 10100029.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2096, Representative Willis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2096, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an initiative of the Illinois Park Districts Association. The… what this Bill does is it allows them to not necessarily have to go out to bid for fuel. With the fluctuation in petroleum and fuel products, this allows them instead to bypass that product. But it still requires transparency as do all of the purchases do have to be approved in their open meetings. And I'd be willing to take any questions, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick. You're behind the sconce when I stand here. I can never see you, Representative."
"I know. I've been begging for a seat change. They keep me tethered here."
"Thank you."
"So, I apologize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker for noticing my light issue and will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, so basically what you're doing is here… you're taking the… any petroleum product out of the 10100029.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 competitive bidding process, but you're… on the flip side you're saying there's going to be some transparency simply because of the that Open Meetings Acts?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Okay. So can you tell me on… give me an example where the prices of these things have changed so dramatically within a week that it doesn't have time to go through the normal process here."
"Well, let's… last week when I was driving down gas in my own hometown was 2.49, when I left it was 2.89. So, it's happening. And that's going to be the same way when you're looking at bulk products. It fluctuates from week to week. When you have to go and slow it down to do competitive bids on that, you run the risk of having it jump up and down really literally like a rollercoaster."
"What are the… what are the exact type of products that park districts would typically use that fall under this Bill?"
"It would be for diesel, gasoline, oil, aviation, and propane."
"Okay."
"I'm sorry, and also lubricants and other petroleum products is where it goes."
"Okay. Is there anything else that would fall under the broad term other petroleum products or is this mainly fuel that you're referring to?"
"I think it'd just be fuel."
"Okay. So the legislative intent is fuel."
"Yes, Sir." 10100029.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Okay. All right. Fair enough."
"Thank you."
"Representative Skillicorn."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Yes, I will."
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you so much. So, Representative, I understand how fuel can be volatile. What is current law on this?"
"Current law states that any contracts in excess of $25 thousand require a bid… competitive bidding."
"And the bidding process requires 30 days, correct?"
"Yes, it does."
"So, I can understand how a 30-day window is unrealistic on a volatile commodity, but the way I read this Bill is it's over $25 thousand and up. But there's no bidding requirement. So it isn't… we aren't required to call two people, three people. This could be, you know, your brother, Sam that has a petroleum distributor. I mean, you mentioned because of FOIA and Open Meetings Act, there's transparency there. But frankly, you could have one phone call, one bid, there's nothing competitive about this. I don't see how this is really a value to taxpayers. I would be happy to work with you in the future that it require let's say, you know, a few hour window. Or there's a situation where you have to get one or two bids and be competitive versus just the situation where… this just opens the door for cronies and unrealistic practices." 10100029.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Sir, what I would say back to that is this is an elected board. There is transparency on there. If we do see… if any of the people in the community see abuse, I would urge them to bring it to the open meeting and elect… vote those people out so that we don't have abuse of it."
"Thank you, Representative. To the Bill. And there's another point here. The Park District Association said they would talk to me about this Bill. I'm still waiting for a phone call, no one called me. Realistically, there has to be a more of a bidding process on this. Illinois has had a history of corruption and abuse in the political system. We're just encouraging here today. This is anti-transparent. This is anti-taxpayer. Please vote 'no'.
"Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"So, I have concerns. You know, you can currently lock in… in our analysis it talks about other areas where you can do this and specifically mentions utilities. But I believe with utilities, you can… when the price of utilities are low you can actually bid an extended period of time. You can do a two-year period or you can do a three-year period if you want. You can do the same thing with fuel to lock in rates. Why wouldn't you bid that to ensure that you're getting the lowest locked in rate?"
"It's… I would say that we have not seen fuel stay low for a long enough period of time to be able to lock in those 10100029.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 type of bids. And I think that you're going to see that that's just not practical on either end of that."
"I would argue that it is very practical and very easy to do. The reality is, fuel prices were very low for a long time hovering between $2 and $2.20. And that's a, you know, a pretty low range. I think that you're taking away transparency. I know they'd like to be able to purchase it wherever they want to, but the reality is, they should still be going out for competitive bids. I think this is a bad idea. You're taking away transparency. I would urge a 'no' vote on this. Thank you."
"Representative DeLuca."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Representative Willis, once the park district, if this proposal became law, once the park district were to order fuel, it would still go on Bill run before the park board members for approval. Is that correct?"
"Yes it is."
"Okay. So there… it's still going to be made available to the public for them to review the Bills. And it's going to be known what the cost is and what they're spending?"
"Yes, it is."
"And who they're spending it with?"
"And who their vendor is, exactly. So if there are any shady deals being made it will be openly seen by the public when they do bill review." 10100029.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Okay. Is there anything in the Bill prohibiting the park district to request proposals when they get quotes from different companies on the cost of fuel?"
"No, there is not."
"Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, support the Bill. We're blowing this up into something that it's not. This is going to save taxpayer money and get the best price on fuel available. Vote 'yes'."
"Representative Wheeler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, we're just looking through the analysis on our side here and I just want to clarify one thing to make sure we… no one can read this in another way. But it says fuel and petroleum products, by no means are you trying to include like asphalt for the purpose of construction or repair by this Bill, correct?"
"No, I am not."
"Thank you. I just wanted the clarification."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Willis to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for those with the questions. This Bill is going to help the park districts be much more… better stewards of the public money by allowing them to get the best price possible for their fuel. I hope that everyone will see it that way. We still have transparency 10100029.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 when we have our open meetings where the bill review is put in there. I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2096 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Ammons. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. By a vote of 69 voting 'yes', 43 voting 'nay', and 1 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2119, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2119, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. House Bill 2119 would allow the Secretary of State to design and issue United Nations Protection Force License Plates to Illinois residents that served in the combat in Yugoslavia from February 1992 to March 1995. I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass… Shall House Bill 2119 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Robinson. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared 10100029.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2124, Representative Welch. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2124, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Welch."
"Mr. Speaker, can we put this Bill back on Second Reading?"
"Mr. Clerk, please return this Bill to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. On page 11 of the Calendar is House Bill 2126, Representative Ford. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2126, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am so happy to be passing a Bill with you in the Chair. I move for the passage of House Bill 2126. House Bill 2126 amends the State Finance Act by creating the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Fund and amends the Vehicle Code by allowing K9s for veterans to non for profit to issue decals only for the universal special license plates. I move for the passage of House Bill 2126."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2126 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 113 voting aye, 1 voting 'nay', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there 10100029.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 appears House Bill 2133, Representative Wheeler. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2133, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Wheeler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2133 simply updates the Criminal Code to add to the definition of computer to now include cloud-based networks of remote servers posted on the internet. As technology continues to evolve the code needs to update with it. Currently, if someone commits a crime such as fraud or child pornography entirely in the cloud, we don't have to ability to prosecute that properly. This would correct that issue. I would also like to say that I appreciate the work of the Attorney General's Office and their help crafting the Amendment that got this Bill. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2133 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Harper. Ramirez. Slaughter. Ramirez. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2142, Representative Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2142, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10100029.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Mr. Davis."
"Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. House Bill 2142 is an effort to increase access to counseling for adults with disabilities. Effective in 2012, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code was revised so that adults with guardians can receive up to 5 counseling sessions at 45 minutes per session without guardian notification or consent unless the counselor believes the disclosure is necessary. In 2012, that revision came forward in collaboration with Illinois Imagines, an organization that assists individuals with disabilities who have been victims of sexual assault. The underlying concern was that in some instances persons with disabilities were being victimized by their own guardians but then could not access counseling without guardian involvement or consent. As a result, individuals would forego or be denied access to needed trauma counseling. House Bill 2142 increases the number of sessions to 12 and increases the amount of time from 45 minutes to 60 minutes per session. Thus allowing persons with disabilities more time to address the trauma that led them to seek counseling in the first place. According to some experts in the field, the number of sessions needed certainly depends on the individual. However, the current 5 sessions may not be enough to sufficiently address counseling needs, particularly after something like a sexual assault. I'll stop there and would be more than happy to answer any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2142 pass?' All those in favor 10100029.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote of 113 voting 'aye', 1 voting 'nay', and 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Also on page 11 of the Calendar, there appears House Bill 2156, Representative Mah. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2156, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mah."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2156 is a consumer protection measure that is the initiative of the Treasurer's Office. It passed both chambers last year but was vetoed by the Governor. What it does is, it prohibits post-issuance fees on rebate cards so that the consumer will be guaranteed its value whether it is used in a timely manner or not. And if it is not used then the value is able to be returned to the Treasurer's Office and returned to consumers as part of the Unclaimed Properties Program. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
Speaker Harris: "Is there any discussion? Representative Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, Representative. I think we had a robust debate… debate on this last year except for I think half of the Members are new, so we may have to go round and round on 10100029.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 this again. Can you tell me the nature of why the some of the people are in opposition?"
"I think that there's some opposition from some banks because they do make a profit from selling these rebate cards to businesses that offer them. But I think in the interest of protecting the consumers who receive the rebate card, it's important that the value remain as it stated when you're given the card. It should be as promised."
"And for clarification purposes, because our analysis says rebate card as well, you're really referring more I assume to a gift card? Rebate card… like I get a rebate card from Menards, I purchase something I get the 11 percent back, I can spend it at the store. This does not apply that, this applies to the gift cards, correct?"
"So, the State of Illinois already passed similar legislation on gifts cards many years back. And so this is a measure that does the same thing that we did to gifts card and applies that to rebate cards. But if it is a store card, that doesn't fall under the provisions of this measure. It's… we're talking about rebate cards that a store would purchase to promise to their customers as part of a promotion. So, you know, if I buy a phone and a $200 rebate is promised to me for the purchase of this phone, when I get that card the value should remain on that card."
"Okay. Well, I guess the mechanics… so, it is a rebate card. It is on a gift card. And I guess, the issue there is with the money going to the Treasurer's Office, if I owned a store and I offer a rebate card a dollar of a rebate so that 10100029.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 my store, I might only have a cost of 50, 60 cents on the dollar because it is my store overhead, you know, I have a profit margin that's kind of a loss to kind of bring somebody in. So…"
"So, the idea is that, well, these rebate cards are sold to the store at a price that is lower than the value of the card and the assumption is that the seller of these cards will make the money from consumers who fail to use the card if the value continues to be diminished. So, the… what we're saying is the value that is promised should remain on the card and that the rules that we… or the law that we pass that applies to gift cards should also apply to rebate cards. In a sense, we're just closing a loophole that rebate cards fell into."
"Okay. I'm actually getting more confused as we go along. Can we use a real world example? I'm not trying to stretch this out. I go to Menards, I buy something. I get a rebate of 11 percent of stuff that I can buy at Menards. Work me through that."
"So, if the card is issued by Menards and it's a store card it doesn't fall under the Bill that we're trying to pass here. We're talking about rebate cards that are purchased from banks that stores use. So if, you know, you get a rebate that is a Menard's card then, you know, that's separate. That isn't covered under what we're talking about."
"Can you give me an example? So, I go to a store and buy something and they give me like a Visa gift card then you're saying?"
"Yes." 10100029.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Okay. Now you're saying that these get purchased at a discount from the people, correct?"
"Yes, the stores purchase those at a discount and the assumption is that the sellers of these cards will make money if people fail to use them."
"Okay. So if they're purchasing… in other words, just the normal course of things for this to work, a certain percentage of people have to not use a card. I guess… here's my… I'm going to go to the Bill and you may be clear this up. The way that I'm understanding that this works is that we have something that the stores able to buy at a discount because it may not get used and often doesn’t. And the amount on these cards aren't tens of thousands of dollars. Now we're putting in a process where it goes to the Treasurer's Office and I don't know if the people are actually going to… actually going to get the money. I don't know who is made whole by this. If I lose my… if I lose my Visa card, am I going to check with the Treasurer's Office 15 years later to find out I have $3 left on a Visa card? My concern is that stores will be unable to offer these cards because they won't have that opportunity to buy at a discount and make it off the margin. So in essence, what we're doing here is we're hurting the people that actually get the card and use them right away. And we're not really helping the people that don't use the card because it's going to go to the Treasurer's Office and we're talking about minimal amounts anyway. So, I'll listen to the rest of the debate but at this point I urge a 'no' vote." 10100029.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Mah, did the banking institutions and the credit unions come to you on this Bill?"
"So, this Bill was negotiated last year and we did make some changes that they requested. But we are… we reintroduced the same Bill that we ran last year."
"So, if I understand your answer correctly, during this General Assembly you have not met with the banking representatives or the credit unions for this General Assembly on this Bill. Is that correct?"
"Correct."
"Okay. So, when we're talking about the fees that are associated with these rebate cards I think it is important to know that those fees are not just profit fees, if you will, that the financial institutions maintain, those fees are actually used for the infrastructure to maintain the infrastructure that these accounts, these electronic rebate cards need in order to be used. Much like when you use a credit card at a retail store, that retail store is charged a fee for running that card through the infrastructure as well."
"So just to be clear, we're not banning all fees. We're just banning the post-issuance fees that would fall on the consumer. So, we're not banning, for example, the option of these banks to sell the rebate cards to the store for a dollar or two. You know, which is how gift cards are sold. And so, 10100029.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 you know, we're just banning the fees that are deducted after the rebate card is issued so the consumer isn't the one that ends up paying the fee."
"And so, ultimately, what will happen as a result is these… these cards will be more expensive to the consumer because we have taken away a part of that fee. Would you agree with that?"
"No, I don't agree with that. We've had a ban on post- issuance fees on gift cards for 10 years and the gift cards continue to be used and sold. So, I don’t anticipate a similar effect on rebate cards."
"And finally, Representative. What… what is the Treasurer's intention ultimately with this Bill?"
"So, the Treasurer supports this Bill because ultimately it helps consumers if, for example, you know, I recently received a rebate for the purchase of a phone. And, you know, it's very easy for, you know, those of us who have very busy lives to set it aside and forget to use it. Now, with the provisions of this Bill, the Treasurer is able to return the money to the consumer through the Treasurer's Unclaimed Property Program so that, you know, if you were promised a hundred dollars or two hundred dollars as a rebate, as an incentive for purchasing an item that the value will hold and never diminish to zero. Ultimately that money gets returned to the consumer, so your constituents and mine."
"So, in other words, it would go into unclaimed property and… the consumer, the owner, may or may not reclaim that 10100029.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 through that unclaimed property process. But in the meantime, what happens to the dollars?"
"So, the Treasurer has a program where funds under $2 thousand if they're not claimed by the consumer, the Treasurer will find the owner of that money and return it to them. And this is done with data from the Department of Revenue."
"Representative, I think that… while you are well intentioned, I do believe that there are some serious concerns here for our consumers. Because I do believe that in the end this will end up costing our consumers more money than it currently is, and I am very concerned about that. So, I would urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, there are many people to speak so we're… wanting to speak so we're moving to the three minute timer. So, please keep your comments responsibly brief. Representative Meier is recognized for three minutes."
"Yes. Will the Speaker yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"What is going to be the cost of this Bill to the State of Illinois for the Treasurer to handle this, to keep the records on this, and to keep carrying it on?"
"So, the Treasurer already runs an Unclaimed Property Program and this won't add anymore cost to that."
"There's going to be employees having to go through this, sort this out, put it on their computers. So, we're paying them their salaries, we're paying them their benefits, we've got to pay for the maintenance of this computer system. So, there has to be a cost to the State of Illinois here." 10100029.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"It's part of business that's already being done."
"Right, but we're adding to that. You can't add extra work without receiving extra time that it takes. So, there is an extra cost."
"Well this is a… this is a service that the Treasurer currently provides to residents of Illinois."
"It's a service that we're adding on. The next point, when you receive these rebates, it's your responsibility, not the State of Illinois' responsibility that you use it in the time that it's designated to be used. You should go through your mail, you should pay attention to what's coming to you, and you should use it in that amount of time, not wait and then make it a responsibility of the state and go back to our Illinois businesses and put an extra cost on them for maintaining this card. They have to provide that this card is kept, that everything on the internet is protected. So, you're adding cost onto our business. It should be the consumer's responsibility to do this. So, I believe this is a very terrible Bill. It's bad for our businesses, and you have to learn to take care of yourself. Thank you."
"Representative Guzzardi is recognized for three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, we had a good decision about this Bill in committee. I just wanted to bring up some of the points that we talked about in committee here on the floor today. So, the way this works, you mentioned cell phones as 10100029.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 a common example, right? You go to the store and they say, we're selling you this phone for $650, but we'll give you a $250 rebate card. Is that a common example?"
"Yes."
"So, in the consumer's mind, when you make this purchase, you're spending money but you're also getting money back. So, you know, if I'm a consumer and I say, that's 650, but the $250 rebate card. I realize this phone is costing me $400, right?"
"Yes."
"But, what the consumer may not know when they make this purchase, because there's no… this may not be disclosed to them at the time of making the purchase, is that when they get this rebate card that $250 that they think of as cash in their pocket is actually on a timer. And it is going to slowly start melting away, melting away without their knowledge until they might show up the store to spend that $250 and find out it is only worth $150, or $120, or $90, or nothing. Is that right?"
"Correct."
"So, all your Bill proposes to do, if I understand it correctly, is to say that when a store offers a customer money back, they're not giving them cash back because we don't use cash anymore. They're giving a card back, but it should be the equivalent of them giving you cash back. When they give you cash back it doesn't dwindle away over time, cash is cash. If they're going to give you a card in lieu of cash, it ought 10100029.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 to maintain its value just like cash does. Is that about the measure of it?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I'm not sure why we're making more out of this than it is. This is a very simple provision to protect money that consumers are promised to them by stores when they make purchases. I believe we all know the importance of consumer protection and making sure that our constituents aren't being duped out of money that they are owed. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Weber is recognized for three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"So, you mentioned that these cards are purchased at a discount lower than they are. I'm trying to understand if these are gift cards or these are rebates or what exactly these are. Because you did mention that they would be purchased at less cost than they are at face value."
"So generally, the retailer will purchase these from banks at a value lower than what is on the face of the card with the assumption that that money can be recouped when consumers forget to use their card or if it gets lost in mail. You know, to an earlier point, someone said that it's the consumer's responsibility to use the card, but there can be cases in which the rebate never arrives in your mailbox and you don't know that the timer has started on the process of diminishing the value on the card." 10100029.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"And I can totally understand. I am one of those people who have probably 20 years later found some card in my wallet that had expired and has no value anymore because I forgot to use it. However, I never pointed my finger and blamed the person that gave me the card for that. I guess my question would be, is this something that is going to be retroactive or only for cards that are issued for today forward?"
"Prospective only."
"So, any cards in the past? This would only be from today or when the… if the Governor signs it into law?"
"Yes."
"All right. Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, some of this discussion has happened along the way, and I just want to recap a little bit of it. So, let's say you go in you buy a mattress and they give you a $250 rebate card. They probably paid maybe $220 for it. Let's say they paid $220 for it. So that 30 bucks that they paid less… I mean, this $250 card is not in lieu of cash, right? If they're going to do in lieu of cash it would be cashback, right? You'd get a $250 discount. The reason they do the gift card… actually instead of doing the gift card if this Bill passes they'll get the $220. They won't get the opportunity to spend $250 that they would get from this gift card, right? So, they will only get maybe the $220 discount instead of a $250 gift card. So… or, rebate card, 10100029.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 right? Do you understand the opportunity… the lost opportunity for an individual? The reason they get the rebate card is because they have to have… they are given the opportunity to spend $250 even though the card only costs 220. So… so I think you're… the consumer is actually losing that $30. They will lose that $30 because they'll stop doing the rebate program. The other thing, you know, I am concerned… how long does a bank or a company have to hold these liabilities on their… in their system?"
"Five years and then it becomes unclaimed property."
"So, but once it is unclaimed property does the company have to pay it to the Treasurer? Is that what happens? So if I have a $250 gift card and it goes 5 years, do I as a company have to pay the Treasurer $250 to hold it until somebody claims it?"
"So, prior to the introduction of these rebate cards retailers would issue checks. And if a check went uncashed it would return to the Treasurer's Office as unclaimed property and then… the Treasurer would be able to return it to the consumer."
"But that's… different then… a check is different than a rebate card because the check didn't deplete, right? These rebate cards provide an opportunity for the additional $30. So, my question is, will the company who has the card have to hold that $250 and then after 5 years will they have to pay the Treasurer's Office $250?" 10100029.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"So, let me just remind you that it's not the company's money it is the consumer's money once it's been promised as a rebate."
"The company is holding it…"
Speaker Harris: "Representative Davidsmeyer, your time has expired. Could you bring your remarks to a close?"
"The company is holding that money so that money is not… it's just a card, right? The money is not there. So, the reality is, the company is holding that money in their pocket and you're saying that when the… when the card after five years, the company would have to pay the Treasurer $250 because I didn't spend it in a timely manner. Is that correct?"
"So, the last time I checked when…"
"Yes or no, please. I don't have any more time. Yes or no, please. What happens in that situation? I'm not trying to be difficult, I just… we have a time limit."
"Representative, could you answer his question quickly and we can move on to the next?"
"Can you repeat the question? I'm really sorry."
"If the card… if you're given a $250 card and you don't spend it in 5 years does the company have to pay the Treasurer $250 to hold until he may possibly find you, and he may never find you, but he's holding this $250 that came out of the company's pocket?"
"So, the rebate card… the value of the rebate card has already been purchased from the retailer." 10100029.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"But it was purchased for $220. It wasn't purchased for 250. So, does the company have to pay that $220 or the 250 rebate card?"
"The bank is holding $250."
"Pardon me?"
"The bank is holding $250."
"No, they're holding $220 because there's an opportunity to regain that extra money. So, my question is what happens if… it's a card so they're not going to hand the card to the Treasurer, correct? They're not going to hand the card to the Treasurer. They're going to ask for cash, correct? So, I would have to pay… say, I'm the person who…"
"Representative, we're trying to be respectful to your question."
"How can I… I'm asking as simply as I can. Is it going to be a cash payment to the Treasurer?"
"Yes."
"Yes. So, it's going to be a cash payment to the Treasurer?"
"From the bank. Not the retailer."
"From the bank who you gave $220 not $250. So you're actually costing that bank 30 bucks. Okay. Vote 'no'."
"Not under this Bill."
Speaker Harris: "Representative, thank you. Representative McCombie."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield for questions?"
"She indicates she'll yield for three minutes, Representative." 10100029.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Thank you. So this is the Treasurer's initiative, correct?"
"Correct."
"And this is a consumer protection Bill, correct?"
"Yes."
"Okay. So why is the AG not carrying this Bill or asking you to file this Bill?"
"Because the funds would become unclaimed property which is a program run by the Treasurer."
"Okay. So, it's not because the cards would just bulk up the unclaimed properties for the Treasurer's use?"
"I'm sorry? I didn't understand the question."
"So, it wouldn't just… be having the cards go to Treasurer's Office that… to bulk up the unclaimed property? That's not the reason he's wanting to do this or the Treasurer's Office is wanting to do this?"
"So, as long as… the Treasurer will have the name and address of the holders of the rebate card. Because when you apply for a rebate your name, address, and contact information is submitted to the retailer. And so that information will come to the Treasurer…"
"I'm sorry to interrupt our time is… the Speaker had stated our time limit. And so, the answer is that… the question is, it's not for the Treasurer to bulk up the unclaimed properties, yes or no?"
"No."
"Okay. All right. So, does the State Treasurer's Office receive the complaints on this?" 10100029.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"I'm sorry?"
"Does the Treasurer's Office receive the complaints on this compared to the AG?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Because I don't know about anybody else in the House but I have not received one solitary phone call on this being an issue. I cannot support this Bill. I think this is just one more thing to hurt business in Illinois and please vote 'no'."
"Representative Skillicorn is recognized for three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's so pleasant to have you working the floor so efficiently. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Thank you very much. Representative, just a couple quick questions here. Is there a minimum amount that's covered in this Bill?"
"No."
"So, we acknowledge that. So when there's a couple hundred dollars that amount would go to the Treasurer's Office, right?"
"Right."
"And I'm sure they have a paperwork and have to account for that. So, if there's $5 left on this card, will the Treasurer's Office still have to do all of that work?"
"No, because that's under the five dollar aggregate limit."
"So, the limit is $5? So… $6, $7? It's 5.50, right? They're still going to have to do the paperwork, correct?" 10100029.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"So, generally rebate cards are not offered for small amounts such as that. And what we're trying to do is prevent the amount from being diminished from the amount that you're promised at the time of purchase."
"I understand that intent very well. But the reality is… I'm sure you're just like me. I use that card, and I don't buy something in exactly $150 increments. I don't buy something in exactly in a $250 increment. I don't buy something in exactly $50 increment. I might buy something for 27.52 and then a week later I go buy, you know, another thing for $16.08. It doesn't, you know, it goes down… it incrementally goes down. My concern is, is that the $5 is way too low of a limit. It has to be something that is more reasonable. Realistically we're going to have the Treasurer do all of this paperwork for a couple of bucks or $5. That doesn’t seem… I understand your intent, Representative, but, would you… I'll happily go along with a Bill, maybe we can cosponsor one together with a higher limit maybe a sunset or something. Would you be, you know, amendable to the idea?"
"So, the value of these rebate cards, you know, despite your claim that, you know, we're getting the Treasurer to do extra work. So, the point is that the value shouldn't be diminished by post-issuance fees and that if there's an amount left over the Treasurer should be able to return that to you. And, you know, the Treasurer is already doing that through their Unclaimed Property Program for other things that, you know, fall to…" 10100029.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative, your time has expired. Could you conclude your question?"
"Yeah, and I know my time expired. One last thing, will the Treasurer have to physically hold these cards? Thank you."
"Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. The entire reason that a company offers rebates, in my estimation, is deceptive marketing. They hope that the consumer will never actually cash it. If not, why don't they just put the item on sale instead of offering a rebate? They do it just so they hope they can make money. I'm all about protecting consumers and I hope you are, too. Thank you."
"Representative Halpin for three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Yes, Representative, one of the previous Representatives mentioned or asked why this was in the Treasurer's Office instead of the Attorney General's Office. Does the Attorney General have a position on this Bill?"
"The Attorney General slipped in support of the Bill."
"And there's has also been concerns about, you know, business and deterring business. Have the retail merchants taken a position on this Bill?"
"They are neutral."
"So, they are not in opposition of this Bill?"
"That's correct." 10100029.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"And then lastly, I want to ask, there's already a prohibition on these fees for gift card purposes, correct?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"As far as you're aware… I think I asked this last year, but as far as you're aware the banks and the companies are still issuing those gift cards in the State of Illinois, correct?"
"That's correct."
"All right. That's all I have. Support the Bill. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Wheeler for the three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, here we go with another step in the direction of saying that businesses must have an unfair motive in mind here to order a rebate card. I think it's been explained multiple times by colleagues on this side of the aisle at least, that a rebate card can be purchased at a discount, which means that you can offer it at a reduced price which means you're going to give a benefit to the consumer as long as they use it in the timeframe with which the card is still good. Why in the world do we have to get in the way of business opportunities every time we turn around in this place? We don't have to hold everybody's hand. You can read the print on there, I know I do. Let's give people an opportunity to actually compete, work together, give businesses a chance in this state. Thank you."
"Representative Mah to close." 10100029.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"This is a consumer-friendly piece of legislation and it has support… enough support that it passed both chambers last year. I ask for your support this year. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2156 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a vote 67 voting 'yes', 47 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present', House Bill 2156 has received the Constitutional Majority, and is hereby declared passed. Representative Gabel is recognized for a point of personal privilege."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to introduce you to Bella Abzug. Bella Savitzky Abzug was born on July 24, 1920 in New York City. She was the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants and grew up in the Bronx where her father owned a butcher shop. She attended Hunter College of the City University of New York and was the president of the student council and simultaneously attended the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. She then earned a law degree from Columbia University in 1944 after being rejected from Harvard because of her gender. She became an attorney in the 1940s, a time when very few women practiced law. Early on she took on civil rights cases in the south. She also defended many people who had been accused of communism. In the 1960s she became involved with the antinuclear and peace movements and helped organize the Women's Strike for Peace in 1961. To promote women's 10100029.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 issues and to lobby for reform she helped establish the National Women's Political Caucus with leading feminists, Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem. To have a greater impact on the political process she ran for Congress in 1970 winning a seat in the House of Representatives. She took office in 1971 and on her first day she introduced a Bill to remove all U.S. troops from Vietnam. In 1975 she made history when she introduced the first gay rights Bill in Congress. While her Bills didn't pass, it was just the first of many efforts by Abzug to advance the causes she believed in. Her career in Congress ended with an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 1976 and her bid for Mayor of New York and for the House failed in the following years. But she continued organizing and established the Women's Environmental Development Organization, which was a global women's advocacy organization, working towards a world that promotes and protects human rights, gender equality, and the integrity of the environment. She passed away in 1998 but her bold efforts and achievements have carried her name through the years.
"Representative Weber is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"I would like to continue our bipartisan efforts for Women's History Month by honoring a trailblazing Illinoisan that many in the chamber had the opportunity to know personally, Judy Baar Topinka. Affectionately known by those who knew her well as Aunt Judy. Judy Baar Topinka's story 10100029.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 began in 1944 in the Chicago suburb of Riverside, where she was born to the children of Czech and Slovak immigrants, William and Lillian Baar. She learned to speak Czech as a child and her immigrant heritage would play an important role throughout her life. After graduating from Ferry Hall School in Lake Forest, now part of Lake Forest Academy, she earned her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism in 1966. Following college, she spent several years working as a journalist in the Cook County suburbs. It was in 1980 that she began the trailblazing political career so many of us remember her for. That year she won a contested Republican primary election and the subsequent general election for a seat in this very Body, the Illinois House of Representatives. After 2 terms in the House, she then spent 10 years in the State Senate. During this period, she became known for her signature sense of humor and her blunt independent style. On November 8, 1994, Topinka broke one the several glass ceilings by becoming the first woman in Illinois history to be elected State Treasurer. She would be reelected to the post of Treasurer on two occasions. Her three consecutive terms are being another first in Illinois history. It was under her stewardship as Treasurer that the office began to offer college savings programs to help thousands of Illinois families pay for college. And the office took over management of the state's unclaimed property division to return millions of dollars back to the public. In 2002, while serving as State Treasurer, she was elected Chair of the Illinois Republican Party, a post she would hold until 10100029.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 2005. Rather than seek another term as Treasurer, in 2006 she ran for Governor, once again, winning a contested primary to become the second woman and first Republican woman to be nominated by her party for Governor. Although she did not win the general election for Governor in 2006, she returned to public service when she was elected State Comptroller in 2010, another trailblazing milestone by having held both statewide fiscal offices in Illinois. She was reelected to the post of Comptroller in 2014 but never took office for a second term due to her unexpected death in December of 2014 at the age of 70. Although she left the Illinois political landscape suddenly and unexpectedly, Judy Baar Topinka's impact was lasting. She was known for being willing to work with anyone and through her blunt, feisty style she happily put politics aside to do what was the right thing for the people of the State of Illinois. Perhaps her most endearing quality, though, was how she did all this with a charming sense of humor and an overflowing personality that would put a smile on anyone's face. By any measure, Judy Baar Topinka was both a trailblazer and a monumental presence that will always be remembered in the Illinois history. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Gabel, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. Today I'd like to welcome members of the Illinois Homecare and Hospice Council, who are joining us up in the House gallery. Please raise your hands. IHHC is the 10100029.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 nation's first homecare association and the voice for homecare in Illinois, representing home health, home nursing home services, and hospice agencies throughout the state. Today we have constituents of Representative Cassidy, Costello, DeLuca, Grant, Hammond, and Unes joining us in the Capitol. So, thank you for your excellent work day in and day out. And let's give them a warm Springfield welcome."
"Representative Bryant, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. I have… here as my Page today, Kadden Abbott. Kadden is actually a constituent of Representative Halbrook. But Kadden contacted me several months ago. He and I share some… some childhood traumas and he has some great ideas for possible legislation. So, he and I are going to work together on some legislation in the future that has to do with domestic violence. But Kadden also has something in common with me that many of you may not know, and you might want to know this in case a trivia question comes up, but Kadden plays football, which I know you all know that this is true, I played football, too. Kadden is a middle linebacker, which I also played. And those of you who know me know that that's not hard to believe either. Kadden attends Sullivan Middle School and is a real asset to their football team. So, help me, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome Kadden Abbott today." 10100029.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019
"Representative Williams, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I wanted to introduce my Page for the day. His name is Grant Whipple and he is in kindergarten at St. Andrew's School with Jamie's son James. He's having a great time here today. And for all those who took a moment out of their day to hang out with us a little bit, thank you. Also wanted to acknowledge mom, Kristy, in the gallery, and somewhere is four-year-old Carter. So, we're having great time. Welcome to Springfield."
"Representative Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Purpose of an announcement."
"And please state your announcement."
"Tomorrow morning, Illinois Agribusiness will be hosting a breakfast and a legislative update at the Sangamo Club. Doors open at 7, food will be out early, so if you have a few minutes to stop by and grab some breakfast and say hello be much appreciated. Thank you."
"Representative Jones, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"On House Bill 2126, I would like to be recorded as a 'yes' vote and not the only one voting against my good friend 10100029.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Representative Ford's Bill. So can the record reflect that, please?"
Speaker Harris: "The Journal will reflect the request. Representative Feigenholtz, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"On behalf of Members of the Jewish Caucus, I'd like to inform the Body that today and tomorrow we celebrate the holiday of Purim. Purim is a story about heroism. And the person at the center of the story is a woman. Her name is Esther, who was a young Jewish woman who became a Persian queen. And it's an unusual Bible story. Initially, Esther was a passive and obedient girl. She followed instructions of Mordechai, her cousin and adopted father, hiding her Jewish identity and joining King Ahasuerus and his harem where her beauty and docile personality made her a favorite. So, when Mordechai told her of this genocidal plot against Jews by the evil Haman, the King's evil advisor, she was very taken aback and at first was not sure that she could comprehend this plot against her people. And as this crisis transformed, Esther went from a docile girl to a very courageous leader taking charge of Mordechai's effort to stop the evil plot and she devised her own plan where she uses her charm and political astuteness to save her people. In doing so, she reveals her true identity as a Jewish woman and a woman of action and shows us how even people on the margins can martial their 10100029.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 talent, their strength and wit to change the course of history. So, during Women's History Month, it's important to acknowledge all of the Esther's among us, here in this chamber and in our lives. I know we all know them. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Marron, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"I would just like to take a brief moment to introduce my Page for the day, Alex Rummel, who is a sophomore at Central High School in Champaign. And he has an interest in Illinois government, so please welcome Alex to the General Assembly."
"Representative Robinson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce my first Page, Alice Doud, who was born in Sierra Leone. She is a fifth grader at Chicago Free School. Can we please welcome Alice and also wish her a happy early birthday?"
"Welcome to the Capitol and happy birthday. Representative Unes, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Mr. Speaker, today we've had many local heroes visiting Springfield and I was proud to welcome groups of firefighters 10100029.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 throughout my district. But with us right now in the gallery, if I could ask the East Peoria Firefighters to stand above the… in the back above the Democratic gallery. We have with us Bobby Zimmerman, Chuck Melton, Brad Reinhart, Ross Ahrens, Matt Foster, Hassan Drissi, all from the East Peoria Fire Department. I'd like to give them a warm Springfield welcome."
Speaker Harris: "Gentlemen, thank you for your service. Representative Ammons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege please."
"State your point."
"In line with my colleague who just honored their firefighters, I wanted to recognize the Champaign firefighters that are here as well. And just call their names since I didn't get pull them out: Louis Gerrais, Nellie Smith, Ed Thomas, and Mark Smith from the Champaign Fire Department. As well as recognizing, during this Women's History Month, our female Mayor of the City of Champaign that's here with us, Miss Deb Frank Feinen, who's right up behind me in the gallery. She is the Mayor of Champaign and leads the city with integrity. Thank you so much. Please welcome her to the Capitol."
"Thank you, Representative. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 201, offered by Representative Wehrli. House Resolution 202, offered by Representative Brady. House Resolution 206, offered by 10100029.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 Representative Gabel. House Resolution 207, offered by Representative Bourne. And House Resolution 208, offered by Representative Burke."
"Leader Turner moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "House Joint Resolution #48, offered by Representative Harris. Be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, March 21, 2019, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 26, 2019, or until the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 26, 2019, or until the call of the President."
"Leader Turner moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution… the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will be meeting at 3 p.m.: Elementary & Secretary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools is meeting in 413; Labor & Commerce is meeting in Room 114; State Government Administration is meeting in Room 122; Economic Opportunity & Equity is meeting in C-1. Meeting at 4:30 is Appropriations- 10100029.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 29th Legislative Day 3/20/2019 General Services in D-1; Appropriations Public-Safety in C- 1; Higher Education in Room 118; International Trade & Commerce in Room 122."
"And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Turner moves that the House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 21 at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House is adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction-First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1273, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. First Reading of this Senate Bill. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 203, offered by Representative DeLuca. House Resolution 204, offered by Representative Costa-Howard. And House Resolution 205, offered by Representative Lisa Hernandez were referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10100029.docx 86