"The House shall be in order. Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led today by Pastor Stang. Pastor Stang is the Senior Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Stang is the guest is Rep. Coffey. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance."
"Please join me in a word of prayer. To the eternal God who is marked by love, peace, patience, kindness, grace, mercy, and reconciliation, I ask that you preside over the thoughts and will of this Legislative Body so that the common good may come about. May the debates be rigorous, but also productive. Lord, grant clarity and conviction to each person in this chamber. America's mother tongue is one of freedom. God's mother tongue is one of love. May love and freedom prevail through these deliberations. May love and freedom be the compass that guides this Body. We lift up our Governor and our President unto you. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray, Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Ozinga." Ozinga – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Mah is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10300044.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Mr. Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Will Davis, Jones, and Stuart 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 present to conduct the business of the people."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 114 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Walker, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 58. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to Senate Bill 74. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: do pass as amended Short Debate for Senate Bill 423. Representative… the Chairperson from the Committee on Police & Fire reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 1595, and Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 1595, and Floor Amendment(s) 4 to Senate Bill 1250. Representative LaPointe, Chairperson from the Committee on Mental Health & Addiction reports the following committee 10300044.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 2847, House Joint Resolution 30, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 646, Floor Amendment(s) 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 724, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1674. Representative Scherer, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 183 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 2031. Representative Kifowit, Chairperson from the Committee on Personnel & Pensions reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 1233, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 1235, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1269, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1630, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1646, and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1648. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 279, offered by Representative Mah. House Resolution 280, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. House Resolution 282 and 283, offered by Representative Kifowit. And House Joint Resolution 38, offered by Representative Friess."
"Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak you point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to call your attention to some very alarming facts coming out of the border, the southern border, in the wake of President 10300044.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Biden ending Title 42 today. I received these figures on Monday totaling one week's worth of activity on the border. Border agents and other authorities were able to apprehend or stop 55 thousand illegal immigrants from coming into the United States. Additionally, border agents seized the following: $714 thousand in cash, 101 pounds of cocaine, 1,050 pounds of marijuana, 2,721 pounds of meth, 138 pounds of fentanyl, which is enough fentanyl to potentially kill 30 million people and more if it's taken by minors. Additionally, they confiscated 16 guns, 66 sex offenders, and 7 gang members. These seizures take place all the while our border law enforcement are assaulted continually, including female border agents who have been brutally beaten by male illegal immigrants. Those arrest and seizure numbers are just incredible. But unfortunately, this is not the whole story. It's not the whole story because still last week the border reports nearly 19 thousand illegal immigrants escaped Border Patrol. Based on the numbers above, one can assume that hundreds of pounds of cocaine, fentanyl, and other substances, along with guns and criminals, came right across the border with them. And yet, Joe Biden says illegal immigration is down by 90 percent. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas says the border is secure. If those things are true, I would sure hate to see what an unsecure border looks like to the Biden administration. Make no mistake, Illinois will feel the pain of this invasion. Chicago is already bursting at its seams and the spread is happening. These people will come with no resources, criminals will continue their gang activity here, and the drugs will come, 10300044.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 and our friends and family will be the ones who overdose on them. This is a disaster, an actual disaster, worthy not only of Title 42, but serious action to control and secure our border. Thank you."
"Representative Ladisch Douglass, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good… good morning, everyone. I stand to welcome students from Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Park, Chicago. They are in the gallery to my left. I happened to run into two people I knew, Josh Liebman and Carla Varner, both of whom I know from work, and they happened to be with students. So, I ask that you all please give them a warm welcome to the Capitol."
"Representative Miller, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak you point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, President Joe Biden allowed the expiration of Title 42. This is one of the few standing measures protecting our borders from the invasion of illegal immigrants, drugs, and crime. Estimates predict that 700 thousand illegals are ready to cross our southern border when Title 42 ends today. Illinoisans should have the confidence of the President and the Governor looking out for the safety and best interest. Joe Biden and JB Pritzker seem to be content to stand by and allow massive numbers of illegals to enter in… to enter first into our border states 10300044.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 and then the rest of our nation. The consequences of this behavior will be most severe. Joe Biden is violating his oath of office to defend our nation's borders and to uphold our immigration laws. The cartels control our border, and Joe Biden has made the cartels billionaires through drug trafficking and human trafficking. Seven million foreign nationals have crossed illegally, which includes known terrorists, fentanyl traffickers, and even MS-13 gang members. Joe Biden is doing this on purpose to appease his radical base which wants to erase our borders and to tear apart our country. President Trump said that without borders, we don't have a country. Fentanyl is killing our kids, crime is raging, and our schools and hospitals can't absorb millions of foreign nationals coming here illegally. It's past time to secure our border, and we need to do it today. Thank you very much."
"Representative Mayfield, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"I'd like to just recognize a group of students that are here today. I have students from St. Anastasia, Most Blessed Trinity, Cristo Rey, and Carmen High School… Carmel Catholic High School. All of these are in my district, or the students are, at the very least. And they are all here to advocate for the scholarship program. So, can we give them a warm welcome to… there we are, up here. Can we give them a warm welcome to Springfield? Yes, thank you."
"Representative Avelar, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker." 10300044.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. Going to try to keep calm today because, as it was mentioned, there's something big that's happening at the federal level, which is Title 42 and the lift of it. If the Members on the other side would have done their homework, they wouldn't refer to people as illegal immigrant, but rather know that nobody is illegal. It is undocumented. In going back to doing your homework, you would know that they are asylum seekers. I'll be more than happy to talk to you as well to let you know about the process, as somebody who was undocumented myself for 13 years. Since the founding of our country, the United States has been a destination for immigrants from all parts of the world. And as a nation of people, by the people, and for the people seeking a better life, the contributions of immigrants have… that have made on the local and federal level are undeniable. I think that people seem to forget that immigrant taxpayer excluded from federal benefits contribute over $11 billion in tax revenue that they will not get back. So, when we think about the actual disaster, the disaster here is the slew of misinformation. Thank you."
"Members, we'll be going to the Calendar under the Order of Resolutions. On page 19, we have House Joint Resolution 13, Representative West. Representative West is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 13 creates the Statewide Task Force on Limited English Proficient Patient Access to Quality Interpreter Services to provide recommendations regarding access to quality interpreting 10300044.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 services for Limited English Proficiency patients. Received this from a constituent who was doing her residency work. She's a medical student, and she was doing it within our… our county jails and noticed the discrepancy in language accessibility within their communications and wanted to bring forth this Joint Resolution. I ask for its adoption."
"Seeing no discussion, Representative West moves for the adoption of House Resolution… House Joint Resolution 13. This is going to be a recorded vote. 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, being… having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 19 of the Calendar. Under Order of Resolutions, we have House Joint Resolution 26, Representative Harper. Representative Harper is recognized on the Resolution."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 26 resolves to… resolves to urge the state to correct any deficiencies where they could otherwise qualify for federal funding used to fight climate change. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Harper moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 26. 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. Moving to page 12 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading. We have 10300044.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Senate Bill 1499, Representative Hirschauer. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1499, a Bill for an Act concerning animals. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Hirschauer."
"Representative Hirschauer on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment on this Bill brings all parties to neutral and addresses an issue that was brought to State's Attorney Berlin's attention regarding the implementation of the law in the courtroom, and it better defines the term 'violation'."
"Rep. Hirschauer moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the 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."
"Senate Bill 1499, a Bill for an Act concerning animals. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hirschauer is recognized."
"Thank you, again, Mr. Speaker. Today, I present Senate Bill 1499, which is an initiative of the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. This is an animal rights Bill that authorizes law enforcement officers to seize animals from individuals found to be in violation of specified animal cruelty laws. This Bill is in response to two incidents where 10300044.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 defendants were found guilty of animal cruelty acts but the court was unable to ban them from possessing animals in the future. This Bill will give judges the authority to allow for a forfeiture, and I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, the reason behind this Bill is a case out of DuPage County relating to whether a court can order someone not to possess an animal after they're convicted of certain animal cruelty laws. Is that accurate?"
"Yes. That's correct."
"All right. And so, it… it provides courts greater ability to make those orders?"
"That's correct."
"There was a question that came up in committee regarding forfeiture when an animal is ordered to be forfeited. Those animals will be offered for adoption after that. Is that accurate?
"That is correct. This does not put forth any new procedure for forfeiture. It would follow what is already in practice."
"And it… and it does state… allow for forfeiture or makes sure that's clear in the law?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Hirschauer to close."
"I ask for your 'aye' vote." 10300044.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill'… excuse me… 'Senate Bill 1499 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 99 voting 'yes', 12 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 10 of the Calendar. At the bottom, Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 375, Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 375, a Bill for an Act concerning children. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 375, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Slaughter is recognized. Out of the record. Leader Mah is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Mason is excused for the rest of the day."
"On page 11 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 849, Representative Kelly. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 849, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. 10300044.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 849, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Kelly is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 849 reenacts the Blue- Ribbon Commission on Transportation and provides that the commission shall be appointed by June 30, 2023 and meet by July 31, 2023. The original Bill, which became PA 102-988 mistakenly had a repeal date of February 1, which was two weeks before the commission was scheduled to meet. Senate Floor Amendment 1 to SB849 provides that the commission shall submit a final report of the data findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2024. This passed unanimously on to the Senate, and I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill'… excuse me… 'Senate Bill 849 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 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 761, Representative Collins. Out of the record. On page 16 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Second 10300044.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Reading, we have Senate Bill 2227, Leader Rita. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2227, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Rita."
"Representative Rita."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 2227 is an initiative of the county clerks' association. And this does not raise fees. It just puts clerks' fees in line, something that they did a few years back. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Leader Rita moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the 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."
"Senate Bill 2227, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Rita on the Bill."
"Again, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 2227, as I explained when I did the Amendment, sets a… a fee schedule for county clerks. It's an initiative of the county clerks' association. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Halbrook is recognized." 10300044.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question of the Sponsor."
"Please proceed."
"Yes. Representative, I know we had some questions in committee about this Bill. And… and through your diligent follow up, we were able to get the answers to the questions. And number one, I just want to reconfirm that this is not a fee increase. That's correct?"
"You're… you're correct. This does not have a fee increase."
"Right. And the other question I had was, we had done a fee Bill, a county fee structure Bill, about five years ago. Those were my concerns. How is this different? How is it the same? And evidently, there's a small percentage of fees that needed to be kind of merged together and realigned. And that was the explanation I got. And I also reached out to some of my local county clerks and that they said that this would affect downstate counties, smaller downstate counties, very little. So, with that, not being a fee increase, I think this would be a… a positive vote. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Rita to close."
"Just asking for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2227 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 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Barbara Hernandez in the Chair." 10300044.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Senate Bill 761, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 761, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Collins."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. So, what this Amendment does is just expand the uses of EMRs, which increases the apprenticeship program and helps with EMS staffing shortage. It creates a task to address EMS shortage, which allows EMS personnel flexibility to work for short period of time, which would be roughly two weeks in another EMS system…" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "I apologize, Representative, can you pause?"
"…with a staff person who was licensed in that system and for ambulance to be upgraded…" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Collins, can you please pause? I apologize. Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 761, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Please continue."
"Okay. Want me to go over it again? So, this is just an apprenticeship program. It expands it to help with EMS staffing shortage. And it creates a task to address the EMS shortage. It allows for the personnel flexibility to work for a short period of time with a licensed person in that system for ambulance to be upgraded in the field from basic life support to advanced life support. This already occurs 10300044.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 downstate in rural areas and would be expanded throughout the state through a pilot program. I would greatly appreciate an 'aye' vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Randy Frese, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Sponsor yield?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "She indicates she will."
"Representative, it was great to talk about this Bill and I want to thank you for bringing it. It was heard in our committee just recently, and I was happy to sign on. This is a great Bill. I encourage an 'aye' vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Collins to close."
"I would greatly appreciate an 'aye' vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 761 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1670, Leader Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1670, a Bill for an Act concerning government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Evans." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Evans… Leader Evans on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and the great Members of this Assembly. This… worked with the Attorney General to… for more 10300044.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 clarifying language to ensure that this exemption is applicable to a public body. And so, I'd like to debate the Bill on Third Reading. I ask to adopt the Amendment." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative… Leader Evans moves 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." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1670, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Evans."
"Again, thank you all. Senate Bill 1670, as amended, exempts private medical information from disclosure under FOIA and expands the definition of private information under FOIA to include medical information contained or extracted from electronic medical file. Currently, medical records are considered private information under FOIA, but medical record is not clearly defined. This helps to define that. This initiative of Cook County has an effective date that is neither accelerated or denied… or delayed. It defines private information as any information contained within a medical electronic record, if extracted, of course. It's 2023, most medical records are electronic now. This information included that could identify the patient standing alone, combined with other information within a record, or any other identifying information available to the requester. This is a standard 10300044.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 that brings into alignment with other medical facilities, not just our public facilities. So, I request your support." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "He indicates he will."
"Leader, the purpose of this Bill is to bring our FOIA law in compliance with HIPPA or… or privacy for health records. Is that correct?"
"Yeah. And not… and that. And also, just parity amongst our hospitals."
"Our analysis shows that the ACLU is opposed. Do you know the nature of their opposition?"
"We've had a lot of discussions. I think you get to a point where people are just fundamentally opposed to the action or used to what's been going on. I think it's… the proponents would say that it's time to protect all private information. Of course, still allowing the ACLU to do their thing and get access to information is very important, but we must, you know, protect personal, private information."
"Thank you."
"Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The question… Leader Evans to close."
"I request your support." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1670 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is 10300044.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1879, Leader Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1879, a Bill for an Act concerning utilities. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1879, a Bill for an Act concerning utilities. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Evans is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and the great Members of this Assembly. Senate Bill 1879 is an initiative from the Illinois Competitive Energy Association and the Retail Energy Supply Association. It's an agreed Bill with the Attorney General's Office, Ameren, ComEd, and the supplier associations. It allows for alternative retail suppliers to access information. And of course, with regards to cost recovery, which was an issue, there is no ratepayer liability, which was worked out in the Senate, on page 14, line 7. Lines 18 and 19 made it crystal clear that this information will be obtained with… by the (unintelligible) at no cost to the ratepayers. But hopefully, they can receive this information and service customers better. I request your support." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I… I wanted to say that the Sponsor and everybody involved worked all the… all the bugs out. This came through committee a little bit earlier in the year, and there were a number of issues 10300044.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 of… of disagreement, and they were able to work them out. And I urge an… a 'yes' vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Evans to close."
"Thank you, and request your support." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1879 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Evans back in the Chair."
"We're going to be moving to Senate Bills-Third Reading. At the bottom of page 4, we have Senate Bill 46, Representative Chung. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 46, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 46 creates the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission. It's an economic development initiative that encompasses 10 counties, 5 state ports, and 3 regional planning agencies. By giving this federal designation as a U.S. Principal Port, it will allow for greater federal funding opportunities. It is supported by many groups in agriculture and industry. It passed out of the Senate unanimously and out of committee unanimously. And I know of no opposition to it, and we have bipartisan support as well. And I ask for your 'aye' vote today." 10300044.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 46 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 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 63, Representative Moylan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 63, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Moylan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 63, I want to note for the record that nothing in this Bill shall be construed to limit or preempt a Home Rule unit's authority to establish, change, or administer local regulations related to the existing, legally permitted signs or proposed upgrades to a multiple message sign with a digital display. And I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. The… the reason behind this Bill comes from the Outdoor Advertising Association of Illinois. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir." 10300044.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"And were they having concerns with the application process that currently exists?"
"Yes, Sir. They did. But I made sure that they had to apply by every applicable law, and that's why I made sure that I had this note that I had to read into the record. Because we want to make sure that they apply and… all intended laws."
"And this is intended to streamline that process?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you."
"Representative Moylan to close."
"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 63 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 104 voting 'yes', 8 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 273, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 273, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Walsh is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 273 would allow for mobile safety testing companies to perform IDOT inspections. There is an 10300044.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 application fee that's adjusted for this and also a bond adjustment for companies that do this. Currently, to have a vehicle safety tested you have to go to a brick-and-mortar facility. This would allow municipalities to have mobile testing to expedite this process. Happy to answer any questions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"You mentioned that there… I believe you called it a fee adjustment in this Bill. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"And the fee goes from the current law of $10 to $50…"
"That is correct."
"…for the application?"
"And then the bonding would go from 1 thousand to 10 thousand."
"All right. Thank you."
"Representative Walsh to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 273 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 77 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 505, Leader Lisa Hernandez. Out of the record. 10300044.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Senate Bill 805, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 805…"
"Out of the record. Out of the record. Senate Bill 836, Leader Manley. Out of the record. Senate Bill 855, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 855, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 855 expands the investigative powers of our DHS Inspector General related to allegations of resident abuse and neglect of people that reside at our state mental health developmental centers, our CILAs, and our day training sites. So, this is related to our facilities that are both state operated and staffed by AFSCME workers, but also our nonprofits. In short, this Bill gives the DHS Inspector General a mechanism to hold workers at all the facilities mentioned above accountable for witnessing abuse and neglect and then materially obstructing an investigation. So, today the IG only has powers to hold accountable the worker that commits the abuse and neglect. And after an investigation is substantiated, that worker might end up on our health care registry. But with this Bill, a worker that witnesses that abuse and neglect and materially obstructs an investigation could also be placed on that health care registry. So, the intent of this Bill is to break up the code of silence that the OIG encounters at times around the state, both at our state-operated developmental centers but also at our CILAs. And at the end of the day, the code of 10300044.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 silence that does exist puts our most vulnerable at continued risk, but it also creates a really harmful workplace. It's traumatic for workers to go to work every day in a place that is harboring a code of silence. That's the basics behind this Bill, and I'm happy to answer to any questions."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Meier is recognized."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"I want to thank her for working on this Bill. This Bill gets us a long way. We still have progress to be made, but it gets a lot closer to it. And it's a great Bill, and I hope everybody votes 'yes' on it. Thank you."
"Representative LaPointe to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank all of my chief cosponsors and Sponsors on this Bill. As I think many of us know, this is a response to the devastating coverage that we saw in the media this summer, but it's reflective of behavior that's been going on for decades. This is not going to solve the whole problem, but it's a really important step to create safer workplaces and safer places for our Illinoisans with developmentally… excuse me, developmental disabilities to live their lives. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 855 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 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the 10300044.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 1251, Representative Mayfield. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1251, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mayfield is recognized."
"Thank you so much. Senate Bill 1251 creates the Donald (DJ) Stallworth Act. On May 16, 2022, Donald Stallworth, III, who friends and family lovingly call DJ, was riding his motorcycle when he was tragically killed by a speeding ambulance. Ambulances are supposed to activate both lights and sirens when going to or from an emergency so that pedestrians and other motorists are warned of their approach. But the ambulance which killed DJ reportedly activated only its lights, neglecting to use its sirens. Without the ability to hear it coming, DJ Stallworth had no chance. By the time he saw the ambulance, it was already too late. According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, 662 people were killed in crashes involved… involving an ambulance between 1992 and 2011. Of these, around 75 percent were either pedestrians or occupants of another vehicle while driving during the same period. Over 10 thousand people were injured in such crashes, with over half of these occupants being occupants of other vehicles. Relying on the ambulance companies and paramedics to self-regulate has not worked. That is why I'm proud to act as chief House Sponsor of Senate Bill 1251, the Donald (DJ) Stallworth Act, introduced by our friend and colleague, Senator Adriane 10300044.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Johnson. This Bill will change the law so that ambulances must have both lights and sirens activated in order to legally run a red light. And that when they do so, may only do so after slowing down to ensure that it is safe to proceed. It also tightens rules to require documentation of proper training before any person may operate an ambulance or other rescue vehicle. This Bill passed out of the Senate without opposition. It passed out of the committee, House committee, without opposition. As amended, it is supported by the Illinois Association of Fire Departments, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. I believe this Bill will make Illinois families and communities safer, and I ask for your support."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Yes. Thank you. Just for some points of clarification, this regulation would apply to a driver of an ambulance or rescue vehicle. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. That is correct."
"And is there a definition of rescue vehicle in the statute?"
"I believe… I'm not sure."
"Is it… does it include or cover police vehicles, police squad cars?"
"No. This… it does not conclude police officers at this time, no. That would be a separate Bill. I'd be happy be sign on if you do that. But this Bill is specifically for our ambulance carriers." 10300044.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"And the application is, when they are proceeding through traffic control devices, they must have lights and sirens operating to go through those?"
"If they're going to run a red light, yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Rita to close."
"I ask for your support."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1251 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 112 voting 'yes', 1 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 1 for Senate Bill 2354, Floor Amendment(s) 1 for House Joint Resolution 31; and approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 219 and House Bill 301."
"Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 1298, Representative Johnson. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1367, Representative Jiménez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1367, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Jiménez is recognized." 10300044.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Jiménez: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present SB1367. The Bill requires that every housing authority organized under the Housing Authorities Act collect data on the number of vacant rental units within each household. Along with criminal record information, which is already collected, the housing information must be reported to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and reported to the General Assembly annually. This Bill was created to… to set a uniform admission criteria for more than a hundred public housing authorities. And this Bill would make sure that existing law can conserve the purpose for which it was unanimously passed by creating opportunities, stability, and safety for tens of thousands of people who can use this critical public service."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. So, just so I understand a couple things the Bill does, is it requires collection of the number of vacant rental units with each housing… within each housing project operated by the housing authority and information on whether each waiting list maintained by the housing authority is open or closed?" Jiménez: "Yes."
"Is that accurate? But part of this involves sharing of information with ICJIA, the Criminal Justice Information Authority. What is the purpose of sharing information with ICJIA?" Jiménez: "The purpose is so that we can better assess the information and use it for future policymaking decisions." 10300044.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"And it's… is that related to the criminal history piece that you mentioned as part of the Bill? Or is that separate?" Jiménez: "Is… can you repeat that?"
"In your presentation, did… you referenced that there is information regarding an applicant's criminal background. Is that the reason ICJIA is being involved? Or is that separate?" Jiménez: "Yes. That is correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Jiménez to close." Jiménez: "I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1367 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 93 voting 'yes', 17 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. At the bottom of page 5, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1402, Representative LaPointe. Out of the record. Representative Walker, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"I… I would like to be recorded as intending to vote 'yes' on Senate Bill 1251."
"The record will reflect your request. Moving forward to page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 1495, Representative Jones, 10300044.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 presented by Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1495, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a initiative that addresses some cleanup with our public adjuster laws for the Department of Insurance. This is something that was negotiated with the Department of Insurance and the public adjusters. This is going to provide additional protections for consumers. And urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"I just rise to thank the Sponsor… to the Bill… at working with the Department and making sure that our… our consumers are protected, especially in those low-dollar claims that they're experiencing so that they're not taken advantage of. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1495 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 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1526, Representative Norma Hernandez. Representative Norma Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300044.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 1526, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hernandez is recognized." Hernandez, N.: "Thank you, Chair. To the Bill. I'm sorry, one second. Okay. Today, I'm… I'm here to get… well, it's for SB1526. This Bill requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a mobile app to provide motorists with accurate and up-to-date information on road conditions, including, but not limited to, accidents, construction, lane closures, delays, weather conditions, and other pertinent information. Currently, there are no such apps available for… from an official source and the only way for motorists to get real time updates on road conditions is via private third- party apps which provide information that may not always be accurate. This Bill would directly benefit every Illinois motorist on a daily basis and passed by the Senate by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Marron is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Representative, first of all, I want to say that I love your idea. I'm an app guy, and apps make life easier. And as somebody that travels a lot, I love, love the concept of the Bill. And so… and that was one of the reasons why I supported it in committee and we let it go on leave. Since then, we got a cost analysis from IDOT, and the cost of the… of the development of the app and the maintenance of the app was a little… a little more than we expected. And so, that gives me a little pause. I think the… the analysis on the cost was about 2 and half million dollars to develop it and then a reoccurring cost of about 10300044.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 $700 thousand a year. So, with that in… in mind, I won't be supportive today and… and would probably encourage our side not to, just on the cost. But if the costs come down, I love your idea. I think it's a great concept and a… a great idea for a Bill. Thank you."
"Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Senate Bill 1526 is a commonsense piece of legislation that I appreciate Representative Hernandez for bringing this forward. I've been on a highway during winter storms of which all of access points to tell you what's ahead of you are not available. This is a commonsense piece of legislation, and I encourage IDOT to recruit an intern from the many public universities that we have that build apps every single day and to use the internship program, give opportunities to students to help State Government. And this is a really wonderful way to do it. So, I don't believe that it will cost them millions of dollars. It'll cost them a little effort for them to recruit a student who's in engineering, who's in computer science in order to create this app and to maintain it if they want to do that. I think this is a very good piece of legislation, and it's in the public interest for them to have immediate access to road conditions. And so, I urge an 'aye' vote for this Bill."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative, and I… I do appreciate where this is coming from. But I do have a… a handful of 10300044.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 concerns on this. Are you familiar with the Getting Around website that the Department of Transportation maintains?" Hernandez, N.: "Can you repeat that again? I'm sorry."
"Are you familiar with the website where, Getting Around, all the information is maintained?" Hernandez, N.: "I am, yes. I have a…"
"Okay. So, they… they do post information. And… and as I'm thinking about what I'm reading in the analysis, and please correct me if I'm wrong, this would be something that you would want them to create, like a Google Map. Is that…" Hernandez, N.: "Yes, like a mobile… mobile app."
"Okay. So, a couple concerns I have on that. First, I think both Google and Apple and TomTom and all these other vendors do an amazing job of integrating that into our current mapping technology. And here we're asking the Department to create a wheel that arguably won't have the same backbone that these innovative, cutting-edge companies are able to offer. So, my… my first concern is that we're putting them up to fail, and we're not going to have an app that anybody's going to utilize. Not because it won't be valuable, but because the other information is… is out there. So, the first point I would like to make is, I would actually encourage the department to visit with any of those online vendors about doing some sort of plug-in or… or tying to that. The second and more critical, as I look at some of the other government websites that have been created, and while two point something million dollars seems like a lot of money, it's very nominal for something that's going to be this integrated and arguably this incomplete with the information, is that we are putting 10300044.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 people at a safety risk. Right? We're… we're basically encouraging people, despite the laws that we've passed over the last five years, to be referring to their mobile device to see where road conditions are, while these other apps that we spoke about earlier integrate with CarPlay and Apple Play while it's on your dashboard. So, I… I appreciate the idea. I love the idea of us being more innovative. I think we're going about it the wrong way and spending taxpayer dollars in the wrong way. And I think safety will be a big concern as we look through that lens. I'm happy to work with you on an alternative solution as we get to next spring, but I will be voting 'no'. Thank you."
"Representative Rashid is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. First of all, Representative Hernandez, thank you so much for bring this piece of legislation. I echo Representative Ammons' sentiments. This does not need to cost 2 and a half million dollars to build or over $700 thousand to maintain. This can be done for much cheaper, and I urge IDOT to find ways to build an app like this to… to help the residents of our state. I do urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Halbrook is recognized."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and to the Bill. My understand is the current IDOT website is mobile friendly. They've got some road closure information and things on it. I think the information is being asked for is, like, already available. And, you know, we've literally heard every agency come before us in appropriations asking for hundreds of millions of dollars in badly needed tech upgrades, IT 10300044.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 upgrades. I think this a waste of money and time. And I would urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Hernandez to close." Hernandez, N.: "Yes, thank you. I… I do believe that this is a really great opportunity for us to get reliable information through the actual source, from the Department of Transportation. And I do encourage and agree with the idea of having students have… have this be part of a platform where students can learn and grow with this. So, I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"On this question, there are… the question is, 'Shall House… shall Senate Bill 1526 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 69 voting 'yes', 40 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 6 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1543, Leader Rita. Out of the record. We have Senate Bill 1560, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1560, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Walsh is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 1516 (sic-1560) is a long overdue update to the Illinois Timber Buyers Licensing Act. It seeks to better regulate the industry, support the department's work 10300044.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 in both landowners and the valuable resource. There is some fiscal impact to this. This Bill has not been updated since the 1980s, so the fees, licensure fees, will be… they're currently $25. They're going to $125 for residents of the state… or… yeah, and then 300 for nonresidents. The background of this, the… the department and this industry, through their… their advocacy group, agreed to update and modernize this statute. And the Bill's final language is a product of negotiations between IDNR and the Illinois Forestry Development Council. Be happy to answer any questions and ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Meier is recognized."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"First off, I want to thank Representative Walsh for holding this in committee for a week while we worked with different timber buyers from down in Southern Illinois. I live in the largest hardwood forest in the State of Illinois right now. So, we had some concerns. We talked with the buyers, we worked things out. We worked with IDNR. I just want to make sure if you remember, as I did, the age of 18 does not limit a… a family business from having their… their family members below the age of 18 helping with this? It's just the buyer himself?"
"That is correct."
"Okay. And the four percent tax that the landowner pays, we will try to make sure that does not get raided anymore and go into other funds, but that will be used in research funds?" 10300044.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Representative, I totally agree with you, and I have not been a fan of budget sweeps in the past. And, hopefully, if we are prudent in our budget making, we won't have to do it in the future."
"Okay. And we talked about using the SIU school at Carbondale for some of the research to try to see what is killing our large oak forests in Southern Illinois, correct?"
"That is correct. And that is the goal of the department to try to replenish these hardwoods as they're being used and taken off of the land."
"So, none of my timber buyers were opposed to raising the rate, just bringing it up to a little bit higher, as long as we're going to try to protect the funds, not let them be raided by any Governor, no matter what party it is. And so, I encourage a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Halbrook is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question of the Sponsor, please."
"Sponsor will yield."
"So, Representative, there's a… the four percent tax, is that an increase over what it was before? And what was it before?"
"Let me check quick 'cause I'm not quite sure on that. Representative, I believe it has been updated, but I don't know what it was before."
"That's okay. It's just an increase. And there's some other fees that have also increased? You… again, it's loud in here, and you may have spoke to this, so I apologize. I just 10300044.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 want to kind of go through these fees increases, just to be sure of what we've got here."
"Is that a question?"
"Yes. What… what is the additional fee increases? Is… is there additional fees increases, or is just the timber buyer… timber buyers tax that was increased?"
"It's… it's the licensure fee for the timber industry. And for residents, it's going from 25 per year to 125. And it's going to go to 300 for nonresidents. That's just the licensure fee, and it has not been updated since the 19… early 1980s. So…"
"Right."
"…it's almost 40… 30, 40 years old."
"Okay. And then I… it looks like there's a bonding number here. Is that an increase in their bonding…"
"Correct."
"…rate?"
"Currently, they… they have to hold a bond for $1 thousand. And that is going to be increased to $10 thousand."
"So, what… what was driving these changes? Was this DNR or the timber sellers, the timber buyers? What was driving…"
"It… it was a combination of both. The industry is looking for the department to be more active within the use of the timbers within the State of Illinois. And over the last, I would say, multiple decades, that that's one of the places within the DNR that, let's just say, they have been less than stellar. And they're looking to get that back on track to where it's a productive part of the agency." 10300044.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Okay. And… and the final question. Again, I'm just kind of concerned about the number of 'no' votes that was in the Senate, and nothing's changed since it came over from the Senate. And I was just kind of curious if you had spoken to any of the 'no' votes in the Senate to see what their concerns might be about this."
"I did not ask anybody in the Senate what their 'no' votes were."
"Okay. Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your answers to the questions."
"Representative Hammond is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Walsh, I think that Representative Costa Howard and I would both agree that you seem to be presenting this cool as a cucumber and you've obviously done a lot of work on this Bill and the timber industry. And I would just, at this point, like to know if you could answer the question, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"
"A good tongue twister."
"Thank you."
"Walsh to close."
"I like the woodchucks, thanks. And please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1560 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 81 voting 'yes', 29 voting 10300044.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1774, Representative Lilly. Representative Lilly. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1774, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Lilly is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB1774 will amend the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program Act to allow for independent third parties to cover ancillary costs for qualifying patients in all clinical trials in Illinois. Currently, only qualified patients involved in the clinical trial for the cancer (unintelligible) in Illinois costs are reimbursable. People may experience the same disease differences. Races, ethnicities, age, sex can all impact how different people respond to some… the same medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. This effort is important for the health and wellness of all. This is why diversity among clinical trials and participation is so important. Fifty percent of clinical trials in Illinois are for conditions unrelated to cancer, like diabetes, sickle cell, heart disease, mental health, and rare diseases. Tens of thousands of patients participating in clinical trials do not have the opportunity for ancillary costs to be reimbursed. A study found that patients enrolled in clinical trials spend more than $600 per month to pay for additional costs of travel and lodging. Patients needing to travel from outside of the region spend more than $900. SB1774 will reduce the financial burden for all qualified patients participating in clinical trials 10300044.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 in Illinois. This measure was passed unanimously in the Senate and is an agreed Bill on the agreed Bill list. Yes is the answer for SB1774. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1774 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1790, Representative Davidsmeyer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1790, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is just an update to… that changes a few things with the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. There's a task force that hasn't had any members appointed to it in multiple decades, and it's… it's getting rid of that and a couple of other things. Since COGFA has been reformed and… and other legislative research unit and things like that have been added to it, as a co-chair, I'm happy to join my co-chair on the other side, Senator Koehler, to make these changes."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1790 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 10300044.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1794, Leader Ortiz. Leader Ortiz. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1814, Representative Avelar. Representative Avelar. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1835, Leader Smith. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1835, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Smith is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1835 amends the State Treasurer Act to allow ATM providers, in addition to financial institutions, to provide ATM services at state facilities. The money received from this program will be deposited into the State Treasurer's Bank Services Fund… Trust Fund, I'm sorry, and dissolves the underutilized Rental Fee Fund. There's no opposition. I encourage your support."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1835 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the top of page 7, Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1924, Representative Yednock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1924, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300044.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Representative Yednock is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB1924 allows employees of the Regional Offices of Education to do things like claim unpaid sick time, equalizes pay for regional superintendents, and changes some of the requirements. It's an omnibus Bill for the Regional Office of Education. I'm happy to take any questions, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, just to be clear on this Bill, this Bill is a salary increase for school administrators, correct?"
"For 9 out of 38, yes. It would put them in parity with the other 29."
"Okay. This… explain to me how a regional superintendent gets… gets their job."
"Well, they have to be elected. But there's 38 regional superintendents. They all have about similar territories, and they have absolutely the same responsibilities. They get elected. And so, you get to vote on them every four years."
"So, not only is this a salary increase for school administrators, it is a salary increase for school administrators that are also elected officials."
"Yes."
"Would this add to our overwhelming pension liability in this state?" 10300044.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Actually, no. This is… in part of this Bill, you'll see there's a State Mandates Act that says that the state that is our Body and some of general funds would not be used for this. The employer and the employee has to pick up the normal cost of anything different. I think it's going to be a total of about a… less than 100 or right around 100 thousand dollars a year in additions that come from Personal Property Replacement Tax."
"Where do Personal Property Replacement Taxes come from?"
"They come from the corporate… once we… we took some of the property tax… some of the liabilities away from, you know, big corporate entities, your… obviously, your capital, other things comes from businesses and other entities in everyone's district."
"So, it's a salary increase for elected officials. It's a tax increase for industry that is already beleaguered in this state."
"It's not a tax increase. It comes out of the same pot that's already there."
"Well, somebody is paying for it. This stuff doesn't just… money doesn't grow… grow on trees and this stuff doesn't happen in a… in a vacuum. That's something that… that we ought to think about in this state. But… are there any shortage of people running for these regional superintendent jobs?"
"This isn't an election Bill."
"Okay. Thank you for your answers. I'll just quickly go to the Bill. You know, I sit on Education-Appropriations in… in this General Assembly and we all are talking about how education is underfunded and we need to divert money to the 10300044.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 classrooms. Administrative salaries in this state over the last generation have far outpaced the salary raises for anybody else with… with a system that is actually… has less students than it had a one time. We need to be working on things that prioritize the… the classroom, teachers, accountability, doing the right things in this state. Giving a administrative salary increase at this point in time is not the… not the right direction to go. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, there was… has been a concern that I've heard expressed, and I'd like you to address it if you could, the removal of the prohibition on regional superintendents having another profession or outside employment. Why was that change made?"
"The… the best I can tell you, Representative, is that it's a historical factor. They did the research and found out this was put in, you know, a century ago or something. At some point, we had county superintendents, and I… I guess all we can reason is, at the time, they didn't want them having another job for whatever reason. I can't say that this is going to have a bunch of other people go out and do other jobs because I think they are pretty fairly compensated and their duties are… are pretty, you know, important, what they do. However, if someone was to, say, you know, go work for a nonprofit or something in their other time, this could potentially hurt them. They could be in violation of the law 10300044.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 unless we did this. So, it's just a historical fact that we really can't discern why it's in there."
"Just kind of a follow-up question on that. Is there anything in the law that would prohibit a regional superintendent from also serving as a superintendent of a local school district at the same time if this prohibition is removed?"
"I really don't know that. I'm sorry."
"That's all right. I've heard the justification for the removal being some regional superintendents are farmers or may own a small business… or want to own a small business. I can potentially understand that. But I… I think the greater concern is regional superintendents may use this removal as a way to have other education-related jobs that may be in conflict with this position. Thank you."
"Talking with the Regional Office of Education people, I don't think that would be the intent here. But I… I will acknowledge that I do not have that answer. But I would try to get it for you."
"Representative Frese is recognized. Randy Frese."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I think you said in some of your opening remarks on this Bill that there are 29 that are currently being paid at a higher level and this would affect the other nine?"
"I… I think I was off by one. So, what I'll tell you is that there are nine ROEs that would be affected by this. 10300044.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 There's three tiers. This puts them all into the middle tier. There are 9 that are paid less than the rest of the 38."
"How did that come about?"
"Again, we… we believe it was probably just because they used to be county superintendents. It was part of the statute from many years ago. I think downstate was… they almost did it tiers by parts of the state, the way I remember the… the research on this. So, the northern part of the state, bigger counties got a bigger… got a bigger amount of pay. Middle… or population counties got a middle ground. And then lower population counties had lower. However, we regionalized this, and they all have the same duties. That's why it's changing."
"Was there a… when we regionalized this, was there an oversight? Was… was there a mistake made that all were not included? Or was there a reason established at that time that it should be split this way? Do you know?"
"It… what I have in my notes is that the salary schedule varied depending on the population of the county at the time."
"At the time?"
"At the time."
"But again, what you mentioned when you… your opening statements on this Bill were that they all have the same duties, they all do the same job."
"Yes. They all have… under the statute, because they're Regional Office of Education and they cover all our public schools, they have many different duties. But they all have to do the same duty. They are regional superintendents for the state."
"And the regions are all similar in size population wise?" 10300044.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"I can't really say about population."
"Okay."
"It could still vary by population, but they all have the same duties. So, whether you have a smaller population or, you know, a larger population, you still have all the same functions… all the ROEs have the same functions."
"And you also mentioned that this is estimated to… was there… there's 9 of them, about $10 thousand a year extra. What do they currently make? Do you know? Is this a sizable raise?"
"Yeah, actually, what I remember, or what I have here, is that it would be in total about 100 thousand more dollars a year. 'Cause some of them are actually going to be lowered, I believe."
"So, an additional $11 thousand per. And do you know what they currently make?"
"Yep. Yep. No, I'd have to pull it up on the…"
"So, they… they currently make 127. This would take them to 138?"
"That could be the top tier. I'm not sure."
"No, they're at 122. Okay. It would take them to 127. Okay. Does that… does that sound right, Representative? They're currently at 122, and they would go to 127? So, it's about a five…"
"Is that… are you looking at the middle tier or the top tier?"
"I'm looking at the middle tier, is 127,900."
"That could be… well, that's where they'll end up then."
"Okay. That's all the questions I have. Thank you." 10300044.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Yes, Sir."
"Representative McLaughlin is recognized."
"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, quick question. And the regional superintendents… and for years this has bothered me. Just in a quick summary, what is their job role and responsibly? Just quick summary."
"There's a lot of retraining. They… they send… handle all the administrative work. They do retraining programs. They administer Safe Schools or other… other programs outside the regular schools. I mean, there's a bunch of duties. I don't have them all listed, but I visited with one of them. So, there's a lot of extra administrative duties that they take off the school districts."
"Yeah, I appreciate that."
"Reporting is part of it and watching budgets."
"I… I appreciate that and that wasn't to put you on the spot. I've actually for years often wondered when we elected and appoint these individuals. You are aware we have over 862 superintendents in the State of Illinois, and if we add these 30 in, it's almost 900? For how many counties, again, in Illinois? I can't remember. Is that 102?"
"Your math is correct on the number of counties."
"Counties?"
"I don't if that 800 number, or whatever you put in there, also includes the regional superintendents. I don't know that." 10300044.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"So, to the Bill, Mr. Speaker. And again, this is nothing against the Sponsor. But I think we need to, once again, recognize the State of Florida, with about 8 million more people, have 74 school superintendents. So, in this Body, when we end up wondering why we're so behind and not competitive with states around the country, perhaps it's an overabundance of superintendents. And to Representative Wilhour's comments, perhaps we should be spending more money on classrooms and less money on administration. So, to the Bill. I believe this is one of the biggest problems in the State of Illinois. We have more administrators taking care of less students than surrounding states. And let's pay the teachers. And with the influx we're about to receive of migrants, we're going to need that money more than ever. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Yednock to close."
"I appreciate the debate, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1924 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 77 voting 'yes', 33 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1963… excuse me, Senate Bill 1988, Leader Burke. Leader Burke. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2013, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2013, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300044.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Back in May of 2021, in my district, we had an unseasonable… unseasonably early heat wave where temperatures were in the 90s in May. And on an afternoon, I was called by Alderwoman Maria Hadden and alerted to a tragedy in progress. At that time, she told me that one woman had been found dead in her bed due to the excessive heat in the building. I quickly ran over there to help her do well-being checks. By the end of the day, three women, Gwendolyn Osborne, Janice Reed, and Delores McNeely, died in the 103-degree heat of their apartment. For the entire week preceding this… this tragedy, Alderwoman Hadden pleaded with the building management to switch over from heating to cooling. And it was too much trouble for the… for the building managers. We spent close to 12 hours at the building, first doing well-being checks, then comforting people who had lost their friends and neighbors, then comforting the families of these women. Alderwoman Hadden made a change to the city's heating and cooling ordinance, But that's not quite enough. Our state funds these buildings. Our state helps put these affordable housing buildings into place. Under Senate Bill 2013, any residential building financed through our Housing Development Authority must meet a minimum standard of living requirement that includes giving control over the unit temperature to the resident so that, under these circumstances, I don't have to spend a day like that ever again, and I hope none of you ever do either. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized." 10300044.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. These provisions will… or will these provisions only apply to housing under the Illinois Affordable Housing Program?"
"Yes."
"Our analysis shows that the Illinois REALTORS are… were monitoring the Bill. Did they ever express to you a position on the Bill, one way or the other?"
"No, they did not."
"Regarding enforcement, it doesn't appear to be in the Bill. There is a penalty provision for failure to comply in the Bill."
"In order in receive funding, you have to maintain compliance."
"So, that will be how compliance is enforced?"
"Yeah."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Representative, thank you for bringing this. I… I had a couple conversations with the Attorney General's Office on a similar piece of legislation that they were floating. And one of the issues that we discovered, as we were talking about this, really dealt with the vast majority of the problems in this space seem to be coming out of multi-story, multi-tenant dwellings and not necessarily the single-family or two-family 10300044.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 type housing stock. Can you help me understand if there's any difference or variance in how those multi-story structures are treated versus single-family?"
"Most of these projects are multi-story projects."
"Okay. And does your Bill differentiate or speak to either side?"
"It… it only speaks to the projects themself… that any project funded needs to have this capacity to control the temperature."
"Okay."
"So, I… I don't believe that IHDA actually funds single- family home construction much, if at all, in this… in this affordable housing space."
"Okay. So, it wouldn't be the intention necessarily to regulate a single-family dwelling under this law?"
"With the exception of the reality that windows need to open and that sort of thing. But those are normal building code things."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Cassidy to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2013 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 98 voting 'yes', 13 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2014, Leader Buckner. Leader Buckner. Out of the 10300044.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 record. Senate Bill 2028, Representative Stuart. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2034, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2034, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2034 creates the Zachary's Parent Protection Act, which would provide unpaid but job-protected leave to parents of children who died by suicide or homicide. For parents working at employers with 50-249 employees, they get 6 weeks of leave in a year. And parents working of… for employers with 250 or more are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid leave within that year. Please allow me to show you… help clarify why we are here today on this Bill. Laura Kane from Marshmallow's HOPE is a constituent of mine who turned friend while we dealt with this process. Her son, Zachary Birkholz, in 2018, lost his life to suicide. It was during the time she just found the job that she wanted to make her career. She was ready to… to find this job and stay there until retirement. But out of nowhere, unfortunately, her other children found their big brother in his room. And so, as a mom, as a parent, we can only imagine. I would never wish that on any of us, any of us. But you can only imagine. My other children find their big brother. I have to be there for them. And while she was going through the process of her grief, that job that she had, that she was ready to retire from, fired her because she was still in the probational… probationary phase of her job. And so, while grieving the loss of her son, she lost the job as well. And 10300044.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 so, that's what… where this Bill is birthed. Zachary… we lovingly called this Bill Zachary's Parent Protection Act. His mom, Laura Kane, she told me that he was compassionate, he was selfless, he was loving, and he was dealing with mental health issues. This Bill, I see… I know of no opposition. The Department of Labor is neutral. Chicago Chamber of Commerce is neutral. Illinois Manufacturers' Association is neutral. CMS is neutral. AFSCME is a proponent. Please, for the sake of parents in the future… and I'm hoping it's few and far between, but such is life. We all know it's not. But this Bill will support parents who may unfortunately lose their child to homicide or suicide, to ensure that, while they grieve, their job would be for them when they come back. I ask for a favorable roll call, and I'll entertain any questions you may have."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I wanted to thank you for bringing this Bill forward and your presentation. I do have a couple questions. Of course, first, we all hope and pray that this is never utilized in our state. But we… unfortunately, we know that there will be circumstances where it is. There have been a couple issues that I've heard raised, and I just wanted to give you the opportunity to address those before we vote."
"All right."
"The first regards the classification of employees… employers, rather, having certain number of employees. The… 10300044.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 the first threshold is those over 50 employees, 50 to 250. Do have that correct?"
"Yes. Correct, 50 to 249."
"Two forty-nine?"
"Yes, Sir."
"So, under 50, those employers with under 50 employees, this does not apply to them?"
"Correct."
"All right. So, we… we start 50 to 249. What is the amount of time that is allowed?"
"Six weeks of unpaid leave taken within that year of when the incident happens."
"And then for those employers that have 250 and above?"
"Twelve weeks."
"Twelve weeks. And why is there a difference in those two numbers? Was that an accommodation made to smaller businesses?"
"Pretty much trying to be supportive to our smaller businesses as well. You… normally, when you are 250 or more, that means your revenue stream is a little bit… is a little bit deeper than those who are smaller. So, it's just our way of being cognizant of that."
"And I guess… I'm assuming that larger employers have more resources, as you said, but also more of a capacity to handle…"
"Correct."
"…people who are off work?"
"Correct. Yes, Sir." 10300044.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Now, with regard to how the time is taken, my understanding is that it doesn't need to be taken all at once. It can be taken in increments. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir. It can be taken within increments, but within the year… within the one-year time."
"And what was the reasoning for allowing it to be taken in increments rather than all at… in one lump?"
"Based on my conversation with Laura Kane, my constituent who brought this Bill forward, the grieving process when you lose a… a child in that way, and I was… I can confidently say when we lose anyone as a loved one, there's day… there's ups, there's downs, highs and lows to the grieving process, and we want to ensure that their performance is up… is still adequate at their job. So, if they need to take a mental health day… or that time to go back into the grieving of their… of their child, they can do that, but within that one-year time."
"And this is unpaid leave. I believe you said that, just so… so we're clear on that?"
"Yes, unpaid leave."
"And are there any known opponents to the Bill?"
"Not that I know of."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, we discussed this a little bit in committee. And… and I don't think there's a person in this chamber that doesn't completely sympathize with people who have to go through this. And there's… there's always a 10300044.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 grieving process, and everyone handles it differently. But we keep asking our… our businesses to have to absorb things within this state. Do you know, by any chance, how many leave Bills we've passed through the House prior to this?"
"Not on the top of my head, Sir. But my priority at this moment is SB2034 and SB2034 only."
"Okay. We've… we've already done seven. And I… I wish that these had been brought to us as group so we could have considered them all together and looked at them at once and… and figured out a way to help all these individuals who… who need time when they are grieving but without just continually piling on and piling on. Because even though it is unpaid, and I appreciate that fact greatly, it… it does still have additional costs that are attached to it. So… so, thank you for answering my questions."
"Thank you."
"Representative West to close."
"Thank you all for indulging this debate and for your questions. Again, this is the legacy of Zachary. This is the legacy of his mother, Laura Kane. And the hope is that no other parent will have to deal with the loss of a child due to suicide and homicide. But unfortunately, we all know that that may be the case. But after you vote on today, those grieving parents will know that the State of Illinois will be there for them as they grieve the loss of their child. And I want to thank you in advance for your 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2034 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted 10300044.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 81 voting 'yes', 24 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2037, Representative Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2037, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2037 will create the Community Land Trust Task Force. Community land trusts are a vital tool for developing and growing communities. We're fortunate enough to have one in my district. It's called the Here to Stay Community Land Trust. These are novel economic development tools that ensure long-term affordability of homeownership in communities that are rapidly changing. Because these are still developing entities, some of our state's policies don't properly accommodate them. For instance, we learned recently that, at least up to now, the state's down payment assistance programs can't be applied to buyers who are buying through land trusts. So, we're working with IHDA to change those policies, and I really appreciate their hard work on that. But we understand that if we want to support and grow these community land trusts, we need a thorough look at our state's policies pertaining to housing to understand how the community land trust model will fit within those… those existing policies and what changes might need to be made. So, this Bill will convene a task force. The task force will study this issue and provide recommendations 10300044.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 to the General Assembly. I appreciate the Body's consideration, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, our analysis shows that the Housing Development Authority is neutral on the Bill. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that's my understanding."
"They had maybe expressed some issue with serving as the administrator for the task force and requested perhaps a university serve as administrator. Is that accurate?"
"That is. And we've worked with some university stakeholders. We've had some conversations about this Bill. And what they've said is that they have resources to support the administrative capacity of the Bill. And once the Bill passes, they'll be able to apply those resources. But they couldn't be named as the administrative entity on the Bill because they couldn’t dedicate those resources until the Bill became law."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Guzzardi to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2037 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed 'nay'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 96 voting 10300044.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 'yes', 14 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Keicher, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you could please excuse Representative Sosnowski for the remainder of the day."
"Continuing down page 7 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2039, Representative Syed. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2039, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Syed is recognized."
"Thank you, Chair. Senate Bill 2039 aims to ensure that all students with intellectual or… or developmental disabilities who have an IEP, as well as their parents or guardians, have the adequate information to sign up for the PUNS database. There is no known opposition on this Bill, and it passed out of committee unanimously. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, there was some concern expressed on our… by our side in committee regarding the removal of the provision that DHS shall consider the length of time spent on the PUNS waiting list, in addition to other factors considered, when selecting individuals on the list for services. Why was that change made in the law… in this Bill?" 10300044.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"The language simply was changed so that ISBE may work with DHS. So, it doesn’t necessarily mandate them to work with DHS in ensuring that students are informed about the database."
"Specifically though, relating to the provision regarding length of time on the waiting list, why was that provision removed?"
"Could you clarify which portion you're looking at? In the Amendment?"
"Give me just a moment, please. Our understanding is one of the considerations being removed is the length of time on the waiting list. That provision's being removed and that… I believe I may have been in the committee when that was heard. And if my understanding was correct about what DHS said, they referenced something about that is not something they use currently when making that consideration. Do you recall that?"
"Yes, I do."
"So, our side is concerned that that should be a provision that is considered. Why, then, would we remove that length of time consideration from the law?"
"I think that would require another piece of legislation to address that concern, as it's currently not in the process. So, therefore, we wanted to make sure it wasn't reflected in this Bill, as it's not… as we're not trying to create a new process through this legislation. Happy to work with you in the future on that."
"Our… the Bill shows that it… on page 6 that language is specifically stricken. I… I think the intent of the Bill 10300044.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 is good. I believe we're all supportive of it. Our concern is just removal of that language. Thank you."
"No, that sounds great. And I think… once again, I think we could use another piece of legislation to address that concern. It is currently not part of the process in the consideration… it's not in consideration. So, therefore, we removed it. It's not created. Rather, just adds some more information in student's IEP regarding how to enroll in a PUNS database."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"All right. Representative, thank you. If you… if you could help me, just… what's the origin of this landing as a piece of legislation that you're working on?"
"Yeah. So, this measure was originally called for by a mother with a child with developmental disabilities who had not been able to register her son for the PUNS list and wanted to make sure that the system was easier for students with disabilities to use in the future."
"Okay. Are you familiar at… at the extent of the backlog on the PUNS list that exists currently?"
"Yes, I am."
"Okay. What's your current time frame that you've been advised it is for somebody to get awarded at the end of the PUNS list?"
"I'm not exactly sure on what the current time frame is, but that doesn't necessarily mean we shouldn't add students who should be on the PUNS list to the PUNS list. It's 10300044.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 necessary that they have the adequate information to be on the PUNS list. And I would be more than happy to work with you on future legislation and make sure that more students and more people are able to actually get services and that support they need."
"Representative, I think you misunderstand. What I want to point out and illustrate through your Bill that I think is… is worthy is that our PUNS list, as I'm told by constituents of mine, we have folks that are now approaching seven years of waiting for assistance on the PUNS list. The adult with disabilities community had asked for additional resources at the end of last year and were denied, despite the fact that the state had additional references and resources to be able to support them. So, I certainly hope that your effort here is in alignment with making sure that the resources for our adults with disabilities are fully met, instead of being ignored time in and time out. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative Keicher. And I…"
"Representative Syed to close."
"I want to thank Representative Keicher for those words. I am fully in support with you. We need to be doing a lot more in our state to support our community and our friends and families with developmental disabilities and making that a priority in the budget process but also through legislation. That is exactly what this Bill does. So, I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2039 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 10300044.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2047, Representative Reick. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2047, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Reick is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 2047 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Revenue. And it is an attempt to bring Illinois law into conformity with federal statute regarding the pass-through of certain credits from pass-through entities like sub-S corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. It allows for pass-through of credits that are allowed on the federal level to state shareholders or partners, excuse me, in… in the same fashion. It's merely to conform Illinois to Federal Law on this one issue. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2047 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2057, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300044.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 2057, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 50… 2057 is an extension of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act. As we know, many of the practice professions under IDFPR are sunset at different times. This is an extension of that Act. It also updates and modernizes a variety of aspects of the Act and for those professions. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2057 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2059, Representative Kelly. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2059, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kelly is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2059, as amended, is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to extend the sunset for the Veterinary Medicine Surgery Practice Act of 2004 to make changes regarding information submitted in licensing and renewal applications submitted by the applicant and outlining certain standards for telehealth services provided by 10300044.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 veterinarians and veterinary techs. This Bill is effective upon coming law. It simply extends from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2029 a five-year extension. And I respectfully ask for a 'yes' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2059 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Scherer, for what reason do you seek recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I meant to vote 'yes' on the last Bill before that, Senate Bill 2057, but I hit my button and it didn't light up. I… I didn't notice that. If that could be…"
"The record will reflect your request. At the bottom of page 7, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2100, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2100, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Didech is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2100 is an initiative of the Illinois Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund. It makes a few minor revisions to the Illinois Pension Code concerning how oaths of office are taken, the exercise of the trustees' fiduciary duty in regards to travel, 10300044.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 reimbursements, and the manner of filling board vacancies. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2100 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to page 8 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2130, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2130, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Walsh is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 2130 just adds anesthesiologists into the definitions of eligible health care providers under the Underserved Health Care Provider Workforce Act. Happy to answer any questions. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Seeing no discussion, Senate… seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2130 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 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 8 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third 10300044.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Reading. We have Senate Bill 2134, Representative Ann Williams. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2134, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ann Williams is recognized." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill simply provides that the confidential intermediary program can be utilized for adoptees obtaining post-adoption information related to their birth placement and other historical information if the records are in the closed child welfare agencies. So, normally, you can access the records easily if… for open agencies. This just provides them to able to dig a little deeper and get the records if they're no longer available."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2134 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 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2146, Representative Yednock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2146, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Yednock is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 2146 is an initiative of the Comptroller's Office. It extends the sunset of the Crematory Regulation Act to January of 2029. And it requires refrigeration of bodies that cannot be cremated immediately, 10300044.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 while requiring continuing education for crematory operators, and it increases fees for certain crematories. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicated he will."
"Representative, there includes in the Bill a… a change to the application fee for licensure as a crematory authority. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"The current fee is $50, and that will move to $100?"
"That's correct."
"And what is the reason for that increase?"
"Well, I believe the ideas… or the thought is there's going to be a lot more unfortunate individuals that are deceased that are going to be asked to be cremated in the future. And so, they're going to have to build up their regulatory scheme, some people who do the inspections, the administrative part of it. It's to take care of the future needs."
"It also looks like the Bill provides that the Cemetery Consumer Protection Fund shall… shall be used to administer the Comptroller's program for the purpose of cleaning up abandoned or neglected cemeteries in Illinois. What is the reason for that included in this Bill?"
"Well, we were finding out there's a lot more abandoned cemeteries. We keep finding more and more, and we're having a hard time taking care of them. Many of our districts, I'm 10300044.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 sure like yours, just having hard time finding caretakers. So, it's to… to be able to keep taking care of our memorials."
"And is the… the fund able to… to provide for that… establish the fund?"
"Yeah, we think that'll… it'll be adequate now."
"Thank you."
"Representative Yednock to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2146 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 97 voting 'yes', 15 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2152, Representative Kifowit. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2152, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2152 is an initiative of the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. It authorizes the Treasurer to manage the proxy voting activity and execute proxy votes on behalf of SURS, TRS, and ISBI upon the three-fifths vote of each board. Establishes reporting requirements for the Treasurer relating to proxy voting records and each state pension system board regarding their consideration of sustainable investment 10300044.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 factors, proxy voting, corporate engagement, and stewardship activities."
Speaker Evans: "Seeing no… Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Representative, if you could explain, what is a reason or purpose behind this Bill and the law change?"
"Well, the… the purpose behind the Bill is simply that if three-fourths vote of the board believes that the Treasurer should manage the proxy voting activity on behalf of their board, in short, the proxy voting is when shareholders are able to vote on the direction or some of the initiatives of the stocks in the financial institutions that they hold. It's just if the board deems that the Treasurer would do a better job, and… and they look at him to do that with three-fourths vote. I do want to note that only a majority is needed to take back that authority, back to the board."
"So, instead of the… the board managing that voting activity, they give their proxy to the Treasurer to determine the voting. Is that…"
"Correct."
"…do I have that correct?"
"That's correct."
"So, that would potentially, at the discretion of the board, be giving more authority to the Treasurer in that circumstance?"
"Correct. So, the… the Treasurer would have more authority. However, the board can take back that authority. 10300044.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 So, you need a supermajority to give that authority but a simple majority to bring it back."
"Thank you."
"Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you. So, Representative, just… just to be clear, we're taking the… we're potentially taking the power away from this appointed board and giving it to an elected politician who is…"
"We’re not taking anything away from anybody. If the board decides to vote and three-fourths supermajority members of the board decides to vote to authorize the Treasurer to initiate the proxy voting on their behalf. That's the independent nature of the board. We’re not giving, mandating anything in this Bill."
"Yeah. To the Bill. Folks, this is not a… not a good idea. We… we all see what happens when… with investments in… in this state when it's subject to the, you know, comings and goings of the political winds of the… of the day. We have these… we have these independent boards for a reason. I would strongly encourage a 'no' vote."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative, for bringing this. I have… I have a couple concerns with trust in our Treasurer to do things because of the overreach that he's expressed during his tenure. And one of the concerns that I have here is, are 10300044.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 there any parameters around the discretion that the Treasurer has in casting those proxy votes?"
"It… it is up to the board. So, again, this… it's so the board…"
"I understand. But once that power of the board has been handed over to the Treasurer, are there any safeguards in place to be sure that the Treasurer is voting in the interest of those that are benefiting from the pension fund that he's casting the vote upon?"
"Yeah, I think that mandate would come from the board."
"Okay."
"The board will authorize the Treasurer in the manner which they deem fit. It's not the whole proxy universe. It really could potentially be, maybe, one investment or one portfolio or one stock that the investment board chooses the Treasurer to engage in. Or it could be zero. There could be zero proxies authorized by the board. It depends on, as the previous speaker said, the independent nature and the deliberations and the decisions on this independent board. So, there is a conceptual…"
"And I appreciate the independent board, but would… would…"
"…there is conceptual that the proxy… there would be no proxy authorization given to the Treasurer ever. That… that is… that is a realistic scenario as well."
"So, it's within the board's parameters, as they hand over this authority on behalf of those benefiting from the pension, that they will be able to put parameters around the 10300044.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 extent of the Treasurer's authority and what guidelines he needs to vote upon?
"Absolutely. And it's a supermajority of that board. So, it's not something that can be put into easily. I'm sure there'll be debate on these boards. It's a supermajority of the board that would authorize the Treasurer in a narrow capacity or the capacity of which they deemed in their authorization. And keep in mind that if something were to fall contrary and the board wants to take that back, it is a simple majority to take that back. So, there is an easier way to take it back than it is to authorize the Treasurer for this."
"Is there any recourse that the board has against the Treasurer for making decisions that are not in the approving financial situation of the pension? For example, if he decides on criteria other than earnings and company stability for some social or other issue, is there recourse that the board has against the Treasurer for holding that vote?"
"The board could take action if the Treasurer proxy votes outside the parameters of which they have authorized him to do. They… they have recourse to be able to do that. It's a contractual relationship. They are giving authorization to the Treasurer in the confines that they should. As with any individual that exercises authority outside of the authority given to them, the board will have recourse of their own discretion to go… to take in that event, should it happen."
"And this is limited to proxy voting, not investment decisions, correct?"
"Proxy voting." 10300044.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you."
"Which would… a proxy voting is… could be a statement. It could be anything that's beyond a shareholders that is for the whole company. So, the position of the proxy could be very small and… and not of a significant issue. It could be large. It… it all depends on the parameters that the board, the board, not the General Assembly, that the board, by three- fifths vote, gives to him."
"My concern is more out of the shown dispensation of the Treasurer to continue to assume more and greater power outside of what the Treasury Act allows. So, I thank you. I'm going to be voting 'no' on this today."
"Representative McLaughlin is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Representative, quick question. Are these boards compensated to do their fiduciary duties on behalf of the shareholders… or excuse me, on behalf of the participating members?"
"I don't believe that they're paid. I apologize for that. That's not really pertinent to the Bill at hand. So… but I don't…"
"No, and the… yeah."
"I apologize if that's… but I know that the boards have a responsibility to the members and a responsibility to those that are contributing to their… these different funds to… all aspects of the fund, not just this voting proximity. And if the board feels that, you know, the… the proxy should stay 10300044.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 with the board, it will stay will the board. It would not go to the Treasurer. This is not a mandate. This is something…"
"I… yeah."
"…that the board can consider."
"To… to the Bill, Mr. Speaker. Representative, in many instances, these appointments are compensated. Part of their job as a fiduciary is to make sure they're voting in best of interest of… of plan participants. Further, many agencies, many of our friends, AFL-CIO, retirement, AARP, they actually solicit support of investment guidelines specifically for proxy voting. And the reasons for that is to have influence upon whether management or labor will influence the direction of a corporation. To that, since many are compensated and since it's part of their job and their duty, they should be held responsible as individuals on these boards to make the best decisions possible for the plan beneficiaries and not allow my good friends at the AFL-CIO and others to influence a singular member, which would now be the Treasurer, to vote for proxies which will have an advantage either for or against management of companies. So, for that reason, I'll be voting 'no'. But I'll also be voting 'no' because I believe that it's inherent, the fiduciary responsibility, for a broader number of members to participate in substantive discussions so they can best represent the members in these plans. I love Mr. Frerichs. He's a very good friend. I also love Timmy Drea, a very good friend at the AFL-CIO. But I do believe with more scrutiny and more discussion comes better decision making. And for that reason, I will be voting a hardy 'no'. And I certainly 10300044.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 hope the other Members of this Body will consider what I said in that. We are a… 118 Members. I think we're better together, and I will quote Hillary Clinton on that, making decisions as a group, and so are these boards, and that's we have so many Members. So, thank you."
"Representative Kifowit to close."
"Thank you. I appreciate the debate. I got a text that on these boards, they're not compensated. So, I have a difference… different information than what the previous information said. To be succinct, the best decisions and the best interest of the participants is exactly what the boards are to do. If the board feels that handing and… and allowing the Treasurer to vote the proxies is not in the best interest or decisions of the participant, then I can surmise that three-fifths of the board would not authorize that action. What is happening here is just wordsmithing and it's… it's a little disingenuous. But I understand the concern, which is why this Bill was changed to allow the boards to act in the best interests of the participants, three-fifths vote of the board, a supermajority, a minority vote of the board to reverse that. So, therefore, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2152 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', 38 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, 10300044.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2195, Representative Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2195, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Members of the Body. Senate Bill 2195 will expand insurance coverage for prosthetics to include custom orthotic devices that enable people to participate in athletic, physical activities. Coverage for these devices will allow people who need them to perform activities, such as running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, other activities that promote their overall health and wellness. Currently, traditional prosthetics are covered, but certain of these custom devices are necessary for patients to perform some of these activities and these will only be covered if a doctor deems them medically necessary. There's no opposition to the Bill, and there's a… a wide coalition of organizations and institutions who participate in a campaign called So Kids Can Move who support this measure. I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2195 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2197, Representative Gonzalez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300044.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 2197, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gonzalez is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The House version of SB2197 passed out of the House in March with bipartisan support. We amended it to remove all opposition. The Bill expands the oversight provided by the Independent Office of the Ombudsman to include county-run juvenile detention facilities. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you, Representative, for bringing this Bill forward. There are some questions just so everyone on my side has a feel for what the Bill does. There were some initial concerns for the county juvenile detention facilities being covered by the ombudsman because of county juvenile detention facilities report to the Circuit Court in each local jurisdiction. What was done to alleviate that concern of the… the courts?"
"The last… the last Amendment that we passed out of the committee, I think it just… I think it changed some of the… the definitions… or clarified the definitions. And with that clarification, I think that that's what allowed for the… for the opposition to be removed."
"And if a… an ombudsman should discover an issue at a county juvenile detention facility, where do they… where would that ombudsman report that concern? To whom would they report it?" 10300044.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"My apologies. To the chief judge of the applicable judicial circuit and the director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts."
"So, the local Circuit Courts would be able to address any problems that are raised to the ombudsman, rather than it be handled at Department of Juvenile Justice. Is that accurate? Is that correct?"
"Yeah. Yep."
"And this is similar to a Bill we had earlier in this Session that you were the Sponsor on, House Bill 2167. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"And just for folks on my side, that's House Bill 2167, which had a vote… I'm sorry. I'm sorry, 2767. House Bill 2767, my fault."
"They're close enough."
"Close enough. And that had a vote of 86 to 18. So, you may, folks on my side, may want to look how they voted on House Bill 2767. Thank you."
"Representative Gonzalez to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2197 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 98 voting 'yes', 13 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We 10300044.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 have Senate Bill 505, Leader Lisa Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 505, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 505 expands who is allowed to serve as a provider of personal care or similar service for a person with a disability by including the person's guardian, kin, or siblings, in addition to the spouse, which was added last Session by Senator Fine and Representative Mussman. The Bill also provides that in the case of guardians, wages, and other benefits they receive as a personal assistant, it won't be counted against any other benefits available to guardians under the Probate Act of 1975. I know of no opposition, and this Bill passed out of the Senate Health and Human Services unanimously and the Senate Floor with majority support. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Does DHS have a position on the Bill, Department of Human Services?" Hernandez, L.: "They are neutral."
"And the Senate vote was 54 to 2, showing there was a little Senate opposition." Hernandez, L.: "I'm sorry, yeah."
"Are you aware of what that opposition may have been in the Senate?" Hernandez, L.: "I don't." 10300044.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"And the purpose of the Bill is you're hoping to expand who can serve as personal assistants to individuals with disabilities. Is that correct?" Hernandez, L.: "Yes. After COVID-19, there's been some personal stories where families lost members, caregivers of folks with severe disabilities that has caused or has given purpose to why we've moved legislation to now add… well, the spouses add, but now extended to kin or guardians for these individuals."
"And there's also some concern about potential interference with already existing benefits like TANF and SNAP. Is that one of the protections that's included with this change?" Hernandez, L.: "I'm sorry, repeat that."
"Is there a concern by not having this change that those individuals may lose some eligibility for currently existing benefits like TANF and SNAP?" Hernandez, L.: "So, there is… what my understanding is that there won't be any… my understanding there is no issue."
"Thank you."
"Leader Hernandez to close." Hernandez, L.: "I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 505 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 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the 10300044.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 836, Leader Manley. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 836, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Manley is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 836 sets up a program for the collection and recycling of unwanted leftover paint. This… this is a real environmental Bill you can sink your teeth into and really takes a bite out of the amount of paint we're putting into our landfills. The Bill has no opposition. It's supported by paint manufacturers, the Chemical Industry Council, the Environmental Council, the Sierra Club, solid waste agencies, and numerous counties, cities, and villages. The Retails Merchants are neutral. I'll take any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you, Leader. Just going through the Bill, there are some fees included. I guess the question is, how is the program funded? How does that funding mechanism occur?"
"That is a great question. So, the… honestly, the paint manufacturers and retailers will probably embed the extra cost into the cost of a gallon of paint and pass that on to the consumer. The only way we're going to be able to get our… this problem… so, people have paint piling up in their garages. I know I do. You probably do as well. And it's either throw it in the landfill, which we all know is not the best use and not the best way to treat this, sometimes chemical- based, sometimes water-based, product. Latex is hard on the 10300044.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 environment. So, we've got to dispose of it safely, and this seems to be the best way to do it."
"Thank you."
"Leader Manley to close."
"Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 836 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 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 8 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2223, Representative Mason. Representative Mason. Out of the record. Representative Spain, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Before the paint is dry on Senate Bill 836, I wish the record to reflect my intention of voting 'no'."
"The record will reflect your request. Continuing down page 8 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2226, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2226, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Walsh is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 2226 defines a… what a Conservation Opportunity Area is and then provides that that Conservation 10300044.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Opportunity Area designation by the IDNR shall not be used by the Illinois Power Agency as a basis to deny or withhold any regulatory action, permitting licensure, or funding. Happy to answer any questions. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2226 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 8 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2240, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2240, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Didech is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2240 requires data on the enrollment of students in community college remediation courses to be made available to school districts pursuant to a data sharing agreement. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2240 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is 10300044.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2247, Leader Burke. Leader Burke. Out of the record. At the bottom of page 8, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2260, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2260, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 2016, Illinois has taken a leading role in recognizing that very often survivors of domestic violence are criminalized for surviving their abuse. We passed the Domestic Violence Resentencing Act in 2016. However, some ambiguity in the language has led to confusion and very few people actually getting relief under… under this… this law. Some of you may remember House Bill 4847 from last year. Leader Windhorst and I did a lot of work together on that. It… we passed it out of the House, sent it over to the Senate, and continued to work over the summer getting engagement with some of the stakeholders that weren't able to engage during the last Session. This is… this reflects that. One of the… one of the big things that changed… that changes under this law, it expands the Bill from domestic violence to include gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. The… another piece of it that's very significant, often survivors accept plea deals that didn't take into account the abuse they experienced because, in some cases, domestic violence was not even a mitigating factor until the original Act was enacted in 2016. So, this will allow for those survivors who were sentenced, either through a plea deal or a full sentencing 10300044.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 hearing, to have all of the factors of gender-based violence considered and ensure that they receive a fair sentence and that mistakes of the past can be rectified. It… it takes care of many past wrongs. We have survivors in prison who are not allowed to talk about being raped by their husbands because, at the time of their… of their sentencing, marital rape was not even a crime. We have survivors in prison because their abusers or traffickers forced them into the impossible choice of being present while they did horrible things or… or risk becoming another fatality. The Bill has widespread support from organizations representing survivors, including the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, and many more, including the association of states attorneys that… who really helped us land this plane and come up with language that will be workable for everyone. Happy to answer your questions.
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, you mentioned that the States Attorneys Association is a proponent of the Bill. They had some language that satisfied them. What changes were they specifically looking for?"
"There were questions about… let me find the exact… there we go, sorry. It changes the third factor that a movant must establish to present a petition with a much more clear definition that there is substantial evidence of domestic violence or gender-based violence against the movant that was 10300044.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 not presented at the original sentencing hearing. So, using that language gave the states attorneys comfort that it was actually a term of art that is recognized and could be measured objectively."
"So, using substantial evidence made sure that there was a… a threshold that would be met for the petition to be brought and then ruled upon?"
"Exactly. If you recall, I made the example when… when we debated 4847 last year that there was one petitioner who's petition to have a resentencing hearing was denied when the transcripts of the trial showed no mention whatsoever of her abuse. And the judge's response was, 'I noticed you were wearing a neck brace. I figured as much.' So, this… this would definitely address situations like that because it's very clear that… that substantial evidence was not offered in that case."
"Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question of the Sponsor."
"The Sponsor will yield."
"So, I… I just want to be clear on what we're trying to do here. So, we're… is this a Bill that if a victim of domestic violence is somehow forced to commit a crime or… or seen as forced to commit a crime by the violent offender, they would be able to make an agreement with the state's attorney to make sure they're not charged with that crime? That the victim is not charged with that crime? Is that correct?" 10300044.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"No. This actually addresses survivors that are currently incarcerated. So… so, for example, the accountability component where I… I referenced someone being threatened to participate. Let's say, my… you're my boyfriend, and you're a terrible human being. And you force me into the car and make me drive you and your friend to a home where you go in and you commit an armed robbery. I am guilty of that crime on accountability."
"But you were under duress, right? Yeah."
"But I was under duress. So, this would allow that to be contemplated to resentence… to give me an opportunity to argue for a resentencing."
"Okay. And is this only in plea deals or is this in any case that you can prove that that was likely?"
"I… I missed first half. Is this only what?"
"Is this only in… you mentioned plea deals earlier. Is this…"
"It… it's any case. This includes…"
"Okay."
"…this wraps in plea deals."
"Okay. I… I noticed that the States Attorney Association is… has come to be supportive, I believe, right? For opponents?"
"Yes. Yes."
"So…"
"And they were originally the underlying law as well. It was a cooperative effort, including advocates and law enforcement. And this is… has brought that band back together." 10300044.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Yep. And… and certainly, I've… I've had discussions with my domestic violence shelters and others in… in support of this. So, I'm… I'm happy to join you in support because we don't want individuals like that being… being treated that way and then… and then made into criminals. So, thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Cassidy to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2260 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 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to the top of page 9 of the Calendar of Senate Bills- Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2271, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2271, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2271 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health. It amends the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Licenses Act, which deals with a variety of different services and licenses. But this basically modernizes some of the licensing fees that reflects what we do with some of our other practices, including home health. Right now, it is $100 for an annual licensing fee, as compared to some of the other 10300044.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 professions that… organizations that are a thousand dollars. This an agreed Bill that puts them at an… every 2 years, there'll be a $1500 fee, and I know of no opposition. And it also changes some of the administrative hearing provisions when there are small issues. Instead of revocation or license suspension, it allows for penalties and… and fines of that nature. So, it allows kind of a stepped-up progression of different penalties. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Hammond is recognized."
"Thank you. Question of the Sponsor."
"Sponsor yield."
"Representative Morgan, it's my understanding, and if you would confirm, that 100 percent of these fees go to the surveyors. Is that correct?"
"I believe that's correct. I think there's a separate fund at the Illinois Department of Public Health specifically for surveyors."
"Okay, thank you. I appreciate it."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Just so I'm clear on this, the fee adjustment or change that occurs, would you go through what the fees currently are and what the fees will be if this becomes law?"
"Absolutely. So, there are basically three types of licenses under this Act. There's home health, home services, and home nursing. Both home nursing and home services already 10300044.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 have had their fees adjusted over the years. I believe it's over 20 years that we have not adjusted this fee. Usually, these are bundled applications where they apply for all the licenses at once. Sometimes, they're individual licenses, though. And so, this accounts for the increased costs for the surveyors and for the department and matches what those other licenses are charging."
"And if you could give the dollar amount changes, yes."
"Of course. So, this would be $1500 every 2 years, as opposed to the 1 thousand annually for the other 2 licenses."
"And what are the current… under the current law, what would the fees be?"
"Well, right now, I believe it’s $100. But again, more often than not, they're doing it as a bundle. So, this really just reflects an update of what we've done with the other licenses."
"Do you know when the last time those fees were changed?"
"I believe it was 20 years ago."
"Thank you."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Senate Bill… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2271 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 please the record. On this question, there are 82 voting 'yes', 30 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby 10300044.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 declared passed. Senate Bill 2278, Leader Buckner. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2278, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Buckner is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2278 provides that an agency or a local government will not be required to design, construct, widen, or otherwise alter a non-designated highway to accommodate trucks between 55 and 65 feet in length. A unit of a local government must report to IDOT any limitations prohibiting the operation of vehicles on non- designated highways to accommodate trucks between 55 and 65 feet in length. Currently, a local authority may prohibit any operation of trucks or commercial vehicles or impose limitations on the weight or the length of these vehicles. And no vehicle can exceed the height of 13 feet, 6 inches from the underside of the tire to the top of the vehicle. Happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. What is the… the reason behind bringing this Bill forward?"
"Yeah. Basically, it's… it's about safety. We've seen larger trucks on some of the state-operated roads, specifically in Cook County, that have… have resulted in fatalities and harm to… to people. So, this is a… a safety measure." 10300044.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Under current law, local governments are required to make these accommodations for 65-foot trucks. Is that accurate?"
"That's right."
"And the change in this… this Bill would eliminate that requirement. Is that correct?"
"Yes. That's right, Representative."
"Would it be up to each local government, then, to decide when that is necessary?"
"Yep."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Swanson is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, you mentioned Cook County, but does this apply all other 101 counties also?"
"It does."
"So, what you're attempting to do is to limit semis, 18 wheelers, from operating on our county and state highways?"
"No. This would just say that municipalities are no longer required, when new infrastructure is built, to… to allow trucks of a certain size past 65 feet on these roads."
"Do you see that as a limitation in some of the logistics getting to some of our businesses by some of these roads being narrowed and… and smaller in size and possibly can prevent some the traffic flow that we see today?"
"Representative, that's a… that's a logical question. We've had conversations on that leading up to this Bill. IDOT 10300044.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 has done their due diligence. And where we arrived with this… this current language should not have that be a problem."
"Okay. I'm just trying to think of that second-, third- order effect…"
"Yep."
"…if we're narrowing highways."
"We’re not narrowing. This… this is just removing a requirement. This… this is not a… this is not changing anything that exists today. This… this is for new infrastructure."
"New construction."
"Yes, Sir."
"And… and we see the logistics issues we have today. And as far as farm equipment, construction equipment that's transported over our highways today is getting larger and larger. I'm concerned that it could cause some limitations and… especially with some of our oversized vehicles that we see today. So, I'm somewhat concerned about this, but thank you for your responses."
"Thank you. And I just wanted to… to that point, municipalities will, once again, have the ability to make their own rules in this space. So, if in a city or a town or a village somewhere in Illinois, they need that infrastructure to look a different way, then they'll still have the ability to do that."
"Leader Buckner to close."
"Urge a 'yes' vote. Thanks."
"The question is, 'Shall House… shall Senate Bill 2278 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed 10300044.docx 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 87 voting 'yes', 25 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2285, Representative Olickal. Representative Olickal. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2288, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2288, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2288 is… strengthens the Illinois Articulation Initiative by requiring public colleges and universities here in Illinois to accept all major courses approved for transfer through the… through IAI as equivalent major courses as long as a specific major is offered at the receiving institution. It also creates a new IAI panel for education. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2288 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 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2293, Representative Ness. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300044.docx 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 2293, a Bill for an Act concerning children. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ness is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2293 creates the Youth in Care Support Fund by allowing flexibility in payment for DCFS caseworkers to provide for immediate needs of children in care. The money is already appropriated for this. This would just allow them to update the way they do those payments. Right now, they're using a voucher system, and this would allow for debit cards and other electronic forms of payment."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2293 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 111 voting 'yes', 1 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2294, Representative Stava-Murray. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2294, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Stava-Murray is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, Senate Bill 2294 will repeal the Illinois Health Information Exchange and Technology Act and amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law. As a part of this transition, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services will absorb the one staff that was under the Health 10300044.docx 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Information Exchange Office. The status, rights, and seniority of that staff will not be impacted and will be converted to comparable titles under the Personnel Code. Additionally, SB2294 will require the Comptroller to direct and… and the Treasurer to transfer any remaining funds from the Health Information Exchange Fund to the General Revenue Fund. After the completion of the full exchange of funds, the Health Information Exchange Fund will then be dissolved. Lastly, the Long-Term Services and Support Disparities Task Force will be turned into a work group under the Medicaid Advisory Committee. There is no opposition. It passed through committee unanimously, and I ask for your support. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussions, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2294 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? All voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Moylan, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I inadvertently made a mistake and meant to vote 'yes' on 2293. Thank you."
"The record will reflect your request. Continuing down page 9 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2320, Representative Ugaste. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2320, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300044.docx 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. At a time when municipalities are struggling to find money to deal with rising costs, as many of us are, this would amend the Municipal Code and allow non-Home Rule communities to operate a code hearing unit under the Administrative Adjudication Division of the Illinois Municipal Code the same way that Home Rule units are able to. I know of no opposition."
"Representative McLaughlin is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Ugaste, I just wanted to confirm, this actually will expedite collection from municipalities and reduce their costs. Is that correct?"
"That is my understanding."
"What a wonderful Bill. I strongly support it. Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2320 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 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2322, Representative Meier. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2322, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Meier is recognized." 10300044.docx 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 2322 creates the Essential Support Person Act. Provides that a resident or the resident's representative may designate a primary essential support person and secondary essential support person who may visit the resident despite general visitation restrictions imposed on other visitors, provided that the primary essential support person or secondary essential support person complies with all the rules adopted by the Department of Public Health to protect the health, safety, and well-being of residents. Tasks the department with establishing a statewide policy for visitation with a resident. Requires the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman to perform the specified duties. It's a great Bill. We'd like a 'yes' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2322 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 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2323, Representative Chung. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2323, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senate Bill 2323 is a Bill that will allow Bloomington School District 87, of which my children attend, to purchase a school building without the need of referendum if the costs are paid with existing funds. 10300044.docx 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Bloomington is home to State Farm, and the school district has the opportunity to purchase a building not being used by State Farm anymore. The school district is looking to expand pre-k offerings and also expand upon their career and technical education offerings, and this space will allow them to do… do so without a referendum. It's an exciting opportunity for the district without having to build a new space, and it passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support. And I ask for your 'aye' vote today. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, does the school district currently have the funds available to make the purchase?"
"Yes, they do."
"Will there be any public hearing requirement for the school district before they're allowed to make the purchase?"
"Yes, the… I forgot to mention. Yes. The public hearing process will still happen. So, public will be able to have input. We're just doing this so that the… we don't have to go to referendum and… because the funds already there, but nothing else will be circumvented, I guess, in this process."
"And do you know how many public hearings at a minimum have to be held?"
"I believe two."
"I believe that's correct as well."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10300044.docx 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Indicated she will."
"Representative Chung, I… I know we all try to do things for our district, and I… I can appreciate that. But I have to admit, I have a little bit of concern about this. How much money is this going to cost the Bloomington School District? How much money do they have already stockpiled that they're going to spend for this?"
"You know, honestly, Representative, I don't know those numbers. But from what… what I've been told, they're not… they're not going to have to take out any extra bonds, use any existing funds, they're not going to be raising anybody's taxes. They're being offered this building at a reduced cost. It's a building that hasn't been used for some time. To me, it seems like a win for everybody in Bloomington."
"Well, it… it seems like a great idea, but there's obviously something in existing law that would cause them to have to go to referendum normally. Isn't that correct?"
"Yes."
"And those are for… there for a purpose. I'll… I'll go to the Bill. I understand wanting to take advantage of a great opportunity, I truly do. But we put in… or past Legislature put in these provisions about having to go to referendum, having to hold these hearings for a purpose. And that is because the public felt like they weren't being heard and having enough input as to what we're doing. We also, this morning at… at a press conference, introduced a Bill that we have just introduced that would cause someone to have to do a review once they have so much money, five times the excess of their average revenue source over three years, any public… 10300044.docx 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 local public body. So, I'm a little concerned with how much money the school may have stockpiled and have going forward, and I'm really concerned by the fact that they're not going to conduct a referendum. So, thank you."
"Representative Chung to close."
"I ask for your 'aye' vote today. Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2323 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', 36 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2325, Representative Bunting. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2325, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Bunting is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Senate Bill 2325 promotes soil conservation and will help showcase Illinois' commitment to the stewardship of natural resources. As a farmer myself and, more importantly, as a son of a farmer that spent decades of his life advocating for soil and water conservation, I have seen firsthand the importance of public awareness and trust into the folks that tend to our land. This Bill will help with that awareness. I must add Senate Bill 2325 is totally bipartisan, noncontroversial, and passed the Senate unanimously. I 10300044.docx 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 politely ask for an 'aye' and would be happy to take any questions."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"So, it's my understanding, and I've heard something about a tradition that goes on around here when somebody has their first Bill. Is this your first Bill?"
"It is."
"Could you explain to me what Soil and Water Conservation Districts do?"
"They protect the land. They protect the soil. They protect the water. They protect natural resources here. The importance of this Bill is it provides for signage to go up as you enter and leave Soil and Water Conservation Districts. It's a good public perception that they… the folks know that we do the best we can to… to be good stewards of the land."
"And is this going to be a huge cost to the taxpayers of the State of Illinois?"
"No, it will not be. So, what they… the cost that the Department of Transportation will put in, the actual Soil and Water Conservation District will reimburse the funding."
"What… what types of equipment do these Soil and Water Conservation Districts have?"
"Well, it's not the fact that they've got the equipment themselves, it's that they help be advocates for the farmers that are doing the best that they can to preserve their soil."
"Okay. It sounds like you kind of know what's going on, on this Bill. So, I'll… I'll happily support you." 10300044.docx 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you, Representative."
"Representative Sanalitro."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicated he will."
"Representative Bunting, you are determined to pass this Bill come hell or high water, aren’t you?"
"Yes, I am, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Representative Severin is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"How are you doing?"
"We're doing good."
"Are you nervous?"
"Just a little bit."
"Then you're doing just fine. We're… we're glad to have you here and proud of you. And anything else you wanted to be asked before you vote on this?"
"I appreciate an 'aye' vote. And let me get out of here so I can go watch my daughter compete in sectional track meet."
"Representative Reick is recognized."
"Yeah, Representative Bunting… question for the Speaker… for the Sponsor, please, Mr. Speaker."
"Indicates he will yield."
"Representative Bunting, in my district, right… right where I live in a rural area, we have what are called natural snow fences. And I think they're run by the… by the conversation district, or at least they're sponsored by the conversation 10300044.docx 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 district here in… in McHenry County. Can you explain what a natural snow fence is for the people who don't often drive on rural roads in the winter time?"
"Well, Representative, I guess I don't know what the natural snow fence up in your area is, but in our area is they have an agreement with the farmer that offside of the road there that they go ahead and leave a few rows of corn close to the road to allow the snow to blow into that corn, and not onto the road for public safety."
"Well, knowing where you farm down in Kankakee County and Livingston County, have you participated in this program?"
"We have not."
"And why not?"
"Well, where we're… where we farm, we go ahead and no- till our corn anyhow so that standing corn stalks kind of prevent the blowing and the drifting of the snow. But, no, we have not done the… the natural yet. But we do put up snow fence."
"As one who drives along the Campus Blair Road a lot where you farm, I… I would expect that this would be something, since you're such a big proponent of this, to actually participate in this program. And I'm… I guess I'm disappointed in the fact that you have not."
"I will go ahead and get ahold of Debbie at my office, and we'll have a conversation about it."
"That sounds great. Thank you."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Inquiry of the Chair."
"Speak your point." 10300044.docx 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"How many votes will it require on passage? How many votes are required for passage?"
"Sixty votes."
"Sixty votes. If this measure receives the requisite number of votes, I request that it pass. Thank you."
"Representative Bunting to close."
"I politely ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2325 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2337, Representative Syed. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2337, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Syed is recognized."
"Senate Bill 2337 requires that the Illinois State Board of Education to include more demographic information of students assessed for and enrolled in gifted education programs or accelerated placement. It passed out of the Senate unanimously. There is no known opposition. So, I urge an 'aye' vote on this Bill. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2337 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? 10300044.docx 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2340, Representative Yang Rohr. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2340, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading… Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Yang Rohr is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2340 is a school bus safety Bill. It allows schools who choose to do so to add an extended stop sign arm to the side of their bus. It is illegal for cars to go around buses when they are stopping, dropping off kids. And a big reason for this is because kids and students are trying to get to their buses or trying to get off buses. But, unfortunately, too many cars, too many vehicles do blow past those stop signs. This Bill allows those buses to have these flashing extended arms to help remind cars that they need to stop. I ask for your 'aye' vote. Thanks."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2340 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Keicher is recognized." 10300044.docx 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Bunting has pulled a George Costanza, and he is out of here, excused for the reminder of the day."
"At the bottom of page 9 of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2374, Representative Ammons. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2374, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We did this in another Bill that was here on a computer science education. This Bill simply creates a competitive grant program to support the development and enhancement of computer science programs for K-12 schools. And I ask for its approval from the Body with a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. This Bill is subject to appropriation. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Do we have a cost estimate to… that would be needed to fully fund the program?"
"You know, they were working on that. I had not seen the response from that yet. They are working on that, but it is subject to appropriation."
"Are we anticipating that any appropriation for this program would be included in this year's budget?" 10300044.docx 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"I… I do hope for… if you look at the back part of that, there is a… the Governor's FY24 proposed budget includes a $3 million GRF grant program for this computer science. We're not going beyond what the Governor has asked for, for computer science education. And it is still subject to the appropriation."
"So, if that… that $3 million, if included in the budget, would be intended to cover this program?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2374 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 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2379, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2379, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is literally just a date change to give the task force on right to counsel in immigration cases the time that they need to conclude their work."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized." 10300044.docx 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. This task force, when was it created?"
"I can't… I don't have the date in front of me that the task force actually began their work and convened, but I know that it took them some time to make sure they had the requisite appointments and to… to start getting going with their meetings. And so, they're just asking till July to conclude their work and report."
"And this task force was created in the last General Assembly. Is that accurate?"
"That is accurate."
"That was 102nd, of course, which the… it was a Senate Bill in the 102nd. That was Senate Bill 3144. Does that sound correct to you?"
"I'm going to have to take your word on that. I'm looking at my analysis here. I don't have the Bill number that created the task force in front of me."
"It appears that there was a… there was a vote of 86 to 21 to create the task force. Does that sound accurate to you?"
"That sounds accurate."
"There were 27 'no' votes, and that… that was Senate Bill 3144 in the 102nd General Assembly. Thank you."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicated he will."
"Representative, I know we talked about this briefly last year and then again this year. This task force is looking 10300044.docx 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 into representation as immigrants are potentially involved in criminal or other court matters and whether they're… they can be supplied immigration counsel as a result of the charges brought in their incarceration, correct?"
"Yeah. I mean, I would probably use different words for it. It is civil detention. Immigration cases are civil. However, they can have consequences that result in the deprivation of liberty. And so, because of that, many states like the State of New York, the American Bar Association, have recommended that in particular in cases where somebody might be deprived of their liberty or face dire consequences similar to those that you would face in the criminal context, that we provide a right to counsel in those types of cases."
"And… and we authorized a pilot program for this, if I'm not mistaken, correct?"
"That was a different Bill."
"Okay."
"But we did authorize a program in Cook County to provide counsel to immigrants in removal proceedings, yes."
"And that's legal counsel, not counseling, correct?"
"That is legal counseling, correct.
"Okay. And… and is there any feedback as of yet on how that pilot program has been proceeding?"
"It's my understanding it's been extremely successful. And it's always been my position that our justice system works better when parties are represented by counsel, especially in cases like these where the consequences can be particularly dire." 10300044.docx 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Okay. And I think, as of… as of a matter of course, entitling someone to representation is the key question here that I now the task force is looking into. I think we'll have both up and down votes on this side of the aisle. Thank you for your work on the issue."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2379 pass?' All those… all those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 77 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2391, Representative Collins. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2391, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading… Third Reading of this…"
"Representative Collins is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill expands the definition of sustainable community schools. It also clarifies the definition of trauma-informed intervention. And it adds community school coordinator to the staff required to secure a community school's grant, and it mirrors the federal requirements. And it expands the definition of wraparound services. I ask for a favorable vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will." 10300044.docx 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Thank you. Representative, what is the… the purpose of this change in law?"
"You say what?"
"Why is the Bill being brought forward? What's the reason behind it?"
"So, it's the school's… for improvement for strategies that… that show positivity to increase academic health and social outcomes from students by providing year wraparound comprehensive, multi-factor support for whole child, whole community well-being."
"And that's what's been shown to occur at community schools? Is that correct? That's what they've been shown to… to provide."
"Yes, they have."
"And we are doing what as it relates… what does this Bill do as it relates to community schools?"
"What is this Bill doing?"
"As it relates to community schools, yes."
"So, it's expanding and it's also including federal funding to community schools for them to be able to participate in the grant process to capture… expanding the definitions of it to capture what they're meant for."
"All right. And this Bill passed unanimously in committee…"
"Yes."
"…and unanimously in the Senate. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Collins to close." 10300044.docx 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"I would appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2391 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 105 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Wilhour, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. One thousand one hundred and fifty-five days. That's how many straight days we've been under emergency orders in this state. But today's the day. After 1,155 todays, today is the day. A momentous occasion that the Governor finally, begrudgingly aligning Illinois' COVID-19 policies with the rest of the country and allowing the COVID-19 emergency to expire. So, thank you, thank you, Governor Pritzker. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for putting the acquisition of political power ahead of the health and the well-being of the people of this state. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for destroying kids' education. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for destroying the businesses and the livelihoods of so many people in this state. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for closing playgrounds. Thank you for forcing disgusting masks on our kids long after the science, observation, and common sense deemed it unnecessary. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for the increase in depression, addiction, 10300044.docx 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 antisocial behavior. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for making our loved ones die alone. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for the massive inflation and recession that will be the result of your reign of tyranny. Thank you for your lack of transparency on the data behind all of these measures. Thank you for putting fear, shame, and coercion over truth, education, and freedom. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for forever destroying the public trust in public health. So, as we give thanks and celebrate this momentous occasion, I hope we never forget the wreckage, the absolute carnage that these dark days have wrecked on our society. I know I never will. And I'll never forget that your side of the aisle recklessly refused to do your job. You were more concerned with kicking Members out of here for ridiculous things, like not wearing a mask, than you were for standing up for what you knew was in the best interest of our citizens, especially our kids. The Governor owes this state, owes our citizens an apology for this wreckage. And you all owe citizens an apology for hiding, for fecklessly hiding on your desk and letting it happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Senate Bill 2406, Representative Scherer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2406, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Scherer is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I present Senate Bill 2406. This is an administrative Bill from the Comptroller's Office just regarding operations. It was unanimous through the sentiment… Senate and unanimous in committee here in the 10300044.docx 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 House. Be happy to answer any questions and appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2406 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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2424, Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2424, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Rashid is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2424 makes a change to the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act to… to bring greater efficiency to the Illinois Department of Transportation's procurement of land services by having this essential service procured via qualifications based selection. It passed out of the Senate unanimously and, here in House committee, has support… has the support of IDOT. I know of no opposition and urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2424 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 10300044.docx 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning back to page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 1474, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1474, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Hoffman is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is a simple Bill that indicates that the Illinois Power Agency must procure renewable energy credits from new or retooled hydropower generation. What it would say is that the renewable energy credits that are set aside for wind could also have hydropower, and they would have their own RECs as well. I ask for a favorable roll call."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1474 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1590, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1590, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Hoffman is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. In 2022, we passed the Equity in Health Care Act and 10300044.docx 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 the Health Care Workforce Repayment Program. The Bill was signed into the law. And the objective was to establish scholarships and loan repayment programs to encourage health care providers to locate and practice in areas of the greatest need. Unfortunately, when we did it, we left out the health care providers that included chiropractic physicians. This would include them in that program. I know of no opposition."
"Representative Schmidt is recognized."
"I fully support this Bill, and the entire chiropractic profession thanks you. Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman is recognized."
"I would like to thank Representative Schmidt for his support. I ask for a favorable roll call."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1590 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 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill… and this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1794, Leader Ortiz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1794, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Ortiz is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Body. Senate Bill 1794, Senate Floor Amendment 1, would codify the state's 10300044.docx 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 existing IDHS home visiting programs into law. Senate Bill 1794, Senate Floor Amendment 1, specifically establish… establishes an intensive home visiting program and associated granting program for pregnant persons and families with children from birth to elementary school; creates thresholds for the program eligibility and ensures service alignment with the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, Early Childhood Block Grant, and state's medical assistance program. The Bill establishes an advisory committee to evaluate the program's success. And Senate Floor Amendment 1 amends the underlying Bill in order to add language which includes Head Start and Early Start programs, and it is inclusive of the Illinois Head Start Association as a co-administrator of intensive home visiting programs for pregnant persons and families with children from birth to elementary school enrollment, in cooperation with ISBE and HFS. There is no effective date, and the grant provisions provided under the Bill are subject to appropriation."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1794 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 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Towards the bottom of page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 1814, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300044.docx 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 1814, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Avelar is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB1814 creates an Assisted Living Advisory Board at the Illinois Department of Public Health, which would be tasked with reviewing and commenting on proposed rule changes to the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment Code prior to publication on first notice. And I am open to any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1814 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 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 7 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2014, Leader Buckner. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please take this Bill back to the Order of Second Reading. Please read the Bill on Second Reading."
"Senate Bill 2014, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Buckner."
"Leader Buckner on Floor Amendment #2."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment 2 is from an agreement with IDOT. It basically makes a change from the… the distance of 1 thousand feet on the previous Bill to… from 500 feet to 1 thousand feet on the previous Bill." 10300044.docx 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Representative Buckner 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. Please read this Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2014, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Buckner is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2014 requires that the Illinois Department of Transportation develop a policy to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on state roads. IDOT must also provide semi-annual reports to the General Assembly beginning on January 1 of 2024. Currently, IDOT does regulate pedestrian, cyclist safety, but it's not required to enact new policies and it's not required to report to the General Assembly. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Any discussion? Representative Ann Williams is recognized." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I just wanted to thank you, Representative Buckner, for your work on improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in the city. We had several meetings with IDOT in the wake of some devastating losses along Irving Park Road and other parts on the North Side due to accidents that happened that we hope and are working towards preventing in the future. So, thank you for 10300044.docx 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 your work. Consider me a partner, along with any of us, to ensure we continue down this road. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader Buckner, I have just a couple questions. I think you hit on it in your presentation, but just want to get further explanation. What is the purpose behind bringing this Bill forward?"
"Yeah. So… so, right now, IDOT… there is no requirement to have any new safety plans or policies when it comes to pedestrian and cyclist safety rights. So, this is trying to push the agency, you know, in… into the space where they're actually being proactive about this and then reporting to the General Assembly about their… what they have done."
"And with Floor Amendment 2, which changed the distance from… or to 500 feet from a thousand feet of the maintenance work, what was the purpose behind that Amendment?"
"Yeah. IDOT brought that Amendment forth. They thought that the change in that distance would be better and easier for them to actually to be able to… to practically succeed in that space."
"Thank you."
"Yep."
"Representative Guzzardi is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"So, I was just reading through the analysis, getting into the text. It seems like there's a lot of sophistication 10300044.docx 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 and nuance in this Bill. I'm not witty that way with words. I just want to get some clarification about the Bill. Do you… are you a cyclist, Representative Buckner?"
"Say it again."
"Are you a cyclist?"
"I am."
"Are you a pedestrian?"
"I… most times, yes."
"I… I know that you and I are both aware that in the vicinity of IDOT roads in… in our communities in the City of Chicago there have been a number of incidents in recent years in which pedestrians and cyclists have been hit, struck, killed along, near these roadways. Is it your intention that IDOT has a responsibility to engage in a process to make pedestrians and cyclists safer on… in our communities?"
"Absolutely. I think way too often, specifically with IDOT's interplay with some of the… the municipal DOTs, like CDOT in Chicago, there's not been, I think, a close enough relationship. And so, we've… we've seen, unfortunately, many fatalities throughout the state, which, you know, most recently near our neck of the woods. And hopefully what this will do is to push the agency to be forward-thinking and forward-leaning to actually be responsive to what's going on in our streets."
"Thank you. And to the Bill. This is an excellent measure that will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety not just in our communities in the City of Chicago, but near IDOT roadways across the state. And I urge for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Buckner to close." 10300044.docx 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2014 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 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. We have Senate Bill 2419, Representative Syed. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2419, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Syed is recognized."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 2419 creates the License to Read Act, which gives the State Librarian and the Secretary of State's Office the power to negotiate with publishers of e- books and audiobooks on behalf of all Illinois libraries. Libraries are procuring e-book licenses with significant restrictions and potentially prohibitive costs. The State Librarian will be able to better negotiate rates and streamline contracts that small libraries can't on their own. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2419 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 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And 10300044.docx 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Benton, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that I intended to vote 'yes' on SB2419. It didn't register."
"The record reflects your request. On page 12 of the Calendar, under House Bills… excuse me, Senate Bills- Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1463, Representative Slaughter. Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1463, a Bill for an Act concerning minors. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. But several notes have been requested on the Bill and have not been filed."
"Third Reading. Oh… Representative Slaughter."
"We're on Third? Are we on Third Reading?"
"Representative Slaughter, to the Bill on Second Reading."
"Take this out of the record. Okay. Mr. Speaker… take it… take it out of the record, Mr. Speaker."
"Out of the record."
"Thanks."
"On page 16 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills- Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 2354, Representative Huynh. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2354, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No 10300044.docx 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Huynh."
"Representative Huynh on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Speaker. The Amendment is to clarify it being a task force."
"Representative Huynh moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the 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."
"Senate Bill 2354, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Huynh."
"Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 2354 is a Bill to make sure that we create the Science in Elementary Schools Task Force to examine age-appropriate education materials for nutrition, anatomy, and physiology for our kids. There's no opposition for this Bill. It passed the Senate unanimously, and it also passed the committee unanimously. I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, the Amendment changed the Bill from a working group to a task force. Is that correct?"
"That is correct." 10300044.docx 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"What effect does that have, that change?"
"Yeah, we just want to make sure that the folks who are being appointed are being appointed by the… the Governor in… in this task force. And it goes within the science standards as well. So, it… it will also change the date to 2020… 2032, have the actual task force provide recommendation to the General Assembly."
"Thank you."
"Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"I'm… I can't find my notes in front of me here that I had about this. But is this the Bill that was the redefining science Bill?"
"No. This is not the Bill."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Huynh to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2354 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 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 10 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 188, Representative Davidsmeyer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300044.docx 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Senate Bill 188, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Floor Amendment 2 is an Amendment provided by the ACLU to bring them to neutral."
"Representative Davidsmeyer 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. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 188, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 188 is a Bill that was brought to State Senator Steve McClure by a mother of a developmentally disabled child. And there is a loophole in the law. There still… still is until we pass this. If a child is below the age of 12, the parent has access to their medical records. If they're over the age of 18, they can be declared a developmentally disabled adult and the parent can have access to their records. But between the age of 12 and 18, there was a gap. And so, this mother actually had to take time off of work because her child could not consent to her getting access…" 10300044.docx 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Leader Manley in the Chair."
"…her child could not consent to her getting access to her child's medical records. So, what this Bill does is says if they're the HIPAA representative and they had to sign a consent form for a procedure, that they have access to the medical records. Now, that doesn't mean all of them. For every record that they are the HIPAA representative or signed a consent form they will have access to. It also allows the doctor to withhold records if there is suspected abuse. We want to make sure that we are protecting these individuals from anybody who could do them harm. So, I would certainly urge an 'aye' vote and would be willing to take any questions."
"Manley in the Chair. Seeing no questions, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 188 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 1 voting 'present'. The Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Representative Huynh."
"Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage and History Month, the month of May, today we are honoring another Asian American, Cyrus Tang. Cyrus Tang was a remarkable Chinese American industrialist who left an indelible mark on the world of business and philanthropy. Born in Suzhou, China in 1930, Tang moved to the United States in 1950 to study at Widener 10300044.docx 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 University and pursue the American dream. He relocated to Chicago, Illinois in his mid-twenties and settled right in my neighborhood of Uptown Chicago next to Asia on Argyle. Over the course of his long and industrious career, he achieved great success in business and became a leading figure in the Chinese American community. Tang's business career began in the 1960s when he first founded Electronics, a lamination business in 1960, and then the National Material Company in 1964, a distribution company that became the foundation for many of his future businesses. His company grew rapidly, eventually becoming one of the largest independent companies in the Midwest, and he would go on to found and acquire many other successful companies in different industries. However, his success was not limited to his business endeavors. Cyrus Tang was also a committed philanthropist who gave generously to a wide range of causes. One of Tang's greatest contribution was his support for education. He is often quoted, 'Education is one of those areas that has the potential to produce exponential social returns.' He believed education was the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities, and he generously donated over 100 thousand scholarships to universities and other educational institutions throughout his life. His philanthropic work in Chicago has included his support for the Field Museum of Natural History, where he established the Cyrus Tang Hall of China that served as an educational resource for thousands of Chicagoans as well as 200… 2 and half million visitors to date. He also has established the Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research at the University of Chicago to support 10300044.docx 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 medical research. Other philanthropic endeavors have included promote… promoted culture exchange programs and aiding disaster relief efforts. In recognition of his many contributions, Tang received numerous honors and awards during his lifetime. But perhaps the most fitting tribute to Tang's legacy is his commitment to education and cross- cultural understanding between the United States and China that's touched countless lives in both countries. Today, on May 11, we commemorate Cyrus Tang, who passed away in 2018, and celebrate his remarkable life and achievements. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to making the world a better place serves as an inspiration for all of us. We honor his memory and his pledge to continue his work of building a brighter future for all of us. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you so much to the Speaker. And thank you so much for listening to us on the month of May for Asian American history month."
"Chair recognizes Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I rise today to call attention to an issue that is very important to many families that are in my district. But not just in my district, but something that is vital to families in all of our districts across the state. I've never met a group of students so determined to fight for their future, and I am sure that we have all seen them every week here at the Capitol wearing their blue shirts. And I don't if there's any up in the gallery right now, but we all know who I'm talking about. Without action, the Invest in Kids Tax Credit 10300044.docx 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 Scholarship Program will expire next year. This program has had a profound impact on helping so many low-income families. This program opens up opportunities that otherwise may not exist. By obtaining these scholarships, these students and families are able to send the child… their child to a higher performing school of their choice. And imagine this, the program is funded through donations. In my district alone, 170 families have benefited from these vital academic scholarships that are awarded entirely based on financial need. But the demand is high, that nearly 800 families just in my district have sought out scholarships. Statewide more than $300 million has been raised and more than 38 thousand scholarships have been awarded. The impact of a quality education cannot be underestimated. It is life changing to so many families and so many children. Now is the time to act to save this vital scholarship program that has already helped so many students and families across our state. Thank you, and please join me in supporting the Invest in Kids Program."
"Leader Mah is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Democrats would request immediate caucus in Room 114. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 276, offered by Representative Evans. House Resolution 277, offered by Representative Ammons. House Resolution 278, offered by Representative Ammons. House Resolution 281, offered by Representative Kifowit. House Resolution 284, offered by Representative Vella." 10300044.docx 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023
"Leader Mah moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Chair recognizes Leader McCombie."
"Speaker, if the good Lord's willing and the creek won't rise, please adjourn us."
"And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Mah moves that the House stand adjourned until Friday, May 12, at the hour of 10:30 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 11, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 676; approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 215. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4085, offered by Representative Wilhour, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 4086, offered by Representative Evans, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 4087… correction, House Bill 4086, a Bill for an Act… offered by Representative Evans, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 4087, offered by Representative Ugaste, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 4088, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. First Reading of these House Bills. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 423, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal 10300044.docx 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 44th Legislative Day 5/11/2023 law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. It'll be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300044.docx 137