"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Reverend Richard Wisdom. Reverend Wisdom is with Plainfield United Methodist Church in Plainfield, Illinois. Reverend Wisdom is the guest of Representative Harry Benton. 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."
"Good morning. It is my privilege to stand before you today to offer this invocation. In the world around us, indeed in our own State of Illinois, your role has never been more important than it is right now. We stand in the presence of one another, each person bringing their own gifts and talents and beliefs, representing literally millions of citizens who call Illinois their home. Each of you have been elected to lead the people of this state collectively. It is a scared and incredibly difficult task that you are called to. We, the people of this state, depend on you and need you to rise above the vitriol and viciousness that we witness every day on the national level, to be an example of how an elected body can find ways to come together, work out legislation that will impact the people of this precious state. This request is no pie in the sky, unrealistic as a wish. It is what this state and this country desperately needs from you, a nonanxious presence leading us from the best part of who you are. Recently, as a chaplain for the Plainfield Police Department, I was present immediately following the brutal attack of a young Palestinian mother and her son. Yet again, it's the example of the worst a human can do when 10300061.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 fueled by hate. But also present were those fueled by love, the first responders, their families who support them, and the community of Plainfield. In the days and weeks following this tragedy, the community has come together, sharing, engaging, sitting down with one another, seeking to communicate and understand one another's beliefs and life. It's heartbreaking that it sometimes takes a tragedy to refocus our perspective on what truly matters. Honorable Representatives, you have a nearly impossible job, but we, the citizens of Illinois, need you. We need you to lead us with legislation and your example that it's possible to govern with integrity, humility, and conviction in the most challenging of circumstances and time. I know that each of you is up to that calling. Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, I give you thanks for all those who serve in this chamber. I ask that you bless them and their families who sacrifice so much in order that they are able to be here to serve. Guide them, protect them, give them the wisdom of Solomon, immerse them in your peace as they seek to lead your people. Supply them with stamina and strength in your name. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Blair-Sherlock." Blair-Sherlock – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 10300061.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Roll call for Attendance. Leader Rita is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Mr. Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Tarver and Gabel are excused today."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle. Leader Keicher is… is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Reick and Cabello are excused for today."
"Have all recorded themself who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 114 Members answering the… the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on November 8, 2023: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 385 and Floor Amendment(s) 3 to Senate Bill 696. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 499, offered by Representative Weaver; House Resolution 501, offered by Representative Ness; and House Joint Resolution 44, offered by Representative Reick, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Under the Order of Resolutions appears House Resolution 439, offered by Leader Keicher. Leader Keicher is recognized." 10300061.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. I stand before you today to commemorate a true hero, Scott Galto, and to bring attention to House Resolution 439, passed by the Illinois House of Representatives. This Resolution memorializes the remarkable courage and selflessness of a man who lost his life saving others at the Fox Developmental Facility in Dwight, Illinois in a tragic boiler mishap. With us today in the Speaker's Gallery is Scott's widow, Cindy Galto, his daughter, Ari, and his son, Kayden, as well as other family and his coworkers. Scott was a member of Local 399 Operating Engineers and served both at Northern Illinois University and, for a very short time, at the Fox Developmental Center. And before that, Scott served us as a law enforcement officer immediately after graduating college. I knew Scott and his family, both of us being football fathers and watching our players out on the field at Sycamore High School. He was known by everyone who saw him as someone with an unyielding spirit and dedication to his children and his family, always there with a smile, bringing joy and conviction and happiness to those around him. And our community was crushed to hear that he had passed in a tragic workplace accident. Our hearts went out to the family. It wasn't until months later that I learned that Scott had actually perished in a facility for the State of Illinois. And today we stand to honor his work and his sacrifice for the people of the State of Illinois. We stand before you, Cindy, and give our hearts and gracious admiration for your love and dedication to Scott. Scott Galto's story is a testament to the indominable human spirit and the innate 10300061.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 instinct to protect and aid those that are in trouble, even at the risk of one's own life. On that fateful day, Scott found himself in the midst of a perilous situation, and rather than fleeing for his own safety, he chose to stand his ground, help his fellow coworkers who were in immediate danger, and call for help. His actions reflect the highest ideals of both heroism and self-sacrifice. House Resolution 439 serves as a poignant reminder of Scott Galto's heroism and pays tribute to his legacy. It recognizes the profound impact that he had on the lives he saved and the inspiration that he has become to all of us who knew him. Scott's bravery and selflessness should serve as a source of inspiration for us all, reminding us of the importance of looking out for one another and being willing to step in in a time of crisis. In honoring Scott Galto, we not only acknowledge his heroic sacrifice, but also stand to underscore the significance of safety and vigilance in the workplace. Let us remember that every worker deserves a safe environment, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that safety. Scott's memory will live on in our hearts, a symbol of courage and selflessness that should guide our actions and inspire us to make our workplaces in our community safer for us all. To his family, his friends, and coworkers, please accept this Body's sorrowful… sorrowful condolences and thank you for honoring his memory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"The House will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Niemerg… Niemerg is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." 10300061.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Thank you. With me today, I have a few Pages. I have Carlie, who's in sixth grade, Violet, who's in seventh grade, and Paisley, who is in eighth grade. And they attend New Hebron Christian School in Robinson. I want to say welcome to Springfield. And then also, in the gallery I have Mr. Ryan Repking's high school government class from Dietrich, Illinois. So, I want to welcome everybody to Springfield. Have a great day."
Speaker Buckner: "Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, on Monday I filed House Resolution 495, a Resolution calling for the reestablishment of a prayer room in the Capitol. In 1982, Leaders in the Illinois General Assembly began the process of establishing a prayer room in our Capitol Building. It was an amazing 15-year effort, then led by Speaker Michael Madigan when he introduced HR408 in 1985, which designated a prayer room on the first floor of the Capitol. Regrettably, when the west wing of the Capitol was remodeled in 2013, the prayer room was removed and the area transformed into a hearing room. As the north wing of our Capitol is now being remodeled, I have filed HR495 to request the reestablishment of a prayer room in the Capitol near the rotunda during the current and ongoing renovations. As many of us realize, prayer has always been a part of our nation, which began with the founding fathers as they sought direction, protection, and wisdom of God. Our great need for God's help today is no different than 10300061.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 our forefathers when they created this nation. This is why it only makes sense to have the prayer chapel designated in our State Capitol. Further, our Illinois Constitution originally, and still, includes these words in the Preamble, 'We, the People of the State of Illinois – grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding generations.' Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, let us demonstrate our gratitude to the almighty God for his blessings upon the endeavors of this chamber and the State of Illinois by reestablishing a place where prayer, where men and women of faith may withdraw to seek divine strength and guidance, both in public affairs and in their personal matters. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in signing on to HR495. Thank you."
"Representative Weaver, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I am so fortunate to be joined here by a Page for today, Ms. Kippy Breeden. Kippy's a dear friend of mine. She's the Henry County Board chair. She, I think, is a great example of what it looks like to be involved in her community, to give back, both politically but also on your own time. She, I think very admirably, through her church, spent time with the people who have recently endured grief. She's also a small business owner. She's owned Best Travel in Henry County for the last 25 years. So, as you may imagine, one of her favorite pastimes 10300061.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 is traveling and taking on new experiences. So, I'm so excited to have Kippy here today. Thanks for the opportunity to speak."
"Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Evans, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I'm here today with a phenomenal young man. He's a constituent of Speaker Welch's, but he's hanging out with me today. This is Kevin D. Henderson, II, and this is a businessman, an author, a great student, a young man that's making his community and his parents proud. His parents are up in the gallery. Stand up, parents. You should be proud of your children. And again, businessman and author. He has his books with him. Where is the book at? Let me see this book. The Adventures of Kevin and Noah. His… his book is with him, and it's on sale. So, purchase and support the book. But not just that, it's an investment because he's going to be a big shot. So, get this book early so you can resell it in about 10 years, all right? But a young man that's making the community proud. And let's celebrate our young people because we want them to be entrepreneurs, we want them to be authors, and he's doing it. I had barely read a book when I was 12, and he's an author. So, give a big round of applause for this young man. Thank you, Kevin."
"Kevin, welcome to your Capitol. Representative Egofske, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Yes, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed." 10300061.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Today, I'd like to introduce another young and talented young man, Jameson Porritt. He's a junior at Lemont High School. He's very talented and he's very active in our community, both at school as well as throughout the community. Jameson has participated in tennis, the swimming team, the marching band, the jazz band, the principal's club, the musical Tri-M Society, social studies honors, and also the speech team. In addition, he's very active in the community. He has participated on the student board of #elliestrong, who's a fellow classmate that tragically passed away. He's very active in the church community, and he works hard at the park district. In addition, he's been recognized with several specific honors. He has played at several high visibility venues, including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Ryman Auditorium in the Grand Ole Opry, and also the House of Blues. And he's won multiple awards, including the Citizenship Award. So, please everyone join me in giving Jameson and his mom a very warm welcome."
Speaker Buckner: "Jameson, welcome to your Capitol. Leader Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"If my colleagues would join me on the east side of the gallery in welcoming Anna Skrybnyk from the country of Ukraine. Anna, if you would stand. Anna is here as an exchange student in my district at Illini Central, and she has come to the Capitol today. She has met with the Speaker and… and also Leader McCombie and others. And we are so honored to have you 10300061.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 here, not just in Springfield, Anna, but in our country as well. Godspeed. Thank you."
"Anna, welcome to your Capitol. Leader Burke, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please procced."
"I'd like everyone to extend a warm Springfield welcome to my nephew, Emmett Blade, who's standing behind me. Emmett is a senior at Illinois State University, majoring in sociology and political science and has a keen interest in climate change issues. This is his second visit to Springfield. We didn't scare him off when he was here in May. So, he's here to learn. He's here to see government in action. So, I'd hope you'd give him a warm welcome."
"Emmett, welcome to your Capitol. Representative Rashid, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I rise today to bring attention to House Resolution 488, honoring someone who recently passed away in my district who we miss dearly. WHEREAS, Members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Nora Laureto of Berwyn, who passed away on September 23, 2023; and WHEREAS, Nora Laureto was born on July 19, 1954; she attended St. Mary of Celie grammar school, Morton West High School, and Morton College; and 10300061.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 WHEREAS, Nora Laureto retired from the University of Chicago Department of Orthopedic Surgery after 22 years of service; and WHEREAS, Nora Laureto served as the 8th Ward Alderwoman and was a constant leader on the boards of the Berwyn Public Library, the park districts, and the Berwyn Development Corporation Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, Nora Laureto served a life of service to the City of Berwyn community as an impactful and compassionate leader who dedicated her life to volunteering and improving the lives of all who call Berwyn home; and WHEREAS, Nora Laureto was most proud of helping accomplish the relocation of the Lincoln, the Friendly Neighbor statue in front of Lincoln Middle School; and WHEREAS, Nora Laureto was the beloved wife of Tony Laureto for 47 years; the devoted mother of Michael and MaryBeth; and the fond grandmother of Abigail, Charlotte, Everleigh, and Sawyer; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY, that we mourn the passing of Nora Ann Laureto and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. Thank you."
"The House will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Scherer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed." 10300061.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Today, I would just like to have the Body come to attention on the passing… this is about the passing of Lisa Stanley. Some of the people in the Body may know her. She was the Democratic supervisor of Decatur Township. She's had a long struggle with her health and has been a wonderful friend to us all and will be sorely missed. I just would like the Body to take a moment of silence in her honor, please."
"The House will take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Nichols, for what reason do you rise?"
"So, we have here today some constituents out of your district. We have Deja and Samuel off the South Side of Chicago. Deja went to Morgan Park High School. Samuel went to Benito Juarez. They are both University of Illinois students, so all you Illini in here. And they're from Hope Chicago. We'd like to welcome to… to Springfield. Give them a warm applause, a real warm welcome because, again, they could be doing a whole lot of stuff and they're with us today. So, again, from your district, Speaker, your people. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative Nichols. A special shoutout to Morgan Park High School and the University of Illinois. Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Ammons, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Hello, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. First and foremost, you look amazing up there. Thank you for being our Speaker today. I want to welcome to our building, and I know they're all over the building, Champaign County First, who is visiting with us. Champaign County First is made up of business leaders, elected 10300061.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 officials. Both of our mayors from Urbana and Champaign are here as well as very important organizations in our community, like our chamber of commerce and our city planners, our county officials, our county executive is here. And I just want to welcome them and give them a really big shoutout and thank them for coming to visit with me today. We have a massive delegation that's here at the State Capitol. And I want us to help welcome Champaign County First to their State Capitol at this time. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker."
"Champaign County First, welcome to your Capitol. Representative Jed Davis, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, J.: "Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed." Davis, J.: "Real short. In case we cannot hear the chants coming from outside of this chamber, I just kind of want to hit them home in a very simple message. It's Invest in Kids. Save their scholarship and call the Bill."
"Representative Grant, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of… point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I'm just echoing what Jed just had to say. You can hear it out there. You can hear it out there very long. Stop being scaredy-cats and do it."
"On page 2, on the Order of Senate Bills on Second Reading, appears Senate Bill 382, Representative Gong- Gershowitz. Please read the Bill." 10300061.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Senate Bill 382, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. 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."
"Senate Bill 382, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 382 is a trailer to the Amendment that we passed in the spring to add digital forgeries, also known as deepfakes, to the Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images Act. It includes a definitional… definition for digitally altered sexual image, and it also clarifies that certain exceptions apply to digital forgeries as well as to actual images. This trailer brings support from the MPA, the ACLU, and domestic violence groups. I know of no opposition, and I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, what was the need that brought this Bill forward? What… what is it addressing?"
"Yeah. So, it really is just adding a definition for a digitally altered sexual image. So, that's the most important piece of this to make very clear that what we're talking about when we refer to digital forgeries are digitally altered images that would appear to a reasonable person to be an actual depiction of a real event. So, in other words, this 10300061.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 makes clear we're not talking about cartoons and things that are obviously not real images."
"And this a trailer Bill to a Bill we passed in the spring. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. What we passed out of the House… I want to make sure I don't misquote the Bill number, but it was the Digital Forgeries Act. It was amended in the Senate to apply to sexual images only. So, deepfake pornographic images, and this just includes a definition of a digitally altered sexual image."
"And that Bill passed unanimously out of this Body, correct?"
"It… it did, yes."
"And your Bill… this Bill that we're considering today passed unanimously out of committee as well. Is that correct?"
"It did, yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Elik is recognized."
"Thank you. Representative, could you explain the part that discusses the matter of public concern? Is there further definition on that in the Bill?"
"So, matters of public concern are usually taken up by courts, but generally what we're talking about here are things that would be constitutionally protected free speech."
"So, I guess what I'm thinking of is on here, political campaigns and elections. Could someone escape liability for some sort of dissemination of a digitally altered sexual image if it is determined that an election is a matter of public concern?" 10300061.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Oh, there you are. I'm sitting here looking… hi, Representative. So, this Bill makes clear that just because somebody is a public figure, like a candidate for office, does not make something a matter of public concern. I think we can all agree that a deepfake pornographic image of somebody is not a matter of public concern simply because they're running for office. And I would suggest that actually the opposite would be true, right? That making a deepfake pornographic image of a political candidate is out of bounds, not a matter of public concern, and would not be considered constitutionally protected free speech."
"Okay. Thank you so much for the clarification."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 382 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 2, on the Order of Senate Bills on Second Reading, Senate Bill 384, Representative Moeller. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 384, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. 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." 10300061.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Senate Bill 384, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Moeller."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 384 is a trailer Bill to Senate Bill 40 that passed this past spring. It contains two small Amendments that address a drafting error in the applicability clause. It fixes inconsistencies in language in terms of when sections are… go into effect. The clarification also provides that the intent of the parties involved with the negotiation are… is kept in place. There is no opposition to this legislation, and the realtors are neutral. Happy to answer any questions."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, how will this Bill apply in the landlord-tenant relationship?"
"This Bill fixes the applicability clause. So, it says that… it ensures that the language of Senate Bill 40 applies to both future buildings and existing buildings after the enactment of this legislation in January of 2024."
"Is there any limitation as to the number of units that a landlord rents that would make this inapplicable?"
"This does not change any of that language that passed in Senate Bill 40."
"So, for example, if an individual had one piece of property that they were renting, the tenant can request that an EV station be placed in… at that facility? Is that… or that… that residence?" 10300061.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"This… this legislation doesn't change any of the language that passed in Senate Bill 40."
"But that is true. Is it not?"
"If that… if that was language contained in Senate Bill 40, then it remains true in Senate Bill 384."
"Well, I think that was… much of our concern on our side with the initial Bill was the issues this was going to place on… the burdens it was going to place on landlords, especially at a time when we need housing, we need affordable housing. This is just going to be an additional cost that is placed on landlords, and I think it… we should reexamine this policy. So, to the Bill. For those reasons, I would encourage a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Weaver is recognized."
"Does the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Just a quick clarification. I just want to confirm that this has no intention in the future of having any impact on manufactured homes. It's strictly for traditional homes?"
"That is correct. This… this continues to not apply to manufactured housing communities."
"Great, thank you."
"Representative Moeller to close."
"Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ask for an 'aye' vote. To address the concern that was raised by the Floor Leader in his comments, landlords will not continue to be required to pay for EV charging stations that are requested or initiated by tenants. That cost would continue to be borne by the tenant. That was the language that was written into 10300061.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 Senate Bill 40. This Bill does not change that provision. And with that, I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 384 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Benton. Williams. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 40 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed."
Speaker Hoffman: "Representative Hoffman in the Chair. Representative Swanson seeks recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Speak your point."
"Thank you, Sir. With us in the gallery today, I have a group of students from Monmouth College. They've been escorted by Mr. Robert (sic-Robin) Johnson, political science professor at Monmouth College. With him today are his students, Corey Pevitz, Gerardo Caballero, Anna Brunner, Jan Abel, Julie Briones, and Elissa Leguizamo. And I would like to welcome to the Capitol and take in a great experience while you're here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Going to page 2 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 690, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 690, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300061.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Senate Bill 690, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Didech."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 690 validates referenda to establish community mental health boards, commonly known as 708 Boards, that were approved by the voters during the November 2022 General Election. These referenda were placed on the ballot via a citizen petition process, and those petitions did not include the explanatory PTELL language that at least one court has ruled is required in order for a leavy to be extended for those community mental health boards. This Bill ensures that every county and township that approved a 708 Board last year will be able to fully implement and fully fund those boards immediately without otherwise impacting its other levies that are subject to PTELL. We previously took a similar action to validate community mental health board referenda in Public Act 102- 839. So, this is an issue we have seen before. Today, we have an opportunity to affirm the will of the voters and protect millions of dollars' worth of funding that will be used to address mental health needs in communities that specifically voted to make that investment. Thank you for your consideration, and I'm happy to answer any questions."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, is there a portion of this Bill dealing with the composition and appointment to 708 Boards 10300061.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 that makes an alteration to how certain boards in particular counties are appointed?"
"There is a provision in House Amendment 1. And what that provides is that in the covered jurisdictions, essentially where you have a large municipality that will be disproportionately affected by the county's community mental health board. So, they would get two appointments to that county's community mental health board. The purpose for that is just as a matter of fairness and equity. Giving that large municipality a seat at the table is something that makes sense."
"Do we know which counties this will apply to?"
"So, we… it could potentially apply to multiple counties depending on, you know, future demographic changes. Right now, we know this will apply to Winnebago County, but in the future potentially others as well."
"Currently, are there any other counties besides Winnebago it will apply to?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Do we know what Winnebago County's position is on this Bill?"
"I… I received a letter just a few minutes ago that Winnebago County did not support this provision."
"So, would you be willing to remove this provision based on their opposition?"
"No, I… I think it's important for the reasons that I… I said. Like I said, Winnebago County, it's… it's somewhat of a unique situation where they have a relatively small county, 10300061.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 relatively large municipality. As a matter of fairness and equity, I think it makes sense to make this change."
"Well, it appears from my reading of the law this will be the only governing body, the City of Rockford, that will be allowed to appoint members to a 708 Board, which it did not establish. Or in other words, was established by another governing body. So, it seems to me we're creating a special exemption here for Rockford that does not exist anywhere else in the state. And it appears to me there's probably a local issue that is at play here. Do you know of any local issues that are causing this to be brought forward?"
"This… this came up. I… I've had countless conversations with colleagues about this legislation. This is one of the issues that came up, that was presented to me. It was explained to me the same way that I'm explaining it to you right now. It's something that I think makes sense, and I'm… I'm comfortable putting it in the Bill."
"I appreciate your explanation. I think there may be more at play than… than what we're hearing today. So, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"This change is going to be a very special exception and will apply only to the City of Rockford and Winnebago County. I don't believe it's appropriate. I would encourage a 'no' vote."
"On this question, Representative Canty."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 10300061.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Thank you. Representative, there's a provision in this Bill, on page 4, that says, and I quote, 'a community mental health public question may not be placed on the 2024 primary or general election ballot in the same township where a community mental health public question was approved on the 2022 General Election ballot,' end quote. Can you explain why that language was included in the Bill?"
"Yes. For the six community mental health boards who were created in 2022 by a referendum without the PTELL language, there's essentially two ways that they can become authorized to issue a levy. One, they could redo the referendum and try to pass it again. Or two, the General Assembly can pass legislation like this Bill, as we have done in the past. If this legislation does become law, then it would be redundant, unnecessary, and confusing to voters for a referendum to appear on the ballot next year in those townships."
"Okay. I know there are several townships that are considering putting the referendum question back on the ballot next year and at least one in my district, Wheeling Township, where the governing board has already passed a resolution to put the question on the ballot during the March 2024 Primary Election. How specifically would this legislation affect the status of the potential, we'll call it a do-over referendum, in Wheeling Township?"
"Yes, thank you for that question. So, as long as this legislation becomes effective before the ballots have been certified and printed, then the referendum will not appear on the ballot in Wheeling Township next year and in other townships that may be considering taking the same action. The 10300061.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 language in this Bill does not discriminate as to whether the township board's resolution was passed before or after the effective date of this Bill. It simply states that if the public question was approved at the 2022 General Election, then it will not be placed on the ballot again in 2024. In practice, the local election authority, and in Wheeling Township that would be the Cook County Clerk, should, as required by this legislation, decline to place Wheeling Township's do-over referendum on the ballot."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I just want to thank the…"
"To the Bill."
"I just want to thank the Sponsors and the advocates for their work on bringing this together. I know it's been an issue in my area and I'm sure in several others. So, thank you very much for your work on this Bill."
"On this question, Leader McCombie."
"Thank you, Speaker. A question for the Sponsor?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, do you represent any parts of Winnebago County?"
"No, Ma'am."
"Can you tell me why you would add any legislation concerning Winnebago County to this Bill?"
"Like… like I said to… to Leader Windhorst, that was language that was suggested in the course of the many conversations I've had about this Bill, for the same reasons I… I mentioned to Leader Windhorst. So, because of the unique nature of the demographics and the composition of that county and its largest municipality, as a matter of fairness, as a 10300061.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 matter of equity, it makes sense to make sure that that city has a seat at the table."
"But who requested that? You have… you have three of us in the building right now who are from Winnebago County. Did any of us in the building right now request that you add this?"
"Like… like I said, this arose from various conversations with various Members. I spoke to some of the Representatives who do represent Winnebago County and some Representatives who don't represent Winnebago County, who… who agree this is appropriate."
"Did you speak to me?"
"No, Ma'am."
"Did you speak to Leader Cabello?"
"No."
"Did you speak to Representative Vella?"
"Yes, I have."
"Concerning Winnebago County?"
"Yes."
"Representative West?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I just find it interesting that you wouldn't speak to everybody that represents Winnebago County."
"I… I did also speak to Representative Sosnowski. He… in committee he raised no concerns about this issue."
"Really? Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Didech to close."
"Thank you, everybody, for your consideration. This is a very important Bill for communities across the state. The way 10300061.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 that this got initiated through a citizen petition, I… I think, speaks to the importance of this Bill. Not just to me, not just to the Members of this Body, but residents across the state who have stood up to do something to bring more funding for mental health needs in their local communities. Every year we pass a budget that does more than the last to invest in mental health, but there's always more to do. I want to thank our local partners, stakeholders across the state who have stood up and took very important action that I believe will save lives. And we have an important opportunity to affirm their work by passing this Bill. Thank you for your consideration. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 690 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 75 voting 'yes', 36 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 2 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 696, Representative Huynh. Out of the Record. Representative Jones on Senate Bill 765. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 765, 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. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 765, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300061.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Representative Jones."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 765, I rise to present. Before I begin, let me thank Speaker Welch for allowing this Bill to come before us. This Bill is emergency Bill presented by advocates and also an agreement with the Governor's Office to correct a short-term issue that has long- term implications. Senate Bill 765 amends the Farm Mutual Act. It allows for a sunset, a five-year sunset. It has an immediate effective date. The reason for the immediate effective date is that all farm mutual contracts have to be submitted to the Department of Insurance on January 1 of each year. This Bill also does a couple things. It defines, instead of unlimited reinsurance, it defines adequate catastrophic insurance. It also puts a cap on risks for farmers. This Bill… I know of no opposition to this Bill, and I'm ready to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker."
"On this question, Leader Hammond."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, just to the Bill and… and to the Sponsor. Representative Jones, I want to thank you for all of your work on this and particularly thank you for your timeliness of work on this because this is an extremely important issue, particularly for many of our folks in the rural communities. And I sincerely appreciate you taking the lead on this and getting it done. Thank you. Congratulations."
"On this question, Leader Keicher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I, too, want to thank the lead Sponsor at shepherding this very time sensitive measure through. I just want to add 10300061.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 a couple things to the mix. I rise today in support of this Bill, a piece a legislation that holds immense importance not only for my district, but for every district across our great state. For over a century and a half, farm mutual operations have been an integral part of our insurance landscape here in the State of Illinois. They offer unique coverages that other insurance companies simply cannot match. However, in recent months these farm mutuals have faced a significant challenge in securing the unlimited reinsurance coverage that the Sponsor spoke to. And regrettably, our state is the only one in the nation with a statutory mandate for that unlimited reinsurance for these farm mutuals. This Bill introduces a set of measures designed to incentivize reinsurers to reenter and recommit to the Illinois farm mutual marketplace and to provide the necessary reinsurance for them to continue operations. With this adequate reinsurance back in place, farm mutuals can continue doing what they do best, delivering exceptional coverage for exceptional value to their 51 thousand policy holders who are currently at risk of losing their insurance January 1. These farmers rely on the comprehensive suite of coverages provided for by farm mutuals and are in dire need of this support. So, I'm glad we're taking action. Agriculture stands as the largest industry in our state, a proud legacy of marketing Illinois' commodities, generating over $51 billion annually. I urge all of my colleagues to cast a 'yes' vote in favor of this Bill today so our farmers can continue our state's strong agricultural industry that we all so desperately rely on. Thank you, Mr. Sponsor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker." 10300061.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"Representative Jones to close."
"Mr. Speaker, I failed to mention the items that Leader Keicher mentioned. Because this Bill is highly sensitive. It's highly important. For the reasons stated, I would ask for an 'aye' vote on this Bill."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 765 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 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 2 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 767, Leader Manley. Out of the record. Senate Bill 950, Representative Friess. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 950, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. 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 950, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Friess."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a land transfer Bill. It transfers land from the Department of Corrections to the City of Chester. Currently, the City of Chester gets their drinking water from the Mississippi. That water has become too polluted to pass on to the citizens. So, they're going to drill wells 10300061.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 on this property, and I would appreciate your support. Thanks."
"Seeing no one seeking recognition, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 950 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', 1 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 2 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 767. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 767, 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. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 767, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Manley on Senate Bill 767."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 767 is a direct… is a cleanup Bill from Senate Bill 1721 that was signed into law on August 4. Through the implementation of Senate Bill 1721, a rearrangement of various statute provisions in the Illinois Act was done. We… some language was stricken from one section and was not put into the proper section. This Bill cleans it up, and the legislation is time sensitive because that Bill becomes effective January 1 of 2024. The enactment of this trailer legislation, now in Veto, will guarantee that 10300061.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 Illinois consumers will have hearing instrument return privileges uninterrupted."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. Appreciate you bringing this forward. The underlying Bill passed unanimously out of this Body. Isn't that correct?"
"I… I would be lying if I told you yes, but considering it's my Bill, I'm sure it did."
"Well, that would make sense. And it was unanimous in committee? This…"
"Yes, Sir."
"…this Bill was?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you. Appreciate it."
"Thank you."
"Leader Manley to close."
"Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 767 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 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet at 1:00 today: The Executive Committee will meet in Room 118. The Health 10300061.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 Care Licenses Committee will meet in Room 115. And the Revenue & Finance Committee will meet in Room 122B."
"Members, Members, the House shall stand in recess to the call of the Chair. We will return to the floor after committees. The House is in recess. The House will come to order. The Chair recognizes Leader Mah."
"Thank you, Speaker. I wanted to just say a few words to Members in the chamber. You might have noticed that in the back in the break room, on both sides, we have 118 portions of an Indian milk sweet called gulab jamun. And they are there so that we can celebrate the holiday of Diwali, which is this Sunday, November 12. The holiday celebrates light over dark, the triumph of… of good over evil. It is a holiday in the Hindu tradition. And the desserts are provided by Senator Ram Villivalam and the Asian American Legislative Caucus. So, happy Diwali, and enjoy the sweets. Thanks."
"Moving to page 2 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 689, Representative Ann Williams. Leader Keicher."
"Mr. Speaker, the Republicans would request an immediate caucus in Room 118."
"Leader, how long do you anticipate?"
"In honor of the Chicago Bears' new quarterback, how about we say 17 minutes?"
"Seventeen minutes."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Thank you. The House shall stand in recess. The Republicans shall caucus. The Democrats will remain on the floor. The House will come to order. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports." 10300061.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on… Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on November 8, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 689 and Floor Amendment(s) 4 to Senate Bill 1559. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on November 8, 2023: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 and 2 to House Bill 2394. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action November 8, 2023: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 805."
"Moving to page 2 of the Calendar, appears Senate Bill 689. Mr. Clerk, please move this Bill back to Second Reading for purpose of an Amendment. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 689, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. This Bill was read a second time previously. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment 2, offered by Representative Ann Williams, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Williams on Amendment #2." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was hoping we could adopt the Amendment and debate it on Third."
"Representative Williams moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 689. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, 10300061.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 the 'ayes' have. And the Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 689, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Williams." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill… this Amendment, actually, establishes the districts and election procedures for an elected Chicago school board that is in line with the original legislation that we negotiated and passed in 2021. You know, I have good news to start out the conversation, and that is that the district boundaries, the maps are basically agreed between the House and the Senate. And I wanted to thank the Senate for their collaborative efforts in this regard. And that's… was the tough part. That was the big hurdle, but we got agreement there. The challenge now is how to implement this. If you recall from the heavily negotiated Bill that was passed after a decade of work, there was not a clear directive as to how to implement the plan, which was 10 appointed and 10 elected members in 2024, moving to a fully-elected board in 2026. So, after much discussion and getting feedback from people over the course of the last several months, we came up with an idea that we think meets constitutional requirements, provides for a responsible timeline moving forward to a fully elected school board in 2026. So, basically our proposal is this… and if I had a white board, it would be easy to explain, but I'll do my best. So, what we're doing here is we're starting with the 20 districts that we've agreed to. We're going to nest them into pairs. And then in 2024, 10 members will be elected from each of the 10 districts and the other… 10300061.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 if you win on one side of the district, after the election, the mayor will appoint someone from the other side of the district as the appointment. The… the president of the board will be elected at large in 2026 but appointed for the first two years. We've also upped the petition requirements. So, we will have a 1 thousand minimum in conjunction to with what the Senate does for their districts, which are approximately the same size. And we will then stagger the terms after 2026, similar, again, to how the Senate approaches their four term… four-year and two-year terms. The other items in the Bill will probably be familiar to you. We deal with a conflict of interest provision, ensuring that employees of the school district cannot run and also keep their positions. We also prohibit individuals with a contract with CPS or ownership with a company from running for a school board. We finally, at the request of some of the community activists that testified over the course of the past several months, we've created a Black Student Achievement Advisory Board to really focus on the needs of that student population. So, happy to answer any questions and look forward to the discussion."
"On this question, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she'll yield."
"Thank you. So, just to be clear, this Bill takes in the map for the school board, the election process, and the terms for office as well as qualifications for school board members all in this Amendment or Bill?" Williams, A.: "Yes, it's one… one-stop shop." 10300061.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"You had described how the districts will be nested for the purposes of the… the first election. Do each of those districts have the same population?" Williams, A.: "I believe they do, approximately as best we can. Yeah."
"Is there any variance?" Williams, A.: "There shouldn't be. There shouldn't be. I think it's less than half percent we've actually gotten down to, so."
"Is there anything in the Bill addressing pay for the board members?" Williams, A.: "We do not address compensation in this package."
"As it relates to the election process, what is the petition gathering and filing process that will be followed for the… the first election?" Williams, A.: "Okay. For the first election, we've established a petition circulation period beginning on March 22, 2024. The filing period would be June 17, 2024 through June 24, 2024."
"And how many signatures…" Williams, A.: "And…"
"…will each candidate be required to gather?" Williams, A.: "For the districts which are comprised of the nested districts, so the 10 districts the first time, we're requiring a thousand, with a maximum of 3 thousand. And that's what the Senate does for their districts, which are substantially the same size."
"And then the following elections will be reduced to 500?" Williams, A.: "That's the plan." 10300061.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"With regard to the qualifications of the school board members, what are those qualifications to be eligible to serve?" Williams, A.: "You know, just like any election, we don't set a standard of what you need to… to be… who you need to be, professionally or otherwise. We are looking at open process and anyone can run for this position. We do have restrictions on eligibility in terms of if you are employed by the district, of course, you can't run. That would be a conflict. And also, as I noted earlier, we have a conflict of interest provision which talks about if a company has a contract with the Chicago Public Schools or if someone has an ownership interest in that contract, they are also ineligible."
"So, CPS employees are prohibited. Are members of the Chicago Teachers Union prohibited?" Williams, A.: "What we've done here is the same as for every other school board. If you are a member… you know, sometimes the unions have members on leave. If you're an employee of CPS, you cannot run. But otherwise, we don't restrict who can run."
"Is there anything in the Bill that addresses campaign finance, who can contribute to campaigns or finance campaigns?" Williams, A.: "There is not."
"Our analysis shows that there is opposition to the Bill. Are you aware of any opposition?" Williams, A.: "I heard there was an opposition slip filed in the committee, yes. But I'm not aware of the nature of the opposition." 10300061.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023
"This is the Illinois African Americans for Equitable Redistricting?" Williams, A.: "My understanding is that group weighed in favor of the actual map itself and the boundary lines. So, they were good with that first part. I'm unsure about the nature of the opposition to this. I… I think we need to, you know, understand that the process does allow anyone to run. If you don't win, anyone can be appointed on the other side. That might've been… caused a little confusion, but I haven't spoken to them specifically. But we did incorporate… interestingly, that is the group that contributed the Chicago Board of Education Black Student Achievement Advisory Board, which we thought was a great idea and we wanted to incorporate in the Bill. So, I'm appreciative of their efforts in that regard."
"So, based on the things that have been addressed and maybe things that have not, do you see anything that will need to be clarified going forward with any trailer Bills?" Williams, A.: "You know, just like anything, this is the first time we are going from a appointed board to a brand new, fully-elected school board. And although we worked on this issue and pushed for it for many, many years, over a decade, I'm sure there may be some tweaks that are necessary along with the way, just like any big package. But right now, this gives us the tools to move forward, get going with a… a staggered implementation in 2024, and then a fully elected- board that we all were excited to vote on in 2021."
"Do you anticipate this Bill will be called in the Senate?" 10300061.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 Williams, A.: "I'm unsure at this time. We continue to work with the Senate and have discussions as to how we can best achieve a school board that is truly representative of the City of Chicago, serves its students, and let's every Chicagoan have a voice in the future of their neighborhood schools."
"So, I guess just to summarize, it's unclear if this will be the version that's passed by the Senate? There may be another Bill that we take up in this regard?" Williams, A.: "I'm not sure where we go from here but wanted to get this out there. We think it's a reasonable plan. We think it respects the… the negotiations that were had over a period of years, and we're looking forward to working with the Senate to get this across the finish line and get going on the whole elected school board for Chicago."
"Thank you." Williams, A.: "Thank you."
"Seeing no one seeking further recognition, Representative Williams to close." Williams, A.: "I would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 689 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 78 voting 'yes', 33 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Members, for the purpose of an announcement. Tomorrow there will be morning committees, so check your… the postings tonight. 10300061.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 There will be postings tonight for tomorrow morning committees. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 500, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 502, offered by Representative Elik."
"Leader Rita 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. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Rita moves for the House to stand adjourned until Thursday, November the 9th, at the hour of 10 a.m. Thursday, November the 9th, at the hour of 10 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And we are adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4223, offered by Representative Marron, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 4224, offered by Representative Ladisch Douglass, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 4225, offered by Representative Weber, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4226, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 4227, offered by Representative Grant, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4228, offered by Representative Swanson, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 4229, offered by Representative Grant, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further 10300061.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 61st Legislative Day 11/8/2023 business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300061.docx 41