"The House will be in order. Members, please be in your chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and please rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Padget."
"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we lift up the leaders of our state and all those that you have set in places of authority to rule and govern. We pray that they would rule our land and many institutions with wisdom and integrity. We pray that each one of them would carry out their various responsibilities with honesty for the benefit of this state. Clothe each one of them with righteousness and justice, and we pray that all selfish ambitions would be laid aside so that your plans and purposes are fulfilled for the well-being of all citizens. May your ways be known in our state and your name be lifted up in these corridors of power. Guide us into the ways of peace, justice, and truth. These things we pray, Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Johnson."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle. Leader Gabel." 10300077.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Andrade, Gordon-Booth, Guerrero-Cuellar, and Yednock are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle. Leader Keicher."
"Mr. Speaker, please let the record reflect that Representative Hauter is excused for today."
"The record shall reflect. 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 106 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Representative Mason seeks recognition."
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is March 13, and that means that it is my youngest son Grant's birthday. He… he turns 19 today, which is insane to think about, and we are preparing to move him into the fire academy in Quincy, Illinois over the next few days. So, please help me wish him a happy birthday, and please keep him and his fellow classmates and all of our first responders in your thoughts. Thanks."
"Happy birthday. Representative Walsh, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could indulge me for about five minutes. As we're celebrating birthdays here today, we've got a very special birthday guest with us. I introduced 10300077.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 House Resolution 637 to honor a true American hero that lives in Will County, a gentleman by the name of Joe Belman, who just recently turned a hundred years old. And I'm going to go through here just to give a little history on Joe's commitment and… and just the outstanding work that he has done over the course of his lifetime. Joe was born in 1924, February 20, 1994 (sic-1924), and was adopted by Louise and Irene Belman. And during his upbringing, the lessons of diligence, responsibility, and community was taught… became the cornerstone of his character. In his youth, Joe worked on the Mississippi River, where he found unexpected joy and tranquility. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress ball turret gunner and achieving the rank of staff sergeant. While exposed to the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters during his 35 missions over enemy territory in the European theater, his valorous actions were contributed to pushing the enemy out of Europe and back into Germany. For his military service, Joe was awarded the Air Medal with five Oak Clusters and the European Ribbon with three Battle Stars. When Joe returned to the United States in April of 1945, taking a unique journey home by hitchhiking across the country. Joe married Irene in 1947, together they shared 59 wonderful years together. Joe's commitment to service and advocacy persisted beyond his wartime service. He showcased his enduring dedication to community welfare through his involvement in the Citizens' Utility Board, the Will County Jury Commission, and his leadership roles in the American G.I. Forum and the Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council. Joe also served as a union 10300077.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 organizer in Lockport, dedicating himself to promoting safer working conditions and… and environment and higher wages, and helped form the Service Employees International Union Local 650, serving as its first president. And honestly, that's where I first met Joe. My father was the township supervisor of the plant that he worked at. And as a little kid, about 10 years old, Joe used to come to our house and get the key for the township so he could have his union meetings. That's how long that goes back, into the late 70s and 80s. But Joe's impact has extended beyond formal roles and involvement in youth development, coaching various sports, community leadership, which earned him numerous accolades. And Joe's journey, from the tranquil waters of the Mississippi River to the tumultuous skies over Germany, is a testament to the resilience, dedication to community and this country, and the enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation. Joe's life exemplifies the principles of democracy, equality, and empowerment, inspiring and guiding generations to come and leaving an incredible mark on the landscape of labor and community service beyond the boundaries of Illinois. So, be it resolved, by this House and General Assembly of the Hundred Third General Assembly of the State of Illinois, and please join me in congratulating a true statesman and an American hero, Joe Belman, on his 100th birthday. Thank you, Joe. Thank you, everyone."
"Representative Wilhour."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct the attention to the Speaker's Gallery up there, where I am happy to have joining us today the Kaskaskia College Blue Angels 10300077.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Softball Team. This softball team was the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association Region champs, and for the first time in school history, they were World Series qualifiers. It's a heck of an accomplishment for the finest junior college in the… in the State of Illinois. And not only has this group been extremely successful on the field, they take care of business in the classroom too. This group is an Academic All- American Team with a collective GPA of 3.64. That is awesome. Our region could not be more proud of you and your accomplishments on and off the field. Congratulations, and it is… it is my honor to ask for the adoption of this Resolution honoring you guys. So, thank you for… for all you do, and good luck in the future."
"Representative Wilhour moves for the adoption of House Resolution 627. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment (sic-Resolution) is adopted. Mr. Clerk, could we return to House Resolution 637? Joe's Resolution. Representative Walsh moves for the adoption of House Resolution 637. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And that Resolution is adopted. Representative Swanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could, I'd like to have two points of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your points."
"Thank you, Sir. First off, I'd like to welcome all the men and women wearing the corduroy jackets today. It's always 10300077.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 a great day in the Capitol when we have the FFA visiting. Not only is it fun to see these young men and women out in the hallways, but it's also a nice treat for all of us who got baskets of homegrown Illinois products or Illinois items on our desk that these young men and women collected for us. And that's always a… a treat when we're here in Springfield. So, to the close to or over a thousand FAA members here today, if you could all stand up in the gallery, we'd like to recognize you and tell you thank you. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, who's old enough to remember 'Beef. It's what's for dinner.' And who's even old to remember 'Where's the beef?' Well, I can tell you where the beef is today. We have the Illinois Beef Association here in the gallery with us. The Illinois Beef president, Dave Duzan, is here with us. If you gentlemen and ladies could stand up to be recognized. Thank you for being a part of agriculture. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Ness."
"Thank you, Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"So, today I'd like to invite… or welcome everybody. I have a guest. This is Camryn Clark, a Page for a day. She's a junior at Jacobs High School in Algonquin, Illinois, which is in McHenry County. She's in the National Honor Society. She plays cello in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and is involved in her school's music department, including vocal, jazz, and orchestra. She plays for her school's tennis team and is part of her mock trial club. She's very interested in government and occupations. She asks great questions. So, if she happens to come by and ask you a question, please be nice to her. 10300077.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 This is Camryn Clark. Her mom, Michele, is up there in the gallery. We want to welcome her to Springfield. Thank you."
"Representative Severin."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"I appreciate Representative Swanson recognizing and welcoming all the FFA students, but I want to specifically recognize three high schools that have come down… actually that have come up to the gallery today. That would be Edwards County, Jefferson County from Mt. Vernon High School, and also Carmi High School. I'd like to welcome those three groups that have come today. I appreciate it, and I wanted to give them a specific shoutout. So, thank you very much. Welcome to the floor. Have a great day. Thank you. Thank you."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. I, too, have groups of FFA students here today from our district, from the great 88th. We had a group here Cerro Gordo, Maroa-Forsyth, and from the great, great City of Downs, Tri-Valley. Where are you? Tri-Valley, please stand up. Welcome to Springfield. It's great to see you all. Thank you."
"Representative Stava-Murray seeks recognition."
"Thank you. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce my two Pages of the day today. Here with me are Monroe and 10300077.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Jules MacRitchie, two constituents from my district. Their proud and happy parents, Brittany and Mike, are also in the gallery with us today as well. Monroe and Jules both attend St. Mary of Gostyn School in Downers Grove, where Monroe is 14 years old and an avid reader in the 8th grade soon… where she… but she's already participating in a high school algebra crass… class, which is a year ahead. Her sister, Jules, is 12 years old, in the 7th grade, and a participant in the geography club. She's also super excited to be in the eighth- grade next year. Monroe and Jules, welcome to your State Capitol."
"Welcome to Springfield. Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"On the Order of FFA, I would like to welcome… I'm going to do two quick points. Thad Bergschneider, from Franklin, Illinois, if you'd stand up. This is your Illinois FFA president for the year. Give him a round of applause. I'm… I'm going to take public speaking lessons from him. He spoke at our ag banquet the other day and did an amazing job, but he… he's between University of Illinois and Purdue next year, and… and I'm not sure which way to push him. I got my… my uncle and cousin and… that are Purdue grads and then I've got my loyalty to U of I as well. So, I wish you luck. They're both great schools. Thanks… thanks for coming today. Also, I've got a good group of FFA kids over here in the… in the gallery, if you'd stand up, Pittsfield FFA. They probably grabbed a number of you. They're not afraid to ask questions. 10300077.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 They're not afraid to learn, and I… I appreciate everything that they do. Their… their teacher, Mrs. Heavner, is amazing, and we need many, many more ag teachers just like her to go into the field. So, thank you all for coming."
"Representative Scherer."
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, today, I have with me guests from the school that I taught at, Maroa-Forsyth, and we have students from the high school today with their advisor, John Spencer. We also have some… some people that are very special to me. We have Emma Lane, Abby Hurst, Gehrig Bunselmeyer, Grant Simmons, and Greyson Applebee. One's a relative, one I taught with his father, and it's just such an honor to have them here today. They… the programs they do are so wonderful for them and for others, and what they do for our lives, we really appreciate it. And their sponsor wasn't able to be here today, Cassie Crouch, but she is actually the one that motivated me to start this journey. At the very beginning, we sat together at a teacher breakfast. She said, 'I'm going to run for that open seat.' And by the end of the breakfast, she said, 'No, I'm not running. You do it.' And that's how I ended up here. So, welcome to the Capitol, your Capitol, to our Maroa-Forsyth kids. Please stand."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May I have a point as well?"
"Please state your point." Davis, W.: "Thank you. Along the Order of FFA, I don't believe they're down with the other FFA kids today, but I… I thought 10300077.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 I'd take this opportunity to acknowledge a very talented group of students of color that are in FFA. In School District 163, which is actually not in my area but in the South Suburbs, represented by I believe Anthony DeLuca and Debbie Meyers- Martin, is, at least in Northern Illinois, the only middle school FFA program that I'm aware of. There may be one downstate, but in Northern Illinois, they are the only middle school FFA program. Again, in Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163. And while I don't think they're here today, I thought it was appropriate to acknowledge them as representing middle schools in the FFA program. I've had the unique opportunity to be a part of their chartering ceremony as well as their other events that led to their chartering. And I'm very proud that we have a middle school FFA program in the South Suburbs working with the FFA programs across the State of Illinois. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Weaver, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Today, in honor of Women's History Month, I rise to celebrate and remember the achievements of Lydia Moss Bradley. In 1896, Ms. Bradley founded the Bradley Polytechnic Institute, later being renamed Bradley University. Let's go, Braves. This happened in 1896. For context, the 19th Amendment granting women's… women suffrage wasn't ratified for another 24 years in 1920. Inspired by a goal of creating an institute that taught both men and women together and that combined practical and classical education, Bradley University still 10300077.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 stands in the pillar… as a pillar in the greater Peoria area. I often say that the Peoria area has four wonderful economic engines that so many other communities would die for. Manufacturing, fueled by Caterpillar. Health care, fueled by our hospitals. Agriculture, fueled by our world-class farm ground. And higher education, fueled by Bradley University. As an adjunct professor at Bradley, I am so proud of the legacy left by Lydia Moss Bradley that continues to serve the young men and women who walk her halls today in seek of a brighter future. Thank you so much."
"Leader Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to introduce… continue to brag a little bit about my… my district. On top of having, you know, great FFA kids here and the Illinois FFA president, we're also blessed in Morgan County to have the Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant… Illinois County Fair Pageant Queen, Natalie Evans. Natalie's a great young lady. She's currently in school at Murray State. She wants to go into… become… she wants to become a vet. She's… she's always shown cattle. And… what… what type of cattle? Red angus cattle. I… I learn something new every day about how many different kinds of cattle there are, and we're… we're just so proud to have her. And she is the very first ever County Fair Queen from Morgan County to become Miss Illinois County Fair. So, I want to wish her much luck in the future and thank her for serving our state well."
"Representative Niemerg seeks recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." 10300077.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024
"On the Order of FFA, we have the Georgetown FFA group up from my district. Folks, would you stand? Welcome to the Capitol. It's been nice to get to know you. Good luck."
"Mr. Clerk, please do Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities reports the following committee… committee action taken on March 12, '24: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4634. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action on March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2900, House Bill 4590; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4237. Representative Costa Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4727, House Bill 4807; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4407, House Bill 4524; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 564. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5282 and House Bill 5357; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4180, House Bill 4367, House Bill 4504. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1224, House Bill 2093, House Bill 4500, House Bill 5427; do pass Standard Debate is House Bill 4770 and House Bill 4776; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4446 and 5368. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson 10300077.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4141, House Bill 4144, House Bill 4209, House Bill 4619, House Bill 5018, and House Bill 5386. Representative Meyers-Martin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4911; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4629. Representative Croke, Chairperson with the Committee on Financial Institutions and Licensing reports the following committee action taken March 12, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5143; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5231 and House Bill 5538. The Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on March 12, '24: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5142. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 13, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 52… correction, House Bill 5276; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4175 and House Bill 5406. Representative Gong- Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action on March 13, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4351, House Bill 4404, House Bill 4594, House Bill 4961, House Bill 5351, House Bill 5561; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4875, House Bill 4916; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 582. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on 10300077.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 13, 2024: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4293 and House Bill 5135. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken March 13, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4375, House Bill 4844, House Bill 4863; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5601. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken March 13, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4108, House Bill 4451, House Bill 4966, House Bill 5408; do pass as amended Short Debate… correction, yeah, Short Debate is House Bill 4169, House Bill 5288, and House Bill 5491. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 653, offered by Representative Harper; House Resolution 655, offered by Representative Sanalitro; and House Resolution 657, offered by Representative Kifowit, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative Mayfield seeks recognition."
"I stand for personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Okay, can we bring the noise level down just a little bit, please? Thank you so much. I rise today as we continue to mark Women's History Month for 2024. There are so many notable women down history whose stories we tell, but today I want to talk someone we all know. Someone who spent a lot of time lately right here in this very chamber. Representative Nabeela Syed, hey girl, is one of the youngest people ever to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. She is also the only 10300077.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Muslim… she's only one of the… she's… I'm sorry, she's also one of the only Muslim people to do so. Now, perhaps it is unconventional to use this time to honor a person whose career is practically just beginning and whose greatest achievements are surely yet to come, but Representative Syed's accomplishments, even at this early stage, are impressive. She is a first-generation American born and raised right here in Illinois to parents from Hydaburg… Hyderabad in Indiana… I'm sorry, India, not Indiana. I'm so sorry. Yes, there's a big difference there. She was inspired to get involved in politics when she witnessed xenophobia and anti-immigrant bigotry exhibited by so many in corners of American civil society during 2016. There, she embarked on an impressive career that began with a degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley. She has been an intern for EMILYs List, a canvasser for the Asian-American Advocacy Fund, a digital assistant for a Washington, D.C. digital strategy firm. She joined a Bay Area consulting firm as an analyst before rising to project manager, president, and projects lead. She then went on to become the assistant director of digital strategy at another D.C. consulting firm. She did all this by the age of 23. Of course, I don't tell you what she did next because she's sitting right over there, yes. I chose to highlight our colleague because of her prodigious achievements but also because, at a time when so much of our country's foundations seem to be moving and changing underneath our feet and things we used to take for granted often no longer seem to be as solid as they once were, Nabeela's story shows us that at least some of what makes our 10300077.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 country special is still there. We're still a country where passion, vision, intelligence, and hard work matter more than ethnicity, gender, and age. We're still a country where anyone can dream and the drive… with… and have the drive to do great things. We're still a people who recognize that strength comes from openness and diversity and that opportunities are gained when we embrace each other's potential. And most important to our topic today, I see these fundamental American traditions embodied in a woman whose strength and determination are an example to women and girls, not to mention members of every cultural and ethnic community across our state and throughout this great country. That's what I see when I look over at Nabeela. I see potential. I see perseverance. I see the hope for the future. I see an example of the spirit and the strength that exemplifies women's history, and I see it happening in real time. So, today, please join me in recognizing and in honoring our colleague, friend, and resident icon State Representative Nabeela Syed."
"Representative Katz Muhl."
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"As we mark Women's History Month in 2024, the notion of a female lawyer doesn't seem odd at all. But that wasn't always the case. In 1870, a woman graduated from what today is Northwestern University School of Law. Her name was Ada Kepley, and she was the first woman in the world to receive a law degree. Kepley was also the first woman to be admitted to the Illinois Bar, but not until 1881 because, when she first applied in 1870, she was told that Illinois law 10300077.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 prohibited women from the learned professions, medicine, theology, and law, even though Illinois banned sex discrimination in professional licensing in 1872. Ada Kepley had by that time turned her attention to furthering women's suffrage and temperance movements. She would go on to be one of the first women to practice law in Illinois, but did so only sporadically. Kepley collaborated with early feminist icons like Frances Willard and Susan B. Anthony and held offices in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union at the county, state, local, and national levels. She ran for this very Illinois General Assembly in 1881, losing yet staying positive. She said after the election, 'There wasn't a ghost of a show, but it was good agitation.' In 1883, Kepley wrote and distributed a circular, informing women of their existing voting rights in elections for school directors and school trustees. She was then elected to her local school board twice and was the first female school director for Effingham County. She was a notable member of the Equity Club, a correspondence network which supported women active in the legal profession. She continued this and other forms of activism for the rest of her life. But sadly, the end of Kepley's life is emblematic of the struggles and injustice faced by women in the fight for equal rights. After the death of her husband, Kepley fell into poverty. She made a number of attempts to earn an independent living but ultimately wasn't able to do much more than subsist. A driven, intelligent, and resourceful woman, who could have had a profitable career practicing law had she not been arbitrarily excluded based on her gender, died in poverty as a charity case at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital 10300077.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 in Effingham, Illinois in 1925. Ada Kepley lived long enough to see women's suffrage become a reality and played an important role in pioneering women's access to the practice of law. She has a place among the greats of Illinois' early feminist movement. So, today, I urge everyone to pause and reflect on the many shoulders upon which we stand. The shoulders of generations of women who worked tirelessly and sacrificed in the name of progress. More remains to be done, but let's not forget that there's also been much done to get to where we are here today. Thank you."
Speaker Hoffman: "Thank you, Representative. Representative Fritts seeks… seeks recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, you know, every day we come into the Capitol Building or the Stratton Building, and we flip our badges up, and we smile as we walk past Capitol security. But I just want to take a minute to acknowledge the brave men and women of our Capitol Police who stepped up yesterday in a lockdown situation, who cleared the building and maintained the integrity of the security of this building and ours as a whole. So, I just want to say thank you to them. And also, I would like to recognize three of our colleagues, as Republicans were in caucus at the time. Leader Cabello, Representative Tipsword, and Representative Schweizer all jumped up and went and posted guard in front of the door to make sure we were all protected regardless of the situation. So, I just want to thank them and acknowledge their 10300077.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 bravery but also thank all the brave men and women who keep us safe here at the Capitol. Thank you."
"Leader Buckner seeks recognition."
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Mr. Speaker, it is with the utmost pride and sincerity that I rise today to wish a very happy birthday to one of our very own, the distinguished Gentleman from the 10th District, Jawaharial 'Omar' Williams, a statesman and a scholar. Happy birthday."
"Happy birthday, Omar. Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the Body that there are many veterans walking around the Capitol, the Stratton Building wanting to meet with folks to talk about the important work that we do in this Body. So, I just want to give a warm welcome to the Veterans of Foreign War veterans, AMVET veterans, and the American Legion veterans that are here visiting the Capitol today."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 652, offered by Representative Gabel. House Resolution 654, offered by Representative Meier. And House Resolution 656, offered by Representative Hoffman."
"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. And now, allowing 10300077.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, March 14, at the hour of 12 p.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed '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 5770, offered by Representative Yednock, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5771, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5772, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5773, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5774, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5775, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5776, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Frist Reading of these House Bills. Introduction and First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #20, offered by Representative Cabello. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article I of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 22 as follows: 10300077.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 77th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 ARTICLE I BILL OF RIGHTS SECTION 22. RIGHT TO ARMS Subject only to the police power, the right of the individual citizen to keep and bear arms and to carry firearms shall not be infringed. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This was First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #20. Corrected Committee Reports. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken March 13, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4404, House Bill 4594, House Bill 4961, House Bill 5351, House Bill 5561; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4351, House Bill 4875, House Bill 4916; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 582. Representative Morgan, Chairperson with the Committee on Health Care Licenses reported the following committee action taken on March 13, 2024: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4293. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300077.docx 21