"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led today by Syed E. Ahmad, a civic and faith leader from the Muslim Civic Coalition and the Islamic Center of Peoria, Illinois. Syed is the guest of Rep. Mussman. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off your cell phones, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Ahmad."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. As the introduction stated, I am Syed Ahmad. I am from the City of Peoria. Just a little bit of background about my connections to Peoria. There's a saying that my dad used to say, 'You are from the soil where your ancestors are buried and your children are born.' I can tell you my dad, who recently passed away, is buried in Peoria, forever a Peorian. And my children are born in Peoria. So, I am a Peorian, and I'm from Illinois, and proud to be one. Thank you. So, today is the first day of Ramadan for our Muslims here in Illinois and across the world. Ramadan is specifically a month of fasting and a month of additional worship for the Muslim faith. Illinois, as some of you may know or may not know, has the largest per capita Muslim population in the entire United States. The invocation that I'm about to give necessitates the asking of help and assistance from a higher power. As a Muslim, I can only worship and invoke one God, and none besides Him, the God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed. Peace and blessings be upon each of them. We believe guidance is only through Him and ask that he guide this House and the people of this state. We begin. With the name of God, the most merciful, the most rewarding. Praise and thanks to the Lord, the king of the 10300026.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 universe, the most merciful and the most beneficent, the king of the day of consequences. You are who we worship and serve, and only you it is that we ask for help. So, guide us to the straight path, the path of the ones that you have blessed and not those that you have anger with or those that are astray. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Weaver." Weaver – 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."
Speaker Manley: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel's recognized to report any absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Jones, Olickal, Evans, and Meyers-Martin are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. All Republicans are present today to conduct the business of the people."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 112 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. The Chair recognizes Representative Miller. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank… thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege?"
"Please proceed." 10300026.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Today, I want to rise and recognize a… my aunt and uncle, Linda and Jim Taber from Oakland, Illinois. They're up here in the gallery today. They've been… my Uncle Jim is a… is a Navy veteran from the Vietnam era. And I know that they are… part of their mission… they're on a mission today, and they're representing the Oakland VFW Post 3637. And they are serving on a committee to acquire and dedicate a monument that's going to be displayed on the town square in Oakland that would recognize 147 Vietnam veterans from our area. And that's going to be unveiled on… on May the 27th. And the second thing is that we've been on a mission to honor those Vietnam veterans that served and give them the honor that's due them. And today I rise to… to read House Resolution 118, and it is to honor the… the service of Donnie Joe Clough. So, WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the members of the Illinois House of Representatives remember the many sacrifices and contributions to the cause of freedom made by the outstanding men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, Private First Class Donnie Joe Clough of Hindsboro was born to Joseph and Pearl Tate Clough in Tuscola on July 27, 1949; and WHEREAS, PFC Clough volunteered to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps in July of 1968; he was sent overseas on January 27, 1969, serving as a rifleman in the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine, F Company; and WHEREAS, PFC Clough was killed while on duty in the Quang Nam Providence in Vietnam on September 9, 1969; and 10300026.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 WHEREAS, PFC Clough was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Service Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, PFC Clough was survived by his parents; his brothers, Clyde Russel, Doyle Wayne, Alvin Layel, and Bruce Dean; and his sisters, Virginia Taylor, Carol Layton, Debra Louise, Linda Sue, and Pamela Kay; and WHEREAS, PFC Clough's name has been immortalized on Panel WI8, Line 61 of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C.; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the ultimate sacrifice Private First Class Donnie Joe Clough made for this county and honor his memory; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of PFC Clough as a symbol of our deepest sympathy, respect, and esteem. Thank you very much."
"Chair recognizes Leader Hammond. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on a point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"I'd like to introduce you to my page for the day. This is Gianna J. Bellini. Gianna lives here in Springfield with her parents, Shannon and Nick Bellini, and her older brother Seiger. Gianna is a first grader at Lindsay Elementary School, and she will be celebrating her seventh birthday next week on 10300026.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 March 28. Gianna loves dance, tumbling, and arts and crafts, and she's looking forward to becoming a big sister later this year. Please join me in welcoming Gianna. Her mom, Shannon, is up in the gallery. And as always, her dad, Nick, is here beside us. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield, Gianna. Chair recognizes Representative Weaver. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of… point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Today, for women's history spotlight, I want to start by saying I was reminded by Representative Will Davis, who reminded us that history isn't always things that have already happened. History is being made every single day. So, with that in mind, for today's history spotlight, I'd like to tell the story of a very special lady. In 2019, she got this crazy idea in her head that she was going to start this organization, a women's collective giving organization in Peoria, Illinois, where she was going to get women together to pool their money, a thousand dollars apiece, a hundred women, and come up with ideas for who they could give grants to. Everybody getting one vote for who they decided for the best grant to be. This very special lady happens to be with us here today. Some of us even get to call her mom. Mom, would you mind standing and waving so everybody knows who they have to deal with when they don't vote for my Bills? In the spring of 2019, she got this idea. In the summer of 2019, she started working on it. And in the fall of 2019, I remember having a conversation at 10300026.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 our kitchen dinner table that went something like, 'Why did I take this on? Why did I think I could do this? This is so much work. Is it even worth it?' But she persevered because she believed in the cause. Many hands make light work. As John Maxwell would say, 'Team work makes the dream work.' Today, she has several members of her team with her here today. Beth Clark, who is her marketing chair. Kristin Zika, who's the chair of grants. Amy Stoller, who is the secretary. Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my Aunt Shelley and so many others who worked with her along the way. Please give a round of applause for these great ladies."
"Welcome to Springfield. Will you let… will you turn back on his microphone, please?"
"This awesome team stuck it out, dreaming, doubting, praying, working, and questioning whether… whether or not it was all going to be worth. Well, let me spoil the ending for you. It was. They set a stretch goal of a hundred women for $100 thousand. In 2020, 130 women gave one grant away for $130 thousand. In 2021, 180 women gave 2 grants away for $206 thousand. In 2022, 235 women gave 3 grants away for $260 thousand. And this year, in 2023 on June 6, they'll be voting on the 4 organizations that they want to give $329 thousand to. Some of these women come from means. Many of these women have never given a thousand dollars to an organization like this before. Most of them give this money as a sacrifice, and all of them give this out of the kindness of their heart for the betterment of their community. So, Ladies and Gentlemen of the chamber, if you'll indulge me, in repeating after me the slogan for Impact Central Illinois, 'If you can choose to 10300026.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 be anything, choose to be kind. Together, we are better.' Thank you very much. And thank you very much to the ladies of Impact Central Illinois for making history in the present."
"Chair recognizes Leader… Representative Costa Howard."
"Well, thank you, Representative. I kind of wanted to go with the same type of theme today because we as women here in this chamber and across this great state are making history each and every day. But I'd like to talk about some history making women from DuPage County. This year we have the first black woman who is seated as a circuit judge in DuPage County. Her name is Judge Chantelle Porter. We also elected the first two Asian women to our DuPage County Board, Lucy Chang Evans and Yeena Yoo. But I would also like to talk about someone who's very special to all of us, our former colleague Deb Conroy. She is the first woman ever to chair Dupage County Board and the first Democrat to hold that position in over 75 years. I'm proud to call her a colleague and… but more proud to be her friend. But even as we acknowledge Deb's special place in history, I think it’s important to remember that, again, all of us here today are making history. Because making history isn't just about being the first to do something. Every day we write that history right here in this chamber. We're making history by standing up for the women we represent and by bringing our personal histories and our perspective to the work that we do. So, I'm proud to celebrate Women's History Month and sharing what we know about Deb, but maybe a few things sometimes we don't. She served in the House from 2012 until 2022. And while she 10300026.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 was here, she made history as the cofounder… as one of the cofounders of the House Democratic Women's Caucus and the first chair of the Mental Health & Addiction Committee. She is the mother of… of boys, and with that comes her tenacity and her ability to roll with it sometimes. The things that she did here in this chamber, but more importantly as well back in DuPage County, are things that not only do we hope to emulate and replicate but we don't forget what that means to all of us here. And so, her record in the chamber is a reminder to all of us. And if we want to see women's history take a moment. Most likely, at least over here, look to the person sitting to the right, to the left, in front of you, and backward 'cause they happen to be women. Go team."
"Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1375 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 House Bill 3147. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2076, Floor Amendment(s) 4 to House Bill 2214, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3284, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3571, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3699, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3716, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3955. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports 10300026.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1571, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2220, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3409. The Chairperson from the Committee on Police & Fire reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1595, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1740, Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 2372, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3405, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3588, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3751. Representative Stava-Murray, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Health reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1526, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1540, Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 2526. Representative Guzzardi, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2563 (sic–2562) and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2727. Representative Yednock, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 925. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on the Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 277, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2045, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2045, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2245, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2347, 10300026.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2767, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2890, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3253, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3322, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3373, and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3373. Representative Costa Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1293. Representative Cassidy, Chairperson from the Committee on Restorative Justice reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3055, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3140, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3345. Representative Jawaharial Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Prescription Drug Affordability reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3639 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3957. Representative Walker, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2368, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2817. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2317, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2500, Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 2500, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3557. Representative Collins, Chairperson from the 10300026.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2118, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2719, and House Resolution 74, and House Resolution 78. Representative Meyers-Martin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1527, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2086, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2121, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3236. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 559, Floor Amendment(s) 4 to House Bill 559, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2102, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2274, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2365, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2550, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2756, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2948. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1110, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2246. Representative Scherer, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 296, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2471, Floor 10300026.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3402, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3600, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3690, Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 3713, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3776. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2828 and Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 3158. Representative Delgado, Chairperson from the Committee on Immigration & Human Rights reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 5 to House Bill 1020 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2818. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3708. Representative Evans, Chairperson from the Committee on Labor & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1604, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1615, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2068, Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 2547, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3129, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3131, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3295, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3400. Representative Croke, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions & Licensing reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1519, and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1519, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to 10300026.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 House Bill 3296, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3479. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on March 23, '23: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 217, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1920, and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2502. Representative Stuart, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1378 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3740. Representative Tarver, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 475, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1283, Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 3337. Representative Moylan, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges reports… reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3722 and House Resolution 4. Representative Gonzalez, Chairperson from the Committee on Economic Opportunity & Equity reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3720 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3894. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3521, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3631, and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3809." 10300026.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Members, we're going to be starting on page 22, House Bills on Third Reading. Please be in your chairs when your Bill's coming up. If you're not in your chair, make sure that I see you, or I'm going to skip over you. Starting with House Bill 73, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 73, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. This Bill is the, as I said yesterday in committee, the shortest trailer Bill that I think I'm aware of. It is about a paragraph long, and all it does is seek to distinguish between an industry that we started to regulate last year, which is focused on loaning plaintiffs money. There was some concern that would catch consumer legal finance companies that loan to law firms and sophisticated businesses. It’s just to codify that it does not affect… that it's a different industry. So, I'm happy to answer any questions, and I would urge…"
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 73 pass?' All those 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 297, Representative Will Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 297, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Madam Chair, Members of the House. House Bill 297 is an effort… can be treated as a trailer Bill from when we allowed principals to collectively bargain last year. So, what was needed to clarify things was that they are also allowed the same protections that public employees are offered that are not allowed to strike. So, in this case, since principals are not allowed to strike, they also needed be able to collectively bargain and go through arbitration if they have disputes, things of that nature. So, this Bill just makes that clarification, that they have those same protections and can go through interest arbitration, if necessary, when there's a dispute, since they're not allowed to strike. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Just so I'm clear that… because I believe this Bill came up as… on a shell Bill about Tuesday. Is that when the Amendment was filed?" Davis, W.: "That is about correct."
"Okay. So, that way I fully understand what's going on. This primarily applies to principals or administrators in the Chicago Public Schools system?" Davis, W.: "Based on… I think it was House Bill 5701 that we passed last year, yes." 10300026.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And it sets up a meditation process, then arbitration, and then that arbitrator's decision will be taken to the board. Is that correct, to the school board?" Davis, W.: "Taken to the school board?"
"And then if the school board does not agree with the decision, it goes back to the arbitrator. Is that correct, for binding arbitration?" Davis, W.: "Well, if you talk… I guess if you're talking about process…"
"Yes." Davis, W.: "…then that could be the process. I'm… I'm not sure if that is necessarily the process. I just know what you're trying to do is to make sure that they have the same path to deal with disputes that other organizations or entities that cannot strike have. We're just trying to make sure they have the path. So, if you're describing to me the path, then I would say yes."
"Well, I believe I am. I just want to make… make sure that I have it correct 'cause, again, this Bill just popped up Tuesday. So, I want to make sure I've got it correct." Davis, W.: "I'm… I'm told that is correct."
"All right. So, ultimately, if the school district, or the school board rather, does not agree with the arbitrator's initial decision, it goes back to the arbitrator with their concerns. But that ultimate decision would be the arbitrators to bind?" Davis, W.: "I believe that is… I believe that is correct."
"All right. Thank you." Davis, W.: "Thank you." 10300026.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Chair recognizes Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Madam Speaker, sorry. Representative Davis, just for further clarification for people on our side… because I'm looking at our analysis, and it appears to have more information from the shell Bill than anything in it. This is a Bill we discussed in Labor just a couple of days ago, correct?" Davis, W.: "Yes, it is."
"Okay. And basically it… Representative Windhorst… or Floor Leader Windhorst just went through all the details of it. It's… it's putting in additional… how should we say it… rights, laws, abilities, whatever to guide how principals deal with the Chicago Public Schools system, correct?" Davis, W.: "Well, in this instance, they're not allowed to strike. How they interact in the school system when they have disputes and how those disputes are settled."
"Okay. And Chicago Public Schools is opposed to this?" Davis, W.: "I believe they are."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Davis to close." Davis, W.: "I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 297 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 71 voting in 'favor', 40 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a 10300026.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 439, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 439, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Collins."
"Thank you. House Bill 439 creates a new Act, the Illinois Youth in Care Timely Provision of Essential (sic- Care) Act. It just requires DCFS to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to quality in-state residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, and specialized foster… foster care for youth in care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 439 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting's 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 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 779, Leader Smith. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 779, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Smith."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 779, Floor Amendment 1 is a gut and replace Amendment that authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to enter into a public- private partnership to redevelop and operate the historic 10300026.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Hotel Florence in the Pullman Historic District in Chicago. Currently, these private partnerships are not authorized for DNR, and this Bill will give them authorization. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 779 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 878, Representative Mason. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 878, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mason."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill expands safety for our first responders. It allows fire… fire stations with exits onto major roads within a thousand feet to place a specialized traffic signal. It's great for our first responders and for people and traffic in general, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall 878 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1015, Leader Flowers. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 1015, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Flowers."
"Thank you, Madam Chairman and Members of the… I'm sorry. Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1015 clarifies Section 2-702 of the Code of Civil Procedures, which pertains to the certificate of innocence. Section 2-702 is titled 'Petition for a certificate of innocence that the petitioner was innocent of all offenses for which he or she was incarcerated for.' And once again, that's Section 735 ILCS 5/2-702. You got that? Okay, all right. So… but Subsection (d) and (g)(3) of that particular Section 2-702 currently states that a petitioner must prove that they are innocent of all alleged offenses, including in the indictment, regardless of whether they were actually prosecuted for those charges. I don't know how you do that, but that's what they said. So, the courts have ruled that a title cannot override the plain language of the statute. So, House Bill 1015, as amended… House Bill 1015 amends those section to clarify that a petitioner only need to prove that they are innocent of the charges for which they were convicted for. Only for what they were convicted for. The Amendment would also… shall apply retroactively to any petition that was filed on or after September 22 of 2008. Now that being said, I'll just read Section (d). 'The petition shall state facts in sufficient detail to permit the court to find that the petitioner is likely to succeed at trial in proving that the petitioner is innocent of the alleged offense for which she or he was convicted…' was convicted… 'charged in the indictment or information… of his or her acts or 10300026.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 omissions for which he or she was convicted… charged in the indictment or information… did not constitute a felony or misdemeanor against the State of Illinois, and the petitioner did not by his or own conduct voluntarily cause or bring about his or her conviction. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner.' Section (g), 'In order to obtain a certificate of innocence the petitioner must prove by preponderance of evidence that'… number 3 says 'the petitioner is innocent of the alleged offenses for which he or she was convicted… charged in the indictment or information… or his or her acts of omissions for which he or she was convicted… charged in the indictment or information… did not constitute a felony misdemeanor against the State.' With that being said, I would appreciate your 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Thank you. This came through the Judiciary – Criminal Committee unanimously, it passed through?"
"Yes."
"And what it does is instead of someone seeking a certificate of innocence having to prove their innocence on all the charges that may have been dismissed, they only have to prove it for those which they were convicted?"
"Yes, but the certificate of innocence has been out here for a while. But for some reason, as it was stated, that the title said one thing…"
"Right." 10300026.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…and then the language says something totally different. So, the courts said, okay, Legislators, fix this mess."
"Right."
"And so, that's exactly what we're trying to do. We are making sure that the title petition for a certificate of innocence, that the petitioner was innocent for what he was convicted for, not the alleged charges because he was not convicted of those alleged charges. He was only convicted of what he was convicted for, and that's what he won his certificate of innocence for. And this is retroactive to all the petitioners who are in entitled to their certificate of innocence that we passed back in 2008 but they were denied because of the other allegations."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"I would encourage a 'yes' vote."
"The question is… Leader Flowers to close."
"I would appreciate an 'aye' vote for the innocence. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1015 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1049, Representative Mayfield. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 1049, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mayfield."
"Thank you so much. This Bill would basically remove breed discrimination in insurance practices. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Leader Keicher."
"I just wanted to say, Representative, thank you for working with industry advocates in getting a Bill that could be an agreed Bill and works with all parties involved. Thank you very much."
"Representative Mayfield to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1049 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 81 voting in 'favor', 31 voting 'opposed', no one voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1067, Representative Mayfield. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1067, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mayfield."
"Thank you so much. This Bill is an initiative of Lake County… of Lake County. And basically what we are doing here, we are asking for parity between county… Lake County and our current municipalities, where we are doing a nationwide 10300026.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 search to fill vacancies. But if we cannot find anybody, then we're able to hire from within. This Bill is an agreed Bill with the engineers. They signed off on it. And to my… there is no opposition. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1067 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Representative Tarver. For what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Madam Speaker, I just need to correct the record. For 1049, Mayfield's Bill, I meant to vote 'yes'."
"The record will reflect your… House Bill… House Bill 1076, Representative Yednock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please put House Bill 1076 back on Second Reading. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1076, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill has been read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Yednock."
"Representative Yednock on the Amendment."
"I ask that you adopt House Floor Amendment 1, and I'll explain it on Third Reading."
"Representative Yednock moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1076. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 10300026.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk, any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1076, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Yednock."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. HB1076 permits a county to lease farmland held by the county for a term of five years with a vote of the three-quarters majority. I ask for a favorable vote."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Representative Yednock, we had had some discussions about this Bill, and there was an Amendment that changed some of the terms, expressed some things that some on our side had come to you with. I know not everything has been agreed to. But those two changes were reducing the length of time for the leases… the maximum length… length of time. What is the maximum now with the Amendment?"
"It… with the Amendment, it would be five years."
"And also, was there a change in the vote threshold needed to approve the lease?"
"Yes. In order to comply with the statute that it's referring to, it's a three-quarter majority board vote versus a simple majority."
"Has the Farm Bureau expressed an opinion on the Bill?"
"Yes, they have come out in support." 10300026.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"You said they were in support of the Bill?"
"Yes, they're supportive of the Bill."
"Thank you. I appreciate you making those changes."
"Chair recognizes Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. And to the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, this deals with a…"
"To the Bill."
"…this deals with local issue in my county and a few other counties. I'd asked for about a half a dozen things be added to the language, like Leader Windhorst touched on. A couple of those things got added on. But this is a complex subject, deals with how county assets are used in relationship to the Constitution in Article VII, Section 1. This issue has been resolved locally and really doesn't require the action of this… of this Bill. If this Bill was to be signed into law, the… it would be a violation in the Constitution in many's viewpoint. To that point, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"I was questioning the leasing of the property for 99 years. Is… can you explain that?"
"Yeah. In the statute itself, when a county leases other property, that's 99 years. However, this is about farmland, leasing the farmland to a… to a farmer or private citizen to do this. That's why I want to bring it down to 5 years, instead of 99. I didn't think that was appropriate." 10300026.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Well… so, I guess… you know, to the Bill. You know, I've seen this…"
"To the Bill."
"…you know, as a county board member and in other positions. I've seen this awful… oftentimes. We have property that is not being used. And rather than counties or anyone else putting it back on the tax rolls, they're trying to act as if they're a business and leasing this out to private, for-profit individuals. So, I will not be supporting."
"Chair recognizes Representative Tarver."
"Representative Yednock, I want to just make sure I understand a couple of things because there was a mention about constitutionality. You did provide to the committee an opinion by the Attorney General's Office on this issue. Is that correct?"
"That… that is correct."
"Okay. And to the best of your knowledge on what you represented to the committee, there has not been an Illinois Supreme Court case, a Circuit Court case, or Appellate Court case that has said that this action is unconstitutional. Is that correct?"
"You're correct, Sir."
"Okay. I just wanted to make sure. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Yednock to close."
"I ask for a favorable vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1076 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 10300026.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 93 voting in 'favor', 18 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1119, Representative Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1119, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill pertains to the board of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Right now, that board contains 19 ex officio members from law enforcement and from a variety of agencies across the state, as well as 6 members of the general public to be appointed by the Governor. This Bill would simply stipulate that three of those six members are to be formerly incarcerated individuals. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. So, what does the ICJIA board do?"
"ICJIA governs a variety of measures pertaining to criminal justice in the State of Illinois. The… the board approves, for instance, grant making to various organizations in the community that… that interact with the criminal justice… criminal legal system. So, we believe it's important for folks who have lived experience in the criminal legal system to be able to bring that input into the decision making of the board. 10300026.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And there are currently six at-large appointments by the Governor. Is that correct?"
"That's correct, yes."
"And this takes three of those six and requires that they be formerly incarcerated persons?"
"That's correct, yes."
"All right. Has the Governor's Office expressed an opinion on this Bill, one way or the other?"
"The… excuse me. The authority, ICJIA, I've spoken with them extensively about this Bill. They're very much in support of the concept, and they're already thinking about candidates they might want to submit for appointment."
"To the Bill. I believe taking…"
"To the Bill."
"Thank you. I believe taking only six at-large members and making half of those formerly incarcerated persons is overrepresenting that population as it exists in the population as a whole. So, I would encourage a 'no' vote."
"Representative Guzzardi to close."
"I conversely would encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1119 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 70 voting in 'favor', 40… 40 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1120, Representative Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 1120, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1120 would simply require that charter school operators in the State of Illinois include in their charter agreement with the state a union neutrality clause. That clause would require that management not interfere with the organizing of unions at the school and that the card check elections be allowed. These measures are already provided for, for public teachers at traditional public schools in Section 7 and Section 14 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. And because these charter schools are funded overwhelmingly with public dollars, we believe that they should have the same protections. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Guzzardi, I want to make sure… well, we already spoke. I told you I had a couple questions. I want to make sure I understand this. I think you characterized it as though the charter organizations are not allowed to interfere. Was that correct?"
"That's correct. It says 'the school will not threaten, intimidate, discriminate against, retaliate against, or take any adverse action against an employee on the basis of their decision to support or oppose union representation.'"
"Right. And I appreciate that, but I'm actually looking at… it's right before that. The part that's been excluded, 10300026.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 which is, 'will not at any time express a position.' Do you see that language?"
"I do."
"Can you tell me a little bit, just maybe from your analysis, how that doesn't… is not an inclusion of free speech?"
"Yes. I believe that as… as exists in the public Educational Labor Relations Act already for employees of public schools. The… the purpose of this provision is such that management not take a position and that the employees themselves be able to decide amongst themselves whether or not to form a union. And these kinds of provisions exist across state and other state statutes requiring labor neutrality in various agreements."
"And… and I want to make sure that I'm… I'm being clear 'cause this is for legislative intent. I… I think what you just said was take a position, which I think… I understand what that means. This says 'at any time express a position.' And so, I guess the question becomes, is anybody else held to this standard? Is the teachers' union who wants to organize held to this standard? I would imagine the answer's no 'cause they would want to organize, correct?"
"So, there are, in the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act 115 ILCS 5/14, Section 14 of that Act, it… there's a list right here of 12 discreet actions that employers may not take in order to impede the organizing of their employees. So, those are the same kinds of protections we're trying to provide to charter public schools that receive taxpayer funding." 10300026.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"So, does this Bill list those 12 things, just copy and paste it and say, hey, charter schools, you're subject to the same thing?"
"It does not. It's a shorter list of criteria."
"And is one of those things in the 12? And I appreciate you giving me the citation. Is one of those things that in other schools that the school itself, or however you want to characterize it, cannot express an opinion?"
"I'm…"
"Or position? Excuse me."
"I'm scanning here the IERLA and not sure if the word express is in that Act. But I will say that…"
"If you give me the citation again, I'll do a Ctrl+F and see if we… if we find it."
"That would be wonderful, and I would appreciate your help in that effort. But I would just simply say that it's my view that employers, management expressing positions about labor organizing is on its face coercive. And I believe that in public… various other public settings we require that union… that employees be allowed to organize freely, without coercion from management. And that's the same kind of standard we're trying to bring here."
"But isn't the presumption that management will be against organizing? What if management wanted to express this is a great idea?"
"They… they may not do that in this Bill either."
"Yeah, I mean, the likelihood of that is probably less likely. Let me… let me just go to the Bill because, like I 10300026.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 said, I just wanted to make sure we had information for the legislative record."
"To the Bill."
"Certainly, I'm not anti-individuals organizing. I think that's an important thing, and I'm happy that we have the freedom to do that. My concern is one of preemption. I think this is an issue that's already been decided at the Supreme Court level and the National Labor Relations Board on down. I also think that, you know, we got to be careful about restricting the speech of solely the employer but allowing labor organizations and/or individuals to have conversations in that same exact space. So, I appreciate the opportunity to… to get this on the record, Representative Guzzardi, and good luck with your Bill."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Representative Guzzardi, there is a Federal Law that impacts this area. Isn't that correct?"
"Yes."
"In fact, there is an argument that this is preempted by Federal Law."
"I would say that that… there may be an argument that that's the case, but I don't hold that position.
"So, yesterday…"
"I don't think it’s a settled matter of law by any question. I think that…"
"Thank you." 10300026.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…the opponents of this Bill have made that case. Yes, that's true."
"Yes, Sir. Yesterday, we had a Bill, HB2907, dealing with state causes of action for issues relating to strikes or… or labor disputes. And the argument made, and I believe supported by your side of the aisle, was this is covered by Federal Law. We don't need the State Law to be engaged in this area. So, why does that argument not apply to this, where the Federal Law is already engaged in this area?"
"I… I don't believe that Federal Law is… well, I… I can't speak to arguments that were made yesterday about that Bill. It wasn't my Bill, and I'm not as well-versed in the legal arguments pertaining to that Bill as I am about this one. But I would say that in this instance I believe the state is well within its rights to… to legislate in this area."
"Of course, to me it looks like when the policy choice supports, from your side, supports allowing the Federal Government to have sole reign, that's the choice you make. When the policy choice doesn't support allowing the Federal Government to have sole reign, that's the choice you make. So, it's more a policy choice on your side, rather than whether it's federal preemption or not. And so, I know that sometimes applies on both sides of the aisle. I'm just pointing out that that exists here. The Bill talks about charter schools being either required or prohibited from taking certain actions. Who is governed by that requirement when it says charter school? Is this just the administration and a certain person in the administration? It's not specific, at least as I can tell on the Bill." 10300026.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Yeah, the… the Bill proposes to add a requirement in the charter school's contract with the state that they adopt a union neutrality agreement. So, in order for them to have their charter with the state renewed, this agreement would need to be in the… in the agreement itself."
"But who is specifically prohibited from engaging in the conduct, such as either expressing support or not supporting unionization?"
"That…"
"Who's prohibited from doing that?"
"The management of the school."
"So, that would apply to administrators, principals, those… would that… would you consider…"
"Management, yes. Management can't coerce their employees."
"So, this would specifically prohibit speech by school administrators in charter schools?"
"This would ensure that charter school employees who seek to organize are not interfered with in that effort by management."
"But it impacts their speech, what they say."
"I will only reiterate that the Bill before us would simply allow union members… allow prospective union members to organize without interference from management."
"Is the Bill specific as to what subject areas are off limits when referencing 'discussions related to unionization'?"
"Yes."
"And would you expound upon that?" 10300026.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"I can read you from the Bill, 'the charter school will not at any time express a position on the matter of whether its employees will be unionized and such that the charter will not threaten, intimidate, discriminate against, retaliate against, or take any adverse action against any employees based on their decision to support or opposed union representation.'"
"So, discussions related to unionization, your intent would be discussions relating to salary, school day hours, class size, vacation time, supportive staff positions, would all those be included in discussions related to unionization?"
"No. Those would be subject to collective bargaining, should the teachers unionize. And those subjects are obviously one… all parties in a collective bargaining may express their position on those subjects. That's the nature of negotiation."
"But no opinion can be expressed from management about…"
"About whether or not to form the union, not about what the union may or may not be negotiating over in the future."
"…or how unionization would impact those things?"
"Well, that's correct. You know, what we've seen over and over again in this space is that charter school operators have used taxpayer dollars, our dollars, friends, to hire coercive consulting firms and have mandatory all-staff meetings where they sit all their employees down and say for the next two hours, you're going to hear about how terrible unions are. And if you leave, you're punished. So, that is 10300026.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 the kind of activity that we believe should not be permissible. And it's well documented that charter school operators have engaged in that kind of activity and considerately more egregious activity. In fact, one of the most so-called prestigious charter schools in Chicago, Urban Prep, was recently cited for a $250 thousand fine by the National Labor Relations Board for firing members after they choose to join a union. So, this kind of behavior, anti- union, union-busting behavior, is happening at charter schools right now, and it's being funded by taxpayer dollars. And I don't believe that that should be the position of the people of the State of Illinois. If folks disagree with me, by all means vote 'no'."
"And just a couple points, then I'll… I'll wrap up. So, we're clear, the… the Bill would prevent charter school administrators from discussing unionization with teachers prior to that unionization?"
"It would permit them from taking a position on the question of union representation while the teachers are attempting to organize, yes."
"Prior… prior to organization or unionization?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"And the Bill is also specific as to the content that charter schools are prohibited from discussing with their teachers. In this case, unionization and the benefits or lack of benefits of that decision?"
"Yeah… I'm going to, actually just for a moment, Leader Windhorst, read to you from the Illinois Education Labor Relations Act, which governs this as it currently stands 10300026.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 between public school employees and their employers. Which says that 'Educational employees, their… employers, their agents or representatives are prohibited from interfering, restraining, coercing employees, dominating or interfering with the formation, existence, or administration of employee organizations discriminating in regard to hiring.' There's a long list of factors here. But these kinds of restrictions around how management can behave towards their teachers who are seeking to union… to unionize, excuse me, already exists in our Illinois Education Labor Relations Act. And we're simply seeking to extend similar provisions to teachers at charter schools."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I think we've outlined some of the concerns from our…"
"To the Bill."
"…some of the concerns from our side on some fairly serious constitutional issues. So, I will not be supporting the Bill. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Obviously, we have one union here that's upset about not being able to unionize some locations. And I… I understand there… there may just dismay, but there may also be a point of maybe these teachers not wanting to be part of this particular union. And to slant the playing field and change the rules just so this union can automatically get in to wherever they want and unionize because now we're going to take the right of way from management, which exists under 10300026.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Federal Law apparently, to make their cases to why it's best not to unionize. We're going to take that away and say, no, only one side gets to express any opinion, any facts, any… and share any information when they're trying to unionize. It's already been mentioned we have Federal Laws covering this. As Representative Guzzardi himself pointed out, there are fines that have been put in place when infractions happen, there are things that can be done, and schools can be brought in line if they're violating Federal Law. There is no need to put this law in place to try and silence one side. Because as he also pointed out, it's one of the most prestigious schools in the city that allegedly did this. Which means, more importantly than anything we're discussing right here today, that the kids are learning, and the school appears to be doing a good job, and they're receiving a good education. So, if that's the case, why don't we let the people who are employed there, even if they're having… if they're going to meetings and being told the side of what management thinks. It's obvious it doesn’t always work because quite a few of these charter schools in the city, in the city itself, are already unionized. It just isn't working at all of them. And the union only wants to present one side. So, let's do what's working for the kids and leave that in place. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Guzzardi to close."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thanks for the spirited debate. The previous speaker referred to a specific union. I'm not sure who he was talking about. It might have been the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, who's vocal proponents of this Bill. It might have been the Illinois 10300026.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Education Association or the Illinois Federation of Teachers, who are vocal proponents of this Bill. It might have been the Illinois AFL-CIO, who are vocal proponents of this Bill. I will say that there are charter schools that have unionized teachers, and the sky has not fallen. They are continuing to operate as they have. Those teachers are organized with the Chicago Teachers Union in some case and with other unions in other cases. This is not a Bill to mandate that teachers… charter schools allow unions to form. It simply requires that charter school teachers get the same protections from harassment and discrimination that their public school teachers currently have, their counterparts in public schools currently have. I would urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1120 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 66 voting in 'favor', 42 voting 'opposed', 1 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1123, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1123, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1123 seeks to make our school report cards more transparent, more accurate, and more informative about the actual students that attend school in our communities. House Bill 1123 will actually give 10300026.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 dignity to our students who transition from high school into transition programs with their IEPs. It will include information that designates them for who they are and the needs that they have. It will require the report card to demonstrate or… excuse me, to show the percentage of students with disabilities and the progress they're making within their IEP toward their actual graduation rate. Many people, when they're buying homes in different communities, are looking at the graduation rates at their schools. And the reality is, the information on that school report card is not very accurate. It doesn't give our students the designations that they need and deserve and that dignity. I ask for an 'aye' vote, and here for any questions."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1123 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Jay C. Hoffman, House Bill 1133. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1133, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is an issue regarding community college boards, as well ensuring that a community college has the same right that elementary and secondary education institutions have in the ability to abate their working cash fund and use it for 10300026.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 the operations. It… it mirrors that what has been going on. And I believe over 700 high schools and grade schools throughout Illinois, it gives them the financial ability to move money so that they can meet the needs. In addition, it's very clear and takes any opposition. It says that each community college board of trustees will be able to determine whether the secretary's a member of the board or not, and that removes any opposition. I know of no opposition."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Leader, there were some issues, I believe, with the working cash fund and that provision in the law. The way I understood it, and if you could provide some clarification."
"Yes. The initial Bill apparently did not mirror what was in place for elementary and secondary. So, the Amendment, as we amended this, we made it basically mirror what has been in place for many, many years for elementary and secondary. Giving people the… the community colleges the ability to pay off some things prior to receiving their tax infusions."
"A concern that was expressed to me… and I want to make sure I have this correct. If a community college has a working cash fund and eliminates it, it can again create one without going to referendum under this Bill. Is that accurate to say?"
"It's the same as elementary and secondary education…"
"And that is accurate to say?"
"Yes, that is accurate. Yes." 10300026.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman to close."
"I ask for a favorable roll call. I know of no opposition."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1133 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 76 voting in 'favor', 35 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2233, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2233, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker Natalie A. Manley. House Bill 2233 is initiative of the school superintendent's organization. It simply indicates that they will be able to, without going out for bid, make a purchase. It raises the ability to purchase from 25 thousand to 35 thousand. That's what they Bill does after amended. I know of no opposition."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He will."
"Leader, the Amendment removed all opposition? Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman to close." 10300026.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"I ask for a favorable roll call."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2233 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 99 voting in 'favor', 11 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2878, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2878, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 2878 provides that when awarding contracts over $100 thousand for the abandoned mine land reclamation projects, preference will be given to bidders that, number one, provide proof that at least two current employees are former coal miners or commits to employing at least 2 former coal miners hired from a union hall within… within 60 days after the start of construction. I ask for a favorable roll call."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2878 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor', 5 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House 10300026.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Bill 1153, Representative Marron. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1153, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Marron."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 1153 is simply a provision that allows downstate counties that have lost population to retain their elected county auditor by lowering the population threshold from 75 thousand to 70 thousand. I know… know of no opposition, and I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1153 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting's 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 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1156, Representative Meier. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1156, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Meier."
"House Bill 1156 is an agreed Bill now. It talks about the ombudsmen program. And all this does is, besides putting the website on there on how to connect to the ombudsmen, it puts a 1-800 number for some of our elderly residents in the state that don't have computers yet. It's a good Bill… Bill, vote 'yes'. 10300026.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1156 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1166, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1166, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Didech."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1166 amends the Illinois Procurement Code and the Equal Pay Act of 2003 so that beginning January 1, 2025 all state contractors who are required to obtain an equal pay certificate must certify that they have obtained it prior to being awarded a state contract. The purpose of this Bill is to increase awareness of and improve compliance with our equal pay registration certificate requirements, which are intended to ensure that businesses in Illinois are not discriminating on the basis of gender, race, or ethnicity. Thank you for your consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you, Representative. Under current law, how… I'm sorry… what persons are required to obtain an equal pay registration certificate?" 10300026.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"It's businesses that employ over 100 employees. That's the same qualifications that are required for the submission of the related form to the E… federal EEOC. So, it's modeled after the businesses that are covered under the EEOC."
"And how often do… those that have to obtain these registration certificate, how often do they have to do that now before this Bill?"
"So, the equal pay certificates that we passed into law last year, they're required to renew it every two years. The first round, they're due in March of 2024. That's why we put this Bill to go into effect January 1, 2025, so it'll be after the deadline of everybody who's required to obtain the equal pay certificates."
"So, the two-year provision is currently in law. This is just delaying when that two-year provision starts?
"No, it doesn't delay when it starts. Right now, that two-year provision, every business in Illinois with over 100 employees are required to obtain the equal pay certificate. What the Bill does is ensures that state contractors, before they can be awarded the state contract, they have to certify that they actually obtained the equal pay certificates."
"Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Representative Elik."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"If a business does not have to file because they have under 100 employees, then they're still okay, correct?"
"Correct." 10300026.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Okay. So, there's no, you know, possibility that a small company would be, you know, disregarded from a procurement process because they haven’t filed it, if they were not required to?"
"Correct."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Didech to close."
"Thank you for your consideration. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1166 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 77 voting in 'favor', 35 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1186, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1186, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. HB1186 deals with the certificate of authority under the HMO Act and allows for patients enrolled in an HMO insurance policy to access in- network services and providers without actively obtaining a referral from the primary care physician. I know of no opposition to this Bill, and it passed out of committee unanimously." 10300026.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Question is, 'Shall House Bill 1186 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting's 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 111 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1187, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1187, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Happy to present House Bill 1187. This provides really critical reforms and expansion of a program that we already put in place last year, the Illinois Non-Profit Security Grant Program. Just yesterday in fact, we announced over 20 million dollars of grants going to nonprofit facilities and organizations throughout Illinois at a time where a lot of cultural and religious institutions are under attack, literally, and in fear of attacks and safety and security concerns. These 20 million dollars we just put out, as well hopefully another 20 million that the Governor put in his introduced budget, will make sure that institutions continue to have the safety and security that they need. I want to in particular thank a number of people, such as Jared Hoffman and the Jewish Federation have been working very hard on this Bill and a number of other organizations and coalitions to make sure our institutions are safe. I know of no opposition, and I urge an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1187 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1197, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1197, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1197 relieves disproportionate administrative and cost burdens on small nonprofit organizations in Illinois. By conforming audit and financial reporting requirements to national best practices and norms, it requires the threshold of a full annual audit for nonprofit organizations to increase from $300 thousand to $500 thousand. Unfortunately, Illinois has the most burdensome requirements in the nation, and House Bill 1197 will help remedy that. My freshman high school football coach, John Guth, is the Executive Director of Ken-Rock Community Center in Rockford. He told me that with the current threshold at 300 thousand, it has him paying over $21 thousand for an annual audit, which is almost 10 percent of his overall budget. This would be the first time we raised this threshold in 30 years. So, I would appreciate a favorable roll call. And I want to thank the sponsors who brought this Bill to my attention. And those sponsors are Forefront, Illinois 10300026.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Collaboration on Youth, Illinois Partners for Human Services, Arts Alliance of Illinois, and the Illinois CPA Society. Again, I would appreciate a favorable roll call."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1197 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1204, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1204, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. This should be as noncontroversial as they come. I know, I know, wait for it. But this is just to ensure that not only a person… not only a child in the household, but grandparents… I'm sorry. Let me… wait, let me make sure I'm reading this correctly. So, when we get sworn in, and we want to have our children or grandchildren and others attend, this just makes sure that it's known that it's an excused day from school and they're able to participate. That's all."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1204 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 1 10300026.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 voting 'present', 0 voting 'opposed'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1213, Representative Caulkins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1213, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a scholarship program for… under the Teach Illinois Scholarship Fund. We're allowing scholarships to be granted to individual teachers who agree to pursue a master's degree at a qualified institution in the state in order to teach dual credit courses at a secondary school. This master's degree is not designed for a master's in education, but rather to allow that teacher to pursue a specialty degree like math or science or a foreign language in order to teach these dual credit courses. We have also in this provision that the teacher must teach for at least five years. However, we put in an escape that if the school does not offer those dual credit courses, they won't have to pay back the scholarship. There's no opposition, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1213 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting's 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 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1236, Representative Vella. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. 10300026.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Clerk, would you please row this Bill back to Second Reading? Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1236, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 has been adopted. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Vella."
"Representative Vella on Amendment 2."
"Yes, all Amendment 2 does is add the modifier 'approved' to the word 'apprenticeship'. I'd ask to argue on Third."
"Representative Vella moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 1236. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk, any further Amendments?
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1236, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Vella."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. What this Bill does is it fixes a portion of the county competitive bidding statute to allow for an approved apprenticeship program to be part of the consideration to determine the lowest responsible bidder when bidding county contracts. It is a 'may' and not a 'shall'. I don't believe there is… there was no opposition in the witness slips after the Amendments, after first and second Amendment. I do believe there was some objections in committee."
"Chair recognizes Representative Halbrook." 10300026.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. And to the Bill. Just to address…"
"To the Bill."
"…the opposition that we had with the two 'no' votes, we were just concerned for our smaller counties and smaller contractors that it might be kind of a hindrance. And so, that was the reason for our 'no' votes. Again, just for the smaller counties and smaller contractors. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst. Out of the… Chair recognizes Representative Weber."
"Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He will."
"Representative Vella, you know, we pass Bill after Bill trying to help small businesses. And I feel like this is just kind of encouraging people not to go with small businesses because I don't know of many small businesses that have an apprenticeship program. Okay, do you know any small companies that have apprenticeship programs?"
"I… I don't know all the small companies that…"
"But I know the union has an apprenticeship program…"
"Yeah… I've heard that, yes."
"So, basically what this is, is small businesses who haven't got to the size to maybe unionize yet, this would kind of encourage counties to go with someone else, right?"
"I did include a 'may' into this, not a 'shall'. So, I'm not…"
"I said it encourages. I didn't say it made them, right?" So… anyway, I think this is just another Bill… to the Bill, Madam Speaker." 10300026.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"To the Bill."
"You know, time and time again we try to help our small businesses here in the State of Illinois. And over and over again what we see is things… you know, these apprenticeship programs are great. And if you're a member of organizations that have apprenticeship programs, maybe it works for you. But the majority of small businesses in the State of Illinois that I know of, from my district and other places, do not have apprenticeship programs 'cause maybe they only have 2, 3, 4 employees, maybe 10 employees. At whatever point, they don't have an apprenticeship program. So, the continued urge to get away from our small business and encourage people to go with bigger businesses is not helping our small business community. Anyway, please vote 'no'.
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. I wanted to also ask a question in relationship to this process with regard to minority vendors and contractors. They also do not have apprenticeship programs in there. And part of the lowest responsible bidder issue that we run into consistently in this… in this area is that the lowest responsible bidder may have an advantage because they've been in business for a hundred years, as opposed to a smaller minority or black vendor or contractor who's been trying their best to get… to become prime contractors in the first place. So, how do we actually bring 10300026.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 equity in this initiative if we limit this to those who have apprenticeship programs?"
"Well, okay, so… this is not limited to those. So, the second Amendment made it into a 'may', which means becoming 'may'… we're not limiting… so there's seven factors that go into responsible bidder discussions in the county. So, right now it's quality of the article supplied, their conformity with the specifications, the suitability of the requirements of the county, availability of support services, uniqueness of the services, capability to existing equipment, and the delivery terms. All I'm asking is to include the apprenticeship program as something they may take into consideration. This has come up… from a legal perspective, there are some legal scholars who believe that once you put, let's say, seven things in there, you cannot use an eighth. All I'm doing is allowing them to use this eighth if they want. If the county wants to do that, they can. If… if they want not to use it, they can. All I'm asking is that they be allowed to because apprenticeship programs have been proven to be, time and time again, the best way to grab onto as many kids as possible and give them the good paying jobs. And I just want to do that as much as I can."
"Unfortunately, our numbers don't look very good in apprenticeship programs for African Americans. And so, the concern here is that we will make this provision happen that will continue to not only codify the current status quo, but it also makes it very plausible that small minority vendors, African American vendors won't be able to meet the standard because what… when I was on a county board, this language of 10300026.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 lowest responsible bidder kept everyone out. And we did business with the same company for 40 or 50 years. That's the concern that I have with this Bill without an eighth provision that would allow counties to choose an equity provider or equity vendor. This then continues to lock them out, and it codifies it even further."
"Sure, I… and I understand that. This… I am not… I understand you. It sounds like you have issues with the actual idea of lowest responsible bidder. I'm not… I'm not introducing that. All I'm doing is introducing another factor into it that they may use. And while I'm…"
"Would you be open? That's what I'm asking you. Would you be open to adding another factor that would allow them to utilize a smaller minority vendor if that minority vendor can meet within a certain provision or percentage of that bid?"
"Yeah, I'm…"
"That bid process is where the real tricks take place."
"And I… I agree with you a hundred percent. And I have… I have worked, especially in the Rockford area, but in the Winnebago County specifically to try and to get as many minority vendors and women-owned vendors as possible. I'm not sure that this, at least in… in my area, blocks that from happening. If it does in yours, I'd be more than welcome to work with you on that. But just for this, apprentices are very close to my heart, so… or apprenticeship programs are very close to my heart. So, I just want to include this in… in that."
"So, this goes over to the Senate. Would you be open to the Senate person working with our caucus in the Senate to 10300026.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 address and particularly African American contractors because those are where the drop-off… that you see the drop-off in BEP and all other contracting. No matter whether it's Rockford or Champaign-Urbana…"
"I…"
"…the numbers are pretty the same."
"I'm always willing to talk to anybody and work with anybody, but… so, yes, I'm always willing to work."
"All right, I'll flag it. Thank you."
"All right, thanks."
"Representative Vella to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1236 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 79 voting in 'favor', 29 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3149, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3149, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3149 is an initiative of the Secretary of State. What it does is it makes sure that with regard to CDL and… commercial driver's license as well as commercial learner's permits that they, starting in November 18, 2024, were to request information from the clearinghouse for all 10300026.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 CDL and CLP applicants and would make sure that they comply with Federal Law to ensure that they continue to be able to allow CDL and CLP driving privileges. It also sets standards for railroad crossing when you're approaching them and you're driving a commercial vehicle indicating that you must stop within 50… within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet. And there are some other various technical changes. I know of no opposition, and this will ensure that we remain in compliant with Federal Law."
"Shall House… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3149 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; 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 this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3162, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3162, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. You may recall that during COVID we provided here an agreed Bill with business, labor, as well as Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate regarding how we were going to do… go forward regarding workers compensation benefits for individuals who contracted COVID-19. In those provisions, which were agreed, we provided for a rebuttable presumption that you attracted COVID-19 if you performed certain types of duties. That include… it included police or 10300026.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 fire. However, you could rebut that presumption if you showed some other… other circumstances. So, when we did that, unfortunately, the police and fire workers in Chicago are not part of the workers' compensation system. We provided for rebuttable presumptions if an… if an individual was, unfortunately, passed away from COVID. However, we did not provide rebuttable presumption for individuals who have been permanently disabled. So, this would retroactively apply for individuals who contracted COVID and became permanently disabled for the period between March 9, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The same rebuttable presumption that we gave to everyone else in this state. I… I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3162 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting's 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 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3551, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3551, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank… thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This, as amended by Amendment #2, contains language that allows for the Capital Development Board to easily determine whether or not a… a person that is bidding is an Illinois corporation. Last year, we, I believe nearly unanimously, passed legislation that indicated that you would 10300026.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 get preference if you were an Illinois corporation. The Capital Development Board needed some technical changes in order to be able to apply that… that preference. In addition, what this does is ensures that the idea of a single prime can continue in the Capital Development Board. And it raises the amount for dealing with a single prime in building buildings here in Illinois."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3551 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting's 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 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1268, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1268, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Collins."
"Do I need to move this back to Second and adopt an Amendment?"
"Mr. Clerk, can you put this Bill back on Second? Hang on one second. Forget I said that, Mr. Clerk. We're on Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1268, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Collins."
"Is there a Floor… there's a Floor Amendment. Okay, yeah. So, House Bill 2168 is the FREE Act… 1268 is the FREE Act, 10300026.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 and I'm very pleased to present it. It restores the dignity and honor to families throughout Illinois to carry out the last wishes and affairs of loved ones. Families should be free to choose who takes on the… this sacred duty. This Amendment addresses concerns around convicted felons serving as executors while incarcerated. And I ask for an 'aye' vote. It addresses everything that was recommended from the committee, from advocates, the practitioners. This Bill is a long time coming. It's very personal to me and my family. And I also want to thank my colleagues who helped to work this Bill out. And a special thanks to Representative Didech for helping to bring this forth. And I appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Before my questions, would you please excuse Representative Ozinga for the remainder of the day?"
"We will do that."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Representative, just to highlight a couple things the Bill does. Currently, felons cannot serve as an executor of an estate. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And this Bill would allow a felon to serve as an executor so long as the person… the person making the will expressly acknowledges that that person is a felon in the will and that they want that person to serve in the capacity as executor. Is that correct?"
"That's correct, Leader." 10300026.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And that there is no other reason why that person cannot serve as executor, correct?"
"Correct."
"And then the Amendment says that the felony conviction must be prior to the execution of the will, not after the will is made?"
"Yes."
"All right. I think the one concern that I have and others may share on my side is that there's no limitation on the type of felony. All… any felony is allowed for a person to be an executor so long as those other requirements are met. Is that accurate to say?"
"It's accurate, but the testator has… it has to be their intent. Like they have to state that."
"So, the testator has to acknowledge it still…"
"They have to acknowledge it."
"…even though there's no limitation?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Representative Didech."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I would just like to take a moment to strongly recommend an 'aye' vote on this Bill. This is a very thoughtfully drafted Bill. The advocates worked very hard to find a compromise on language that'll work well. I do want to highlight a couple sections of the Bill that I think are responsive to Representative Windhorst's concerns. There's 10300026.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 provisions in this Bill that ensure that somebody who has been convicted of causing the death of the testator or anybody who's been convicted of financial abuse or elderly abuse. There's a whole host of reasons why somebody would still not be eligible to serve as an executor. So, I… I think this is a very appropriate… it is a good compromise, and I think it's very thoughtfully drafted. And I would recommend an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Leader Keicher."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Excellent. Representative, so I… I kind of want to go back to what the prior speaker was just talking about and drill down on some things. Can you tell me about any restrictions to those that have been convicted of felony financial crimes or financial mismanagement?"
"What exactly do you want me to…"
"So, as someone who's been convicted, as a felon, for financial mismanagement, eligible to be an executor? Let me give you a better example. Could Bernie Madoff be an executor, had he still been alive, of someone's estate?"
"I really don't want to speak upon the deceased, but…"
"Okay. Can Mr. Bankman, who's just been convicted… potentially convicted of cryptocurrency crimes, be appointed an executor of someone's estate?"
"If it's acknowledged by the testator, as I've stated before. If…"
"I'm sorry. I must have heard…" 10300026.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…if it's acknowledged… if it's acknowledged and they still want this person to be their executor, then yes."
"Okay. So, in my day to day, I work with a lot of families, I work with a lot of elderly, and I work with a lot of widows. And what I see from time to time, and unfortunately it seems to be growing, is I see those widows often taken advantage of by unscrupulous children within their own household. My fear is that those unscrupulous children, who are potentially convicted of financial crimes, are now able to give their mother a guilt trip and be allowed to be an executor at the unfortunate result of leaving other siblings out. And… and that executor role comes with freedom and privileges that they can act unilaterally in the interest of the estate, spend funds, and direct monies. And I just don't think that someone who's been convicted of financial malfeasance should be able to do that. I will fully say that it runs somewhat against my libertarian bent, that we should be able to do what we want to do. But I would strongly encourage you to add an Amendment to eliminate those convicted of elderly abuse, financial mismanagement of family resources, or financial crimes, specifically not be allowed to solely be the executor of anyone's estate. And with that, and until that provision is there, I need to encourage a very strong 'no' vote to protect the seniors from being abused in the State of Illinois."
"So, I would say that it is in the Bill. You have to read it in order to know that. But this Bill is very personable to me 'cause my father is a felon. And when my sister died in her sleep two years ago unexpectedly, I watched 10300026.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 my father deteriorate from the inside out because he could not fulfill her will. And me, as his daughter, trying to figure this out with my half-sisters, it was very stressful for me."
"Okay."
"Not only did my father scream out for help, didn't understand why he could not bury his baby girl, but I also was frustrated. So, when I heard about this Bill…"
"Being an executor has nothing…"
"Let me talk."
"Representative…"
"When I heard about this Bill, it was very personal experience. And when I heard from the advocates from the Fully Free Campaign, a lot of them have had these same experiences, especially a young woman who is the only child. And if her mother is aware of whatever that she did to get her into the situation she was in, she'd paid her debt to society like others. And when they come back home, they should be able to carry out this sacred duty. And so, I am also a nursing home worker. And I care about my seniors deeply, and I talk about it all the time. And if anything, if anybody talks about protecting seniors, that would be Lakesia Collins. And so, everything that you're asking me about in this Bill, it's in the Bill. And the person who chooses who they want to be their executor, they will have the full knowledge of knowing who that person is and choosing that person. And with all of that being said, I would deeply and greatly appreciate that you take all of this into consideration and vote 'yes' for this Bill." 10300026.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Okay. So, a couple things I want to straighten out. First, my deepest sympathies in the loss of your father and that is…"
"My father did not die. I said my sister."
"…your sister and your father dealing with that, my deepest sympathy, and… and my apologies if I offended you in any way, shape, or form. My point is to suggest that someone who has been convicted of a financial crime as a felon… a felony conviction of a financial crime is a very high threshold of malfeasance in order to receive a conviction. I think that in people of Illinois, for that one type of felony, we need to carve that out so they can't be a sole executor. Also, the idea that someone controlling the estate could or couldn't be a felon, I am… I am fine with. I understand your ability to appoint who you want to have do that. But we consistently see manipulation of the elderly. And if you work with the elderly, you see this on a regular basis. You see the children that are manipulating the parents. You see the children who are playing at the heartstrings of the widow. And I cannot understand why financial felons cannot be excluded from this and allow all other felons to be there. I think we're doing a disservice to the elderly. We are opening them to abuse. And given your perspective, with the work you have done, I would think you, of all people, would understand why those financial crimes are critically important to carve out to protect the seniors. We're both passionate advocates for protecting the elderly in the State of Illinois. In order to do that, we need to act above our personal feelings and 10300026.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 make sure that we're acting with good governance in mind. I encourage a 'no' vote."
"I understand you want a soundbite, but if you read page two, it cross-referenced everything that you're talking about."
"Chair recognizes Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Jeez, we got so far off topic. I don't know where to start, but I guess I'll go ahead. Can you tell me what part of your Bill eliminates the Department of Aging? Representative Collins, is there anything in your Bill that…"
"No, there's… there's no part in the Bill, Representative."
"Okay. So, the department that investigates elder abuse still exists in the State of Illinois?"
"Yes."
"Okay. No part of your Bill removes that?"
"No."
"The level of hypocrisy is actually pretty interesting. But… so, did you know that you can run for State Rep. and pass budgets with those same financial crimes?"
"I didn't know that, but now I know."
"On it's in the Election Code. It's in the Election Code."
"It is?"
"Absolutely. You can be Governor, State Rep., Senator, any of those things. As long as you don’t have voter fraud while in office. So, when we talk about the dignity of individuals and being able to bury someone, very, very solemn thing. Pay their last respects. There's no need to politicize 10300026.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 it at all. These are individuals who paid their debt to society. Kept good… and Republican districts particularly, folks who start at 18, 21 years old with union jobs, retire in their early 50s and continue to collect money for the rest of their lives. So, if we're going to politicize, we should really look at the holistically. The bottom line is very simple. The Department of Aging still exists. The Attorney General still exists. The state's attorneys still exist. Those good old sheriffs who don't enforce assault rifle bans, they still exist. They can arrest people. Nothing about this Bill does anything to upend society. Nothing about this Bill does anything to help individuals with elder abuse. And so, I find it disingenuous, disrespectful, and overall, I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Representative West. Jay C. Hoffman in the Chair."
"Thank you, Madam/Mr. Speaker. To the Bill.
"To the Bill."
"If you will allow me to… just look straight at the language. If you go to page 1, line 23, 'A person who has been convicted of a felony is qualified to act as an executor if: (i) the testator names the person as an executor and expressly acknowledges in the will that they are aware that the person has been convicted of a felony prior to the execution of the will; or (ii) the person is not prohibited by law, including Sections 2-6, 2-6.2, and 2-6.6.' When I go to one of those… when I go Section 2-6.2, it says… and I will explain it. It says you are prohibited if you… if it's dealt with financial 10300026.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 exploitation, abuse, or neglect of an elderly person or a person with a disability. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Collins to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, this Bill is really personable to me, and I'm sure it's personable to others who had to have this same experience. And I thank my colleagues again for the hard work that you put into this Bill. I thank the advocates of the Fully Free Campaign, Marlon Chamberlain, who was one of the biggest champions for this Bill. And I would greatly appreciate if my colleagues would vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1268 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed '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 81 voting 'yes', 26 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on Page 24 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 1273, Representative Elik. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1273, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Elik."
"Thank you. House Bill 1273 makes September 17 Constitution Day, a commemorative holiday in the School Code. Constitution Day celebrates the U.S. Constitution and also new U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of Ed states that schools that receive federal funds are required to provide education about the U.S. Constitution each year, but we found that it wasn't 10300026.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 in the School Code, and my regional superintendent in Madison County feels that it can sometimes be overlooked since it's not in that statute with the other commemorative holidays. It is not a day off school. I do not know of any opponents, and I ask for a 'yes' vote. And I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1273 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed '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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 24 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1286, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1286, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. House Bill 1286 will allow for the adoption of gender-neutral multi-occupancy restrooms by businesses, universities, or building owners who wish to do so. It is a permissive Bill."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Stuart, a similar Bill to this passed in the last General Assembly out of the House. Is that correct?" 10300026.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Correct, same language."
"And that is House Bill 3195 from the 102nd General Assembly?"
"Correct."
"I believe the vote was 63 'yes', 43 'no', and it did not pass the Senate. Is that correct?"
"Correct."
"Do we know what the issue was with the Senate? Why it was not passed?"
"I… I do not know why the Senate did not put it through the process."
"Thank you. No other questions."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Stuart to close."
"I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1286 pass?' All those 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 this question, there are 60 voting 'yes', 40 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Going to House Bill 1291, Representative Stuart."
"House Bill 1291, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. House Bill 1291 has to do with our National Board Certified Teachers. It has to do with their mentoring program where current national board teachers mentor 10300026.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 educators who are looking to get that qualification. It just simply ups the number of hours that they can provide that really valuable mentoring."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1291 pass?' All those 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 24 of the Calendar, House Bill 1294, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1294, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Collins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1294, as amended, establish standards for fitness to stand trial for anyone under the age of 21. Currently, juveniles can receive adjudication of unfitness for trial, but there is no clear explanation for that process. This Bill will clarify that. I urge… I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, there was some discussion in committee regard… in Judiciary – Criminal Committee about the one-year length of time and that not necessarily being 10300026.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 sufficient. I believe you said they were going to work on some language in the Senate. Is that correct?"
"Yes. I forgot to mention that. I do apologize."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't quite hear what you said."
"I said I forgot to mention that. I do apologize. There… there is a commitment for them to continue to work on it in the Senate. And there were some… some language that the Cook County State's Attorney wanted to add in there too. Yes."
"I look forward to seeing that language. I'm going to wait to support it until we get that language. So, I'll be a 'no' today. Thank you."
"All right. Thank you, Leader."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1294 pass?' All those who vote in… all those 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 this question, there are 71 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1297, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1297, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Elik."
"House Bill 1297 extends the sunset date for the TRS optional service credit program from June 30, 2023 to 2028. This program is an option for teachers and administrators in the pension system who want to buy up to two years of service 10300026.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 credits for prior services as a private school teacher or administrator. Of course, there are certain eligibility guidelines in place. None of that is changed. This is just a sunset extension extending the program for five years. I ask for a 'yes' vote. And happy to take any questions."
"On this question, Representative Guerrero- Cuellar."
"Thank you, Speaker. Actually, I wanted to make sure that I was recorded as… for House Bill 1294, that I was voted for 'yes'."
"Please louder, I couldn't…"
"Sorry, didn't hear you, Speaker. For House Bill 1294, can you please record me as a 'yes'?"
"Yes. The record will so reflect. Seeing no one… Representative Crespo."
"My intention was to vote 'yes' on House Bill 1286. Forgot to vote."
"The record will so reflect. Representative Scherer."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. A quick question?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Does this, like if you're teaching in a parochial school, do you get full credit towards TRS on that that you can buy or is it partial?"
"You do get full credit. You buy in up to two years of service credits. So, the maximum is two years that you can gain back regardless of how many years that you've worked in a different school setting."
"So, prior to this, it was zero? Now it's two or…" 10300026.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"It was… it has been at two since this was initially enacted. So, it… that has not changed. It's still the two years' worth. This is just changing… that was scheduled… this whole program was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2023. So, this is still allowing the same program to take place for five more years."
"All right. Thank you."
"Thanks."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative McLaughlin. Representative McLaughlin.
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Representative Elik, to be equitable, I ask this question every time there's Bill that comes forward related to pensions. What will the cost be on this Bill for the extension? I think it's fair that the Body should be aware."
"It is more than fair. The program requires the member, yeah, the member to pay both the member and the employer contributions, plus the assumed rate of interest to buy the service credits. And since it's limited to only buying up to two years of prior service, so because of that, TRS estimates the fiscal impact is very low."
"So, this… this would be a continuation of an existing program but not a addition to a new program or a pension sweetener. Would that be correct?"
"Correct. This program has already been in place."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
"Representative Elik to close."
"Ask for a 'yes' vote." 10300026.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1297 pass?' All those in favor indicate by voting 'yes'; those 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 this question, there are 101 voting 'yes', 8 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Guzzardi on House Bill 1363. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1363, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill pertains to the Gender Violence Act in Illinois Code. The Act is provided to protect victims and survivors of gender-based violence. One of the key features of the Act is it has a longer statute of limitations than other forms of relief for these survivors because we know that there's often delayed outcry on behalf of survivors of these kinds of offenses. The measure before us today reflects an agreement between the stakeholders and the business community. This is an agreed Bill that's before us today. There has been some discussion in the courts about when or if an employer ought to be liable for their… gender- based violence performed by their employees. Some courts have said yes. Some courts have said no. That lack of clarity is not good for survivors. And it's also not good for employers, which is why the employer community negotiated on this Bill and why it's an agreed Bill between the employers and the advocates. It's an agreed Bill. So, the agreement here… again, 10300026.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 it's an agreed Bill. The agreement describes the circumstances under which an employer might be held liable for this kind of conduct and, importantly, when the employer might not be held liability for such conduct. And it clarifies that this employer liable, the… the statute of limitations is extended to four years rather than two for the traditional claims that one… one might pursue in these other instances otherwise. So, this Bill represents an agreement between the advocates and the employers. The employers have agreed to this language. There is no opposition, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to go right to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"The Sponsor's indicated numerous times there's… this is an agreed Bill. To state that on this floor, I believe, indicates that it's been through the agreed Bill process, which is part of a labor-business process in which each side negotiates and gets something that it wants out of a Bill. I don't think that's what this is at all. And then I think what you have here, Mr. Sponsor, is the fact that what we have is an agreement between one or two members of the business community with some changes you agreed to make. You did agree to make some changes. Them going neutral on the Bill. Not agreeing to it. Not saying, this is the proposal we want to put forward. So, I think to say it's an agreed Bill here on the floor is somewhat the wrong wording to use. Let's just leave it at that. But about the Bill. This Bill is codifying 10300026.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 what already exists in law. All it's doing is adding more fuel for the various groups to try and make money off of litigation in this state. And it's going to hamper business and going to have to keep them from hiring more people, investing in their businesses, and expanding the Illinois economy. What we have is an instance where the injured individual could already collect under other laws of the state and, using an agency theory in law, still collect from the employer if there's something in fact that the employer did to contribute to this. But instead of doing that, we're going to circumvent it, cause more litigation, and bring down our economy even further. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Guzzardi to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1363 pass?' All those 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's 71 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 24 of the Calendar, Representative Kifowit on House Bill 1398. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1398, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kifowit. Out of the record. Moving to page 25 of the Calendar, House Bill 1409, 10300026.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Representative Will Davis. Representative Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1409, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1409 is my effort to try to move the professional services side of IDOT and CDB in the selection process and put it under the BEP Act so that BEP goals can apply to that side of the process. We often talk a lot about construction. And when we talk about goals, we talk about the actual construction goals on the construction, meaning the actual building of things. But even before you get to that point, there is a professional services side, or QBS selection, where we're selecting the engineers, the architects, and folks that do that work. So, what this is, is about making sure that we can put goals on that side of the construction process as well. That's always kind of quiet. It's kind of done in a very selective kind of way. We see evidence of the same contractors getting work over and over again. And others that are trying to get in don't get in. So, this is also an effort to try to make sure that… and as much as I and others will like to see diversity on projects, that we put diversity in that space as well. So, that's essentially what it does. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 10300026.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Representative, you did a good job of explaining that. Just… I want to make sure I'm fully aware. The… we're taking certain professions or industries and putting them under BEP. Is that essentially what this Bill's doing?" Davis, W.: "Well, not certain… well, I guess you could say certain professions. But again, when we talk about the QBS side, that engineering, that's architecture, we want to make sure that they are now covered under BEP. And are subject to BEP rules and selections…"
"And the same…" Davis, W.: "…and goal processes."
"…and the same thresholds apply, the overall 30 percent?" Davis, W.: "Correct."
"The breakdown that exists currently, correct?" Davis, W.: "Yes."
"Our analysis has several associations or groups opposed. Did they express to you the nature of their opposition?" Davis, W.: "No one has ever called me. I think I understand what their opposition is, but they've never reached out."
"All right. They…" Davis, W.: "Well, maybe the architects have. That's a possibility, architects have. I don't want to say no because that probably took place a little while ago, but I think maybe the architects… architects have."
"And those percentages are aspirational goals?" Davis, W.: "Correct." 10300026.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Correct, okay. Did the architects express why they were opposed?" Davis, W.: "Well, I… I think generally, and have no problem being transparent here…"
"Sure." Davis, W.: "…is that the selection process right now is very subjective. Meaning that it's a group of people that are in a room that make these decisions. And I'm simply… want to encourage them to make decisions that fall into these aspirational goals as well. Doesn't stop them from changing how they do it, but we want them to consider diversity in that process as well. But again, because these individuals sit around in a room and make these selections, I think their concern that I'm taking business away, that I'm, you know, make it less… making it not easier for them to continue to get work. And the reality is that most of these firms that get the work are not minority firms. So, they see it as me probably taking something away from them when it's not their money anyway. Even though their taxpayers, it's not just for their opportunities. It's for everyone's opportunity to try to get work and… and to benefit from the building, the construction that we all talk about we love in Illinois from a state perspective. But there are clearly businesses that don't get the opportunity to do so. But not to… not to say it's backdoor and shady, but it's clearly in a way… done in a way where it's kind of separated from what we know and what we really talk about in the construction space. So, this is just kind of shedding some light on what they do and how they do it. Kind of, you know, sunshine a little… a little sunshine 10300026.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 on it so we can see but also encouraging to do better at making diverse choices in that space as well. And the thing about QBS, Representative, they've already met the qualifications. They… they are qualified to do the work. So, why not give them more opportunities to work?"
"Thank you for the explanation."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Davis to close." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, this is truly about increasing diversity in this space. For those of you who have been around me for a number of years know this is something that's important to me, know it's something I'm trying to do. And I know that everybody doesn't like it, and I understand that. But if we're talking about businesses in the State of Illinois, why would we not want more diversity? These are the same companies that live in your communities, just like they live in mine, trying to have a… a business for their families, you know, this is how they take care of their families. But they're tax paying citizens just like everyone else. And the thing about it is that if we're not helping them to at least continue to thrive as a… as a business and a family, then they're going to lose their business, they're going to lose their homes. And these are the same people that we want to pay taxes, to pay property taxes in our communities as well. So, why would we not give them the same opportunity as everyone else to have a living, to make a living, and to support their families just like the rest of us? So, with that, I strongly encourage everyone to vote 'yes'. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 10300026.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1409 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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's 73 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 25 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 1434, Leader Windhorst. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1434, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1434 amends the Juvenile Court Act regarding the certification of medical records of… in juvenile court. Current law requires that when someone other than the head of the hospital or agency certifies the record, that certification must include a written delegation of authority. This Bill removes that second step, the delegation of authority, and allows for the certification to occur by the agent as well as the… the head of the hospital. This issue is brought to me by a local judge regarding records in abuse and neglect cases. The problem being addressed was that of out of state hospitals not complying with this section, and therefore, questioning the admissibility of those records. This Bill is similar to a Bill we passed unanimously out of the House last year. There is some language that's been added from the Illinois State Bar Association. I'd be happy to take any questions and would ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1434 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye', all opposed '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 the question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Ford on House Bill 1496. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1496, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1496 is an initiative of CHANGE Illinois Action Fund. And what it does, House Bill 1496 provides that the records of the Department of Corrections and the Department Juvenile Justice of each person committed to the respective departments shall contain their race and ethnic background data. It's all it does. There's no opposition to the Bill. I look for 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"This issue was addressed initially I believe in the SAFE-T Act from 2021. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"Changing the way individuals who are in DOC are counted for purposes of redistricting. Is that…"
"That's right." 10300026.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"That's right? This fixes an issue with regard to reporting of data from the Department of Corrections to the State Board of Elections. Is that right?"
"No."
"Okay, go ahead."
"Just… just for the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice. It doesn't have anything with voting."
"Where is that… where do they send that information, I guess, is my question?"
"Well, it's to be collected at the Department of Corrections. So, when people are… I guess when you say the intake… at the intake period, we want to get the most accurate data for the residents that… or not residents, but the individuals that’s incarcerated."
"Well, I… I appreciate you bringing this forward. Of course, I'm sure you're aware I voted against the SAFE-T Act. I think we probably all know that. So, I…"
"I try not to bring up the SAFE-T Act, but you brought it up."
"I know. I'm sorry. Thank you."
"All right."
"Leader Spain."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Ford, this Bill is intended to correct issues associated with putting an end to… prison gerrymandering is the term, correct?"
"That's correct." 10300026.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And as was noted by the previous speaker, there was… that intention was included in the SAFE-T Act but requires some further revisions in this Bill. My question is your attitude… you've been a long advocate on this issue, which I appreciate. What is your attitude towards gerrymandering in general?"
"My attitude is that we have to deal with this cleanup language because it's the law. And it… in order to carry out the law that's on the books right now, it's imperative that we do this."
"But what is your position on the practice of gerrymandering for the purpose of drawing Legislative Districts?"
"What I want to do is make sure that we have a most effective law on the books, and this Bill would do that."
"Mr. Speaker, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, here we are again on the topic of gerrymandering. One of the most important and unfortunate topics in the State of Illinois. What we know is that gerrymandering is a best practice by the Majority Party here in the State of Illinois. And I would certainly be interested in working with the Sponsor on this issue. But I can't stand by and be supportive of the selective solutions to gerrymandering, in this example for the purposes of counting populations where locations of incarceration exist, but not addressing the fundamental issue that is destroying our ability to deliver effective, cooperative, bipartisan solutions in the State of Illinois and in other places in the country. We need to put an end to gerrymandering in all 10300026.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 states. But I would remind you… and even heralded institutions like The Washington Post, certainly not known for being a conservative organization, have pointed out that gerrymandering by the Democrats in control of this state is at a masterclass level, done more aggressively and more partisanly than any other place in the country. I encourage a 'no' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Ford to close."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope people don't listen to the previous speaker because voting 'no' means that you will be violating your oath of office. This Bill cleans up a law that's on the books and makes it better. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Question is, 'Shall House Bill 1496 pass?' All those 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's 71 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Ford on House Bill 1497. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill.
"House Bill 1497, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 1497 seeks to remove the unfair recovery limits placed on stolen or damaged rental vehicles in Illinois. Illinois is 10300026.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 currently the only state that puts statutory limits… statutory limitations on the amount of recovery for a stolen or damaged rental vehicle. There's no opposition to the Bill. Urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Ford, this was brought to you by one of the leasing companies. Is that correct?"
"I don't have my notes with me."
"Not sure?"
"Not… not sure."
"Okay. But what it does is basically…"
"Oh, okay. I've been advised… I'm sorry. To answer your question, I've been advised that it's Enterprise Rent-A-Car."
"Okay. And… and basically, it's… all this does is lift the liability limits to where if someone damages a vehicle, they're going to be responsible for it, insurance or not?"
"That's right."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Ford to close."
"Thank you for the urging from the other side, an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1497 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 10300026.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Delgado on House Bill 1541. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1541, a Bill for an Act concerning utilities. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Delgado."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1541 is an initiative of the Office of the Attorney General. It amends the Public Utilities Act to protect vulnerable residents from gas or electric utility service disconnection for nonpayment when forecasted temperatures are 90 degrees or above or when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, excessive heat advisory, or excessive heat warning. House Bill 1541 will protect the health and safety of Illinois' most vulnerable residents during extreme heat events. I know of no opposition to the Bill. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, I… first, I want to thank you for negotiating with the opposition. I know certainly not exactly what they wanted, but it's… it's in the right direction. I know originally you wanted to go from 95 to 85 and settled at 90 degrees, which definitely better. I think our concern on our side is that this… the terminations just push… push some of the cost onto the rest of the… rest of your constituents, 10300026.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 the rest of the consumers. So, for that reason, many on our side will be a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Delgado to close."
"So, this Bill has always been intended to protect the most… the most vulnerable folks in our state. I think that at the end of the day what we want to do is protect people. And particularly as temperatures keep rising, particularly in the summer, we want to be thoughtful about that. So, again, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1541 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; 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 this question, there's 75 voting 'yes', 33 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Costa Howard on House Bill 1555. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill.
"House Bill 1555, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1555 is an initiative of the Illinois State Bar Association. It's basically a no surprise Bill, which requires guardian ad litems, when they're making their reports in the best interests of the child, that they have to do so within 30 days before a final hearing or trial. There is a lack of consistency across the state in what these recommendations are. There are many people who've gone to a hearing without 10300026.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 knowing what those GAL recommendations are. And so, now we want to fix it and make it no surprises, you've got to tell your… give your recommendation. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1555 pass?' All those 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 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Omar Williams on House Bill 1557. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1557, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams." Williams, J.: "Thank you, Chairman. This… this Bill's a great Bill. This Bill is a… this Bill is going to save lives throughout music venues. What this Bill does, it requires liquor licensed music venues with a capacity of a thousand attendees to have opioid antagonists, such as Narcan, available on the premises for someone who may overdose. This is a good Bill. It'll save lives. I don't know of any opponents or anyone who opposed the Bill, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1557 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; 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 this question, there are 105 voting 'yes', 2 voting 10300026.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Lilly on House Bill 1561. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill.
"House Bill 1561, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lilly."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1561 it defines what we should… what should be stored in a trauma kit. It also talks about in-service training and program requirements, and it provides each school district may maintain on-site trauma kit at each school. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Representative Delgado on House Bill 1561."
"Oh, I was actually rising to speak to House Bill 1557. I'm wanting to be marked as 'aye'…"
"We'll get back to you, okay?"
"Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1561 pass?' All those 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Delgado, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Mr. Speaker, I rise to be marked as a 'yes' vote on House Bill 1557." 10300026.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The record will show… so reflect. Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise as well hoping to have the record reflect that I meant to be a 'yes' on HB1557."
Speaker Hoffman: "The record will so reflect. Moving to Representative Stuart on House Bill 1565. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, move this Bill to Second Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1565, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Stuart, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Stuart on the Amendment."
"The Amendment just simply makes the effective date 2025."
"The question is, 'Shall Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 1565 be adopted?' All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1565, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1565 simply requires that vaginal estrogen is covered by individual and group health insurance managed care plans that cover prescription drugs. There… I have been working with CMS. While they didn't slip in opposition, we've had conversations about concerns with costs to group health care plans. And we've agreed on language that'll be added in the Senate to bring parity in 10300026.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 cost sharing between these medications and medications for erectile dysfunction."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Stuart, the Amendment you had removed opposition that existed with extending that date. Is that correct?"
"Yeah. There was opposition because of the date, yes. And I've removed that."
"And this… a similar of this Bill passed in the last General Assembly. Is that right?"
"I think you're…"
"House Bill…"
"Yes."
"…4335, I believe."
"Yes."
"And that was a unanimous vote, 104 to 0?"
"Yes."
"All right. Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Stuart to close."
"I'd appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1565 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; 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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having 10300026.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Crespo on House Bill 1566. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1566, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Crespo."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 1566 is the annual enabling legislation that allows for the transfer of state funds to the Audit Expense Fund, which allows the Auditor General to perform his audits. Happy to answer any questions."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1566 pass?' All those 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Amendment, is hereby declared passed… Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Spain on House Bill 1581. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1581, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Spain."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1581 adds recognition for our veterans who served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service as a specialty license plate. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1581 pass?' All those in favor vote 10300026.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 '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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative DeLuca on House Bill 1602. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1602, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative DeLuca."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. House Bill 1602 is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies. And it increases the range for the mandatory minimum competitive bid threshold and the emergency contract cap dollar amount for sanitary districts. It also, for contracts between 60 and 100 thousand, may be made without publication in a newspaper but, when practical, be based on at least 3 competitive bids. And it also includes a provision that bids must comply with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. There was an Amendment that removed any of the concerns on the Bill. There's no opposition. Ask for your support."
"On this question, Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative DeLuca, you had a trigger word there. And I just want to ask you, is this a crime Bill? I heard 'mandatory minimum'.
"It is not a crime Bill, but thank you for the clarification."
"Okay. Thank you very much for the Bill."
"Representative DeLuca to close." 10300026.docx 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Please vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1602 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting's 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 96 voting 'yes', 9 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Tarver on House Bill 1612. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1612, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. This Bill just requires DFPR to collect data based on demographic information for the individuals they deny licenses. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1612 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We're moving to page 26. On the Order of Third Reading appears House Bill 1628, Representative Stava-Murray. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill.
"House Bill 1628, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stava-Murray." 10300026.docx 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am presenting to you House Bill 1628, which would prohibit a landlord from requiring his tenants to pay rent or other renters' fees through the means of electronic funds only. Some of these would include credit cards, e-checks, and direct deposits. We know that the people who are most impacted by this are people who have service worker jobs or deal largely in cash, and they may be the most vulnerable to housing in our communities. So, we want to make sure they have more accessibility to the housing. So, I urge an 'aye' vote, and I know of no opposition. And I ask for your support. Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"I noticed there was some… may have been no opposition expressed, but there was some opposition in committee from our side of the aisle. I believe that it is… the opposition is about the right to contract and that these should be allowable things for parties to contract over. Why do you think impeding on that right to contract should be done in this case?"
"We believe that an essential right to housing in this state should dictate that we make housing as accessible and available to everyone as possible. And we don't see closing off cash payments to rent to people who would make payments, money that our… our federal bank prints that people are saying they're not willing to take. That… that's why we are impeding on that because people are being unreasonable here." 10300026.docx 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And it's possible by doing that we could increase the cost of rent. Rent could go up because landlords would not be assured of collections, and it would create an issue. So…"
"Rent can go up any day."
"Well, it could. That's true. But this may be one other reason why it does. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Because of those reasons expressed, I believe that we should vote 'no'. We should respect the right to contract between the landlord and the tenant and their ability to make these decisions between themselves."
"Representative Grant."
"Thank you, Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"In the committee, we made the decision that there were two things that could hurt the landlord. And theft would be one of them. If everyone paid in cash, this man or person, whoever, would be walking around with a lot of money. Another thing, you can't trace money. It's very difficult to trace money. And so, that would be difficult for a landlord to be able to connect the payment to the person. That will be all. Thank you."
"Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to point out that anyone that has a job can have a… or even doesn’t have a job, can walk into a bank and get a Tax Identification Number. Anyone can open up a bank account and transfer money. There's no one that has to pay by cash. That's by choice. So, thank you." 10300026.docx 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield for a very quick question?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, does this Bill prohibit the use of financial transactions in any way, shape, or form?"
"No, it does not."
"It simply adds the ability for a tenant to utilize cash as a method of payment?"
"Correct."
"And if I were to use cash as a method of payment, does that prohibit the landlord from simply giving me a receipt for that cash?"
"It does not."
"Thank you very much for providing this for people."
"Thank you."
"And I urge a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Stava-Murray to close."
"This is a matter of prioritizing those who have the least over those who own the housing. And that's what I'm asking you to do today. So, please help us help people and make sure that they have access to housing."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1628 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed '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 70 voting 'yes', 39 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. 10300026.docx 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Representative Swanson on House Bill 1626. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1626, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Swanson."
"All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When House Bill 1626 is brought to me by the fire protection district, it currently has a threshold of 25… I'm sorry. Currently, it's a threshold of $20 thousand, and we're trying to raise that threshold to $30 thousand for competitive bidding, which will fall in line with many of our townships and other local governments. I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1626 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative West on House Bill 1633. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1633, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am honored to stand and present to you all House Bill 1633. And I ask the body to please be patient with me as we can take time to honor Native Americans across the State of Illinois. This Bill makes changes regarding the State Education Equity Committee, ensuring that 10300026.docx 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 there shall be a member appointed that is a person from an organization that advocates for the Native American community. It also inserts Native American curricula that must be adapted… adopted by schools of which local school boards are able to set the minimum instruction time. And I must say that I'm honored and humbled and excited to be at this point because this Bill gives me great personal pride. And it's not because of my race, because I'm not a Native American. I don't identify as a Native American. But it gives me pride because of who I am. It gives me pride because of who we are, because we are all Illinoisans. And I know it's easy to automatically think about how the… about the Indian Removal Act of 1830 that was signed into law by President Johnson. Or you may think about the Peoria Tribe that was forced from their ancestral homelands after the Treaty of Edwardsville in 1818, which forced them into Missouri, then forced them into Kansas, and eventually, presently in Oklahoma. We're not only going to be discussing the negative history, the history that bring… may bring shame, but we're also going to be highlighting the contributions as well. This Bill will also teach our children that Chicago is the home of the second largest urban Indian population in the United States. This Bill will teach our young people that Chicago is a term that was derived from the Native American community. It would also teach our children of the tireless efforts of the late, great Susan Kelly Power, a Yanktonai Dakota who was the founder of the American Indian Center of Chicago in 1953, the first urban Indian center in the country. And she passed last year at the age of 96. Teaching our children true Native 10300026.docx 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 American history will not only teach them of the things that we are ashamed of, but also, the contributions of Native Americans that benefited our state. This Bill is giving a voice to the very first of us. This Bill is giving a voice to the very first of us. This Bill highlights the true DNA of our state. And I would end with this. The word 'Illinois' is derived from the Native American word 'Illiniwek', which literally means 'best people'. It was used to refer to the 10 to 12 tribes found around the river. The entire state is named 'best people', and that's something of which to be proud. Illinois is full of the very best of people in the Midwest. So, colleagues, please show our Native American Illinois family that we are all family and that we are all the best of people by voting 'yes'. I will entertain any questions, and I hope for a favorable roll call."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative West, thank you for bringing this Bill forward. This is a… a mandate on local school districts. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"So, there are some on our side who are opposed to State Government mandates on local school districts."
"Totally understood."
"So, I want to be clear, if you see, which you likely will, 'no' votes on this side of the aisle, it's that opposition to state mandates that'll be reflected. There will be likely some 'yes' and some 'no' on our side. Thank you." 10300026.docx 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Totally understood. Thank you."
"Representative Wilhour."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative West, has this curriculum been developed?"
"No, there's language in the Bill that talks about the process of developing it."
"Okay. Who's developing the curriculum?"
"There's currently a state commissioned under Illinois State Board of Education. They will include subject matter experts and members of the Native American community to come together and create this curricula."
"So, we're being asked here today to vote to a… approve a curriculum that we don't really even know what it is, we haven't seen it?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Don't you think that's a little bit backwards?"
"There's language in laws… in this statute, as I would… or in this legislation, as I mentioned, that under Illinois State Board of Education that will come together and put this curriculum together before it goes out to the school boards… or to the various schools. And we're putting it in the hands of subject matter experts, which would include members of Native American community and our State Board of Education."
"Yeah. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill."
"We're trusting the Illinois State Board of Education to put together a curriculum, and we're kind of putting the cart 10300026.docx 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 before the horse here. We should be… we should be voting up and down on a specific curriculum, not just letting these people do this. So, for that reason, I'm going to be a 'no' on this. Thank you."
"Representative DeLuca."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative West, I know you just acknowledged, and it was acknowledged in committee, that this is a mandate and there is a cost. However, it's a minimal cost. Would you agree?"
"What?"
"Are you aware that two years ago, which I supported… and I support your Bill. I just want you to know that. I support this Bill. And I support it two years ago when the same committee approved Asian American history, which was a mandate and a minimal cost as well. Are you aware of that?"
"I'm aware."
"Are you aware that last year the same committee did not approve Italian American history that was the exact same language because it was a mandate and there was cost? Are you aware of that?"
"Yes, I was made aware."
"So, I know that you were just asked about who's going to be responsible for the curriculum. Can you state that again for this?"
"Yeah. Thank you for bringing that back up. Let me reclarify. Curriculum is going to be on the local decision. 10300026.docx 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 ISBE will be creating resources for the local schools to create their curriculum. I apologize."
"How will those members who write the curriculum be chosen?"
"Can you reclarify your question, Sir?"
"I'm trying to figure out if… if you can say with any clarity or be more specific of who's going to actually be creating the curriculum and writing it."
"The school districts. And again, let me reclarify. The school districts will be writing the curriculum. ISBE will be providing resources so they can do that."
"The individual school districts?"
"Sorry?"
"Did you say the individual school districts?"
"That's how curriculum is developed in the State of Illinois. So, yes."
"So, the curriculum could be different in different school districts?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Okay. I wasn't aware of that. That doesn't sound like a good idea, just off the top of my head. But you're… this Bill creates a Native American Task Force. Is that correct?"
"No, it does not. That was taken out with the Amendment. So, no, it does not."
"Okay. Would you agree that it's pretty difficult to have a curriculum on Indian American history without mentioning Columbus?"
"I'm not part of the working group to make… to put the curriculum together." 10300026.docx 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Well, how do you feel? Just your opinion. Do you think you can have a true representation of Indian American history without mentioning Columbus in some way?"
"If… if there was an interaction between Native Americans and Columbus in history, then it should be part of history. It should be mentioned in history."
"Well, I… I think it's pretty clear, and I think we all know that, you know, history around that time was pretty messy. And it doesn't seem to me that a curriculum could be created without that time in history being included. Are… are you not willing to say one way or another whether you think that's true?"
"I would rather focus on the legislation at hand."
"Well, as you are probably aware, there are very different perspectives on Columbus. And I don't know how you can do American… Indian American history without that being included. So, that's why I'm asking you about who's writing the curriculum. I'm curious to know if you think you can have a curriculum without mentioning Columbus. I see you're not willing to really give me any kind of an answer on that."
"I'm only not willing to give you an answer because I'm not a member of that commission or that working group putting it together."
"Okay."
"I don't want to stand here as a… trying to dictate what's going to be in the curriculum. It's going to be assisted and put together by ISBE and the… and the task force that they already have in place to develop resources for local schools." 10300026.docx 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"All right. Well, to the Bill. As I said, I… I support the legislation. I think it's important. I have concerns with how it will be written. My own personal feeling is you cannot write a curriculum about Indian American history without Columbus being included in that and how that will be written in the curriculum because there's different perspectives on that time of history. I can say that as I stand here, I… I can speak for the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. I can speak for the Sons of Italy. I can speak for the Italian American Human Relations Foundation of Chicago, some of the local groups, the Marchegiana Society, that there is no issue with the Indian American community from the Italian's perspective. I can tell you that not too long ago, and you may not know this, that the Indian American community, the leadership, walked with the Italians, marched with the Italians in the Columbus Day Parade, side by side. Wasn't that long ago that that was taking place. And it’s a shame that we've gotten to where we are today. And when we marched down Columbus Drive in the Columbus Day Parade, there were three statues that were not too far away. They've all been ripped down. And not to get too much on a tangent, I'm not going to go there. But I do want to stress to you, Representative, and maybe when it goes over to the Senate that there should be someone included in this process that may… will hopefully make sure that there's an objective view when the curriculum is written about Columbus in particular. Thank you."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Thank you, Speaker. To the Bill." 10300026.docx 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"To the Bill."
"As a granddaughter of an indigenous person from Mexico, Representative West, I applaud you for bringing this Bill forward. I don't know if many of you remember, but on November 17 of 2022 in this building, in this Capitol building here, we did have the tribal nations come and try to meet with many Legislators to talk about concerns and issues to their nations that affect to their people. And so, I just want to remind everybody, there are 270 thousand Native people living throughout the state in Illinois. And I'm pretty sure that they are appreciative of Representative West's Bill. This is a time in history that has to be recognized. And I… I'm going to make this comparison. In our Mexican history, yes, we would have to probably have to mention Hernán Cortés and his whole relationship and how that story took place. But it is something to be recognized because these tribal nations still exist. I'm still a daughter and a product and a granddaughter of that, and I appreciate you. So, thank you, Representative West, very much."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock."
"Thank you. Hello… hello. Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Okay. I… I just have a quick question. I'm fairly new here, but is it normal for the House to vote on curricula and review curricula before it's taught in the schools?"
"We're not voting on curricula."
"Do… does the House vote on curricula?"
"No, we don't." 10300026.docx 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. That's it."
"Representative Norma Hernandez." Hernandez, N.: "Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." Hernandez, N.: "As also a daughter of indigenous relatives and family, I think it's important and long overdue that we recognize the erasure of the indigenous community and the Native Americans here in our country, let alone our state. I think we owe a debt to society to the harm that we've caused the Native American community on different levels historically. And I really want to applaud Representative West for bringing this Bill forward because we need to recognize the reality of our history and we need to recognize what we need to do moving forward on how we can continue moving our country and our state into a better place by making sure that we are teaching our young kids and people the reality of where we are. And I wish we had Native American history in my schooling when I was young. So, because of this, I… I urge that we vote 'yes' on this Bill."
"Representative West to close."
"I thank you all for the spirited debate. And I understand how some of us may feel when it comes to other factors of history, and I… I respect my Representative who had mentioned all the Italian agencies that he is supporting and… and a part of. But for generations there haven't been not one Native American who is able to stand for themselves under this dome. While we created movies to demonize Native Americans, and it was totally okay. While we are… while I'm getting… back in 2019 getting death threats by simply saying, 'Let's talk about 10300026.docx 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Native American mascots.' I've done… we've done nothing to them people. We are desensitized when it comes to a certain community of people. And so, no, I'm not going to change this Bill in the Senate. I'm standing firm on how this Bill looks right now because there are people of Native American descent who needs to know that this Legislature stands for them. I appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1633 pass?' All those 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 75 voting 'yes', 32 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Tarver, for what reason do you rise?"
"I need to correct the record, Mr. Speaker."
"Go ahead."
"Regretfully, I needed to be recorded as a 'no' on House Bill 1286. Thank you."
"The… the record shall reflect. Leader Mah."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record show that Representative Gordon-Booth is excused for the rest of the day."
"The record shall reflect. Remaining on page 26 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 635 (sic-1635), Representative Morgan. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. 1635."
"House Bill 1635, a Bill for an Act concerning property. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10300026.docx 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Also, the Chair is instituting a three-minute time limit. Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not need that full three minutes. This is a simple land transfer Bill on behalf of the Lake County Forest Preserve District moving part of their property to the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. Fort Sheridan National Cemetery is unfortunately running out of room for those who have served in our country who have passed away for burial. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1635 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 25 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 1465, Leader McCombie. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1465, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader McCombie."
"Thank you, Speaker. This is a cleanup Bill from last year. It was a township official's effort. This inadvertently… it increases the threshold for townships inadvertently left out the road districts. So, it increases road districts from 20 thousand to 30 thousand. And I am open to any questions." 10300026.docx 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1465 pass?' All those in favor signify voting 'yes'; 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 this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to House Bill 1636, Representative Walker. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1636, a Bill for an Act concerning finances. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Walker."
"Thank you. House Bill 1636 allows financial institutions to more easily give financial information to executors, administrators, or other lawful representatives of customers' estates. This Bill passed out of the House unanimously last year. It was not taken up by the Senate. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1636 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Tarver on House Bill 2040. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Please move this Bill back to Second for the purpose of an Amendment." 10300026.docx 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2040, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. This Bill was read a second time previously. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Tarver, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Tarver on Floor Amendment #2."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a… you said on the Amendment?"
"It's Floor Amendment #2."
"Oh. The Amendment just changes the word 'contact' to 'contract'. There was an 'r' missing, (unintelligible) error."
"Representative Tarver moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 2040. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment's adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2040, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"This Bill is so straightforward. I'm just going to read it. It allows… it amends the county code to say that a person who is a resident or nonresident of the district for one year to be the highway commissioner or they can contract with a neighboring township to provide a highway commissioner if no qualified candidate has resided in the road district for at least one year. I don't of any opposition at this point. I do believe that the original Amendment eliminated any 10300026.docx 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 opposition. And I think we'll be good with this one because Representative Severin is the chief-co on the other side."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2040 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting's 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Burke on House Bill 2057. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2057, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Burke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2057 is an initiative of the labors and retirement… excuse me, the pension board for the laborers' fund for the City of Chicago. And it also includes similar provisions for the Chicago Park District. And it is simply allowing these funds to have the power… or the ability, I should say, that other pension funds have regarding the subpoenaing of witnesses and documents in certain limited situations that come before the board, including disability claims and collection of monies that may be owed the fund. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2057 pass?' All those 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? 10300026.docx 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Gong-Gershowitz on House Bill 2072. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2072, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz, please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2072 includes two patient-centered dental insurance reforms designed to improve transparency and value for the consumer. It prevents the automatic enrollment in a lease network without the provider's consent, requires notification to a provider whose contract is assigned or leased, and ensures that no provider is canceled for declining to participate in the new leased network. It protects dentists from incurring increased costs associated with the virtual credit card transaction fees that make reimbursement amounts less than the negotiated rate. The goal is to ensure that patient dollars go to patient care. House Floor Amendment 3 removed opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Your last point, I think, answered my question. The Amendment removed the opposition to the Bill. Is that correct?"
"That is correct." 10300026.docx 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2072 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; 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 this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Vella on House Bill 2077. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill.
"House Bill 2077, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Vella."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2077, as amended by Floor Amendment #2, makes several cleanup changes to the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Makes some special licensing provisions to make it smoother for military members and dental university staff to practice. And adds a provision to the Civil Procedure Code about requirements of closing a dental practice. I know of no opposition. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2077 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional 10300026.docx 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Majority, is hereby declared passed. On House Bill 2094, Representative Sanalitro. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2094, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Sanalitro."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2094 amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. It is an initiative to address… to address deceptive mortgage mailers that targets the unsuspecting homeowners to enter into unfavorable terms. I know of no opposition, and I ask for a 'yes' vote. And I'm open to any questions. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, is this your first Bill?"
"Yes, it is."
"Are you nervous at all?"
"That's an understatement."
"Do you… do you think it's a good Bill."
"I think it's an exceptional Bill."
"I believe it's good too. And I think you did a great job. Please add me as a Sponsor. Thank you."
"Thank you. I do have one more thing I wanted to add…"
"You're not recognized for that purpose."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Representative Weaver."
"Does the Speaker yield… or does the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield." 10300026.docx 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Sanalitro, can you speak to whether or not you believe that a saliva test should be required before garnering a home mortgage?"
"You're funny."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Thank you."
"Representative Sanalitro to add that one more thing in close."
"So, a constituent of mine and a former State Representative, Randy Ramey, said that it used to be an old tradition that when you had your first Bill you wore a red… you wore a red jacket. So, I brought the red jacket today to put on for my first Bill. And with that, thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2094 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Congratulations. Representative Will Davis, for what reason do you rise?" Davis, W.: "Just a quick point of personal privilege."
"State your point." Davis, W.: "Representative Sanalitro. Representative, I just want to warn you about wearing… taking advice from Randy Ramey."
"Representative Tarver on House Bill 2098. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2098, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a cleanup Bill. Last year, we passed a Bill that was the initiative of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association that was agreed upon with the realtors as well. We missed a minor detail as related to beneficiaries. This just clarifies that if a beneficiary never occupied the residential real estate property or never had management responsibility, they're not required to fill out the disclosure form. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2098 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; 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 this question, there 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Delgado on House Bill 2104. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2104, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Delgado."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2104 amends the School Code to include water safety education for students in pre-K through sixth grade under the safety education subsection of the Act. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for kids one to four years old. It's the second leading cause of death for kids up to 14 years 10300026.docx 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 old. These deaths could be prevented if basic water safety education was given in elementary and middle school. Much like the fire safety education that we all probably remember… who doesn't remember stop, drop, and roll… this is a critical piece of education to keep our kids safe. The curriculum and training are available free of charge from the American Red Cross or the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, and they are all age appropriate. This Bill passed unanimously out of committee, and I know of no opposition. I ask for an 'aye' vote, and I'm available for questions. Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. This is a 'may' rather than a 'shall' for school districts. So, they are allowed to provide this instruction, but not mandated to provide it. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Delgado to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2104 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; 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 this question, 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Gong-Gershowitz on House Bill 2123. Mr. Clerk, 10300026.docx 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2123, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. This Bill was read a second time previously. Floor Amendment 1 was adopted previously. Floor Amendment 3, offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz, has been approved for consideration."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz on Floor Amendment #3."
"Yeah. Floor Amendment 3 makes a technical change. I'd like to adopt the Amendment and then debate on Third."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 2123. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment's adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2123, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2123 creates a civil cause of action against any person who knowingly distributes a digital forgery or a deepfake of an individual without that individual's consent. Deepfakes are fake videos creating… created using software, AI, or machine learning and face swapping. These computer-created artificial videos combine images to create new footage that depict events, statements, or action that never actually happened. And the 10300026.docx 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 results are convincing. AI-generated fake videos are being weaponized against women. There are entire websites dedicated to pornographic deepfakes made without the consent of the real women who are falsely depicted engaging in sexual acts that they never participated in, and the impact can be devastating. Technology has outpaced lawmakers who have been too slow to provide adequate guidance for its appropriate use. Common law torts of defamation, false light developed centuries ago have not provided adequate remedies to victims. At its core, this Bill is about giving people some rights to control their own image within the boundaries of the Constitution. This Bill passed unanimously out of committee, and I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Will… just to the Sponsor. Will the Sponsor yield? Sorry."
"Yes. She indicates she will."
"Representative, I… actually I just want to make a statement. This is another good Bill I believe you brought out to try and at least catch up if not keep ahead of where we're going with electronics and… and various things going on over the Internet. And I also greatly appreciate you amending the Bill to include the… the portions about satire. So, thank you."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2123 pass?' All those in favor signify voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 10300026.docx 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Huynh on House Bill 2133. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. 2131, that's what I said."
"House Bill 2131, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Huynh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I'm presenting House Bill 2131, which will create a Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force to study the top policies that can decrease traffic fatalities. The task force will consist of representative from the Illinois state department, State Police, the Secretary of State's Office, the Department of Transportation, institutions of higher learning, and other entities, such as biker activist groups, cyclist groups, pedestrian groups, which will present their findings to the General Assembly. We must do anything we can to stop unnecessary traffic deaths. I know of no opposition. I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you for your time."
"On this question, Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Huynh, I think we can all acknowledge that traffic fatalities are a very serious problem, and we appreciate the effort of putting a task force together to address them. But what about other fatalities? Do 10300026.docx 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 you know, are traffic fatalities more serious than other kinds of fatalities in the state?"
"No. Other fatalities are also very serious as well."
"So, why would your task force ignore all those other very serious fatalities and focus only on traffic-related fatalities?"
"We can explore other fatalities in different task forces in… in other Bills that can explore opioid fatalities or any other fatalities."
"Well, I… I appreciate that, but it just seems like unnecessarily sort of blinkering the focus of your task force. Have you considered a zero fatality task force that would attempt to end death all together?"
"Yes. There's also a… an exhibit at the Field Museum called 'Death'. And I… I recommend you should check it out as well. It's… it's really cool."
"I look forward to it. Maybe we can take a field trip together. Congrats on your first Bill, Representative."
"We certainly can because we have the… the Member's pass for all of us to take field trips to the Field Museum."
"Yes."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Huynh to close."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I… I just wanted to acknowledge, there's been a couple recent deaths in my district. The first, last year, was a two-year-old child, Lily, who died. And the other was another two-year old child who also died as well, Rafi, and they passed away in my district due to being hit by traffic violence. So, this is 10300026.docx 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 for them. This is for all the folks in our state who've passed away from traffic violence. And certainty we must make sure that we protect our kids and our families. I urge an 'aye' vote. And I… I hope this will be also a bipartisan Bill as well. Thank you so much for your time."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2131 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Delgado. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 109 voting 'yes', 1 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 27 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 2147, Representative Yang Rohr. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2147, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Yang Rohr."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the Body. House Bill 2147 seeks to address the substitute teacher and teacher shortage crisis that many of our districts are facing in three ways. One, it seeks to allow retired teachers to come back into the classroom as substitute teachers, moving it from the current 100 days to 120 days. Two, it allows student teachers who are paid by their school districts, if they so choose, to buy TRS credits. They would be responsible for the employee, the employer, and the seven percent actuarial assumed rate of return, if they want to do that. And three, for education support staff, if they are pinch-hitting as student… as 10300026.docx 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 substitute teachers, it will allow them to immediately get reciprocity from the TRS credits that they would be earning to the IMRF plan that they are primarily a part of. Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2147 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting's 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… question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Crespo on House Bill 2188. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2188, a Bill for an Act concerning the fraud. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Crespo."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 2188 addresses the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which investigates and prosecutes provider fraud and resident abuse. All 50 states have a unit. And in most states, the units are housed within the Attorney General's Office. In Illinois, it's housed within the Illinois State Police. In the past few years, based on discussions with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General, the State Police, and Attorney General's Office, the decision was made to run the unit as a single unit within the AG's Office. We passed this Bill last year. It went to the Senate. There were some logistical issues that needed to be addressed. 10300026.docx 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 They were, and here we are again. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2188 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2189, Representative Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2189, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Veto Session of 2019, this Body approved Senate Bill 667, which created one of the first in the nation caps on out-of-pocket copays for insulin. At the time, that cap was a hundred dollars. Again, we were one of the nation's leaders in this issue. I'm proud to say that since then many states have adopted this measure. The Federal Government recently adopted a cap for Medicare patients, and the various manufacturers are also adopting caps as well. And the trend in recent years since we passed our nation-leading legislation has been to place that cap at $35 a month, rather than the $100 a month in our Bill. So, I'm just moving to catch us up with the trend here and to bring that cap down to $35 a month for people with state insurance plans. I will say very briefly that I'm hoping that we can accomplish yet more on insulin affordability this 10300026.docx 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Session. I look forward to the opportunity to be back before you with another Bill that goes a little bit deeper in this area. But for now, this measure simply addresses the… the copay cap, brings it down to $35. And I know of no opposition to the Bill and would ask for your support. Thank you, Members."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2189 pass?' All those 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… Tarver. Take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Moylan on House Bill 2207. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 2207, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Moylan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. House Bill 2207 is mostly technical cleanup language to the spring real estate omnibus Bill, and it is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. And I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"With gusto. Representative… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2207 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting's 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, 10300026.docx 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Ann Williams on House Bill 2217. Representative Ann Williams. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2217, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams." Williams, A.: "Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. This Bill creates the Tenants Radon Protection Act, which requires landlords to provide tenants with copies of any records disclosing hazardous radon concentrations in a dwelling unit. So, this Bill is supported and advanced by the American Lung Association, the Respiratory Health Association, and provides that a landlord is not obligated to mitigate a hazard, but that if they choose not to mitigate a radon hazard, a tenant can break the lease. And that's only if the radon hazard is tested and proven to be above the IEMA's recommended radon action levels. So, it would provide a danger to human health. Happy to answer any questions."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Just so I'm clear, this Bill does not require the testing. But if the testing is done, it has to be shared landlord to tenant. And if the tenant has it done, the tenant needs to inform the landlord. Is that correct?" Williams, A.: "Yes, that's the idea. We didn't want to mandate a lot of… we didn't put a lot mandates on the landlords in this 10300026.docx 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 case. We wanted to give the option for mitigation if there was problem. At the same time, we wanted to balance that with the health concerns that a tenant may have."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hoffman: "Seeing no one speaking… seeking further recognition, Representative Williams to close." Williams, A.: "I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2217 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; 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 this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Burke on House Bill 2224. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2224, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Burke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2224 is an initiative of the Illinois Treasurer. It makes some changes to the Unclaimed Property Act and most… I guess the biggest change would be to provide that any money payable by a county treasurer as a refund shall be unclaimed property a little earlier than currently. So, it'll be three years now. And some other changes regarding when… when things will become unclaimed property and some other technical changes. I know of no opposition. Again, it's an initiative of the Illinois Treasurer's Office, and I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2224 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; 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 103 voting 'yes', 3 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Swanson on House Bill 2258. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2258, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Swanson. And Representative… or Leader Burke in the Chair."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill is presented by the State Fire Marshal… or initiative of the State Fire Marshal. And as federal regulations have changed, now the State of Illinois must comply with those regulations. So, what this basically does, it aligns Illinois code with the federal fire codes. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition to speak on this Bill, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 20… 2258 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 27 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 2247, Leader Mah. There's an Amendment to adopt on this, Rep. Mah?" 10300026.docx 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Yes."
"Oh, excuse me. We're going to move this back to Second, Mr. Clerk, for purposes of adopting the Amendment."
"House Bill 2247, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Hoffman, has been approved for consideration."
"Leader Hoffman on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This simply extends the sunset. It was on a different Bill. But rather than have two separate Bills for the reason of legislative economy, I'd like to have this adopted."
"Representative Hoffman moves for the adoption of House Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2247. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2247, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mah."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2247 is simply a trailer Bill that is a clean up to the Landscape Architecture Regulations… Registration Act that was passed in the 102nd General Assembly. It restores a section having to do with continuing education and also, as the Representative mentioned, includes a Bill with the sunset date." 10300026.docx 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
Speaker Burke: "Thank you. On this matter, Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Leader, are landscape architects now required… or currently required to get continuing education?"
"Yes."
"Okay. And what would this Bill do to change that requirement?"
"It allows continuing education, any changes to be adopted through the rules process… the rulemaking process."
"And how is a… up to this point, how has that been… curriculum been established for the continuing education requirements?"
"That has always had been an option in the previous version of the Bill, but it was left out in the… the process of passing this Bill last General Assembly."
"So, I… maybe I'm not understanding correctly. It… so there is currently in the law a continuing education requirement for landscapers?"
"Yes."
"Okay. And this…"
"And this is landscape architects."
"Landscape architects, yes."
"As distinct from landscapers, yes."
"Okay. Thank you. So, what does this Bill do that's distinct from the current law?"
"It simply restores a section that had been inadvertently left out in the previous version of the Bill." 10300026.docx 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And what is that section? I guess is my question."
"It has to do with allowing the continuing education changes to be adopted in the rulemaking process."
"And how… I guess back to my original question then. How was those standards set up to this point before this? Or… or have they been set at all, up to this point?"
"I believe they were in the previous Registration Act. I'm not… I don't have at hand exactly how it was adopted, but it simply allows this as an option. It hasn't… I believe it hasn't been exercised as yet, but it restores this section into the Registration Act."
"Thank you."
"There being no further questions, Representative Mah is recognized to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2247 pass?' All those in favor… oh excuse… all those 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 73 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this matter, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Okay. Next, we have House Bill 2266, Representative Walker. Mr. Clerk, please read the record… or please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2266, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Walker's recognized." 10300026.docx 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2266 is an initiative of the Treasurer's Office. The Bill would change meeting requirements of the Personnel Review Board to meet as needed instead of quarterly, which would reduce the number of meetings that they have. It also provides a up to $100 stipend for travel-related expenses. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Do we have an estimate on the fiscal impact of this Bill?"
"Yeah. I'm glad you asked that because it was asked in committee by your… your friend. The… there are only three members of this board, and they meet less than quarterly at a hundred dollars apiece. My best estimate is under a thousand dollars a year."
"It's one of the cheaper fiscal impacts that we'll have in quite some time."
"Right. Thank you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Walker to close."
"Let's vote for this."
"Representative… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2266 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 1 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having 10300026.docx 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2269, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2269, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2269 allows for electronic estate planning documents and essentially documents that surround electron… around wills to be signed electronically. There's no opposition to this Bill, and it passed out of committee unanimously. And also, Representative Dan Ugaste is a cosponsor, so you guys know that it's a good Bill. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized on the Bill."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Thank you. Our analysis reflects this is similar to a Utah law. Is that correct?"
"I… I guess I like… if that is reflected in your analysis, I guess I really like Utah Bills."
"Yeah. They have a good government in Utah. Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Croke to close."
"Oh, please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2269 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. 10300026.docx 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 On this question… on this Bill, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have on page 27 House Bill 2288, Representative Rosenthal. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2288, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Rosenthal."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is an Amendment to the Illinois… Illinois Procurement Code. And it's the goal for veteran-owned small business, and it provides the small business means… business that has an annual gross sales of less than 150 million as opposed to 75 million. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Davidsmeyer on the Bill."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He will."
"Representative, is this your first Bill?"
"First one in about eight years."
"Are… are you yourself a veteran?"
"I have been."
"You have been? Still are?"
"Still are."
"God bless you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "All right. Seeing no further questions, Representative Rosenthal to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2288 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… on this Bill, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, on page 28 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 2352. Chair recognizes Representative… oh, excuse me. House Bill 2352, Representative Kelly. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Yes."
"House Bill 2352, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kelly is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2352 amends the Chicago Municipal Article 8 of the Illinois Pension Code to provide that school years beginning on or after July 21, 2023, an age and service or prior service annuity shall not be canceled in the case of an employee who is reemployed by the Board of Education of the city as a paraprofessional or related service provider on temporary or nonannual basis or on an hourly basis so long as the person does not work for compensation on more than 120 days in a school year and does not accept gross compensation of more than $30 thousand. There is no opposition that I'm aware of, and it passed unanimously out of committee. And I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Kelly to close."
"I would appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 10300026.docx 140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2352 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 Bill, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, on… staying on page 28, we have House Bill 2366, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2366, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Collins is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill updates the Community Schools Article of the School Code, which was originally enacted in 2009 with technical changes. As an initiative of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, it is also supported by the Illinois Education Association. And I… I ask for an 'aye' vote. That's it."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized on the Bill."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, Representative. On our analysis it shows that there would be a technical Floor Amendment that was maybe discussed in committee. I didn't know if that was forthcoming, or if that will occur in the other chamber. Or if that is correct."
"I think that is correct." 10300026.docx 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And do you know what the nature of the Amendment was to be?"
"Hold on one second. Can you come back to me? Can you come back?"
"Would you like to take this out of the record?"
"Yeah. Can you come back? Or…"
"Out of the record."
"Yeah."
"Next, we have House Bill 2396, Representative Canty. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2396, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Canty is recognized on House Bill 2396."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am excited to present House Bill 2396, which provides us with a four-year ramp-up to implementing the availability of full-day kindergarten by the 2027-2028 school year. The Bill provides for a task force made up of a comprehensive and diverse group from across the spectrum of experts in this field, including management, school districts, unit districts, parents, teachers, the Capital Development Board, and a person familiar with school construction. It also provides that for those districts that are not ready in the 2027-2028 school year, they can apply for an additional two-year waiver, which would be granted in the event that they are at 70 percent or below of EBF funding or they are in the top 25 percent of capital funding need as defined by the task force. Or, we have a third option, which the task force is enabled to come up with additional criteria 10300026.docx 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 in their vast wisdom. Finally, I think we can all recognize that our children are our most important resource in the State of Illinois. And as we look to move forward with our pre-K program and the Governor's Smart Start program, I hope that we can recognize that kindergarten is a pivotal piece of a child's learning journey. And I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Frese is recognized on the Bill."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, over the course of the last month, this Bill has changed quite a bit. I think when I first read it at the end of February, there was… I think there was an attempt to impose full-day kindergarten as of the 2023-2024 school year. I think we all knew that wasn't going to happen. But right away you went to work on some Amendments, and the ramping up to 2027, commendable. And my understanding, if you would explain to me, there's certain criteria where you… where a school district could actually get a couple additional years to comply."
"Yes, Representative, that is absolutely correct. And I have been working on this Bill for quite a long time with a vast stakeholder group, including some of those individuals that I mentioned."
"Yes."
"I am serious and committed to this work. And the waiver process to get that additional 2 years, which really expands this to a 6-year ramp-up, again, goes to 70 percent or below of EBF funding, or 25 percent or more of capital funding need 10300026.docx 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 and you have not yet received capital funding, or an additional criteria that is set up by the task force."
"And that was certainly one of the arguments that I think the Illinois Principals Association made. I think we… we may have even made a little bit of a joke about it in… in committee that, you know, sometimes what we want is on the forefront, but then to back it up with the money is not necessarily quick to come behind. So, that…"
"That… that is…"
"But to your credit, even though the Principals Association expressed opposition, you've created this task force and given them a seat…"
"Yes."
"…on the task force. I believe that's on page six, item nine in your Bill."
"Yes, Sir."
"So, that's wonderful. Thank you for that. About 80 percent, I understand, of school districts in Illinois approximately already do offer full-day kindergarten."
"That is correct. I believe that's the number."
"And the other 20 percent probably… what percentage of those other 20 percent probably offer part-day, half-day kindergarten? Probably all the rest of them."
"Correct."
"Okay. And this does not change in any way the compulsory age?"
"It absolutely does not."
"Okay. All this is wonderful. Thank you for the work. You can count on my support. Thank you." 10300026.docx 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you very much."
"Representative Mussman is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"To the Bill. I just want to lend my voice to… in support of this Bill. This Bill's passage is absolutely critical for the development and the future of our children. Outcome data has repeatedly demonstrated that children who attend full- day kindergarten are much better prepared for school as they move throughout their careers. The National Education Association even says full-day kindergarten is a powerful tool for closing racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps. As Rep. Canty had indicated, this is not an abrupt shift to full-day kindergarten. It instead is in concert with the implementation. A task force made up of Legislators, education experts, other stakeholders will all help to oversee this transition. Districts will have at least four years to adjust to these changes, with an additional two years for those who request that. This Bill was crafted alongside a diverse array of voices, including our students, our parents, our teachers, our administrators, our community leaders. We listened to them. Communities across the state want full-day kindergarten, and Representative Canty has worked hard to create a platform in which that vision can become a reality. I know this has been a passion project for you, and I encourage everyone to support you."
"Representative Swanson is recognized."
"Madam… thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10300026.docx 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, I know you've a lot of work on this. I still have some concerns. I understand kind of the… the background of this piece of legislation was a school district tried to pass a referendum to grow to a full-day school, to build additional classrooms, and that failed. Is that correct?"
"That is not where the Bill came from, if I understand your statement correctly."
"Okay. Well, that's what one of the… was mentioned. My concern… to the Bill. My concern with this Bill is if we have half-day school now, and we have two groups of half-day school, a morning and afternoon, we can do that with school teachers, with two teachers. If we grow to full-day school, and we have four groups of students full-day, we must employ two more teachers and may have to build additional space, potentially have more facility requirements than what we have the capabilities to do. I can see the enhancement or the requirement for a referendum to build a new school additions to accommodate the new schools. And we all understand what that means. A referendum means a tax increase, a property tax increase. So, for those 20 percent, whatever that number would be, 20 percent of 800 I… there's 800 schools, I think, in Illinois. Twenty percent of that, a hundred and sixty schools. Potentially, if they're not providing full-day school now, if we pass this, it would require them to go. I guess the question to the Sponsor would be, we set up a task force, but we're going to put the mandate out there anyway that we're going to do it. It seems like we would wait for the response 10300026.docx 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 from the task force, if it comes back in two years, and then possibly go forward if that task force says we need to do full-day school. Then that's what should happen. So, I guess I would ask, why are we putting this mandate in there and not waiting for the task force to provide their input?"
"I… I can appreciate that concern. And from my perspective, that which gets measured gets done. So, the task force will report out at the 6-month period and the 12-month period so that we can have an ongoing understanding of what these needs are. Not just from a capital basis in terms of facilities, but also in terms of teachers and what else we need to… to make this a success. It is possible that we may find we have to come back two to three years from now, but I… and… and kind of clean some of this up. However, I am committed to looking for these capital dollars, and I've had very positive exchanges with both our budgeteers and with the Governor's team, seeing this as a complement to his Smart Start program in these out years. But I recognize the concern that you are raising."
"Okay. Well, as we've talked, I will not, cannot support this. It's up to my colleagues and everyone else what they want to do. But my concern, as a former school board member for 14 years, the concern of having to increase staff, two new teachers when this goes into effect in 2027. Are we going to be ramped up enough to provide additional teachers throughout kindergarteners across Illinois? And then also, those additional potential property tax increases that would be required to add on to those school districts. So… but thank you for all… all your hard work on this. Thank you." 10300026.docx 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you."
"Representative Costa Howard is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm… I'm turning so that Rep. Canty and I can have a face-to-face discussion. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Rep… Representative, just yesterday, I think it was, you and I sat here and had a conversation regarding my concerns about this Bill. And I just want to remind you that nothing about what you're trying to do is an indictment of all-day kindergarten. I fully believe in the policy. We know that it works. We know that it's a good thing. But there are a couple issues that I… I want to talk to you about and just make sure that we have that… this on the record. First and foremost, many school districts in the Chicagoland area, for example, have had failed building referendums. Meaning they need space, and they can't pass their referendum. Is there anything in this Bill that addresses the issue of failed building referendums for the… to implement all-day kindergarten?"
"Not specifically, no. However, as I mentioned, there is an opportunity in that third bucket for receiving this additional waiver for the task force, in its wisdom, to find additional criteria. And I propose that that may be one."
"Okay. When you say 'buckets', you kind of mean buckets of… what do you mean by buckets?"
"It… they are enabled to come up with additional criteria that is not specifically listed in this Bill." 10300026.docx 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Okay. So… but based on the… I respect your data and dates and all of that. But I guess I… I have concerns about it because many years ago… and Leader Hernandez and I were just having a conversation again about it… there was a program called School Construction Grants here in Illinois. Are you aware of that program?"
"I am not."
"Okay. That was a program that many of us perhaps in the General Assembly had school districts that built buildings and applied for these grants and were promised these grants and never ever received them because the state didn't have the dollars. So, is there anything in this Bill that potentially addresses the issue that a) we won't have the money to do this and b) any offset of cost to the actual property taxpayer that has to then pay for these programs for… I'm sorry… to pay for the building construction? I'm not… the educational fees is aside. I'm just talking about construction."
"As we stand here today, no. And that's why we're providing such a long ramp to provide ourselves time to get that capital funding and come up with creative solutions to that issue."
"Okay. Are you… I know there's a lot more work… I know you're going to continue to work on this Bill. Is there any conversation that when it goes to the Senate there will be continued conversation as to how to address the issue of failed building referendums?"
"I am confident that there will be ongoing conversations."
"Okay. Thank you. Madam Speaker, to the Bill. Again, I want to be crystal clear, the policy of all-day kindergarten 10300026.docx 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 is the right thing to do. We need to have this. Most of the schools in my district actually have these programs, tuition… that are tuition-based. However, I also live, was on the school board of at, similar to Rep. Swanson, where we had failed… we had failed referendums. Again, not because of the policy, but because of the construction piece. My district 20 years ago was in line for one of these school construction grants and clearly never got it 'cause we've never been able to build the buildings. So, I… I just… I know I believe that the Sponsor has made a commitment to continue to work on this, but I do think we all should be aware to not promise state money that does not exist because, at the end of the day, the property tax payers are the ones who are going to have to foot the bill. Thank you."
"Representative Scherer is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support of the Bill, and I just… full… I want to say full support, without hesitation. And the two things that I would like to note are that if we're sitting here and we're contemplating supporting preschool for all, and then it's like going backwards if a child isn't offered the opportunity to have full-day kindergarten after they've gone to preschool. The second half of this is something that we don't always think of along the lines of education. I… I respect what our former school board members feel financially. But I also need to mention that I think it's time… if we're going to sit in this chamber under the dome, we need to think about education for the sake of education. Not for the sake of how much it's always going to cost. And so, if you're thinking of a child who's in 10300026.docx 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 kindergarten, probably five, maybe six years old, they need to be having their main instruction in the morning and lighter, less heavy-duty academics in the afternoon. Well, if you offer half-day kindergarten, that means 50 percent of the children are going to school in the morning, 50 percent are going when some of them are used to taking a nap. So, this would alleviate that whole problem, and many of you know it. You sat there with your own children, and you're like, oh my, I hope my child gets in morning because if they get in afternoon, it's a lost year. So, by voting for this, you can prevent the lost year. And I would dare to say, as we build the foundation, kindergarten could possibly be the most critical year of school in a child's life. Thank you."
"Thank you, Rep. We do have several speakers left, and we do have a lot of business to still take care of this evening. So, we're going to go to a timer for the next speakers. We're going to do a three-minute timer. And the Chair recognizes Representative Nichols."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Again, everybody listen up. Like, what are we talking about? Like I said, everybody listen. It's important. You talk about our children. We did pass so much stuff up in here, and y'all telling me that… we all got children in this… in this Assembly. What are we talking about? The… the most formidable years is these kids in pre-K and kindergarten. We got a billion-dollar cannabis industry. We got a gaming industry. This is, like, ridiculous, man. Like, we can find money for everything else. We got so many buildings closed in Chicago, by the way. So, go pick one. Got a whole bunch of schools. C'mon, man. Like… like, 10300026.docx 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 again, we start talking about things that matter. And you started talking about why it's crime. You started talking about all these things happening in society. But the years that children should be trained… we talking about kids that… that get to first grade and don't even know how to count or know their colors. But yet and still we sit in this… this dome, the people that elected you to be down here to solve problems, not to talk about something in the future. You… you put this off. What about the… the child right now, today? The one that needs this right now. Not the one that need it two, three, five, seven years from now. The one that need it right now. You want to solve some problems? Stop thinking crime is this thing that just manifests out of the thin air. It's what we do right now to help that child. Everybody in here knows the statistics of a third grader, and they build more prisons. So, stop it. Start paying attention. Stop talking about other things that really don't matter and pay attention. The Representative put a lot of work into this. We all have children. This is ridiculous. I'm sitting in an appropriation committee talking about hundreds of millions of dollars going to colleges. Well, how they going to get there? Unbelievable. You got my support on the Bill. We just talking about… we got stuff to do. Let's go."
"Representative Will Davis is recognized." Davis, W.: "Thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I probably shouldn't even go after that, but…"
"You don't want to, that's okay." Davis, W.: "That's tough. But I will… I'd like to ask the Sponsor a question, Ma'am. Will she…" 10300026.docx 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The Sponsor will yield." Davis, W.: "Thank you. So, Representative Canty, of course, you know, one of the things in this education space that's extremely important to me is the Evidence-Based Funding formula. So, relative to that, what impact, if any, will what you're doing… what you're attempting to do have on EBF?"
"So, the operational cost of providing full-day kindergarten are included in EBF currently. We recognize that there are additional startup costs that need to be part of this work, including the capital costs. This is why we built out the window. This also provides us with a great opportunity to look at increasing our EBF funding over time because the faster that we can get to full adequacy, the more our individual school districts will receive under the EBF program." Davis, W.: "I appreciate that. And relative to, I think, capital costs, and I'll just say this… to the Bill, Madam… Madam Speaker. Relative to the capital costs involved… so, we are in the… I think the last capital Bill we passed was in 2019. Here we are in 2023. They're usually about a six… six-year window. So, somewhere around, as this capital Bill is coming to a close, that's pretty much when I think you're getting started, if you will, trying to start putting these pieces together. So… and I, for what's it's worth, fully anticipate another capital Bill coming because it's what we demand as Legislators, it's what our communities demand, ways to put those dollars together in… in that sizable amount to do a wide variety of things with. So… and as much as is put in buckets to do different things, why would we not consider a 10300026.docx 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 bucket for capital costs for early childhood? Or for pre-K as well as full-day kindergarten? So… and as much as some are saying don't do it now, if we don't plan now, we're going to lose. Some of what the previous speaker said about thinking about our children and what it means for our children, we have to start putting that in place now. There's no doubt about that. Full-day kindergarten has to be the next iteration of what we are doing to make sure our kids are prepared for the global society, for what's to come in their lives, or whatever… whatever you call it or whatever… what way you want to classify it. Full-day kindergarten is that. And as much as we're spending this time focusing on early childhood, and I appreciate that effort, but don't have… build that up and then you have a fall off because we don't have full-day kindergarten for these kids to continue building upon that education and then expect them, when they get to first grade and what have you, to then just be able to run and step back right into it, if I can say it that way. So, this is a necessary piece of that puzzle that we need to start focusing on, and I think the timing set forth is appropriate. Thank you very much, Madam Chair."
Speaker Burke: "Excellent timing, Representative Davis. Representative Benton is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"I sit on Child Care Access & Early Childhood Education, and this Bill came before the committee. And we've been holding joint hearings with the Senate to talk about early childhood development and getting kids in earlier and 10300026.docx 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 earlier. This is something that is very important to me. I'm a stakeholder. I'm happy to say we just registered my daughter for full-day kindergarten on Monday, which in a district a couple years ago would have been a lottery. And that is something that creates financial impact for a lot of working families, to get full-day kindergarten, especially with issues of waitlists for child care, shortages within childcare. This is about working families and early development, to make sure that our kids are taken care of and that they are going to be the most productive people that they could possibly be. I commend you on the work that you've done. We've come back to committee. You're right next to me in your office. You… I've seen all the meetings that you've taken. A lot of phone calls on this one. It's a great Bill. I'm on this Bill. I support this Bill. And I think we need to do more, as I sat in committee, with EBF funding. Special education's a big deal to me. My daughter's in early intervention, IEP. Full-day kindergarten is critical. Thank you very much for all the work that you've been doing. To the Bill. This Bill should pass because the 20 percent of… of school districts that aren't doing this could be potentially leaving kids behind. We need to make sure that we do this, and I support it. And I support an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Canty to close."
"Thank you very much. I appreciate the comments that everyone has made. We have made tremendous strides on our working group that has met every Tuesday, which includes members that I hope to see on this task force, from management, from the unit districts, the school districts, 10300026.docx 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 parents, teachers, and others. I appreciate the comments and hope to continue working on this Bill. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2396 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 87 voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2431, by Representative Kelly. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2431, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kelly's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill… House Bill 2431 prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while participating in video conferencing or accessing social media, including while in hands-free mode or when the driver can press a single button to initiate… terminate… or terminate a call. Currently, drivers may use electronic devices in hands-free mode. However, there was nothing in the law that prohibited video conferencing while in hands-free mode. And this Bill addresses that. This is an initiative of the Secretary of State. It was unanimous out of committee, and I… I see no opposition. And I respectfully request an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Kelly to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2431 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have Representative Lilly for House Bill 2437. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2437, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lilly is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2437 creates a new program similar to the U-Pass program for individuals 18 and younger enrolled in youth service programs across the city. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Lilly to close."
"Again, I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2437 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2442, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2442, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2442 ensures teachers continue to improve, and the Bill would allow licensed employees to receive further teacher endorsements through entitlement of the school district, rather than just ISBE. This came out unanimously through… in committee, and I request an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Initially, this Bill was partisan in committee, but it appears that your Amendment removed partisan opposition. Is that correct?"
"Yes. You know me. I always like working with folks and making sure opposition is removed."
"Well, we appreciate that. Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar to close."
"I request an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2442 pass?' All those 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Reick… Keicher is recognized." 10300026.docx 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Madam Speaker, if we could please Rep… excuse Representatives Hauter and Sosnowski for the remainder of the day."
"The record will so reflect. Turning back to page 27 of the Calendar, Leader Gabel for House Bill 2289. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2289, a Bill for an Act to revise the law by combining multiple enactments and making technical corrections. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Gabel is recognized."
"This Bill is LRB's general revisory Bill. It combines multiple enactments to the same section and makes technical corrections to the statutes. So, it takes care of the housekeeping for the General Assembly. It makes no substantive changes. It has technical changes, and then there's combining a revisory. So, it's a way that we correct the spelling and the grammar in our statutes so we all look very smart. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions on this, Leader Gabel to close."
"Just ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2289 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving 10300026.docx 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 back to page 23 of the Calendar, we have Leader Manley on House Bill 780. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 780, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Manley's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 780 creates the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program. The Department on Aging shall establish and administer the program to operate in Will County over a three-year period from January 21… January 1, '24 to January 1, '27. The services will be provided at the local senior services center. So, there's no cost to the state. This pilot program will designate an intake coordinator to help the grandparents that have custody or are living with their children and grandchildren, and oftentimes just their grandchildren, navigate the services that are readily available in many cases right here in the state, but they don't have the energy nor the sophistication to… to tackle the murky waters of the state… every state department trying to access whatever they need to find. So, this coordinator will help them do that in working with our state departments, DCFS, Department of Human Services, the Illinois State Board of Ed, Department of Aging, and HFS. They're going… on January 1, they will submit a report so that we can see whether or not this is a program we want to extend to other counties in the state. And I'll take your questions."
"Representative Reick is recognized."
"Thank you, Chair. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will." 10300026.docx 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Interesting… interesting concept here. I like the idea of the pilot program. I think that's… that's a good start. My question is, how are we going to identify the grandparents raising grandchildren? Is this going to be something that is… we check with DCFS to see if the… if they are part of, you know, the foster… the programs to bring… to take kids out of abusive households and things like that? What's… how is it… or do we yet… do we know yet how this is going to be administered?"
"So, let me tell you briefly how it began. I have a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legislative Advisory Committee in my district. And I created that because I think even before COVID this was an issue. But now after COVID, it is amazing how many families have grandparents raising their grandchildren. And the… and the odd thing… and I have several people in my group. The… there's a common denominator with the people in the group. Each child that they're caring for is in need of… has some severe developmental issues. The grandparents in my group, many of them are 70 years old and older. And grandparents love their grandchildren so much that they would die for them. In many cases, they are. They're foregoing their medicine so they can pay for baseball, new shoes 'cause kids grow like crazy, you know, as we know. The reason I wanted to do this is because if I put a Facebook post out and said, hey, I'm going to have this group. And 15 people came to my meeting. And I've heard from other Legislators that they have the same experiences. I think there's a real need out there. Also, part of the Bill is the Department on Aging will create a public awareness campaign 10300026.docx 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 on this thing and the services offered by each agency so that the grandparents know this is out there and that we can help them."
"How many of your group… I know it's anecdotal because it's such a small group. But how many of the members of your group would have come… those kids would have come to those families as a result of placement by the Department of Children and Family Services? Do… do you have any idea?"
"I think maybe half. And I'm just throwing a dart at the board. What we talk about mostly is trying to get the services they need to raise them, not how they came. Once in a while, they will delve into how their grandchild became the… you know, became…"
"Yeah, I know. Thanks, Wayne."
"…got to… got to live in their home. And some… some were placed there by the court. Some of the parents are dead. Some of the parents are just missing. It's… it's a phenomena. I think that if everybody had a relationship with maybe their area on aging, they would find out that there's a lot of situations out there like this."
"You kind of swerved into another question, if you don't mind. I… accessing services. Have you had any conversations with them as to who they have to go to to get just normal services that might be available? Or do they actually have to deal… if they've been referred from the Department of Children and Family Services, they have to go back to DCFS in order to get those kinds of… those services?"
"So, the (unintelligible) each family's a little unique. But the one thing they all have in common is if they need 10300026.docx 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 something from the Illinois State Board of Education or from HFS, the… the roadblock is, one agency doesn't have the information of what's at the other agency. And if they do, they're not being told that. And I can tell you that sitting on hold, it's very frustrating for them. They just don't know how to get to the resources that may be right there within their reach."
"This… I'm really happy about this. I'm certainly going to support this Bill. I guess my… what I'd like… to the Bill. I'd like to make a final point here that I think the Representative has highlighted to some degree is that we have… we have a system in place in this state that's administrated now by the Department of Children and Family Services called Families First. That was not necessarily meant to be administered by that agency. And this is… I think we're looking at a situation here in a small but an anecdotal way. But one that's important is the fact that we have agencies that are working in silos here. We have services that are being offered, or should be being offered, but you can only go one place to access them. There should be… let a million flowers bloom or something like that. But the fact is, is that there ought to be multiple agencies to which these folks can go. And I think a clearinghouse that your Bill might create with regard to the access to these services is very, very important. I like the idea of what you're doing. I would like to have… I'd like to be a little bit more involved in what it is you're doing on the ground here because it directly affects my efforts to try to fix what's wrong with the 10300026.docx 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Department of Children and Family Services as well. And I want to thank you for this Bill."
"Representative Manley to close."
"On behalf of the grandparents raising grandchildren in Will County and the senior services of Will County, I want to thank them for offering to… to help me with this program. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 780 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'… 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 27 of the… of the Calendar, we have House Bill 2154, Leader Manley. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2154, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Manley's recognized on House Bill 2154."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a pro… House Bill 2154 is a pro-business Bill that helps businesses protect their property. The Bill allows commercial property owners to install a battery-charged fence inside of an existing fence or wall without having to seek additional permit from the unit of local government if the interior fence meets certain strict requirements. I'll take your questions."
"Seeing no questions, Leader Manley to close."
"Please vote 'yes'." 10300026.docx 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2154 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'… '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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 28 of the Calendar, House Bill 2443, Representative Chung. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2443, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm presenting today House Bill 2443. It requires all health insurance policies and managed care plans to cover medically necessary hearing aids and related services regardless of age. Currently, our laws only require these policies to cover these services for people under the age of 18. It's our privilege as lawmakers to have the opportunity to contribute to an amazing change in people's lives. For the sake of thousands of Illinoisans who are unnecessarily living without their hearing, please exercise that opportunity and vote 'yes' here today. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Representative, I… I note there… this passed out on partisan leave, with a partisan vote, with the one Republican supporting."
"Yes." 10300026.docx 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you for that correction. What was the nature of opposition in the committee?"
"You know, they didn't mention anything at that time."
"Have any associations or business groups reached out to you regarding that opposition?"
"I… I have heard from none."
"All right. What I've heard expressed from Members is a concern about cost, that we're going to be placing additional costs onto insurance companies and then that will of course filter down to those who… who are paying for the insurance. Would you care to address that concern?"
"Sure. I mean, I guess what we're doing here today is that we're trying to cover people's hearing. We're not asking to cover nose jobs or medically unnecessary things. I would, you know, think that most people here would like to have their friends and colleagues and people, neighbors around the state to be able to hear."
"Could you… or do you know how this would place us with other states regarding this mandate?"
"No, I do not."
"No other questions."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. I am super excited. I didn't know this Bill existed or it was being presented. And here's the thing. Hearing loss is considered a low incidence disability. That means that a very small portion of the population has this. But the population that has the hearing loss has to pay 10300026.docx 166 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 a lot of money to help resolve that issue. I can tell you right now that my daughter, who's a public school teacher, cannot afford her own hearing aids, which cost me $15 thousand. That's a drop in the bucket for an insurance company. People with the hearing loss, it's not their fault. They shouldn't have to pay for that. So, I would urge a… a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative."
"Representative McCombie is… or excuse me, Leader McCombie's recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a question?"
"She indicates she will."
"Where is she? Oh, there she is. I'm sorry. Leader Windhorst just asked, what was the estimated cost? I… did I miss that? I didn't hear what you had stated."
"You know, it's… it's kind of unclear because, you know, a lot of people around the state… it's kind of unclear how many people are actually living with hearing loss. And, you know, even just maybe people have minor hearing loss that would probably benefit from something like this. So, that's unknown at this time."
"Okay. But the previous speaker just noted that hearing aids can cost $15 thousand. And I know of people that's anywhere from 5 to now she says to $15 thousand. So, I don't think the… the level of hearing loss matters on getting the hearing aids. The hearing aid is still the hearing aid, right?"
"Yes, it is." 10300026.docx 167 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Right."
"But with…"
"So… so, you have… I'm sorry. So, you have… you have no idea or your staff has no idea at all on an estimated cost?"
"No. But if you were… if we were talking about costs here, you know, many insurance companies have seen record profits in the past year. UnitedHealth Group profits were up 28 percent, 5.3 billion. Cigna profits were over 28… 2.8 billion, or 70 percent. So, these gains are industrywide. And so, if we're asking for people to actually have the gift of hearing, and maybe these companies not have so much in profits, I think that we're not asking a lot here today."
"Okay. So, you say insurance… I'm sorry. I can't hear. I… I didn't mean that. So, you're saying the insurance company have record profits. What are those record profits that they're generating? If you know that number, then we should be able to know how they're going to pay for the costs of the hearing aids."
"I'm not sure if you're asking a question right now, Leader."
"So, you said insurance companies have record profits, right?"
"Yes."
"But you're not able to tell how many… what's the cost of the hearing aids, but they're going to be paid for by the record profits."
"I… I understand your concerns about cost, but I have been… nobody from any insurance companies has reached out to me 10300026.docx 168 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 regarding this Bill. And so, you know, I would urge people here to vote 'yes' because this what we're bringing here."
"No, no. And… and I'm not… let me be clear. This is a mandate, and I don't usually vote for mandates. And… and I support this Bill. But that being said, we as a Body, you as a Sponsor, we… we kind of… we need to know these things."
"I guess here… I'm looking here. It says the… the data is difficult to come by and there… however, there are probably about 380 thousand Illinoisans, maybe even more, who are deaf or have… are dealing with severe hearing loss."
"Okay, 380 thousand. So, even if we just took 300 thousand that needed hearing aids…"
"I'm sorry. Can you ask your question again, please?"
"So, you have… that's okay. So, we have, let's say, 380 thousand in Illinois. So, let's say 300 thousand of those need hearing aids. So, your staff could determine a… a cost from that, correct?"
"I mean, these are just estimates here. But, you know, I think we're talking about… if 20 other states have covered these sorts of medically necessary hearing aids, I would just really like to see us do this here today."
"Oh. And I'm not… I'm not saying that we don't. But we… we're not in 20 other states. We're here, so."
"And so, again, Leader, I think that what's really hard to determine in terms of the cost of hearing aids is that the range from maybe, say, like, 2 thousand up to, like, as Representative Blair-Sherlock said, up to 15 thousand. Is that it? So… and they also vary on the sort of level of 10300026.docx 169 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 hearing loss that somebody has. So, again, these… these sorts of things are really hard to determine and estimate here."
"Okay. So, if we just took it at a low end, at 300 thousand at 2 thousand, that's $600 million. So, hopefully our local insurers… insurance companies are making well over $600 million dollars in profits to cover this. So, I have no idea if that's the number, but that's an estimate that I just came up with. Like I'm saying, this is… this is not a bad Bill. I mean, some are going to say it’s a bad Bill because it's a mandate, and I agree with that prospect. But I… I know several people that are need of this and cannot pay for this, and it's really hard to have coverage for this. But we just have to be very thoughtful when we're coming forward and have to know, you know, the facts behind what we're… what we're legislating for because when we're… when we're mandating this oftentimes what happens is coverage at all isn't covered. And that's what we don't… we don't want to… we don't want to take ourselves right out of the market. Thank you."
"Representative Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. There are a lot of questions from Members who are not part of the Insurance Committee. So, they missed some of the debate and discussion about this Bill. So, they might have missed that there is no opposition from the insurance companies throughout the State of Illinois. So, again, we have a situation of individuals who are trying to speak on behalf of businesses who themselves have no issue with this Bill. This is a very strong Bill. There are over 20 states, over 20 states, in the country that have adopted an identical provision, and only, only if it's medically 10300026.docx 170 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 necessary will the insurance company cover the costs. So, while 380 thousand individuals, probably plus, have hearing issues, does not mean they are all medically necessary for having a hearing aid. And even if they are, they are paying into insurance. And the premise of insurance is you're paying into it in the event that you have a medical condition that can be covered by that insurance company. Billions… question came up earlier. Billions of dollars in profit, billions in the last year for our insurance companies in Illinois. They are not hurting. In fact, they think this is a good idea. I think we should listen to them. I urge an 'aye' vote. This is a great Bill. Thanks, Representative."
"Representative Keicher's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"All right, excellent. We talked about this a little bit Insurance Committee, and I appreciate the opportunity that you and I had to… to talk. And I kind of want to distill some of the key issues that are going on here. Representative, something we hadn't talked about before. Are you aware of whether Medicare pays for this or not for seniors?"
"I believe it does in some cases."
"It does not."
"Oh, it does not?"
"It does not. So, Medicare has chosen, because of the cost consequential nature of hearing aids, that it isn't a part of their base plan in Medicare Part A or Part B, okay. So, one of the other issues we have is your intention to place any type of frequency limits on this. If we have a $2 thousand 10300026.docx 171 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 hearing aid and we an absent-minded person who loses one of his hearing aids a month, are we asking the insurance companies to bear a cost of $24 thousand for those lost hearing aids?"
"We're talking… again, the Bill's… the Bill here is talking about when it's medically necessary for somebody to get their hearing aids covered."
"And your Bill… actually I just read it. It's current law. So, it's every 36 months. So, my question was not on point. And are there any means tests? So, can we have someone that is very wealthy claiming this? Or are we only doing it for the folks that are the only folks that I've heard talked about so far? And that is the folks that are ill-placed to be able to afford this. So, Ken Griffin moved to Florida, but if he still lived in Illinois and was under one of our insurance plans, would we be buying this guy hearing aids?"
"Well, I'm glad he doesn't live in Illinois anymore."
"To the question, though. There's no means test in what we've proposed, correct? So, we're going to cover millionaires and billionaires for their hearing aids, correct?"
"Insurance covers, you know, medically necessary procedures, devices for people… anybody who has insurance. So, I'm not quite sure what you're trying to get at here, Sir."
"And have you allowed for additional costs to be put into place for this additional service?"
"I'm sorry. Can you ask your question again?" 10300026.docx 172 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Is this an additional option on insurance policies where an additional cost can be assessed for the opportunity? I believe it is."
"Again, I think what we're talking about here is to make sure… sorry. I guess what we're talking about here is for insurance companies to be covering these medically necessary devices. You know… and insurance companies make decisions on other things to cover, whatever to cover. But this… and it doesn't discriminate against people, you know, I guess based, you know, whoever has… has an insurance policy."
"And so…"
Speaker Burke: "Rep… Representative Keicher, your time has expired. Representative Flowers is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I… I really would like to state that I might have a little slight conflict of interest here because sometimes I can't hear. So… but on a very serious note, and I was serious about what I just said. I have an appointment coming up soon myself. So… but, you know, I really can't imagine anyone, especially in 2023, when we have all of these other high-tech technology, you know, to help people to get around, to help them see. But we… we don't want to give them anything to help them hear. And so, I can imagine that a elderly person or a person with a hearing problem crossing the street and not hearing a siren. Now, I could imagine that that would be a catastrophe because it's an unnecessary accident, maybe an unnecessary death. All we had to do was to provide that person with a hearing aid. And so, to me, this is medically necessary. And I want to applaud you, Representative, for bringing this issue to light for us 10300026.docx 173 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 to hear about it as well as talk about it. And hopefully, because you brought up the subject matter, we will see more advertisements as we do now on TV talking about affordable hearing aids and we will begin to see more signs in the stores offering free hearing aid tests. And so, with that being said, I support your Bill 100 percent. And I would encourage everyone to please, for the sake of those of us who might have a slight hearing problem, please vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"Members, we're going to move to a two-minute timer. And the Chair recognizes Representative McLaughlin."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Question for the Sponsor."
"Sponsor will yield."
"Thank you. We've had this now three times I think in the last two weeks about these awful corporations and insurance companies raking in crazy profits in Illinois. I'd like to ask the Representative, is she aware who owns the stock in these crazy profitable companies in the State of Illinois? Who is the largest shareholder of the, say, State Farm and other private insurance companies in Illinois?"
"I don't know."
"Well, let me educate you briefly."
"Oh, thank you so much. I need that."
"It would be the five state pension plans. It would the SEIU, AFSCME, Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, labor unions. Labor unions are the largest owners of these evil private corporations who are bringing in and raking in crazy profits. Every time you pass a Bill that harms insurance companies and publicly traded companies in the private sector, you are 10300026.docx 174 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 hurting the pension funds that we're all on the hook for to pay in the State of Illinois. Are you aware of that?"
"I'm not entirely sure what this is relevant to hearing aids here today."
"You brought up the crazy profits by the insurance companies. I didn't open up that can of worms. My point is this. Every time you put an anti-business Bill on public organizations in the State of Illinois, you're giving them a disincentive to leave the State of Illinois. Have you ever been to Richardson, Texas?"
"I have not, no."
"State Farm has a building there that's larger than the one they have in Bloomington, where I went to college. We keep up these anti-business Bills, State Farm and every other public insurance company in this country will leave the State of Illinois. And then we'll have exactly what we're doing. We'll have a desert, an insurance company desert in Illinois. If I hear of one more desert in Illinois caused by bad policy, I'm going to keep reminding you, corporations are not owned by Wall Street. They're owned by Main Street. Teachers, policemen, pension funds. Please remember that when you're criticizing business in the State of Illinois. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Representative West."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to yield my time to Representative Blair-Sherlock."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock is recognized."
"Okay. I'd like to clear up some misunderstanding and some bad assumptions, okay. Yes, the cost of the hearing aid does depend on your hearing loss. In fact, you can buy 10300026.docx 175 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 hearing aids over the counter for two, three hundred dollars if you have a mild hearing loss. Also, not everybody with hearing loss benefits from hearing aids. So, they can't even get hearing aids. Or they may go with cochlear implants. This is not anti-business. This is pro-worker. Middle-class people should be able to afford to hear. It's not asking that much. Overall, it will be a pittance for these insurance companies. And as I said earlier, this is a low incidence disability. So, it's not a huge segment of the population that would need these hearing aids. Lots of insurance companies cover for glasses. I think they should cover for hearing aids as well. And this is not anti-business. This is pro-worker."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I think we'd all like to be able to provide every medical service possible to every person within the State of Illinois and wish that it would cost no one anything. But the fact of the matter is, it costs people money. It costs all of us money. All of us pay for insurance policy who are insured. And after the Affordable Care Act, almost all of us, if not all of us, are now insured. Why are… Speaker… Representative Keicher asked about a means test. And the means test was ignored because it was said it doesn't matter. If they have insurance, they should be entitled to receive it. Well, let's keep in mind one thing. And I… I will raise this because my single daughter, who is now raising a child, had to go out and buy insurance on her own. And it was tough for her to afford. But it doesn't seem to matter that we're going to increase costs on people who are having difficulty affording their insurance by passing 10300026.docx 176 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 more Bills and more laws that are causing costs to increase. The insurance companies don't file against this 'cause guess what? They get to pass through the cost. They get to pass it through. And if they pass through the cost, it goes to the people paying the policies. And those include the people who are barely able to afford them who are already dealing with inflationary costs in this state and they're having to pay more money for food than they've had in the past I don't know how many years on… on a basis of what their income is. We need to vote 'no' and stop trying to put everything on there and just saying, well, the insurance companies can eat the cosst."
"Seeing no further speakers seeking recognition, Representative Chung to close."
"Thank you very much. One thing I have to keep reiterating here is that the insurance companies are neutral. I have heard from no opposition from anybody and in term… and this was the first that I presented when we were presenting Bills in committee. So, I urge for an 'aye' vote today. And thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2443 pass?' All those 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 83 voting 'yes', 25 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward. We have House Bill 2450, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 177 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2450, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Morgan's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is nothing to do with a mandate on businesses or anything else that the other side of the aisle might be really concerned about. This is just an extension of a sunset Bill for the Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Protection Act. As we do this often, this Bill is… Act is set to expire in 2024. It extends it for five years with modernization. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Morgan to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2450 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'no'… 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2473, Representative Kelly. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2473, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kelly's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2473 extends the repeal date of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2029. It allows 10300026.docx 178 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 veterinarians to… to conduct telehealth visits, send notice through email, and accept taxpayer ID numbers in lieu of Social Security number for licensing applications. Currently, all notices sent to clients must be done through the client's mailing address of record without regard to the client's email. Telehealth is permitted in some situations, though vets cannot prescribe drugs unless the veteran… veterinarian client-patient relationship is established in person. It passed unanimous out of committee, and I know of no opposition. I request an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Kelly to close."
"I request a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2473 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. Oh. Representative Meier, are you seek… seeking recognition on the Bill? No. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2473 pass?' All those in favor… 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Mah is recognized."
"Madam Speaker, let the record reflect that Representative Carroll is excused for the rest of the day."
"The record will so reflect. Next, we have House Bill 2474, Representative Ness. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300026.docx 179 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2474, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ness."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 2474 is a constituent Bill. It was brought to me by a constituent a couple years ago. It addresses a need in day care accessibility by increasing the maximum daytime census of group day care homes from… to 14 children over the age of 30 months. This Bill is a opportunity for day care providers to add a couple children to their census without jeopardizing safety of children. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Ness to close."
"Before I close this off, I want to acknowledge Amy Bradford of Little Hands Home Daycare & Preschool, thank her, and Logan Owens for her tremendous help and work on this Bill. Thank you very much. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2474 pass?' All those 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2487, Representative Lilly. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2487, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lilly." 10300026.docx 180 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. HB2487 creates the Justice40 Oversight Committee Act. It establishes the Justice40 Oversight Committee Act to provide oversight shall… through findings… and provide findings, conclusions, and recommendation regarding environmental justice in the State of Illinois with the use of federal funds provided to the state for environmental justice. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, it… it appeared in the Bill that it's silent as to whether the members will serve with or without compensation. Is there an intent that they serve without compensation or with compensation?"
"It's intent that they serve without compensation."
"Without. And so, Justice40 Oversight… the Justice40 is a… is dealing with federal dollars relating to environmental issues. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And this commission will be overseeing the expenditure of those dollars on the state level from the Federal Government?"
"That is correct. They will make findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding environmental justice here in the state."
"And who… those recommendations will be made to this Body, the General Assembly? Or will they be made to the Governor? Who will those recommendations be made to?"
"To the General Assembly." 10300026.docx 181 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And then it will be up to us to decide how to expend those dollars?"
"It will be up… it'll be up to us whether we take the recommendation and how we will continue to increase and sustain environmental justice here in the State of Illinois."
"Now, we have in our state a Commission on Environmental Justice under the Environmental Justice Act. Is there a reason that commission couldn't oversee these funds, that we had to create a new commission?"
"It's always good to add more people to a good cause."
"That's a good argument, I'd say, yeah. Thanks."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Lilly to close."
"I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2487 pass?' All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk… Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 71 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 28, we have Leader Manley for House Bill 2372. Please… Clerk, please read the Bill. Can you… Clerk, can you take this Bill back to Second Reading for purposes of adopting an Amendment?"
"House Bill 2372, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. This Bill was read a second time previously. 10300026.docx 182 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #3, offered by Representative Manley, has been approved for consideration."
"Leader Manley on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to pass… adopt the Amendment and debate the Bill on Third."
"Representative Manley moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 2372. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2372, Leader Manley. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2372, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Manley."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2372 creates within the Office of the State Fire Marshal a position within the Arson Division called the Youth Firesetter Interventionist Coordinator. In the State of Illinois, we have 20 interventionists trained within the Office of the State Fire Marshal. We also have volunteers that do this work around the state, oftentimes retired or active-duty firefighters. In the past, the coordinator was a job that was shared with the administrative assistant to the Fire Marshal. We now have a new Fire Marshal that's about to be confirmed. And we would like him to house this job within the Arson Division, give the person who is the coordinator the same benefits as an arson investigator would have. We'd also like the following 10300026.docx 183 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 things, and this is most important to the Bill, that children, the youth that start the fires… it can be anywhere from, I don't know, as old as you can be to strike a match or use a lighter. They need to be seen within 72 hours of the arson case being referred to the coordinator, to the State Fire Marshal's Office. In the event that a interventionist within the Fire Marshal's Office cannot be deployed to see the child within the 72 hours, a coordinator will do that instead. The coordinator will oversee all processing and referrals, processing of FOIA requests, and recordkeeping. They're going to be gathering data and submitting a quarterly report that will detail the number of cases, the nature of the cases, and the status of each case. The coordinator will oversee the quality control of the program, necessary training for the interventionists. And I want to add that according to many of the interventionists, children who set fires and are extremely young are oftentimes acting in response to some form of abuse or neglect. So, the interventionist goes out, and they determine whether this is just plain curiosity or if there's something more at play here. The Fire Marshal, we've been in talks for a long time now, and we've agreed to go on and keep discussing this. And I'd like your support on the Bill and will take your questions."
"Leader Windhorst to… for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Leader Manley, this Youth Firesetter Interventionist Coordinator will be a new position created…"
"Yes." 10300026.docx 184 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…in the Office of the State Fire Marshal?"
"Yes. Yes."
"Do we have an estimated cost for that yet?"
"They were working on that, but it is the cost of what it would be to employ an Arson Investigator. So, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out."
"Okay. Our analysis shows that the State Fire Marshal is neutral and that he will continue to work with you…"
"Correct."
"…as we go forward in the Senate."
"Correct."
"Do we know what issues we expect to be addressed over there?"
"Well, the one thing that the Senate wanted was a data collection component, and we added that in this Bill. And I think there's a few things that the State Fire Marshal wants to discuss further. But I've… I've offered them by willingness to sit down. The main thing is that these kids get seen within 72 hours. There was a case in Decatur, 4-year-old child, December of '22. Talked to the Fire Marshal just this past Monday. They were able to get that child seen and taken care of and is receiving services as we speak. It is critical, in order to get these cases out, that somebody is responsible for it. And I have every reason to believe that the soon-to- be appointed Fire Marshal Rivera will do that. But in the meantime, I want to… I want to put this in statute."
"And this Bill passed unanimously out of committee?"
"Oh, yes."
"Thank you." 10300026.docx 185 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Manley to close."
"Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2372 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. In the… excuse me. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please… Clerk, please take the record. With 100… with 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', this Bill has received the Constitutional Majority and is hereby declared passed. Representative Manley… oh, excuse me. Moving to page 24 of the Calendar, we are returning to House Bill 1399, Leader Manley. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1399, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Manley on the Bill."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1399 is a little complicated, but I've been working on this for many, many years. There were Legislators before me doing the same thing. It is a gut and replace that… this Bill amends the original version, but this… this version that I have before you encompasses the whole Bill. It's called the Lewd Behavior in Prisons and Jails. It's an increasingly dangerous problem for correctional officers and other civilians that come into the jails. The main thing that I want to say about this version is that this version… and this is the fifth iteration of the Bill. Number one, establishes a clearly defined offense with a penalty. Also, provides for a mental health process that was never part of the Bill before. It also requires data and 10300026.docx 186 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 a timeline for evaluations. So, there's a sunset. I worked hand in glove with the people that originally opposed the Bill. We were able to get them all to neutral. And we'll take any questions that you have."
"Leader McCombie for a question."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Leader, you've been carrying this load for many years, and I appreciate you bringing it forward this evening. Is there anything in here about the sex offender registration anymore?"
"There is not. So, originally… and I want to bring this up specifically because not only was this an initiative of the Cook County Sheriff's Department originally, but also, the Will County Sheriff's Department's been talking to me about this for years. As you mentioned, this has been a heavy load for a lot of our colleagues over the last few years, but they were able to negotiate with the opponents to get the sex registry taken out for now. But we've established what's most important here is the mental health process because this behavior that's rout upon the… the guards and, like I said, the civilians in the… in the jails and prisons is… is an assault on a daily basis. There's no other industry where we would be okay with someone being assaulted on a daily basis in the confines of their job. Yes, there are occupational hazards to being a guard in a prison or a jail. But know… we're trying to fix a problem, and this is the first we've actually thought maybe the mental health component might be the game changer here." 10300026.docx 187 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"I… I agree. And I hope that the Federal Government will follow Illinois' lead and pass something similar as well. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Leader Manley to close."
"Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1399 pass?' All those 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 32 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 3779, Representative Ammons. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3779, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is an initiative of the Department of Corrections. It simply sends notification, 15- day notification requirement to the state's attorneys and sheriffs if a work release facility is located in their jurisdiction and someone will be released to that work release center. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." 10300026.docx 188 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Our analysis shows that the sheriffs are opposed to the Bill. And we also have a note saying that there was going to be an attempt to work on language with Department of Corrections and the sheriff."
"I have not heard from the Sheriffs' Association at all on this Bill. Until this moment, I didn't even know they were opposed."
"You don't recall a discussion in committee about an Amendment to satisfy any concerns they have?"
"I have never talked to the Sheriffs' Association about 3779, and I didn't know about their opposition until just now."
"Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Ammons to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3779 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this Bill, there are 68 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Also, on page 32 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 3747. Once again, Representative Manley. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3747, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Manley's recognized."
"Am I your favorite, Madam Speaker?" 10300026.docx 189 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Of course."
"Okay."
"Always."
"I just wanted to be sure. House Floor… House Bill 3747 is a Bill that provides two things: a provision allowing individuals to submit a screenshot as proof of full payment for the purposes of obtaining a salvage certificate; and two, a provision allowing business applicants for certificate of title to submit information about their Illinois place of business in lieu of their Illinois residence. I'll take any questions."
"Representative Davidsmeyer's recognized. Leader Manley to close."
"He didn't want to talk to me?"
"Maybe he's had enough of you."
"Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3747 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"First I want to say, Leader Manley, also one of my favorites. So, thank you. Really quick, when we go through… 10300026.docx 190 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 we had a very shortened committee process this year compared to in… in prior years. And a lot of Bills got out of committee being held on Second. I have one of them that I wasn't able to come up with an Amendment. So, I understand. But when our… our staff on our side makes a note that something was promised to be held on Second until a… until an Amendment is agreed to, I hope that everyone here understands that your word is your bond. Because my understanding's that HB3779 had an agreement that… that it would be hold on Second… held on Second, per our staff and Members of committee. It… it just rubs me the wrong way when, you know, I go above and beyond to make sure that, you know, my word is… is my bond. And I hope that everybody understands that that's what allows us to continue working on Bills, to get them out, to hold them on Second, things of that sort. So, I hope we can continue to work in that manner in the future. Thank you."
"Representative Rashid, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. As many of you know, today is the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. I want to start by wishing a Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims in Illinois and around the world who are welcoming this beautiful month. It's a month of devotion, of reflection, and growth. And for me, it's the first time since college that I'm observing some of Ramadan away from my family. And I do miss their company tonight, as well as the qatayef, a delicious sweet we specifically have in Ramadan. But it's an absolute honor to 10300026.docx 191 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 begin this month in this great chamber, as we do the people's work to move our state forward. And importantly, as I break my fast, and Representative Syed breaks her fast in just a few minutes, I invite you to eat with us as well. Speaker Welch was gracious enough to cater iftar, or dinner, for us tonight. You'll find delicious Middle Eastern food in the Democratic breakroom, the Republican breakroom, and the Speaker's conference room. Thank you, again, and Ramadan Mubarak."
"Representative Syed, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just wanted to add on that it is so cool to be here, to have the privilege to be on the House Floor observing my fast. And even cooler is to have such kind and understanding colleagues who have checked in on me throughout the day, who have asked me questions about this important month, my favorite month of the year. And I'm just so, so grateful to live in a state that is so inclusive and so welcoming to religious minorities, to racial minorities, to women. So, thank you to my fellow Legislators for making the state as inclusive as it is. And Ramadan Mubarak. Thank you."
"Representative Scherer, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you. On a point of personal privilege on a different topic, please."
"Please proceed."
"I just wanted all of us to take a moment to recognize that Clifford Dahl is here with us today. This is our reporter 10300026.docx 192 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 friend's son, and I just think it's absolutely marvelous that he gets to spend time with us. For those of you who don't know, he's up under the board, on the left side by Marvin Mizell. And it's my understanding that Clifford can hear us. He just can't see us. And so… and communicate back to us. So, if we could give him a big shoutout of hooray. But before we do that, we have to acknowledge that the decisions we make here affect every human being's life, including Clifford's. And keep that in your heart when you make your decisions. So, welcome to the House Floor, Clifford. Yay."
"Welcome to the floor, Clifford. Moving to page 29 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 2519, Representative Stuart. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2519, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart is recognized."
"Thank you. House Bill 20… 2519 is just asking… or having hospitals and birthing centers putting information available to new moms about how they can donate human breast milk, much like we do to blood banks."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Stuart to close."
"I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2519 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please call the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received 10300026.docx 193 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2557, Representative Harper. Please read the Bill, Clerk. Excuse me, can you take this back to the Order of Second Reading for purposes of adding an Amendment?"
"House Bill 2557, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Harper."
"Representative Harper on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move for the adoption of the Amendment, which simply removes any references to ranchers."
"Representative Harper has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2557. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2557, Representative Harper."
"House Bill 2557, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Harper is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm pleased to present House Bill 2557 that would establish a farmer equity and innovation program to ensure the continued viability of small and moderate scale farms in the State of Illinois. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Meier's recognized."
"On this Bill, will Sponsor yield?" 10300026.docx 194 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"She indicates she will."
"We had… we had questions about the cost, what it's going to cost the University of Illinois to set it up. I believe a lot of this information's already out there in the university setting and in our federal Farm Service Agency offices also. But we were worried about we weren't given a cost, and that's why you've seen 'no' votes on the Bill. So, do you have any idea on the cost yet?"
"We actually are working on a cost. Just an… the department… I mean, the university just contacted me yesterday, and they said it would cost probably about $2 million. We do continue to talk. We do… we do intend to continue to talk in the Senate and make whatever changes there, but we're both comfortable, yeah, with that."
"Did you say 2 million or 20 million?" I don't have my hearing aid in."
"Two, two, two."
"So… all right. Like I say, we… we're still worried about the cost a little bit on it. So, I'm not sure all our votes will be. But that's all my questions on it."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Harper to close."
"I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2557 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received 10300026.docx 195 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2569, Representative Ness. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2569, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ness is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 2569 is an initiative of the Environmental… Illinois Environmental Council, and it is an effort to increase the use of compost throughout the state. And so, this affects local governments and state agencies to consider whether to use compost products in land maintenance activities when those products are available locally within a reasonable period of time, and comply with their existing purchasing standards. It came out of committee unanimously, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He will."
"Thank you. So, initially this Bill was partisan in committee, but the Amendment removed that partisan opposition. Is that correct?"
"Correct, yes."
"All right. Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Ness to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2569 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 10300026.docx 196 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting in… 'in favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2621, Representative Kifowit. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2621, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kifowit's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2621 obligates the Department of Public Health to create a pilot program with municipalities that employ licensed plumbers to enter an agreement whereby the plumber makes inspection on behalf of DPH in accordance with the agreement. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst recognized."
"Madam Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, we show that AFSCME is opposed. Do you know why they are opposed or what the nature of their opposition is?"
"I had a… a conversation with AFSCME. They are no longer opposed. I got a text yesterday that they are not. It was some clarification with regards whether the plumbers were union members or not, and… and they are union members."
"Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Kifowit to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 197 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2621 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received… is hereby declared passed. We have House Bill 2717, Representative Gonzalez. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2717, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Gonzalez is recognized."
"HB2717 eliminates conflicting provisions in Illinois and federal law mortgage escrow account notices. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Gonzalez to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2717 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting in 'favor'… voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2624, Representative Syed. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2624, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Syed is recognized." 10300026.docx 198 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Bill 2624 would provide important clarification, establish definitions which mirror the language in definitions in Supreme Court Rule 8. This Bill updates existing statutes to carry out the legislative intent and ensure fair and efficient administration of these mandates by the courts. There is no known opposition on this Bill. It passed out of committee unanimously, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition for questions, Representative Syed to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2624 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 2776, Representative Huynh. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2776, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Huynh."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2776 requires water supply… suppliers to contact owners and occupants of buildings affected by lead pipe to notify them by email communication. I know of no opposition. It passed the committee unanimously. And also, House Republicans support as well. I urge a… an 'aye' vote. Thank you for your time." 10300026.docx 199 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Windhorst for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, initially the Bill was partisan in committee and the Amendment removed that partisan opposition. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. We worked with the… the REALTORS Association to remove it, and they're no longer opposed."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Huynh to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2776 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We have House Bill 2782, Representative Ann Williams. Clerk, please the Bill."
"House Bill 2782, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams is recognized." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. And it amends the Sustainable Investing Act to require investment managers, prior to being selected as a fiduciary to a public body or 10300026.docx 200 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 public pension system, to disclose to that body or system how they integrate sustainability factors into their investment decision making. And just to clarify, sustainability factors include things like environmental issues, corporate governance and leadership, human capital, social capital, and business model and innovation. And all those are taken to account. This is a reporting requirement, no mandate is part of this initiative."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Williams to close." Williams, A.: "I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2782 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 79 voting 'yes', 26 voting 'nay', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2800, Representative Ness. It's your day. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2800, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ness is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 2800 is a Bill for McHenry County. They asked me to bring this Bill forward, along with Representative Rosenthal, who's going to speak about it in a second on his county Bill. But it's allowing a phase two of a project to go forward. All properties have been negotiated 10300026.docx 201 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 and paperwork's filed. And I just need… need the chamber's support on it. Thank you."
"Representative Rosenthal is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. And like Representative Ness said, this is quick-take to allow the upgrade of the Athens- Petersburg blacktop. It's .137 acres per one landowner and .86 for another. And there's been several fatalities in that location. So, it's something that's definitely needed. So, I thank the… and I… I ask an 'aye'."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Ness to close."
"We ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2800 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2820, Representative LaPointe. Ope, out of the record. I read the wrong name. House Bill 2831, Representative LaPointe. Clerk, please read the Bill. Would you please take this back to the Order of Second Reading to… for purposes of adding an Amendment?"
"House Bill 2831, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill has been read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative LaPointe."
"Representative LaPointe on the Amendment." 10300026.docx 202 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Amendment makes sure that the four members of the interagency task force that are Representatives of the General Assembly are appointed by all four Leaders of the General Assembly."
"Representative LaPointe moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2831. 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?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"House Bill… Third Reading. House Bill 2831, Representative LaPointe."
"House Bill 2831, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. HB2831 makes permanent our current Interagency Task Force to End Homelessness, our Community Advisory Council to End Homelessness, and our State Office to Prevent and End Homeless. This was established by the Governor in an Executive Order in September 2021. And as I mentioned, with the Amendment, it makes sure that all four Leaders of the General Assembly get to appoint somebody to the task force. Ending homelessness and ensuring that every neighbor in every corner of Illinois from Marion to Mount Prospect is something that we can do in Illinois. We have not yet done it. And we have not harnessed our economic, our political, and I'd say, importantly, our bureaucratic will to end homelessness. So, this Bill makes the EO permanent. And I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 203 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, just so I understand, the Bill will create a task force as well as an advisory council. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. Although I will say it doesn't create them because they already exist. They were established in an Executive Order. So, it's an interagency on homelessness, where all our state agencies are represented, in addition to four Members of the General Assembly. And then the Community Advisory Council is populated by people that work in or experience homelessness across the State of Illinois."
"Are there any new positions that are created?"
"There was a… one new position created with the Executive Order, and that is our state's Chief Homelessness Officer. And that position would be made permanent with this Bill."
"What is the… the cost of that position? Do you know?"
"Actually, I do…"
"Good."
"…because I looked it up today…"
"Great."
"…anticipating you might ask this question. It's an executive-level position housed at the Department of Human Services, around the range of 140 thousand."
"And that position existed before this Bill? This Bill makes that position permanent?"
"Correct." 10300026.docx 204 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"All right. Thank you."
"Leader McCombie is recognized."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I would just like to say thank you for amending the Bill to have the Minority Leaders in each chamber to get two appointments to the task force. I appreciate you always being open, honest, and fair to our side of the aisle. I appreciate that. Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative LaPointe to close."
"I was happy to amend the Bill. That was actually an oversight. And I will say I'm hoping for some votes from the other side of the aisle on this Bill. That… that's not how it panned out in committee. But we've established that this Bill creates one new position in State Government. And other than that, it enables current people in State Government to work effectively and collaboratively together on an issue that affects every corner of Illinois. So, I would appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2831 pass?' All 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 98 voting 'yes', 9 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2841, Representative Chung. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2841, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10300026.docx 205 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm presenting House Bill 2841. It removes a fee for survivors of domestic violence for searches of vital records kept by the State Registrar. For survivor abuse, fees should never stand in the way of freedom and safety. And I think we can agree that by choosing to help domestic violence survivors stay safe while easing their financial burden should be an easy decision. And I ask for a 'yes' vote today, please."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Chung to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2841 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? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2902, Representative Andrade. Clerk, please read the Bill. It's… out of the record. House Bill 2910, Representative Omar Williams. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2910, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams is recognized." Williams, J.: "Thank you, Clerk… I mean, thank you Madam… Madam, call the… call the…"
"Can… Members, can we have silence…" Williams, J.: "Speaker, could you… could you call…" 10300026.docx 206 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…or quiet for this Bill?" Williams, J.: "…call the… call the Session into order, please. Call the Session into order, please. House Bill 2910…"
"Please give Representative Williams your full attention." Williams, J.: "Well, Speaker, saying it, though, is no questions. We'll just go to the… House Bill 2910 prohibits individuals driving a motor vehicle with… with an animal in their lap, and it imposes a fine of $50. I'm trying to save lives as well as save animals' lives. Basically, what the Bill does, the Bill imposes a $50 fine if you're caught with a dog or any animal in your lap. Oh, lord… where's the Sergeant at Arms at around here? Where… where is the Sergeant at Arms when we need him? So, House Bill 2910 is a great Bill. I'm trying to save lives. I'm trying to save animals. I'm here to help the people. PETA… PETA is watching every one of you all who votes 'no'. I want you all to be aware of that. So, Madam Speaker, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"There will be a two-minute timer, which will be strictly enforced. Representative Ann Williams." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." Williams, A.: "Thank you so much for your presentation. Question with regard to the definition of animals. Does this apply to live animals only?" Williams, J.: "Yes." Williams, A.: "Thank you. So, a dead animal is fine and does not apply? And you could carry a dead animal on your lap?" Williams, J.: "If you're in to that, you can, yes." 10300026.docx 207 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Williams, A.: "Okay. You may want to clarify that in a trailer Bill. Would you be willing to consider fixing that in the Senate?" Williams, J.: "No… no trailer Bills will be needed. This Bill is a great Bill. We wrote it all with the House." Williams, A.: "Okay. So, again, back to the definition of animals. I'm assuming you're thinking of domesticated pets, cats, dogs, etc. I'm wondering about livestock, wildlife, wild game. Are those included in the definition of animals?" Williams, J.: "If… if you run around with a rooster on your lap, that's fine with me." Williams, A.: "So… so, fowl… so, there's an exemption for fowl? It considered exempting fowl?" Williams, J.: "No, there's no exemption for fowl either. I'm sorry." Williams, A.: "Okay. Are you familiar with what a squirrelinator is? Williams, J.: "A what?" Williams, A.: "Squirrelinator." Williams, J.: "A squirrel?" Williams, A.: "I'm guessing some of my friends on the other side of the aisle have heard of the squirrelinator." Williams, J.: "No, I'm not… I ain't…" Williams, A.: "So… okay. Well, my mom lives on a… kind of a hobby farm in rural Maryland. And this is a device that traps pests, including squirrels. You can either dispose of them yourself, which is her preference, or you can transport them to another location where they can roam freely. Is there anything in 10300026.docx 208 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 this Bill that would preclude my mom from being able to use her squirrelinator? Because if so, I can't vote 'yes'." Williams, J.: "Absolutely, yes." Williams, A.: "Good. One… one more question. Many people transport their pets via designer pet carriers or purses. Look at Paris Hilton or Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. I'm not sure if you've seen that. Would this law require you to put the pet purse or carrier in the back seat to comply with the law? Or could you have that on your lap?" Williams, J.: "No, you cannot have it on your lap. But you can put it on the passenger side or in the back seat, or in some cases, throw it in the trunk. I don't care."
"All right. All right…" Williams, J.: "Uh oh. Uh oh. Uh oh. I shouldn't… okay, not the trunk… not the trunk. I'm sorry." Williams, A.: "Okay." Williams, J.: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean the trunk." Williams, A.: "Okay." Williams, J.: "Not the trunk. I'm sorry."
"We're… we're going to move to our next…" Williams, A.: "All right. To wrap… I will wrap…"
"…next speaker, please…" Williams, A.: "…I will wrap, but… have mentioned that there's a problem in your district with possum. Is possum included in the definition of an animal?" Williams, J.: "Yes, but…" Williams, A.: "All right." 10300026.docx 209 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Williams, J.: "…we will make an exception. If you… if you want a possum in your lap while you're driving, we got to pass next Session for you. Go ahead." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Representative. I'll be a…" Williams, J.: "If you drive with a possum in your lap, I'll pay your ticket." Williams, A.: "Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized. Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Williams, J.: "Yes."
"Oh, thank you."
"Yes… yes, he will. I'm sorry."
"Appreciate it. Hey…" Williams, J.: "I thought you was my man."
"So… I am, I am, I am. But… but you know what, when… when I go and talk to school classes, this Bill came up probably five or six years ago. I think it almost got the trophy. You know what the trophy is? When you get 100 or more 'no' votes. It almost got the trophy. It was pulled from the record. So, I… I just… I want to… I want to run through the debate for you. So, it was like, okay, what about if I have a Shetland pony. Yeah, I understand I probably shouldn't have him sitting on my lap." Williams, J.: "True."
"Right?" Williams, J.: "True."
"I got a little yappy dog. You know, maybe I shouldn't have him on my lap 'cause he's yapping at me or 10300026.docx 210 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 whatever. What about… I go to the pet store and I buy a goldfish. What do they give me?" Williams, J.: "A wet lap."
"This must be a different place called The Pet Store. It's… it's a pet store. So, here's what happens. I can't have him in my lap. I put him in the seat next to me, right. I strap him in." Williams, J.: "Buckle him up, please."
"I… you know, the person in front me… I'm driving along. The person in front of me stops short. I slam on the brakes. Goldie goes flying, hits the windshield, pet endangerment." Williams, J.: "Absolutely."
"Right?" Williams, J.: "Absolutely."
"Can I have my goldfish on my lap." Williams, J.: "And you're going to make your children mad too because you just killed a good fish."
"I know. That's what I'm saying. We don't want another burial at sea, flush." Williams, J.: "No, no, don't… don't flush him. We got a composite Bill you can run."
"Meow. Meow. So… so, really quick… and I know you said quick, two-minute. This is…"
"Please bring your remarks to a close, Rep."
"I… I am doing that." Williams, J.: "Thank you, Speaker. Thank you, Speaker.
"We… we are laughing and joking, but this is absolutely ridiculous that we have to tell people not to put 10300026.docx 211 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 animals on their lap. I mean, it… it's different if it's a Shetland pony then if it's a goldfish in a bag. Please try to clarify, you know, you don't want a 100-pound dog on your lap, maybe." Williams, J.: "Absolutely."
"But… but if it's a 20-pound little… little dog, maybe you're okay." Williams, J.: "No, Sir."
"All right." Williams, J.: "Representative, this is a good Bill."
"All right. You're my man, vote 'no'.
"Rep… Representative DeLuca's recognized." Williams, J.: "Not my man."
"Madam Speaker, I move the previous question."
"All the… Representative DeLuca moves the previous question. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the question is moved. Representative Williams to close." Williams, J.: "Ladies and Gentlemen and cat lovers and dog lovers, I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you all."
"The question… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2910 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All right, get… 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 6 voting in 'favor', 97 voting 'against', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill fails. Next, we have House Bill 2995, Representative Jed Davis. Clerk, please read the Bill. 10300026.docx 212 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 2995, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Jed Davis is recognized." Davis, J.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Not sure I want to follow that one. But on a more serious note, this is a Bill on foster care for foster parents. My family, we are foster parents. We've had several placements. They come with literally the clothes on their back. So, a foster parent is investing a lot of financial resources up front, and then the first full stipend from the state usually doesn't hit for about another 70 days. So, what this does, it really brings that final payment up to within the first 21 days, which is a huge removal of barriers to recruit new homes and really help out existing homes. I'm open to questions."
"Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield for a question on it?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. I just want to clarify, if a child is placed in a home, and assuming I'm the foster parent, and DCFS makes this initial payment. If that child doesn't stay in my home for the entirety of the month and moves to another home, does that then payment have to be made again?" Davis, J.: "The definition that we're using is a permanent placement. There will be instances where things are not permanent because we live in a very broken world. But we will do our best to make sure, and I'm sure DCFS will be there as well, to have that be an indicator of a permanent placement." 10300026.docx 213 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"And… and what's the costs of doing this prepayment, initial payment?" Davis, J.: "My goal is to cost the state no additional funds. It is to take the… it's to credit this initial amount against the final month. I'm trying to take the final month that comes way at the end and move it up to within the first three weeks."
"Ah, okay. So, if the child stays there for an entire year, basically 12 months will be paid. But you're taking the initial payment, the back payment, and putting it on the front end." Davis, J.: "That is correct."
"There will still be 12 months of payment." Davis, J.: "Correct."
"Thank you very much for clarifying." Davis, J.: "You're welcome."
"Representative Davidsmeyer's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Is… Jed… or, I'm sorry. Representative Davis, is this your first Bill?" Davis, J.: "It is."
"It's… it's a very serious Bill. It's a very important issue. So, I don't want to make light of it. But this says something about payment schedule, and I think the only thing we've voted on that deal with… deals with payment schedule is payment to General Assembly Members. Does this change any of that? Monthly? Bimonthly?" Davis, J.: "This one does not." 10300026.docx 214 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"This encourages people who may not have the initial financial funds to… to go into the… get into the foster system?" Davis, J.: "Yes, it does. Absolutely."
"Okay. I… this is a great Bill. Great first Bill. Certainly a personal issue to you. And I want to say good job and 'vote' yes."
"Seeing… ope. Representative Elik is recognized."
"Representative, is this your first Bill?" Davis, J.: "It is."
"I won't be rude or anything like that. I just want to tell you congratulations on your first Bill. I definitely urge an 'aye' vote. And I also thank you and your family's service to the State of Illinois' children in foster care and appreciate you bringing this Bill. Thanks."
"Representative Flowers is recognized."
"Thank you. Excuse me, but thank you very much for what you and your family are doing and the sacrifices that you're making. But you're not doing this for the money. And the money that DCFS is supposed to give you really belongs to you and the child because that's your foster child. And if this child was in an institution, it would cost DCFS more. And so, you can continue to be a foster parent for this child, knowing that the payment from DCFS is going to be behind, you want them to pay you up front a check. Am I correct?" Davis, J.: "Yes. Within the first three weeks."
"Yes." Davis, J.: "If it wasn't for my support system outside of my immediate home, my in-laws and some good ministries that we 10300026.docx 215 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 are connected with, it would be very difficult to bridge that gap."
"That's right. Thank you very much, again, for the services that you and your family are making toward the children who need you the most. Thank you, and I urge an 'aye' vote." Davis, J.: "Thank you."
"Representative Davis to close." Davis, J.: "I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2995 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3017, Representative Yednock. Clerk, please read the Bill. 3017."
"House Bill 3017, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Yednock."
"Madam Chair, is there a Amendment for this?"
"Mr. Clerk, is there an Amendment?"
"Floor Amendment #1 has been adopted previously."
"You can proceed, Representative Yednock."
"Thank you. HB3017 simply tries to create a process for expedited permit review to foster some efficiency and transparency in the process for large projects. Basically, we want to put a quarter back in the DCO to keep the permit 10300026.docx 216 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 process going forward and have transparency and keep people investing in the State of Illinois. I'm happy to take any questions."
"Representative Will Davis is recognized." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Madam Chair. Does Sponsor yield?"
"He will." Davis, W.: "So, Representative, what types of permits are you talking about?"
"These would be permits for large projects that have to go through the process like the DNR, IDPH, IEPA, your larger construction projects really." Davis, W.: "So, does that include IDOT too?"
"Yeah, so I… that would include IDOT, though I think IDOT has its own…" Davis, W.: "No, they have a terrible permitting process. So, I'm asking, are they included in this? You're talking about expediting permits. And is it just construction? Is it permits to put up license plate readers?
"No, it… it would be your… your probably your construction projects would be the… the most focus. If someone wanted to come in and, you know, maybe build a factory or… or do some other large-scale project, what we want to do, I… I shouldn't use the term 'expedited' as… as loose as I did. Really what it's to say is that we want to keep the permit process moving forward without having delays 'cause let's say a document that needs to be filled out sits on one of our agency's desks." Davis, W.: "Probably need a lot more clarification on what you're talking about. Like I said, its DCEO, business assist. But 10300026.docx 217 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 again, does that include IDOT? They're… they're part of that process when a business wants to come 'cause they have to approve curb cuts. Again, they are not quick with processing. So, just want to make sure we're clear."
"And… and that's what we're trying to address here is just to keep move… moving the permit process going forward." Davis, W.: "But it's only for businesses and business development?"
"Yeah, IDOT's own internal process, if you're talking strictly IDOT itself, they might not be in here. This would be for, you know, if a business comes in and they want to do something. So, IDOT could be part of this, you know, quarterback process we'll call it." Davis, W.: "Okay. But not everything that IDOT permits, I guess."
"No. Right now, in the Bill, it is… it's at $20 million and above, the projects that are an investment, new investment of $20 million and above." Davis, W.: "Oh, okay. All right. That answers my question. Thank you, Madam Chair."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Yednock to close."
"Thank you. I… I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3017 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we 10300026.docx 218 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 have House Bill 3052, Representative Omar Williams. Good luck to you."
"House Bill 3052, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams is recognized." Williams, J.: "Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 3052 provides the following changes to the Childhood Hunger Relief Act. Basically, what this Bill does is provide… provides breakfast for those who may have missed breakfast in the morning. It allows the schools to have a cart transport to give people… children who may have gotten to school late from their parents or from their school bus ride, still gives them an opportunity to get a breakfast in the morning, get some type of nourish… nourishment for the day. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Williams to close." Williams, J.: "Oh. Thank you all. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3052 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those 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 this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mah is… excuse me, House Bill 3055, Representative Mah. Clerk, please read the Bill. Excuse me, Clerk, please take 3055 back to Second Reading for purposes of adding an Amendment." 10300026.docx 219 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 3055, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Mah."
"Representative Mah on the Amendment."
"Floor Amendment 1 simply includes language that we negotiated with the Department of Corrections."
"Representative Mah moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3055. 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?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 3055, Representative Mah."
"House Bill 3055, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mah is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 3055 reaffirms the constitutional right to religious freedom and applies it specifically to Department of Corrections and ensures that incarcerated individuals have the right to religious reading materials and pastoral care from their faith tradition. We have the support of Department of Corrections. No known opponents, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." 10300026.docx 220 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Leader, you just hit on the point I was going to make at the end. The… the Amendment makes the Department of Corrections neutral on the Bill. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"And this passed unanimously out of committee?"
"That is correct."
"All right. Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Mah to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3055 pass?' All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please… Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3104, Representative Rashid. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3104, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Rashid is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of the Manufactured Home Owners Association of Illinois. The Bill… this Bill protects an important form of affordable housing, manufactured homes, by exempting these homeowners from the Rent Control Preemption Act. It protects some of the lowest income residents of our state and many, many seniors 10300026.docx 221 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 on fixed incomes who are losing their homes due to lot rent increases. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"So, this would allow for municipalities to allow for rent control. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. It allows municipalities to take action. It does not compel them to."
"As it relates to manufactured homes or those home communities. Is… is that right?"
"Correct."
"Our analysis shows there is a large number of groups who are opposed, including the Chicago Property Owners Association, Chicagoland Apartment Association, Manufactured Housing Association, Metro-East Real Estate Investors Association, REALTORS Association, Rental Properties Owners Association. Have they spoken with you, any of those groups, about their opposition?"
"The Manufactured Home Owners Association has. The… the owners of the land have. Not the other groups."
"And what was the nature of their opposition?"
"They want the market to do its thing and fail to realize that this is a captive community. These home owners own… own the homes that are on the land, but pay rent on the lot. And so, they're… they don't want any restrictions on how much rent they can charge." 10300026.docx 222 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Well, I think probably everyone in this chamber's familiar with rent control and has a fairly strong opinion on that one way or the other."
"Yes."
"But I… you know, the argument from many on our side is that rent control leads to scarcity, which reduces people being able to find homes and may increase homelessness. So…"
"There… there have been no studies on rent control in the context of manufactured homes, none."
"All right. So, you would differentiate manufactured homes from regular… other rent control?"
"That is absolutely right. This is a completely different market. They only own the structure. They do not own the land. But they are held captive and can… and essentially are at the mercy of the landowner there."
"I may dispute that point with you just a little, but I, again, I think we all know where we stand on rent control."
"Well, not on… not on their ability to raise rent. And… and let me read to you, Representative, an age-restricted community here in Springfield last year saw a $160 a month increase, then another $120 a month increase this year. They were paying 300 to 400 before. Now, it's close to doubling. News stories left and right showing that many of these homeowners are now paying 800, 900, 1 thousand dollars a month. In my own district, homeowners who are paying 300, 400 dollars a month just a few… a few years ago are now paying $879 dollars. Many of these are fixed income… are seniors on fixed incomes. And this is driving them out of their homes, and they are losing their homes as a result." 10300026.docx 223 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Well, I appreciate your passion. I don't agree with your remedy to this. Thank you, I'll be opposing the Bill."
"We will be moving to a three-minute timer. And the Chair recognizes Representative Mayfield."
"Thank you so much. I just want to speak to the Bill. I have a few mobile home parks in my district. And, Representative Rashid, I thank you for bringing this because you're right. This is an excellent Bill. We're dealing with low-income individuals who are basically, you know, they struggle to buy that mobile home. And we're talking about $10 thousand mobile homes, $40 thousand mobile homes, $60 thousand mobile homes. So, you're having to pay the rent… I'm sorry. You have to pay the mortgage on that mobile home. You're paying taxes on that mobile home. And these owners, many times we don't even know who they are because they're leasing companies who are receiving the funds. And we as a… a realtor, we have a hard time tracking down who actually owns some of this land. So, just let me tell you that. But we are… basically those rents are so extreme to individuals who are no longer able to even afford to stay on those lands. When you're charging somebody a mortgage plus 800, 900 dollars additional per month in addition to taxes and utilities, we're not mandating that… this rent control. We're just saying that municipalities, if they see that there's abuses that are happening, that they may come in and put these restrictions on these particular lots. I think this is a great Bill. This is a consumer protection Bill. And I would recommend an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer's recognized." 10300026.docx 224 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Rashid, I understand exactly where you're coming from on this. I… I recently had a group out of somewhere out of state come in and purchase a couple of mobile home parks in my area, and… and fair… fairly nice ones. Individuals had… and I want everybody to understand what this is because this is not… you're… you're correct. I wish it did not say 'rent control' up there because you're talking about people who have spent maybe, you know, 50, 75 thousand dollars, every penny they have to purchase a modular home. We're not talking about a camper on wheels. We’re talking about something they purchased. It's their home, their safe space. It is on someone else's land, right? The reality is these individuals are being held hostage because their option is to pay the increased rent or to find somebody to move this home that they own by paying probably 15 to 20 grand to move their home, oh, and buy property to put this home on. This is a completely different situation than rent control in an… in an apartment. You… you probably didn't expect this from me. This is really tough, really tough for me 'cause I believe in the free market. But you've got an industry where venture capitalists are coming in, they're purchasing it, they're taking every penny out of it. And a lot of these times these roads, these sewer systems that are connected to your municipal sewer systems are not being taken care of, they're private. So, they're taking every penny out of it, they're not maintaining it, and then they're going to dump it on somebody else. And the next person is going to have to raise 10300026.docx 225 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 that rent even higher. This is really tough because I… I'm red up there a lot. But I… I'm going to join you in supporting this. I don't know that the numbers are correct as far as the three percent or CPI, and we may have to continue to work on that to get somewhere reasonable. And… and I'll be happy to work with you on that. But this is something… something has to be done because people are being held hostage. So, I'm going to encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Spain is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. Quite frankly, I'm glad that it says 'rent control' up on the board because that's exactly what this Bill does. Rent justification is a form of rent control. And if it starts now in this limited area of isolation, it will continue to build and grow in the State of Illinois. And we have seen and learned from other states and we've debated again and again in this chamber about how rent control is an ineffective public policy and how rent control… I understand what you're trying to do here, Representative. There are some bad actors. Those bad actors have… have raised their prices and raised their rents. And what you're doing now within this type of housing really is, one, a slippery slope, which will be problematic. But when you require this type of rent justification, you're not only doing that, you're creating a private right of action for these tenants which will be an… an even more damaging slippery slope going forward. So, I could not more strongly emphasize a 'no' vote. I think that this is the… the wrong policy. It's not the right solution for what you're hoping to achieve. And I think the consequences, especially the private right of 10300026.docx 226 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 action that's generated here, will reverberate in housing and real estate in… in a major way that will have a negative impact for the future of Illinois. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Weaver's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Rashid, do you have any expectations for what this rent control Bill would do to the future development of manufactured home parks?"
"Investors have been coming into this area of real estate in droves. And so, I… I don't expect… I can't speak to the future. I can say that this has been a very, very profitable sector for investors."
"Do you have any expectation to what the impact would be on the future supply of housing? Or I guess I should say, do you have any expectation to what the future desire for developers to come to Illinois may be when they hear that Illinois is considering rent control Bills?"
"The real estate market and people in the rental space, people who are landlords are making… are able, especially in the manufactured home space, are making a significant amount of money. You have private equity funds from across the country buying into these. I don't think that this… I think that this Bill will help the seniors and the lower-income people who are depending on this form of housing."
"To the Bill. As somebody's who's active in the rental… home rental community, I can tell you for a fact that rent control is a word that will keep developers from increasing property in the State of Illinois. I am 100 percent stand 10300026.docx 227 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 with the housing crisis. I think that the solution is more supply on the market. More supply is restricted by rent control measures. And one final thing I will clarify so that there's no confusion on the floor, there are two different manufactured home Bills that we will be discussing. A separate one is related to a three percent increase. That is not this Bill. This Bill is a rent control Bill that will hinder the supply of manufactured homes on the market in Illinois. Thank you."
"Representative Mussman's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to echo the comments of my… my colleague from across the aisle. I think the board is mislabeled. I think rent control is causing significant confusion. And honestly what I think this Bill is, is an effort to allow municipalities to prevent price gouging on the residents. We know that large investors are basically predatory slumlords who knows there's no… they have no accountability. They're not fixing or maintaining the property. They don't offer clean water on a regular basis. They don't have a proper working sewer system. So, they wait for flooding to occur on their properties, and then when the buildings are damaged, they fine their residents for having improperly maintained facilities. They know that these are poor individuals who have no real ability to afford legal representation. They do not offer their… answer their phones. They do not, again, respond to the needs of their residents. This rent increase is not being used to maintain the integrity of the property. And these are, again, largely income-fixed seniors who think this is the last place that they're going 10300026.docx 228 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 to be living. Again, unlike a regular apartment complex, these are people who bought that home. But if they can't… if they can't afford the rent increases, they have 90 days to sell that home. If they can't find a buyer, that landlord is going to pay them pennies on the dollar for that… for that building that they have there and then turn around and sell it at a profit. If these people had not paid off their loan, they're now stuck paying for a loan on a property and a house they no longer have. This is not the same as a regular rent control situation that we have been talking about. This is a very unique situation. And again, it will be very narrowly applied by the few municipalities who have the interest and ability to offer this protection to their residents to protect them from predatory landlords' price gouging them for no reason but their own profit because they have no demonstrated effort of cleaning up their own property. I… I significantly support the efforts of… of Representative Rashid. I encourage other people to take this seriously. And I encourage other people to think beyond the words rent control and think about how we are protecting our most vulnerable residents from these predators."
"Representative Weber is recognized."
"Thank you. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I was just curious if these people have contracts that they sign for these lots and that, you know, there's… there's not something nefarious that goes against their contract?"
"They do have contracts. That's correct." 10300026.docx 229 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"So, again, are we just stepping in as government and saying that, well, you made bad decision. So, we're going to use the heavy hand of government and say, you know what, we're going to use policy to stop you from doing this that time and time again has continued to fail?"
"Representative, government is stepping in to protect seniors and lower income residents so that they can stay in their homes."
"All right. To the Bill. Again, this is adults who have made adult decisions, signed contracts. We are stepping in as the meditator to implement a policy that continues to fail every time implemented. So, vote 'no'."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Rashid to close."
"I strongly urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3104 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. Excuse me, Representative… Clerk, please take the record. There are 53 voting 'yes', 47 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. Representative Rashid is recognized."
"Madam Speaker, I move for Postponed Consideration."
"Postponed Consideration. Moving to page 26 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 2043, Representative Hoffman… Leader Hoffman. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2043, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading… Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hoffman's recognized." 10300026.docx 230 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Yes. Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is an initiative of the credit unions of Illinois. There will be some work that needs to be done with the department in the Senate, but I believe that is all fairly technical in nature and we can come to a final agreement on this. This deals with lowering thresholds for membership for organizations. It talks about compliance review documents. It makes sure that the appointments are clarified, and it… it sets out meetings for directors. I ask for a favorable roll call."
"Seeing no questions, Representative Hoffman to close."
"I ask for a favorable roll call."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2043 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have House Bill 1132, Representative Hoffman. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1132, a Bill for an Act… a Bill for an Act concerning safety. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Hoffman."
"Representative Hoffman on the Amendment." 10300026.docx 231 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Yes. This makes sure that there are no opposition to the Bill. It clears up some definitions. I ask that we adopt it. And if we need to, we'll debate it on Third Reading."
"Representative Hoffman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 1132. 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?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Hoffman."
"House Bill 1132, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hoffman's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is an initiative of the theater workers of Illinois. And it… it's regarding temporary laser displays that are mostly used at special events. This would make sure that the Department of Emergency Management, who oversees other laser… permanent lasers, will also receive this. Would require temporary laser… laser display operator. Would talk about safety officer being… being present. It also sets out the requirements for this, and it gives the department the job requirements through rule. I know of no known opposition to this great bipartisan Bill."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." 10300026.docx 232 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Leader, the Amendment removed IEMA's opposition. Is that the opposition that was removed by the Amendment?"
"I don't believe they were… this was negotiated with IEMA. They were never truly an opponent, but it made clarifications for them. The opposition was really to remove AT&T. The… I don't understand why it would have anything to do with fiberoptics 'cause this is laser. But they wanted to make sure it didn't have anything to do with fiberoptics."
"I note the Amendment had some Republican 'no' votes in committee. Was there opposition expressed at that time?"
"I don't recall it, but there were some Republican 'no' votes. I think they were misplaced."
"I imagine so, yeah. I'm… I'm going to guess…"
"I'm very proud to have a Republican Sponsor. That don't happen often, cosponsor. He's one of my favorite guys over there on that side of the aisle."
"Well, I'll let him for speak for himself on… on this. I… I believe the concerns expressed, at least that I've heard, is about additional regulation on… on this industry. And why do you feel that's necessary in this situation?"
"I just believe that the use of lasers creates a safety hazard and makes sure that we have a safety officer. And some of these displays are… are huge and could… can be very dangerous if not done correctly."
"Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Hoffman to close."
"I ask for a favorable roll call." 10300026.docx 233 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1132 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 voted who wish? Clerk, please take the… Clerk, please take the record. With 78 voting 'yes', 27 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. J.C. in the Chair."
"Going to Page 30 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3… 3116, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3116, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading… Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3116 will add to the training requirements for teachers. Training in recognizing homeless… signs of homelessness every two years, with best practices for identifying and supporting homeless students. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"So, do we have any idea of the cost that this will incur to local school districts?"
"There are organizations that already have this type of training available provided at no charge to school districts, and it can be worked into the schedule of other trainings that we require of teachers. So, it does not necessary have a cost." 10300026.docx 234 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Would the… the training have to be in-person as well as in-service? Is that what… when you say in-service, you're meaning in-person training?"
"I don't know that it specifically says it must be in person. I think it could be, you know, like lots of us do those trainings, going through modules on a computer."
"And I… you know, we had other discussions about requirements we place on school districts, and many on our side oppose those mandates. And I believe you're see that continue with this… this vote. Thank you."
"Yeah. I do want to point out that there are… there's a lot of discussion about all of these trainings for teachers. And I agree that we could work on that schedule and take a look at that… a comprehensive look at what we are doing for that. And I know that that discussion is going on, and this could get wrapped up into that discussion."
"Representative Stuart to close."
"I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3116 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed '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 72 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to Representative Ann Williams, House Bill 3135. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3135, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Third Reading of this House Bill." 10300026.docx 235 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Williams." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of the Department of Human Rights, which permits the department to intervene in complaints filed in front of the Human Rights Commission. The department may intervene in a few circumstances where they have an interest that differs from one of the parties where the expertise of the department is better suited to articulate a particular point of view or the representation of the department by existing parties may be inadequate or the department may be bound by the final judgement. Happy to answer any questions. We are having… there's an Amendment out there with a few technical changes. It didn't make it across the finish line in time. So, we'll add that in the Senate. It has been agreed to."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3135 pass?' All those 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? Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Walker on House Bill 3144. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment."
"House Bill 3144, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Walker." 10300026.docx 236 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Walker on Floor Amendment #1."
"Floor Amendment 1 makes it subject to appropriations."
"Amendment #1… Representative Walker moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3144. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3144, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Walker."
"House Bill 3144 establishes a grant through DCEO for local chambers of commerce to promote economic development on small businesses primarily on main streets. This is not for large regional or state level chambers. We funded a similar program with ARPA funds to alleviate the losses the chamber suffered. And this is looking forward for economic development. As I said, it's subject to appropriation. We expect the total cost to be less than $5 million."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I think you just answered my question with your last statement. So, this is subject to appropriation. Estimated cost is $5 million dollars for the… the program if it's covered by appropriation. Is that correct?"
"That's all correct, yes."
"All right. Thank you."
"Representative Keicher." 10300026.docx 237 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative. Was former president of the Chamber of Commerce. I value highly what they do in our small towns and… and villages. What I'm curious about though, what would… 'cause I couldn't hear. There was a lot of dialogue. What would be the qualifications in order to receive the grant money? Are there… is there any qualifications that are laid out?"
"There is a qualification that you have at least one full- time member. And of course, there's the grant application, which requires a plan to do local economic development."
"Okay. As… as these are prepared and… and as I learned a lot about chambers of commerce… and again, I put them on a pedestal. I think they high value. But I have also seen chambers that haven't been responsive to the needs of their members, and they have suffered significant membership loss. And what I would hate for us to be in a position to do through this program is subsidize an ineffective local unit just by merits of them being a chamber. So, anything we can do on the language, I would love the opportunity to make sure that that's included."
"Well, I appreciate that. I think the way we've set up the grant process in rules will probably solve the problem of qualification."
"And is that something you'd be inclined to, just for legislative intent, to consider?"
"Certainly. I'd be happy to work with you on this."
"Thank you, Representative." 10300026.docx 238 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Walker to close."
"Please vote 'aye'.
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3144 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 voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 77 voting 'yes', 31 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Going to page 21 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3740, Representative Ammons. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3740, a Bill for an Act concerning education. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor… Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Ammons, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Ammons on Floor Amendment #1."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment 1 just clarifies that students who are incarcerated who receive academic programs support are eligible for MAP grant funding."
"Representative Ammons moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3740. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3740, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you. House Bill 3740 aligns us with the Pell Grant eligibility that is available for incarcerated students. We 10300026.docx 239 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 have multiple universities that provide education to students while they are incarcerated, and this makes this eligible to receive MAP award funding. And I move for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Just so I'm clear, this is MAP funding for students who are currently incarcerated. Is that…"
"That's correct."
"…what that does? Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, just real quickly, I… I believe you just repeated to Leader Windhorst that these students are eligible for MAP. Is that correct?"
"This will make them eligible for MAP."
"Okay. And would they also be eligible for Pell?"
"They would be eligible for Pell as well once the federal guidelines are sent down."
"And then since they are eligible for MAP and they are eligible for Pell, would they also be eligible for the AIM HIGH Program?"
"This does not make them eligible for AIM HIGH."
"I'm sorry. I can't hear you."
"This… this Bill does not make AIM HIGH eligibility."
"It does not make AIM HIGH funding…"
"No, it does not." 10300026.docx 240 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…available?"
"No, Ma'am."
"So, they would not be eligible for the AIM HIGH funding?"
"No. This Bill only covers MAP."
"Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it."
"Seeing no one seeking… no one seeking further recognition, Representative Ammons to close."
"I move for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3740 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed 'no'. The voting's 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 69 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 342, Representative Ammons. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 342, a Bill for an Act concerning education. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Ammons, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Ammons on Floor Amendment #2."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment #2 and 342 is an initiative of the Whole Child Task Force. The Whole Child Task Force came with a few initiatives that I'll run through really quickly. The task force included a definition of trauma and trauma-responsive learning environments and the whole child. It also included a collection of information that is 10300026.docx 241 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 already collected but needs to be put on the Illinois State Report Card. Creates a Child Adversity Index that was out of the child… Whole Child Task Force. And it also creates an articulation of preparation training and ongoing development for educators dealing with trauma in their schools. And it also reconvenes the task force in five years to check the progress on implementation of the Whole Child Task Force. And I move for its approval."
"Representative Ammons moves for the adoption on Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 342. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 342, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I explained the Bill on Second, and I ask for an 'aye' vote for House Bill 342."
"Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 342 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting's 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 104 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 30 of the Calendar appears House Bill 3150, Representative Guzzardi. Out of the record. House Bill 3202, Representative Sanalitro. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 10300026.docx 242 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"House Bill 3202, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Sanalitro."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3202 is a saliva test for prescreening for cancer. This Bill is designed to… to confirm and clarify novel diagnostic testing methods. Early detection not only helps save lives, but it can help to drive down costs in the long run because late-stage cancer therapies are extremely costly. I urge an 'aye' vote, and I'm open for questions."
"On this question, Representative McLaughlin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Yes. Representative Sanalitro, depending upon the cancer screening result, will they be able to get a reduced mortgage?"
"Maybe."
"Thank you. That's all I needed. Thank you, Mr. Chair."
"Representative Sanalitro to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3202 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 30 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3206, 10300026.docx 243 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Representative McCombie… Leader McCombie. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3206, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader McCombie."
"Thank you, Speaker. HB3206 is legislation aimed at modernizing the state's licensure system, providing a electric version. The Amendment that we discussed last night removes any opposition. It has an effective date of January 1 of 2024, and it removes all paper-based authorities from digitally-verified electronic credential. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3206 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3277, Representative Frese. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3277, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Frese."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3277 is a constituent initiative. He has a 100 percent organic farm and produces his own compost, a plant… may I say plant-based compost on his farm. He produces more than he actually uses. It's an incidental amount. In order to sell any of it, he had to apply 10300026.docx 244 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 for another permit that was cost-prohibitive. We worked with the Illinois EPA and the Environmental Council, came up with this Amendment to allow him to sell this… this incidental portion. Know of no opponents."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Cassidy on this question. Representative Cassidy."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Can you tell me what would go into the compost that you're referencing that would be available for commercial sale?"
"Yeah. Most of the stuff he actually would grow on the farm. He might grow some grass product. He might grow alfalfa, some hay. It… but it's all organic material. The only thing that might be additive to help the composting, help the breakdown might be added, but that would be it."
"So, natural items to increase the heat and accelerate…"
"Correct."
"…the process."
"Right. And it's definitely what he does is already… he's licensed through department for doing that. So, he just doesn't need a further license to be able to sell that."
"As you know, I'm a big fan of compost. So, to the Bill. I very strongly encourage a 'yes' vote on this Bill."
"Seeing… Representative Frese to close."
"Encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3277 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 10300026.docx 245 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 31 of the Calendar, Leader Burke on House Bill 3342. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3342, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this… Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Burke."
"Sorry, Speaker. Just had to get organized here. House Bill 3342 amends the Chicago Police Article of the Pension Code. And it is a very simple change that expands very, very slightly the ability of someone who has worked for the Chicago Police Department but also worked for a different entity in a sworn law enforcement capacity to have… to be able to use that service. There is no reimbursement by the state for implementation of this. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Leader Burke, this allows for a service credit to occur during leaves of absence under certain specified situations. Do I have that correct?"
"Yes. So, while they're on leave of absence from the Chicago Police Department but working for a different agency, the… the Cook County, the state, or the Federal Government in a sworn law enforcement capacity." 10300026.docx 246 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Was there an issue we had, looks like maybe in 2021, on a prior Bill or Public Act that this is… is designed to correct or address? I have something in our analysis about an issue."
"I don't believe so."
"Okay."
"Oh. I… you know what, I… I don't know. I know I have a… I have a different pension Bill that clarifies an existing Act. So, maybe this… maybe that got mixed up?"
"Could be."
"Yeah."
"And this was a… a partisan vote in committee. Was that correct, six to three?"
"That was correct."
"Yeah. Thank you."
"Leader Burke to close."
"I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3342 pass?' All those 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 82 voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Walker on House Bill 3413. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. 3413."
"House Bill 3413, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Walker." 10300026.docx 247 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. House Bill 3413 is a… a House Bill that tries to begin to repair some of the sins of our past. It is a Bill that will allow us to take what we have dug up from the ground of Native American remains and reinter them with honor in a cemetery. It is a… it does eight things. It creates the Native American Review Group within Department of Natural Resources. Many of the same representatives on brother West's Bill. It allows for creation of a cemetery by DNR to bury repatriated remains. It creates a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Officer and Director of Tribal Relations. Creates a Tribal Reparation Fund, which does not have revenue source nor does it have anything that could withdraw money from it at this point. So, it is subject to appropriation. It clarifies that human remains are not property of Native American nations until the origin has been determined. Therefore, requires the State Burial Coordinator first determine the origin of the remains to be Native American before Native American Review Group can begin their process. It repeals exemptions that we have made for major development areas like O'Hare and the South Suburban Airport. It limits the definition of historical property because this is not just about human remains. It is also about cultural artifacts that were buried with them. And it… it limits those to funerary objects, not just anything. Finally, it… it creates a language for the Tribal Reparation Fund and makes use of the money, subject to appropriation. What we're doing here is taking both the people who… our brothers and sisters in the Native American community who were part of the building of Illinois and part of the creation of Illinois, allows us to 10300026.docx 248 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 gather those remains and put them back where we got them, to reinter them. To have their own cemetery to bury them with honor. For cultural artifacts that are funerary artifacts, those become the property of the tribe most associated with those burials. The tribes or the federally recognized Indian nations will own them. And if they wish to lend them back to our museums, they may do that, as many people do with their possessions. But they're theirs. They're not ours. It is, I think, a revolutionary change. It is well overdue. It is also supported by recent federal legislation that requires repatriation of goods. We not only will do the repatriation, we will do the reinterment with honor in Illinois. I'm very proud of this Bill. I think many of you will be proud to have voted for it. Open for questions."
"On this question, Leader Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Walker, thank you for bringing this Bill forward. Just real quickly, under this legislation, would the Native American remains at the Dixon Mounds Museum in Fulton County also receive proper burial?"
"That is the intention, yes."
"Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate that, and I appreciate this effort. And I would encourage a 'yes' vote."
"Leader Flowers."
"Representative, I didn't quite hear you in regards to… what is subject to appropriations?"
"There is a… a fund to be set up in the Department of Natural Resources to maintain… to open and maintain this 10300026.docx 249 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 cemetery and the process of reburying remains where they belong."
"And so, if we don't appropriate the funds, then what?"
"They don't have the funds to do it. Whether they can manage it with other funds, we don't know yet."
"So, if they don't have the funds to do it, are we still going to do what?"
"I think that's a great argument for this appropriation."
"Yeah. But I'm… I'm surprised that this burial ground is… is predicated on appropriations because it seemed like to me this was… is their land. And so, we're disturbing their graves. And if we want to do something different, we're supposed to pay for it. And if we don't have the appropriations, maybe we shouldn't dig there, right?"
"Oh, I… I agree with you. We should not have disturbed those graves in the first place. But these are… these are remains that have been gathered in Illinois for 200 years, and they're sitting in museums. And so, if we don't appropriate the money, we have to find the money somewhere. The… the alternative is might be to charge fees. I don't think that would be appropriate for the Native American nations. So, I would support the appropriation or I would support a way to… for the… the departments to cooperate and find money to do this properly."
"I agree with you."
"Thank you."
"Maybe we could use lottery ticket money. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Walker to close." 10300026.docx 250 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"This is about time. I could… I could only imagine if my own ancestors were dug up and whatever I buried for my grandmother and put a necklace around her to honor her that someone took it and sold it in a local shop as a curiosity. That's what we're talking about here, done over… over 100 years. It's time to turn back the clock and do it right and put these people back in the ground with honors. Thank you. I… please vote 'aye'."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3413 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting's 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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to… remaining on page 31 of the Calendar is House Bill 3424, Representative Olickal. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3424, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Olickal."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3424 is an initiative of Township Officials of Illinois. It seeks to modernize general assistance standards. The Bill seeks to update the list of services… service allowances under general assistance to include behavioral and mental health, environmental protection, and public transportation. Allows for assistance to households following a disaster proclamation issued by the Governor. Simple… this is a simple modernization Bill and has no known opposition. I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 251 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, you and I had a conversation about this Bill and I discussed with you one concern I had relating to removing the ineligibility for those convicted of certain drug offenses from this program. You know, to say 'drug offenses' is a pretty broad category. So, I want to be a little more specific about what the ineligibility is. These are actually… individuals who are ineligible are those who are Class X or Class 1 felons, which for those levels, that typically involves people who have been involved in the distribution of illegal drugs, not the simple user possession of illegal drugs. And this provision also says that… that ineligibility expires two years after the conviction. So, it's not a lifetime… a lifetime ban. And further, the prohibition does not apply if the person's in a drug treatment program, after care program, or similar program. So, would there be consideration to restoring this provision in your Bill, rather than removing it?"
"No. Thank you, Leader, for the question. But no, it would just… this is the… the goal of this Bill is to bring eligibility, the requirements, to parity with SNAP and TANF benefits."
"And was there someone who came forward requesting this change? Was it the townships wanting this change?"
"The Township Officials of Illinois."
"Okay. So, they specifically requested…"
"Yes." 10300026.docx 252 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…this eligibility for those convicted of these offenses?"
"Yes. This Bill comes from… from the Township Officials of Illinois."
"All right. Thank you. To the Bill."
"Apologize. To the Bill."
"I think I've outlined why… why I would be opposed to the Bill. There are a lot of good intentions behind the Bill. This provision I think is one that should remain and not be removed. Thank you."
"On this question, Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the Bill. The reason for the 'no' votes in the committee was we just felt that the word 'modernize' meant to expand and further the scope of general assistance that was beyond the need. And so, that was the reason for the 'no' vote. I urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"The… quick question for you, Representative. The… we're talking about funds for disaster relief that townships distribute. Is that correct?"
"Yes. So, currently townships are only able to provide relief under a Presidential Proclamation. So, this would allow for relief for a state emergency as well."
"Okay. And for the individuals who are convicted of the offenses that we were talking about before, this pertains to their families as well. Is that right?"
"Yes." 10300026.docx 253 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"So, current law denies disaster relief to children because of offenses that their parents might have committed? Is that right?"
"Yes."
"So, we're just making sure that children can get relief in a disaster irrespective of what offense their parent may have committed?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I think that seems pretty reasonable. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Olickal to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Question is, 'Shall House Bill 3424 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 73 voting 'yes', 32 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 31 of the Calendar is House Bill 3522, Representative Yang Rohr. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, move this Bill to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3522, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Yang Rohr."
"Representative Yang Rohr on Floor Amendment #2." 10300026.docx 254 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment 2 changes the two instances of 'shall' in this Bill to 'may' and removes all opposition. I ask for its adoption."
"Representative Yang Rohr moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 3522. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3522, a Bill… a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Yang Rohr."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3522 deals with the Global Scholars Program. The Global Scholars Program was established in the 99th General Assembly in 2016. It awards a seal of merit and competency to transcripts for high school students who pursue a multi-year rigorous coursework that culminates in a capstone project. We in this Body have seen the result of many of those projects in the form of legislation and the form of Resolutions that have passed through our floor. So, with this legislation, we would be recognizing the rigor of this program in two ways. One, it would allow nonpublic schools to also award the certificate. And it would also give the option for our universities in Illinois to offer college credit for completing this program. It gives our… our schools, our universities, and community colleges another tool to make sure that we are keeping the best and brightest Illinois students in Illinois. And I ask for your support in this Bill." 10300026.docx 255 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3522 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed 'no'. The voting's 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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3526, Representative Swanson. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3526, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3526, Department of… IDNR, Department of Natural Resources, has trails across the State of Illinois to ride off-highway vehicles. Those trails to ride on them cost a… is a $30 sticker, which is a sticker that's good for 3 years. This removes five dollars from that sticker and transfers it to the Tick Research, Education, Evaluation Fund. This is a off-highway vehicle, recreational trails within the State of Illinois."
"On this question, Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he yields."
"Representative Swanson, I know we talked a little bit. I just want to verify this is a solely for… is this the Bill that's solely for the three trails for the state? Or does every resident in Illinois have to get a registration sticker?" 10300026.docx 256 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"This is for those individuals who ride the recreational trails of Illinois."
"Okay. So, if you live in, like, Northern Illinois where there's not a state trail, you would not have to pay for registration sticker?"
"If you live in Northern Illinois and you go to one of the recreational trail sites, you would pay for that sticker. But you would not pay for the sticker if you're just riding it in your community at this time."
"All right. Thank you very much, Representative."
"Representative Swanson to close."
"Thank you. I ask for an 'aye' vote. Push the green button."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3526 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Going back to House Bill 3523, Representative Yang Rohr. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3523, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Yang Rohr."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is about school district surety treasurers' bonds. The current statute on this is well over 100 years old, and we are basically cleaning up ambiguous language and… and making some clarifications. So, with the… 10300026.docx 257 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 with the Bill, basically school districts will have to obtain a treasurer's bond of no less than 10 percent of the district's cash in investment as measured by the final day of the school district's most recent fiscal year. And with this Bill, we would clarify it to be at least 10 percent rather than current language which… which says 'at most 25 percent'. And we're making it… we're making the financial denominator same across all school districts. This Bill will save money for your school districts, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"This reduction will have potential significant consequences for taxpayer dollars. In fact, no other source than the State Board of Education said in its denial of two requests from school districts in 2021 when they denied two districts' request to modify the penalty percentage from 25 percent to 10 percent of all bonds, notes, mortgages, monies, and effects under the treasurer's custody, the… ISBE said, 'Granting this modification request has significant consequences and reduces the amount of taxpayers' dollars that are insured.' For these reasons, I encourage a 'no' vote."
"Representative Yang Rohr to close."
"I just want to make sure the Body knows that many of your school districts are already doing this. So, we're making sure that they can still do it. And we want to make sure that they do not have to spend money that they don't have to spend, that they can be putting toward our students. Thank you." 10300026.docx 258 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3523 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 71 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3556, Representative Harper. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3556, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Harper."
"Do I have to adopt an Amendment?"
"It's already been adopted, Representative."
"Oh, thank you so much. I'm pleased to present House Bill 3556. It creates the Black Farmer Restoration Program. Simply helps to ease land access for all farmers but especially socially disadvantaged farmers, limited resource, and beginning farmers. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Meier… Leader Meier."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"In here, you know, I… we know where you're going with the Bill, trying to promote more diversified farms, and that's good. But in here it says that shall be made the money to Black Restoration Program Fund. Shouldn't it be minority fund?"
"Say that one more time for me." 10300026.docx 259 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"It says in here that funds are being made to Black Farmer Restoration Program Fund."
"So, yeah, there's a fund that helps to provide monies to administer the program."
"Okay. It should probably be for all minorities, though, instead of just black, or not?"
"Yes. So, the Black Farmer Restoration is kind of just a name. Everything in this Bill is for all farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, limited resource farmers, beginning farmers, and also organic farmers."
"Okay."
"And so, it should be that way all throughout the Bill."
"And then in here, 'the Department of Agriculture shall establish the Farm Conservation Corps to provide residents between 18 and 29 from disadvantaged academic groups to have productive careers.' Is this money allocated already, or do we know how much money?"
"The money has not been allocated."
"The money is not allocated. But it does say the word 'shall' in here."
"It is about 4 million for the staffing."
"Four million for the staffing? Okay. I thought, and maybe I'm wrong because, as we're reading it with the Amendment, it looks as though, in here when we get further down here, that you're still going to have the Department of Ag buy ground, give it to disadvantaged farmers. The Department of Ag will keep an easement on the grounds so they're first to buy it back. But the people they give it to may sell the ground right away. They don't have to keep farming it. I thought that was 10300026.docx 260 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 coming out of here. I didn't realize this until about five minutes ago. Page seven, line six…"
"So, yeah, we… we should have changed all that to where it's just the Farmland Conservancy Program at this point."
"Well, it's… it's still here under page seven, line six."
"Okay. Well as you know, we still got some work to do on this Bill in the Senate that we're committed to making those changes as we go."
"And… and once again, we… we worry about the cost of it and, you know, locking it in. I mean, giving… giving it to somebody to farm it is usually something that you do for a lifetime. You don't turn around and sell it right away. And so, there's a lot of problems with it yet. I know you are working towards it and your final goal is a good goal, but I don't believe this Bill is there yet. Thank you."
"Representative Harper to close."
"Yes. Thank you. I'd like to remind everyone that in previous General Assemblies this Body has been a leader on this issue by passing the Farmer Equity Act. We passed the Agriculture Disparity Study, which is now underway, and the Agriculture Equity Commission. And by passing House Resolution 46 in 102nd General Assembly, when the House called for state support and capacity building for socially disadvantaged farming communities across the State of Illinois, to not only meet our food demands, but also increase economic resilience in vulnerable food desert communities across the state. This Bill, House Bill 3556, is simply a natural progression of all of those laws. I encourage an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 261 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3556 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed '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 70 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3566, Representative Mason. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3566, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mason."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill makes permanent a temporary COVID rule that is proven to be very helpful and effective for early childhood centers to no detriment to our children. It addresses the teacher shortage. It allows for more flexibility. It allows an assistant teacher to be in the classroom for up to three hours without a lead teacher. Our Bill extends the current temporary rule by specifying that assistant teachers are only able to lead the classroom outside of the core developmental day, making it a stricter rule but still providing the flexibility. There are no known opponents, lots of proponents. Passed unanimously out of committee. It's a good plan for schools, teachers, small businesses, and most importantly, our kids. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3566 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 10300026.docx 262 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3570, Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3570, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Faver Dias."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HB3570, it seeks to expand a peer mentor, teaching-coaching program that currently exists to nontenured teachers. This is an important step in supporting new teachers to ensure… ensure our children receive the highest quality education while also working to reduce teacher turnover. There is no additional cost to the state. It also requires the State Board of Education to assess data that it already collects on educator evaluations by matching that data for educators to those educators' race and ethnicity and also by requiring an assessment of educators' evaluations to their students' socioeconomic status in order to access the extent to which bias plays into teacher evaluations. We need to support our beginning teachers in order to ensure they stay in the profession. We have no known opposition to this Bill. I would encourage an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield." 10300026.docx 263 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Representative, this does present a… a mandate from State Government to local school districts regarding peer mentors?"
"It does, but it allows wide flexibility within the districts to implement it as they wish. Some districts add it to the job duties of the teachers. Some districts make it a volunteer program where teachers can volunteer to become mentors. It all depends on what the local bargaining unit agrees to."
"So, I've heard two concerns raised, and I'll just let you address those. One is the cost that may be incurred by the local district to provide this. And then the other is the capacity of local school districts, particularly smaller districts, to have the individuals to do it. So, if you could address those for me."
"Yeah. I think there is… that flexibility is key in allowing each district to determine what best suits them in terms of a cost and the model. The districts that can afford it and have the funds can pay their teachers. The ones where those funds are not available can either add it to their job duties or volunteer. So, it… it creates and allows for a wide range of flexibility in the implementation. I'm sorry. Can you ask me the second one again?"
"Simply the capacity, having the individuals necessary to perform the duties."
"Sure. I… I don't doubt, as a former public school teacher myself and understanding the way our schools work, I… I'm not going to say that there's not going to be a challenge anywhere. But I think this gets at the bigger issue of our 10300026.docx 264 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 teacher vacancy. We currently have 3,500 teacher vacancies. And so, this is a real plan. It is much cheaper and more cost effective to prevent that teacher turnover and coach the teachers, specifically the beginning and the young teachers that we have, rather than them leaving the profession and us having to start the cycle. So, this is a real plan that addresses that teacher vacancy. So, we're going to have to make some choices here, and I think… but this provides a path to addressing this vacancy that we all talk about."
"Thank you. Even though I'm not be able to support your Bill today, I do appreciate what you're trying to do. Thank you."
"Seeing no… no one further seeking recognition, Representative Faver Dias to close."
"We have… I would encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3570 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed by voting 'no'. Voting's 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 79 voting 'yes', 28 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Weber on House Bill 3584. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3584, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 3584 is a Bill that came out of discussions with a victim of a sex crime and speaking with 10300026.docx 265 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 law enforcement. Oftentimes someone that may be assaulted in a professional setting may want to go in and report something to law enforcement but not always want to press charges and face their… the person in a court of law. What this does is it allows them to be able to call the Department of… Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, IDFPR, and add their information onto the victims' rights handout. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, our analysis shows that the Association of Court Clerks is opposed to your Bill. Can you explain their opposition?"
"The initial Bill was that the Amendment was drafted by IDFPR and all that does is allow that… the ability to for victims to contact IPFPR is already part of the victims' rights. However, all this Bill does is add the… their information onto victim right handouts. It does not affect clerks at all."
"I understand the Amendment removed the clerks…"
"Yes."
"…from the Bill. Okay. Thank you very much."
"Thank you."
"On this question, Representative Avelar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm also seeing on the analysis that the Safer Foundation opposes the Bill. What's the nature of the opposition?" 10300026.docx 266 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"I actually was not aware of it… there was any opposition to the Bill. This was… IDFPR actually agreed that they thought this was a good idea, drafted the language."
"Okay. Thank you. Thank you."
"Representative Weber… Representative Weber to close."
"Thank you, everyone. This is very important to victims. A lot of times in a professional settings, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, anesthetist, other areas, people aren't aware that they have another option other than law enforcement to call the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, who can actually do their own investigation independently of law enforcement. So, I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3584 pass?' All those 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… please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3590, Representative Weaver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill.
"House Bill 3590, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Weaver."
"House Bill 3590 helps address a gap in Illinois for kids trying to do apprenticeship and co-op programs. It's hard for them to obtain liability insurance. The manufacturer says 10300026.docx 267 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 that they can't pay for it. The parents probably shouldn't have to pay for it. The school paying for it may be an option. This Bill establishes a task force that's bipartisan, bicameral to study who should be responsible for creating this liability insurance with a recommendation due back by the end of the year. It's a good, bipartisan Bill. Please vote 'yes'."
"On this question, Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Is this your first Bill?"
"It is, Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Have you checked to see how Taylor Swift feels about this Bill?"
"I was told she just said, 'Shake it off.'
"Okay, good. Thank you."
"Representative Fritts."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Reluctantly."
"Representative Weaver, is this your first Bill?"
"It is."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you, Sir."
"To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this is a… this is a phenomenal Bill. Too often we have an overinvestment in human capital. We encourage people to go to college, to go to 10300026.docx 268 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 college, to go to college. And what this is doing is leaving dire shortages in our trade fields. This… this is an opportunity for students to be able to experience the trades, to learn what they're about in a setting where… where people really can learn, where they can grow, where they can experience it. And if all else fails, they can go to college and know how to make repairs in their own homes. Great Bill, vote 'yes'."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. I see here that members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses extrapolated from the performance of their duties. What do you anticipate the cost would be for this?"
"I think it'll be quite affordable, probably free, extremely positive ROI."
"Well, that's pretty ambiguous. You got some numbers for me?"
"I feel very good about it, Representative Blair- Sherlock."
"Okay. So, I guess you'll just have to trust you, huh?"
"I… I'm a very trustworthy person."
"Thank you."
"Leader McCombie."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield." 10300026.docx 269 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"At first I was kind of curious if it was your Bill or Representative Fritts' Bill with that speech that he just gave. It states here that each Legislator… Legislative Leader will receive an appointment to the committee. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield." Davis, W.: "So, question from reading the analysis, Representative. Who pays for the cost of the insurance?"
"That's what the task force is set to establish. So, the manufacturer claims that they can't 'cause the insurance companies supposedly won't let them. I… I don't believe it should fall on the parents. The school may be an option to address this gap. However, in working this Bill, Representative Scherer I think raised a fair point that we don't need to adding additional spending without studying the… the need for it. So, this task force would study who should be responsible for providing the liability insurance." Davis, W.: "So, upon their determination of who does, does that automatically make them responsible for the insurance?"
"No. So, there'd be a recommendation that comes back to us. My anticipation, my… my hope, my expectation is that in 2024 we'll have a more substantive Bill that's the recommendation of this task force that will be brought back before this Body." 10300026.docx 270 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Davis, W.: "So… but according to the analysis, it could be that students, college and university, community college, or high school that could absorb that cost, correct?"
"Or… or the manufacturer." Davis, W.: "Or… okay. And the manufacturer is the where the internship will take place?"
"That's correct." Davis, W.: "Okay. So, if the high school, if any of the school entities, that will be a mandate on them to cover that cost, correct?"
"That's correct. That's why we wanted to study it, to make sure that we're putting the cost and the burden in the right location before we… we do so. And as I said, it would be a recommendation that would come back before this Body for us to vote on in the future if we agreed that's the correct funding mechanism." Davis, W.: "Fair enough. Thank you."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Representative Benton."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"I'm happy to be a chief cosponsor on this one. I think we need to take steps to address apprenticeship programs and create access for kids that aren't college bound. That's something that I'm very passionate about. That's the direction that I went. And the more access we can do from a… a younger level, whether it's junior high, high school, and beyond, we need to take those steps. To the Bill."
"To the Bill." 10300026.docx 271 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"I think we… this task force could be effective. That's one of the issues that we're seeing within schools and seeing within apprenticeship programs that at younger age they have an issue with the liability insurance under the age of 18. And this task force could help address that and get more kids into good paying jobs. So, thank you, Sponsor."
"On this question, Representative McLaughlin is the last speaker."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's great to see a number of freshmen get up and bring great legislation like this forward. Question for the Sponsor, please."
"Sponsor yields."
"Is this a red jacket worthy piece of legislation, Representative, as your first Bill?"
"I would be honored, Representative McLaughlin."
"Well, please place the jacket on. And thank you for this great legislation. Please put me on your Bill."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Representative Weaver to close."
"Close."
"You're wearing red clothes. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3590 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Congratulations. Representative Tarver on House Bill 3606. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Please 10300026.docx 272 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 move this Bill to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3606, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Tarver, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Tarver on Floor Amendment #1."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment #1 was just to ensure that the Bill that we have in front of us is the same Bill that we have passed the last General Assembly, which is House Bill 3220. The only changes from the original Bill were to change the word, excuse me, 'contractor' to 'vendor', I believe. So, very minor changes."
"Representative Tarver moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3606. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3606, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, again, Mr. Speaker. As I just mentioned, this is the same Bill that we moved last General Assembly, which is House Bill 3220. It made it over to the Senate. Leader Lightford did not have enough time to run it during lame duck. So, it is back here now. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst on this question."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 10300026.docx 273 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Representative Tarver…"
"Yes, Sir."
"…this makes the ability for a good faith waiver more difficult to achieve. Is that accurate?"
"That is inaccurate."
"All right. Show me or please tell me where I'm wrong."
"Why does it not make it more difficult?"
"Yes."
"It simply codifies it. It makes it more of a universal standard so that we all know whether it's University of Illinois, whether it's DECO, whether it's the Department of Aging, which I mentioned earlier. There would be a universal set of standards so we know what good faith looks like."
"Universal standard for the good faith exception?"
"Yes, Sir."
"So, our analysis… or we have heard from one of the opponents, the Road and Transportation Builders Association. Have they reached out to you regarding the Bill?"
"They have not. They slipped in opposition, but I wouldn't be surprised if they would be in opposition because they don't hire any BEP firms."
"Well, I'm… I'm not going to argue that point with you. I'll let them defend themselves. But they have stated that the policy proposed, they believe, will be costly, burdensome, and would potentially punish vendors who are making good faith efforts. If you wouldn't mind to address that point that they've made to us at least."
"Well, I'll tell you, I… I would address it if they came and spoke to me about it. But I'm not going to have a 10300026.docx 274 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 conversation about something that they didn't have the decency or respect to reach out to me about. I said this earlier today. My phone number, address, email address has been the same since the second Wednesday of January in 2019. I haven't heard from them at all since I've been in office."
"All right. To the Bill. There was… there has been opposition expressed. I believe, from what I've been informed, that opposition has been made in good faith. I know that maybe hasn't been expressed, Representative Tarver. But for those reasons, that explains our 'no' vote in committee and will explain the 'no' votes that occur this evening. Thank you."
"Representative Tarver to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall'… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3606 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all 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 70 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. And I'd like to apologize to Representative… Leader Davidsmeyer and Leader Spain. I didn't see your… your lights in time. I apologize. On page 31 of the Calendar appears House Bill 3642, Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3642, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Faver Dias." 10300026.docx 275 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to present HB3642 today. This Bill seeks to do two major things. It seeks to protect open space in townships by changing the definition of open land or open space to 25 acres or more, which is a reduction from what it currently is, which is 50 acres. Secondly, it prohibits a township from selling or otherwise disposing of its open space land without approval through a referendum of voters. Currently, township supervisors have to go to referendum to acquire that open space. So, we are closing that legislative gap to ensure that investment that those taxpayers made in that open space is protected unless it goes to referendum. We have worked with stakeholders throughout this process to make it explicitly clear that this open space can be leased to farmers for agricultural purposes. Open space… open space increases our property values, improves public health, improves storm water management, and protects our environment. I would encourage an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sorry, it's getting late in the day. Representative… question of the Sponsor? The question I have here for you is it talks about that this open space land can be leased to Federal, State, or local Government. Why would a township want to lease their space in the first place to any of these entities?"
"You know, to be honest, I'm… I'm not really sure. Township supervisors that I've spoken with in my district have… have been on board with this legislation. But it gives them the flexibility, if it's beneficial for the township to 10300026.docx 276 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 do so, and then explicitly as well as for agricultural purposes to farmers."
"So, give me examples of the ways it's being done now, and why is that beneficial to the residents of that township?"
"I'm sorry. Can you clarify the ways… what is being done now?"
"Yeah. So, currently you say it's in statute that you can rent these open spaces to these three entities. Give me examples, give this Body examples of how that's being utilized and how that benefits the residents of the township."
"I'm sorry. I can't say that I have any specific examples. I just think it empowers the local representatives, the local supervisor to make that decision. But I… I can't say I have any specific examples."
"So, we have no examples of that. And now you want to add individuals and nonprofits. So, if we don't have any examples of how it's helpful now, how will it be helpful in the future?"
"Well, I think I… I was specifically… you were specifically… I understood the question to be specifically about state or… the State or Federal Government. In terms of not-for-profits, you could… you know, townships can lease it to not-for-profit to run outdoor recreation programs, to run children's sports programs, and again also, the agricultural for farmland. It just opens up the use of that space as the township sees fit."
"So, this is an opportunity for township to get into the farming business. Is that what you're suggesting?" 10300026.docx 277 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"If the… not for the township to get into the farming business, but for the township to lease that land for farmers if it's beneficial in that community."
"So, give me an example of how the township would have land and they would lease it to a farmer. How would that benefit the township?"
"Well, in a… in a lease agreement, they would be bringing in revenue for that land. They've acquired that open space through referendum of some… at some point, and they have that land. And this just gives them the flexibility that local government, that body of local government, to… to do as it wishes. And if that… if one of those uses is to create revenue through leasing with agricultural purposes, then they can do so."
"Yup. So, if they find that to be rewarding financially, then do the township… what would be the prohibition for you to come back a year from now and say, 'We want to raise this limit from 25 acres to 250 acres?' And then on and on and on. What's… what's the prohibition to say this is… this is not going to go any further than that?"
"I can't, you know, predict the future and what other Legislators might want to do. That is… that is certainly not my intent or had even entered by mind. I… I think the Bill as it is, is something that I think is good policy, but I don't intend to move it any further."
"Yeah. Ladies and Gentlemen… to the Bill. This is why government…"
"To the Bill." 10300026.docx 278 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…needs to get out of private business. We shouldn't expand these things for… that would compete against the people that pay the freight for us to be there in the township, be there in the county, to be there in a municipality, whatever the case might be. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Tarver. Representative Weber."
"Does the Representative yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, would you support the townships renting office space or any other space within their buildings or anything else?"
"You know, I would have to look at whatever Bill that was presented before I commit to one way or the other."
"So, I have a problem with the way government starts to get involved with becoming landlords. You know, whether it's, you know, houses, fields, farm space. You know, the duty of township is not land preservation. You know, so I… I just, again, this… there's nowhere in there that it says they should be landlords leasing propriety to anyone else. So, I would urge a 'no' vote."
"Last speaker, Representative Tarver."
"Just very quickly. Representative Faver Dias… I think I got that right this time. When this Bill came through committee, I had two questions. One you've already answered, I think, for legislative intent. The other was there was language that talked about a structure on the open… open space. Can you just, for legislative intent, tell us what 10300026.docx 279 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 we're talking about there? Is it a building? What… what function are we talking about?"
"Yes. So, when there are buildings, like for example, in my district as open space, no matter who it's managed by, it's often acquired with old barns on it and… and buildings that are often of historic… either historic significance or just passed down. So, this Bill would include… the intent of the Bill is to ensure that these existing structures can be included as part of the lease agreement. We know that some of these properties have barns or other like structures already on them, and allowing these to be a part of the lease agreement would allow the use of those structures for things like equipment storage."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
"Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll be brief. Just one question."
"Thank you."
"Our analysis shows that you have agreed to make further changes in the Senate with the help of the Farm Bureau."
"Yes, we're…"
"Is that correct? What are those changes?"
"Yes. So, it… specifically, the current Amendment says it may be leased to farmers for agricultural purposes. The Farm Bureau purchased and asked us to add LLCs, farming LLCs, because it's my understanding, or they… as they 10300026.docx 280 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 explained, farms are often LLCs. And so, to make sure that that's crystal clear in language that that's who can lease."
"Representative Faver Dias to close."
"Thank you. I think this Bill is important for a couple of reasons. One, it protects our open space. It protects our open spaces. We've talked about a myriad of ways open space is good for our environment, good for our public health, and good for our economy. And secondly, it also gives flexibility to local government officials, which we talk a lot about, to do what they see fit based on their community needs with that open space in those townships. I would encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3642 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 71 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 29, appears House Bill 2862, Leader Mah. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please return this to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 2862, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Mah, has been approved for consideration."
"Leader Mah on Floor Amendment #1." 10300026.docx 281 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Floor Amendment 1 limits the scope to public health emergencies."
"Leader Mah moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 2862. All those in favor indicate by saying 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment's adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 2862, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Mah."
"Thank you… thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2862 is an initiative of the Illinois Society of Acupuncturists, and it provides for the… allows an acupuncturer, in a limited and noninvasive fashion, is able to be provided via telehealth services. But as I mentioned previously, the Amendment we added limits this application to public health emergencies only."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"You know, they say don't ask a question you don't know the answer to, but I'm going to do that. How is acupuncture performed by… by a telemedicine or through technology?"
"Well, so… it's limited to the noninvasive practices within acupuncture. So, nutritional counseling, stretching, 10300026.docx 282 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 acupressure, everything that does not involve needling or anything invasive."
"Thank you."
"Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"So, just to follow up on the previous question. I… I don't understand if you can get the full acupuncture service without being in contact with the individual. Can… can you explain? I mean, I…"
"We're not asking for the full acupuncture service to be included, only the noninvasive, non-needle-involved aspects of the practice of acupuncture, which includes… includes practices that are not… that don't involve needling. As I said, including nutritional counseling, exercises, stretching, consultations on herbs and… sorry, excuse me, really tired right now. Anyway…"
"It… it's a tough thing to try to explain. I mean, my limited knowledge of acupuncture makes this sound impossible. And if…"
"So… so, acupuncture is not… so, what's included in the Practice Act is not… it goes beyond just the needling as the modality of practice. There are other aspects that are not invasive that include nutritional counseling, exercises…"
"So… so, we're not…"
"…advice on… or…"
"…just to clarify, we're not talking about…"
"Right, we're not talking about…"
"…me finding a friend and me poking…" 10300026.docx 283 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"No."
"…somebody with needles…"
"No."
"…by them telling them me what to do? Okay."
"Right."
"This is interesting. I'm going to have to think on this one. Thank you."
"Representative Frese."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just directly to the Bill, please."
"To the Bill."
"We covered a lot of this stuff in committee. The Sponsor has a really good Bill. Acupuncture is not just getting stuck by a needle. Acupuncture includes the things that she says, a follow up with maybe meditation, nutrition, counseling, et cetera. We covered this pretty much in depth in committee. She worked wonderfully on the Bill. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Schmidt."
"So, I am trained in acupuncture, and it does have a wide range, and there's a… there's a large amount of things that you can do with it. And I… I agree with her. And I do… I urge a 'yes' vote."
"Leader Mah to close."
"Thank you. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2862 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed by voting 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk… oh. Mr… 10300026.docx 284 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Clerk. Stephens. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Gabel seeks recognition."
"Speaker, let the record reflect that Representative Blair- Sherlock is excused for the rest of the day."
"The record shall so reflect. On page 29 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2889, Representative Slaughter. Representative Slaughter. Out of the record. Returning to page 32 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3677, Representative Benton. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3677, a Bill for an Act concerning fishing and hunting. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Benton."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and fellow ironworker. 3677 is a hunting and fishing Bill that would allow for a five-year extension of license with a five-year option. With the Amendment, it actually changed it with proposed language and agreed upon language through DNR to take that to three-year option and… and also with a automatic annual renewal. Take any questions."
"On this question, Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. To the Sponsor, just one quick question. Does this affect veterans today? Currently, a veteran with a 10 percent disability or more receives a hunting and fishing 10300026.docx 285 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 license free every year with their ID card and compensation information. Does this affect that in any way?"
"No, and thank you for the question. That question was addressed earlier on. And I reached out to the legislative liaison through DNR that also went through that with legal. This is not going to affect that. Legal has confirmed that, along with that legislative liaison."
"Okay. Thank you for going… doing that. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Benton to close."
"I encourage an 'aye' vote. This is a good one."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3677 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 104 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3705, Representative Norma Hernandez. Representative Norma Hernandez. Representative Norma Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3705, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hernandez." Hernandez, N.: "Thank you… oh, sorry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm here today to urge the passage of House Bill 3705, which will be used… which will be… which will help us do the best we possibly can for children who for whatever reason are not able to safely or securely live with their biological parents. 10300026.docx 286 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 This Bill does expect proving that children should be placed in suitable permanent family arrangements rather than suitable adoptive homes. The Amendment adopted simply clarifies the language so that it… it reads, 'placing children in suitable permanent family arrangements, through guardianship or adoption, in cases where restoration to the biological family is not safe, possible, or appropriate.' It removes the language proving that one of the purposes of the Department of DCFS's services is to ensure safe and adequate care of children away from their homes in cases where the child cannot be returned from home or cannot be placed in adoption. And it also repeals a provision requiring that DCFS establish the Governor's Youth Services Initiative. I urge that we vote 'aye' for this Bill."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could we excuse Representative Stephens for the remainder of the day?"
"Representative Stephens is excused. Anything further on this question?"
"Yield… will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you, Representative. We talked just briefly about this Bill earlier. Would you explain what the purpose… what you're hoping to achieve with this legislation?" Hernandez, N.: "Yes. Thank you. This just changes the language that will be changed from… to 'adoptive home' to 'permanent family arrangement', whether it is through guardianship or adoptions. And this is just the language on the statute of 10300026.docx 287 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 the… for DCFS. And it also allows for them to establish a Governor's Youth Service Initiative as well."
"So, is the goal to preference or prefer relatives versus foster families? Is that… is that the… one of the purposes of it?" Hernandez, N.: "It is. If that is the best suitable scenario for the child, yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, in your opening comments, can you go through what you said again about the Governor's… Governor's initiative? What you said just before that, please." Hernandez, N.: "Sorry, just to make sure I got your question. You're asking me to repeat prior to mentioning the Governor's Youth Services…"
"Yeah. Yeah, right, please." Hernandez, N.: "Okay. Yes, and I know on the Amendment that we mentioned we would… or after we held it on Second was to define what permanent family arrangements meant."
"No, no, no. You said there was an intent, there was an intent somewhere in that… in that to…" Hernandez, N.: "I'll… I'll reread…"
"…remove… to remove something." Hernandez, N.: "Yeah, it just removes the language from 'adoptive home' to suitable… 'permanent family arrangements'."
"Okay. So, I guess my question is, are we saying that adoption is no longer an option if we can find a family or 10300026.docx 288 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 are… is our first priority to look for a family or exactly what? Are we doing away with adoption here?" Hernandez, N.: "No. So, part of the Amendment was to define what 'permanent family arrangement' was and that is through guardianship or adoption. And I think overall it is still up to whatever the best-case scenario is for the safety of that child."
"Yeah, but what you're doing is prioritizing family arrangement when that may not even be the best arrangement. You're…" Hernandez, N.: "Correct."
"…you're prioritizing it." Hernandez, N.: "Correct. And if that isn't the best-case scenario for the child, then they will not be suited with their family relatives."
"We had a long discussion in this… about this Bill in committee. And frankly speaking, it was very… that conversation was very confusing. I would like you to go through and explain for us exactly why it is that this Bill is necessary since we already have laws that pretty much… or it's the… it's the standard intent of DCFS to provide permanent family arrangements in situations where the kid can't go back to his biological parents. What… what's the since of this Bill? What… what's the purpose?" Hernandez, N.: "Yes, this is a… is a language change on the statute. So, it's not going to… it's not going to make it harder for a child to get adopted through another… by other means. It’s just allowing there to be a more priority towards a permanent family arrangement. But given the work that the 10300026.docx 289 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 caseworker's supposed to do, it is still going to be prioritizing the safety and the well-being of that child for whatever the scenario will be best suited for."
"I… again, words matter. Words matter. And we have a situation… we have a situation now where that is in fact what we do, what DCFS is supposed to do. Again, I know this is a… this is an initiative of DCFS itself. You know, this is their initiative. I guess I'm wondering why they feel the need for this because it really doesn't add anything to what we already have in statute. You know, are we looking at a situation where we have an agency that feels like it's maybe under some heat and it needs to do something about these things? I don't know because we're not getting straight answers from DCFS on anything. But this Bill right now seems to muddy the waters that are already established as to what we are expected to do with kids who are taken in care. I don't see the sense for this. Please explain that for me." Hernandez, N.: "Give me… give me one second. This is just a clarification to what a permanent suitable family arrangement is. It's the language clarification that's going to be adopted into this Bill."
"Where in that Bill do you see permanent family arrangement? I don't see a definition in that Bill." Hernandez, N.: "If you… if you would be able to read the Amendment language that is in the Bill."
"Representative Swanson gives additional three minutes to Representative Reick." 10300026.docx 290 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Would you read for me? I… I don't have my glasses on, and I don’t have the Bill in front of me. Can you read the language that you're referring to, please?" Hernandez, N.: "So, the language is, 'placing children in suitable permanent family arrangements, through guardianship or adoption, in cases where restoration to the biological family is not safe, possible, or appropriate.'"
"Okay. So, basically what you're saying is what you just said there skips the whole family… the whole family aspect of what you're trying to do. It… it goes from biological parents to permanent family arrange… or permanent arrangement without the intervening thing of the family, which I… I don't have a problem with because I don't think that, you know, the… the kid belongs where the kid belongs whether it's family or not in order to get a… a permanent, loving household in which to be raised as a normal child." Hernandez, N.: "Yes. This is also prioritizing one of the goals of the Family First Prevention Act. Yeah. So, this meets one of the goals of the Family First Prevention Services Act."
"No, it doesn't because the Family First Prevention Services Act is meant to provide services in situations where the child may end up in alternative care or permanent care. It is not something that defines who gets the kid in cases of this. This… Families First is a… is a suite of services to provide a family that is not necessarily in a position to lose their child, but ends up losing their child because they had to go through DCFS in order to avail themselves of those services. To the Bill."
"To the Bill." 10300026.docx 291 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Once again, we have a situation here where DCFS is trying to do something that it need not do in this regard because, first of all, the… the stated aim as… of DCFS at this point is to provide for family reunification or child staying within the family. Families First is never meant, was never meant for it to be something that is administered by the Department of Children and Family Services. There are other states that do it differently and are doing it better, and we are going to have some hearings about those kinds of things coming up soon. So, stay tuned. However, this Bill does nothing. This Bill does absolutely nothing that has not already been put into statute, but I believe it's an attempt by the Department of Children and Family Services to… to do something because now finally the heat is on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. To this question, Representative Costa Howard."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Rep… Representative Hernandez, just a couple questions. One, first of all, Representative Hernandez, have you worked with DCFS in your professional life?" Hernandez, N.: "Yes."
"Okay. And when… what role did you serve?" Hernandez, N.: "I was a foster care case manager."
"Okay. So, you actually work with children and families as a caseworker in the system, correct?" Hernandez, N.: "Correct." 10300026.docx 292 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Okay. And as part of that, when you were working with these families, was the goal normally to return children home to their… to their birth families, correct?" Hernandez, N.: "I'd like to say yes, but it also made it very challenging."
"I'm sorry. Representative Morgan and Keicher, could you guys move for just one second? Thank you very much. Sorry, I can't see we're… we're having a conversation here. Representative Hernandez, so when… when we have families that are involved in the system, is the goal typically, like we've said, to return the family home? But that means permanency, correct?" Hernandez, N.: "Correct."
"And what does permanency mean to you in this context?" Hernandez, N.: "Permanency is a stable, safe environment for the child where they are not being moved around to different spaces and, again, being traumatized by the lack of safety that they have from a loving home."
"Okay. And if that home… and part of permanency, guardianship and adoption is part of that for those children as well, right?" Hernandez, N.: "Correct."
"Okay. And when we talk about guardianship and adoption, is it always a… a blood relative or a (unintelligible) of kin that could be part of what that family could look like?" Hernandez, N.: "It can be, but it also sometimes isn't the scenario." 10300026.docx 293 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Okay. So, it could also be a foster family that has no relation to this child is all… at all, correct?" Hernandez, N.: "That's correct."
"And when we're looking for placement, we're typically looking for families first to place a child with, right?" Hernandez, N.: "That's correct."
"Okay. And when I say family first, I don't mean Family First, the federal program. I'm talking families first, relatives, correct?" Hernandez, N.: "Correct."
"Okay. Just wanted to make sure we were talking about the same families first, not Family First program. Okay. As part of that, in… in this Bill, permanency is still the goal, right?" Hernandez, N.: "Correct."
Costa Howard: "And what your Amendment did, if I remember correctly… excuse me, changing my glasses… was to correct the language, to update the language to reflect that guardianship and adoption are permanency that we are seeking for kids, correct? Hernandez, N.: "That's correct."
"Okay. To the Bill. I know it seems like a simple Bill. I realize that it's something that just doesn't necessarily make a lot of sense. But it is corrected language, again, advocating for permanency for children. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Flowers." 10300026.docx 294 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Representative Hernandez, your Amendment is kind of concerning to me. In your Amendment, it clarifies that a suitable permanent family arrangement is one that happens through guardianship or adoption? Is that what this… is that what it's saying here?" Hernandez, N.: "Correct."
"Okay. What about returning home to family? This is talking about guardianship or adoptions. And so, what about the services that you are supposed to provide? As you stated yourself, you were a case manager, and you said yourself that your job in regards to reuniting the family was made difficult through DCFS because DCFS wasn't doing its job. It's unfortunate that the services that you could have been providing to reunite the family, DCFS did not provide those services and nor were you able to be in contact with providers that would help these families stay together. Am I correct?" Hernandez, N.: "Yes."
"And so, what DCFS is doing here is saying that they want us to vote on House Amendment #1 that will clarify that a suitable permanent family arrangement is one that happens when the guardianship or adoption… through guardianship or adoption, and that's wrong. That's not in the law. And… and that's not the purpose of DCFS. We have intact… intact family. We have family reunification. And we do have Family First, which is the federal dollars. And the purpose of Family First is to keep families together. All families are not bad. Some families just need help. And we know what happened during COVID, and we can imagine what was going on before COVID. But 10300026.docx 295 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 COVID really exposed everything and all the problems, and specifically with DCFS. So…"
"Leader, if you could bring you remarks to a close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have concern with what you want us to vote on because I could never support anything that would allow DCFS to arbitrarily… so we're not even dealing with the reunification. We're not dealing with anything that will help families stay together. And I don't know of no institution that could take care of anybody's child other than if their parents are capable. But DCFS doesn't have a place for these kids. That's the reason why there's so many in the system. That's the reason why they have kids sleeping underneath the desk. That's the reason why they have kids running away. That's the reason why the kids are lingering in the system longer. They have no place. They are supposed to be preparing a place for these families to go to or to be reunited or to find a foster parent or to put the kids with a guardianship. And that's someone that's in the family, not a stranger. So, I can… I understand what you're trying to do, but what DCFS is doing here is wrong. Thank you very much. I appreciate you."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Hernandez to close. Representative Hernandez to close." Hernandez, N.: "Yes. Just to clarify that this Bill is just clarifying a language to what the goals are to prioritize the safety of children and to making sure that we are using the best of our resources for them to have a suitable permanent 10300026.docx 296 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 home and whatever fits their best circumstance. And I hope you vote… vote 'aye' on this Bill."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3705 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting's 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 66 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 32 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3707, Representative Meyers-Martin. Representative Davis is handling for Representative Meyers-Martin. Representative Davis… or read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3707, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Mr. Speaker, could you clarify that all the Amendments have been adopted?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"Committee Amendment #1 and Floor Amendment #2 have been adopted." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, the purpose of this Bill is to require that the Commission post a notice of… of the administrative citations of what is called a safety relocator on its website. Safety relocators are merely tow truck companies, but this is the word that they… or the language they've been asked to use. And the… not only the post the citations but post the… what's the word I'm looking for… the founded citations, to post the 10300026.docx 297 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 founded citations and not the frivolous citations on the website. I'll try to answer any questions."
"On this question, Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"So, just to clarify for our Members on this side. So, what this Bill does is basically has the, I think it's the IDFPR, list bad actors on their website, and that is only the towing companies who have been fined and found guilty of nefarious actions. Is that correct?" Davis, W.: "Well, with the exception of it's on the ICC website."
"ICC website. Okay. Thank you." Davis, W.: "Not IDFPR."
"All right." Davis, W.: "Correct."
"So, but only ones who have actually done something wrong, not just complaints? Because there was a lot of opposition from recovery companies and everything else. And with the Amendment that opposition has been removed. Is that correct?" Davis, W.: "I believe the… with the changes the opposition has been removed."
"Okay. And I know Leader Martin's not here right now, but I'm sure in the future she would work with the towing company because I think one of their concerns was that there currently is not a statute of limitations on how long the names would stay on the website or if there was a way to remove those. But I believe she would probably be willing to work with that opposition to fix that in the future?" 10300026.docx 298 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Davis, W.: "Well, not to speak for her, but if it's something that continues to make things more clearer, if I can say it that way, my guess is that she would. But I can't say that definitively on her behalf."
"All right. Thank you. I'll be supporting the Bill." Davis, W.: "Thank you."
"Representative Davis to close." Davis, W.: "On behalf of Representative Meyers-Martin, I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3707 pass?' All those in favor signify… signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. The voting's 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 103 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3710, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3710, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading… Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Collins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 3710 is just recommendations from the committee, technical changes where we brought all stakeholders to an agreement. There is no opposition on this Bill, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question, 'Shall House Bill 3710 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed by voting 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all 10300026.docx 299 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 74 voting 'yes', 29 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3768, Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3768, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Rashid."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an Amendment on the Bill that I'd like to adopt."
"Floor Amendment #2 remains in the House Rules Committee."
"I'll strike it. I can strike the Amendment. We'll… we'll work on it in the Senate."
"Just proceed."
"Thank you. So, HB3768 is an incredibly important Bill for the Arab American community and other minorities throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This Bill would add the Middle Eastern North African category to the racial… to the list of races on forms where the state is collecting racial identity information and in particular the Uniform Racial Classification Act. This will help stop the Arab community from being rendered invisible in the data that we're collecting, and I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst on this question."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield." 10300026.docx 300 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you. Representative, the… the Amendment that was withdrawn or stricken, that delayed the effective date to July 1 of 2025. Is that correct?"
"Only for workforce data at the request of CMS. So, the rest of the state agencies and constitutional officers will be unaffected. The current effective date in the Bill will still apply, but just for workforce data it would be delayed."
"Will that Amendment be added in the Senate."
"That is my intention. I was hoping to adopt it today, but I will ask the Senate to adopt that Amendment."
"Thank you."
"See… Representative Rashid to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3768 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting '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 99 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3792, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please… please read the Bill. Please move this back to Second Reading for purpose of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3792, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Walsh."
"Representative Walsh on Floor Amendment #1." 10300026.docx 301 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment would exempt public employee union… or public employees from the underlying Bill, and I move for its adoption."
"Representative Walsh moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3792. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3792, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Walsh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies… Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3792 amends the Prevailing Wage Act to include construction projects involving fixtures and permanent attachments to publicly-owned light poles under the requirements to pay workers prevailing wage. This is an initiative of the IBEW. And the Amendment that was adopted excludes public employees for doing that work under their regular duties and within their CBA. Ask for a favorable vote."
"On this question, Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Walsh, so is this just on new construction projects? Or would this be when, for instance, the City of Jacksonville sees a light out on a street light and calls Ameren and Ameren has to come out? Is Ameren then 10300026.docx 302 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 paying prevailing wage to their employee to… to change a lightbulb?"
"So, if they're… so, if they're under a… if it's an Ameren employee, they're under a current CBA. But if it's a contractor that's going out to do work on the public right- of-way on a utility pole, then that would be the prevailing wage. And if it's the City of Jacksonville that's got a streetlight out that's on one of their streetlights, they would be covered under their CBA. So, they would not be in… within that prevailing wage."
"So, if… if the City of Jacksonville likewise has a contract with someone for their, not the lights along the road, but actual streetlights, the red, yellow, green lights, stoplights, will that electrical contractor then have to pay prevailing wage for the general maintenance of those?"
"I don't believe so."
"Okay. That… those are the only questions I have for now. Thank you."
"Representative Walsh to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Hoffman: "On this question, 'Should House Bill'… Representative Egofske."
"Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"So, I'm recognizing you. In the future, please, before he closes… I normally won't recognize people after they close, but we will today."
"Yes, Sir."
"All right?"
"Yes, Sir, Mr. Speaker." 10300026.docx 303 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"He… he indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Walsh, two quick questions for you. So, if these are light fixtures being serviced by the municipality, the municipality workers, this would exclude that, correct?"
"That… that is correct. So, the main jest of this is the public right-of-ways with poles that, if there's a storm that comes through and there's downed wire lines, let's say just up in our neck of the woods Western Electric's out there, that contractor would be paying prevailing rate for that work that's being done on those lines or any street lights, whatever that case may be. If it's regular, routine maintenance within or work that is within a municipality or a governmental entity that has control of those utility poles, that would not… that would be exempted under the Amendment we just adopted."
"Okay. So, municipal worker, employees excluded. And then if the municipality hired a third party, would prevailing wage apply to that in…"
"So, I…"
"…in the instance of regular maintenance?"
"…I'll be honest with you, Representative. I don't know the exact answer to that. If they go outside of the actual maintenance unit, there may be a prevailing wage requirement. I can get you that answer, but as of right now, I don't… I can't honestly answer that one."
"Awesome.
"And to…"
"All right. Thank you." 10300026.docx 304 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"…Representative before, I may have misspoke, but…"
"Thank you."
"All right."
"Representative Walsh to reclose."
"Again, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3792 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed 'no'. The voting's 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 70 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Burke on House Bill 3811. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3811, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Burke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House Bill 3811 makes some changes to the ABLE Act as well as the College Savings Act. So, the first thing it does is to allow some rollovers into college savings. This is something that's been allowed at the federal level. So, it's… we're then mimicking the federal level. There are some caps on what can be done with that. And… hang on, it makes one other change. So, this is just for 529 plans. So, it just… excuse me, that is the extent of the Bill, that it just allows the rollovers from a Roth IRA… or from an unused portion of the 529 plan into the beneficiary's Roth IRA. It's an initiative of the Treasurer's Office, which administers the college savings plans. And I know of no opposition. I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300026.docx 305 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Leader Marron on this question. Leader Marron withdraws his question. Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House… House Bill 3811 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting '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 Bill, there are 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Guerrero-Cuellar on House Bill 3812. Out of the record. Representative Hanson on House Bill 3817. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3817, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the House. This Bill simply makes the soybean the official state bean of Illinois. It is as much a thank you to the 40 thousand farmers of Illinois that basically feed the world through its soybean production, generates $3 billion a year. We also know that the soybean is used a biofuel that fuels not only fleets but also municipal vehicles all around the state."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3817 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed by voting 'no'. The voting's 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 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional 10300026.docx 306 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Hanson on House Bill 3819. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 3819, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the House. House Bill 3819 is a request of my state's attorney back in Kane County, and it very simply helps people. It expands the availability for a local unit of government to run a deflection program. We currently have a program like that in place. So, there are some definitions that are… that are clarified in this Bill and also allows any unit of government, whether it be first responders, law enforcement, or the newly defined units of government, to pursue and utilize grant money for their existing programs or the one's they're designing."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3819 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Norma. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3822, Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3822, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Rashid."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill asks the Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to produce a report on how to 10300026.docx 307 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 scale dual-language programs in our state. I ask for your support. Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeing recognition, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3822 pass? All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting's 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's 70 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Nichols on House Bill 3849. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 3849, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Nichols."
"House Bill 3849 requires the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, to publish information to encourage food manufacturers, processors, and retailers responsible for labeling food products to voluntarily use a specific uniform terms of the food product labels to communicate quality dates and safety dates. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Weber on this question."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I understand that this a 'may' to the manufacturers and packaging companies. However, for the Department of Agriculture, this is a 'shall'. So, do you know, like, how exactly they're going to do this and what the cost would be?" 10300026.docx 308 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"No. I just think that we need to make sure that people are safe and… and the food should be labeled."
"All right. Thank you very much, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, the… Representative Nichols to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote at 10:42."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3849 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed '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 this question, there are 69 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 33 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3882, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3882, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hernandez." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is an initiative of the Illinois Coalition of… for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, which won the Temporary Visitor Driver License Bill in 2013. This Bill would allow people who can get TVDLs to get instead standard driver license that cannot be used for federal identification purposes. They can also not get any FOID card or anything in that matter. It would also allow people without Social Security numbers to get state ID cards that, again, are not valid for federal ID. And it would 10300026.docx 309 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 protect personal data maintained by the Secretary of State from sharing for… for immigration report… enforcement purposes. This Bill has the support of the Secretary of State, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Leader, there were a couple things about the Bill I wanted to point out to make sure I had that… these correct. So, the Bill will eliminate Temporary Visitors Driver's Licenses after this becomes law. Is that correct?" Hernandez, B.: "The prior program, yes, to replace it with this new program."
"And that Temporary Visitor Driver's License was passed about 10 years ago, and they were provided to undocumented immigrants." Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"And with this change, those undocumented immigrants will be able to receive a driver's license with a consular identification document. Is that correct?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes. Yes."
"All right. I have no other questions."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, the Temporary Visitors Driver's License, weren't those issued to people that were seeking their Green Card or their residency?" 10300026.docx 310 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Hernandez, B.: "These licenses were for individuals that were undocumented and had no form of identification in the past."
"I'm sorry. I… Mr. Speaker, I'm… I'm having a hard time hearing here. Well, they getting free hearing aids, I think, but… I'm sorry. Would you please repeat the answer a little louder?" Hernandez, B.: "This Bill… well, the… the past Bill was for undocumented individuals, those that did not have a driver license in the past."
"So, you're removing the standard? I mean, you're… I'm trying to understand what… what we're trying to do here." Hernandez, B.: "The Bill itself will replace the Temporary Driver License with a standard ID. Currently, the Temporary Visitor Driver License have a purple line, and that says 'TVDL'. It singles out individuals who are undocumented. Depending on who sees this, they can face discrimination. Some individuals have not even been able to buy simple things as alcohol, even if they're of age, just because they see the TVDL and don't want to sell alcohol to undocumented individuals. So, we are trying to make this as a standard license that individuals can use."
"Will this driver's license then make it easy for them to get voting privileges?" Hernandez, B.: "No."
"Why?" Hernandez, B.: "They will not. We…"
"I mean, if you have to present an ID to vote the same day, register and vote, and your driver's license is one of 10300026.docx 311 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 those ID's, but yet it doesn't identify this person as an undocumented…" Hernandez, B.: "The Secretary of State won't allow…"
"…someone that's not in this country legally." Hernandez, B.: "…individuals to apply and register to vote."
"This… that makes no sense. I'm sorry. And… and I don't mean to be offensive, but why would we remove this… I mean, you… you claim that there's some discrimination perhaps if somebody were to see this driver's license. I…" Hernandez, B.: "Yes. There has been a lot of stories, especially one close to me is my chief of staff's family. Her father was trying to buy alcohol and could not buy alcohol. And of course, he's of age. So, it does happen, and it has happened near me."
"So, we're going to overturn this whole system? I…"
"Representative Caulkins, please…"
"Yeah, I'm sorry. To… to the Bill. This…"
"Why… why don't you go to the Bill and…"
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate your indulgence. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is another attempt to remove the ability to identify people that are here undocumented status. I think it's going to lead to a lot of more issues. And, you know, I… I would urge a 'no' vote on this. And thank you very much."
"Leader Davidsmeyer on this question."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield." 10300026.docx 312 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"So, I guess I… I don't understand the… the reason for changing it from a state-issued driver's license to a Real ID. Can you explain that really quick?" Hernandez, B.: "This will not turn it into a Real ID."
"Oh, it's… it's not. So, what… what are we actually doing here? What… what are getting rid of, and what are we turning it into?" Hernandez, B.: "This would be a standard driver license that we currently have. However, most of us will have to go through the Real ID process. I will have to go through the Real ID process if I choose. If I don't, then I can have my… my standard ID."
"Correct. So… so, last time I went in to renew my driver's license, I didn't have all the documentation for a Real ID. So, I just got a regular ID. So, what does this do? This just says you can continue to… to provide the basic ID without the Real ID?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"That's all we're doing?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"I… I'm being told that's not correct. So, it's… it's removing the temporary visitors license?" Hernandez, B.: "The one with the purple line, yes."
"Okay. So, we're trying to hide the fact that somebody is with undocumented status?" Hernandez, B.: "We're trying to prevent discrimination from happening by what you just said, removing the purple ID and just turn it into a standard license."
"It is a legal ID." 10300026.docx 313 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Hernandez, N.: "Only used in the State of Illinois."
"So, I… I don't understand why we're trying to hide the undocumented or illegal status." Hernandez, N.: "I apologize. Can you repeat that again?"
"I don't understand why we're trying to hide the undocumented or illegal status." Hernandez, B.: "As I just stated earlier, there's a lot of individuals that are… they have ill intentions, they're not the nicest people, some of them and will try to discriminate towards them."
"I… we should go after them for hate crimes, right? I mean, if… if they're going after an individual for their status, I believe that's included under hate crimes, correct?" Hernandez, B.: "I don't believe being undocumented is considered a hate crime."
"I thought we added that a few years ago." Hernandez, B.: "It's a human right violation, but not a hate crime."
"Okay. So, then we should be filing human rights violations for that then. It's like hiding the fact that you're a certain race or hiding the fact… I mean, I don’t understand why." Hernandez, B.: "So, at the end of the day, even if someone sues, they can claim money. However, this wouldn't solve the issue of this continuing to happen."
"Leader, please bring your remarks to a close."
"I… I think the reality is we're trying to turn undocumented individuals into documented individuals. It's 10300026.docx 314 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 just not the case. We… we have individuals who have come here outside of the legal process. And I know the legal process is broken. So, why don't we work on encouraging the Federal Government to actually do something to fix a broken system instead of hiding the fact that's it's broken? I… I encourage a 'no' vote just because we are not accomplishing anything real with this. We're just hiding something."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Thank you, Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Let me provide some examples to give some clear understanding as what the intent is here. So, if I have to pick up a prescription that requires identification, those who have a TVDL, if they submit and they turn that into a pharmacist to… in order to pick up the subscription because there's an age requirement, some kind of restriction with the prescription, the pharmacist will not recognize the TVDL as identification. If I go… as a TVDL, if I go into a Jewel, an Osco, a CVS, a Walgreens, a Kmart, a Target, so forth and I try to buy alcohol, seeing that clearly I'm not younger than 21, I would love to, but not, they do not accept the TVDL as a identification. This is not to hide it, and here's a very clear example. Individuals who are in the State of Illinois want to drive a vehicle. They also want to be able to purchase insurance. The TVDL gives people the opportunity to go ahead and obtain a driver's license. The Secretary of State documents all their information. And then what happens is you're able to provide insurance under that vehicle. Now, let's say a person becomes a permanent resident because they 10300026.docx 315 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 are in the process of it. They go to the Secretary of State, and they return the TVDL. And then TVDL is then converted into a regular license, but now they have the ability to again purchase prescription, prescription alcohol, anything that requires an ID. So, what happens if you have a TVDL and then you use a consulate card? Believe it or not, there have been instances in many stores will they… where they do not recognize a government-issued consulate card in collaboration with the TVDL as a form of identification. I know this because I had a spouse who fell under this category, and I would have to go to the store and pick up the prescription. I would have to go and pick up the alcohol. When he became a permanent resident, he was the first in the State of Illinois to obtain and transfer a TVDL into a regular driver's license because it no longer had that… that purple line on it. And Secretary of State said, 'This is the first. This what we're going to do. We have… we've never done this before.' This is… it's also part of a process. But what happens is people are saying we can't give you a prescription, we can't sell you alcohol, we can't use this as a form of identification. What we're trying to remove is the barrier from that, right? Because some stores and some individuals with ill intentions are saying, look, it clearly says you're… this is a TVDL. This is not a form of identification. That is what we're trying to do, to allow it for it to be identification because, again, they're not able to combine it with the consulate card. Even though a consulate card is issued by a government agency, some individuals are not recognizing the consulate card and the TVDL as a form of identification. So, how do you exist 10300026.docx 316 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 when you're making an attempt to provide a consulate card and a TVDL and someone at a store, a clerk, is telling you that it… it's not fair, that it doesn't exist, that this is not forms of identification? That's what we're trying to do here. That is what the intent of the Bill is. It's not to hide anybody or put anybody in the… under the radar. Thank you."
"Representative… Leader Lisa Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Will the Speaker yield? I mean, would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." Hernandez, L.: "Representative, the premise of the whole idea behind a temporary driver's license to individuals that are undocumented would you say was to keep our roads safe?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes." Hernandez, L.: "The temporary driver's license that you talk about that has the purple strip, isn't that ID or that driver's… temporary driver's license for foreigners? Not only undocumented, but those who are here legally from a foreign country temporarily?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes, as long as they have a one-year residency in Illinois." Hernandez, L.: "Over 10 years, the 10-year span, it has been recognized that now this purple driver's license has been confused that it only is regarded towards undocument, would you say?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes." Hernandez, L.: "And the reason behind making this change is to it's… it's really to… if's it's already a ID, I shouldn't say an ID, but a document, an official document that is for the 10300026.docx 317 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 purpose's driving, and to eliminate the confusion, the next step was to just move it to a regular driver's license to eliminate that confusion. Would you say?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes, that is correct." Hernandez, L.: "To the Bill. I was here when that Bill passed and the premise behind the temporary driver's license to… was to allow individuals that are undocumented to be able to drive the roads safely so that they can take their kids to school, that… so they can go to the grocery store, so they can go to work. Unfortunately, over time the purple ID has been viewed and recognized as a… a driver's license for the undocumented, which is simply untrue. This is a step forward to just make sure that those who are able to receive the driver's license could just… it's time to just make that step forward and make it just a regular driver's license. It's not a Real ID. It's a driver's license here in Illinois. I ask for a 'yes' vote on this. This is the right thing to do. Thank you for the… the Bill, Representative Hernandez."
"On this question, Representative Johnson."
"Yes, I… I just I represent one of 118 districts here in the State of Illinois. And I can tell you that before I even had my official office opening, I spent several hours over two days with people coming into office who were being discriminated against with the ID. And I'm only very disappointed that I didn't seek out Representative Hernandez and add myself as a cosponsor to this Bill because I think it's a… it's a wonderful Bill. I think it needs to be done. I was looking for that… for that legislation to come from the Senate. So, that's… that's what I wanted to say about this 10300026.docx 318 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 particular Bill. So, I strongly encourage an 'aye' vote on this Bill. I think it needs to be done. Thank you."
"Representative Hernandez to close." Hernandez, B.: "This Bill is very close to home. My parents were undocumented for 21 years. Not seeing their family members, and of course now there's a lot more options for undocumented families. And this is why I do this job. However, my parents would've wished years ago that they could have had a driver license. Today, we're updating those driver licenses to turn them more standardized to stop discrimination, to stop people from seeing them weird in a way, I… it has happened. I've seen that happen because sometimes I… I did that as well. I saw the TVDL license, and I… I had compassion for them. It… it was a sign for me to know that they were undocumented, and I knew that maybe I could talk to them about other resources available to them. So, this Bill is very important for many families, for many undocumented. And it's not only for Latinos. This is… there's a lot more minorities out there, first generation immigrants that need this as well. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3882 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed by voting 'no'. The voting's 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 67 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 33 of the Calendar appears House Bill 3892, 10300026.docx 319 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 Representative Harper. Out of the record. House Bill 3924, Representative Yang Rohr. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3924, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Yang Rohr."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3924 requires the instruction of the dangers of fentanyl in high school health class. We worked with ISBE on this language to remove their concerns. And as a result, they say that this Bill does not constitute an unreasonable addition to course content. However, because… and with this kind of instruction, we will save lives and prevent overdoses. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Leader McCombie."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Is this going to be every year? It says 'grades 9 through 12.' Is it annually, every year?"
"No. It is just within the required health course, which is generally within sophomore year."
"I didn't hear… I'm sorry. I didn't hear the end."
"It is not every year. It is within the… it is within the required… required health course, which is generally taught in the sophomore year of high school."
"Okay. Is there any intent to make it younger? I… I'm a little concerned that ninth grade might be too late."
"Well, we worked with ISBE on this, and they… they were supported of the health… health class in high school. 10300026.docx 320 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 And in the future, I'd… I'd be open to working with you to do another Bill to make it younger."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Yang Rohr to close."
"Ask for your 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3924 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's 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 104 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committee will meet in the morning at 10 a.m. Appropriations-Health & Human Services will meet in Room 114 at 10:00 in the morning."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 150, offered by Representative Flowers. House Resolution 151, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 152, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 153, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 154, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 155, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 156, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 157, offered by Representative Buckner. And House Resolution 158, offered by Representative Buckner." 10300026.docx 321 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023
"Leader Gabel 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. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that House stand adjourned until Friday, March 24, at the hour of 11 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on March 23, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2820, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3751, and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3957. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4020, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4021, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. House Bill 4022, offered by Representative Norma Hernandez, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4023, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4024, offered by Representative Nichols, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. And House Bill 4025, offered by Representative Scherer, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 160, offered by Representative Ladisch Douglass, a Bill for an Act 10300026.docx 322 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 concerning business. Senate Bill 1230, offered by Representative Stava-Murray, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 1233, offered by Representative Kifowit, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1291, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 1402, offered by Representative LaPointe, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 1440, offered by Representative Huynh, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 1476, offered by Representative Rashid, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Senate Bill 1494, offered by Representative Jones, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 1561, offered by Representative Lilly, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 1629, offered by Representative Kelly, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 1630, offered by Representative Kelly, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 1665, offered by Representative Moeller, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 1705, offered by Representative Kifowit, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 1707, offered by Representative Guerrero-Cuellar, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1818, offered by Representative Buckner, a Bill for an Act concerning the Illinois State flag. Senate Bill 1824, offered by Representative Yang Rohr, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Senate Bill 1826, offered by Representative Stuart, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. Senate Bill 1861, offered by Representative Walsh, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1897, offered 10300026.docx 323 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 26th Legislative Day 3/23/2023 by Representative Johnson, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 1999, offered by Representative Ann Williams, a Bill for an Act concerning children. First Reading of these Senate Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300026.docx 324