"The House will come to order. Members, please be in your chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Paget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. 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. Assistant Doorkeeper Padget."
"Let us pray. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgement is decreed. Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the Speaker of this House and all elected officials. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Grant them that they may be enabled by your powerful protection to lead our state with honesty and integrity. These things we pray, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Vella."
"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. Representative Gong- Gershowitz is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives Andrade, Gabel, Ladisch Douglass, Slaughter, and Smith are excused today." 10300083.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024
"The record shall so reflect. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle. Leader Keicher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Reick, Ozinga, and McLaughlin are excused for today."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz is recognized once again for excused absences before we take the record."
"Mr. Speaker, can your also let the record reflect that Leader Burke is excused today?"
"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, the quorum is present. Representative Vella seeks recognition."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I rise today to talk about the horrific events of the last week, Easter week, in Rockford, Illinois. We were rocked by two horrific stabbing incidents that left five dead and many more injured, and a community scared and stunned. On Sunday, March 24, 18-year-old Jason Jenkins was mercilessly stabbed during the day while stocking shelves at his job at Walmart. His mother, in a statement, wanted us to know that he was a good kid who set goals and had a very bright future. Timothy Carter, who had never meet Jason before, was apprehended and confessed to the crime. Then, only days later, in a neighborhood that I have walked through, where kids ride their bikes and mom's push their strollers, in the home of 10300083.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 the mother and son, 63-year-old… 63-year-old Romona Schupbach, a stay-at-home mom who taught her children and cared for her neighbors, and 23-year-old Jacob Schupbach, a loving son, brother, and uncle, was violently invaded, and they were stalked and killed. This quiet neighborhood was terrorized by an assailant brandishing a baseball bat, long knives, and even using his car as a weapon. In the ensuing violence, 49-year-old Jay Larson, an innocent, 25-year veteran in the mail service, who always had a kind word for people on his route, was violently murdered. And 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, who was heroically trying to fight off the attacker to protect her two younger sisters, also lost her life to this murderer. All of these victims were lifelong residents. Christian Soto, a neighbor of these victims, was apprehended at the scene and later confessed to the crime. In both cases, the police for both the Winnebago County and the City of Rockford Police Departments were swiftly on the scene and caught the men responsible as soon as they could. They are to be commended for their professionalism and for the aid they provided to the injured that saved lives. Thank you to Chief Carla Redd and Sheriff Gary Caruana for their leadership. The Rockford community came together that day to pray and to offer counseling through the Rockford Public Schools and through Rosecrance. A special thank you to Dave Gomel from Rosecrance for his swift response in providing counseling. Counseling provided to the community was overwhelmed by people who were affected by this crime, and it will take a long time for the community to heal, and for some, like the families of the victims, it never will. Both men 10300083.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 have been charged with multiple counts of murder and been rightly detained as they both pose an imminent threat to our community. Even so, the families of all the victims are still dealing with the shock and the fear of the past few weeks. During a time when most families got together for the holidays, they are coming to grips with this loss. I would ask for a moment of silence for the souls of the deceased, for the family and friends who will carry this loss with them for a long time, for law enforcement and first responders who every day experience things that we can't even imagine, and for a community to come together to support them all."
"We will observe a moment of silence after Representative West and Leader Cabello. Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The cloud of grief is heavy in the City of Rockford on today. For over a week now it's been raining tears of sadness throughout our community as we try to make sense of these… these horrific acts of violence. I'll say their names again. Jason Jenkins, Romona Schupbach, Jacob Schupbach, Jay Larson, and Jenna Newcomb. We had vigils on last week where I got the chance to address the people who were there, and I told them I had no words then to provide comfort, and I still don't have words now. But one thing I do know is it's going to take us as a community to heal as a community, but more importantly, it's going to take us as a community to stand and be strong for the families as they go through this time of grief. Family, the cloud of grief is heavy in the City of Rockford on today. And I ask all of you here for your thoughts and prayers, especially for the family. And to the family, I will just leave you with this, a 10300083.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 scripture from Numbers: As you go through this grief, may the Lord bless you and may he keep you; and may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious unto you; and may he turn his face toward you and give you peace. I, too, ask for a moment of silence."
"Leader Cabello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"On Wednesday, March 27, at 3:11, Rockford police officers responded to 2316 Holmes Street in reference to an individual being run over by a vehicle and possibly stabbed. Upon arrival officers conducted a welfare check, at which time they located a male and female deceased inside their residence, both victims appeared to have been stabbed. Witnesses have said that they observed one of the deceased, Jacob, being chased across the street by a subject who was later identified as Christian Soto. Witnesses stated that they observed Christian in possession of an unknown possibly black object and was hitting or stabbing Jacob as he was laying on the ground. It was then observed by witnesses that the suspect entered a black Chevy Silverado, which had been parked in the driveway, and he proceeded to run over Jacob at the end of the driveway. Jacob was observed getting up and running back into his residence. Soto was observed running back into the residence and exited a short time later. Soto entered his Chevy pickup and was last seen southbound on Holmes. Officers located a United States Postal employee named Jay Larson who had suffered multiple stabbed wounds to his body in the front yard of 2217 Winnetka. Larson was 10300083.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 transported to the hospital nearby where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officers spoke with a witness name Craig Garr who resided at 2217 Winnetka. Garr advised that he was inside his residence when he heard a commotion outside. He advised that he observed a male battering a U.S. Postal worker. He referred to the man as his mailman in a grassy area near the front of his residence. Garr said he observed the subject on top of the mailman punching him, said that he opened his front door and heard the mailman yell to call the police. He said he called 9-1-1. He observed the suspect begin then to walk towards his front door. He said he quickly locked the front door and pointed and continued to watch the incident through his window. Garr advised that he watched the suspect walk back to his black pickup truck nearby and retrieve a knife from the vehicle. He described the knife as being a distinct due to its having an orange handle. Said the suspect approached the mailman again and stabbed him numerous times in various parts of his body. Said the suspect then entered the driver's seat of the pickup and drove forward, running over the postman. Said that he parked… he also hit a parked car nearby. Said the suspect then reversed the truck and ran over the postman a second time, where he finally stopped the vehicle and ran away through some houses. Officers began to receive 9-1-1 calls about an attack at 4803 Cleveland. Upon their arrival they met with Darlene Weber and her son Jacob. Officers learned that the suspect, again later identified as Soto, forced his way into a residence and was armed with a Katana style knife. Darlene had just opened the door of the residence to allow their dog outside. At that time, Soto 10300083.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 appeared at the doorway and stabbed Darlene on the left side of her face by her left eye. Soto then entered the residence and attacked Jacob and Cathy, who attempted to fight Christian off. Cathy sustained a stab wound to the lower left side of her chin, and Jacob sustained a laceration to the upper left side of his forehead and also inside the left side of his ear. Jacob was unsure if he was stabbed or if he was… if this was sustained from other injuries by him… by Soto punching him. Jacob advised he struck Christian Soto with a syrup bottle, at which time Christian left the residence. Darlene, Jacob, and Cathy were all transported to a hospital nearby where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and were later released. As officers responding to the multiple report of crime scenes, Rockford fire was flagged down by a female on the 4700 block of Cleveland who reported additional persons at 4715 Cleveland. Within the residence officers located two juvenile females along with the deceased juvenile female. The deceased juvenile female died protecting her sister and her sister's friend. She sustained multiple fractures, multiple lacerations to her head, and both girls that survived were hit multiple times by the baseball bat. They described the suspect as being covered in blood when he arrived. She described him as a male in his mid-20s, black hair with a bowl cut. He was later identified as Soto. Unfortunately, it goes on. But Soto was located and taken into custody wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans. Soto was covered in blood. He had minor lacerations to his hands and treated and released from the hospital. He was taken to the police department, where he was given his Miranda rights 10300083.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 and admitted to these horrible crimes. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm all for trying to help people that want to help themselves, but when we have an incident like this, where innocent people are being brutalized, the mailman doing his job, stabbed, run over with a vehicle twice, and stabbed again multiple times, we must start protecting the citizens of this state. I'm all for helping those that wish to help themselves, but maybe we've gone too far. It is time for us to come together and look at some of the things that we have done in this General Assembly and start looking at the victims and the victims' families, all that are usually forgotten here under this dome. We can't forget the victims any longer. We must protect the victims."
"The House will observe a moment of silence. Thank you. The Clerk is in receipt of a Motion in Writing to waive the posting requirements for a Bill. Leader Lisa Hernandez on the Motion." Hernandez, L.: "Speaker, I move the posting requirements be waived so that House Bill 4350 can be heard in the Adoption & Child Welfare Investigations and Reporting Subcommittee."
"Leader Hernandez has moved to waive the posting requirements. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the posting requirements are waived. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on April 2, 2024: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to 10300083.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 House Bill 4130, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 4207, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 4338; and approved consideration, referred to Second Reading is Senate Bill 1996."
"On the Order of Resolutions on page 25 of the Calendar. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolutions 616, offered by Representative Blair-Sherlock. Representative Blair-Sherlock is recognized."
"Thank you. Today is world Autism Awareness Day, and I love someone with autism. I'm here to present House Bill… or House Resolution, excuse me, 616. WHEREAS, Autism… WHEREAS, Autism is a general term used to describe a complex group of neurological conditions known as autism spectrum disorders, which are characterized by atypical development in socialization, communication, and behavior, making it challenging for those with autism to relate to the world around them; and WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder, and one out of every 59 American children born today will be diagnosed with autism; and WHEREAS, Approximately two-thirds of children with autism between the ages of 6 and 15 have been the victims of bullying; and WHEREAS, Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the areas of research, diagnostic practice, and therapy for individuals with autism; early and appropriate intervention can result in significant improvements in 10300083.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 quality of life, independent functioning, and a reduction in care costs; WHEREAS, It is imperative that Illinois adopt public policies that reduce the burdens on families caring for people with autism and that allow people with autism to reach their full potential and self-sufficiency; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 2024 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in the State of Illinois to help increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with autism, the family members, medical professionals, and human services professionals who help care for individuals with autism. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussion, Representative Blair- Sherlock moves for the adoption of House Resolution 616. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Katz Muhl, why do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Good afternoon. Thank you for the point of personal privilege. I'd like to acknowledge the team from my district office who drove down from Northbrook today to help with deadline week. We have my chief of staff Angela Inzano, district office staffer Christian Sorensen, and outreach director Daniel Schack. I could not possibly do this work 10300083.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 both here and at home without their assistance. And thank you for having them join us on the floor today."
"Welcome to Springfield. Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement."
"Republicans will caucus in Room 118."
"The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment. The Democrats will not caucus. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet at 2 p.m. today: The Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee will meet in Room 118. The Public Utilities Committee will meet in Room 114. The Agriculture & Conservation Committee will meet in Room… in Room 115. The Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges Committee will meet in Room D- 1. The Adoption & Child Welfare Committee will meet in Room 122B. And Insurance Committee will meet in Room C-1. At 4:00 Cities & Villages will meet in Room C-1, Energy & Environment will meet in Room 114, Judiciary – Criminal will meet in Room D-1, Veterans' Affairs will meet in Room 413, Financial Institutions will meet in Room 122B, Health Care Availability & Accessibility will meet in Room 118, and Consumer Protection will meet in Room 115."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 670, offered by Representative Meier. House Resolution 671, offered by Representative Schweizer. House Resolution 672, offered by Representative Stuart. And House Resolution 673, offered by Representative Weaver." 10300083.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024
"Leader Lisa Hernandez moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All 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 for perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Lisa Hernandez moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, April 3, 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 the House is adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5794, offered by Representative Weber, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 5795, offered by Representative Huynh, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5796, offered by Representative Guerrero-Cuellar, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5797, offered by Representative Yednock, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 5798, offered by Representative Wilhour, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 5799, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5800, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5801, offered by Representative LaPointe, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 5802, offered by Representative Vella, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5803, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 5804, offered by Representative Stava-Murray, a Bill for an Act concerning 10300083.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day 4/2/2024 local government. House Bill 5805, offered by Representative West, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300083.docx 13