"The House will come to order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Father John Evans. Father Evans is with St. Patrick's RC Church in Dixon, Illinois. Father Evans is the guest of Representative Fritts. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Father."
"Almighty and merciful God, we thank you for the privilege of being able to say, not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, can be writ the nation's glory. Our nation would not be a nation without Illinois politicians, past and present, of all persuasions. Thank you so much, Lord, for these kind, brave women and men willing to stand up and put their names and reputations on the line in order to build a better state for all Illinoisans from Waukegan to Cairo, from Quincy to Danville. Lord, give them all the light, patience, and perseverance they need to transform Illinois evermore into a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of… of justice, love, and peace, where you live and reign forever and ever. And may almighty God bless you. The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative DeLuca."
"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." 10300050.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side. Leader Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives Burke, Will Davis, and Jones are excused today."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle. Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All Republicans are present and ready to do the business of the people."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 115 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Representative Vella, for what reason do you rise? A mistaken reason. Representative Jed Davis seeks recognition. Representative Davis." Davis, J.: "A point of personal privilege."
"State your point." Davis, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to introduce my two Pages for the day, Craig and Jacob. They're from Yorkville. Their parents are in government, so they know what it's like. Their dad is an alderman in Yorkville, and their mom works for the circuit clerk. And they're up here in the gallery. So, just welcome them to Springfield."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point." 10300050.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you. If everyone would please join me in welcome… or in granting, in giving… wishing is the word I'm looking for, wishing our great floor manager, Dane Thull, a very happy birthday. Thank you."
"Happy Birthday, Dane. Representative Wilhour seeks recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to introduce you guys to my young Page for the day, Collin Moseley."
"Welcome. Representative Blair-Sherlock, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. Many of you had the rare opportunity to meet my husband when he was here helping me do my job in Springfield. And while he is a very private man, he will probably be angry at me for saying this. Anyhow, I'm talking about my husband and how he helped me come here to represent my constituents in Springfield when I was unable to do so on my own. I met him when I was a teenager. And while we've gone through a lot over the years, we faced diversity together, and I am blessed to have him as my soulmate. And tomorrow is our 28th wedding anniversary, and I just wanted to give him a shoutout. Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans will caucus immediately in Room 118."
Speaker Hoffman: "The Republicans have requested a caucus immediately in Room 118. The Democrats will stand at ease. We 10300050.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 shall remain in recess to the call of the Chair. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted, Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1286 and Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3751. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: do pass as amended Short Debate for Senate Bill 1966; and recommends be adopted, Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3940, as well Senate Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 3940. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 315, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer; and House Resolution 317, offered by Representative Moylan."
"Representative Rosenthal."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Members of the chamber, today we have with us, up in the Speaker's Gallery, the first responders from the I-55 crash here the 1st of May. This crash, we had… you know, we have the EMS workers, law enforcement, firefighters, IDOT workers, and anyone that responded to this multi-vehicle crash. The dust storm caused… crash caused… involved 72 vehicles, which resulted in now eight fatalities, because there was a lady that passed away two days ago, and multiple injuries on Interstate 55 within a two-mile stretch between mile post 76 and 78. Those responding to the incident included 10300050.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Assistant Chief Brian Byers, who was here earlier today, but had to leave to go to Peoria to pin… his nursing pins on his… on his daughter. And he… so, he took command. He works for Panhandle Pipe Line. Has his gear with him, he was about eight miles away. And he said when he arrived that he could still hear crashes in the southbound lane. Chief Mike Webb from… and they were both from Farmersville/Waggoner Fire Protection District. Chief Webb arrived on scene, continued to let Brian Byers be the on-scene commander and the incident commander because he'd been there and started it. Chief Adam Pennock from Litchfield, 13-, 14-year veteran. This was his first day on the job as fire chief. And so, he worked closely with Brian Byers and told the EMS and people where to go to help pick up victims and… and escort them out in a timely fashion. Also, Chief Jess McKee and members of Carlinville Fire Department dealt with the removal of the deceased victims. Tyson Holhouser with the sheriff's office and other local police, who maintained the safety of the roadways, along with the Illinois State Police. Casey Canter, who stayed at the landing zone because they brought helicopters in and performed flawlessly with all the EMS staff who shined on this horrible day. And predominantly volunteer firefighters, EMS staff responded to this multiple vehicle crash, taking time away from family, friends, and jobs to respond to an incident that was more reminiscent of a war zone or a Hollywood movie set than anything that could have been imagined. Their professionalism, capabilities were awe-inspirating, and this community, county, and state owes them a debt because they took an incident of chaos and added order to it and slowly 10300050.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 but surely cleaned up the area. The action of these first responders saved lives and ensured the injured were receiving critical medical care in a timely manner. Therefore, be it resolved, by the House of Representatives of 103rd General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we recognize the actions of the emergency medical service workers, law enforcement, firefighters, and IDOT workers who responded to this multi-vehicle crash on I-55 caused by a dust storm on May 1, 2023. So, thank you very much, and I wish them welcome to the chamber."
"Moving to page 4 of the Calendar. On Senate Bills-Second Reading appears Senate Bill 64, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 64, 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."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 64, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 64 does two things. It clarifies the definition of the term 'sign' to distinguish between off-premises and on- premises signs to make sure that the… the Act only regulates off-premises signs. Secondly, the Bill removes the legal cloud that hangs over hundreds of signs in operation today because of an onerous 2021 Illinois Appellate Court decision. As part of this, this Bill revives the legal status of the 10300050.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 registered sign at issue in the case, the image media case itself, and puts all of these signs back in legal status and removes possibilities of overreach in their regulation. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Representative Davis." Davis, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield." Davis, J.: "Question that I know has been brought up by IDOT, so I just kind of wanted some clarification for this side of the aisle. On the federal funding threatening the… the potential loss of that, what are your thoughts to that?"
"Thank you for that question, and thank you for your help as we've worked on this Bill this week. In committee yesterday they were asked if this Bill has… posed any threat to federal funds, and the answer was no." Davis, J.: "Thank you very much. To the Bill."
"To the Bill." Davis, J.: "This is a great piece of legislation that… that actually really warms my heart because it is a true bipartisan effort to protect the rights of businesses, which is what we should be doing as Representatives. So, really appreciate the support, a great Bill, and I would strongly urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Cassidy to close."
"If it's good for Cassidy and Jed Davis, it's good for all of us. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"With a warm heart, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 64 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who 10300050.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 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', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative… or, Leader Keicher, for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, if you could please let the record reflect that Representative David Friess is excused for the reminder of the day."
"The record will reflect. Moving to page 5 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 90, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 90, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #2 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 90, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 90 is a product of hours of negotiations between Teach Plus, IDHR, ISBE, IBHE, and countless other education advocates. The result of the negotiations is the agreed Bill I present to you today. SB90 requires each school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school to create, implement, and maintain at least one written policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment against a person based on race, color, and national origin and prohibits 10300050.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 retaliation. This Bill requires ISBE to create a date… data collection system for schools to report the amount of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation reported from their school and to… for IDHR to development a model training program on harassment and prevention for… from elementary and secondary schools. Students and teachers experience racist incidents in schools every day, and with increasing… increasing frequency. A November 2021 report found hate crimes in schools increased by 81 percent from 2016 to 2018 and that 48 percent of incidents were related to racial identity, with an estimated 1.6 million students targeted by hate speech in a single school year. Another study recorded five racist incidents endured… endured by black students every day. SB90 makes several technical changes regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation reporting. It also adds specifying language that a racial-free school policy must make it clear that it will not impair or otherwise diminish the rights of a unionized employees regarding collective bargaining agreements to include a representative to be present during investigator interviews. It's including, but not limited to, the grievance procedures. It allows school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or sectarian… secondary schools the option to provide the racial-free school policy in the parent or guardian's native language, unless it's clearly not feasible to do so. And for legislative intent, before I move on for questions, the modification of the declaration of policy in the Illinois Human Rights Act to include elementary and secondary and higher education is not intended to diminish 10300050.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 the constitutional rights, including free speech and free exercise of religion that are enjoyed in these educational areas by sectarian institutions and their representatives. The exemption of sectarian institutions and their representatives from the provision added as Article 5A- 102(C), (D), and (E) is likewise intended to protect their constitutional rights. Lastly, this Bill does not have any effect on teaching curriculum in the State of Illinois. I will answer any questions that you may have. And I ask for a favorable roll call."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. I think you clarified this with your last statement, but just maybe for some more clarity on what schools this is applicable to. These provisions do not apply to religious schools. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. And we do have an agreement to come together just to… to dissect that more over the summer."
"But these provisions do apply to private, nonreligious schools?"
"Yes. Yes, it does."
"All right. Thank you."
"Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative West, I know you did… have done a lot of work on this and appreciate where you've come to with this piece of legislation. But I do have a couple clarification… 10300050.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 or a couple questions. This is subject to appropriation. Is that correct?"
"No, it's not."
"Oh, it's not? Okay. Okay. I had where it was subject to appropriation. And just to… you said it many times, that this only applies to school district, charter schools, nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary schools."
"Correct."
"And they're required to provide a report once a year on data, specifically on sexual harassment; discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin; discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex; discrimination or harassment on the basis of religion; discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability; and retaliation. Those are the areas that the report will include."
"Correct."
"And that report would be going to Illinois State Board of Education?"
"Yes. And they shall publish an… an annual report aggregating the information reported by school districts."
"Okay. And that'll be… we'll have access to you. And… and one last question. In this, there's a component on teacher's training. I believe it's every two years. Is that correct?"
"Can you repeat that question, Sir?"
"The training… there's a training component for teachers within this piece of legislation I believe. They're going to be required to, part of their professional development or 10300050.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 part of their annual training requirements, to receive some training every two years."
"The Illinois Department of Human Rights will provide the training materials, but let me dig deeper on the every two year portion."
"Okay."
"I have language that expounds on what the training material is. I just don't have how often."
"Okay. Well, so… but my… my point or my final question is that training will only apply to the schools listed within this, as far as a public school, charter school, nonpublic and nonsectarian elementary or secondary. That training requirement will not be for the sectarian schools also?"
"That's correct."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
Speaker Hoffman: "On this question, Representative Gong- Gershowitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I… I apologize. I'm just kind of getting caught up to speed here on this. I… I had not had an opportunity to hear about this prior to now. But can you please explain to me the rationale for exempting nonsectarian, which I assume means religious schools, from having to maintain a policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment?"
"Yeah, I can explain that. In the interest of the First Amendment rights, including free speech and the free exercise of religion, we have a commitment to get to… back together 10300050.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 during the summer months to see what that looks like for religious schools and then we'll go from there with a… maybe a trailer Bill. I'm committed to it. But at the same, I understand the separation of church… church and state. So, it's mainly for the freedom of free speech."
"So, it's the religious schools' position that they have a First Amendment right to discriminate and harass based on race, color, and national origin?"
"Totally understand how you feel about it 'cause I feel the same way. But I get… I'm comforted by the fact that this conversation's not over when it comes to nonsectarian schools."
"Are you aware that there is an effort right now to maintain funding for religious education?"
"Let me repeat what I just said. The conversation with sectarian schools. This is for nonsectarian schools. Can you repeat your question?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. So, my answer then is… was… with respect to sectarian schools, is it the language of this Bill that carves out sectarian schools. And I think may have misspoken that they… the correction may have been on my end, that this Bill does not apply to sectarian or religious schools. Is that what this does?"
"Correct. This SB90, at… in the current form, does not apply to sectarian institutions and their representatives."
"Okay. So, then my understanding, then, is correct, that the Bill does not apply to sectarian or religious schools. Which, I just have to say, you know, we're having a broader conversation here about whether or not, you 10300050.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 know, sectarian educational institutions need to abide by the things that, you know, are important to us as… as Members. You know, values regarding inclusiveness, anti-discrimination policies, education that we feel meets the needs of… of this generation. And I am honestly a little bit… I'm struggling with a carveout for sectarian, religious institutions with a requirement that would prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin. I'll just leave it to everyone to decide what they want to do about that, but it bothers me."
"Totally agree with you, Representative. As a black preacher, it bothers me too. But I was comforted that we are going to keep this conversation going. And I'm getting the head nods on that as well."
"Representative Wilhour."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I'm disheartened that everybody is bothered by supporting the First Amendment in this… in this Body. But will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative West, is this a Teach Plus Illinois initiative?"
"Yes, it is."
"Does Teach Plus Illinois, are they… are they advocates for the culturally responsive teaching standards?"
"I don't know."
"Okay. Well, in our analysis, it… it basically indicates that one of their reasons is for… I'll just go to the Bill. In the analysis, it says that this is for teachers to grow in their skills for culturally responsive instruction. So, if 10300050.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 you are against some of the culturally responsive teaching standards, you may want to take a look at this. Thank you."
"Representative West to close."
"I would just simply say, if you're against culturally responsible teaching standards, you may want to look at yourself as well. But in the meantime, let's go ahead and get a 'yes' vote for racism-free schools. And I assure you I'm going to keep conversations going with religious schools to make sure that they are racism free as well. But in the meantime, in the here and now, I ask for an 'aye' vote for SB90."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 90 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 87 voting 'yes', 18 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Moylan, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to make a correction. I meant to vote 'no' on Senate Bill… Senate Bill, I got it right here, 64. Thank you."
"The record shall reflect. On page 5 of the Calendar, Senate Bills-Second Reading, appears Senate Bill 800, Leader Buckner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB800 requires a licensed repossession entity of vehicles to erase all personal information stored before the vehicle is released and extends the sunset of the Collateral Recovery Act from January 1, 10300050.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 2027 to January 1, 2032. Currently, the law governing the repossession of vehicles does not address data collected by vehicles when they are repossessed."
"Mr. Clerk, are there Amendments on this Bill?"
"Senate Bill 800, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Leader Buckner has explained Senate Bill 800 while it was on Second Reading. On this question…"
"Senate Bill 800, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 800 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Johnson on Senate Bill 895. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 895, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 895, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300050.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Representative Johnson."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senate Bill 895 is a negotiated agreement that amends the Illinois Highway Code to limit the ability of county highway departments, township road districts, and municipal street departments to act like private sector contractors by offering their services to other units of government outside of their county's boundaries."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, what brought this Bill forward? What are we trying to correct with this legislation?"
"In particular, in northwestern Illinois, we have counties going far outside of their boundaries to do work in other counties, which is taking away work from some of our local contractors that actually reside in there. It's actually skirting prevailing wage agreements and creating, I would argue, poor workmanship as well in these districts. So, we… we have an agreement that we negotiated with the township that allows them to perform work in adjacent townships outside the county, but the counties stay within their borders."
"There was one thing in the… the Bill, and I wanted to get some more clarification on it."
"Sure."
"If a municipality wishes to do work on streets or roads that are not within its system, would that be prohibited by this Bill?"
"Yes, it would be." 10300050.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"It would be prohibited?"
"Yes."
"All right. And the same for counties and townships? They can only perform maintenance on the roadways within their system?"
"They can perform within their own system, yes. And townships can perform it in adjacent counties as well. It also doesn't prevent roadways that are linked that extend through counties and states as well, to… to extend outside of the county line as well."
"And the term 'maintenance' does exclude removal or treatment for snow and ice. Is that correct?"
"I… I would have to check, Representative. But I do not think it… it applies. Yeah, I believe they have to perform the work within their own jurisdiction, but I have to check on that for you. I would."
"So… just so I… maybe my question wasn't clear. That is excluded, meaning that the local government can perform that work? It's not considered maintenance?"
"I believe so, but I will have to get you a definitive answer, Representative."
"Thank you."
"You bet."
"On this question, Leader Barbara Hernandez." Hernandez, B.: "Speaker, please let the record reflect Representative Anne Stava-Murray is excused for the rest of the day."
Speaker Hoffman: "The record shall reflect. Representative Halbrook." 10300050.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question of the Sponsor, please."
"Sponsor yields."
"So, Representative, I just want to understand to the extent of what we're trying to accomplish here. Did you say that counties and township are going out of their jurisdictional boundaries to do work for other townships and counties?"
"Correct. And in some cases, they're even hopping over two counties away in our particular northwest part of Illinois. Yes, Sir."
"So, are they contracting for this work? Or are they doing this via intergovernmental agreements?"
"I… I have no idea if there's intergovernmental agreements. However, I… I do know they should not be acting as contractors. We have contractors that exist within these jurisdictions that do this work."
"So, they must be contracting this, right? Is what you're… if they're not entering into intergovernmental agreements, they must be contracting. And the point is, if that's the case, does the statute give them the ability to contract like that?"
"I don't really have an answer for you on that. I do know this. They have contracts with private contractors in their area that do a much more effective job. Every one of us in this chamber are driving on these roads, taking our families on these roads. And I would argue that when you're trying to skirt prevailing wage agreements, which is what they would be doing in that circumstance, that they are… are 10300050.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 making their residents less safe in their counties in order to save a buck."
"Right. So… so, I'm not arguing for this activity to happen. I'm just wondering…"
"I understand."
"…why it is happening. I… I don't believe that there's any ability, statutory ability, for these local units of government to contract with anybody. I… I don't believe that's the case. Now, they can enter into their neighboring jurisdictions with intergovernmental agreements to do things, but I don't think there's any ability for them to contract."
"All right. I do… however, as the law is currently written, Representative, it… it does allow local governments to contract out their road services teams anywhere in the state. This creates a situation where local governments, who in many cases do not use union labor for this work, contract across the state as though they are a private company. Ultimately, this undercuts union labor and drives down wages for working people."
"Okay. So, the point of what you want to do here is you're not… you're not going to make this activity illegal, you're just going to put in prevailing wage into the activity."
"We are looking to pass a law here today, and… and going forward, that does not allow them to contract that out to other counties, to have that work performed by contractors within their county."
"So, I'm not sure I'm exactly clear on your last statement about what you're trying to do there." 10300050.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"If… Representative, if you are a county employee and a township employee, your work should consist of working within that county or township. You should not be hopping over into other… other county townships, or… or counties. That's what I'm arguing."
"Right. So… but what you said is the work that they're doing is inferior in other counties. But the county they're working in is not inferior?"
"Let me… let me correct. If I said that, I misspoke. I am saying this. That I… I have a much firmer belief that quality work is going be done on both ends. But I will say that I do have a greater faith in contractors that actually do this for a living that hire our union workers to build these roads."
"So, to that point, should we have… I mean…"
"I'm… I'm not going to denigrate the work of others."
"…should we have local… local hired or local elected officials not building and maintaining their own roads? Should it all be union contracted work then? To be…"
"Well, if you want to bring that legislation forward, Representative, that'd be great. We could take a look at that."
"I'm just trying to… I'm just trying to understand what your legislation do… does here."
"What my legislation does, once again, is it prevents counties from becoming private contractors in other counties and has the work performed by union labor contractors that exist within those counties. That's what this Bill does." 10300050.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Okay. So, I'm just drilling into this just a little bit farther, so bear with me. Are they going over there as XYZ township or XYZ county, or are they just going over there as an individual themselves or a side business that they've created on their own?"
"The… they're going over there as county and township XYZ."
"Right. And… and you're building into this a prevailing wage factor?"
"The prevailing wage factor already exists in law."
"All right. Thank you. No further questions."
"You bet."
"Thank you."
"The Chair is instituting a three-minute time limit. Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"So… so, I'm just going to try to explain this really quickly. You've got a situation where county X uses county X's taxpayer dollars to purchase equipment and then goes to county Y and uses that taxpayer equipment to do a job at the neighboring county. They… the county believes that they're actually… county X believes they're making money because they're not counting the… the offset of the taxpayers' cost of that equipment. They're competing against private companies that are required by law to pay prevailing wage. So, they're competing at a different level. This… and I already know… I know I went to the Bill, but I… I just want to make sure people understand that this puts everybody 10300050.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 competing for work on a level playing field. So, you know, I've been contacted by a number of my… my counties, and I think there's certainly exceptions that we're willing to look at when, you know, a couple counties have equipment and they want to work together on… or a couple townships have equipment and want to work together on a job. But we're really creating a system where local taxpayer dollars are competing against the people that are paying the tax… the taxes themselves. So, I… I think this is a good step in the right direction. Thank you."
"Representative McLaughlin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, quick question. As a former mayor of a town of about 40 square miles, we entered into intergovernmental agreements all the time with road districts, counties, townships to handle specific areas that they could do in a much more efficient way than we could at the local level. This intergovernmental cooperation helped the taxpayer and helped the services that were provided. Does this Bill in any way limit the ability of local units of government from contracting in long-term intergovernmental agreements for the most efficient use of tax dollars to serve the residents of their local communities?"
"If their lines extend to townships within that county. So, I would… I would say it does not. I would also say that as…"
"Can I… I'm sorry. Representative, before you go further, I couldn't hear your first… it's just a yes or no." 10300050.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"I'm checking to get a clear answer for you on it. It… you may be able to enter into an intergovernmental with the… the adjacent county. That's actually not what's going on in this case. They're… they're hopping two and three counties over."
"Some of us enjoyed, as local legislators, having multiple counties, which I had four, and I still do as a State Rep. So, I…"
"Well, I would…"
"…I just want to make sure, Representative, that we don't restrict local authority and local government taxing bodies, who, for example, Algonquin Road District through McHenry County would handle a very certain portion of roadway in my former community. And it worked out exceptionally well, and it did not cover salting. It covered construction. But that interworking amongst agencies was phenomenal, and it was a great benefit to the taxpayer. I'm just worried that this may restrict that ability. If you could give me the confidence that it doesn't apply, you might be able to catch me on this vote. But if not, I'm going to have to stay off it until I get more clarification."
"They can go into adjacent counties. And if they have agreements to share… an intergovernmental agreement to share equipment, I think Representative… Representative across the way referred that as well. You know, I would also like to say, Representative, that I also argue, you know, I… I would say that a county would be pretty happy, and its residents, to know that their employees are actually working 40 hours a 10300050.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 week within their own district, rather than outside of that district as well."
"Yeah, irrelevant to my question, Representative. To the Bill."
"That's okay."
"To the Bill."
"Without that specificity, Mr. Speaker… and I know all over the state, local taxing bodies understand much better what their needs are than the State of Illinois. So, I'll have to be a 'no' at this time. And I… I would urge a 'no' vote so that local control and authority still rules the roost when it comes to the best use of a taxpayers' dollar. But thank you."
"Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you, Sir. Hey, quick question, Representative."
"Sure."
"Henry County has their own blacktopping plant within the county. They do many contract jobs for school… or for school parking lots, community parking lots within the county. They also tend to go to neighboring counties under contract to do work at schools or city parking lots and elsewhere under contract with those other counties. Would that continue to be permissible under this piece of legislation?"
"If they have a joint agreement to work together and… and if they have the equipment within the county that they're… 10300050.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 if they have the equipment within the county they're working in."
"An agreement?"
"An agreement, yes."
"An agreement that possibility could include exchanging funds?"
"Sure."
"Or possibly other work, hour-for-hour type work?"
"Yes. As long as they're working in unison, yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Fritts."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Just quickly, one question I had has to do with a intergovernmental agreement back home. The county has a three-mile stretch of road that's inconvenient for them to take care of. So, they make an agreement with the township that they'll plow, they'll patch, they'll do all these things. The township, in exchange, does not have to buy striping equipment because they do the striping. Is all that still permissible in the Bill?"
"Correct. Yes."
"Great. Thank you."
"Representative Johnson to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 895 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the 10300050.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 record. On this question, there are 80 voting 'yes', 28 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Nichols seeks recognition. Representative Nichols."
"Thank you, Leader. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Today, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a very, very special group of people in the Speaker's box from Chicago, Illinois, St. Francis de Sales, under leadership of Principal Roni Facen. It's a very special group because particular my son is a part of that group. So, all of y'all stand up. Everybody, stand up. There you go. Want to give a warm Springfield welcome. Yeah, put your hands together. This is actually Leader Tarver's area. And you know, they actually made it to the state tournament as well in basketball. First time since Eric Anderson, one our most… one of the greatest basketball players that probably come through the State of Illinois in Chicagoland. So, I'd like to welcome y'all for coming out, thank y'all for visiting the Capitol, and keeping fighting for the things that you love and what you believe in. And Principal Facen, you're doing an amazing job. Keep up the great work. Thank you."
"Remaining on page 5 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 1068, Representative Jacobs. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1068, a Bill for an Act concerning government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. 10300050.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1068, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Jacobs."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise to present 1068… Senate Bill 1068. This authorizes the director of the Department of Natural Resources to execute and deliver to Two Rivers Fishery (sic-Fisheries), for and consideration of the appraised value as determined by a certified general appraiser, a quitclaim deed to specified real property located in Alexander County. It will be effective immediately. The property is called the Toll House and is at the furthest northern boundary of Fort Defiance. The Toll House has been maintained by the state at least since it was decommissioned in 1948. This Bill will save the State of Illinois on maintenance expenses on this property. Two Rivers Fishery (Sic-Fisheries) processes Copi. This is, of course, our renamed Asian carp. It will help reduce the overabundance of Copi, which make 20 to 30 well-paying jobs at the site. And I'll be happy to answer any questions, and I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"On this question, Representative… seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1068 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 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 10300050.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Sanalitro, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker Hoffman. I would like to reflect that I want to change my vote for Senate Bill 895 to a 'yes', please."
"Record will reflect."
"Thank you."
"Senate Bill 1072, Representative Kifowit. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1072, a Bill for an Act concerning government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1072, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1072 is the Honor and Remember Flag Bill. Senate Bill 1072 amends the Flag Display Act by adding the Honor and Remember Flag as a symbol of the state's commitment to honoring and remembering the lives of all members of the U.S. armed forces who have lost their lives while serving or as a result of service and their family. The Honor and Remember Flag is a flag that has been designed, as I said, to recognize those that have given their life. The blue star resembles active service in a military conflict. The white border beneath and surrounding the gold 10300050.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 star recognizes the purity of sacrifice. The gold star signifies the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active service who will not return home. Gold reflects the value of the life that was given. The folded flag signifies the final tribute to an individual life that a family sacrificed and gave to the nation. And the flame is the eternal reminder of the spirit and has departed this life, yet forever will be in the memory of all those who knew and loved the fallen hero. This legislation requires the Honor and Remember Flag to be displayed on seven specific days and when a state military casualty occurs at designated locations, including state military memorials, and state veterans' ceremony… cemeteries. The flag should also be displayed at the State Capitol and other specified site. The amended legislation does not require any reimbursement by the state to implement this mandate."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition on this question, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1072 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 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Weaver seeks recognition."
"Please let the record reflect that on Senate Bill 895 I intended to vote 'no'."
"The record will so reflect. Leader Manley in the Chair." 10300050.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Chair recognizes Jay C. Hoffman on Senate Bill 851. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 851, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. 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."
"Senate Bill 851, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 851 requires the Broadband Advisory Council to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the expansion of the Illinois Century Network to Illinois public schools, libraries, and state-owned correction facilities by January 1, 2030. I know of no opposition."
"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 851 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to Senate Bill 1160, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1160, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300050.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1160, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is an initiative of Senator Dale Fowler in the Senate. It amends the Renewable Energy Component Task Force Act to require the task force to consider the benefits of prohibit… prohibiting a person from mixing renewable energy generation components and energy storage systems with municipal waste that is intended for disposal at a landfill and disposing of renewable energy generation components and energy storage systems in a sanitary landfill. Again, no opposition."
"Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Leader, this task force exists. It's just expanding the scope in the areas that you mentioned. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"And who is the… the Senate Sponsor, did you say?"
"Senator Dale Fowler."
"Oh, thank you. I think I may know who that is. Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Representative Caulkins."
"Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"Indicates that he will." 10300050.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Representative, where are these components supposed to go, then? What's… what's the alternative we're looking for?"
"This… the task force is being set to look at these alternatives for energy generation components and energy storage systems and ensuring that they are… the systems mixed with municipal waste that is intended to disposal in a landfill. The task force will make recommendations as to whether there is any further legislation that would be needed."
"I… so, I have one of these little solar generator panels that doesn't work anymore. If… if you don't want it in… in the municipal landfill, and I think that's probably a great idea, where… where are we going to put these things?"
"Again, this is a Renewable Energy Component Task Force. They're looking at what your… where you're going to put these things. They will give us a report and indicate where they believe would be best disposed… where they would be best disposed of."
"Are there currently alternatives?"
"I don't know."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman to close."
"I ask for a favorable vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1160 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 'opposed', 0 'present'. This Bill, having received a 10300050.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to page 7. Under Concurrences, we find House Bill 1342, Representative Buckner. Representative Buckner."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to move to approve Amendments 2 and 5. And I will explain it on Third Reading."
"Representative, could you explain it? There's no… there's not going to be a Third Reading. It's on Third."
"Oh, Concurrence. You're right. So, Amendment… Amendment 2 is a gut and replace here for this Bill. It… it adds seven points for a transit omnibus. It allows public transit agencies to suspend problematic riders, provided that the rider commits or provides a reasonable apprehension of assault, battery, sexual assault, or violations of public indecency. It provides that, after July 1, 2026, CTA, Pace, and Metra shall only purchase buses that are zero emission. It exempts the farebox recovery ratio for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. It creates a program requiring the RTA to… to distribute preloaded fare cards to domestic violence providers to assist victims and their dependents. It requires the CTA to provide… to reduced fares for youth-involved jobs programs. And finally, it requires the RTA to publish a report on all reduced fare and free ride programs as well."
Speaker Manley: "Thank you. Chair recognizes Representative Marron."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Representative, we had a good discussion in committee and you answered a lot of my questions. I… I just 10300050.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 wanted to ask some of the same things again for the entire Body. So, this suspends the farebox recovery… recovery ratio till 2025. Am I correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"And so, if I… if I have this right, the way that works, the recovery ratio… farebox recovery ratio mandates that basically half of operational costs are paid for by the farebox, correct?"
"That is correct."
"And so, in the event that that… the fares are short, then the funding would have to be made up by… by state appropriation. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And so, with RTA facing a potential fiscal cliff in 2026, you know, basically what you're asking with this legislation is for the state to step in and to basically make up for the farebox recovery ratio, the pause in that ratio, as well as make up for the fiscal cliff that RTA's facing, correct?"
"To a certain extent. What we're doing really here is laying the groundwork so that federal and state help can… can be at the ready, right, if this fiscal cliff… this looming actually occurs. We suspended the farebox recovery ratio in 2020 during the pandemic because, obviously, ridership was down on transit agencies around the state. And so, what we… we're asking for is a little bit more runway here, two more years, so we can, once again, figure out if we have to make more changes from a policy level on governance and structure and the way that we fund our transit here in the state." 10300050.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"And then the mandate on electric buses, and I know I asked you this in committee, there is no cost analysis at this time for that mandate, is there?"
"At this time, no. But Amendment 2 does have a subject to appropriations language. But what this would do is really put Chicago Transit Authority and Pace at the vanguard of electrification of bus… of fleets. We will be the first municipality, or area, or region in the country to… to put a date into policy on… on zero carbon emissions vehicles."
"And then an overall potential cost to the state, that… that is still to be determined as well, correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Okay. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"So, I appreciate the Representative and his work on this. There's some good parts of this Bill. I think one of the… the issues that I have with it representing an area that is not serviced by RTA, CTA, we're asking the state to step in and… and fund this. And so, that's why I will be opposed. I think we have some Members over here that probably are serviced by RTA and CTA that may be in favor of it. Thank you very much."
"Leader Buckner to close."
"I urge a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur with Amendments 2 and 5 to House Bill 1342?' This is final action. All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 74 voting in 'favor', 39 10300050.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur with Senate Amendments 2 and 5 to House Bill 1342. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to House Bill 1364, Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Members. House Bill 1364 creates a task force… a working group, excuse me, pertaining to the implementation of 9-8-8. The Senate, in its infinite wisdom, made a few changes. They are repealing another existing working group, and they also made some changes in terminology and in effective dates in the CESSA Act that this Body passed several years ago. I would urge the Body's approval of the Motion."
"Chair recognizes Rep… Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Part of the Amendment deals with how individuals who are dealing with nonviolent misdemeanors, how those will be responded to by local authorities. Is… do I have that accurate?"
"It just changes the terminology in statute. It doesn't change any of the mechanism of response. But the statute used the word 'responder', and we change it, if I recalling correctly, to 'mobile mental health relief provider'. It's a… it's simply a… a name change, if you will, a terminology change."
"And the nonviolent misdemeanor portion was previously in the law?" 10300050.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Yes. That's all untouched from the CESSA provisions that we passed several years ago."
"And with the Amendments, the changes received a 56 to 0 vote in the Senate. Is that correct?"
"That is my understanding, yes."
"And what is the purpose of the Bill generally?"
"The underlying Bill creates a working group about the implementation of the 9-8-8 system. If you're not familiar, it's a three-digit number that people can call when they're experience a… experiencing a mental health crisis. They can talk to somebody who can help them navigate that crisis. Ultimately, we're hoping that system will be integrated with the CESSA system that this Bill also touches, where someone could actually come out and respond to you if you were in a crisis. But really, the purpose of the task… the working group, excuse me, is just to come up with some implementation ideas to make sure that this 9-8-8 roll out, we're about 10 months into it already, that we roll out this system in the most effective way possible going forward. Evaluate the first year of 9-8-8 and look to the future of 9-8-8."
"And there are no known opponents this time?"
"Oh, no. Everyone loves this Bill."
"Thank you."
"Chair recognizes Leader Hammond."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Representative Guzzardi, as I look at the board and I see the Sponsors for this Bill and these Amendments, I… I see your name, along with some of your colleagues. But I also see 10300050.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 someone from our side, Representative Cabello, on this. And it begs the question, did you dance with the devil in the pale moonlight last night?"
"Leader, I… no comment."
"Thank you."
Speaker Manley: "You're the master. Chair recognizes Representative Haas."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"And… and thank you, Leader Hammond. You beat me to it. So, I just want to be clear that this legislation also backs up the date for the CESSA implementation, correct?"
"Yes, that's…"
"And can you tell us when that will… when the implementation date starts?"
"That's correct. The… let me pull my… that section of my notes here. So, we've changed a variety of provisions in this Bill. I want to make sure that I give you the correct answer. So, there are some reporting requirements from… oh goodness. I apologize. I… I don't have the exact dates handy. But I know that in the CESSA implementation work, there's simply been the need for extra time. The Statewide Advisory Council and the Regional Advisory Councils have been convening, but it's taken awhile to get all the members appointed to those various councils. And now, they're just really getting their work off the ground at the moment. So, again, I apologize for not having the exact date at hand. But they've asked for a little bit of additional time from the General Assembly to continue their work." 10300050.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"No, and I appreciate that. I think it backs it up to, actually, the start of next fiscal year, if I remember correctly."
"That… that sounds right to me, Leader."
"And I… I appreciate that extra time because it… it is taking a lot of time to get everybody to the table. But the fact that everybody is coming to the table is definitely a strength. And thank you for that, and I… I do support the Bill. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Guzzardi to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur with Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 1364?' This is final action. All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 1 'opposed', 0 'present'. This… the House does concur with Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 1364. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Hoffman in the Chair."
"Leader Keicher seeks recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Sosnowski is excused for the rest of the day."
"Record shall reflect. Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would… I'd like the record to reflect I intended to vote 'yes' on 1364, please." 10300050.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"The record shall reflect. Remaining on page 7 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 2041. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Representative Stuart."
"Thank you. Senate Amendment 1… this was the higher ed omnibus Bill. And what Senate Amendment 1 does is it takes out… there was… the only concern when we had this originally were fees and cease and desists that could be given to institutions that were operating without the authority to grant degrees. And so, it took that out. So, I believe there should be no opposition."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Just on a couple of points I think that were causing some of the 'no' votes previously on this side. We are removing the… this Amendment removes the cease and desist orders, the civil penalties and fines that existed in the underlying Bill. Is that accurate?"
"Yes. Thank you for explaining it better than I did. Yes."
"I don't know if was better, but it just… that's the language we had. So, what does the Bill do now with that removed, those items removed?"
"So, again, it was an omnibus. It was a lot of small, detailed things for the state, the Board of Higher Education. It fixes things about the Academic Quality Assurance Act, and it fixes… in terms of board appointments, making sure that the representatives from the public institutions and the nonpublic institutions, that they have a three-year term 10300050.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 instead of just a one-year term. And again, a couple other small details."
"And with those changes, the Bill passed unanimously in the Senate and the Amendment came unanimously through our House committee. Is that correct?"
"I would have to double-check on that. But if that's what you have, I… I trust your numbers."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Stuart to close."
"I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2041?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2041. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to page 8 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 2054, Representative Vella. Representative Vella."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would move to concur on HB2054, Senate Amendment 1 and 2. Senate Amendment 1 allows for continued services for children who are released from IDJJ. Senate Amendment 2 deletes the… any references of Pension Code, which makes this revenue neutral. This came out of committee unanimously. I urge its adoption."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst." 10300050.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, one of the major portions of the Bill originally, which remains, was expanding those who will be eligible to be hired by the Department of Juvenile Justice to work on staff. Is that accurate?"
"That is correct."
"And previously we had a pension piece, which I think was the cause of some of our 'no' votes on our side. That's been removed. Is that accurate?"
"That is true. That… it has made it revenue neutral now."
"There was an added provision, though, in the Senate Amendment dealing with services for those who are released from the Department of Juvenile Justice, that they receive supportive services for up to a year after their release?"
"That's correct."
"And that may have been some of the cause of the 'no' votes in the Senate. It's my understanding. Are you aware of that?"
"I… I was made aware of that in committee. However, I believe IDJJ did say this was within their budget parameters, so there will be no additional funding."
"Thank you."
"Representative Vella to close."
"Thank you. This came out of committee unanimously. I urge a… it's adoption."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 2054?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. 10300050.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 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 the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 2054. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2189, Representative Ladisch Douglass. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today and move to concur with Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2189. Senate Amendment 2 is a gut and replace Amendment that becomes the Bill. The Amendments retain the provisions of the underlying Bill to reduce the insulin copay cap for state-regulated health plans from 100 to $35. Changes definitions and the effective date from January of 2025 to July 1 of 2025. In addition, the Bill directs CMS, Central Management Services, to establish procedures related to an insulin discount program. It will allow participants to purchase insulin at the state post-rebate price, allowing individuals to pay less for their insulin by utilizing the contract power of the State of Illinois. The discount price charged to participants will allow them to pay only what the state needs to be made whole and cost the state nothing to engage in this program. The original Bill passed out the Senate unanimously with bipartisan support. It passed committee unanimously with bipartisan support. And the Bill is substantially similar to HB1466, which passed the House unanimously in '22, and it contained this provision. I'd also like to note that Rep. Guzzardi has been a key Member who has worked on this Bill with me and on this issue for the last six years. As a person 10300050.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 with type 1 diabetes for 30 years, this is an essential medicine to save lives. And I encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"On this question, Chair recognizes Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. So, the Amendment takes it from a cap on the copays to a discount program for insulin. Is that accurate?"
"The Bill contains both."
"Okay. With regard to the discount program, is there any cost associated with that for the state?"
"No."
"Our analysis shows that there are two opponents, America's Health Insurance Plans and the Pharmaceutical Care Managers Association. Do you know if they are still opposed or what the nature of their opposition is, if they are?"
"I am unaware of their opposition to this Amendment."
"And as you said, this passed unanimously out of the Senate and in committee. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir. It did."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ladisch Douglass to close."
"Thank you for the questions, and I encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #2 to House Bill 2189?' All those in favor 10300050.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 2189. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Ann Williams on House Bill 2217. Representative Williams." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment in the Senate actually has removed the opposition of the realtors to this… this Bill. This Bill provides for remediation opportunity and the ability of a tenant to test for radon in their home. And if the radon risk is not mitigated, they can terminate the lease. We accommodate the realtors by limiting the testing period to 90 days, which eliminated their opposition. And I move to concur in Senate Amendment #2."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Is there a provision in this Bill that discusses a radon guide for tenants pamphlet?" Williams, A.: "There is an item in that. That, I think, was in the initial Bill. That was not in the Senate Concurrence."
"That is not currently in the Bill? Or it is in the Bill? I'm sorry." Williams, A.: "The pamphlet, I don't… whatever was in the original Bill. I can… if you give me a moment. One moment, I was a bit caught off guard. Got it, okay. Okay, I don't believe there 10300050.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 is… oh, yes, I'm sorry. We are required to hand out a pamphlet on radon outlining the risks. But that was in the original Bill."
"And that's… the landlord will provide that to the tenant. Is that correct?" Williams, A.: "Yes. And it's just similar to the disclosures required for lead and other risks, toxicity."
"Is… is that…" Williams, A.: "Black mold, things like that."
"Does that requirement apply to all landlords?" Williams, A.: "It does."
"And those pamphlets are provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Is that correct?" Williams, A.: "I believe so."
"Do you know if those are provided free of cost or if there's any cost that's going to be associated for the landlords to provide those?" Williams, A.: "I think they're pretty de minimis in cost. I know that in our offices, for example, we have a stack of pamphlets on any number of things. I think I've seen them on radon as well. So, I believe that's probably the same thing or similar."
"And you mentioned the realtors have taken no position. Is that correct?" Williams, A.: "Yes. They're neutral now."
"There is still opposition from some landlord associations, the Illinois Municipal League, and the Rental Property Owners Association. Is that correct?" 10300050.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Williams, A.: "Well, I haven't spoken directly with any of those groups since the Senate Amendment was advanced. I think at… at some point, certain entities just have a philosophical difference about the ability of a landlord to… or the ability of a tenant to require action on the part of a landlord. But here, in the case of a toxic chemical like radon, an odorless chemical that… or odorless gas that if left unchecked can cause serious health damage, I think it's worth balancing out the… the cost-benefit here. And I would make another argument. We worked hard in this initiative to not put a testing mandate on landlords. We worked hard to ensure that we weren't making them mitigate the risk. This was not a… a lot of mandates. What this is, is a way to provide in that balance between landlord rights and responsibilities and tenant protections."
"Are you aware of what IML's opposition is?" Williams, A.: "I am not."
"Does this preempt Home Rule?" Williams, A.: "I don’t believe we do. I stand corrected. I believe it does preempt Home Rule."
"So, inquiry of the Chair. What is the vote threshold for this Bill's passage?" Williams, A.: "Okay. We're checking on this to make sure that it actually does require that amplified…"
"Leader, we'll get an answer to you, if you want to continue, or Representative Halbrook has his light on, too."
"That was my last question. So, thank you."
"Okay. We'll get you an answer. Representative Halbrook." 10300050.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. We had a…"
"To the Bill."
"…kind of a lengthy discussion about this in committee. This radon test is already required in statute to be disclosed at the beginning of the lease agreement. This just allows for another 90 days that if the tenant has an increase in radon levels, there's some mitigation things that can happen there. But again, we just think this is an added burden that the small operators of rental units need not have to bear because, again, it is disclosed at the beginning of the lease period. I would just urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Just very quickly as a response to what we just heard. So, what your Bill would do is, if a tenant moves into a unit and the landlord doesn't know that there's radon in the unit, then the tenant does a test when they move in and they discover that there's radon. What… what does the tenant do once they find out that there's a radioactive substance in their home?" Williams, A.: "Well, the tenant has the option to ask the landlord to mitigate the risk. Or alternatively, if they choose not to do the mitigation, which is their option, the tenant can terminate the lease."
"Right. So, the… the tenant, nor the landlord, knew that there was radon in the home. The tenant finds out. They tell the landlord, hey, excuse me, there's a substance in my home that's going to kill me. And the landlord says, I'm not 10300050.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 going to do the mitigation on that substance. So, then your Bill would allow them to leave that home and not be trapped in that home for a full year?" Williams, A.: "Of course, yes."
"Breathing in a substance…" Williams, A.: "Yup."
"…that could kill them? Okay." Williams, A.: "You got it."
"I urge an 'aye' vote." Williams, A.: "Yeah. And I will point out that, just to respond to your… your point, Representative, that radon is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer. So, it is a serious issue."
"Thank you very much. It's a great Bill. I urge an 'aye' vote." Williams, A.: "Thanks."
"Leader, the parliamentarian has indicated that it does preempt Home Rule, but only under Section 6(i), which requires 60 votes. Representative Williams to close." Williams, A.: "Thank you so much, Representative, for pointing out that Home Rule issue. I actually hadn't considered it because the first time it went out of the chamber, it went out unanimously. So, I didn't think to check. With that, I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 2217?' This is final action. All in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the 10300050.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 record. On this question, there are 77 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 2217. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Speaker Welch in the Chair."
"Shh. Members of the General Assembly, I am delighted to welcome to the House chamber today the Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, Mr. Mitch Landrieu. He is the guest of Leader Kam Buckner, Chairwoman Sue Scherer, and United States Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. Prior to his role in the Biden administration, Mr. Landrieu was the mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana. He entered into that role at a time when the city was still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and in the midst of the BP oil spill. In 2015, he was named Public Official of the Year by… by Governing and was also named America's top turnaround mayor in 2016 in a political survey of mayors. Mr. Landrieu was also the recipient of the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. He is a dedicated public servant. And I am honored that, during National Infrastructure Week, he is able to come address our chamber, and he comes bearing gifts. Please give a warm House welcome to Mr. Mitch Landrieu."
"Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, it is a tremendous thrill to be standing here on behalf of President Joseph Biden in Springfield, Illinois, this auspicious Body. Having been a Legislator for 16 years and been through many tough Sessions, I am very mindful of the fact that I am imposing on your time in the waning days of your Legislative 10300050.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Session and think… I might have a bit of appreciation about the kinds of struggles that all you have gone through, the sacrifices that you've made being away from your families during this very, very difficult time. So, let me just thank you for your service. On behalf of the President, I'm thrilled to be here with the Congress Lady, who has been kind enough to usher me around today. Senator Durbin could not be with us, and Senator Duckworth, because they're in Washington, D.C. But yesterday, on their behalf and on behalf of the President, we delivered $800 million to help shore up Lock 22 and Lock 25 to make sure that the agricultural interests in this part of the Midwest were able to get goods out of the fields and onto the barges and to the people of America to make sure that they have manufactured products that are actually going to help build the new rail system that we delivered $19.1 million dollars to today, you know, on behalf of the bipartisan infrastructure law. There are billions of dollars that have already hit the ground that are flowing through your budget, that I commend to you for your consideration about where you should invest it. I want to thank you all already for getting ahead of the nation on the infrastructure Bill that you passed some years ago that, in partnership with this Bill, they're going to help you rebuild America. And so, just in the last 18 months, we have pushed $212 billion out of the door. We have 35 thousand projects that have been funded across the country, in all 50 states, all the territories, and the District of Columbia. Created 12.7 billion… million jobs together, Ladies and Gentlemen, 800 thousand manufacturing jobs. So, the President's vision, 10300050.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 and the vision that you have about investing in infrastructure, which is the cornerstone of our economy that creates high-paying jobs, that includes people, that improves the supply chains, that actually lowers the cost and puts people to work in high-paying union jobs that include everybody that have been left out before, is the President's vision, and it's working in a wonderful way. Not possible without the help of all of you in this office with the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and of course, the Governor of this great state. So, on behalf of the President, please let me just extend my gratitude to you. Our work has just begun. And as the President has liked to remind us from time to time, now it's time to finish the job. God bless you all. Thank you so much with the rest of your Session. Thank you for letting me come by."
"As you can only imagine, the Senior Advisor to the President keeps a very busy schedule. So, he has a flight to catch out of St. Louis and won't be able to stay for our usual pictures. But I think you all missed when he said he delivered $800 million to the State of Illinois, $19 million to the City of Springfield. Let's give him another round of applause. And we also heard him say they're just getting started. Thank you, Mr. Advisor. Leader Hoffman is back in the Chair."
"Representative Reick."
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point."
"Today is May 19. At the beginning of Session, way back in January, it was announced that today was going to be the day 10300050.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 that we adjourned sine die. In February, the Governor gave his budget address. Today is May 19. We should be talking about that budget. But what are we talking about? We're doing concurrences in committees when… instead of those things coming straight here. We're doing busy work. We have committees this afternoon. We have a visitor come and talk to us on May 19, the day that we're supposed to adjourn. What the hell is going on in this room? You know, if the State of Illinois was a $50 billion publicly traded company, the SEC would be in here like you wouldn't believe and the management of this… this company would be going to jail. I can't believe that we're sitting here on the day we're supposed to adjourn, we don't have a budget. We don't even have a breath of a budget. Back in the Rauner years, there was… it was asked, where's your budget? Oh, maybe the dog ate the budget. I don't even think we have a budget that a dog in… on that side of the aisle could eat 'cause I don't think you're that close. I have never seen such rank incompetence in an administration as I have seen in the last four weeks. A $50 billion state that can't even put together a budget on its own timeline. I can't understand why it is that we have the management that we have. We need new management in this state. Everything about this thing just is absolutely disgusts me. It’s May 19. It was your date for us to adjourn. We're going to be back here next week. We're probably be here until 3 on some morning just in order to pass a budget because that's the tradition. The tradition is dropping it at 3 in the morning so nobody sees what we do under the… under the cover of darkness. I'm ashamed of every single solitary one of us over here. I'm 10300050.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 ashamed of our inability to be able to move this process along, and I am doubly ashamed of those of you on that side of the aisle who thinks this is funny."
"Leader Keicher."
"Inquiry of the Chair, Mr. Speaker."
"State your inquiry."
"Last night, I asked the status of the revenue estimate and a draft copy of the budget. I was hopeful when we saw the Speaker enter into the room that maybe he brought that with him. So, I'm curious if we have that revenue estimate available, or a draft budget, or when we should expect to see one, please."
"You're asking me?"
"You're in the Chair."
"Get back to you."
"Funny… funny story. After I made my inquiry last night, I had eight Members of the other side of the aisle suggest to me that they hadn't seen one either. So, to the previous speaker's commentary, I think, as a part of good government, we have to see this sooner rather than later. So, just curious on the status. If could please share that with us."
"We'll get back to you."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Moving to page 11 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3957, Representative Syed. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Chair. I move to concur Senate Amendment #1. It removes CMS's involvement in this legislation, and it also makes a technical change."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst." 10300050.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. With… just to make sure I'm clear on a couple things the Amendment does. With the Amendment, CMS is no longer required to notify the Attorney General. Is that an accurate statement?"
"So, it entirely removes CMS's involvement. So, only DCHS would be responsible."
"And if there is a potential violation now, the Attorney General may, rather than shall, send that notice of violation to the manufacturer. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. And I'm… I apologize, I misspoke. It's the Department of Child and Family… Department of Health and Family Services."
"And this… the Amendment removed CMS's opposition. The Association of Accessible Medicines does remain opposed. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Have they told you what their opposition is?"
"I've reached out. I have not received a response."
"And the vote in the Senate was 52 to 2 with the Amendment. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"Indicates she'll yield." 10300050.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Representative, are there still penalties? I'm looking at this still. Is it $10 thousand or whatever? Are those penalties still in this Bill?"
"Yes. So, the Attorney General, if they decide that there has been an instance of price gouging and they want to take upon this case, there is a civil penalty of up to $10 thousand per day for each violation."
"Okay. And have we defined price gouging?"
"Yes. It is defined in the Bill as specific percentage increases over the course of specific years."
"Okay. I'm… I'm looking at your Amendments as well. So, it's $10 thousand per day for each violation. Is that after the Attorney General has been notified or the Attorney General sends a letter, or are we going back to some point in time? Where… where does this penalty start?"
"This penalty starts once the Attorney General has determined that price gouging's in fact occurring."
"So, if the Attorney General decides that price gouging occurred, then the penalty starts why?"
"The penalty starts because it has been proven that this generic drug manufacturer is imposing prices upon a consumer at an egregious level that is specifically defined within this Bill…"
"Okay."
"…and needs to reduce those prices and imposes that penalty to ensure that they do in that specific instance. Because when generic drug manufacturers are raking in thousands and millions and millions in profits, it's important that we take a stand to protect Illinois consumers." 10300050.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"That's fine. I… I don’t… I don't need the emotional appeal. Thank you."
"Thought you did."
"The… so, the fine starts when the Attorney General issues his opinion. That's the first day that the fine starts?"
"Yes. But, once again, that opinion is based off the definition of price gouging, which is very clearly outlined within this Bill."
"So, does the Attorney General have the ability to negotiate with the pharmacy… the manufacturer on pricing to try to convince them to get their price down to where we would not consider it price gouging?"
"So… so, it is up to the Attorney General. It's up to them whether or not they want to impose that fine. It's up to them to determine what kind of remedy. So, if they decide in this case that there's a potential to negotiate and not… not impose that fine, then in that case, they can so choose to do so. And this Amendment that happened… that occurred in the Senate actually makes it easier for them to do that."
"Okay. Thank you very much. I… to the Bill, Mr. Speaker."
"To the Bill."
"Here we go again. We're going to give the Attorney General, we're going to start another division, more people, more work, more money to go after what might be perceived as price gouging in someone's mind. I look at this, I'm not sure how this is going to affect anyone other than the manufacturers who are trying to recover their costs, if that's 10300050.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 how they price their goods. It probably will lead to fewer manufacturers wanting to sell their drugs into Illinois, and it is not going to help. And I would urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Syed to close."
"Caulkins, there's a reason why this Bill passed with bipartisan support the first time. There is a reason why this Bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. It is a good Bill for Illinois consumers. It allows us to take care of our seniors and protect our most vulnerable. So, I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3957?' 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 88 voting 'yes', 23 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3957. And this Bill, having receiving a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 8 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 2365, Representative LaPointe. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur with Senate Amendment 1 to HB2365. This Bill creates an alternative to the licensed clinical social worker exam through an additional 3 thousand supervised work hours. With the Senate Amendment, someone must take the test once and fail in order to qualify for the alternative pathway. The Amendment does include a five-year lookback from the effective date. So, if 10300050.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 a candidate has taken the LCSW test within five years of January 2024, they can immediately move forward with the alternative pathway to clinical licensure. The Amendment brings the Association of Social Work Boards to neutral. IDFPR has always been neutral on this Bill. We now have the support of Lurie Children's Hospital, and I'm proud to say we got some bipartisan votes in committee."
"On this question, Representative Haas."
"Thank you. Speaker, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"So, I… I had some concerns about this Bill when it came to us to begin with. And… and I still continue to have some concerns with this Bill. We still need to have some kind of a measure of competency for this advanced level of clinical practice. These clinicians, licensed clinical social… social workers make clinical diagnoses with direct treatment at advanced levels of care in behavior health care. This Bill only contributes to the devaluation of the profession that social workers have worked so hard themselves to be leaders and pillars of clinical strength and professionalism in… in the field. In all of my years of… of work in… as a clinical social worker and in the field, I have never, never ever had the experience of others choosing not to practice in this field or go into this field just because of a clinical exam requirement. If anything, people actually choose not to go into this field because of the pay. Let's look at maybe fixing that before we look at inhibiting people from… from taking an exam. This Bill still provides no incentive to… to enter the fields just because of having not to take a… to pass an exam, 10300050.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 a competency exam. Really, you just take the exam and fail, and you can still get the license. The exams can and should be modified and updated to address the necessary clinical and social issues. We should look at doing this and address the issues that were identified through this Bill processes' barriers. But to completely eliminate the competency standard will only water down this profession, and it's a mistake. I urge a 'no' vote."
"On this question, Representative Hernandez." Hernandez, N.: "To the Bill."
"To the Bill." Hernandez, N.: "As a former social worker and someone that changed their career because of the lack of pay that we receive, I do agree. It is time that we changed how social workers are being treated and paid. But the reality is that black and brown people are still not getting paid at the wage that they should. Majority of women who are black and brown in this field are not getting licensed at the rate that they should, and nothing has been done about it. This legislation brings awareness to that. And it doesn't mean that we're not going to continue working through how we can fill the gap. We need more social workers. We need more licensed social workers on the ground to do the work that is needed to better our society, and this Bill does just that. And there's always going to be room for conversation to make sure that we're bringing more awareness to the issue of the social work field. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative LaPointe to close." 10300050.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm… I deeply appreciate and I'm proud that in this Body we actually have three of us that just spoke that come from the social work field. And we are not always going to agree on everything we need to do to make the field better. Just want to address a few things that were said by my good friend who is the Minority Spokesperson of the Mental Health Committee. I would strongly argue that a multiple choice exam that is the last step of years of education and work and internships and 3 thousand clinically supervised hours, a… a three-question multiple choice exam is not a good measure of competence of whether somebody is going to be an effective social worker. This Bill is less about incentivizing people to come into the field and more about reducing the harm and making it easier for people that have been working in the social work field for years unlicensed, who have been making 38 thousand, 40 thousand, 42 thousand dollars a year at one of the hardest jobs. And the only thing standing in the way is a three-question, multiple choice, racially-biased exam that they can't pass. And it's about making sure those people can fully actualize their education and their work experience to become LCSWs at a time where we have a raging mental health care workforce shortage. So, I urge folks to vote 'yes', and in particular, on behalf of Bria from Springfield, who works at a group home for kids, who's been working in the field for nine years, who has been unable to take this test… pass the test after multiple attempts, on behalf of Deana from Ottawa, who is a 45-year- old mother, who has been working in the field of social work for 20 years as a hospice social worker, who has tried and 10300050.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 failed to pass this exam multiple times. Many of our constituents have been crying out for this. Thank you for considering, and I hope you vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2365?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 74 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2365. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 7 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 1286, Representative Stuart. Please proceed."
"I move to concur with Senate Amendment 1 on House Bill 1286."
"On this question, Representative Caulkins."
"Mr. Speaker, are we going to hear the Amendment first or we going to go to debate?"
"The Motion is to concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1286. On that question, please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, does this change the requirements for bathroom dividers to be floor to ceiling?"
"Yes. If someone chooses to create a gender-neutral multi- stall bathroom, then the dividers would have to be floor to ceiling and they would not be able to have a urinal. And that 10300050.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 is the change in the Amendment. Sorry, I was getting papers organized when I first started."
"No, I… I was trying to give you a little time."
"Thank you."
"Is it… is this a mandatory…"
"No."
"…requirement?"
"Not at all."
"So… so, no one…"
"No one has to change anything or build any bathroom in any manner, but they have the option to do so."
"So, we're not mandatory… we're not… I'm… because I misunderstood your Bill. I… and hopefully we can get this cleared up. So, this is not a mandate on any organization, any construction, any remodeling…"
"No."
"…of any… any restroom?"
"Not at all. It is simply guidelines that have to be followed if the choice is to create a multi-stall gender- neutral restroom."
"Okay. I… because I missed… I've read your… read your Bill, and I misunderstood then because I thought that we were going to have to have…"
"Nope."
"…gender-neutral bathrooms."
"Nope."
"So, in… in the public place, not… not private, but any public restroom?" 10300050.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"No. No one… no one has to make that change in a public restroom, or in their place of business, or anywhere. It is completely permissive."
"Okay. So, if somebody chooses then to have a gender- neutral bathroom, that's what your Bill is laying out…"
"Exactly."
"…what architecturally…"
"Exactly, yes."
"…has to happen if they want to have a gender-neutral bathroom?"
"That's exactly it. Thank you."
"Is there any requirement that the State of Illinois… we went through this with the Styrofoam. Is there any requirement that the State of Illinois has to provide gender- neutral bathrooms in public places?"
"No."
"Perfect. Thank you very much, and I appreciate your clarification."
"Thank you for clarifying."
"Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Yeah. So, Representative, just to follow up on the former speaker's comments, it's not mandated. If… is there… is it your intention that it will or will not be mandated in the future?"
"I have no intention to make a mandate. If I had an intention to make a mandate, that's what I would have brought forth." 10300050.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Right."
"I am trying to allow this permissive Bill."
"So… so, why are we doing this Bill?"
"Because there are entities that want to make this change, and under our current laws, they cannot make that change. And this will make that allowable."
"Okay. So, my concern was how would this affect State Government if this was to go into… into place. And we reached out to the Architect of the Capitol. And just for your information, and this will be… I think we'll just right… right to the Bill. There's 40 fixtures now in the Capitol Building. There's 40 under new construction. These would all have to be redesigned and refitted if your…"
"That's not true."
"…it… well, if your Bill was to become mandated."
"That's not true 'cause my Bill is not a mandate."
"To the Bill. To the Bill. My understanding is, if this becomes a mandate, all this stuff would have to happen. In the Stratton Build, there's 144 fixtures. These would all have to be made gender-neutral. Folks, what we're talking about here is a massive spending amount for the State of Illinois. We've only talked about two buildings in the State of Illinois. And we're already spending money on several hundred restrooms. Can you imagine the amount of tax dollars we would have to spend on every public building in the State of Illinois? This is just simply ridiculous. Forcing construction projects at nearly every state building, all because we just have this desire that we live in the pretend land of make believe where a man can pretend to be a woman. 10300050.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 We haven't even talked about the potential sexual assault risk on our children and women who would be forced into these restrooms with an intact biological male. We have also not talked a whole lot about the cost to the business and industry if this Bill was to be mandated. This is a horrible Bill. No one's considered the potential future financial impact on taxpayers and business in the State of Illinois. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Hauter."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"So, I just… just to clear up some concerns I have and some questions. Are there currently any multi-gender multi- stall bathrooms that are in Illinois currently?"
"In the City of Chicago, this is allowed, but nowhere else. I… I believe there are in Chicago. I could not give you specific addresses, but it… it is allowed. This… this language was introduced a few years ago, and the City of Chicago took this language and changed their ordinances to allow it. But nowhere outside of Chicago could there be because they would be illegally there."
"So, I've been in many bathrooms that are… that are public bathrooms, and they have a… a urinal and a… and a toilet without any dividers. Are those considered…"
"In the Amendment…"
"No, no, I mean…"
"…no urinals are allowed." 10300050.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"…just in… in reality in… in life as I live it now. I've gone into gas station bathrooms with a toilet and a urinal without any dividers, but the exterior door has a lock."
"That's a single-use…"
"Okay."
"…stall."
"That's considered single-use?"
"That's considered single-use. That's not a multi-stall."
"Okay. So, this wouldn't be…"
"That would not be…"
"Okay."
"We would not two toilets next to each other with no divider. Since no urinal would be allowed…"
"That was…"
"…your scenario wouldn't happen. But there'd be floor to ceiling dividers between any toilets."
"Okay. So, would the ones that are currently in use in Chicago, would they now have to accommodate for this law and have the correct stall heights and they would have to go back and retrofit?"
"Again, I can't… I've… I don't know what is in existence in Chicago and that is a City of Chicago decision. So, there… there's different… it's building codes…"
"Okay."
"…and building codes are different in the City of Chicago. So, my understanding is this would not mandate those changes to existing spaces in Chicago under those regulations."
"Okay. I think I'm clear then. The ones that are in Chicago currently, they do not have to retrofit. But if you 10300050.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 were going to construct a multi-gender multi-use bathroom in the future, all over Illinois, they would have to conform to this law. Is that correct? Is it accurate?"
"I mean, I… you're… it seems like you're trying to make it sound like all over Illinois and really going to kind of extreme things that prior speakers said. Again…"
"No, I'm honestly not."
"…if someone chooses to create a multi-stall gender- neutral bathroom, they would have to follow the things set forth here."
"Okay, yup. No, no, I was just wondering if the ones would have to retrofit. And you… you don't think that would be…"
"Yeah. I don't believe so."
"Okay. How about any sexual predator laws…"
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Hauter, would you like additional time?"
"I'm sorry. Yes, please."
"Representative McLaughlin grants you three minutes."
"And I'll just end with this. But is there any… you know, sexual predators have to… there is enforced distances from schools and… and some areas. Would… would they apply to multi- gender multi-use bathrooms?"
"Yeah. I mean, yes, if… if there's…"
"They would?"
"Yeah. I…"
"Is that in this Bill?"
"I don't think it needs to be."
"Okay. All right, thank you." 10300050.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"That's existing law."
"All right. Thank you."
"Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Okay. So, I… I have a couple questions. I was talking to a… a school counselor who is… has worked with some young people on making plans in school for… for them. And none of them… just legitimately trying to get some more information and better understanding. And none of them have tried to use the restroom of the… of the group that they're trying to transition to. If they need to use the restroom, they'll go to the office or go somewhere else. And they… they understand in their lives they've felt uncomfortable, right? And so, my question is, does this still require… if you're going to do a multiple-stall genderless bathroom, do you still have to have a men's and a women's bathroom as well? Or are we transitioning to where we make more people uncomfortable so that a… a few people feel less uncomfortable?"
"We… we left that to the discretion of… 'cause we did not want to mandate more on an entity or a business. So, you can have gender-neutral, and you can have men's, and you can have women's because we did not want to eliminate that choice. So, places can make that determination. They can stick with traditional men's and women's, no one has to change anything, or can go with solely gender-neutral. But I'm glad you brought up the thing about schools. So, in a lot of schools, students find that they have to use the single-stall, which by law, remember former Representative Yingling, we passed a law to 10300050.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 make of those are automatically gender-neutral. Lots of schools have been interested in actually putting in more of those to make more students comfortable. The issue is because of the previous, like, parity laws in terms of bathrooms. If the school needs, let's say, 12 fixtures total, they're supposed to be 6 boys, 6 girls. When they create one of these single-stall, you know, all-in-one room sink, toilet, everything you need, that doesn't count in either of those counts. So, they could put in six of those, but that really counts for like zero toilets in what they're required to have. This Bill also corrects that counting and allows those fully contained stalls to be properly counted under the previously existing bathroom equity Bill. So, I've actually had a couple of superintendents in rural areas that are looking to redesign their bathroom configuration and actually want more of those single-stall bills… and single-stall restrooms, you know, single-use rooms, and they appreciated that this Bill fixes that issue with how those count in what they're required to have based on their student population."
"Yeah. And… and I certainly… you know, my goal is certainly not to drag the government into every restroom in the… in the United States. I just want to make sure that if… that if people choose to use a restroom in a public place, where everyone's allowed to use a restroom, that people are… are comfortable doing so. So, I… you know, I would like to look at an opportunity to… to give three options, right? A genderless, and male, and female. Just… you know, if we're going to allow for something like this, I think that we should have all three. Thank you." 10300050.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"That opportunity is in here. And that's the beauty of our market system is that a business can decide what's the most appropriate for their customer base."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question of the Sponsor?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, we've heard a lot, just even today, but over the course of the life of this Bill and, you know, lots of scenarios that, honestly, I don't think it would… would even survive a script writer's room. They're so ludicrous. Can you tell me if the advocates for domestic violence and sexual assault have weighed in on this Bill?"
"That have, actually. Thank you for asking. I meant to talk about this earlier. So, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, or ICASA, is a proponent of this Bill. The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, the Illinois Collaboration on Youth. I think I am missing a few of the other organizations that work for victims of sexual assault and also that work against sex trafficking are also in support."
"Thank you for that. I… I appreciate that. So, would you agree that these organizations that we all work very closely with and really are unquestionably the arbiters of what is and isn't a… a risk to survivors in this space, that they would not be on board with a Bill that put people at risk?"
"I… I agree with you on that. And if they had had any concerns, I certainly would've worked with them to make sure that we are protecting the people that need to be protected." 10300050.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"And clearly the Bill did not give them any reason to be concerned, so they were…"
"No, they had no concerns."
"…they are enthusiastic supporters. I appreciate that."
"Thank you."
"To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Again, you know, we… we really are going pretty far afield. You know, one of the previous speakers basically said if this Bill does something that this Bill doesn't do, then different things would happen. Like, you know, we're… we're really grasping at straws around an issue that is pretty simple. And quite frankly, what happened yesterday in this building when one of our colleagues threatened physical violence as a result of this Bill, that is what we should be concerned about. That is what puts people at risk. That is putting my community in danger. Open season on trans people in bathrooms is what that did. Y'all need to get yourselves together and stop being so obsessed with where people pee. Do your business, clean up if you sprinkle, flush and wash your hands, and get out of there. That's all you got to do. Vote 'yes'."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, I don't know that we talked too much about what the Amendment actually does. There were some changes made. What are the changes the Amendment does versus what… what passed previously through the House?" 10300050.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you. So, what the Amendment does is… what previously passed through the House would've allowed for there to be urinals in these restrooms. There are no… that would no longer be allowed. People had concerns about that, so we said, okay, no urinals. And people wanted floor to ceiling dividers between stalls. I… frankly, I wish that would be in all restrooms all the time. But in any of these constructed restrooms, it will be floor to ceiling. So, it just specified that more completely. That's the only change."
"Why was that change made? Do you know?"
"Just in… in response to concerns that people had that supported the idea of the Bill but just wanted more privacy. And like I said, lots of us want more privacy in stalls of all types."
"Do you know if any state currently does this?"
"I… in some municipalities, like in Chicago, I believe New York City, and I can't remember off the top of my head. I don't know if there's any statewide. I do know lots of countries where this is allowed across the country. My parents just got back from Croatia recently, and this was the norm of the public bathrooms that they saw there. I've had people report to me they've seen bathrooms of this type in Las Vegas, and I… I know those… I know those."
"Does the State of California now allow for this in their law? Are you aware if… if that is something that's in their law now?"
"I honestly… I know have a list of those, and I don't have that handy. They quite possibly could, or I don't know if it's municipality by municipality." 10300050.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"And just a curiosity, is there anything in the Bill that requires or provides specifications for the locking mechanism on the door?"
"Yes, that was in the original Bill. So… but now, it'd be a locking mechanism, but also floor to ceiling. Thank you for pointing that out."
"Does it specify the type of locking mechanism, how that would work, if it would be accessible to staff from the outside? I mean…"
"Well, I mean, I think we’re talking about, like, in a standard stall. It's… maybe it's a latch that slides securely across or something you turn. And it… you know, like a deadbolt type mechanism. Again, no one wants to mandate to anyone some… one specific brand of locking mechanism they have to buy, but it does say sturdy and functioning locks that are controlled by the user. That's… that's specified in the Bill."
"One concern I've had, and I just, you know, maybe allow you to address it, that way you have the opportunity to address it. Someone goes into one of these, basically it's a room, it's a separated area, and they have a health episode. And maybe no one knows they're in there. You know, with a regular stall, you can see below if someone were passed out on the floor, maybe had a heart attack. There's a concern that with an enclosure, that wouldn't be obvious to people who come into the room."
"So, respectfully…"
"Yes." 10300050.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"…I don't… I have not been in your restroom on your side of our chamber. But in our side of our chamber, our stalls are floor to ceiling. So, there are restaurants in the town where I live where the stalls are floor to ceiling, full door. It's like a toilet in its own little room. Those are already in existence all over the place. So, I don't see how this would be any different. But the thing about this would be, if someone does have a medical condition, if maybe someone has a caregiver of an opposite gender, a husband and wife or a parent with a child of opposite genders, they could now go into the same restroom together."
"Representative Grant… Representative Grant, will you yield three minutes? Will you yield three minutes? Will you yield three minutes to Representative Windhorst? Representative Grant yields three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll try to wrap up where I'm going. Thank you for the time. Just been presented with the… the question of, is there any… those businesses that decide to do this, is there any protection or information in the Bill regarding liability if they choose this type of restroom? I mean, if there's an episode or event that occurs within the… the room that…"
"They would be covered under their… the same liability… I mean, places already have restrooms. They already have restrooms. They're covered for liability. I mean, they're… for things that could happen. Someone can slip and fall and hit their head on a toilet seat. That can happen in any bathroom." 10300050.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"But there are things with this bathroom that will be different… or restroom that'll be different than current restrooms that there may be instances where…"
"These are human beings using a restroom. That's what would be happening in any of the restrooms."
"Mr. Speaker, if this Bill were to receive the requisite number of votes, I request a verification."
"The Gentleman has requested a verification if this were to receive the requisite number of votes. On this question, Representative Mason."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, thank you for this Bill. I just wanted to ask some clarifying questions. I don't want to keep repeating everything we've talked about. But I had a concern when one of the… the speakers on the other side of the aisle asked a question, got answers, and then repeated some misinformation. So, I think it's really important for us to clarify how this will affect the state and its finances. Does this Bill require the state to provide gender-neutral bathrooms?"
"Absolutely not."
"Does it require anybody to provide gender-neutral bathrooms?"
"No."
"Do you know of any plans for the state to create any gender-neutral bathrooms in the Capitol or anywhere else?"
"No." 10300050.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"So, what would the financial impact of your Bill be to the state?"
"Zero dollars."
"Thank you, Representative. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Meier."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"I'm not sure if this has changed since committee or not. In committee you said if you put in a gender-neutral bathroom that there could be no men's or women's bathroom near it. Is that…"
"That's not… that's not what I said in committee. What I said was if you have an existing space and if you have a specifically male bathroom and specifically female bathroom, what you cannot do is take one or the other and make that one gender neutral and not change the other. And that is so that we can comport with that previously existing parity law for facilities. That's why that's in place."
"Okay."
"So, if you… if you do not want to add a restroom and you have, in very close proximity, men's and women's, what you cannot do is make the women's bathroom all gender and leave the men's bathroom a men's bathroom or vice versa. You may change them both if you would like, but you cannot do that. But if you like, I've said this I think now three times, a gender neutral, a men's, and a women's, you can by all means do that."
"So, they can be touching? I may have misunderstood that in committee. I thought if you build it, you said they had to 10300050.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 be further apart. They could not all be together because in the…"
"That… no."
"…building of outdoor stadiums, a lot of times your plumbing only goes through certain places. So, you would want to plumb them all in the same area."
"Right. Frequently, our men's and… and women's restrooms are all very close together for that exact…"
"Right."
"…same reason. And so, the… you… like I said, you could have men's, women's, gender neutral all in the same location."
"All… all touching, then?"
"Yup."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Benton."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"So, Representative, I have a question for you with regards to the support from the American Institution of Architects, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Illinois Pipe Trades Association. According to them, is this going to make construction easier for spatial requirements and then also make it more affordable?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Is this an initiative that helps building code? And there's… there's been a lot of rhetoric with this Bill. But is this a construction Bill that will truly help with 10300050.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 economic development and trying to help with bringing down that cost to new retail?"
"Yes."
"To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I appreciate the Representative bringing this initiative. I ended up speaking to a large architecture and… architectural and engineering firm about this Bill and this initiative along with some businesses. This will actually help save money. And then with this… the square footage requirements along with this Bill, it's going to help with construction. It's going to help with business. So, one of the previous speakers talked about this costing more money. According to the experts that are in the construction field, it is actually going to save businesses money with this initiative. So, I just want to make sure from the business side of things and the construction side of things that this information is pointed out and this is where a… a majority of the direction of this Bill is actually going. So, I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, you caught my attention when you started talking about schools. So, this applies to our grade schools as well? They could do it if… if they so choose?"
"Everything in this is an option."
"Okay, I understand. It's an option…"
"That would be a…" 10300050.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"…but it could go…
"…a school board decision."
"Okay."
"Local control."
"But the schools can adopt it, correct?"
"Local control, school board decision, yes."
"And under this Bill, if they do it, it has to be a floor to ceiling stall, correct?"
"Correct."
"Okay. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I understand it's an option, and I greatly appreciate that over it being a mandate. I truly, truly do. It still doesn't make it a good idea. So, if some school board or some administrator has the power to just make this decision and put this in, we're going to have young children that have to go inside a stall, floor to ceiling, that they can't see out of. These are kindergarteners through eighth grade potentially. I mean, we need to have the privacy and security if we're going to do it because people have to be protected. But what are we doing? And here's the other thing. I know you say there's no greater risk, and I wish… I wish I can agree with you. And it's not saying that just because these go in something's necessarily going to happen or it has to happen. But we all know this to be a fact. And I… I hate to say it because it doesn't speak well of my gender. But since the dawn of time, young men and men in general have done awful and horrendous things to young women and women. And allowing them to follow them into a washroom when we know that it's 10300050.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 led to bad consequences in other areas of the country already, this is not a good idea. And if it's the only restroom available to someone, even though the facility didn't have to do it… they chose to do it. Maybe they're just trying to save money. I don't know why they're doing it. Trying to be helpful, whatever. We've now increased the risk. We all know we have. It may be slight, it may be miniscule, but we all know we have. Because right now, if a man follows a woman, young or old, into a ladies' room, we know there's probably an issue there. Let's think about what we're doing. Vote 'no'."
"Leader Andrade."
"To the… Mr. Speaker, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"So, if you take off equitable restrooms and all gender from the board… I have a 13-year-old daughter, and I worked at an alderman's office for 17 years. This Bill would actually, as a parent, make me feel safer. Every time my daughter goes into the washroom, I open the door first and I tell her, hey, go in there and let me know if someone's in there. But… so, I was looking at this Bill completely wrong until I actually heard the speech. Floor to ceiling individual stalls. My daughter walks in, hey, is anyone else in there? No. I actually feel a thousand times safer if every washroom was floor to ceiling. If she went to McDonald's or if she went on her own, she's actually going to be safer. You know, instead of someone reaching over or someone trying to talk to her. Even a woman or a man, who knows. Even my son when he goes into a washroom. And dealing with… I was in charge of 10300050.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 zoning and liquor licensing and building department permits, and all the businesses were coming saying, listen, is there some way around this. We got to build two bathrooms for everyone. You know, that takes up more space. You got the handicap requirement, the wheelchair and everything. If this allows the restaurants and… and businesses in my district to just build one stall or two stalls instead of building a whole two different size of square footage, it's actually a cost savings. I think everyone's… you know, you put that equitable restrooms and all-gender, then it becomes a terrible Bill to some people. But if not, this would be a cost-savings Bill for businesses and establishments and actually safer for my kids if they're going in there. The only problem I see is, God forbid, I go into the stall and I don't have toilet paper, I can't knock underneath and tell them to pass me toilet paper underneath. That's the only thing I'm concerned about. But besides that, I mean, we can't share the toilet paper. But I just wanted to say, as a parent, I actually think it's actually… makes me feel safer that they can't… sending those kids out to them. So, thank you very much."
"Representative Stuart to close."
"Thank you. I… I very much appreciate the respectful debate, and I would appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall'… Members, there has been a verification that has been requested. Please vote your own switches. Remain in your seats. The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 to House Bill 1286?' This is final action. All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have 10300050.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 63 voting 'yes', 41 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Gentlemen, Leader Windhorst, has requested a verification. Mr. Clerk, please read the names of those voting in the affirmative."
"A poll of those voting in the affirmative. Representative Andrade; Representative Avelar; Representative Benton; Representative Blair-Sherlock; Representative Canty; Representative Carroll; Representative Cassidy; Representative Chung; Representative Collins; Representative Costa Howard; Representative Crespo; Representative Croke; Representative Delgado; Representative Didech; Representative du Buclet; Representative Evans; Representative Faver Dias; Representative Ford; Representative Gabel; Representative Gill; Representative Gong-Gershowitz; Representative Gonzalez; Representative…"
"Mr. Clerk… Mr. Clerk, the Gentlemen removes his request for a verification. On this question, there are 63 voting 'yes', 41 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1286. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Buckner for an announcement."
"Mr. Speaker, I want the record the reflect that I should have been a 'yes' vote on HB12… SB1286."
"The record shall so reflect. Mr. Clerk, please read the committee announcements."
Clerk Hollman: "The following committees will be meeting immediately: The Executive Committee will meet in Room 118; State Government Administration will meet in D-1; Revenue & 10300050.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Finance will meet in Room 122B; Energy & Environment will meet in Room 114; and Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools will meet in Room 115. Meeting in a half hour is Healthcare Availability & Accessibility in Room 118, Labor & Commerce in Room 114, Personnel & Pensions in Room C-1, Gaming in D-1, Public Health in Room 115. And meeting in an hour is Ethics & Elections in D-1."
"Members, for the purpose of an announcement, the committees will meet immediately. And we will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. We will be returning to the floor after committees. We stand in recess… recess to the call of the Chair. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 89 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1559. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1963. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 1769. Representative Collins, Chairperson from the Committee Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1561. Representative Evans, 10300050.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Chairperson from the Committee… Committee on Labor & Commerce reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 793 and the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 2826. Representative Kifowit, Chairperson with the Committee on Personnel & Pensions reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 2 and 3 to House Bill 2147. Representative Didech, Chairperson the Committee on Gaming reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1508. Representative Stava- Murray, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Health reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is a Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 and 2 to House Bill 3710. Representative West, Chairperson from the Committee on Ethics & Elections reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 4 to Senate Bill 2123. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1363."
"Members, we're going to do Concurrences… begin on Concurrences. So, if have Concurrences and you can hear, please head to the floor. Well, I know you can hear, but if you can hear it on the speaker, please head to the floor. On 10300050.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 page 8 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2392, Representative Scherer. Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Okay, I have here House Bill 2392. And I wish to concur on Senate Committee Amendment #1. And what this does, it provides… this is a gut and replace, by the way. It provides that any teacher who is a member of a statewide association representing teachers may spend up to 10 days during a school term doing federal advocacy work. Now, this only pertains to 17 people in the State of Illinois. It's one from each Congressional District. And then the statewide association would repay the district for its substitute teacher. Currently, it's already happening in 16 of the 17 Congressional Districts, but the school management asked us to put it into law to solve any problems that may come up in the future. This is for them to have a voice in Washington, D.C. And them being teachers. Happy to answer any questions. Appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"On that question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, I believe you said this is currently the practice in 16 of the 17 Congressional Districts?"
"Correct."
"Did I understand that correctly? Which Congressional District is it not the practice in currently?"
"She didn't tell me which one it was."
"Okay."
"But, you know, I'll… I'll look it up for you." 10300050.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"That's okay. I appreciate… if you had it, I wanted to know. This, with the Amendment, as you said, is a gut and replace, so it changed the underlying Bill nearly completely?"
"Yes."
"That Amendment was unanimous in the Senate, the Amendment that you described. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
Speaker Hoffman: "Seeing further… no one seeking further recognition, Representative Scherer to close."
"Appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 to House Bill 2392?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 88 voting 'yes', 19 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2392. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2396, Representative Canty. Representative Canty."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am here today to move to concur in Senate Amendments 2, 3, and 4 to House Bill 2396. Senate Amendment #2 is a page and line Amendment that fixes a few drafting errors. Senate Amendment 3 is also a page and line Amendment that provides some additional clarity and makes an adjustment to the funding requirement under EBF. And Senate 10300050.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Amendment #4 adjusts some deadlines for the task force reporting. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. This Bill deals with full-day kindergarten and that mandate. Is that correct? And that… if the date I have is correct, is currently the practice of 478… I'm sorry, 478 out of the 851 school districts would qualify for the 2- year extension that is provided in Senate Amendment 3. Is that correct?"
"I do not have that number in front of me. That's part of what the task force would be looking into."
"Okay. And this had a Senate vote of 50… 52 to 1, if my notes are correct."
"Yes, Sir. And it also passed out of this chamber with an overwhelming majority."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Canty to close."
"Thank you very much. This is a good Bill for working families and children. And I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #2, 3, and 4 to House Bill 2396?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 85 voting 'yes', 24 voting 10300050.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendments 2, 3, and 4 to House Bill 2396. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2475, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar."
"Thank you, Chair. I would like to concur Senate Amendment… I'd like to concur Senate Amendment 1. It really just expands the kinds of military service that may be used to… for exemption of the requirement of Illinois State Police officers, regarding having college degree credits."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. This Bill is designed to expand those individuals who are eligible to be Illinois State Police officers. Is…"
"Correct."
"…is that correct? And the Amendment adds those who are eligible who have had at least three years of continuous full-time service as a peace officer with the same police department and are currently serving as a police… peace officer. Is that correct?"
"Correct. Yes."
"And this was unanimous in the Senate and I believe in committee here in the House."
"You are correct, Sir."
"Thanks."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2475?' This is final action. All those in favor 10300050.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 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', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2475. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher."
"Mr. Speaker, if you could please excuse for the reminder of today both Representative Reick and Representative Randy Frese."
"Leader Davidsmeyer."
"I… I was having a problem with my voting button. I would like the record to reflect that I meant to vote 'yes' on House Bill 2475. Thank you."
"Record shall so… shall so reflect. Remaining on page 8 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 2500, Representative Benton. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur to adopt Senate Floor Amendment #2. This is a gut and replace. This is agreed upon language through the Department of Veterans' Affairs to change it from DD-214 to active service and honorable discharge."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"The underlying Bill deals with adoption… animal adoption fees for veterans. Is that right?"
"Yes." 10300050.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"And this just provides an additional proof requirement identifying how… the status as a veteran. Is that correct, the Amendment?"
"Correct. Correct."
"Thank you. And it was unanimous, I believe."
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 2500?' This is final action. 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 107 voting… voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 2500. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2826, Representative Tarver. Please proceed, Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment just clarifies the… sorry, let me take that back. The Amendment makes it easier for the Department of Professional Regulation to implement the underlying Bill."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Motion. Just for Members on our side, the vote was 65 to 47 coming through the House, 36 to 19 in the Senate. The Amendment is not a major change to the Bill. So, review your vote."
"Representative Tarver to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 10300050.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2826?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there's 72 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 2826. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 9 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 2862, Representative Gonzalez. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur on Senate Amendments 1 and 2 on HB2862, the Temp Worker Fairness and Safety Act. After extensive negotiations with friends in labor and business, IDOL, and the AG's Office, we made a good Bill into a better Bill and we neutralized the main opposition. I ask for their adoption."
"On this question, Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Gonzalez, would you just state what your Bill does in essence, the underlying Bill?"
"Sure. So, the Bill mandates equal pay for equal work after 90 consecutive days on the job, protects whistleblowers through a right of action framework set forth in the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance. It requires temp workers be informed if they are being assigned to a worksites under strike or a labor dispute and allowing them to refuse said assignments. 10300050.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 And it increases the fines and registration fees to support personnel at the Illinois Department of Labor."
"Okay. It is your goal, then, to have these temporary workers become full-time workers of the companies they're working for?"
"Yes. That's the… that's the main goal of the Bill, to… to eliminate permatemping."
"Okay. If they can get the cash equivalent, though, of benefits under this Bill, because we're dictating how much they're going to be paid, not only in salary, but in benefits, why would they ever want to transition to join the full-time workforce? Because in essence they could be making more money."
"Well, this Bill allows for… you know, there's still some good from temp work. I mean, there's… there's some seasonal work, people who go and work on farms and stuff. You know, so there's still some temp work that's necessary. But for those that are assigned to certain companies, certain factories, you know, that can try to… that try to keep people on and just keep reassigning them, the point is to keep them… to give the incentive for… for the company, for the factory, for the corporation, for them to actually just hire them full on."
"If the company utilizing the staff and agency workers are providing sensitive information to benefit paid workers, is that correct?"
"Say that one more time."
"In other words, anyone who hires this temp staffing agency and provides a long-term position to a worker, they 10300050.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 ultimately end up having to provide sensitive information regarding their pay to their workers as well as the benefits they pay to that company. Is that correct?"
"I wouldn't necessarily say that's sensitive information. I think that's just typical, you know, employer- employee, you know, information that they share in between both of them."
"So, you think every company just shares the information they pay all their employees and how much their benefits cost with other…"
"Well, I mean, we're just focusing on the…"
"…other people?"
"…we're just work… we're just focusing on the staffing agency industry here."
"So, anyone, though, who wants to utilize a staffing agency is going to have to share this information, is what I'm getting at, correct? Sensitive or not. You may not believe it's sensitive, but most companies just don't make it public information how much they pay their employees."
"It's not public. It's going to the… the staffing agency. They're the ones who are dealing with the… with the workers ultimately."
"May this company not… or may this not end up deterring companies from then utilizing these staffing agencies and hiring their workers if they have to provide this information to them?"
"Many of them have very long… long-standing relationships with a bunch of these. For example, the Grain and Feed Association, they mentioned how…" 10300050.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Yes."
"…you know, they have a lot of… a lot of folks using certain, you know, certain staffing agencies that, you know, people who go… like I mentioned, go… go work with them on farms and stuff. So, you know, I think, like I said, there's the… the need for temp work. You know, these staffing agencies are still a necessity. This just, you know, it's… it would just provide more protections for these workers."
"Mr. Speaker, I'm having a very hard time hearing the… the Sponsor, if you could."
"Members. Members."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste, Representative Haas gives you three minutes, additional."
"Thank you. Representative, would you point to me where in the statute it says the 90 days have to be consecutive? Representative, if I could help you, on page 10 of the Bill…"
"Yeah, that's what we're looking at right now. Page 10?"
"Section ILCS 175/42, it says, 'A day or temporary laborer who is assigned to work at a third party client for more than 90 calendar days shall be paid not less than a rate.' Where does it say those days have to be consecutive? A calendar day can be during any period of time."
"It… it does not say. I… I must've misspoke."
"So, how long does this 90 days… can it accumulate? Can it be over a period of 5 years, 10 years? How many years? It doesn't say, does it, Representative?" 10300050.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"No, but for… but for the most parts, I mean, many of these workers who work those days consecutively. I mean, for the most part. Let's say they get assigned for a week, you know, they get assigned to that week. And sometimes, many a times, they just reassigned to the same… to the same jobsites just, you know, a lot of times. So…"
"But under your Bill, they don't have to be. See, if you were doing it for those who have to be, that's one thing. Under your Bill, it could be over a period of 5 years, 10 years. It says, as long as they work for this company for 90 calendar days, we're going to have to pay them this wage. That's a problem, I think."
"Well, that's commensurate with… with skills, effort, and experience, which is also in the Bill as well."
"You think over 90 calendar days over a 10 period you acquire the same skills as someone else that's been working at a company those whole 10 years?"
"That's why we also mention in the Bill that this is… we also pay respect to the seniority of the member… of the people who are currently at… at the company. For the most part, a lot of these people already have this experience. But, you know, they're… you know, they're hopping between sites because, again, they're only being assigned for a certain amount of time."
"Well, if they're there for 90 calendar days, they're not going to have the same seniority as anyone who's full time at that place, except for those who got hired on the same day they came in as a temporary laborer, are they?"
"I'm not sure if I understand your question." 10300050.docx 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Well, you say seniority has to be the same. But it doesn't under your Bill because, if seniority were the same, they'd each start on the exact same day at the company. You're going to pay people the same wage that others who have worked there far longer and probably consecutively and probably be more skilled at this job and producing at a higher rate than those who have just been there 90 days. Isn't that correct? Isn't that ultimately what this Bill provides?"
"Part of… I mean, in the Bill we…"
"Representative Ugaste, he gives three minutes."
"Thank you."
"Yeah, with… within the Bill, we ask for substantially similar, you know, skills and… and experience. So, you know, I think that that tackles part of… of what you’re asking right now."
"You… you mentioned that interested parties get to sue under this Bill. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Define an interested party under the Bill. Where's it defined for us?"
"Yeah. So, an interested party means an organization that monitors or is attentive to compliance with public or worker safety laws, wage and hour requirements, or other statutory requirements. That's in the definition we added."
"I'm sorry, I… I had a hard time hearing you again."
"Repeat your question."
"I had a hard time hearing you. What?"
"An interested party means an organization that monitors or is attentive to compliance with public or worker safety 10300050.docx 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 laws, wage and hour requirements, or other statutory requirements."
"So, it could be anybody out there who just happens to monitor this type of information?"
"An organization."
"Well, anyone can form an organization, can't they?"
"So, like workers' rights organizations, unions, those… those are what… when we spoke with the…"
"Well, that's your intent, but that's not the description, Sir. No, those are… you know, words have meaning."
"Both…"
"And the plain language in your statute says any organization that monitors this is going to be able to sue."
"Yeah. So, both of those are included."
"Under what other statute do we give that type of right of anyone to intervene on the behalf of a person to sue a defendant in court?"
"That's something that we discussed with… with the Department of Labor, the AG's Office, friends in business and labor, you know, as well the… the workers' rights organizations. You know, there is precedent in other statutes. So, we tried to narrow it as much as we can to the liking of the staffing agencies. Again, we got them to neutral and that's how we were able to… we simplified this definition for… for them as well."
"Please name me the other statute that allows that many different organizations who are not in privity to the suit to sue someone. Name me one, please. You said there's many other." 10300050.docx 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Yeah. There's like… there's like three. I don't have them on me right now."
"Okay. Okay."
"But there's about three that we were working on with."
"You also said you talked to business about this. Isn't it true that most business groups are still in opposition to this?"
"Say that one more time."
"You said you talked to business about this. Isn't it true most business groups are still in opposition to this Bill?"
"We worked with… we worked with all of them. We got some of them, you know, the main ones, the main opposition, the associations representing the staffing agencies directly, to… to neutral. So, honestly, those were… those were the main guys."
"But the IMA and the chamber and others are still in opposition, correct?"
"So, we were working with the chamber… the most… for the most part, the Chambers of Commerce, the Grain and Feed Association, representatives of them, those were… those were the ones who initially started speaking with us and discussing."
"According to our analysis, they're all still opposed."
"Representative Ugaste, Representative Sanalitro gives you three minutes."
"Thank you."
"Sorry for interrupting. Please proceed." 10300050.docx 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Under this Bill, 175/67, subsection (4), subsection (a), you provide when someone can be sued. And I want to make sure I get the wording right. Specifically, in subsection (1), you say that… sorry, I accidently scrolled down a little bit. They can assert a violation of the Act has occurred if an interested party submits to the Department of Labor a complaint describing the violation and naming a day or temporary laborer… now, hang on."
"Take your time."
"Under subsection (i), it says that the department can issue a notice of a right to sue to an interested party, if one or more of the following has occurred, subsection (i), the named party has cured the alleged violation to the satisfaction of the director. So, if the… if the violation's been corrected, they're going to be allowed to sue still?"
"When we were speaking with the… with the advocates, excuse me, as well as the representatives of the staffing agencies, we noticed how the departments, you know, what they're really trying to tackle is the systemic issues behind it. You know, but at the same time, we want to allow for the interested party to remedy on behalf of individualized impact, so a specific person. So, for example, let's say somebody… there's been a case of wage theft at a certain… with a certain organization… certain company. You know, after they might… they might remedy what created these processes that caused the wage theft, but at the same time, we also want to remedy for the specific person, the specific work… worker who was… who was affected by this wage theft." 10300050.docx 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Well, if they cure the violation, why are we allowing them to be sued? Shouldn't it say has not cured?"
"Again, that… that cure would be for the, you know, in the sense, the systemic issue to recover… and for example, the example that I just explained, the recovery of some of the wages. You know, that's where this would kick in."
"Well, that's not what your Bill says, Sir. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"The Sponsor's bringing forward a Bill unlike any other I think I've seen in… I haven't been here that long, but in the five years I've been here. It's dictating pay parity between someone who works at a place for 90 days and gives them not only the same wage, but all the benefits someone else has too. Now, that can be someone at a company that has been there for a number of years, doing the same job, having acquired a skill, done very good work for a company, been an… an exemplary employee, having been a union worker who's had to pay dues the entire time, possibly strike in order to earn that wage, and yet because someone's been in the door 90 days… and it's not consecutively, it can be over any period of time, it's not defined by the statute… we're going to give them the same pay and benefits as the person that's been through the door. First of all, I don't think it's very fair to the worker who's been at the company for that long a period of time, and especially any worker who may have had to have paid union dues and gone on strike in order to get the wages and benefits they have. But in addition, I've mentioned this a number of times in the last few days on the floor, if we're trying to think of ways to tell businesses don't come to Illinois, we're 10300050.docx 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 doing it right here. I don't know of any other state in the union doing this or that's done this. And if you don't have to do this, why would you? We have minimum wage laws. We have laws to protect our workers. Why are we starting to dictate things like this? This isn't going to help our situation at all. This is a bad Bill. It's not going to accomplish the… the task that the Sponsor thinks it's going to. It's probably going to put a lot of people out of work. Vote 'no'."
"On this question, Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"I… I just have a quick question. Does this… does this give exemption to apprenticeship programs?"
"We… that never came up in the discussions with the staffing agencies."
"Because… and I just want to say because the majority of… of apprenticeship programs are set up that, you know, if it's a 4-year program, you'll get paid 70 percent of the wage in your first year, and then 80 percent, and then 90 percent, and then 100 in the final year. And… and those are set up through the Federal Government, through the U.S. Department of Labor. I didn't know if this would make that illegal."
"It would not. I mean, that's apprenticeship. This is temp work."
"But… so, if somebody's on a job for 90 days and they're getting paid 70 percent of what the guy next to them is getting paid?" 10300050.docx 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"I mean, this is specific to the temp worker industry. And so, I'm not sure what necessarily fall into the classification."
"Specific to what?"
"This would fall… this falls under the temp work in… within the temp work industry. I'm not sure it would necessarily fall within the parameters of what you're stating."
"This… oh, so this is just teleworkers?"
"This is temp workers, yes."
"Okay."
"Temp workers and day laborers."
"And?"
"And day laborers."
"And day laborers?"
"Yes."
"Which could be on a job, right? On a prevailing wage job?"
"Can you repeat your question one more time? Just…"
"So, day labor… if you're day laborer, you could be on a prevailing wage job?"
"Yes."
"Right? You can be brought out to grab a shovel or do… do whatever it may be, correct?"
"Yes."
"So, if you are an apprenticeship laborer going through an apprenticeship program, the Department of Labor sets up those annual thresholds, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 10300050.docx 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 precent. If you're on that job, are they going to require a… an apprentice to receive a journeyman's wage after 90 days?"
"No. Apprentices aren't covered by this Act.
"They are not?"
"They're not covered by this Act. No."
"Okay. I… I would be… I would certainly be concerned about that because I think that would be a major issue. I… I'll do a little more research, but at this point, I don't think I can support this."
"Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, could you tell me, on this Bill, with individuals that work for the temp agencies, would this be retroactive for those that have wage contracts of how much they will earn per hour? How does this affect current contracts, or would this only be new contracts moving forward?"
"New contracts moving forward."
"Okay. And so, your… your purpose for this is to make sure everyone's making the same amount of money that… for the companies?"
"The main charge of the Bill is to eliminate permatemping and, you know, incentivize companies to just hire these people on full time. And you know, making sure these are people paid… paid well."
"So, I guess I'm trying to look at a scenario to where you have… you know, 2, 5, 10 different people that work for a temporary agency, working for… that get temped out to, let's 10300050.docx 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 say, 10 different companies. All of them have 10 different wages. Now, you have 10 people at a temporary agency making a different wage from one another for doing the same job, which seems exactly kind of what you're trying not to do."
"I'm not sure I understand the premise of your question."
"We have two people. They go work at two different places that pay two different amounts, right?"
"Okay."
"Two different pay scales. Now, you would have two people that work at the temp agency making a different amount for doing the same job."
"They're doing the part of the third party clients. So… and in the end, like… like I mentioned, the equal pay for equal work provision is based on commensurate skills, experience… substantially similar skills and experience. So, you know, I think that's the… that's the main premise of, I think, what we're trying to tackle here."
"Well, what I'm saying is, if you have two different companies paying two different rates, the two people with the same experience would still be making different amounts of money based on this scale of whatever companies they're temping at. So, I've… to the Bill. I think this is something that… trying to fix something and creating the same problem at the temp agency. So, anyway, vote 'no'."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 10300050.docx 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Representative Gonzalez, I… I just want to talk about… I think we've maybe gotten a little far afield here, but I want to come back to the subject of your Bill. In bringing this Bill forward, did you talk to people who work in these temp agencies?"
"Yes. A bunch of these… a bunch of these workers actually came to my district office, you know, complaining about wage theft, you know, people not paying workers' comp, a bunch of different things."
"Can… yeah. Can you maybe just describe a little bit of the… the experiences that you heard from the workers in this industry?"
"I can give an example of a whistleblower in my district. You know, she… she actually worked at a site in Bolingbrook. And she actually was saying how, at this job site on her shift, out of a shift of 60 workers, 25 of them were… were minors. You know, minors… they said they could handle the machines that were going more quickly. So, that fact that she…"
"I'm sorry, mine… you said the workers were… not like they were mining coal. They were minors, like under the age of 18?"
"They were minors. They were ranging…"
"Children."
"…from… as little as 13 years old."
"Okay. And how… how would your Bill here propose to help this population?"
"You know, the whistleblower right of action is supposed to protect people like her. You know, she was undocumented. 10300050.docx 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 A lot of these kids who are working at these sites are undocumented, and they… and their parents are working with them as well. So, you know, we're just… we're really trying to make sure that we're providing all protections that we can, that we have to put at their disposal. It's completely egregious, you know, and this Bill is the solution for that."
"Thank you, Representative. To the Bill. I would simply say this is an industry, unfortunately, that is rife with abuse. There are plenty of good actors in the industry and, unfortunately, far too many bad ones. And the Bill before us provides vital regulations to ensure that workers have recourse when they're being taken advantage of. And ultimately, as the Sponsor said, it sets the conditions for employers to hire people on as full-time employees, rather than cycling this sort of churn and burn process through temp workers who they can mistreat, underpay, and disrespect. So, I believe this is a terrific piece of legislation, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Gonzalez to close."
"Thank you very much. Just to put on the record, to clarify something I had mentioned earlier. It's 90 days from the first day that the temp workers started working. At the same time, there is no space for double recovery, you know, of wages. These are… these are workers… the industry has grown tremendously from about 300 thousand temp workers from a few years ago to about 650 thousand workers today. A lot of these are black and Latino workers. A lot of these are my neighbors. You know, we have people in this General Assembly who were temp workers back in the day. So, you know, this is… you know, 10300050.docx 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 just like my colleague, Representative Avelar, over here. So, you know, this is… this Bill's about recovery. I ask for your 'aye' vote. Thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 2862?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2862. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Yednock on House Bill 3017. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for concurrence with Senate Committee Amendment #1 to House Bill 3017."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"If you wouldn't mind, Representative, could you just briefly state what the… what the Amendment did in the Senate, how it changed the House Bill?"
"In a nutshell what the Senate Amendment did is made sure that the state agencies were at neutral or supportive, and it also made the underlying Bill subject to appropriation. It said what types of projects are covered under this program we're trying to do to expedite the permitting process for large… large companies or large investments in our state."
"And the purpose… one of the purposes of the Bill is to expedite that permitting process. Is that correct?" 10300050.docx 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Yeah, it's to try to get agreement between the silos and government to work better together to keep moving forward on the permitting process, thereby helping businesses land a business here."
"And you said subject to appropriation. Do we have a dollar figure for that?"
"We had asked originally for $10 million to set up a… basically a computer portal so all the agencies… one person could track their business permits through all the agencies, and one person, the DCEO, would be responsible for these large projects to help them keep moving forward so nothing gets lost in the shuffle, we'll say. It was $10 million, subject to appropriation now."
"And the vote in the Senate was unanimous. Is that correct?"
"I believe it was."
"Thanks."
"Representative Yednock to close."
"I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3017?' 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', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3017. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report." 10300050.docx 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 2 for Senate Bill 1559."
"Returning to page 9 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3095, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Please proceed." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I motion to concur on House Bill 3095. It will require the Pollution Control Board to adopt additional rules of placement of limestone residual materials. This is an initiative for the City of Aurora, and it will save a lot of money for my city as well. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Amendment #2 to House Bill 3095?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Amendment #2 to Senate… to House Bill 3095… Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 3095. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative LaPointe on House Bill 3230. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur with Senate Amendment 1 to HB3230. It's a Bill to further build out our 9-8-8 crisis response system. The Amendment clarifies what kind of cost study will be done to fully understand the costs of what it would take to build out our system. And the 10300050.docx 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Amendment specifies that the labor unions that represent behavioral health workers will be represented on the working groups."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. The cost change was from… was previously actuarially sound cost and now it's sound cost. Is that correct?"
"That's… that's correct. In discussions with DHS, we all came to the conclusion that it doesn’t need to be a full actuarial study. And in fact, actuarial studies are quite expensive."
"And after that Amendment, the Bill passed unanimously in the Senate?"
"Yes. Passed the House the first time unanimously and the second unanimous… the Senate unanimously."
"They are second. Thank you."
"Thank you, Leader."
"Representative LaPointe to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3230?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House concurs in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3230. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional 10300050.docx 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Canty on House Bill 3249. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 3 to House Bill 3249. This Bill originally passed the House unanimously. And in the Senate, CMS and AFSCME wanted to ensure that plans wouldn't frequently change but could with a qualifying event. So, the Amendments add that language."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, IML was opposed initially. And I believe they remain opposed. What's the nature of their opposition?"
"You would have to ask them. I believe… I have no idea. They have not reached out."
"And I believe there were no… there's 0 'no' votes in the Senate and 2 'present' votes?"
"Yes, that is correct. There were 51 'yes' votes, 2 'present', no voting 'no'."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Canty to close."
"Thank you very much. This is a good Bill for our first responders, and I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 3 to House Bill 3249?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 10300050.docx 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 3 to House Bill 3249. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3253, Representative Tarver. You out of breath?"
"I am. Those stairs kill me."
"Please proceed, Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair… or Mr. Speaker. This Amendment just clarifies what I believe we got to bring law enforcement to neutral, which is that the definition would only include intellectual disabilities."
"We'll give you a second."
"That's it. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Motion. The… just for Members on our side, the vote was 78 to 23 previously, with 2 'present' votes. I'd ask everyone to review their vote and vote accordingly."
"Representative Tarver to close."
"Urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3253?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 79 voting 'yes', 27 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3253. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional 10300050.docx 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 9 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3345, Representative Nichols. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a great Bill. It amends the Identification Card Act to require the Secretary of State issue a standard Illinois identification card to a committed person after receiving that person's birth certificates, Social Security card, photo, proof of residency upon discharge. Identification card applications transferred by the method to be determined and agreed to by DOC, DJJ, and the Secretary of State, rather than when we… prior to the person's scheduled release date. It's a great Bill. It's bipartisan support, as you can see on the board. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Motion. To Members on our side, our vote was 86 to 15 previously. This Amendment just provides some clarification on the issuance of the ID card. I'd ask you to review your vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3345?' 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 92 voting 'yes', 16 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3345. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3413, 10300050.docx 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Representative Walker. Please proceed, Representative Walker."
"Thank you very much. I might say this is the favorite Bill I've ever worked on. This is the Bill about reinterring Native Americans who we have dug up in this state for 200 years, about taking human remains that are in cardboard boxes in our museums and universities by the thousands and finding a place to put them back where their ancestors meant them to be, which is buried in the State of Illinois. We… we have set up a system whereby state parks can set aside land for this purpose, whereby Indian tribes or Indian nations who have cultural and historic relations with the people who are likely in those graves take ownership of the operation and tell us where and how these people are to be buried and with what honors. This is reversing 200 years of bad practices with a very slight curve in that arc. So, I'm very proud to offer this. We are the first state to do this. One thing you'll notice in the Amendments, Amendments 1 and 2, which I ask you to support, is emergency rules so that we begin to do this in June. So, I… I'm very happy to bring this forward. I might say also in terms of what I'm proud of, we look at the board, we see someone who is clear-eyed and practical, and yet full of humanity and compassion, and that is… I'm proud to be co- chief with Representative Hammond. Thank you very much. Please support the Bill."
"On this question, Leader Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the Bill. I want to thank Representative Walker for bringing this Bill forward, and not only that, but Representative Walker for asking me to join 10300050.docx 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 you in cosponsoring this Bill. This is an incredibly important Bill, and I have had the pleasure of representing an area in our state referred to as Dickson Mounds. In many ways, it honors our Native Americans, and for many years, unfortunately, it also disrespected our Native Americans. By bringing this Bill forward, we will finally be able to treat these folks with the dignity that they deserve. So, thank you very much, Representative. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a couple questions?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Does this Bill actually also apply to universities that have remains in their archives as well?"
"Yes."
"And can you give me a… a little information about the technical changes that this Bill makes to the Tribal Repatriation Fund?"
"Yes. The… the key here is that there's federal law that requires repatriation in concert with tribes, which the universities are complying with gladly. The difficulty is that repatriation under that law generally means to, for instance, take the Cherokee remains, give them back to the Cherokee tribe in Oklahoma. A member of that nation told me that's like redoing the Trail of Tears, where not only did you force us out of the Midwest and into Oklahoma, but you're going to force us to move our bones there as well. So, that's why we focused on finding places in Illinois where we could 10300050.docx 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 do this. This was in consultation with the members of the state universities and the State Museum."
"I know I'm aware of this. I met with the University of Illinois about this issue in archaeology department a few years ago, and I'm glad that you're taking the steps. This is a very important step, certainly for African Americans who have a kinship with Native Americans and the Trail of Tears. And so, I know that there's a connection there. I appreciate you raising this repatriation fund for future work that we'll do, certainly, to establish that for African Americans as well who have a kinship relationship with Native Americans. Thank you so much."
"Yes, I…"
"And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"I appreciate that. And interestingly, the people at the University of Illinois said that's our next big project, African American remains who should be reinterred."
"Representative Walker to close."
"Please concur in Senate Amendments 1 and 2 and remember this vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3413?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3413. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining 10300050.docx 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 on page 9 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3428, Representative Blair-Sherlock. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hi. I'm here to move to concur with the Amendment… the Senate Amendment 1 on House Bill 3413. When I originally presented this Bill, I indicated they were going to fix it in the Senate, and they did. This is in part to address some of the concerns that Representative Dr. Hauter had raised. We are eliminating the requirement for training. This is to provide for opioid antagonist in the schools. And we also, to address the concerns of the Principals Association, added a provision that it… it's subject to the availability of the NARCAN. So, if there's a shortage due to supply chain issues, it's not a problem. So, it is subject to their ability to acquire it. And I would ask to… for your 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3428?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3428. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative McCombie on House Bill 3436."
"Thank you, Speaker Jay Charles Hoffman. I move to concur with Senate Amendments 1 and 5."
"Seeing no seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 5 to House 10300050.docx 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Bill 3436?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 5 to House Bill 3436. And this Bill, having received the Constitution Amendment… Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Walsh on House Bill 3500. Lawrence Walsh, Jr., please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. I move to concur with Senate Floor Amendment #1. What the Amendment did was remove the four school districts, out of the five, that were seeking to increase their bond limit due to their… the referendum failure in the municipal election that just took place. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3500?' 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 100 voting 'yes', 6 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments… Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3500. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Moeller on House Bill 3508. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur with Senate Amendment #1 on House Bill 3508. This Amendment narrows the scope of the legislation to retain the PFAS monitoring program 10300050.docx 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 and PFAS take back program for fire departments using firefighter foam containing PFAS. It removes the language related to the Illinois EPA developing a plan on PFAS removal and… and long-range planning. According to the IEPA, the language would have complicated current efforts that are underway and actually weaken standards that they hope to have in place. So, with that, I know of no opposition. Happy to answer questions. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Representative Grant."
"Is he talking to me? Oh, okay. Thank you, Speaker. I… on House Bill 3500 I did not vote, but I meant to vote 'no'. If you could record that it was a 'no' vote."
"Record shall so reflect. Representative Moeller to close."
"Would ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3508?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3508. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 10 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3648, Representative Ammons."
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sorry, I didn't see the mic was on. This Bill just makes a small change as to who will receive the reporting for the students who are incarcerated. ICCB will receive the report directly from the 10300050.docx 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 institutions who teaches the classes. And I ask for its adoption."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, just wanted to take a minute to review this. So, the report will be provided by the institutions of higher education to the…"
"State agencies."
"…state… state Board of Education and… or Higher Education, the Community College Board, and they will be reporting on the effectiveness of the… the program. Is that correct?"
"The enrollment, the graduation, the class schedules of the students in… in those classes that are being offered by the institutions."
"And then what will they do with that report once they receive it? What is the purpose of…"
"The information will be up at IBHE's website for anybody who's interested in students who are graduating or taking coursework in the Department of Corrections."
"And under the original Bill, before the Amendment, was that… was that the obligation of the institutions, or is that changed?"
"Originally… the IBHE was originally the gatherer of the information. We switched the gathering of the information to the institutions that are providing the coursework to give it to ICCB and IBHE."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ammons to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300050.docx 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3648?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3648. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Benton on House Bill 3677. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to concur with House Bill 3677. All it does is add trapper language to the Bill. It was originally hunting and fishing license extensions. This adds trapping license extensions to help Representative Weaver with his nuisance animal Bill to make sure that beavers are trapped within the proper licensing."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall… shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3677?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3677. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 10 of the Calendar, appears House Bill 3690, Representative Mussman. Please proceed. Representative Mussman." 10300050.docx 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Am I ready to go? Okay. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you will recall, this Bill was designed to streamline and consolidate our unstructured collection of professional development for those with professional education licenses, education support personnel, and relevant school staff. In collaboration with ISBE and stakeholders, this version clarifies that these trainings contribute toward professional development now needed for license renewal. It clarifies that all initial trainings must be completed within six months of the effective date of this Bill or if being hired and then which trainings will be completed within the next two-year cycle and which in the next five years. It adds that training on help for homeless students and training on responding to life-threatening bleeding to the list of required trainings. It clarifies that if an employee can submit documentation demonstrating that they have already received training from a previous employer within this scheduled time frame, they do not have to repeat the training. This is a good Bill that cleans up our… and streamlines these trainings. And I am unaware of any opposition."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3690?' All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Collins. Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3690. And this Bill, having received a 10300050.docx 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Constitutional, is hereby declared passed. Representative Collins on House Bill 3710. Please proceed, Representative Collins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I concur Senate Floor Amendment 1 and 2 to House Bill 3710. It just makes some… summary of the changes were based on feedback from the Illinois Farm Bureau. We added two nutrition researchers to be appointed by the DOA. We also, referring to Section 10, to look at what opportunities the alternate protein space offers to the state. And we also shifted the language in Section 10 to be more open-ended regarding if there are health benefits rather than what they are. And based on more feedback from the Illinois Farm Bureau, we commit… we omitted Section 20, Section (a) and we added a large multi-national food and manufacturing processor headquarters in the state, to be appointed by the Governor. I have no opposition and one proponent, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst… Windhorst, sorry."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll leave… yield."
"Thank you. Representative, on the task force… this Bill establishes a task force. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Is the provision that provides for two appointments for the Democratic Leaders and one appointment for the Republican Leader… Leaders still remain?"
"For… say that one more time, Leader. I'm sorry." 10300050.docx 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Is the breakdown for the Democratic Leader to Republican Leader appointments still two to one?"
"Yes."
"And our analysis shows that the Farm Bureau, the Beef Association, Corn, Fertilizer, and Chemical Association, Milk Producers, Pork Producers… or they're now… they were opposed, but they're now neutral. Is that the…"
"They are… they are neutral now. I listened to all the concerns from all stakeholders, and we made sure that we customized it to the task force."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"On this question, Representative Miller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Could you describe what an alternative protein is?"
"Can you say that one more time?"
"Can you tell me what an alternative protein is, source of protein?"
"So, the purpose of this is just to study alternative proteins and developing a plan for recommendations for plant- based fermented or cultivated proteins. That's it."
"I know. But can you give me a… a specific example of what that is? I mean, is it a bug, a cockroach, grasshopper, a cricket?"
"I can barely hear you. Can you please speak up? I'm sorry. Thank you."
"Can you… can you tell me a specific example of what an alternative protein is?" 10300050.docx 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"I will say soy could be one. That's alternative. Soy, tofu. Things that I have not really gotten into yet, as you can see. I would love the alternative."
"Do you… do you have a favorite bug that you like to eat?"
"Do I have a favorite who?"
"Bug, like B-U-G, bug."
"Bug?"
"Yeah."
"I don't eat those things. What's yours?"
"Thank you. Vote 'no'."
"You're welcome."
"Representative Collins to close."
"I would urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3710?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3710. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3751, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Representative Hernandez." Hernandez, B.: "Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. I Motion to amend… to adopt Amendment… Senate Amendment #1 that would include the DACA language just saying… the term DACA, as able to apply to become police officers."
"Leader Windhorst." 10300050.docx 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Leader, the Amendment was designed just to provide clarity that we are talking about DACA recipients. Is that…" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"That is correct. And there is still language in the Bill that will require the Federal Government to approve these individuals to carry firearms before they're allowed to serve. Is that accurate?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct. Pending federal approval, yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Barbara Hernandez to close. Leader Barbara Hernandez to close." Hernandez, B.: "I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3751?' This is final action. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Didn't ring. Ding. 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 100 voting 'yes', 7 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3751. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Ammons on House Bill 3779. Please proceed, Representative Ammons."
"Thank you. 3779 is just a notification Bill between Department of Corrections and state's attorneys if a person 10300050.docx 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 is being put in a work program in their jurisdiction by electronic notification. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Motion. I'd ask the Members the on our side to… to review their vote. Previously, it was 68 to 37 when it first came through. And I'd advise to vote accordingly."
"Representative Ammons to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3779?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3779. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Harper on House Bill 3814. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to concur with Senate Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 3814. The Amendment removes the provision in which students participating in scheduled events for national and state FFA associations and 4-H programs will be counted as in attendance by their school. So, instead the Amendment counts the hours that the students participate in these events as clock hours of schoolwork. Therefore, participation in these events would not affect their or their school's attendance records. This Amendment removes all opposition, and I encourage an 'aye' vote." 10300050.docx 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Seeing no one seeking… oh, Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Many of our schools have FFA programs, and many of our communities have 4-H programs. What this Bill does, it allows those FFA Members and 4-H members to attend an event, whether it's at the state fair or a local county fair, wherever it is, or to a specific 4-H show. This allows a school to get… to receive credit for attendance. The students are not considered excused or unexcused. They are giving classroom attendance, and we know how valuable learning can be outside of the classroom for these young boys and girls, men and women, to get an opportunity to… to show a livestock or show crops or whatever their project might be. I would encourage a 'yes' vote. This has been tried and… or tried several times to get through the General Assembly, but it's not happened before. And I want to acknowledge Representative Harper's hard work on getting this through these chambers. So, I would encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Harper to close."
"I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3814?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3814. 10300050.docx 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Smith will be presenting for Representative Will Davis. House Bill 3856, Representative Smith."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, I am representing the illustrious Will Davis with House Bill 3856. 3856 is a cleanup Bill making several technical changes for the Budgeting for Results Commission. The aim is to make needed technical changes and repeal funds that have completed their mission. With the fund cleanup, BFR seeks more efficient mechanisms to move money within the state treasury by transferring the function of one fund to a more efficient fund. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 3856?' 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, are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #1 to House Bill 3856. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3940, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Chair. I'd like to concur Senate Amendment 1 and 2. Senate Amendment 1 was just a technicality to define more a definition of first responders. And 2 just wanted to make sure that all parties were in agreement." 10300050.docx 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #1 and 2 to House Bill 3940?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. This Bill, having received 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 and 2 to House Bill 3940. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 5 of the Calendar, the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading. Senate Bill 89, Representative Rita. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 89, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendments 2 and 3 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Rita."
"Representative Rita on Floor Amendment #2."
"I'd ask to adopt Floor Amendment #2 and then we'll just…"
"Rep. Rita moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill… or Senate Bill 89. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #3 is offered by Representative Rita."
"Representative Rita on Floor Amendment #3."
"I'd ask for its adoption, Floor Amendment #3." 10300050.docx 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Representative Rita moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3 to Senate Bill 89. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 89, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Rita."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 89 is an omnibus sunset extension Bill. I can go through the… there's about seven different extensions and eliminations of sunsets. I'd be happy to go through them all if you'd like."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 89 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 were 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 4 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 1543, Representative Rita. Representative Bob Rita. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate… Senate Bill 1543, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Rita." 10300050.docx 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 1543 is a… creates a statewide PS… PTSD mental health coordinator for law enforcement."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Leader, this Bill passed unanimously in the Senate. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"And I believe we had an identical Bill in 2021, the last General Assembly. Is it… does that sound correct?"
"Yeah. Yes. And it called up but didn't get all the way through."
"And that passed this Body unanimously at that time?"
"I believe so, yes."
"Thank you."
"Leader Rita to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1543 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 4 of the Calendar, Senate Bill 1561, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk." 10300050.docx 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Senate Bill 1561, a Bill for an Act concerning health. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Cassidy."
"Representative Cassidy on Floor Amendment #1."
"I wish to adopt the Amendment, as it becomes the Bill, and debate it on Third, please."
"Representative Cassidy moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1561. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1561, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 1561 is the second trailer Bill to the Patient and Provider Protection Act. It includes items that have become issues since… in the last month, frankly, based on some court decisions and issues that have been brought to our attention. It does a couple of very simple things. It amends the Insurance Code to ensure that all of the preventative care coverage mandates that we have put in place will retain validity in… in spite of a Texas court case that is attacking the preventative care mandate in the Affordable Care Act. It changes the effective date for the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program to 2025 to comport with the Department of Public Health's rulemaking calendar. And it creates an 10300050.docx 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 opportunity for medical students who are coming in to be able to complete their training. Medical students who are in states that don't provide training in abortion care still have to get that training in order to complete their medical training, and they… they will be coming to states like Illinois. We have a student license that we have to add to our rapid licensure program. So, it does… it does those pieces. And I'm happy to answer your questions. And I ask for your support."
"On this question, Representative Hauter."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"So, we discovered this in committee and you answered my questions pretty quickly. But on the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program, is this done through the medical school or a hospital?"
"Yes. And this is something that happens already. We just anticipate that it's going to happen in greater volume. It is not unusual for a medical student to seek out a specialized training program in another state. So, we have these student licenses where they come in and they work under the supervision of a medical school or a teaching hospital. This just makes it a little smoother for the abortion care program. It makes those licenses easier for everyone who wants to come in and get a specialized training here in Illinois."
"Of course, I'm all for moving the date back, but why was that?"
"So, the… the Department of Public Health has a different rulemaking process than really anybody else, and it's just a longer process. So, they needed that time to do the 10300050.docx 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 appropriate rulemaking to ensure that it comported with medical school requirements and things like that."
"Regarding the, you know, abortion care training program, is it a… is it a license, a criteria for credentialing? What is this…"
"Yeah. So, this is…"
"…what is the end point?"
"Exactly. So, this comes from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In order to be credentialed, I think that's the word you use. I'm… I'm in your wheelhouse right now. So, if that's the appropriate term for this, if you want to be an obstetrician, gynecologist, you have to complete those requirements and that includes abortion care training. States that have prohibited it are not going to be providing that training. So, it's really so that people can continue and get their… their credentials."
"And this is… I just want to be clear, this is physician- only training?"
"It is for physicians only, yes. This is medical school."
"Okay. And it's not going to be expanded to mid-level providers, nurse practitioners, PAs?"
"That… if it is, that would be a very different thing. And, no. To my knowledge, that's not a medical school program or a training program that exists at this time. This is very specific to making sure that folks who… who are becoming obstetricians and gynecologists are able to access the training they need to complete their… their credentials."
"Okay. And then just one more question about the insurance coverage. It was explained to us that it was needed, as 10300050.docx 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 there's no cost-sharing, no deductible, no copay, and it's for preventative services, reproductive services. And it's… why was this language changed, or why was the need for that?"
"So, this is actually not even related to reproductive health care."
"Okay."
"Over the last few years, since the Affordable Care Act came into play, we have put into place multiple screening processes that can be copay free. Mostly… like in 2019, we passed the skin cancer screening. We've got… we just did a prostate screening. We've done breast cancer screening. We've done cervical cancer screening. All of these are now copay free in Illinois because of the underlying language from the Affordable Care Act that is at risk under this case out of Texas. So, in order to protect that coverage for people in Illinois, we're… we are taking that language and putting it into our statute to support those… those benefits for our residents."
"Thank you for answering my questions. I'm going to be a 'no' vote, but thank you for the… the answers."
"Thank you."
"Representative Cassidy to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1561 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 70 voting 'yes', 34 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the 10300050.docx 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
"Committee Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 19, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 2 for Senate Bill 1963."
"Leader Davidsmeyer."
"The title on that last Bill did not match the… the gut and replace from my understanding. I would like to be recorded as a 'no'… as a 'no' vote on that."
"The record will so reflect. Moving to page 5 of the Calendar. Under Senate Bills-Second Reading appears Senate Bill 423, Leader Gordon-Booth. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 423, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Leader Gordon-Booth on Floor Amendment #1."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I…"
"Sorry. Need to move it to Third Reading. It was already been adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 423, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Now, Leader Gordon-Booth."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 423 is a good piece of legislation, a bipartisan piece of legislation. Just to give a… the Members a quick update on what this Bill does, 10300050.docx 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 it expands education training credits. It establishes reporting requirements so that people on MSR know their… know their status. It allows for the reporting discretion of a parole… of a probation agent. It also requires the disclosure of IDOC sanctions through a matrix. And it also requires reasonable suspicion for drug testing. I'd like to add that this legislation is supported by AFCSME, the Sheriffs' Association, the REFORM Alliance, and the Safer Foundation. I'm open for any questions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you, Leader, for bringing this Bill forward and for the presentation. Just a couple of things. This Bill deals with mandatory supervised release or parole and that's where those credits will apply that you mentioned. Is that correct?"
"It… it does."
"And it's designed to help bring some reforms to the MSR system as well as make it more transparent?"
"Yes, it does, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Gordon-Booth to close."
"I ask for your favorable… for a favorable roll call."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 423 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the 10300050.docx 140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Going back to the Order of Concurrences. On page 7 of the Calendar appears House Bill 1363, Representative Guzzardi. Representative Guzzardi on House Bill 1363."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The underlying Bill pertains to employer responsibility when their employee commits an act of gender-based violence. The Amendment that came over to us from the Senate simply makes a few clarifying changes within the statute to address what the Senate viewed as unclear aspects of the language. And I would urge the Motion's approval."
"On this question, Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Guzzardi, this… this Bill came through before. Is that correct?"
"This Bill passed the House and passed the Senate unanimously after the Amendments that we're debating today."
"Okay. It was 71-38 in the House the first time, correct?"
"I will take your word for it."
"Okay. And the Amendments do exactly what to the Bill?"
"The Amendments change in two place, they change the… some small… they make some small wording changes. I'll pull them up for you. But they make some clarifying changes pertaining to the employer's responsibilities. In the underlying Bill, it held that the employer would be responsible if the employee committed the act of gender-based 10300050.docx 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 violence while performing their job duties. And the concern that was brought to us in the Senate is that gender violence is not part of anyone's job duties. And so, by requiring that that, as precondition of employer responsibility, they believe that no employer could ever be held responsible. So, we clarified the original intent of the Bill, which was that the employer ought to… the employer ought to be held liable if the employee is at the place of work and doing their job, but not requiring that that be tied to their job duties, per se."
"Okay. Thank you. To the Bill. To Members on our side of the aisle, we all voted, I believe, opposed to it. Check your votes. I will point out that the Amendments, while maybe it changed something in the Senate, maybe it didn't, maybe they just viewed it differently than we did, it really doesn't change what the underlying Bill was all about or how it was explained to us earlier. And that we believe, also, this… I believe, also, this is already covered in a number of other statutes. There were remedies for any type of harm that's caused in these situations."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Guzzardi to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1363?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 35 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. 10300050.docx 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 And the House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1363. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on the Order of Concurrences. On page 8 of the Calendar appears House Bill 2147, Representative Yang Rohr. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2147 had originally a few provisions dealing with substitute teachers and student teachers. It also dealed with the reciprocity between IMRF and TRS. Senate Amendment 2… Senate Amendment 2 removes that third provision with reciprocity between IMRF and TRS to allow those two entities to work out some of those details. It also includes Senate Amendment 3, which allows Chicago municipal employees to buy up to two years of credit, requiring them to pay the employee and the employer share as well as the actuarially determined assumed rate of return. I move to concur with Amendments 2 and 3."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendments #2 and 3 to House Bill 2147?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the House does concur in Senate Amendments #2 and 3 to House Bill 2147. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Going to page 2 in the Calendar, appears House Bill 793, on House Bills-Second Reading, Leader Mah. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 10300050.docx 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"House Bill 793, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Mah."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Mah… Leader Mah on Floor Amendment #1."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to adopt Floor Amendment 1, which becomes the Bill. And I'd like to discuss it on Third."
"Leader Mah moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 793. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment's adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 793, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Mah."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 793 begins the process of phasing out the payment of subminimum wages to persons with disabilities. Since 1938, the Federal Labor Standards Act has authorized the issuance of special certificates to businesses to pay persons with disabilities wages below the minimum wage. These are known as 14(c) certificates. And this was allowed based on a position that persons with disabilities had earning or productive capacity impaired by a physical or mental disability for the work to be performed. In 2014, the federal… federal legislation began making updates to several dated laws, including imposing additional restrictions on the use of subminimum wages and further empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self- 10300050.docx 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 sufficiency, independence, and inclusion in the integration of society. But the use of the 14(c) certificates continues to be legal in many states, including Illinois. And there exists workshops around the state in which the hourly wage is as low as 50 cents an hour and the monthly rate is about $100 per month. To date, at least 13 states have put into law bipartisan measures to phase out or eliminate the payment of subminimum wages in their states. With this legislation, Illinois would be among those states recognizing that all persons, regardless of disability, will earn at least a minimum wage for their work by eliminating the payment of subminimum wages by 2027. The Bill provides for the empowerment of a task force that will have the authority to engage in necessary research, analytics, and engagement of a multi-year phase-out plan. And the… there will be a separate establishment of a state fund that will be created, known as the 14(c) transition fund, for 2027… after 2027 when the phase out should be complete. Finally, it's also critical to note that thousands of people with disabilities across the state, including those residing in group homes, would be ensured that group homes… the group home residents will be able to retain their… the additional amounts of money that they earn. Advancing these initiatives has been a long time coming in Illinois and around the country. It's time that we set a firm date to eliminate the payment of subminimum wages in Illinois and engage in the work necessary to ensure that we can increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Again, this is an agreed Bill that's been worked 10300050.docx 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 out with industry. I'm happy to answer any questions, and I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"On this question, Leader Meier."
"Will Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"I believe it's been about five years since you started working on this Bill."
"That's correct."
"Pre-pandemic. I made an invitation to you then to come down into Southern Illinois and visit some of our service providers down there. I've not seen you there yet. I wish you would come to witness this. I have many, many questions on this Bill. Does your Bill pay for the provider to hire somebody to change the diapers on these workers, to give them their insulin, to check their sugar levels that our service providers are doing right now?"
"It's outside the purview of my Bill, but…"
"Your Bill will do away with these service providers because they cannot afford to pay these residents minimum wage, change their diapers, make sure their insulin's being given them… to them correctly, make sure their medicine's coming in at noon. So, what is going to be there to help them cover these costs?"
"So, the task force that will be empowered by this legislation is one that currently already exists and they… it is composed of many stakeholders in the industry that have been working with organizations, such as the one that you're referring to. They have in fact been working on the… the process of coming to agreement on this Bill. There is a report 10300050.docx 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 that's required, and I think that we need to start the process so that we can get to this phaseout goal. And I have colleagues who are advocates for other measures that would increase the pay of workers at these facilities as well. But that is separate from what this Bill is proposing, which is to begin the process of this phaseout. Since I introduced the Bill five years ago, IARF, which represents many of these facilities, has been in contact with them and working together with them to bring them into agreement on this Bill. And everybody agrees that it's necessary to begin this process and not be left behind."
"I'm fine with the plan of getting there, putting a time frame on it. I'm not… well, I wonder how many of these Members are from south of, like, Interstate 64. You know, are these workers going to pick these residents up at their family homes and bring them into work and take them home? Are the employers going to do that?"
"As I mentioned, that is outside the purview of my Bill. But there are efforts to…"
"Well, that's… that's what… that's what part of the minimum wage…"
"…increase the wages of those workers within this system."
"Okay."
"Leader, Representative Swanson gives you three minutes."
"Do you realize where the funds come from for these service providers right now?"
"So, if you are concerned about the ability of these service providers to survive, within the legislation there is a 10300050.docx 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 provision to create a fund to assist them with transitioning off of the use of subminimum wages."
"Yes, that fund is not definitely guaranteed to be funded, and we cannot come and ask for initiatives for our side because only the Democrats get to have initiatives in the House. So, our funds that are keeping these service providers, that are allowing these people to go to work come from chicken dinners, standing on corners collecting funds with a poster by you, 1K walks, 5K runs, counties, townships, helping to keep these service providers there. Because do you know what these residents and… and family members love? They love going to work. They love having a paycheck. They don't know the difference between a dollar and a hundred-dollar bill, but they've got a paycheck. And that means so much to them. If you go and get a job at a factory, which some of ours have and we were glad they could, and you work there a couple months and you get fired because you can't take working six or eight hours, you can't go back in and even have any of these programs. Now, you have nowhere to go. You know, a lot of businesses don't want somebody that only has an attention span of two to four hours that can work. They want somebody that's able to work eight hours. So, you now have a person that you've made unemployed and they don't have that check. Some of our employees sit there and they've got a little box with 12 little holes in it. It might take them 10 minutes to put one nut or one bolt into each hole, and then after that, they pour them in a bag and staple it shut. If they get two bags done an hour, they're happy. They're getting a paycheck. They're not worried about how big that paycheck is, but 10300050.docx 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 they're doing something. Are other employers going to pay somebody to put 12 or 24 bolts into 2 plastic bags for an hour of work? Are they going to pay them $15 an hour? Or are they going to hire somebody else? We've got workers like Colin. All he does is walk around and smile and shake hands. He's unable to talk, but he's happy. He's doing what he wants. I want to talk about Peggy. Peggy's workshop experiences ended so she could go into this program that you're describing right now. Peggy is 58, has Down syndrome, and would have loved to have been up here to testify in committee had we had a couple days' notice of that happening. But she couldn't be here. Now, Peggy is, like I said, she's 58. And she's, according to her sister, she's extremely frustrated and angered and any time she sees her now. And to quote Peggy, because of her new job she's supposed to have and how it's worked, 'I don't know who is making these new rules, but they don't have a blank lick of common sense.' This is one of the workers you're talking about, describing the program put into effect. Peggy usually doesn't talk like that. You know, she says you want her to be in the real world, but she's the one living in the real world. And in the real world, she doesn’t like having to go and watch videos that she don't understand, read material that she can't read, and then try to do a job that she's unable to do. Peggy's happy doing a job she knows what to do. She doesn't want to go there. She doesn't want to feel underqualified. She wants to do something she can do and get a check and be happy with the amount she's had. This… her sister said she's never seen her so distressed as she has been going through this right now. Because she's such a loving 10300050.docx 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 individual, she doesn't want to complain. But her next statement is, 'The dumb blanks need to recognize they do not get it.' They don't understand what you're trying to do to her. Peggy understands it, but you're not listening. This is why I've asked you to come down five years ago. Nobody should be discriminated against. I agree with you on that. But when you're using chicken dinners and 5K runs to pay these salaries so their parents know they're in a safe place and they're getting to do something that they're happy with, and when they want to sit down because they want to visit with a friend for half an hour, they get to do it. They're not going to get to do that on a different job that you're giving them $15 an hour at Walmart or at McDonalds as a greeter or anywhere else. But these special service providers are doing this job right now, and you're taking that away from them."
"Leader, Representative Schmidt gives you three minutes."
"I believe, you know, this summer… because I would be glad to work with you with this Bill, but I want to be part of it. And I want you to come and talk with people from further Southern Illinois who don't receive the funds. I want you to come down and listen to some of the parents from down there and talk to those residents and give them a chance. Because when these shut down, we're not going to be able to bring them back. There's going to be nowhere for them to go. Their parents are going to have to… one of them will have to quit their job and stay home with them. And they're not going to have that pride of having a job. They're not worried about the money. It's about the pride of being able to do something. 10300050.docx 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 I want to work with you. I believe just because you're disabled and if you're doing that job, you should be making 15 or you should be making 20 dollars an hour. But at the same time, when you pass this with deadlines and you really haven't factored in some of these people, they're never going to get that chance. It's taken years to build these facilities up, to find the not-for-profits and the people willing to donate every year to these different benefits so they can have them. And these organizations I'm talking about, they run some of the best CILAs in the state where these residents live, and they're happy, and they get to go to the pool and other places. So, when you're attacking one part of it, you're going to be taking the funds away that are paying for their homes. So, let's work together. Why not take a little more time? We've waited five years. Can we not, please, look at how these service providers work and see if there is a carveout for them? Because these funds that are not guaranteed by the State of Illinois that are in this Bill will never come south of Springfield. And so, you're turning your back on a lot of people. And I find that… that just a crying shame. And I beg each and every one of yous to not vote 'yes' on it. Vote 'present', and let's do some downtown hall meetings, where these parents and these workers can come and tell you how much they like what they're doing now. And they don't want to be treated like a normal person. They won't want to have to abide by watching rules and trying to read them that they don't understand. They want to do a job that they're doing. They're happy. They're taken care of. They go sit down. They go visit with whoever they want. Somebody's there to 10300050.docx 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 clean them up if they make a mess. They get their medicine. But this Bill, with no guaranteed funding, will do away with all that without ever discussing them. And these service providers will be gone, and this network may never be built again. So, please, please just work with us and vote 'present'. And let's have the summer and come down and see a few of these places, to see the love and compassion given to these workers while they're doing what they're doing. They're not unhappy there. They're happy. It's not about the funds. It's about the pride they have of what they can do, and a lot of them can't be mainstreamed into jobs. I beg of you, vote 'present' now, and let's force a fact of having a few town hall meetings and come up with a plan that really works. Thank you."
"Leader McCombie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Just to the Bill. We have a facility in my new part of my district in Lanark called Rolling Hills. It was two buildings, and it is now… due to the loss of federal contracts which helped pay for the reimbursement of these folks' salary, and they a higher salary, because of the loss of the contracts, we're now going down to one building. You had stated in your opening that this would increase job opportunities. I… I will tell you, in more rural areas, we don't have community opportunities for some of these folks, actually for most of these folks, due to the intensity of their disability, whether it's physical or mental, and oftentimes behavior issues. These clients will, with this change, 84 individuals will no longer be working and having any sort of opportunities from day to day. So, I 10300050.docx 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 ask you, I implore you to think about these. These are, without this funding source… and you all have one. This isn't about a fair wage, a living wage. It really isn't. Some of these folks, all day long, color, or they take a peg and put into one box into another box. They are socializing. They're spending time. They're giving their families a little bit of a break for the day. This is going to be 84 people that they're going to have to let go, and I don't know where they're going to go. So, I just ask that you really think about this before you vote 'yes' on this Bill. Thank you."
"Leader Spain."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll speak directly to the Bill as well. And Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, when we hear a… an issue about taking a… a population of people and raising their wages to make sure that they achieve minimum wage, that's something that sounds simplistic enough. But the reality for what we're doing in this legislation on the topic of these sheltered workplaces is very, very important. It's very serious, and it's far more complicated. I presume that something must be taking place with the Sponsor where there are issues that she is aware of in certain locations that need a correction, and I would work earnestly with the Sponsor to make those corrections. But I can tell you, and you've received invitations to attend other parts of the state, and I wouldn't want to prevent you from going down to Southern Illinois, but I'd also welcome you to stop on your way home in Peoria and visit the number of community workshops that we have that are incredible social service agencies that are providing not necessarily jobs, but services to people that 10300050.docx 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 need them intensely. We’re dealing with individuals who need a lot of help, a lot of care, and they're receiving it through the programs and services made available by these type of organizations. The mission statement of one of them that I've grown to love in my hometown, their organization provides programs and services to adults with disabilities, enriching their quality of life, promoting social change, and optimizing their potential for independence. So, Leader Mah, if there are some bad actors that you're trying to resolve, I am with you on trying to correct those. But please don't force the closure of important community organizations in other parts of the State of Illinois that are providing vital services to people with disabilities that deserve an opportunity to have a place to go, to receive services that enrich the lives of those individuals and their families. Let's vote 'no' on this Bill and continue to work on this topic. Thank you."
"Representative LaPointe."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just have a… a few questions to clarify. And just to be clear, I think this is a really important and good Bill. We've heard a lot about urgency. We've heard that horrible things might happen if this Bill passes. But we've also heard that this Bill has been in the works for five years. To the Sponsor, am I right that there's a phase-in process to this Bill? Meaning nothing's going to happen immediately? Meaning there'll be groups to figure out how to best implement getting people paid the wage that they actually deserve?"
"That's correct." 10300050.docx 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"In terms of the provider associations for what we've heard about today called sheltered workshops, and the big provider association is the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities that represent sheltered workshops and CILAs all across the state, are they in support of this Bill?"
"Yes, they are."
"Are advocates… or other advocates for folks with developmental disabilities and any organization that advocates for people with Down syndrome, are they in support of this Bill?"
"Yes, they are."
"In terms of the individuals that some of our colleagues just mentioned, is there a risk that they're not going to be paid a minimum wage that everyone else is subject to if we somehow pass the Bill? Because it's my understanding that the point is to actually get them paid minimum wage."
"That's correct."
"Okay."
"And it's to move some of these organizations into a way where they would focus on integrated work in community settings and come up with best practices, which, you know, have already begun to take place. The organization that represents many of these facilities, as you mentioned, they have been traveling all over the state, working with these organizations, coming up with best practices, finding the stakeholders who have the knowledge and the expertise and the interest in working on this issue. So, the fearmongering about the effect of the Bill closing these organizations is, you 10300050.docx 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 know, really far-fetched because, you know, that couldn't be farther from the truth. The people who have been working on this Bill with me include people with disabilities themselves who… who have been speaking out in support of this legislation."
"Okay, thank you. You've reinforced my comfort in this Bill. And I do believe that there is a difference between making two dollars an hour or four dollars an hour and what is minimum wage, depending on where you are in the state. And I've spent a lot of time with people with developmental disabilities, and they really value work and they want the wage that every other person gets when they go to work. I had a group of people in my office yesterday asking for this Bill. So, I am a proud supporter. I urge people to vote 'yes'. And we are going to continue to have ongoing issues with funding our entire residential system and employment system for people with developmental disabilities. I'm ready to partner with you on that work. We're going to do it next week, and I hope we can vote 'yes' on this Bill. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste."
"To the Bill. And I'll request a verification vote."
"The Gentleman has requested a verification. Please proceed. To the Bill."
"Leader Mah, I… I have no doubt in my mind that you have the best of intentions in this Bill, and I am not going to fearmonger. I don't believe people on this side are trying to fearmonger. I'm going to tell you about one of these facilities that's just outside my district now that I went and visited five years ago when this first arose. And at that 10300050.docx 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 time, they implored me not to pass this legislation. It was going to harm them, cut back on the amount of work they had, if not completely shut them down. I spoke with a new director this morning. And let me explain how this facility works. It's a… a single building in Batavia. It has 25 people who get to come there every day and do the piece work that local manufacturers and businesses are able to provide them. This facility has partnered with other businesses in the area that care enough to bring their material to this facility, pay a rate to have the work done, and then come back and pick it up. They're doing somewhat, I believe, these businesses, charitable work on their own in doing so. I don't think they're breaking even, but they believe it's important to help in this situation. And Leader Mah, I know you… you don't agree with me on this, but I'd wish you'd hear me. This individual's been in social services their whole life, is what they told me, or at least for the last 15 or more years. He was at Hesed House, which is probably the largest homeless shelter in Kane County. And he's here now. And he said if you're viewing these places as places of employment, you're looking at it wrong. We provide a social service. These are social service providers, and they do it without any funding from the state. We do a horrible job at this, folks. And I know this says subject to appropriation, but we've had years to provide appropriations for these facilities and have done nothing. Five years ago, they asked me for a grant because they need to expand. They currently have 25 people. They have five more on a waiting list to want to come there during the day for the service they provide. And they can't do it 'cause 10300050.docx 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 we do nothing to help them. They raise all this money on their own. And this gentleman told me that if this Bill does pass, the people that go there day in and day out to have something to do, to feel productive, to socialize with others, some very severely disabled that don't complete much work in a day and some not as disabled that complete a decent amount…"
"Representative, would you like someone to give you three minutes?"
"Please."
"Representative Ozinga gives you three minutes."
"They're not going to be able to go there anymore. Because if the work doesn't dry up completely, they know they're going to lose at least a good share of it. And if that happens, he said, you know what the lives of these people will then be? Their parents who have, oftentimes both of them work and are caring for adult disabled children, are either going to have to, one, stop… one of them stop working to care for this child during that time or hire somebody to do so. Your intention's great. I'm sure it is. But this is going to harm some people that you're not intending to. It is. It's not fearmongering. I'm not making this up. If he had told me that this will have no impact whatsoever, and he's not part of this association, I wouldn't say a word because I agree, people should be paid equally. But in certain situations as this, this gentleman told me this is a social service, Leader Mah. He's not providing employment. He's providing a social service. Don’t take this away from them. I ask that you pull the Bill and work on it further. I know you've worked on it a long time, and I appreciate that. For some reason, we weren't included, 10300050.docx 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 and I don't why some of these places weren't… weren't included either. But more work needs to be done on this. I'm sure we can reach some sort of agreement. Please don't put these people out of work. If the Leader will not pull this Bill and work on it further, please vote 'no'."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Representative, my understanding is that every, every major civil rights organization, not just in Illinois, but in the country, supports this. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"That includes siblings' organizations, parents' organizations, other organizations for those with disabilities. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"And we are not the only state that has done this. There are a number of other states, right?"
"Fourteen other states."
"And the City of Chicago has already done this, and those programs have not shuttered. In fact, they're thriving and getting federal funding, right?"
"That's correct."
"And they get federal funding only if they increase the wages for the individuals. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, Representative. To the Bill."
"To the Bill." 10300050.docx 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"We spent a lot of time on this floor listening to individuals speak on behalf of others as though they're advocates. So, I would like to present advocacy on behalf of my siblings. My brother, Dan, who has special needs, and my sister-in-law, Mariam, who has special needs, both of whom have experienced a variety of day programs, jobs that pay less or more. So, I don't need to be lectured by anybody on this floor, particularly the other side of the aisle, about the value of work for an adult with disabilities. I don't need it. What I do need everyone to understand, though, is that by failing to move in the direction of the Sponsor's Bill, we are preventing these great organizations from getting federal funding. Literally preventing them from getting federal funding to support the work for adults with disabilities. So, they're not eligible. With subminimum wage, they are not eligible for the federal dollars. So, with respect to any organization that's threatening to shutter their doors, they can always do that. But it's not because the money is not available. There are any number of organizations right now voluntarily transitioning, voluntarily transitioning, separate from this legislation, in Illinois, transitioning to over minimum wage so they can get additional federal funding. That's happening right now. This Bill will only further escalate and accelerate that effort to support the adults with disabilities that need the jobs, need the work, need the socialization, like my siblings. So, again, this doesn't force anyone to close. It leverages federal funding that is otherwise unavailable. And as a sibling of 10300050.docx 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 somebody that everyone seems so concerned about, I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Mah, let's start at the beginning. Can you explain what 14(c) certificates are?"
"They're certificates that have been available through the Fair Labor Standards Act from the Federal Government since 1938. But we have since then updated our beliefs about the capability and the needs of the disabled population and recognize that there are ways to support them and to support the organizations that serve them so that they can move towards integrated work environments. You know, many of the Members on your side of the aisle have been speaking to me as if, you know, I am idealistically promoting a Bill that has no basis and that, you know, it's just, you know, what I wish…"
"I… I have limited time."
"…but…"
"Representative."
"…you know, I have an organization in my district…"
"Representative, I asked you a very simple question, to please explain what the 14(c) certificates are. I've got a limited time here to talk with you. So, would you please let everyone know what a 14(c) does? If someone applies for a 14(c) certificate…"
"It is…" 10300050.docx 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"…what does that mean? How do they get that?"
"It is a federal waiver that allows that employer or organization to pay less than the minimum wage."
"And how do they determine what that wage is? Let me help you. They… they do time studies. They look at how the individual can perform, as compared to if they were a hundred percent ability to meet the goals to get the minimum wage. They're allowed to pay less than minimum wage because the worker is not capable of performing at that level. Is that correct?"
"It sounds…"
"Okay."
"…correct."
"So, that's why we have 14(c), so that each individual can be judged on their ability to perform a task."
"But the Federal Government itself is attempting to move away from…"
"That's okay."
"…these waivers."
"If they move away from it, that's… it's a different story. We're talking about your Bill here tonight and what it's going to do. You know, there is something in your Bill that I want to commend you for, okay? We've been…"
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Rosenthal gives you three minutes."
"I've… I've spent 25 years of my life advocating for the developmentally disabled as an owner and operator of ICF/DDs and CILAs every day. Every day pushing, pushing for them to be able to work, to go to work, to expand their 10300050.docx 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 abilities, to integrate into society. It's a very, very difficult thing to do, when you are profound or severely developmentally disabled, to get someone even a place to go. But we've done it through the 14(c) program, which allows that person to perform at their… and they get reevaluated periodically. So, as they progress in their ability to work, they make more money. They work their way up to the minimum wage. And that's what the 14(c) program does. One of the things that you're doing in this Bill that I commend you for, I…just… we have fought for this and fought for this and fought for this for 20, 30 years, and that is the personal needs allowance. You've raised the personal needs allowance up to $100 and you've pegged it to inflation or Social Security. And by golly, it's about time we did that. The problem I have with your Bill is, and it's not with the… with the ramp, it's the… oh, I guess it is the ramp. It's not with the task force. Let's have a task force. Let's get together. Let's work on trying to find a way. Let's look at federal programs that we can bring here for every sheltered care workshop. But before we do that, let's not force this minimum wage on our sheltered care workshops. If… if that mandatory… your mandate to get to a minimum wage by 20… is it 2027, 2025? That puts a roadblock in this. Let's… let's decide how we get there first. Let's take that step. Let's work with these folks. We heard from the Social Security lady that there are ways for people to make more and still stay on their Social Security. We need to get that information out. We need to make sure that these providers know how to do that. We've heard from another Representative that there are federal programs to help when 10300050.docx 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 we get to that level. We need to make sure that those… that that safety net is going to be there and that the providers, these sheltered care workshops, are going to have the ability, the manpower, the help to… to earn that federal funds, to get those kind of grants. So, that's the hook for me. If we weren't mandating that they had to get to a minimum wage by a certain date, I would vote for this Bill because it has a lot of good things in it. So, folks, I guess to the Bill."
"Please bring your remarks to a close."
"To the Bill, please. Ladies and Gentlemen, please hold off on this. If we're going to vote, vote 'present', vote 'no', whatever it takes. We can make this work. We can make this better. We can serve our developmentally disabled population in a way that will bring them up. I take… take my fellow Representative at his word that there are federal programs. Let's figure it out. Let's build that safety net before we put this in place. Thank you very much."
"Representative Mussman."
"To the…"
"Sorry, Representative. Leader Gabel for purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record show that Representative Walsh is excused for the rest of the day."
Speaker Hoffman: "The record shall reflect. Representative Mussman."
"To the Bill. Just want to, once again, especially for my colleagues of this side of the aisle, reiterate that nothing in this Bill eliminates facility-based employment or sheltered workshop environments. So, for people who are 10300050.docx 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 insinuating that they will be shut down, that is absolutely not true. And I want to also point out that for the Gentleman who indicated that these people do not want to be treated like normal people, I think it is a shocking amount of audacity that you feel the right to speak on their behalf. Because I know when I speak to my friends and neighbors with disability, their mantra is, nothing about us without us. I will also point out that Access Living, one of the largest disability advocacy organizations in this state, has been putting out an all-call over and over asking their membership to reach out to us and indicate their support for this Bill. In fact, their actual… their actual email says, 'For decades, many people with disabilities were not considered to be real workers like nondisabled people. But the reality is that people with disabilities want the opportunity to be paid real wages for the work they do.' It should not matter if you need extra support to do your job. You are still doing your job. If you are concerned that people with disabilities do not want this, I will point out that their membership includes Access Living, Arc of Illinois, Equip for Equality, IARF, the Illinois Association for the Deaf, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, the National Association for the Deaf, the National Federation for Blind Illinois, SEIU, and the Shriver Center Policy on Law, all organizations interested in supporting Dignity with Pay Act. These organizations are made up of people with disabilities, and they want this. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Cassidy." 10300050.docx 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I… I just have to point out because, quite frankly, I don't know that anybody could say it better than Rep. Mussman just did and… and Rep. Morgan. Those of us with people with disabilities in our families know what the folks that we love and care for and hope for a fulfilling life for want and need because we ask them, and we listen to them, and we trust them to know what they want. But I heard a couple of things. First of all, I heard someone describe themselves as an owner-operator. I heard someone else talk about the kind businesses who bring their materials to the workshop to have their products assembled, as if this is out of the kindness of their heart. Those businesses are making money off of those products, and they're making more money 'cause they're paying people less. So, let's not pretend this something else. Vote 'yes'."
Speaker Hoffman: "The final speaker, Rep… Representative Jiménez." Jiménez: "Hello. To the Bill, Speaker."
"To the Bill." Jiménez: "Thank you. So, there was a question about the methods that's used to do the time study. And as a former director of the Fair Labor Standards Division of the Illinois Department of Labor, many of these applications came before me. The time studies are made. There's multiple ways to do it. There's a stopwatch method, the methods time measurement, the modular arrangement of predetermined time standards. But what I want to point out is that all of those methods that are used to do time studies for an employer to determine and set the rate that they will be paying the employee, it's completely based 10300050.docx 166 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 on the employer, and the employer alone, doing a time study. There's no third-party report. There's no evaluation. There's no opportunity for the Illinois Department of Labor or the federal Department of Labor to… to do an independent study to determine that the wage that's being offered is just. And in my time at the Illinois Department of Labor, I saw time studies showing pennies, cents that were being paid to employees, to workers. I think this Bill is a good Bill. I think… thank the Sponsor for taking the time and effort to work with the industry, to work with the disability community, and to come with… to an agreed Bill. I think we all know that there are some exploitation in the field, but we also know that there are some very good employers. And we know that some of them are nonprofits and that is why they are in agreement to this Bill. Thank you."
"Leader Mah to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned before, 14 other states have already ended the practice of paying disabled workers less than the minimum wage. Experience and research demonstrate that disabled workers deserve the dignity of real work for real pay. Today, I am very proud to be bringing this Bill that represents a compromise among many stakeholders, many of which were mentioned by my colleagues in support. It comes after more than five years of dialogue and advocacy with the disability civil rights movement and the DD service industry. I want to be clear. People with significant disabilities who want to work and receive proper support can contribute to the workforce in a significant way. Paying subminimum wages to disabled workers reinforces the untrue, 10300050.docx 167 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 unfortunate, and low expectations about people with disabilities in the workforce. With each step toward integrated supported meaningful employment, with each success story, workers and employers will keep shattering old stereotypes and unleashing individual human potential the way that once seemed impossible. A better future is possible, one that honors the worth and the potential and the dignity of all people. I urge an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Hoffman: "Members, the Gentlemen has asked for a verification. Please vote your own switches. Please remain in your seats. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 793 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. Leader Mah."
"I'd like to request Postponed Consideration."
Speaker Hoffman: "Leader Mah has requested Postponed Consideration on House Bill 793. This Bill shall be placed on Postponed Consideration. Returning to page 6 of the Calendar. On Senate Bills-Second Reading appears Senate Bill 1508, Representative Lisa Hernandez… Leader Lisa Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1508, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Lisa Hernandez."
"Leader Hernandez on Floor Amendment #1." Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Speaker. House Floor Amendment #1 is a gut and replace. It amends the Illinois Lottery Law to 10300050.docx 168 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 create one special… one joint special instant scratch-off game to fund special causes. It adds the United Negro College Fund and the Illinois DREAM Fund as special causes, caps the number of special causes to 10 at this time, and creates a task force that can come back to the Body with recommendations on how to incorporate other causes, that's worthy causes, to have a chance to receive the same game benefits. This is…"
"Leader, let's adopt it, and then we'll go to Third. Is that okay?" Hernandez, L.: "Okay. Yes."
"Leader Hernandez moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 1508. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Leader Hernandez, I'm sorry I interrupted. Please proceed."
"Senate Bill 1508, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." Hernandez, L.: "So, I would say I… I pretty much explained the Amendment. All that I would add is that what is different last time when I tried to move the Bill is that I add the task force for the reasons that I was approached because of other worthy causes that would like to have a chance to be a part of this list… this list of causes that the department has kept for the reasons of… bringing an average net revenue that would be worthy that all of the causes would receive. So, I… I will ask for your 'aye' vote." 10300050.docx 169 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"On… Leader Keicher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Leader, I just want to go over a couple of things for legislative intent on… on the task force. And I think we'll have votes both up and down on our side of the aisle on this. And it kind of stems from a couple of the groups we wanted to make sure were able to partake in… in the revenues, and… and you kind of gave a brief explanation of that. You know, we were really hoping that the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation would be able to be one of the recipients. But as you had suggested in committee, the lottery really requested that we limit this to 10. And that's the result of you include… or, as a result, you are including the task force to kind of dig down at a… at a depth of this. I just want to confirm, again, for legislative intent in front of the Body that you're open to this task force's findings of having either a rotating basis of these charities or to analyze how those charities should be chosen so that our worthy charities can all partake in the… in the benefits of being in a lottery program." Hernandez, L.: "That's correct. I… I do note that there are many worthy causes. I would love to get them all at one time, but that would then water down a lot of what the net revenues that the department has worked on to assure that the… the causes are receiving a… a worthy net revenue. So, absolutely very open to the idea. Let's work on it, would obviously love to see other causes have a chance." 10300050.docx 170 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Yeah, and… and to that point that you were talking about… about diminishment of returns, let's speak a little bit about hold harmless for the organizations that are participating now. It's my understanding, from your visit with the lottery, that going to a single game… or single ticket and those proceeds being split, that the overall proceeds would be high enough that any one organization would not be left receiving any less than they are currently receiving from their isolated scratch ticket. Is that correct?" Hernandez, L.: "That's correct, yes."
"Okay." Hernandez, L.: "So, what would happen is, the department did really work hard on it, a way of trying to find a place where all of the causes would be receiving the same amount. So, it… what they came up with, the idea of a popular ticket, instant ticket, where it averages in… in the millions, let's say. And after all the… the winnings are distributed and administration is paid off, the net then is distributed evenly among. And it's up to about a million dollars, I've been told. It could be a little bit more. It could be a little bit less. But that's the range."
"Okay. Thank you, Leader. I look forward to working with you on this."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Leader Hernandez to close." Hernandez, L.: "I just ask for your 'aye' vote. This has been very… very interesting effort, but it is very worthy. And I hope you support this. Thank you." 10300050.docx 171 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1508 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 78 voting 'yes', 30 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 4 of the Calendar. Senate Bills-Third Reading, appears Senate Bill 1988. Representative Croke for Representative Burke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"(Unintelligible) to move this back for Second for the purposes of an Amendment. Mr. Clerk, please move the Bill back to Second Reading."
"Senate Bill 1988, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Burke."
"Representative Croke moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to House… or Senate Bill 1988. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please proceed, Representative Croke."
"Senate Bill 1988, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Croke." 10300050.docx 172 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. SB1988 requires that, when a revision is made by the assessor and the revision is not made on complaint of the property's owner, the county assessor must continue to accept appeals from the taxpayer for a period of not less than 35 business days from the later of the date the assessment notice is mailed or is published on the assessor's website. The… the Bill passed committee unanimously and passed the Senate with bipartisan support."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative, our analysis shows the Cook County Assessor's Office is opposed. Do you know the nature of the opposition?"
"I believe they just… they're not in favor of restructuring it so that there's, honestly, fairness in the appeal process in the time period in which various townships are able to appeal. I believe they want it to remain as is."
"And they expressed concern about the length of appeal in this process. Is that your understanding?"
"That's my understanding."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Croke to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1988 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. 10300050.docx 173 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 On this question, there are 105 voting 'yes', 1 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on Senate Bills-Third Reading, appears Senate Bill 1963, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to Second Reading for the purpose of an Amendment. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1963, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Tarver."
"Representative Tarver on Floor Amendment #1."
"Mr. Speaker, we're looking to do Floor Amendment #2, not #1."
"Representative Tarver moves to table Floor Amendment #1. Floor Amendment #1 is tabled. Any further Amendments?"
"Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Tarver."
"Representative Tarver on Floor Amendment #2."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment #2 is a gut and replace that becomes the Bill. Happy to have a discussion."
"Representative Tarver moves for adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 1963. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1963, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300050.docx 174 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This gut and replace reflects agreement between the House and the Senate on a revenue omnibus. Makes a few changes to take into account, some concerns that were brought out during committee today. Happy to answer any specific questions."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. This Bill does quite a bit with regard to revenue and… and certain tax credits. Would you say that's a fair statement? I think your… your microphone may be off. There it is."
"That's a fair statement."
"There were a couple of changes, one to the Illinois Municipal Code. What occurred with that change?"
"Can you point to me specifically which Article you're talking about? Is it Article 30 you're referring to, Leader Windhorst?"
"It adds language suggested by the Illinois Energy Association that removes the provision that the Department of Revenue may be a quasi arbitrator between certain tax disputes between a… a municipality and an energy provider."
"Yes. That's… that's a fair characterization. But it… and also to… to know it reflects an agreement between the department and all the stakeholders who were involved in discussion about this Bill."
"And what was the purpose behind that change being made?" 10300050.docx 175 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"Leader Windhorst, I'll get you a more specific answer. My understanding is the department was glad not to be a middle… middle man or middle woman in the… in this process. And so, due to that and the stakeholders having a conversation about who'd be best suited, this is where we… where we landed. I'm going to get you the name of a couple of the stakeholders, if you just give me a moment."
"And there is a provision regarding the Reimagine Energy and Vehicles?"
"If you can point me to the specific Article, just 'cause there's quite a few Articles here."
"I believe this was language included from House Bill 4064."
"All right. Article 75, I'm… I'm there. What was the question?"
"Would you describe what that… that provision does?"
"What it does? Sure."
"Yes."
"And I guess I'll start with, I believe this was at the request of Representative Elik. Is… is that correct? Okay."
"I believe that's correct, yes."
"Sure. So, it amends the… the Act so that credits may be awarded to the manufacturer that, one, has existing operations within Illinois and attempts to convert or expand, in whole or in part, a traditional manufacturing to electrical vehicle manufacturing. Makes an investment of at least $500 million in capital improvements at the project site. It's placed in the state with at least a 60-month period at the 10300050.docx 176 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 approval of the application and retains at least 800 full- time employee jobs at the project."
"And initially the Bill had the Illinois Gives Tax Credit, and I believe that was removed with an Amendment. Do you know why that was removed?"
"You said there was an Amendment removed or…"
"Our understanding it was removed. It was initially in the… in the Bill and has… or in one of the Amendments and has been removed, the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act."
"Are you referring to the endow?"
"Would you repeat what you said? I'm sorry."
"Endow?"
"Yes."
"Yes, that was removed."
"Yes. And what was the reason it was removed?"
"I was not a part of those negotiations, but my understanding is that it was an agreement across the board between the House and the Senate."
"Because I believe that's a provision that was supported by our side of the aisle. We note that ABATE of Illinois is opposed. Do you know the nature of their opposition?"
"Who's opposed? I apologize, I was…"
"That's all right. ABATE of Illinois was opposed… is opposed. Do you know the nature of their opposition?"
"Opposed to the transfer of the endow?"
"No. With the Bill based on some…"
"Oh, Article 10?"
"I believe that's correct." 10300050.docx 177 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"We… we did not address all of their concerns, is my understanding. And you said what was the nature of their concern?"
"Yeah. So, why are they opposed?"
"If you're referring to the purported fuel deserts, I don't know if there was a way to allay all of their concerns. I do know that we went back and amended a couple of things here, as you can see, that are underlined as to the date. And we changed, also, the definition of gasohol. I know they had an issue with that. I don't think this necessarily satisfies them and moves them from their opposition, but I do know it reflects a good faith effort on behalf of the stakeholders."
"And why was the definition of gasohol changed?"
"I believe the original… I believe from committee today part of the issue and the concern was the mixture, the… the amount of the ethanol. And the original Bill allowed… was it 80 percent? It… it allowed up to 18 percent in the original language. And this is just 15 percent, which was an attempt to compromise."
"And I believe their concern was that this change will cause a… a phaseout of E10 in favor of E15 in the marketplace, which will result in fuel that would not be usable by motorcyclists. Did they express that concern to you?"
"They expressed motorcycles. They expressed some small devices. They expressed boats. Yes, I… I do remember that testimony today in committee."
"And did you believe that those concerns could not be rectified, I guess?" 10300050.docx 178 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"I believe the intent was to get to a point that we could get the House and the Senate on the same page and to have a Bill that we could agree upon on a bipartisan basis. And this is kind of where we landed."
"And what was the vote on this Bill in committee when it came out?"
"It was partisan. So, give me one second. I'll pull the number. I apologize. We were on leave, so…"
"I believe it was 19 to 0, if I have… if my notes are correct."
"I know the zero is definitely correct. So, I'll take your word for the 19."
"All right. Thank you for your answers. I appreciate it."
"Thank you."
"Leader Gabel."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representative Ammons is excused for the rest of the day."
"The record shall reflect. Representative Elik."
"Thank you. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I wanted to point out for everybody in the chamber the especially important part of this Bill that happens to be modeled after language that I filed. So, I appreciate having this included in the Bill. There's a part in here that talks about the importance of allowing companies that are currently in existence in Illinois that have a whole lot of jobs, probably in almost everyone's district throughout the state, we want to keep those jobs, but they're related to… you know, 10300050.docx 179 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 they make some electric vehicle components that any of us might not even think of on a daily basis. We want to make sure that those jobs stay in Illinois. So, part of this language includes expanding the REV Act to make sure that we are retaining at least 800 jobs. They are making significant investments of at least a half a billion dollars in their Illinois facilities. And they're going to be… we make sure that we're competitive with other states who are trying to lure them away. So, I appreciate having this language included in this Bill. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Tarver to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to just also note that we have language from Senate Bill 1147, which was an initiative of Leader Spain as well. So, this is truly a bipartisan effort. It was the result of a lot of negotiation. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1963 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 79 voting 'yes', 25 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 309, offered by Representative Costa Howard. House Resolution 310, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 311, offered by Representative Stephens. House Resolution 312, offered by 10300050.docx 180 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023 Representative Gabel. House Resolution 313 and 314, offered by Representative Rosenthal. And House Resolution 316, offered by Representative Ladisch Douglass."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "House Joint Resolution #40, offered by Representative Gabel. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the House of Representatives adjourns on Friday, May 19, 2023, it stands adjourned until the call of the Speaker; and when the Senate adjourns on Friday, May 19, 2023, it stands adjourned until the call of the President."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Leader Keicher seek… seeks recognition."
"Mr. Speaker, before we depart for the road and we're gone for a couple days, I just wanted to check on the status of my request for the budget and the revenue estimate that they are not yet available."
"We'll get back to you."
"Thank you, Sir." 10300050.docx 181 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/19/2023
"And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, May 24, at the call of the Chair. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 41… 4101, offered by Representative Nichols, a Bill for an Act concerning agriculture. First Reading of this House Bill. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1996, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. It will be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300050.docx 182