"The House shall be in order. We shall be led today by Imam Hassan Aly. Imam Aly is with the Mecca Center in Willowbrook, Illinois. Imam Aly is the guest of Representative Didech. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let's pray. In the name of God, the most gracious, most merciful. [Recited in Arabic.] All of you who believe, stand out firmly for God, witness his in justice, and do not let the hatred of her people prevent you from being just. Be just, that is nearer to righteousness, and be mindful of God. Indeed, God is aware of what you do. O God, as we gather here today to open this Session, we ask for your blessings, protection, and guidance for all who serve our great state. May the decisions made within these walls be just and fair. May they be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. May this place serve as a beacon of hope and progress. Our Lord, grant us the courage to seek truth and justice in all that we do and the strength to uphold the values that makes our society great. May we always strive to serve the common good, putting the needs of our people above all else. May we approach our work with humility and an open mind, listening to the voices of those we represent and seeking the understanding their needs and concerns. May the strength of God sustain us. May the power of God preserve us. May the hands of God protect us. May the way of God direct us. May the love of God remain with us now and forever. Almighty God, you are the source of peace, life, and love. Accept our prayers today and every day. Amen." 10300039.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Stava-Murray."
"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 Evans: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absence on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Will Davis, Jones, and Ladisch Douglass are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that all Republicans are here to conduct the business of the people."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 113 Members answering the roll, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities reports the following committee action taken on May 2, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 476. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on May 3, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 3716, House Resolution 195, and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 1665. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: 10300039.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on May 3, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 896. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action May 3, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 2509, House Resolution 216, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 2059. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 251, offered by Representative Faver Dias; and House Resolution 252, offered by Representative Moylan, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Speaker Welch in the Chair."
"Thank you, Leader Evans. Good afternoon, everyone. Members of the General Assembly, I am delighted to welcome to the House chamber today the Consul General of Japan in Chicago, the honorable Hiroshi Tajima. Consul General Tajima was previously the Deputy Assistant Minister of Economic Affairs Bureau and the Foreign Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Japan. He was also the Ambassador in charge of Economic Diplomacy and the Senior Official of Japan for APEC. The Consul General has also served in the Japan- U.S. Security Treaty Division, Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement Division, and the National Security Policy Division. Members of the General Assembly, let's give a warm House welcome to the Consul General, Tajima Hiroshi."
"Speaker Welch, Minority Leader McCombie, esteemed Members of the Illinois House of Representatives, I feel greatly honored to have the opportunity to address you today. Before I begin, I'd like to express my sincere 10300039.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 condolences and sympathy to the many injured and loss of lives on the Interstate 55 due to the dust storm, which occurred this Monday. I served as Consul General of Japan in Chicago for a year and eight months. In that time, I have had the good fortune of meeting many incredible people and promoting the robust Japan-Illinois partnership. Japan and Illinois have a long history of meaningful exchanges, and I'm enjoying being an active part of the process. Japan has learned a great deal from Illinois and the United States in a variety of areas, including everything from business, to education, to favorite pastimes. Some of you might have watched the exciting World Baseball Classic championship game in March this year. Japan narrowly defeated the United States. Last year, Japan celebrated the 150th anniversary of baseball in the country. Baseball, introduced by the United States, has become one of the most popular sports in Japan. From 1910 to 1936, the University of Chicago baseball team traveled to Tokyo every five years to play against Waseda University. Today, Japan is proud to have many Japanese players in the MLB, including Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, Yu Darvish of San Diego Padres, and Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs. The bilateral relationship between Japan and the United States is slightly older than the baseball exchange. In 1872, the first Japanese nationals visited Chicago as part of the Iwakura Mission. The goal was to learn about systems of government and education. The mission included five girls, the youngest of whom was only six years old. The girl, Umeko Tsuda, ended up studying Washington, D.C. and becoming an educator. She went on to establish the first women's college in Japan. 10300039.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Starting next year, her face will appear on the new Japanese 5 thousand yen bill. Today, the active and growing economic partnership between Japan and Illinois forms the firm foundation of our relationship. We have always looked to the future and worked to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Amid the Japan-U.S. trade war in the 1980s, Illinois became the first state to reach out to Japan. Illinois made a determined effort to bring in Japanese investment to the state. Illinois opened the trade office in Osaka in 1983 and then opened a second office in Tokyo in 1987. I am certain that Illinois' effort paved the way for the robust economic ties enjoyed by Japan and Illinois as well as the United States today. As globalization has progressed, we have come to realize that our local economy is increasingly influenced by the international security situation. Recently, we have faced many challenges, including supply chain disruptions caused by COVID, unprecedented price hikes as a result of the war in Ukraine, and information security issues. To maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment, we must seriously address the increasing uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific region. This is an urgent and pressing issue. Security concerns have become especially severe in Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Japan recognizes the threats of North Korea's continued development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Japan also recognizes China's advancement of its military capacity without transparency. Additionally, trans-national threats have grown more serious because of technological progress. In December last year, the government of Japan formulated a new 10300039.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 National Security Strategy and will fundamentally reinforce its own defense capabilities and its comprehensive defense architecture. I cannot emphasize enough the Japan-U.S. alliance's strategic value. Japan and the United States should continue to strengthen our relationship, building on what we have established and building our global allies together under shared values and principles, such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Japan hosts the G7 Summit in Hiroshima later this month. With the world more connected than ever, Japan and the United States need to stand together and take the lead. A strong Japan-U.S. relationship also ensures robust economic ties between Japan and Illinois. Currently, there are 663 Japanese business facilities in Illinois. They employ over 43 thousand people. Manufacturing accounts for 61 percent of business facilities and 84 percent of total employment. The remaining 40 percent of the business facilities represents a wide range of businesses. Financial, retail, and IT companies have offices in Chicago. Logistical, food, robotics, and pharmaceutical companies are located around O'Hare. Manufacturing companies are operating in Central and Southern Illinois. J-Power USA, an electric company, has power plants in Elwood. It provides 10 percent of electricity to all Illinois households by using cutting- edge green technology. Japanese companies are working hard for Illinoisans. Their success is your happiness. In addition to direct investment by Japanese companies, Japan also imports 2.3 billion dollars' worth of goods and services from Illinois. Japan is Illinois' seventh largest exporter and the fifth largest import partner. Illinois products are essential 10300039.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 to improving the quality of life for Japanese people. Abbott, an Illinois company, has been operating in Japan since 1962. Abbott provides heart pacemakers and innovative glucose level monitors that are indispensable to many Japanese people with particular health problems. CGB Enterprise, owned by two Japanese local companies, has many grain handling facilities throughout Illinois and exports soybeans and corn to Japan. Earlier, I mentioned that Illinois opened its first trade office in Osaka. Did you know that Osaka has a long and storied history with Chicago? Chicago and Osaka have been sister cities since 1973. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship. The two cities are vibrant commercial hubs with a friendship sustained by the grassroots efforts of dedicated citizens. Springfield shares a sister- city relationship with Ashikaga City, about 60 miles north of Tokyo, the home of one of the country's oldest schools. Each year, Japanese students in Ashikaga City participate in a competition where they recite Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and write an essay about how the speech applies to modern issues. People-to-people exchanges are key to the long partnership between Japan and Illinois, and these exchanges take various forms. Since 1987, the government of Japan has been recruiting young Americans to teach English in Japan as assistant teachers at Japanese public schools or to promote international relations working as coordinators in local government. Through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, or the JET in short, 278 Japanese… young Americans, just from the Midwest, are currently working all over Japan, representing the United States as cultural ambassadors. About 10300039.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 38 thousand Americans are JET alumni. The amazing Illinoisans who are interested in and love Japan are our greatest asset. We deeply appreciate their efforts and continue to support their activities. Goodwill between people from all backgrounds create a foundation of trust and mutual understanding… mutual understanding. Trust and understanding create an environment where businesses and governments can grow and thrive, an environment that accelerates the flow of trade and fosters investment. The relationship between Japan and the United States as well as Japan and Illinois truly exemplify this connection between goodwill and productive economic partnership. In my role, I have the privilege of shining a light on the friendship between the wonderful people of Illinois and Japan. My office looks forward to continuing to work with you all and with the great people of Illinois. Thank you for listening and for championing the Japan- Illinois partnership."
"Thank you, Consul. The Consul General has agreed to take photos with Members who wish in the well. Leader Evans is back in the Chair."
"Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 3, 2023: approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 592 and House Bill 793."
"Representative Carroll, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege." 10300039.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Please speak your point."
"I have two of them. First of all, let's give a round of applause to our… our GM of the softball team, Marty Moylan, for our victory yesterday. Hey… he's walking off, but thank you, Marty, for putting that together. I'm very proud of our win. And then I have some introductions I need to make today. I have some people here from the beautiful town of Northbrook, a town I'm proud to call home. From our park district, if you look up to our right over there. If you wouldn't mind standing up for us, please? We have Mary Ann Chambers, who's a commissioner. We have Chris Leiner, who's the Director of Parks and Property. We have Joan Scovic, Director of Marketing and Communications. And Mike Tokar, Director of Finance and Technology. Let's give them a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you."
"Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the chamber would be silent for a moment, it's a momentous event. Last night, the House joined together as Republicans and Democrats, and we dominated the Senate 11 to 10. And I would say better together, but that didn't work out for Hillary. So, I will say, our greatest cannot be contained when we work together. And I want to thank everybody, including Nabeela Syed for running for me since I blew out my… and Anthony DeLuca had the game-winning hit and everybody contributed, and it was a lot of fun. And as Representative Moylan would say, first place, this is the way. So, congratulations. Mr. Speaker. Thank you, everyone. I've got… I want to introduce two Pages 10300039.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 for the day today that are with me. So, on my left is Marcel, a third grader from Arlington Heights, and his sister, Maya, also from Arlington Heights. Both of them came down today, and very, very happy that they're here. So, we did tell them to go grazing along the rows. So, if you have anything you'd like to put out for these two youngsters, candy or anything, that would be great. But so happy to have them here and very honored. Their parents are up in the audience. So, please give a round of applause for two future, hopefully, I won't say politicians, but public servants. So, please join me in a round of applause. Thank you."
"Representative Costa Howard, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to introduce my husband, Nick Howard. He never comes down here, as you all know. And so, to have him here today is really very special. I want to thank all of you who've been very welcoming to him, and I appreciate that. But, more importantly, the reason he is here is to honor our local community colleges. They are the cornerstone of what we do here in Illinois when it comes to higher education. They provide an opportunity for many, many students to get a lot of their general education, to get their certifications as they move forward. And I am honored to have the College of DuPage here in my district and the work that they do. So, thank you." 10300039.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Representative Wilhour, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. I want to read a few quotations from citizens' jurors yesterday in the wake of the ComEd corruption trial. 'We're tired of political corruption, and we hope this is the first step. We want politics to run in a correct manner. And we would really like the government to know that we as citizens all want to see that done in a correct manner, without any shady business behind the scenes that either skirts the rules or blatantly disregards them. Nobody's above the law. The defendants had a chance to stop this. They really could. It didn't have to go this far, but it did because nobody tried to stop it. They felt like they were untouchable or just (said) to 'hell with it.'' Those are quotes from the citizens' jurors yesterday. And are we as Legislators seeing a message here? The citizens aren't happy with the way that we conduct business. And you want to know why these people felt like they were untouchable? Because under your leadership, they have been. Big money special interests have run this place forever, and it continues to punish the taxpayers in this state. But, hey, God bless the… these jurors. God bless these everyday citizens that have the guts and the common sense to do what the Democrats in this Body have steadfastly refused to do, to see the corruption and to call it out. The Democrats in this Body saw the same corruption, and they tried to gaslight citizens with a measure so weak that the Legislative Inspector General resigned in 10300039.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 disgust because they couldn't do their job. But when regular citizens, when they got a peak behind the curtain, when they get a glimpse of how things have been done for decades in Springfield, they start sending people to jail. Seems like quite a different reaction. Maybe we should wake up and take note. Will we? Will we use this opportunity to put in place real anti-corruption safeguards? If history in this Body's any indication, probably won't. I know what needs to be done. The Republicans on this side of the aisle know what needs to be done. Right-leaning good government groups know what needs to be done. Left-leaning good government groups know what needs to be done. You know what needs to be done. Everybody knows what needs to be done to protect the citizens of this state from corrupt and the crony system, but you refuse to do it. Why? Why is there no appetite in this Body for serious reform to tackle corruption? I know why. The citizen jury knows why. It's because powerful special interest groups and powerful politicians won't like it. It limits their power. It limits their influence. It shines a light on the crony business as usual. And this is why rooting our corruption is so important. The corruption, the self-dealing, and the influence peddling that has run this state has crippled the average citizen's ability to maximize their achievement. Policies by the special interest for the special interest have crushed opportunity for the people in this state and the people in the communities that can afford it the least. You know, do you want to pass some smart deregulation that would bring jobs and industry back to this state? Well, if you want to do that, you're out of luck because the special interests 10300039.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 won't like it. You want to make reasonable reforms and save a public pension system that's crushing taxpayers and defunding core services in this state? Well, we can't do that either because the powerful unions that fund most of your campaigns, they won't like it. I could go on and on about this stuff. But the self-dealing, the influence peddling, the backroom cronyism between powerful special interest groups, big corporations, and powerful politicians are not the exception in this state, they're the rule. What's it going to take to get you to finally act? Maybe when your former Speaker, Michael Madigan, goes to jail and his handpicked successor…"
"Please bring your remarks to a close."
"…will be spurred to action. I hope so. The people hope so. And with this verdict, it's just the beginning. But they put all of us on notice, and I hope we hear them."
"Representative Slaughter is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Speak your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As elected officials, we all know that this is a very demanding job, takes a lot of sacrifice when you do the work of the people. Oftentimes, we miss special moments, special times in the lives of our family and friends that certainly… the point of me rising today, it is my youngest son's first birthday. So, can we wish Jace a happy first birthday? Daddy's doing the work of the people, but I'll be home, Jace, to celebrate with you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 10300039.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I would like the Body to take a moment and I want to recognize some students here from Westinghouse. They are part of the Nuestras Voces program to learn about the legislative progress. So, if those students would stand, please? They're up in the gallery, right? Thank you very much for coming to Springfield. And I'm sure many of you will have some visits from one of these students. So, if we can please just kind of talk about how wonderful and great this job is, I would appreciate it. Thank you."
"Representative Andrade, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you very much. I have a couple of guests here that I'd like to welcome to their home. I have Miss Betty Nordengren. She's a masters… a public policy student at DePaul University, which is my alma mater, and an English second language teacher for students in grades kindergarten through eighth at Benjamin School District 25. She's also… she's also working toward learning more about policies promoting educational equity. And I also have Aanya Mathew, right over here. She is a 13… she is 13 years old and almost finished with 7th grade. Her favorite subjects are literature and 10300039.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 history. She spends her time drawing and writing about different characters and reading books like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter series, and books about mythology and legends. She also plays acoustic guitar and is a goal keeper… nice… goal keeper for the Powerstrikers Soccer Club in Chicago, in Illinois. And lastly, we have a second timer over here. We've got Alissa Malagón, the daughter of my chief of staff, Elvira Malagón. She's a seventh grader at CICS Irving Park. She was… as you remember. And this time, she's here with one of her classmates. She enjoys doing aerial dance. She also does competitive hip hop. And she actually has a very, very important competition this Sunday. So, I ask all of you to wish her luck and please welcome all my guests here today with a round of applause. Thank you very much. Welcome to your home."
"We will return to points shortly. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 246, offered by Leader Gabel. Leader Gabel is recognized."
"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to say a few words about this Resolution. It is a Resolution to recognize Loyola University Chicago. I'm sure many of you attended Loyola, and I know we're all very proud of it. I attended Loyola myself. I received a health law degree there, and I found the school to be an incredible place to learn. Loyola was founded in 1870 and is celebrating its 153rd anniversary. Today, Loyola University enrolls more than 17 thousand students seeking undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, with 42 percent of its student body being students of color and 98 percent of its undergraduate 10300039.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 students receiving grants and scholarships. So, I just want to recognize them today. They are also here in the gallery. We have with us Phil Hale and the new president of Loyola University, Dr. Mark Reid. So, let's give them a round of applause. And I urge you to support this Resolution. Thank you."
"Returning to points, Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek… excuse me. All those in… Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of House Resolution 246. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Returning to points, Representative Halbrook is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, tomorrow, Thursday, May 4, is the National Day of Prayer. In Illinois, we will celebrate it with a prayer breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow morning at the State House Inn. In reality, every should… every day should be a day of prayer. What an opportunity we have every hour of the day to call directly on our creator, the creator of the universe, to call on our creator to open the doors of heaven and to bring heaven to earth. To call… again, Ladies and Gentlemen, our state and our nation is in a great time of prayer. The only hope for America is revival. Please join me and millions of others across this great nation as we appeal to heaven to bring healing to our people and land. Thank you." 10300039.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Representative Jacobs is recognized on House Resolution 250. Representative Jacobs."
"Thank you, Speaker and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I have a distinct privilege and pleasure to have representatives from John A. Logan Community College from my district in Southern Illinois. I'm going to just say their names. I want them to stand up. Dr. Kirk Overstreet, president of John A. Logan; Aaron Smith, trustee; Mandy Little, trustee; Magnus Noble, student trustee; Greg Starrick, athletic director; Tyler Smithpeters, the junior college basketball coach of the year. This Resolution congratulates the John A. Logan College men's basketball team, the Volunteers, located in Carterville, on winning the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I, Division 1 National Championship. The John A. Logan College men's basketball team amassed an impressive 33 and 2 record, including winning 4 games in 6 days on its way to its first national championship in program history. The only… it’s the only… there's only been two, this one and one other one, in the whole state. The team… and let me announce these guys. James Dent, Rayzhaun Bardo, Quimari Peterson, Elijah Jones, Sean Smith, Justin Cross, Teon Nesbitt, Grant Jones, Isaiah Stafford, Eli Downen, Elliot Lowndes, KJ Debrick. And I want to recognize the 2022-23 NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Player of the Year, Curt Lewis. Please join me. I have a trophy also here. Please join me in offering a big congratulations to the men's basketball national champions, the John A. Logan Volunteers. Thank you." 10300039.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Representative Jacobs has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 250. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Continuing on the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 242, offered by Representative Mayfield. Representative Mayfield is recognized."
"Thank you so much. Can I have all my beautiful Links sisters stand? And with the permission of the Chair, I'd like the Clerk to read the Resolution."
"House Resolution 242, offered by Representative Mayfield. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the work of Area Director Monica Boone Allen and the various chapters in the Central Area and salute them on Links Day at the Illinois State Capitol."
"Thank you so much. I would like to draw all of your attention to the Speaker's Gallery. The Links is an international organization of African American women. We are professional women from all over this state, and we have a small sampling of some of our chapters here. There's a new chapter that opened up in Springfield, and they are here as well. Welcome to the Linktom. I have former Representative Kim du Buclet here who's also with me, who is a Link as well. Representative Justin Slaughter, he's an heir Link. His mother is a Link. So, we welcome you to the State Capitol."
"Representative Mayfield moves for the adoption of House Resolution 242. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the 10300039.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Rosenthal, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"On behalf of the Illinois Pork Producers, I'd like to announce that they have BLT lunch behind the chambers for everyone in the chamber. Thank you."
"Representative Mason, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, as many of you know, today is Illinois Muslim Action Day. And I want to extend a welcome to the Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago. And I have two special guests with me. I have Haris Irshad Khan and Ayaan Kazi. And I would love it if you would help me welcome them to Springfield."
"Representative Ness, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I'd like to direct the attention to the front of the Speaker's Gallery. I have Evelyn Alonso with me today. She is a DePaul student, part of the Shadowing a Legislator Day. Her and some of her colleagues up there. She's a senior at DePaul University, studying political science. So, just want to welcome you to the Capitol and everybody give her a warm welcome." 10300039.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Representative Swanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Speak your point."
"Thank you, Sir. I'd like to introduce… and if she would stand up, her and her husband… my legislative aide is with me here today, Shanie Sanders-Brown. And her husband, Lindsey, is standing next to them. Welcome to Springfield. Thank you."
"The Clerk is in receipt of a Motion in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several Bills. If there is leave, we will take these Motions together in one Motion. Is there leave? Spokesperson Windhorst."
"Yeah."
"Leader Gabel on the Motion. Leader Gabel is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move that the posting requirements be waived so the following Bills can be heard in the Appropriations-Health & Human Services Committee tomorrow at 9 a.m.: House Bill 2, House Bill 1222, House Bill 3853, House Bill 3698, House Bill 1774… oh, Senate Bill 1774, and Senate Bill 1913."
"Leader Gabel has moved to waive the posting requirements. 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 71 voting 'yes', 40 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Motion carries. Continuing on points. Representative Avelar, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300039.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we have dozens of advocates from all over the State of Illinois for Latino Unity Day. So, I want to invite the Body to our reception that's being hosted by the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation at the Inn at 835. And it's starting today at 6 p.m. So, we hope to see you there. Thank you."
"Representative West, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As many of us remember Erika C. Weaver used to be the assistant general counsel for the Speaker, and now she's the assistant general counsel for the Treasurer. However, I want to direct your attention to the Speaker's Gallery where her daughter, Tayler Weaver, is up there with her 25th birthday. Tayler, if you could stand for us? On behalf of everyone in the House of Representatives, happy birthday."
"Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"It's my honor today to have with me the 10-year-old genius of Presidents. If you ask him what year, he'll tell you who the President was, and no one has ever stumped him here. He actually challenged the Governor last year in the Governor's Office. The Governor couldn't stump him. In fact, this young man, he asked the Governor a few questions. But 10300039.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 this is Johnathon Showalter. He's from Dahlgren grade school. He's a fifth grader. His mom and dad are up in the gallery, Gary and Jodi Showalter, and his little sister, Faith. He participates in band, cadet choir, 4-H member. He rode in and helped decorate a float in the parade, participated in the Veterans Day program on the courthouse lawn. And he also helped to tend to community gardens. He's shared presidential knowledge throughout local newspapers. He's been on television. No one's stumped him yet. He's a distinguished high honors. He's in the top 10 of the accelerated reader program at his high school. I'd like to welcome back to the floor, the guy we can't stump, Johnathon Showalter."
"Representative Collins, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize someone who is very special to me, my staff person who is here with me today, Michelle Perez, who is to the left of me up in the gallery. There she is, Michelle. Michelle is my communication's director. She does some very amazing work in highlighting the stories of my district. And I also want to recognize my shadow from DePaul today, Kate, who ran into a lot of traffic with me. So, Kate, stand up so they can recognize you. Two amazing women working with me. So, thank you all for coming today."
"Representative Stuart, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you. I also want to just take a minute. We have lots of other students from DePaul. I first want to thank my LC, Caitlin Anderson, for helping arrange all that and keeping 10300039.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 everybody occupied and entertained today too. So, if any remaining of the students from DePaul could stand up. We have Clev'anique Edwards, who's a guest of Representative Canty; Anthony Nissen, who is the guest of Representative Rita; Caleb Haydock, who's the guest of Representative LaPointe; Rachel Weckbacher, who is my guest today; Spencer Sutherland, who is with Senator Wilcox; Dennis Thornton, with Senator DeWitte; Michael Schoening, who is Representative Chung; Julianna De León, who is the guest or Representative Johnson; and Amanda Thompson, who is here Representative Buckner. So, thank you all for being with us. We hope you've had a really good experience and can take a lot back to school with you. Thank you."
"Representative Weber, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Personal point of privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Today, I'd like to welcome to Springfield and to our gallery, we have the director of the Fox Waterway Agency, Joe Keller. The Fox Waterway Agency is responsible for the upkeep of the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes area. And thanks to the work of Joe and his team, the waterway is a thriving resource for communities in my district and across Northern Illinois. Not only does their work protect the viability of the waterway and communities from flooding, but it also allows the waterway to serve as a major hub for tourism and economic opportunity for communities throughout the region. Tourism provides for millions of dollars annually to our local economies, supporting jobs and local tax revenues for our state and 10300039.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 community. Joe, welcome to the Capitol today and thank you and your team for all the hard work you do. And please give them a warm Springfield welcome."
"Representative Hanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, today is National Skilled Trades Day. As a railroad engineer, I've been blessed to work with men and women across many trades, from iron workers to electricians, to carpenters to machinists, you name it. These hardworking individuals are often those who face the highest risk of occupational illness and disease as well as fatal injuries while on the job, most of which could've been prevented. Last Friday, our nation recognized the 52nd anniversary of the Occupational Health and Safety Act taking effect. We remembered and honored the working people who lost their lives on their job with Workers Memorial Day as well as those suffering from on-the-job illnesses and disease. As a railroader for two decades, I understand what workplace safety means. And the skilled trained and certified men and women in the rail industry are at risk, even when completing the most routine tasks. Be it switching railcars and terminal in yards, securing trains while applying hand brakes, or merely riding in commercial vans to and from their trains. Folks, we know our country's facing a national crisis in the rail industry. Deep staffing cuts across all trades in attempts to maximize profits place not only operators and contractors at risk but also the communities they serve. We 10300039.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 also know that dangers on the job are not confined to any one sector of our economy or type of workplace. Hospitality workers, window washers, farmers, teachers, educational professionals, warehouse workers, medical pros, and those in trades each face unique risks and health challenges. Workplace injuries and incidents are preventable. Minority and immigrant workers are disproportionately exposed to unsafe working conditions and face higher rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. In 2021, 5,190 workers nationally were killed on the job. We know that 1,130 of those were Latino, killed at a rate 25 percent higher than the national average. And 653 workers were black, killed at a rate 11 percent higher than the national average. This must change, and we must work as a society and in this General Assembly to be better. As a railroader, I strive to return home healthy, unharmed, and in the same condition as I reported for duty. While the passage of the Workers' Rights Amendment last fall makes Illinois the most proworker state in our nation and codifies our collective commitment to employee and workplace safety, we still have more work to do. It's up to all of us to continue our progress and to ensure each and every worker returns home safely every day too. Thank you very much."
"Representative Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to introduce my Page for the day. She's up here in the gallery behind us. She is… her name is Mays Mustapha. She's an 11th grader at Aqsa School. 10300039.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 She's down here for Muslim Action Day. And at her school, she's on the student council, she participates in Model UN, she is part of the National Honor Society, and has also started a club at her school that plans events. And her favorite subjects include history and writing. Please give a warm welcome to Mays Mustapha."
"Representative Chung, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you so much. I would like to draw the attention of Members here in the chambers to the Speaker's Gallery up there. We have members of… student athletes from the Illinois State University women's indoor track and field team who have won… who are champions of the Missouri Valley conference. They've won six of the last indoor… six of the last seven indoor track and field championships. They've won four straight outdoor track and field championships. We have students Tayler Weaver, who's recognized again. Very popular today, Tayler. Madison Saunders and Kenzie Klink. And they're joined also by their assistant coach, Amanda Youngblood, and… and their huge amazing coach here, Jeff Bovee. So… and Jeff Bovee has also been the Midwest Region Coach of the Year four times. And the ISU team has produced a number of athletes with conference titles, all-conference honors, athletes of the week, NCAA western regional qualifiers, and an Olympic Trial qualifier. So, please give them a warm round of applause. Thank you." 10300039.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Leader Lisa Hernandez, what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." Hernandez, L.: "I'm asking Members of the House if they could give me a moment here. I'd like to recognize a person that passed away at a very… I would say a very early age and who gave… who gave a lot of her life to service. And I wanted to recognize her during Women's Month… Women's History Month, but I was unable to do it at the time. Today is Unity Day, and I feel this is very appropriate to recognize all her service on this day. So, I ask for your indulgence here. I wish to recognize Mireya Vera Mendoza for the impact on Latino equity and language access in the State of Illinois. Mireya was born on July 27, 1956. She graduated from Kelly High School in 1974 and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and obtained her bachelor's degree in bilingual education in 1978. She later earned… she later earned her Master of Health Services Administration, MHA, from the National Louis University in 2008. Mireya worked diligently as a staunch advocate for language access and equity for limited English speakers across the state and for creating standards for interpretation and translation, making a significant impact through her work in the community, in the schools, and in the hospitals she served. Mireya left an indelible mark on language rights for our state, including being a contributing author on the standards of interpretation in educational and health settings, creating 10300039.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 the Language Access Resource Center in DuPage, facilitating the City Colleges of Chicago Medical… the Chicago Medical Interpreter Training Program, developing the medical interpretation curriculum for Illinois, and directing medical interpretation and translation programs at Mt. Sinai Hospital, West Lake Hospital, Presence Health, and Holy Cross Hospital. Mireya and her colleague, Linda Coronado, were pioneers in creating high standards for interpretation and translation and championing language rights to remove barriers in access to health, education, and social services, and they authored the first language access statute in the State of Illinois, which has served as a model across the nation. Mireya was active on several boards throughout her career, including Mujeres Latinas en Acción, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education, the DuPage Federation for Human Services Reform, The Little Village chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Benito Juarez High School Vocational Advisory Board, and the Healthcare Task Force under Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya of the 7th District. And, most recently, she was elected to serve on the Glenbard Township High School District 87 School Board. Further, she served as cochair of the Melrose Park Illinois Welcoming Center and was founder of its Parent University. Mireya brightened every room with her love for her community and passion for language access and stayed connected to her roots throughout her life. She became an excellent cook of traditional Mexican cuisine and was passionate about Latin music, which was expressed through dancing. Mireya passed away on December 14 of '22. She was the wife of Raymond 10300039.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Mendoza for 38 years; the mother of Joaquin, Hector, and Esteban; the grandmother of Arianna; the daughter of Argelia and the late Anthony Vera; the sister of Darlene, Carmen Vera, and Paul Vera; the aunt of many nieces and nephews; and the daughter-in-law of Catalina Mendoza. Mireya's legacy continues today during this Assembly as we enact legislation that incorporates standards for medically qualified interpretation and that establish a statewide language equity and access policy. I ask the Members of the Assembly just for a moment of silence. Mireya gave her all, all the way last to her… to her last breath, working with us on language access. I ask for a moment of silence for Mireya Vera Mendoza."
"Please rise for a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Benton, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Speak your point."
"So, I want to recognize… go ahead and stand up… a Page for the day from my district. This is Abdullah Zahid. He's 18 years old and from Naperville, attends Neuqua Valley where he's a senior. He's getting ready to graduate. He… he participated in football, track, and volunteered for Feed My Starving Children and also at the Islamic Center of Naperville. And he's looking to into engineering at either Purdue or Benedictine University. So, I just want to have everybody welcome him with open arms here in the General Assembly."
"Representative Syed, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300039.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Good afternoon. It's Illinois Muslim Action Day, so I just want to give a shoutout to all the young Muslim students that are here, lots of them standing over there. If you could all stand up and just wave. Thank you for being here. If you need to know one thing about the Muslim community, is that all our uncles and aunties in the community really care about enriching our youth. I am a product of this community, a very proud product, and I'm so excited to welcome you all to Springfield. And thank you so much for being here."
"Representative Lilly, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. I rise today to recognize the incredible women here in Illinois who are member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. They are wearing the fabulous red throughout the Capitol. I, Camille Lilly, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, along with Leader Kimberly Lightford. We are both here to celebrate the Delta Days that we have annually and to help educate and bring forth the issues of the communities we represent and serve. But we do not do that alone. Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 by 22 visionary women at Howard University. Since its inception, the sorority has always advocated for social justice, equity, and social change by working to break barriers and challenges, systemically injustice across our country, which… in order to uplift the most marginal communities throughout. In 1989, the National Social Action Commission instituted Delta Days in the national capital as a bilineal effort of the legislative conference to increase members involvement in public policy making and process. 10300039.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Delta Days at the Illinois State Capitol has occurred on a regular basis, where our members come to Springfield from across the state to participate in discussion and policy change. Delta Sigma Theta has a membership of over 350 thousand college-educated women and more than… and more than 120 chapters worldwide. Here, in Illinois, we have 25 chapters located, and many of them are joining us on today. The influences of this sisterhood extends beyond the campuses to many alumni campuses. Collective women across the state share their commitment to social justice and have touched many lives and aspire hundreds of young ladies to join their effort and to take action. Let's honor and applaud this remarkable… these remarkable women, along with myself and Leader Lightford, that we are here showing up to make a difference with fearlessness and dedication to create a better world. Can we give a round of applause to the Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated for their Delta Days here in the State Capitol?"
"Leader Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." Hernandez, L.: "Like to ask Members of the Assembly to help me congratulate Dave Marsh on his retirement from full-time employment at the Illinois State Dental Society. I'm sure many of you here have, in one way or another, when it comes to dental initiatives, has worked with David Marsh. I know I have since 2007. I just want to wish him all the best. Let's give him a… a nice warm applaud." 10300039.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Representative Jiménez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Jiménez: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." Jiménez: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to acknowledge that we have a force of nature here with us today. Our Congresswoman, Delia Ramirez. I just want to thank her for… for everything that she's done for us and for paving the way for people like me to believe that this is a place that can accept all of us and can accept all of our diverse, unique viewpoints. Thank you."
"Representative Collins, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. I would like to recognize that May is the month of foster care. We have here today April Rivera-Curtis and her daughter, Modesty Tyus, and a group of other alumni who are here in the gallery with us. And so, I just wanted to recognize them for being down here and showing support. So, thank you."
"Representative Mayfield, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you so much. In honor of Illinois Muslim Day… Advocacy Day here at the Capitol, I'd like to introduce my Page for the day. Bear with me, I've got to make sure I get his name correctly. I have… he is on the Democratic side of the aisle. Did he walk away? Where did they go? All right, well, he'll be back here on the floor, but his name is Bilal 10300039.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Al-Hajje. He is a MCC Academy senior, and he will be attending Oakland Community College in the fall. Thank you."
"Representative Nichols, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I would like to welcome to the Capitol… Bright Leadership Institute, if you guys would stand… Vice President Renell Perry. This group… this group is one of my… our young and up and coming groups in Chicago. They do a lot of work. They build stuff. They… they hang out and do things in after school program. I just wanted everybody to give them a warm Springfield welcome. You know, I love bringing young people to this chamber so they can see it, so that we can inspire them to be in this chamber one day 'cause these seats will change. We won't be here forever. So, thank you, guys, for coming, and we're going to hang out a little bit later. Thank you."
"Representative Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. I'd like to introduce another guest in the gallery on that side today. Maryum Rasool, who's the director of youth empowerment and organizing with Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village. This is an organization that's affiliated and works closely with Insight Hospital, which is very close to my district and serves my constituents. This is 10300039.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 her first time here in Springfield. So, please give her a warm welcome."
Representative Costa Howard, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Mr. Speaker, in the gallery, I would ask to be recognized, Dr. Maureen Dunne. While she is the former board chair of the College of DuPage, she is now the Illinois Community College Trustee Association president. So, Dr. Maureen Dunne."
"Representative Meyers-Martin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you. Thank you, Speaker. I would like to recognize at this time, two people in the gallery, Patricia Joan Murphy, who is the Worth Township democratic committeeman, and Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, who is president of Moraine Valley Community College."
"Moving forward to the Calendar. Under the Order of Resolutions on page 23, we have House Resolution 175, Representative Blair-Sherlock. Representative Blair-Sherlock is recognized."
"Thank you. I rise for House Resolution 175. This is to recognize April 30, better late than never, as Animal Therapy Day. So, if I could just read my Resolution. WHEREAS, There are thousands of therapy animal teams serving in communities across the United States; and 10300039.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 WHEREAS, Therapy animal teams play an essential role in improving human health and well-being through the human- animal bond; and WHEREAS, Therapy animal teams make millions of visits per year in such settings as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospice; and WHEREAS, Therapy animal teams interact with a variety of people in our communities, including veterans, seniors, patients, students facing literacy challenges, and those approaching end of life; and WHEREAS, These exceptional therapy animals who partner with their human companions bring comfort and healing to those in need; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 30, 2023 as Therapy Animal Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further RESOLVED, That we encourage Illinoisans to celebrate therapy animals and their human handlers, and we salute the service of therapy animal teams in our communities and across Illinois and the nation. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Representative Blair-Sherlock moves for the adoption of House Resolution 175. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Moving back to page 2 of the Calendar. Under House Bills-Second Reading, we have House Bill 2447, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300039.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"House Bill 2447, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill has been read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Avelar."
"Representative Avelar on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment 1, it provides that when a member of the public body wasn't able to be physically present may attend a meeting through other means because of child care obligations. That's what the Amendment does."
"Representative Avelar moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. 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?"
"Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Avelar."
"Representative Avelar on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Floor Amendment #2, it further clarifies the provision in House Floor Amendment #1."
"Representative Avelar moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. 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. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300039.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"House Bill 2447, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Avelar is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2447 is an initiative of Valley View School District, which is in my district. And this Bill was created in response to concerns over students' privacy. And the intent of the Bill is to create protections for these students during school board hearings by allowing school boards to receive evidence or testimony regarding such disciplinary cases in closed section… session, I'm sorry, to protect the privacy of persons involved in that incident. I am open to any questions the Body may have."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, our notes show that this was intended to be an Open Meetings Act omnibus Bill. Is it… this its final form, or are we expecting more Amendments in the Senate?"
"I was not aware that this was an omnibus Bill. This Bill, when it came to me from my school district, was intended to make the changes specific to this incident."
"So, our notes show it essentially does two things. Provides for a closed meeting for determining whether an individual will be excluded from school activities as a spectator. Is that one of the things it does?"
"So, there's two specific things that the Bill does, and I want to make sure that I get this correctly. So, when we're talking about the first… when we first introduced the Bill 10300039.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 and what we're trying to do right now is that we want to make sure that school boards hold closed meetings when presented evidence or testimony regarding the denial of admission to school events or property, provided that the school board makes a public… public, actually, a report of the final decision along with its reasoning. So, that's one. The second thing that we're trying to do with this Bill, it's actually… we added language that provides that when a member of a public body wasn't able to be physically present could attend meetings through other means because of child care obligations. So, those are the two things that this Bill does."
"And did the Amendment add unexpected child care obligations? Is that a requirement that…"
"That… and that was already in House Amendment #2, and that was at the request of the Attorney General Office to make sure that we were tight… tightening the language of that particular provision."
"Thank you."
"Representative Avelar to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2447 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those 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 89 voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 18 of the Calendar. Under the Order of 10300039.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Postponed Consideration, we have House Bill 3957, Representative Syed. Representative Syed is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. I rise today to present House Bill 3957, which protects Illinois consumers from skyrocketing prescription cost by banning the price gouging of generic drugs when there are three or fewer manufacturers in the market. This Bill does two things. This Bill defines price gouging as a specific price… percentage increases within a given period of time, and it gives the Attorney General's Office the power to investigate price gouging in those cases and seek remedies for consumers. Lifesaving medication is only lifesaving if people could afford it. I urge an 'aye' vote of this Bill. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Caulkins is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Good to be back, I guess, or not. Representative, where… where are we with the Attorney General's opinion on the constitutionality of this Bill? We had discussed that it had been tried in another state and had failed the test."
"With the way the Bill is written, we believe that we've addressed constitutionality issues."
"Have you sought an opinion from the Attorney General, Ma'am?"
"The language in the first Amendment was drafted by the Attorney General's Office, and we believe that the way that this Bill is written addresses those issues." 10300039.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Do… do you believe that by passing this Bill, by giving the Attorney General this kind of latitude that it's going to make these generic drugs more affordable?"
"Yes."
"And how will it do that?"
"Because it prohibits price gouging of generic and off- patent drugs when there are fewer… three or fewer manufacturers in the market."
"And… and price gouging is defined as what, please?"
"So, price gouging, under this legislation, is defined as an increase in price that would result in the acquisition cost of the generic drug of 30 percent or more within a preceding year, 50 percent or more within a preceding 3 years, and 75 percent within the preceding 5 years, and it presents an unduly burden on consumers."
"So, does this take into account inflation, cost of making a drug, cost of labor, cost of transportation, cost of insurance? I mean, how… how do you… I guess if something, a generic drug, were to trigger this, how… what is the protection for the drug maker?"
"So, if the price increases are justified through research and development or marketing, then it is not considered price gouging under this legislation."
"And who makes that determination, please?"
"The generic drug manufacturer would have to make a case for that, and the Attorney General's Office has the power to assess that before they decide to investigate."
"And is the Attorney General's Office held to this standard in your Bill? That if a drug company were able to… 10300039.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 or presents some factual information that this is why they've increased the drug price, is the Attorney General then held to that standard that he cannot pursue them?"
"With the way this legislation's written, if the price can be justified because of R&D, because of marketing, then it is not considered price gouging. In those cases, the Attorney General's Office does not have the power to investigate."
"And then part of your explanation is it… or it presents some kind of a burden, a burden on the consumer. How do you define a burden on the consumer?"
"So, you know, this adding language of it needing to be an unduly or excessive burden in price gouging… of price gouging actually just makes the threshold higher. So, not only do you have to have the price gouging be defined within those specific percentages, but it also needs to show that it presents and unduly and excessive burden as, you know, this terminology that is commonly used in… by lawyers. And it is also an 'and', not an 'or'."
"So, it's an 'and'?"
"Correct."
"Okay. So, it could be… it has to be an 'and' then in your… in the intent of this legislation?"
"Yes. There was actually an Amendment filed with PhRMA, and they requested an 'and' be added, and it has been added. So, they're neutral on this Bill."
"The… I guess, well, Mr. Speaker, to the Bill, please. And thank you. Thank you very much for your answers, Representative. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is another attempt to fix pricing on the consumer or on the drug market that is 10300039.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 going to have very negative effect on our ability to procure generic drugs in the State of Illinois. This Bill will be tied up in court. We will spend millions and millions of dollars trying to litigate this Bill and… to no avail. I would suggest to all of you that, if you're really interested in this issue, that you would vote 'no' on this Bill. We cannot regulate the price of drugs through the Attorney General's Office. That's not the role of the Attorney General, and I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Syed to close."
"I'm going to take my time with this one 'cause I care about this. When I talk to people in my district, my first question is always about what issues are concerning them. And I remember an emotional conversation early on that I had with a constituent last summer in Palatine, where the first thing he told me was that he could not afford his next prescription for medication that was essential for him. And I'll say it again. Lifesaving medication is only lifesaving to those who can afford it. This Bill is an important step in taming skyrocketing health care costs that are forcing Illinoisans to choose between their prescription and their groceries, or their prescription and child care, or prescription and rent. I urge an 'aye' vote of this Bill. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3957 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 84 voting 'yes', 25 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received 10300039.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Avelar, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Moving forward to page 2 of the Calendar. Under House Bills-Second Reading, we have House Bill 3222, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3222, the Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Avelar."
"Representative Avelar on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment 1 is a gut and replace Amendment that becomes the Bill, and it further tightens the scope and clarifies the provision under the language and creating access policy framework."
"Representative Avelar moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. 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 Amendment, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"House Bill 3222, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Avelar is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill will create a statewide language access policy that state agencies must follow. The purpose of the Act is to ensure that all residents of the state have equal access to state services and, in particular, 10300039.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 to remove language as a barrier to access for people who have limited English proficiency. There are two key points as far as the Bill and when it comes to changes from the first iteration that we had. The first one is that it renames the language 'equity office' to the 'Division of Language Equity and Access under the Governor's Office for New Americans'. And it also clarifies appointments to language… to the Language Equity and Access Advisory Council, which would advise the Division of Language Equity and Access policies. And I'm here to answer any questions."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Excellent. Thank you, Representative, for working on this and issuing the revisions. I just want to go over a couple of those revisions with… with you because… for some clarifications. First, this would apply to any language, correct?"
"That is correct."
"And we removed a more onerous process where we had to have a repository for all these forms and documents in multiple language to more of a coordinating effort that helps administrative bodies provide in-language services, correct?"
"That is correct."
"Okay. I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Avelar to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, as Leader Lisa Hernandez had mentioned, this is years of work. Not just by me, but by multiple, not just activists, but advocates in the 10300039.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 language just (unintelligible). So, I want to say thank you to the late Mireya Vera, Dr. Layla Suleiman, Linda Coronado, Dr. Denise Martinez, the Asian Americans Advancing Justice, United African Organization, and Indo-American Center who have been with me at every step of the way to make sure that we get this to the floor. So, thank you, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3222 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 73 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Crespo, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"So, for purposes of two introductions, I would like to acknowledge on the gallery… on the upper left, if the members of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois would please stand up and please… join me in giving them a warm Springfield welcome. And… and my second introduction is a young lady who's a former journalist. She's the general counsel for the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission and president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, someone I call my daughter, Jennifer Lydia Crespo. Please join me in welcoming my daughter, Jennifer Lydia. Love you, honey." 10300039.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Remaining on page 2 of the Calendar. Under House Bills-Second Reading, we have House Bill 54, Representative Harper. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 54, 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."
"I ask for the… thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for the adoption of the Amendment. The Amendment becomes the Bill and creates the Local Food Infrastructure Grant."
"Representative Harper moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. 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. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"House Bill 54, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Harper is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 54 creates the Local Food Infrastructure Grant. The grant program, which is subject to appropriation, allows the Department of Agriculture to develop a grant program to enhance local food processing, aggregation, and distribution in the state. I know of no opposition, and I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized." 10300039.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, our analysis shows that the Department of Agriculture has not yet provided a position. Do you know what their position is on the legislation?"
"No."
"Do you know the potential cost, if there is an appropriation, for this to be implemented?"
"Sure. The Bill, which is subject to appropriation, is requesting 2 million."
"Two million, did you say?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Harper to close."
"I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 54 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? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 97 voting 'yes', 15 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 2 of the Calendar. Under House Bills- Second Reading, we have House Bill 2232, Representative Rita. Representative Rita. Out of the record. Moving forward to page 3 of the Calendar. Under House Bills-Third Reading, we have House Bill 2068, Representative Mah. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to the Order of Second Reading. Please read the Bill on Second Reading." 10300039.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"House Bill 2068, a Bill for an Act concerning business. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Mah."
"Leader Mah on the Amendment."
"Thank you. I move to adopt Floor Amendment #1. It is an Amendment that streamlines some of the details of the Bill, and I can talk about the rest of it on Third."
"Leader Mah moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. 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 have been approved for consideration. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"House Bill 2068, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mah is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2068 is a Bill that would require businesses that are within the RTA service area and within a mile of transit to offer a pre-tax savings for employees to purchase transit fares through their employer. This utilizes a federal provision that allows for pre-tax purchase of transit fares through one's employer. But it's a program that's underutilized because not very many employers have offered this program. And so, this legislation seeks to promote the program, encourage more people to purchase transit. It would be on a pre-tax basis, so they would be 10300039.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 able to save money and encourage them to use public transit to get to their place of employment. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Inquiry of the Chair as to the status of Floor Amendment #2."
"Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #2 remains in committee."
"Will the Sponsor yield for questions?"
"She indicates she will."
"Leader, there is a Floor Amendment that's still in committee."
"Yes."
"What is your intention with that Amendment?"
"So, that Amendment includes some technical cleanup. And I think because of the limited time and we want to get the Bill over to the Senate, we're going to have that Amendment attached in the Senate. But it simply removes some references to parking that was supposed to have been removed completely with the first Amendment."
"Though this Bill will put a mandate on business that does not currently exist. Is that correct?"
"Yes, it does. But I think that many businesses will find that there are easily accessible mechanisms for them to offer these transit… pre-tax transit programs because there is already an infrastructure set up to offer them. And so, it would not be an undue burden."
"Before this Bill… or before it would become law, a business is able to do this and not mandated to do this, and this would mandate it to occur. Is that accurate to say?" 10300039.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Yes, that is true. But it's… you know, we have tried to be intentional to limit it to businesses that are close to transit where their employees would likely be able to utilize and benefit from the… the pre-tax fare rates as well as proximity to transit."
"And it's that mandate on business that I believe you'll see some 'no' votes on this side. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Mah to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2068 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 74 voting 'yes', 39 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 9 of the Calendar. Under Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 57, Representative LaPointe. Representative LaPointe. Out of the record. Moving forward to page 10 of the Calendar. Under Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 86, Representative Stuart. Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 86, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 10300039.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 195, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 195, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 201, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 201, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 203, Representative Avelar. You'd like to move this Bill to Third Reading? Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 203, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 218, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 218, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300039.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 273, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 273, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 325, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 325, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 375, Representative Slaughter. Out of the record. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 375… excuse me, Senate Bill 380, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 380, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 if offered by Representative Didech."
"Representative Didech on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment 1 fixes some definitions, makes some technical changes. I ask for its adoption."
"Representative Didech moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those 10300039.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 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. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 422, Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 422, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. At the bottom of page 10 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 505, Representative Hernandez. Leader Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 505, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Moving forward to page 11 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 646, Representative Slaughter. Out of the record. Moving down page 11 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 734, Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 734, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300039.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Third Reading. Moving down page 11 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 762, Representative Jones, presented by Representative Morgan. Representative Morgan. Out of the record. Continuing down page 11 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 805, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 805, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 836, Leader Manley. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 836, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 855, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 855, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 990, Leader Burke. Leader Burke. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1066, Representative McLaughlin. Representative McLaughlin. McLaughlin. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1067, Representative Spain. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 10300039.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Senate Bill 1067, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1098, Representative Windhorst. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1098, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1115, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1115, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Moving forward to page 12 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 1127, Representative Fritts. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1127, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1212, Representative Niemerg. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1212, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1225, Representative Blair-Sherlock, presenting for Representative Ladisch 10300039.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Douglass. Representative Blair-Sherlock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1225, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1235, Representative Kifowit. Representative Kifowit. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1251, Representative Mayfield. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1251, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1282, Representative Huynh. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1282, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1298, Representative Johnson. Representative Johnson. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1344, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1344, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. Several notes have been requested on the Bill and have not been filed."
"Please hold this Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Continuing down page 12 of the Calendar. We have 10300039.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Senate Bill 1351, Representative Scherer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1351, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1367, Representative Jiménez. Representative Jiménez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1367, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1376, Representative Hauter. Representative Hauter. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1376, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Moving forward to page 13 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 1438, Leader Hoffman. Leader Hoffman. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1460, Representative Jed Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1460, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1468, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1468, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. 10300039.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1476, Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1476, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1484, Representative Norma Hernandez. Representative Hernandez. Out of the record. Oh… Representative Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1484, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1495, Representative Jones, presented by Representative Morgan. Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1495, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1497, Representative Hirschauer. Representative Hirschauer. Out of the record. At the bottom of page 13 of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1515, Representative Delgado. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1515, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300039.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Third Reading. Moving forward to page 14 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 1526, Representative Norma Hernandez. Representative Norma Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1526, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. But a fiscal note has been requested and has not been filed."
"Mr. Clerk, please keep this Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 1563, Representative Gong- Gershowitz. Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1563, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1611, Representative Didech. Representative Didech. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1623, Representative Meyers-Martin. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1623, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1629, Representative Kifowit. Representative Kifowit. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1653, Representative Syed. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1653, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300039.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1704, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar. Excuse me, 1707, Representative Guerrero- Cuellar. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1707, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Moving forward to page 15 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 1818, Leader Buckner. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1818, a Bill for an Act concerning the Illinois State flag. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. But a fiscal note has been requested on the Bill, has not been filed."
"Please keep this Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 1834, Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1834, a Bill for an Act concerning minors. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1840, Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1840, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1907, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Leader Barbara Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1907, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No 10300039.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. But several notes have been requested on the Bill and have not yet been filed."
"Mr. Clerk, please keep this Bill on the Order of Second Reading. At the bottom of page 15 on the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1909, Representative Costa Howard. Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1909, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. But several notes have been requested on the Bill and have not been filed."
"Please keep this Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Moving forward to page 16 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 1935, Representative Hanson. Would you like to move this Bill, Representative Hanson? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1935, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1988, Leader Burke. Leader Burke. Leader Burke on 1988. Would you like to move this Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1988, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1994, Representative Yednock. Representative Yednock. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1997, Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300039.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Senate Bill 1997, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2013, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2013, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2014, Leader Buckner. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2014, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2057, Representative Morgan. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2057, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Moving forward to page 17 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 2175, Representative Slaughter. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2197, Representative Gonzalez. Representative Gonzalez. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2197, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300039.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2247, Leader Burke. Leader Burke. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2247, a Bill for an Act concerning assistance to persons with disabilities. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2260, Representative Cassidy. Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2260, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2278, Leader Buckner. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2278, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2287, Leader Burke. Leader Burke. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2287, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2315, Representative Ladisch Douglass, presented by Representative Scherer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300039.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Senate Bill 2315, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2424, Representative Rashid. Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2424, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Returning to page 9 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 57, Representative LaPointe. Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 57, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. On page 11 of the Calendar of Senate Bill-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 762, Representative Jones, presented by Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 762, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1066, Representative McLaughlin. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1066, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300039.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023
"Third Reading. On page 12 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1298, Representative Johnson. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1298, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Moving forward on page 13 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 1497, Representative Hirschauer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1497, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1499, Representative Hirschauer. Out of the record. Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus in Room 118, please."
"Upon adjournment, the Republicans will caucus in Room 118. Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to… as I rise to honor Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I'd like to highlight the contributions of someone who I very much admire, the pioneering South Korean violinist, Kyung Wha Chung. She is no relation to me, but some of my very first musical memories was listening to her records that my mother played for me when I was very, very young. Miss Chung was born in South Korea in 1948 and began her musical studies with piano 10300039.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 lessons at the age of four. However, she swiftly proved herself a prodigy when she tried violin three years later. When she was just 10, Chung debuted with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, playing Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. And at 12, she traveled to Japan for her first major international tour. Chung's steady rise to fame in South Korea soon led her mother to move her family to the United States to reach a larger audience and further her musical career along, along with Chung's two siblings, who were also on their way to becoming successful professional musicians. At 13, Chung attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York. During her time there, she studied under the eminent teacher Ivan Galamian, who gave her the nickname Cookie. Chung was a coworker of the Edgar Leventritt Competition, which led to prestigious engagements across North America, including a concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. And at the time, reviewers praised the rare personality that shown through Chung's playing, calling her performances sensitive and finely shaded with flashes of grit and fire. Throughout the rest of her performing career, she shared her gifts with orchestras in Berlin, London, and New York. In 2005, she suffered an injury to her hand which prevented her from high- level playing for years. However, she used her time rehabilitating to return to Juilliard and teach music to the next generation of performers. Chung's music career has spanned six decades and resulted in a lengthy discography of countless recordings, both solo and in concert with her siblings. And she has been built a legacy of high-level recognition, starting at a time when female performers often 10300039.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 39th Legislative Day 5/3/2023 weren't getting acknowledgement for their achievements in the classical music arena. In a 2013 interview with The Korea Herald, Chung spoke of her spiritual connection to music, saying, 'Vibration from the violin runs through the head and the rest of the body. It is a physical deliverance and the public feels the vibration.' Thank you very much."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 244, offered by Representative Ann Williams. House Resolution 248, offered by Representative Stuart. And House Resolution 249, offered by Representative Elizabeth Hernandez."
"Leader Gabel move for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stands adjourned until Thursday, May 4, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those 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. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4063, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4064, offered by Representative Elik, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300039.docx 67