"The House shall in be order. Members shall be in their 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 cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we ask today that you give those in authority wisdom in every decision and help them to think clearly. Grant them discernment and common sense so they'll be strong and effective leaders. Help them to lead and govern with integrity, and may their integrity guide them and keep them on track. Lord, we pray for your protection over our leaders. Protects their heart and their minds, as well as their bodies, so that no evil may befall them as they do their work. Bless them as well, for they carry a heavy burden on behalf of this great state. And finally, Lord, heal our state of hatred and evil that has been allowed to permeate our society and make whole so that we may truthfully say that we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. These things we pray, Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Yednock."
"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 Gong-Gershowitz is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10300080.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Buckner, Flowers, and Hoffman are excused today."
"Leader Keicher 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 Stephens, Sanalitro, and Tipsword are excused for today."
"All right. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 112 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Jones, Chairperson from the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on March 20, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4562, House Bill 5356, House Bill 5643; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 2472 and House Bill 5317. Representative Costa Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on March 20, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4449; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4412. Representative Croke, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions and Licensing reports the following committee action taken on March 20, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5372; and recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 5231. Representative Meyers-Martin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on March 20, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 10300080.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 5380 and House Bill 5627. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on March 20, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4196, House Bill 5293, House Bill 5421; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5348; and recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 1837 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 House Bill 4804. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4219, House Bill 4895, House Bill 4896, House Bill 5184; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5250, 5434; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 599. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3503, House Bill 5417; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4249, House Bill 4338, House Bill 5084, House Bill 5354, House Bill 5373, House Bill 5395, House Bill 5537; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 416. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5023, House Bill 5507; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4762; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 5086. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4621, House Bill 4883, House Bill 10300080.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 5034, House Bill 5069, House Bill 5326, House Bill 5327, House Bill 5328, House Bill 5329, House Bill 5330, House Bill 5331, House Bill 5332, House Bill 5333, House Bill 5334, House Bill 5335, House Bill 5336, House Bill 5337, House Bill 5338, House Bill 5339, and House Bill 5340; and passed (sic-do pass) as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4715. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5022 and House Bill 5532. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4170, House Bill 4592, House Bill 4722; and recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 4925. Representative Guzzardi, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing reports the following committee action taken on March 21, 2024: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4620, House Bill 4768, House Bill 4921, House Bill 4926, House Bill 5429, and House Bill 5550. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 665, offered by Representative Ford, is referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative West, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I have to… I'm asking my Body to help me to welcome two dynamic women from my community in honor of Women's History Month. On the Lincoln side of the gallery, we have the Redds, R-E-D-D, the Redds. So, we first have our first African 10300080.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 American first female chief of police for the City of Rockford, Chief Carla Redd, who's here with us. She started as a probation officer and now she is running our law enforcement. Crime is down in the City of Rockford and law enforcement is even more engaged with the community, and it's exciting. And she brought her mother, a matriarch of our community, Dorothy Redd, who is a 35-year public teacher. She was a public school teacher for 35 years. She served on the Winnebago County Board for 20 years. And today is her birthday, and she came to celebrate with us. So, if we can give her a warm Springfield welcome. Thanks to both of you for your leadership and all you do for our community."
"Representative Cabello is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I also would like to recognize these two fantastic women that are here today. I can tell you that I served on the county board with Dorothy Redd. And she taught me how to be humble, she taught me how to listen to others, and she taught me so much that I can't say thank you enough for giving me all of the wisdom that you did. I'd also like to say to Chief Carla Redd that she has moved our department in a direction that is transformative. She takes the community and looks and says everyone is the same, we will treat folks with dignity, we will treat them with respect. And the vision that she has is propelled this department to a level that no one thought could happen. So, please help me welcome these two fantastic ladies as well." 10300080.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024
"Representative Jed Davis, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." Davis, J.: "Yeah, I'd like to welcome today to the floor my daughter, Tova, and her great friend, Nita. I promise not to embarrass them too much. Tova's a senior. Nita's a sophomore. They both just might have gotten boyfriends recently. So, I am keeping a very vigilant eye on them as a dad. But please give them a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you."
"Representative Costa Howard, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"As you can see today from my bag, and many of you are sporting them, today is World Down Syndrome Day. As you know, every year I bring down a bag of socks from my constituent, Jason Loebach, and his son, Parker, who has down syndrome. It is about raising the awareness. Some families and… and school districts are doing funky socks or mismatched socks. But here in the General Assembly, we are doing our crazy sock day. I want to thank everybody for participating. Please post about rock your socks when you take a picture. And at the end of Session today, if we could gather by the well to take a photo of all our feet and our fun socks, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you."
"Representative Morris, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300080.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024
"Point of privilege… point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"Thank you. I would like to recognize my staffer who is here with me today, Adriana Alexander. She's here upstairs. I would just want her to know that I appreciate all the work she do. And thank you."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Stava- Murray, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I'd just like to remind the House Democratic Women's Caucus we had said in our meeting on Monday that we were going to take a picture in the well immediately following Session today. So, let's all meet up in the well, House Democratic Women's Caucus. Thank you."
"Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"I'd like to welcome, and I'm going to use the words of Representative West, the dynamic Senator Terri Bryant and her younger sister, Tracey, to the House. So, she's up in the gallery. I'd like to welcome Senator Terri Bryant to the House and her sister, Tracey. Thank you very much."
"Representative Gill, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege." 10300080.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024
"Please speak your point."
"I am so excited today to be a proud mom and introduce the Gillbillies. I've brought them to Springfield. This is my youngest, Hagen. She is in 5th grade and 11. And this my son, Luken. He is 14. I… I had to think about that for a second. He'll be 14 next month, and he's in 8th grade graduating. I'm so proud of him. And my oldest, Ella, couldn't make it here today, but she's 16. And I'm just so proud of them. I… I always say to me… I am just mom to them, and it will be the most important title I ever hold. My husband, Dan Gill, is here, the love of my life. I am so happy to have him in Springfield. And my beautiful parents, John and Connie McIntosh, who taught me to… love and kindness for everybody. I am so excited to show you guys off. Welcome to Springfield."
"Representative Davidsmeyer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I come before you today to look at House Resolution 661. If we can put that on the board? I believe that this was previously passed on Agreed Resolutions. But Representative Randy Frese and I would like to welcome the Jacksonville J'ettes, the state champion Jacksonville J'ettes. I told you you'd be hearing from me over coming weeks with more… more champions. This is the 2024 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1A Competitive Dance champions for the second year in a row. They are also… yeah, great. They are also the AA Lyrical and Open Pom Dance champions and the AA Grand Champions at the 2024 IDTA State Finals, as well as making it to the semi-finals with their lyrical routine in the 2024 UDA National Competition in 10300080.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 Orlando, Florida. So, these are some amazing athletes, and I'd like to… I'd like to introduce all of them. We'll start with coaches, Tiffany Hickox, who my… my sister was on her J'ettes team. They won all four years, right? I… I remember 'cause I had to go to every dance competition as… as a wonderful brother. Sarah Van Aken, and then we have 14 dancers, including 4 seniors. Jacey Evans, Lindsey Hautala, Kimmy Davis, and Lily Rohlk. We got six juniors, Kylie Chumley, Emma Wolters, Elizabeth Stremming, Hailey Weeks, Samantha Lawson, and Manager Marley Van Aken. We got two sophomores, Greta Bryson-Adams and Lily Hickox. And two freshmen, Lauren Deen and Charlotte Brockhouse. So, I want… I want to recognize the amazing talent that comes from my district. And I realize that I'm blessed that my district is so close that we're able to have these teams come in. But this just continues the long tradition of amazing female athletes in the State of Illinois and specifically out of… out of the County of Morgan. So, congratulations state championship… state champion J'ettes."
"Representative Davidsmeyer moves for the adoption of House Resolution 661. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Grant, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. I rise for a personal point of privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I rise to celebrate an outstanding figure in American history for Women's History Month, Justice Sandra Day 10300080.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 O'Connor. She broke new ground as the first woman on the United States Supreme Court, a milestone achieved when she was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Justice O'Connor was known for her intelligence and fairness. She often played a critical role in the court, especially in tight decisions because she considered all sides carefully. Her legal mind influenced many key areas of law and helped shape our nation's course. But Justice O'Connor impact goes beyond just legal decisions. She was a trailblazer, showing women and young people across our country that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. In fact, there was more to her legacy than being a Supreme Court judge. In 1972, she became the first woman in the nation to hold the post of Majority Leader and a State Legislator. From the Arizona State House to the Supreme Court, Justice O'Connor always stood for what she believed was right and inspired others to do the same. Today, the Women's History Month, we honor Justice Sandra Day O'Connor for her significant contributions to our nation and the legal world. Her journey reminds me of the power of… of perseverance and the importance of balance in our system of government. When I was a young girl, I was very inspired by Justice Day O'Connor. Thank you."
"Representative Costa Howard, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
Costa Howard: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." 10300080.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024
"Thank you. Today, I rise to honor a local legend in the Lombard community. Her name was Helen Plum. She was born in New York in 1845, and she was raised by a single mom. As she was growing up, her family sent her to a school, where she later met her young husband, William Rattle Plum, a young war veteran who was studying law at the time. They then moved to Chicago, where he began his legal career. However, they didn't like living in the city, and they ended up moving out and found a little house on an overgrown property by the railroad station in a community called Babcock's Grove. The Plums quickly became active members of their community. Helen started a group called the Baby-Friendly Society, which raised money and ran clothing drives for families in need. She also was a charter member of the Lombard Women's Club, and hosted nature study classes, which gave rise to her love of flowers. In 1891, Helen Plum was known as a leader of the community. They had… there was a local attorney named Ellen Martin, who I've often spoken about, who found a loophole in the town ordinances that were the first community to allow women to vote. And Helen Plum was there to support her cause. She organized dozens of women from her church, including her 73-year-old mother, to stand beside Ellen Martin at that Lombard polling place. They demanded their ballots, and women began voting in Illinois. Twenty years later, she made history… excuse me, twenty decades after they made history, her and her husband went… went to… on a trip to Europe where they met the famous horticulturalist Victor Lemoine, who helped them develop… who helped develop over 200 varieties of lilacs. And thus, the lilac village was born. The Plums 10300080.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 brought those lilacs home and cultivated the lilac breeding… hybrid… excuse me, they kept on collecting and hybridizing lilacs to the point where their garden eventually included more than 1200 lilacs. They even named their home Lilacia to honor these beautiful plants. When Helen Plum died in 1924, she left an endowment for the establishment of a public library in her name. It still stands today. Her husband, William, died three years later, and he bequeathed his estate, including the lilacs, to the people of Lombard for the use as a public park. So, every May, people from all over the country come to the Village of Lombard to honor and enjoy the lilacs of Lilacia Park. When we talk about Women's History Month, it is not just the women who make the newspaper or the history books. It's about the women who actually… who also make a mark on their communities in ways that most people don't realize. It is an honor to represent my community in the 42nd District, and it is an honor to recognize Helen Plum for the gifts and services she provided to now the 42nd District. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolution… Representative Scherer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Okay, if… if our mayor, Julie Moore Wolfe, would please stand and if the Body would look up to the… to our left. Today, Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring to you another phenomenal lady of distinction who deserves to be recognized by this illustrious Body today. My friend and fellow Decatur resident is Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. Julie has always had a significant impact in Decatur and in Central Illinois. After finishing a degree in journalism at the 10300080.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 University of Missouri, Columbia, she worked as an anchor at our WAND TV station for nearly 11 years. During her time, she gave our viewers an unbiased and clear-eyed assessment of what was happening in the world. Well, I'm going to cut to the chase and come back. The reason that she's being recognized is she is the first woman mayor in the City of Decatur ever in our entire history. So, as the president of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, she worked hard throughout the state to bring resources back to Decatur's residents and businesses. After becoming further involved in government, Julie held leadership roles at DCEO and Decatur Memorial Hospital, culminating in her election to councilwoman in Decatur. During her tenure, she helped to lead impactful projects, such as cleaning up Lake Decatur, improving our water source, expanding Decatur's roadways, and improving our stormwater systems and resilience. In 2015, Julie became the first female mayor in Decatur's history after the tragic death of Mayor Mike 'Tuna' McElroy. Since taking office, Julie has led efforts to further improve the city's public safety and infrastructure. In addition to her role as mayor, she serves as the executive director of philanthropy, advocacy, and community relations at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur. She and her loving husband, Doug, have been married for over 30 years and have 3 children together. Everyone, please join me in standing and celebrating this wonderful woman, who is actually here today rather than someone who passed away 400 years ago. We’re very fortunate to honor someone who is living today and working in our community. We have Julie Moore Wolfe in the gallery. Welcome. And Brad Cole with IML is here also." 10300080.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 666, offered by Representative Andrade. And House Resolution 667, offered by Representative Hoffman."
"Leader Gabel moves for the… Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Hollman: "House Joint Resolution #64, offered by Representative Gabel. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, March 22, 2024, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 2, 2024 and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, April 03, 2024, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, April 04, 2024, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Friday, April 05, 2024, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, April 10, 2024, or to the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 09, 2024, or to the call of the President."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel 10300080.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/21/2024 moves that the House stands adjourned until March 22, at the hour of 12:30 p.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5788, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. First Reading of this House Bill. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300080.docx 15