"The House will be in order. Members, please be in your chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Doorkeeper Padget."
"Let us pray. Lord, as we prepare for Session today, I ask freshness of your spirit, to quicken our thinking, that out of confused issues may come simplicity of plan, that out of fear may come confidence, that out of hurry may come deliberation, and that out of frustration may come guidance. Let us get to work, not head first, but heart first. May we be able to disagree without being disagreeable, to differ without being difficult, to be honest without tension, and to be frank without offense in an atmosphere of team spirit. These things we pray, Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Didech." Didech – et al: "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."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle. Leader Gabel."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Croke, Gong-Gershowitz, Hurley, and Smith are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report excused absences on the Republican side." 10300012.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record show that excused today is Representatives Ugaste and Davidsmeyer."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 110 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on February 21, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 47 and House Bill 2089. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on February 21, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1370, House Bill 1608, and House Bill 2192. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on February 21, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1227. Representative Collins, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on February 21, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1358; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 57. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on February 22, 2023: do pass short debate is House Bill 1117, House Bill 1197, House Bill 1286, House Bill 1558, and House Bill 2076. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & 10300012.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 Policies reports the following committee action taken on February 22, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1371. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on February 22, 2023: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1209 and House Bill 2091. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 84, offered by Representative Yang Rohr; House Resolution 85, offered by Representative Flowers; House Resolution 86, offered by Representative Scherer; and House Joint Resolution 18, offered by Representative Harper, are referred to the Rules Committee."
Speaker Hoffman. "Speaker Welch in the Chair."
Speaker Welch: "Afternoon, Members. Members of the General Assembly, I'm delighted to welcome to the House chamber today the Honorable Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Mr. Yinam Cohen. Consul General Cohen is a career diplomat with 16 years of experience in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Before arriving in Chicago, he held the position of Senior Policy Advisor to the Foreign Minister and Director of the Policy Department in the Minister's Bureau. Prior to that role, Consul General Cohen was the Director of the UN Political Affairs Department, where he oversaw Israel's diplomatic campaigns in the UN Security Council and General Assembly in Israel. Members of the General Assembly, let's give a warm Springfield welcome to the Consul General Cohen. Consul."
"Thank you, Speaker Welch, for the kind introduction. It is truly an honor to be addressing the 10300012.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 Illinois House of Representatives on this rainy day here, here in Springfield. Seventy-five years ago, the Jewish people returned to their homeland after two thousand years of exile and in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Jews from around the world reunited to establish the State of Israel in the land of their ancestors. My wife, Ayelet, is the descendent of Holocaust… Holocaust survivors from Europe. All four of her grandparents survived the inferno of genocide that stole the lives of 6 million Jews. After centuries in the Arab world, my grandparents left their Jewish communities in Yemen, Iraq, and Egypt to form a part in the nation-state they always longed for. The story of my family is the story of Israel. Israel is a vibrant democracy with a diverse society. Its Jewish population alone is made up of Jews from Europe, from the Middle East, from Ethiopia, to name just a few. Israel is also home to Muslim and Christian Arabs, the Druze community, and Bedouins, who are integral part of our country. We see the Arab community, about 20 percent of our population, represented in leadership positions in both public and private sector. They serve as Supreme Court Justices, government officials, CEOs of high-tech companies, and as fellow diplomats. Israel is dedicated to building equity across its institutions. Last year, the Israeli government committed $10 billion to our Arab community in affordable housing, access to higher education, and universal health care. Tikkun Olam, the Hebrew word… the Hebrew phrase for 'healing the world', is a common refrain in Israel and Jewish congregations around the world. It's a social justice principle that guides Israel's domestic and foreign policy. 10300012.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 Tikkun Olam shines brightest in history's darkest moments. Among them, natural disasters. Just recently, Israel sent the second largest rescue team to Turkey after the recent devastating earthquake. A delegation of 450 of our finest men and women worked hand in hand with Turkey to save lives and established a field hospital that is running as we speak. Israel was also the first country to establish a field hospital in Ukraine to support civilian refugees fleeing from Russian aggressions. We also see Tikkun Olam proactively applied with our partners in Africa. Our priority on the continent is to partner in both civil society and physical infrastructure. As one of the most arid countries in the world, Israel has developed innovative water technologies that now also give millions of people across the African continent access to clean water. Internally, Israel spends the highest percentage of its budget on research and development than any other country in the world. Couple that with Israeli grit, this has given us the global reputation for being 'The Start Up Nation'. More than 400 global companies have opened research and development centers in my country, including IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, General Motors, and many more. There are mutually beneficial opportunities for companies in Illinois and Chicago to partner with Israeli companies. Our Consulate is focused on developing partnerships between Israeli and local companies developing agricultural, medical, climate, and even quantum technologies. My hope is that we will see many more local businesses and partnerships flourish between our peoples. On the regional level this year, we celebrate the third 10300012.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 anniversary of the Abraham Accords, the greatest diplomatic accomplishment for peace in the Middle East in the past 30 years. These Accords have laid the foundation for cooperation in civil society, technology, and academia between Israel and Arab countries in the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates and Israel are now collaborating in research in outer space. Direct flights are running on a daily basis between Israel and Morocco. Bahrain and Israel are now working together with the United States Fifth Fleet towards regional stability. And just this month, two more Arab and Muslim countries, Sudan and Chad, advanced peace with Israel. Challenges do remain, however, to achieving peace in our region. We have struggled to achieve a lasting peace with our Palestinian neighbors. Israel remains committed to finding a solution that guarantees a common future for both Palestinians and Israelis in the Holy Land. Today, I stand here before you to commemorate 75 years of U.S.-Israel relations, and also 75 years of Illinois-Israel relations. On May 14, 1948, just 11 minutes after Israel declared its independence, the United States, under President Truman, became the first country in the world to recognize… to recognize the newly established Israel. Seventy-five years later, the United States and Israel have built a strong and strategic alliance that is unlike any other in the world. The recent visit of President Biden to Israel has reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to Israel's security. On this visit, his first in President… as President and his 10th as an elected official of the United States, President Biden signed the historic Jerusalem Declaration. This declaration guarantees the United 10300012.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 States' full commitment to Israel's security. The declaration will help the Israel integrate into the region, expand the circle of peace to include more Arab and Muslim countries, and counter destabilizing actors in the region… in the region, particularly Iran. As for the Israel-U.S. partnership here in Illinois, models of Israeli trauma treatment, entrepreneurship, and urban gardening are being implemented from Englewood to Bronzeville to Little Village as tools for the work that local community organizations are already doing. I would be remiss not to mention the local Jewish community that has been a bridge between our countries for many years. With these same values of social impact, their contributions in culture, government, community, business, and nonprofit have been fundamental to the growth of this… of the State of Illinois and… and of the country. And yet, the global rise of anti-Semitism is impacting Jewish communities around the world. I’m thankful to the state leadership across Illinois for taking action against it. Adopting a proper definition of anti-Semitism is key to addressing anti- Semitism. I hereby ask the State Legislators to review the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism as a fundamental tool to define and combat anti-Semitism. Speaker Welch, thank you so much for your invitation to address the Illinois House of Representatives today. Thank you for your leadership. You are making history every day as an ally and a champion for communities all across the Land of Lincoln. Dear Members of the Illinois House of Representatives, thank you for taking the time to hear a different accent, a different story, but 10300012.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 one that intertwines our histories as strong democratic allies. Thank you."
"Members, Consul General Cohen has graciously agreed to extend his stay and in the well he will take pictures with any Members who wish to join him. Consul, down to the right. Leader Hoffman is back in the Chair."
"Leader Mah."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point." Mah: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I'd like to direct your attention to the gallery behind us. I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Guiyou Huang. He is the 12th president of Western Illinois University, and it's the home of the Leathernecks. Dr. Huang and I got to know each other a little bit when he came to visit me in my district. We were dining in Chinatown, where he got to enjoy some of the familiar tastes of his home country. He's a native of China, but now he is here serving us in the State of Illinois. And I'd like to give you… like you to give him a very warm welcome. Thank you."
"Representative Carroll."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I'd like to wish my fellow friend from Buffalo Grove, Dan Didech, a happy birthday today. Thank you."
"Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point." 10300012.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023
"Mr. Speaker, if we could have some order as we honor the life and celebrate the birthday of our nation's first President, George Washington. Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, George Washington was born February 22, 1732, 291 years ago today in the colony of Virginia. Washington finished his education in his early teens and showed an aptitude for mathematics. He became very successful surveyor, and his surveying expeditions took him into the Virginia wilderness and earned him enough money to acquire his own land. In 1752, after the death of his brother Lawrence, Washington inherited his estate, Mount Vernon, which is on the Potomac River near Alexandria, Virginia, a place now toured and loved by people all across the world. In December 1752, Washington, who had no previous military experience, was made commander of the Virginia Militia. By 1759, Washington had resigned his commission, returned to Mount Vernon, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he served until 1774. By the late 1760s, Washington had experienced firsthand the effects of raising taxes imposed on American colonists by the British and had come to believe that it was in the best interests of the colonists to declare independence from England. Washington served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 in Philadelphia. By the time the Second Continental Congress convened a year later, the American Revolution had begun in earnest and Washington was named Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Over the course of the grueling eight-year war, the colonial forces won battles… won few battles, but consistently held their own against the British. In October 10300012.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 of 1781, with the aid of the French, the Continental forces were able to capture British troops in the Battle of Yorktown. This action effectively ended the Revolutionary… Revolutionary War, and Washington was declared a national hero. Even though Washington wanted to retire back to his quiet life as a farmer and a family man, in 1787 he was asked to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and head the committee to draft a new Constitution. His impressive leadership there convinced the delegates that he was, by far, the most qualified man to become the nation's first President. United States was a small nation when Washington took office, consisting of 11 states and approximately 4 million people. And there was no precedent for how a new President should conduct domestic or foreign business. Mindful that his actions would likely determine how future Presidents were expected to govern, Washington worked hard to set an example of fairness, prudence, and integrity. In foreign matters, he supported cordial relations with other countries but also favored a position of neutrality in foreign conflicts. Domestically, he nominated the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Jay, signed a Bill establishing the first national bank, the Bank of the United States, and set up his own presidential cabinet. After declining to serve a third term, Washington retired to Mount Vernon, where he would pass away in his home in 1799. Washington left one of the most enduring legacies of any American in history. Known as the father of his country, his face… his face appears on the U.S. dollar bill, the quarter. Dozens of U.S. schools, towns, and counties, as well as the State of Washington and the 10300012.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 nation's capital city, are named for him. Mr. Speaker, may we take a moment of silence today to honor our nation's first President, who led us through the Revolutionary War and the birth of our nation, George Washington."
"A moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Stephens, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"That's Leader Stephens. Thank you."
"Sorry, I'm laughing with you."
"Come on, Jay, I earned it."
"Yeah, you have. Leader Stephens."
"Or so I thought. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"House Resolution 55 will be forthcoming from Leader Evans, but I wanted to make you all aware that February 22 is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day. This Resolution designates the fourth Wednesday in February as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day. HCM is a chronic disease involving thickening of the heart muscle, which can cause stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. In the most common form of genetic heart disease in… 85 percent of people with this disease go undiagnosed until a severe health issue arises. HCM is more prevalent in the black and brown communities. Black and brown patients can easily be diagnosed at a younger age if screened. Screening helps better understand their risk profile and seek potential lifesaving treatment. HCM is also seen in young athletes who face increased risk associated with HCM, as it is the most common cause of cardiac death in young people and competitive athletes. These athletes could be completely asymptomatic 10300012.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 prior to a severe cardiac event occurring on or off the field. Awareness and screening for HCM can help athletes and their families better understand their risk profile and seek potentially lifesaving treatment when necessary. Prescreening is offered for HCM, which can be diagnosed based on medical history, physical exam, and related testing. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day is to help raise public awareness and acknowledges the critical importance of HCM to improve cardiovascular health. Thank you."
"Thank you, esteemed Leader. Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. I just want to introduce to the Body, I have two wonderful Pages here with me today. These are the children of Sudura Barbara… Barber, who works up in our Research and Appropriations Unit, and they came to visit with us during the day. They both attend Lindsay Elementary School in Springfield. This is Nya Neal. She is… Nyla Neal. She is nine years old. She's in the fourth grade. She lives here in Springfield. She loves to play basketball for the Boys and Girls Club program. She wants to be a space scientist when she grows up. And she likes writing comics and drawing lots of freestyle drawings. So that is Nyla. And then I have Jovan Neal. Jovan is eight, in the third grade, and Jovan likes to read about the animal kingdom, wants to be an archeologist when he grows up. Enjoys also reading books about reptiles and dinosaurs. And if it's okay, Jovan would just like to say a quick little…" 10300012.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023
"Hi, mom."
"So, if we could just give them a warm welcome to the Capitol. Thank you."
"Representative Cassidy seeks recognition."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I would like to welcome some visitors who are in the gallery. Please direct your attention to the other side of the chamber where the Illinois Craft Brewers Association is here with us today. They will be holding a reception this afternoon from 5:30 to 7 at Buzz Bomb brewery. So, please join us there and have a… a delicious adult beverage."
"Representative Rashid."
"Personal… point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize folks in the gallery who are joining us, serving my district, Arab American Family Services. We have… I'm proud to recognize Itedal Shalabi and Nareman Taha, the fearless Palestinian duo who, recognizing the unmet need for support services in the Arab American community, rolled up their sleeves and started Arab American Family Services to serve the fastest growing Arab American population in the Southwest Suburbs. With a staff of two, and a great deal of dedication and commitment, they opened their doors in 2001 and began providing culturally and linguistically responsive services to Arab Americans. The only organization with its reach in the Southwest Suburbs, serving over 15 thousand families a year, Arab American Family Services has the cultural expertise and linguistic capacity 10300012.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 to assist Arab Americans who need access to services. Now 22 years in, they have built a trusted institution that provides comprehensive array of services to Arab Americans and to immigrant groups who increasingly call the Southwest Suburbs home. Today, Arab American Family Services employs over 60 staff, who are bilingual and often multilingual. They provide comprehensive case management, domestic violence and sexual assault services, behavioral health services, senior services, parent mentor programing, immigration legal services, housing and rental assistance, utility assistance, and health education prevention and navigation. As one of Illinois' welcoming centers, language is never a barrier for a family to get the help they need to stabilize during a crisis and create a plan for a sustainable future. They distribute hundreds of backpacks during back-to-school celebrations, hundreds of toys and coats during Christmas, and thousands of food baskets and clothes during Ramadan. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, they sprang into action, providing critical assistance and partnering with health providers to vaccinate the community. But they didn't stop there. Seeing that there was no data collection on COVID-19 incidents, death rates, or vaccination rates for Middle Eastern and North African individuals, Arab American Family Services worked with the Department of Public Health to begin tracking rates for this ethnic category. Thanks to AAFS, we are one of the first states to do so. And their advocacy continues today. Yes, let's give them a round of applause for that. And I will end… I will end by saying I'm pleased to be working with them and their coalition to include a MENA 10300012.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 category in our state data collection efforts. So, please join me in thanking the incredible staff, and Itedal Shalabi and Nareman Taha, for their lifetime of leadership and… and service."
"Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I think we all know that there's a lot of problems over at the Department of Children and Family Services, and I'd like to focus on one of them today. The Family First Prevention Services Act was passed back several years ago, and Illinois' application to participate in that plan was also approved several years ago. What the Family First program does is, it allocates federal funds under Title IV-E of Social Security Act to provide services to families who are in need of things that might ultimately help… might ultimately result in the family devolving into a situation where we end up with abuse and neglect of children. The Act was never meant for it to be done or administered by an agency that already has those kids in its care. The way the Act was written, a state could apply for it, for the services, under… under a variety of… of agencies, depending on the service that was going to be given. For instance, I just heard a story this morning about a gentleman who couldn’t get a hot water heater 'cause he couldn't afford it. Somebody called DCFS. His kids ended up in care, all for the want of a water heater. That's not the intent of this law. And I also found out today that even though Illinois' plan has been approved for several years… and it's completely administered by DCFS, which means that 10300012.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 nobody qualifies for Family First programs unless they have a case in DCFS. Somebody has shown up at the door and started an investigation. But come to find out, that wasn't the way it was supposed to be done. It was supposed to be a broad range of agencies that didn't necessarily result in children being put in care before families could get this sort of thing. And then I also found out today that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has not yet published its application for us to see. They got it approved, but we can't see it. It's long past time for the department to get back to its core function of… of helping kids in care, not engage in mission creep, acting upon its own initiative to take on responsibilities that it's not its own. I'm calling upon the department today to release the application it made to the Federal Government for the administration of Families First. It's long past time for us, in this room, to look at that application and see if there's a better way for these services to be provided without a hotline call to the Department of Children and Family Services. This plan was meant for them to be kept out of DCFS' clutches, not within. So, I'm asking the… the Members of this Body, please put the pressure on DCFS. Let's see that application. Let's see how they did. Let's see they did to make this entirely within their own control. It's wrong. And these services are not being provided, except when there's a case that is front… in front of them. That's not the way this is meant to be. These services were meant to be provided before we got to the point of them having be… to be within DCFS care. Mr. Speaker, this is something that we have got to get fixed, and we've got to 10300012.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 get fixed fast. The last inspector general report had 172 dead kid reports in it. This is long past time of getting fixed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Leader Meier."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"First, thank you for saying Leader Meier, and…"
"Congratulations."
"Thank you. This week is National Grain Safety Week. Now, to a lot of people in here in the chamber that doesn't mean much because it's just about farmers. But farming is a very dangerous occupation, and this is to draw attention, to help families never have to live through what we had to experience right there in my neighborhood with one of my classmate's sons. Nick was 26 years old, had been to the pumpkin patch to get his son a pumpkin that was only about 5 months old. Came home that day and started loading grain. During that time, the bin quit flowing, and they thought they had every precaution in place so that Nick could safely get into that bin. Within 5 seconds, Nick was under the grain, and at 26 years old, Nick was dead. These… these are the problems that farmers face every day. This family lost a father, a son. I lost a friend. This shouldn't happen anymore. So, in honor of Grain Awareness… Safety Awareness Week, everybody think about that. And if you see your fire departments and different emergency management groups asking for money for grain tubes and other things to help prevent this and for training, please back them up so this doesn't happen again. Because it happens in Illinois every year, and it happens in America. Thank you." 10300012.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023
"Representative Severin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Yes, please state your point."
"So, last week, Representative Jacobs and I, we had the privilege of having a Agreed Resolution passed here on the House floor, and also a certificate that I had the honor of presenting this last Sunday at the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale. It was their 40th annual Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Great Lakes Region. And what was kind of special about that day was also the Clerk of the House, Mr. John Hollman, was one of the musicians that performed that afternoon. And so, I wanted to recognize the Guild of the Organists in the State of Illinois, and also John and the talent that he has. Many of you may not know, we actually have a couple of people that play this instrument. Representative Maurice West, and also John Hollman. So, again, John, I want to recognize what's gone on in Southern Illinois for this Guild for the last 40 years and recognize your talents and abilities. Everyone sees you as this quiet person. They don't realize you can make some serious noise with that instrument. So, thank you very much for the opportunity to share this, and congratulations on 40 years of the organization. Thank you."
"Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." Kifowit: Thank you, Sir. I would like to remind the Body that the Conference of Women Legislators is meeting tonight for a 10300012.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 dinner at 7 p.m. at Maryflor. The purpose of the meeting is to elect a new slate of officers, which I am very excited about. And the future of COWL is just really bright and innovative. And I would just like to urge all my fellow female Legislators to attend tonight. Maryflor, for those who have been around awhile, used to be Augies. So, just for your reference. So, again, 7 p.m. tonight, dinner. Thank you, Sir."
"Thank you. Representative Mayfield."
"Personal privilege."
Please state your point."
"Thank you. I would like to bring to the chamber our black history moment for February. I will be speaking on Billie Holiday. She was born Elenora Fagan Gough, April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Having grown up in the jazz-soaked atmosphere of Baltimore during the 1920s, Billie Holiday first rose to prominence in the 1930s. Holiday was spotted by producer at the age of 18 and released her first record as part of a studio group that was led by clarinetist Benny Goodman. Holiday's career exploded exponentially from 1935 to 1941, when she recorded consecutive hits with pianist Teddy Wilson. In 1936, she began to collaborate… collaborate with tenor sax player Lester Young. Holiday joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1937. In 1938, she became the first black woman to work with an all-white band, when she fronted for the Artie Shaw's band. It was during this historic run in the 1930s when Billie Holiday began to perform Strange Fruit, a song that had a significant and lasting impact with regards to the civil rights movement. At the time, Strange Fruit was referred to by members of the U.S. government as an un- 10300012.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 American and provocative song. Billie Holiday had a stellar run in the 1950s, singing with Norman Granz's Clef/Verve label for five years and then signing Columbia Records in 1958. It was with Columbia Records where she created her acclaimed album Lady in Satin. Her final studio recordings were made with MGM in 1959 and released posthumously. Billie Holiday passed away at the age of 44, leaving behind a legacy that would last for generations. Despite her lack of any technical training, Billie became a staple of the jazz world and set a new standard with her uncanny phrasing and ability. Holiday is also credited with writing an autobiography, as well as staring in a Hollywood film with her musical hero, Louis Armstrong. Thank you."
"Thank you. Representative Collins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Billie Holiday, though she was very instrumental during a time in our history where a lot of things that were happening with the lynching of black men, she really… that song Strange Fruit really told the story of what was going on in the South. And that is why she played a very vital role back in the civil rights movement. So, I just wanted to make sure I mentioned that because a lot of people probably don't know what that song was about. But it was really good to tell the story of what was happening in the South that people were putting a blind eye to. And so, that's it. Thank you."
"Thank you. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will be meeting at 2 p.m.: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools will meet in Room 115, State 10300012.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 Government Administration will meet in Room 118. Meeting at 4:00 is Appropriations-Public Safety in Room 118, Higher Education in Room 122B, Appropriations-General Services in C- 1, and the Gaming Committee in Room 114."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 83, offered by Representative Crespo. And House Resolution 87, offered by Representative West."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "House Joint Resolution #19, offered by Representative Gabel. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, February 23, 2023, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 28, 2023, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 1, 2023, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, March 2, 2023, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 7, 2023, or to the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 7, 2023, or to the call of the President."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all 10300012.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 opposed 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, February 23, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #5, offered by Representative Tarver. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to add Section 12 to Article IX of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IX REVENUE SECTION 12. TAX FOR EDUCATION Notwithstanding subsection (a) of Section 3 of this Article, and in addition to any other tax, an additional tax shall be imposed on individuals in an amount equal to 3% of the portion of the taxpayer's net income that is greater than $1,000,000 for the taxable year. All revenue collected pursuant to this Section shall be distributed to school districts solely on a per pupil basis. The General Assembly by law shall provide for the implementation and enforcement of this Section. 10300012.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act and applies to taxable years beginning on or after the date of its adoption. This is First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #5."
"First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #6, offered by Representative Sanalitro. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to add Section 2.5 to Article IV, amend Section 2 of Article V, and amend Section 3 of Article VIII of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 2.5. TERM LIMITS A person may not be elected to the office of State Senator or State Representative for terms totaling more than 12 years in each office. Service prior to the date of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution shall be considered in the calculation of a person's service. Any person in office at the time of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution who meets the term limitation 10300012.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 set by this Section shall be allowed to complete his or her term of office. ARTICLE V THE EXECUTIVE SECTION 2. TERMS (a) These elected officers of the Executive Branch shall hold office for four years beginning on the second Monday of January after their election and, except in the case of the Lieutenant Governor, until their successors are qualified. They shall be elected at the general election in 1978 and every four years thereafter. (b) A person may not be elected to any single Executive Branch office for terms totaling more than 8 years in each office. Service prior to the date of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution shall be considered in the calculation of a person's service. Any person in office at the time of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution who meets the term limitation set by this Section shall be allowed to complete his or her term of office. ARTICLE VIII FINANCE SECTION 3. STATE AUDIT AND AUDITOR GENERAL (a) The General Assembly shall provide by law for the audit of the obligation, receipt and use of public funds of the State. The General Assembly, by a vote of three-fifths of the members elected to each house, shall appoint an Auditor General and may remove him for cause by a similar vote. The Auditor General shall serve for a single term of 4 years, and shall not be eligible for reappointment. Service prior to the 10300012.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 date of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution shall be considered in the calculation of a person's service. Any person in office at the time of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution, if that person has not yet served 4 years in office, shall be allowed to complete a 4-year term of office. If the person in office as Auditor General at the time of the adoption of this amendment to the Illinois Constitution has served 4 years or more as Auditor General, that person's term of office shall end upon the declaration of the adoption of this amendment. His compensation shall be established by law and shall not be diminished, but may be increased, to take effect during his term. (b) The Auditor General shall conduct the audit of public funds of the State. He shall make additional reports and investigations as directed by the General Assembly. He shall report his findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and to the Governor. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been the First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #6."
"First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #7, offered by Representative Niemerg. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE 10300012.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article I of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 22 as follows: ARTICLE I BILL OF RIGHTS SECTION 22. RIGHT TO ARMS Subject only to the police power, the right of the individual citizens to bear and bear arms and to carry firearms shall not be infringed. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This was First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #7."
"First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #8, offered by Representative Ugaste. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article V of the Illinois Constitution by changing Sections 1, 3, 7, and 18 and by repealing Section 17 as follows: ARTICLE V THE EXECUTIVE 10300012.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 SECTION 1. OFFICERS The Executive Branch shall include a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer elected by the electors of the State. They shall keep the public records and maintain a residence at the seat of government during their terms of office. SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to hold the office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, or Treasurer, a person must be a United States citizen, at least 25 years old, and a resident of this State for the three years preceding his or her election. SECTION 7. VACANCIES IN OTHER ELECTIVE OFFICES If the Attorney General, Secretary of State, or Treasurer fails to qualify or if the office becomes vacant, the Governor shall fill the office by appointment. The appointee shall hold office until the elected officer qualifies or until a successor is elected and qualified as may be provided by law and shall not be subject to removal by the Governor. If the Lieutenant Governor fails to qualify or if the office becomes vacant, it shall remain vacant until the end of the term. SECTION 17. COMPTROLLER - DUTIES (REPEALED) SECTION 18. TREASURER - DUTIES The Treasurer, in accordance with law, shall (i) maintain the State's central fiscal accounts, and other payments into and out of the funds held by him or her, (ii) be responsible for the safekeeping and investment of monies and securities deposited with him or her, and for their disbursement upon 10300012.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 his or her order, and (iii) have the duties and powers that may be prescribed by law. SCHEDULE A Comptroller shall not be elected in 2026 and thereafter. This Constitutional Amendment otherwise takes effect upon the conclusion of the term of the Comptroller elected in 2012. This has been the First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #8."
"House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #9, offered by Representative Tipsword. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article I of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 22 as follows: ARTICLE I BILL OF RIGHTS SECTION 22. RIGHT TO ARMS Subject only to the police power, the right of the individual citizen to keep and bear arms and to carry firearms shall not be infringed. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This was First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #9." 10300012.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023
"First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #10, offered by Representative Wilhour. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend the Illinois Constitution in Article IV by adding Section 16 as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 16. REFERENDUM ON STATUTES (a) The referendum is the power of the electors to approve or reject statutes or parts of statutes, except urgency statutes, statutes calling elections, and statutes providing for tax levies or appropriations for usual current expenses of the State. (b) A referendum measure may be proposed by presenting to the Secretary of State, within 90 days after the enactment date of the statute, a petition certified to have been signed by electors equal in number to 5% of the votes for all candidates for Governor at the last gubernatorial election, asking that the statute or part of it be submitted to the electors. In the case of a statute enacted by a bill passed by the General Assembly on or before the date the General Assembly adjourns for a joint recess to reconvene in the second calendar year of the biennium of the legislative session, and in the possession of the Governor after that date, the petition may 10300012.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 not be presented on or after January 1 next following the enactment date unless a copy of the petition is submitted to the Attorney General. (c) The Secretary of State shall then submit the measure at the next general election held at least 31 days after it qualifies. (d) A referendum approved by a majority of votes cast thereon takes effect on the fifth day after the Secretary of State files the statement of the vote for the election at which the measure is voted on, but the measure may provide that it becomes operative after its effective date. If a referendum petition is filed against a part of a statute, the remainder of the statute shall not be delayed from going into effect. (e) If provisions of two or more measures approved at the same election conflict, the provisions of the measure receiving the highest number of affirmative votes shall prevail. (f) The General Assembly may amend or repeal a referendum statute. (g) Before circulation of a referendum petition for signatures, a copy shall be submitted to the Attorney General who shall prepare a title and summary of the measure as provided by law. (h) The General Assembly shall provide for the manner in which a petition shall be circulated, presented, and certified, and the manner in which a measure shall be submitted to the electors. SCHEDULE 10300012.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been the First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #10."
"Introduction in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #11, offered by Representative Severin. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 9 of Article IV and Section 1 of Article IX of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 9. VETO PROCEDURE (a) Every bill passed by the General Assembly shall be presented to the Governor within 30 calendar days after its passage. The foregoing requirement shall be judicially enforceable. If the Governor approves the bill, he shall sign it and it shall become law. (b) If the Governor does not approve the bill, he shall veto it by returning it with his objections to the house in which it originated. Any bill not so returned by the Governor within 60 calendar days after it is presented to him shall become law. If recess or adjournment of the General Assembly prevents 10300012.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 the return of a bill, the bill and the Governor's objections shall be filed with the Secretary of State within such 60 calendar days. The Secretary of State shall return the bill and objections to the originating house promptly upon the next meeting of the same General Assembly at which the bill can be considered. (c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c-5), the house to which a bill is returned shall immediately enter the Governor's objections upon its journal. If within 15 calendar days after such entry that house by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected passes the bill, it shall be delivered immediately to the second house. If within 15 calendar days after such delivery the second house by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected passes the bill, it shall become law. (c-5) The house to which a bill that increases the rate of an existing tax or imposes a new tax is returned shall immediately enter the Governor's objections upon its journal. If within 15 calendar days after such entry that house by a record vote of two-thirds of the members elected passes the bill, it shall be delivered immediately to the second house. If within 15 calendar days after such delivery the second house by a record vote of two-thirds of the members elected passes the bill, it shall become law. (d) The Governor may reduce or veto any item of appropriations in a bill presented to him. Portions of a bill not reduced or vetoed shall become law. An item vetoed shall be returned to the house in which it originated and may become law in the same manner as a vetoed bill. An item reduced in amount shall 10300012.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 be returned to the house in which it originated and may be restored to its original amount in the same manner as a vetoed bill except that the required record vote shall be a majority of the members elected to each house. If a reduced item is not so restored, it shall become law in the reduced amount. (e) The Governor may return a bill together with specific recommendations for change to the house in which it originated. The bill shall be considered in the same manner as a vetoed bill but the specific recommendations may be accepted by a record vote of a majority of the members elected to each house. Such bill shall be presented again to the Governor and if he certifies that such acceptance conforms to his specific recommendations, the bill shall become law. If he does not so certify, he shall return it as a vetoed bill to the house in which it originated. ARTICLE IX REVENUE SECTION 1. STATE REVENUE POWER (a) The General Assembly has the exclusive power to raise revenue by law except as limited or otherwise provided in this Constitution. The power of taxation shall not be surrendered, suspended, or contracted away. (b) The General Assembly may increase the rate of an existing tax or impose a new tax only by a law approved by the vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois 10300012.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 Constitutional Amendment Act. This was First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #11."
"First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #12, offered by Representative Egofske. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 2 of Article VIII of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE VIII FINANCE SECTION 2. STATE FINANCE (a) The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly, at a time prescribed by law, a State budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The budget shall set forth the estimated balance of funds available for appropriation at the beginning of the fiscal year, the estimated receipts, and a plan for expenditures and obligations during the fiscal year of every department, authority, public corporation and quasi-public corporation of the State, every State college and university, and every other public agency created by the State, but not of units of local government or school districts. The budget shall also set forth the indebtedness and contingent liabilities of the State and such other information as may be required by law. Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds 10300012.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the budget. (b) The General Assembly shall pass a balanced budget that is based on funds estimated to be available by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or its successor agency, and that makes appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or its successor agency, to be available during that year. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #12."
"Introduction and First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #13, offered by Representative Windhorst. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article IV of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 5 as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 5. SESSIONS 10300012.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 (a) The General Assembly shall convene each year on the second Wednesday of January. The General Assembly shall be a continuous body during the term for which members of the House of Representatives are elected. (b) The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. (c) Sessions of each house of the General Assembly and meetings of committees, joint committees and legislative commissions shall be open to the public. Sessions and committee meetings of a house may be closed to the public if two-thirds of the members elected to that house determine that the public interest so requires; and meetings of joint committees and legislative commissions may be so closed if two-thirds of the members elected to each house so determine. (d) Except for special sessions, any session days on the date of a general election through the term of the then-current General Assembly must be limited to consideration of pending vetoes, appropriations, and emergency actions. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This was First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #13. There 10300012.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/22/2023 being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300012.docx 37