Illinois House Floor Debate — May 1, 2024

"The House shall be in order. The House shall be in order. Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Imam Hassan Aly. Imam Aly is with the Humanitarian Faith Initiative. Imam Aly is the guest of Representative Didech. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance."

"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Rashid."

Speaker Evans: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."

"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Gill, Flowers, Ladisch Douglass, and Norma Hernandez are excused today." 10300096.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024

"Leader Windhorst is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."

"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 113 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."

"Leader Gordon-Booth is recognized." 10300096.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024

"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I ask for the indulgence of the Body for a moment. If the young men and women of Christ Lutheran School would stand. What you are looking at is the pride of Peoria. These young men and women have accomplished something that was absolutely incredible. The Christ Lutheran School boys and girls basketball teams were both named state champions, placing first in their respective programs in 2024. The boys team had a 35 and 0 season. Yes. They… they went on to be successful in winning the state championship, and that was before they went on to win the national championship. Again, please allow… I would love for your indulgence because these young people need to be recognized. The team is led by Head Coach Terry Mooney Jr. and Assistant Coaches Terry Mooney Sr. and Marcellus Sommerville, who was a standout at Bradley University. You may remember him on the front page of Sports Illustrated. The team members include members Nigel Moore, Anfernee Moore, Trey Alexander, Bryan Nichelson, Kaylen Hardy, Noah Sydnor, Canaan Metz, Corey Hearn, Carmelo Hearn, Quentyn Matthews, Christian Fuller, Camden Knox-Reed, Demario Weldy, Lawson Sommerville, and Jaylen Stewart. They are also joined by the co-state and national championship girls team. With all of the excitement currently around women's basketball, both at the collegiate and the WNBA level, I'm sure that you will be seeing some of these young women on a television near you. The girls basketball team includes members Amiyah Gulley, Kennedy Gaines, Ma'Kya Maxwell, Keniya Todd, Colleen Lamberti, Da'Mari Maxwell, Leah Stenger, Remiya Summerville, Saniyah Jones, and Faith Fuller. The girls basketball team 10300096.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 was led by Head Coach Paris Gulley, who also played for my husband many moons ago for Emanuel High School. They are also coached by Assistant Coach Marlon Herron, who I also went to high school with. I believe that when young men and women dedicate themselves to the… to any sport, it's bigger than basketball. The hard work, the dedication that they put forth, that their families put forth, that their coaches put forth really become seeds for success in their lives long beyond their grade school basketball careers. These young men and women, as I stated, are not just the pride of Peoria, but they're the pride of the South Side. They are some of the best that our community has to offer, and I want you all to give them a warm Illinois House of Representatives welcome and congratulations. They are also accompanied today by my daughter, Jianna Booth. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen."

"Leader Gordon-Booth moves for the adoption of House Resolution 733. 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 Weber is recognized on House Resolution 703. Representative Weber."

"Please speak your point."

"Representative Mason is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to welcome Deputy Forlenza to Springfield. Apologies. I wish that it were under different circumstances that you came to see us. I had the honor of first meeting Detective Forlenza and K9 Dax in December of 2019 when I was newly elected and invited them to come to a community event I was hosting. And they came, and they did a demonstration. I was then in awe of Dax's power and his strength, his determination and his skill. And I was really in awe of their teamwork. He and Detective Forlenza were true partners. They communicated and they worked in sync to accomplish the tasks at hand. But I was also really struck by the love that they clearly shared for each other. In fact, I remember seeing them sitting on the side together and looking at each other and being so struck by the way that they were there together that I snapped a photo. And I still carry it with me, and I'll… I'll be sharing that with you. K9 Dax was an absolute hero and received many accolades, saved many lives, including the detective's, found drugs and guns and dangerous, violent criminals. But he was also your partner, and more than that, he was a member of your family. And I'm very grateful for K9 Dax. I'm very saddened that he 10300096.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 was injured so severely in the line of duty. And Representative Weber is correct. We need to honor him along with other officers that have been in those circumstances. Just know that we're very grateful for you. We thank you for your service, and the team of Deputy Forlenza… I don't know why I'm having trouble with this. I apologize… and Dax will not be forgotten. Thank you."

"This Resolution was previously adopted. Please rise and stand for a moment of silence. Thank you. Leader McCombie is recognized."

"Proceeding to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading. Supplemental Calendar A, we have Senate Bill 2412. Leader Hoffman is recognized. Leader Keicher is recognized."

"Would 30 minutes suffice?"

"Thank you. The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 for 30 minutes. The House will stand at ease."

"The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 for one hour. The Democrats will not caucus. We will recess to the call of the Chair. Thank you. The House is in order. The House is in order. Representative Huynh is recognized."

"Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege."

"Please speak your point."

"Thank you so much. May is AAPI Heritage Month, and we want to really highlight this month by pushing for a House Joint Resolution 70. I want to just read the Resolution quickly, and I want to also acknowledge all the AAPI Caucus Members as well in… in the General Assembly. So, all of us here, please stand up and we'll get this Resolution going. The month of May first commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage in 1979 and has been celebrated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month since 1990. This commemoration uplifts the stories of more than 50 distinct ethnic groups and more than a hundred languages that comprise Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. And the month of May was chosen to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to mark the first arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 through the incredible effort of mostly Chinese immigrant workers. And Illinois is home to more than 905 (sic-905 thousand) Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, according to the most recent 10300096.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 American Community Survey data available from the U.S. Census Bureau. The five largest communities represented are Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, Chinese Americans, Korean Americans, and Pakistani Americans. And through immigration and refugee resettlement and as multi-generational families, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have taken many pathways to call Illinois home. And Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the country, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities are vital parts of communities across Illinois in cities, in suburbs, and rural areas of the state. And the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander is deeply intertwined in the history of the United States of America and often fraught with discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Despite these and other challenges, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities continue to rise. They have been a vital part of the development of Illinois and of the United States in every facet of public life and in the advancement of civil rights. Therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS… eight Assembly Members strong, the Asian American Caucus here, standing up… that we declare May of 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in honor of the contributions made by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and residents and communities across Illinois. Thank you so much for your time. Happy AAPI Month."

"Representative du Buclet is recognized." du Buclet: "Point of personal preference… privilege." 10300096.docx 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024

"Please speak your point." du Buclet: "Good afternoon, Members of the General Assembly. I am here with the Lieutenant… Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. And she and I are here to read a Resolution recognizing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. So, if they could please stand, if they're in the gallery. Are they not here? Oh, there's… there's one or two, okay."

"We will be returning to the Order of House Bills… excuse me, Senate Bills on Second Reading. On Supplemental Calendar A, we have Senate Bill 2412, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk."

"Leader Hoffman on the Amendment."

"Mr. Speaker, I would ask that we adopt Amendment #2 and then we can debate the Amendment… the Bill on Third Reading."

"Leader Hoffman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. 10300096.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Rep… Leader Hoffman on the notes."

"I would withdraw the notes."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill on Third Reading."

"Leader Hoffman."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I would… I would indicate that this is a mini elections omnibus Bill, and it does three things, basically three things. It places three statewide nonbinding advisory referendums on the 2024 general election ballot. It would eliminate the slating process to place candidates on the general election ballot in certain circumstances for Members of the General Assembly. And finally, it moves up petition deadlines by 28 days at the request of the Illinois County Clerks and Recorders Association. The advisory referendums, as I indicated, would be three. First would be an Election Worker Protection and Candidate Accountability Referendum Act. The second, the Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum Act. The third, an Assisted Reproductive Health Referendum Act. With regard to the slating process, currently a party can slate an individual 75 days after a primary, even 10300096.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 if that individual did not file for the primary election, file the petitions for the final primary election, or did not conduct a write-in campaign at the primary election. This would remove this ability of a legislative or representative committee to nominate candidates for State Representative or the State Senate. And finally, as I indicated, it would extend… it would move the petition deadline by 28 days at the request of the Illinois County Clerks and Recorders Association. I ask for a favorable roll call."

"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2412 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those 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 67 voting 'yes', 4 voting 'no', and 40 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 5 of the Calendar. Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Joint Resolution 63. Representative Mussman is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Joint Resolution 63 is an initiative of the Illinois… of Illinois resident Laura Adams. She has turned a challenging situation for her family into the advocacy to support adopted, fostered, and immigrant children across our state. This demographic of youth make up more than 15 percent of our student body and growing. They are statistically more likely to need mental health services but struggle to access ones that are specially trained in best practices to meet their unique traumas. These young people are more likely to be 10300096.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 diagnosed with conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and psychosis. They are especially vulnerable to attachment disorder, even… when events occur even as early as birth or when they are with a loving, stable, supportive family. This Resolution shines a light on the lifelong impact these traumas can have on adopted, fostered, and immigrant youth and calls on Members of the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, the Department of Children and Family Services, and most especially school mental professionals, such as social workers, counselors, and psychologists, to be more aware of these special needs and to proactively become more educated about adoption competent mental health services so we can help these children live their best lives. Thank you so much."

"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst."

"She indicated she will."

"I do not remember who the Senate Sponsor is going to be. I believe that we have identified a… oh, I'm sorry. Senator… Senator Sara Feigenholtz will be the Senate Sponsor. I apologize. She's actually been working with Laura Adams also as we discuss the best ways, again, to better elevate this issue. And we felt that by doing a Joint Resolution in both the House and the Senate, it would shine an even brighter 10300096.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 light than doing a Resolution in either one… one chamber or the other."

"Yes, it is."

"We believe that they come into contact with children like this every day. And again, they need to be aware that their needs may be a little different than… than the general population."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Mussman moves for the adoption of House… House Joint Resolution 63. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those 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 84 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared adopted. Leader Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please speak your point."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I'd like to point out in the gallery behind me my district staffer, Maggie Lee. She was here today with advocates for Asian American Action Day. Normally, she's in the office serving constituents in 10300096.docx 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Taishanese. And so, please give her a warm Springfield welcome."

"Representative Johnson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please speak your point."

"I just want to wish a happy birthday to my seatmate to my right here, Harry Benton. Happy birthday, Harry. I believe… I think he's 63, 64. Is that about right, Harry? That's what he is. So, have a happy birthday, my friend."

Speaker Evans: "Representative Benton is recognized. Representative Benton is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please speak your point."

"Thank you to my seatmate for that one. And I want to wish my birthday buddy, senior LC Fallon Sellers, a happy birthday."

"Representative Davis, for reason do you seek recognition?" Davis, W.: "May I have a point, Mr. Speaker?"

"Please speak your point." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, earlier you heard Representative du Buclet acknowledge via Resolution the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. There were several that weren't in the gallery when she made her announcement. So, I want to take the opportunity, certainly, to acknowledge other ladies that are in the gallery today from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. But certainly, the one that makes me do what I 10300096.docx 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024 do, my district director, Tawny Smith. If she would stand. I wanted to make sure on this day I acknowledge her. Many of you know I know I've been around a long time, and the only way that I've been able to be who I am for such a long time is the fact that I have a young lady working in my office that really helps me be who I am as Legislator. So, Tawny has been with me, Ladies and Gentlemen, for about 18 years as my district director. And so, I'm certainly honored to have her and working in my office, to be a part of… she's one of my constituents. Just an outstanding relationship. So, again, thank you to Tawny for all of her hard work to make sure that the 30th District is taken care of on every possible occasion. And again, congratulation to the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on their lobby day and acknowledging their efforts to make sure that we are still working to become a stronger and a better state through their advocacy and lobbying efforts. So, congratulation, ladies. Thank you all very much for being with us today."

"Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions." 10300096.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 96th Legislative Day 5/1/2024

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolution. 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. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Thursday, May 2, at the hour of 12 p.m. noon. 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."