"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Chris March… Marsh. Pastor Marsh is with the Ditney Ridge Baptist Church in Norris City, Illinois. Pastor March… Marsh is the guest of Representative Severin. 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."
"Let us pray. Our Father in heaven, I come to you as your humble child and servant, in your presence and the presence of this great Assembly, and seek your blessings and favor in this place today. I pray for these many men and women who have been elected by our people. I pray for knowledge and wisdom that they each would approach this great task of governing, not with a personal agenda, but with a seeking of a greater good for all the people of this great State of Illinois. I pray that each of us would search our own hearts, seeking forgiveness for our transgressions so that we may serve with a heart more like that of our savior Jesus Christ. I pray that we look to the interest of those who cannot help themselves, show compassion for those who have wronged us, and love for those who are enemies. I pray that the decisions made within this place be made after seeking your guidance and direction that you give from the holy spirit. I pray that each of us humble ourselves, seek your face, and turn from our ways so that we may hear from heaven and you, almighty, will forgive our sin and heal our land. Father, grant us now your blessing, your mercy, your grace, and your love as we strive to be what you have called each of us to be. And, 10300104.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 Father, I pray and ask all of this in the name above all other names, Jesus Christ, our redeemer, our Lord and savior. Amen."
"We should be… we shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Niemerg."
"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."
Speaker Burke: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Flowers, Guerrero-Cuellar, Huynh, Jiménez, Ladisch Douglass, and Scherer are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Hauter is excused for today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 109 Members answering the roll, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 14, 2024: recommends be adopted and referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 3 for House Bill 5024, Floor Amendment(s) 1 and 2 for House Bill 5561; and approved for consideration and referred to Second Reading is House Bill 581 and House Bill 5324." 10300104.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Representative Ford, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Madam Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the House of Representatives a visitor that joined us today, and her name is Tia Ford. She first arrived here when she was 3 years old, a little girl, and now she's 20 years old. She is in the School of Education at Howard University on the Dean's List. And if she had to write a book today, I think her book would be How to Be the Perfect Daughter. Thank you very much. Please welcome Tia."
Speaker Burke: "Welcome back to Springfield. Representative Niemerg, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Today, we had the opportunity to honor the fallen firefighters at the ceremony at the BOS Center, and it was a truly moving ceremony. But, in addition to that, we had the Medal of Honor Ceremony. And this honored some folks from my hometown. Last September, we had a deadly anhydrous ammonia spill, and it claimed the lives of two young children and a father. Local responding agencies from all over several counties responded, and I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who… the selfless acts of bravery. But today, several gentlemen were honored with the Medal of Honor for their heroism for driving straight in to the anhydrous ammonia leak, trying to save lives as best they could. The Medal of 10300104.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 Honor is the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism, by which the firefighter has demonstrated in great degree the characteristics of selflessness and personal courage above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions, with a possibility of extreme personal risk. Assistant Fire Chief David Browning and Captain Drew Pals of the Montrose Fire Protection District. Lieutenant Brett Repking, Firefighter Dan Kocher, and Firefighter Ryan Lee of the Teutopolis Fire Protection District. I want to thank all of our firefighters in uniform, and congratulations to these fine gentlemen. A well-deserved Medal of Honor. Thank you."
"Representative Jed Davis, for what reason do you rise?" Davis, J.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." Davis, J.: "I just wanted to welcome today my Page, Rett Carlson, who is the son of my district representative, Tina, who is up in the gallery. I'm very thankful for all that she does every day. Rett is a fierce shortstop, leadoff batter on his baseball team. And he is in second grade, although he reminded me he is only eight days away from the third grade. So, it is coming soon, summer break. If we could all welcome Rett, that would be great. Thank you."
"Representative Kelly, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." 10300104.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just want to comment on what my colleague had just mentioned, the memorial that was held today at the BOS Center. I want to thank all of our colleagues for coming out today. There was many people there. Especially with the change in location because of the weather, we moved it over to BOS Center, and I really appreciate the support that everybody gave there today. It was a great event. But I would also like to thank everybody in this Body for continuously helping write legislation that helps firefighters throughout the State of Illinois, and I let everybody know always that we have a lot of support down here. So, I just wanted to say thank you, and I appreciate it."
"Representative Weaver, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Chair… Speaker. I'm so honored today to welcome my Page for a day, Lauren Best, from Stark County High School. Lauren's got an incredibly bright future. She wants to be an industrial engineer. She's thinking about going to Iowa State or Purdue, but I'm hoping that we can get back in Illinois when it's all said and done. She's also an accomplished musician. She plays my favorite instrument, the piano, and I'm just so proud to have her today here. And I encourage you to wear your sunglasses 'cause the future's light… bright, Lauren."
"Representative Ness, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Speaker. I just want to remind everybody tonight of an event that COWL is hosting at Bloom Wine Bar. You'll be 10300104.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 learning more about the Leading Ladies Project and capturing the history of women in the legislation. So, hope you can all attend, 5:30 to 7:30. Thanks."
"Leader McCombie, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Speaker. And to add on to Representative Ness, all the women in the House, I have the book here that the… the women on Missouri wrote. And if you have not signed this book, please come and do so because I would like to regift this book back to Latissa for all of her hard work that she's doing for us women in the House here. So, if you have not signed this, please come and do so."
"Representative Benton, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just want to wish my daughter, Evelyn, a very happy sixth birthday. And I want to pull a play out of Representative West's playbook and have everybody wish her a happy birthday. Thank you. Thank you."
"Happy birthday, Evelyn. Moving to Senate Bills on Third Reading. On page 4 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 331, Representative Chung. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 331, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I'm here to present Senate Bill 331. It's a very simple Bill. It's an initiative of AFSCME and requires all public university and public community colleges to continue to pay essential support 10300104.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 service employees in the event that the institution's campus is closed to a winter weather emergency. And I ask for your 'aye' vote today. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, I believe there was some discussion about whether this would impact contractual employees. Would… has there… has that been clarified in the Bill? May have been clarified in the Senate?"
"Thank you. And I have to say, I'm sorry, I misspoke in saying it was an initiative of AFSCME. It's an initiative… initiative of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Leader, I believe it says that it is… it's the… the employees that are custodial employees, building maintenance employees, transportation employees, foods and service employees, classroom assistants, or administrative staff. So, it's those sort of support employees in the university. So, it's… you know, I would assume that they're probably… already have a contractual thing. So, thank you."
"Well, I think the… the distinction being made is those who are actually employees of the institution versus those who work for a third-party contractor, just to make sure that… that they actually have to be employees."
"Yes. That's true. Yes. Thank you very much."
"Yes."
"That's correct. Thank you."
"And then there's a portion of the… the Bill that references if a day is rescheduled, then they would not have 10300104.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 to be paid. Could you just give a scenario when that would likely… that provision would apply?"
"I… I believe that if it's, you know, at least… this Bill came about because there was a winter weather emergency that was sort of done in the middle of the day. And so, employees that had already reported to work, we had to make sure that they were going to be paid for that full day of work because they already sort of went through the winter weather, sort of at risk to them, you know, and sort of, you know, safety and that sort of thing just because they had to show up to work for their essential jobs. So, this job… this Bill just sort of clarifies that they are going to paid for the entirety of that day."
"I… thank you. And I guess the… the question I'm asking gets at, if there was a day that was canceled because of weather, and then it was rescheduled for maybe at the end of the semester, is the Bill saying that the day that the event occurred they would not be receiving pay for because they will get the rescheduled day's pay?"
"I believe so. I'm not… I believe that I… that did not come up in the discussion, actually, in our… in our committee. So, that's something that I'm honestly not quite sure of. But I believe that if it's a day that they are scheduled to be there, then they would get paid. But I… but, yes. But thank you for your question."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further questions, Representative Chung to close. Thank you." 10300104.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Thank you very much. It's a very simple Bill. Again, I ask for your 'aye' vote. Thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 331 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 90 voting 'yes', 19 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We have Senate Bill 381, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 381, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Walsh."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 381 would require CMS to assess long vacant surplus property and determine whether the property is unsellable in its current condition. The Bill also requires CMS to compile and submit an annual report to the General Assembly. That report would be due February 1 of 2025 and then every odd numbered years afterwards. Does not change the process of disposal from surplus property. Basically, the… the reasoning behind this is to give us a better understanding of what surplus properties are out there throughout the state and whether we can get rid of them through different means. Happy to answer any questions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"There being no questions… there being no further questions, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 381 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 10300104.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 773, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 773, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Croke is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 773 removes the four-round cap on IVF for private insurance plans. Current Illinois law mandates coverage for four rounds. The Bill also would require coverage for an annual menopause visit. And this applies to group policy health insurance coverage for more than 25 employees that provide pregnancy-related benefits. Just for context for the Body, according to a 2015 study, the live birth rate from a single cycle was 30 percent, with similar success rates holding steady for 1 to 4 cycles. The success rate jumps to 65 percent for women who complete 6 cycles. Some of these numbers change depending on the patient's age, but this demonstrates how impactful just a few additional cycles of IVF can be and resulting in a live birth. The decision to undergo additional rounds of IVF should be left to a medical provider and his or her patient and not dictated by financial limitations. The Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council is neutral on this Bill. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10300104.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this Bill provides an insurance mandate for private insurance and the government- based insurance or government employee insurance. Is that accurate?"
"So, this is already in… this already applies to state employee health insurance. So, this does not change what was included in last year's, I believe it was in the BIMP, that this would apply for state employee health insurance. So, it should have no impact on any cost associated with the state since this is already something that's been included in the FY25 budget."
"What about local government insurance?"
"I will… if you can give me a moment, let me… let me make sure I have the correct answer for you. Yes."
"It would apply to those insurance?"
"Yes."
"Do we know if there is a cost impact for those plans if this becomes law?"
"I do not have that. I'm sorry."
"And it does… this also is a mandate for private health insurance. Is that accurate?"
"Yes."
"Does this apply to Medicaid?"
"No."
"And the… have you been provided with any fiscal impact as it relates to premiums for private health insurance?"
"I have not. But my understanding, and probably why one of the reasons that the Illinois Health and Life Council is 10300104.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 neutral, is because ultimately what happens when you don't have adequate IVF coverage is that families make the decision that they're going to get implanted with multiple embryos. When you get implanted with multiple embryos, there is an increased chance of multiple births. And when you have multiple births, usually those are premature. We're talking about, like, twins, triplets. That cost is much more significant than any type of change in… in coverage. 'Cause we are talking about just eliminating the four-round cap. So, there is some coverage for IVF currently, but it is estimated, based on like some of the research that I've done and… and reviewed with some of the pro-IVF stakeholders, that it could save the insurance companies about $6 billion because you are going to have a lot less of those multiple births."
"As it relates to the IVF portion, what is the current state of the… the law for private health insurance, and what would this change about the current state law?"
"So, currently, four rounds are covered. This would eliminate those four rounds. The four rounds, I… I believe to be a very arbitrary number. And in my opening statement, I… I tried to make clear that the success rate for live birth is significantly higher as soon as you can get to, you know, the six or seven rounds of IVF. But, unfortunately, because IVF can cost someone out of pocket like $35 thousand per round, it's very much limited to who can afford that type of procedure or those additional rounds."
"Thank you."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10300104.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"She indicates she will."
"Excellent. Thank you. Representative, I want to go over a couple things that we covered during the committee hearing, just for our Members on our side. We did have partisan leave on this, and that was a result of us having not enough bodies in the conference room. And we just wanted make sure that we were able to part before waiting too long because we did think there might be one or two of us on our side that would be down on this. But I do want to reiterate something that you alluded to for folks on our side. This is a procedure that is currently provided in the State of Illinois under insurance. It is capped at four opportunities, and all we are doing is simply removing the cap, correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Croke to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 773 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 90 voting in 'favor', 17 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have Senate Bill 2285, Representative Olickal. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2601, Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2601, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300104.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Representative Rashid."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. SB2601 provides renters with important flood risk information. It requires property owners to inform prospective tenants if their property lies within a high… high-risk flooding area or if there is a history of flooding in a unit. With climate change making floods much more common and extreme, this is one important step we can take to protect working families, as even one flooding event can be financially devastating to a family. Illinois will be joining numerous other states in offering this important information and protection for renters. It passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, this is a notice that'll be provided to tenants. Is that accurate?"
"That's correct."
"And who will be charged with providing that notice?"
"The landlord. The property owner."
"And how will they obtain the information needed to provide the notice?"
"It… this is only if they are aware of flooding."
"So, if… if for some way they're made aware of it, they have to also notify the tenant?"
"In the… in a future… yes…"
"In the…"
"…for prospective tenants." 10300104.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"There are exemptions in the Bill. What is exempt from this notice requirement? Or who are exempt from the notice requirement?"
"I believe DNR is exempt."
"We show farm leases, concession leases are also exempt. Is that accurate?"
"Yes, that's accurate."
"As it relates to IDNR, why were they excluded?"
"Well, my… this is for your traditional residential rental market."
"And does IDNR have any residential rental property, to your knowledge?"
"I'm not aware."
"Was there any other state agency that has rental property that's nonresidential that was included?"
"IDNR's the only one excluded."
"Could you repeat that? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear your answer."
"Yeah. IDNR is the only one that's excluded."
"Was it because they requested it or was that the choice of the drafter?"
"I'm not sure."
"Thank you."
Speaker Burke: "Representative Keicher… or excuse me, Representative Weaver is recognized."
"To the Bill. I… I appreciate the sentiment of this Bill, but every year we come back to this chamber and pass on new regulations to businesses and landlords. We all know that we have a housing shortage in this state. We all hear from 10300104.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 constituents that have increased housing costs. Is this alone going to break the camel's back? I'm not saying that it is, but at some point, we're going to have a problem of death by a thousand paper cuts. I think we're already at that point where we have death by a thousand paper cuts. We have small businesses leaving. We have citizens leaving the State of Illinois. I urge a 'no' vote. This is one additional regulation to saddle on small businesses, to saddle on landlords, and I don't think that it really serves any purpose. I hear the idea. I get the sentiment. It's all well and good. We do a lot of things that are all well and good. But, at some point, we've got to draw a line and say, we're putting too much regulation on our citizens."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Okay, thank you. Representative, if you could help clarify a couple things for me. First, what is the remedy under your Bill if there's a violation by the landlord?"
"The tenant is able to terminate the lease."
"And is that the only remedy that's available?"
"There are ability to pursue damages as well."
"Okay. Second point that I'd like to understand, is your Bill seeking the… the proper insurance definition as FEMA discloses it of flood? Flood is a defined term when FEMA utilizes the word flood. And I want to make sure that it's your intention that the official FEMA definition of flood is the one you intend to use and will use on the regulation for this." 10300104.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"That is the intention, yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Rashid to close."
"You know, one flooding event can severely devastate a family's finances, as we saw last year in my district in Berwyn and Cicero. It can happen to any of our constituents in any part of this state. Five-hundred-year floods are no longer five-hundred-year events. They're happening much more frequently. This is one small step that we can take to protect renters and to keep them financially secure. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2601 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With 70 voting in 'favor', 39 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2617, Representative Wilhour. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2654, Representative Gill. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2654, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gill."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 2654 allows a person to recover personal medical and health care devices, social security cards, passports, higher education textbooks, and study materials from a vehicle that is being held by a tow company. This Bill came to Senator Cunningham and I from a 10300104.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 constituent. She woke up one day, and her car was stolen. And she got a police report. She went and did everything she was supposed to do. She didn't know that her car was recovered a few blocks away and was towed, and it took a little over a week for her to find out where her car was. She couldn't afford to get her car out, and she was hard of hearing and… she is hard of hearing and eight months pregnant, and they wouldn't give her, her hearing aids out of her car. So, Senator Cunningham and I have been working on this Bill. This Bill says that the tow companies have to provide written notice within three days, and if the victim recovers their car within seven days, they don't pay storage fees. And I am here for any questions."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I just want to complement the Representative. I've been in the insurance industry almost 30 years, and there has been a persistent problem with tow companies that have impounded people's vehicles, either due to a recovered stolen vehicle, an accident, or a ticket where it's been towed, and the hurdles and the blockings that these tow companies put into place are absolutely ridiculous. Representative, this is a fantastic Bill. I appreciate you looking out for the people of the State of Illinois, and kudos for bringing this forward. Thank you."
"Representative Gill to close."
"I would really appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2654 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 10300104.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2660, Representative Morgan. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2660, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 2660 is identical to a Bill we already heard and voted on this Session and… just about a month ago. It was House Bill 4293, for those of you paying attention. This amends the Massage Licensing Act dealing with massage therapists, of which there is an allegation of sexual misconduct, requiring a chaperone to be involved until and unless that… that charge has been adjudicated and dismissed. So, again, this passed out of this Session identically, House Bill 4293. It was 105 'yays' and 1 'present' vote, if you're curious how you voted. Happy to answer any questions. But, again, this 100 percent marries up to other health care professionals that are charged with sexual misconduct and what we require for them with regards to a chaperone until that charge has been adjudicated. Happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, I think you've covered what I wanted to cover, but just again to repeat, we passed 10300104.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 this exact Bill out of the House with, I believe, 105 'yes' votes, no 'no' votes, and 1 'present' vote. And it… this Bill also passed the Senate 58 to 1. Is that…"
"That's correct. And we can always do better. I'm hoping for a total unanimous 'yes' vote, but that's correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2660 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2672, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2672, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I apologize. Too many Senate Bills today. Senate Bill 2672 is a… regarding the generic drug shortage. As we know, we often have shortages due to overuse in certain places, and people can't get their drugs. So, this Bill would require the opportunity for a generic drug to be given without approvals and… I'm sorry, when a generic drug is not available so that members… excuse me, an individual could be able to purchase that drug at that price." 10300104.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Representative Keicher for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Okay. Representative, I think this is a good Bill. Can we go back and cover what exactly it does there with the generic versus name brand?"
"Thank you, Representative. Sorry about that. I grabbed the wrong file."
"I just want to make sure my side's clear on what we're doing for the Illinois consumer."
"Correct, sorry. Okay. So, if a generic drug is unavailable due to a supply issue and that dosage cannot be readjusted, insurance and managed care plans must cover the brand name that's… for that eligible prescription drug until the supply of the generic drug comes back."
"And we didn't have any cost estimates on that to the State of Illinois at the time we had the hearing, if I remember correctly."
"Correct."
"And ILHIC is neutral on this, correct?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative."
"And I apologize for that, Leader."
"Representative Costa Howard to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2672 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please take 10300104.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2675, Representative Croke. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2675, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 2675 just makes a small change to the Early Childhood Construction Grant Program. It now allows for nonprofit child care centers to apply for the program. They previously were able to apply for it two years ago, but because of some language issues in the BIMP, they were excluded and only school districts were able to apply. So, this just reverts it back to that original program."
"Rep… Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. So, this removes the prohibition on nonpublic schools receiving these grant funds. Is that accurate?"
"Yes. So… so, not-for-profit child care centers are… would now again qualify for this program."
"How did that prohibition come about?"
"Yeah. So, my understanding is that there were additional funds allocated to the program that were going to be earmarked specifically for public school districts. But what ended up happening is not only were those new funds allocated for 10300104.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 public school district, it actually then disqualified the not-for-profits from getting access to the previously appropriated funds. So, instead of just making the change for the… the new dollars, it made a change to all the dollars in the program."
"And when did that occur?"
"Last year."
"Last year?"
"Yeah."
"Was that in… in the BIMP the last year?"
"Yes. Yes."
"Okay. So, I guess that shows we have to pay attention to what's in the BIMP because there's often very important items there. Yeah."
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Croke to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2675 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. 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 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Avelar, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed." 10300104.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Thank you. Today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the anniversary of the Immigrant Family Resource Program for its unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to our state's immigrant and refugee communities. For 25 years, IFRP has been a beacon of hope and support, connecting thousands of families to vital services as they navigate the challenges of integration and strive for economic self-sufficiency. And I'm so glad… for those of you who are in the… in the chamber, if you could please stand up if you're a part of the IFRP program. IFRP stands as a shining example of collaboration and partnership, bringing together the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, as well as 65 community organizations across our state. And through this collective effort, they have been able to provide essential services, including assistance, case management, translation, and interpretation in at least 59 languages, ensuring that nobody is… is left behind. Today, I filed HB780 (sic-HR780) to highlight the efforts of the most valuable resource that the program has, and that is the people who are standing right here. I want to make sure that the… the Body knows that IFRP is… what sets IFRP apart is its ability to adapt and respond to emerging needs with agility and compassion. Whether it was providing culturally and linguistically assessable programing during the COVID-19 pandemic or welcoming refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, IFRP has consistently risen to the occasion, embodying the spirit of resilience and solidarity. And I had a nice big script for them, but I think for me, coming from the heart and just looking around and seeing a lot of people 10300104.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 who I had the pleasure of working with, I just want to say thank you. Thank you so much, because the work that you do for the community, you do with your heart because you're also a part of that community. So, thank you for coming to the State Capitol. Welcome, and happy 23rd… 25th anniversary."
"Happy anniversary. Moving to page 5 of the Calendar. We have Senate Bill 2682, Representative Yang Rohr. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2683, Representative Vella. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2683, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Rep. Vella."
"Thank you. This is a very simple Bill. It adds electronic tracking to the course of conduct when we're talking about a stalking no contact order. This was brought to my attention by my daughter. People are starting to drop these AirTags into people's backpacks and tracking them all over the place. This is the new technology that… that predators are using. There is no opposition out of the Senate, no opposition in committee. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, these changes for the definition of course of conduct apply to the Stalking No Contact Order Act. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"We have not changed that definition as it relates to the Criminal Code for the stalking. Is that correct?" 10300104.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"That is correct."
"Do you anticipate or would you be willing to look at making those changes to marry those definitions up with the civil and criminal aspects?"
"I think it's something I would look into. Just keep in mind, though, a violation of the order of protection would also be a criminal act. So, it does touch the Criminal Code."
"Thank you."
"Representative Vella to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2683 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next is Senate Bill 2702, Representative Kelly. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2702, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kelly."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I present Senate Bill 2702. This changes the definition of fire sprinkler inspector to clarify that the inspector is employed by a single contractor to perform a fire sprinkler inspection. This Bill is an initiative of the Illinois Firefighter's Association, Sprinkler Fitters of Local 281. It's clarifying language from… that inspectors cannot work for multiple fire sprinkler 10300104.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 contractors at the same time. This was left ambiguous when the fire sprinkler first became licensed by the state under Public Act 102-0612. That passed in 2021 and went into effect in 2023. They wanted to clarify this better, reflect the original intention of the Bill. I know of no opposition, and I would hope for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2702 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2715, Representative Olickal. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2715, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Olickal."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 2715 is actually a companion Bill to House Bill 4261, which is an initiative of the Long Term Care Ombudsman, which passed out of this chamber. Essentially amends the Act on the… the Illinois… it clarifies that all case records containing resident and complainant information collected by the ombudsman program shall not be disclosed outside the program without a lawful subpoena or the permission of the State Ombudsman. The change allows the State Ombudsman to further protect confidential residential information, working to clarify that records containing resident or complainant information are only disclosed for the reasons… not subject to a FOIA. So, and the… there is no 10300104.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 known opposition to the Bill. Happy to answer any questions, but urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. You've… Representative, you've covered this. This is identical to House Bill 4261, which passed unanimously earlier this year, and this also deals with Long Term Care Ombudsman record confidentiality…"
"That's correct."
"…and protection and how those records are disclosed."
"Yes."
"Is that right?"
"That was correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Olickal to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2715 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 2731, Morgan… Representative Morgan. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2731, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan." 10300104.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 2731 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation dealing with an update of a sunsetting Act for the Genetic Counselors Licensing Act. This cleans up a variety of aspects of the… the Act that we have with all other IDFPR professional licensing Act to make sure that it is easier for those to apply and renew their license. There's no opposition. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, you mentioned this is primarily cleanup language or clarification for this profession. Would go into some of the details of why this was necessary?"
"Of course. As a reminder to the Body, with professional licensing Acts, we have a sunset provision. So, this is actually set to expire by the end of the year. So, we have people, hundreds, thousands in Illinois, who are licensed as genetic counselors. This continues that Act. It also updates the language for applications and renewals to be online, information that can be electronic, such as email addresses, and just really marries it up with other professional licensing updates we've done in the past few years."
"Thank you."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2731 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. 10300104.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 The voting is opened. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to House Bills on Second Reading. On page 2 of the Calendar, House Bill 4652, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4652, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Barbara Hernandez."
"Representative Hernandez on the Amendment." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Ms. Speaker. The Amendment, it will become the Bill. It clarifies a few items and definitions and also makes it a smooth transition to discuss where the Board of Higher Ed will be, the one administering the funds for the student stipend teacher program."
Speaker Burke: "Representative Barbara Hernandez moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 4652. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4652, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Barbara Hernandez." 10300104.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Ms. Speaker. This Bill is very important to many future teachers and those that support the teachers as well. This will create a student stipend teacher program that would allow students to receive $10 thousand and cooperating teachers $2 thousand. This is subject to appropriation as well, but, as we all know, we have a shortage on teachers. There's a lot of things going on, so this would help them as an incentive to continue. Currently, there's no stipend program for… for the teachers. They… it's a pretty much unpaid internship, and they put a lot of hours into this program to receive nothing. And this is just going to be able to help them. And I'm able to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Leader, just a few questions. There was an Amendment to this Bill dealing with some of the pension aspects as it relates to the sponsoring teacher. What changes were made and how does that impact the teacher's pension?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes. We heard some of the committee concerns, and we have included language to address this by exempting the cooperating teacher stipend from the six percent cap on salary increases."
"And just so I heard correctly, it's $10 thousand to the student teacher per semester. Is that correct?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes."
"And $2 thousand to the cooperating teacher." Hernandez, B.: "Teacher, yes." 10300104.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Is that correct? And you said it's subject to appropriation. What is the estimated cost of this program if it were fully implemented?" Hernandez, B.: "Sixty-eight million."
"I'm sorry, did you say 68? Six-eight?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes. Yes. To fully fund."
"And do you anticipate this will be included in this year's budget?" Hernandez, B.: "I do not think so, unfortunately."
"There is currently… you… let me back up. You mentioned that the primary purpose of this is to assist with recruiting teachers because of the teachers' shortage. Hernandez, B.: "Correct."
"There is currently a program through the State Board of Education dealing with school districts recruiting teachers. I believe that was funded at about 45 million. How has that program worked, to your knowledge, as far as assisting with the recruitment of teachers?" Hernandez, B.: "I believe it's not… well, it's still… it's still going on. However, this would be able to help all teachers. So, that is something that currently we're looking into. There's close to 5,400 future teachers coming in. So, this would help them."
"And do… do you know, as far as that program is concerned, if it will receive a reappropriation in this year's budget, the State Board of Education program?" Hernandez, B.: "I am not a budgeteer. I'm not aware at the moment. So, I can't answer that."
"I guess that makes two of us, then. Thank you." 10300104.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Representative Crespo is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Leader, I think this is a great idea. So, I'm not going to talk much about the Bill itself, but let's talk about the finances for a little bit. And it is subject to appropriations, and you did state that it's around $68 million?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"Who… who came up with that?" Hernandez, B.: "I believe IEA followed up with it. On average, the student teaching is around 521 hours, which is equivalent to at least 7,815, if student teachers were earned a minimum wage. Some programs go above that amount while others go below. So, that's the estimate that they got it from."
"Okay, thank you. To the… to the appropriation. You know, here we go again, folks. We're… we're passing Bills that are subject to appropriations. I get… I get the sense that we think that's like Monopoly money. But you're creating a line item, and you're putting pressure on the budget. It's an empty promise, it gives people false sense of hope, and I'll give a good example. Last year, we passed the Healthy School Meals for All. It was subject to appropriations, and the cost was $200 million. Two programs. This program that we have right before us today is 68. The Healthy School Meals for All at 200 million. Two programs are putting a budget pressure of close to a quarter… over a quarter… a quarter million… a quarter billion dollars. All I can say is, you can't have it all. You can ask, but taxpayers can't afford it. If we keep 10300104.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 this up, at some point, you're going to run… run out of taxpayer dollars to spend. Again, nothing against the Bill, but, folks, we need to take a step back. There needs to be a process, and we need to have some controls. We can't keep passing these budgets… all these subject to appropriation Bills all the time. Thank you, Speaker."
"Representative Fritts is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Leader Hernandez, love the idea behind what you're trying to do. Just a couple clarification questions. So, I guess my first question has to do, if you're providing a stipend to somebody who's going to be a… who's student teaching, does that just apply to public schools or private and parochial as well? I know in my district I have lots of private schools, and those private schools have tons of… of teachers who are student teaching." Hernandez, B.: "This will only be for public schools."
"So, it will only be for student teachers in public schools?" Hernandez, B.: "Correct."
"Okay. So, what… I mean, what if they don't have the option to teach within a public school? If that's your only option, they're just SOL on the program?" Hernandez, B.: "They will have to be coming from a public school entering to a public school."
"Okay. So, if they come from a private university… so, for example, my seatmate has Bradley in his area. Is that… he won't… he or she will not be able to get the stipend?" 10300104.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"Okay." Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"So, public school to public school?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"Okay. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I love the idea of what's trying to happen here, but I think that there's some people who are going to end up getting shortchanged. And with that, I would ask for a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Swanson for… is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Sponsor. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Thank you. Leader Hernandez, we've had quite a lot of discussion on this piece of legislation, and just wanted to make sure, as we talked in committee hearing, that there's also a $2 thousand stipend provided to the supervisor of the… the teacher, correct?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes. The cooperating teacher, yes."
"The cooperating teacher. One of the concerns that we… I had was when we get to the six percent increase in salary and some of those caps that can affect teachers' retirement. Are those still within the legislation, or what have you done there?" Hernandez, B.: "No. I… as I just mentioned just a few minutes ago with Leader Windhorst asked that question, we have included in the language to address this by exempting the cooperating 10300104.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 teacher's stipend from the six percent on… on the salary increase."
"Okay. And is this only for one semester, or could a student student teach two semesters?" Hernandez, B.: "The cap is for a semester. So, that $10 thousand will be capped."
"Okay. So, if I teach in the fall, I can't teach in the spring as a student teacher also, or vice… spring can't teach in the fall? One semester is…" Hernandez, B.: "In the language itself it's only for one semester."
"Okay, thank you. As I talk with my superintendents and my regional office of education, and as we all know, the teacher shortage issue is a… in a crisis. Not only the teacher in the classroom, but substitute teachers. And I… to the Bill. I struggle with this, as I've talked with some of my districts also, who pay for a student teacher out of their own funds just because they see that as a way to recruit more teachers. But I know there's other districts that are cash-strapped and do not have that ability. And I'm going to put faith that this is going to help us bring in more teachers, that it's going to bring in the quality of teachers we need to fill the classrooms. And so, I certainly will be supporting this Bill. Thank you."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Leader, just a couple quick questions. Is this in any way means tested for the applicant? Are we testing 10300104.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 their income or their assets before we award them the stipend?" Hernandez, B.: "No."
"Okay. Could… could that be a part of it? Or it's just if you're student teaching and this is appropriated…" Hernandez, B.: "So, if we don't receive the full amount, there will be a financial aid based on focusing on who receives the funds."
"Okay. Okay. And… and something I want to point out too, my sister, when she became a teacher, this was a very hard time for her to be able to do her student teaching. So, I… I applaud the initiative. I think it's heading in the right direction. But to the prior speaker's point on the budget, when you and I came in after the 2018 election, the budget we came in under was $39 billion. And today, somewhere, hopefully in this building, there are some people, somewhere, debating a $52 billion budget. That's an increase of $13 billion in the 5 and a half years that we've been here. A full one-third increase, 13 billion additional dollars. And what astounds me, to the prior speaker's point, is that we are having adults on the PUNS list continue to wait. We have seniors that are in assisted care facilities that need better attention. We've got Meals on Wheels programs for our rural residents that are going unfunded. We've got transportation programs for those in need that are going unfunded. And we have this program. All of them tremendously worthy. We have 13 billion additional dollars, and yet we still can't find the resources to do this. So, I encourage the other side, 'cause we haven't really been invited to participate in years past, to really sharpen the 10300104.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 pencil and drill down because it's not a revenue problem, it's a spending problem. And if we resolve it, great ideas like this are much easier to get into place. Thank you."
"Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "She indicates she will."
"Okay. So, with this initiative, how many… how many student teachers are we budgeting for approximately?" Hernandez, B.: "Close to 5,400."
"Okay. What if… what if we end up less? Say we end up with 3 thousand. What… what happens with the money?" Hernandez, B.: "Well, the student will… there will still be $10 thousand per student. So, if there's less students enrolled in the program, maybe we should do more enrollment."
"Okay, are we…" Hernandez, B.: "But that would be a different initiative."
"So, these… so, if it ends up with less… less members than what is budgeted for, is the… is the windfall, that total amount of money, are we going to have teachers that are… student teachers that are making far more than $10 thousand? 'Cause some… there's some language in your Bill that seems to… seems to indicate that." Hernandez, B.: "No. I think you're confused. I think the question probably would be the… what happens if there's a surplus of funds instead of surplus of students?"
"Yes. I mean, it says in your Bill, if there's a surplus appropriated in the fiscal year for the stipend program, that the board shall increase the amount distributed to each 10300104.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 educator preparation program by the same percentage of that surplus." Hernandez, B.: "So, with that new question you made, that would be, as written, student teacher stipends and cooperating teacher stipends will be increased in proportion to… to the excess funds. This allows us to first ensure everyone is receiving the 10 thousand and the $2 thousand stipend. And then leaves a flexibility that if the General Assembly wants to increase those amounts, for example, due to inflation or anything, they can by increasing the appropriation beyond… beyond full funding."
"So, the money's going to go up if we got less students… student teachers?" Hernandez, B.: "Sorry, can you repeat that again?"
"So, the money is going to go up if we've got less student teachers?" Hernandez, B.: "So, the money will go to the students either way."
"Okay. Thank you. I understand this is a initiative of the Illinois Education Association, the teachers' unions?" Hernandez, B.: "IEA, yes."
"Okay." Hernandez, B.: "With the help of Advance Illinois."
"Got you. Most of the unions in this state and across the country have what they call apprenticeship programs if they're going to do things of this nature. What would be wrong with the… with the teachers' union just doing an apprenticeship program here and paying for it themselves?" Hernandez, B.: "Well, this program will be a new program in the state. Like I said, it would help those student teachers." 10300104.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"So, are we going to do this for every union in the state? We going to do this for the electrical contractors, the plumbers, pipefitters, everybody? Are we just… are we going to… are we just going to do it for the… for the teachers?" Hernandez, B.: "At the moment, we have the shortage of teachers."
"We've got a shortage…" Hernandez, B.: "I'm sure we can discuss…"
"I'm in the construction industry. We've got a shortage of workers everywhere." Hernandez, B.: "…in another different Bill about everybody else."
"Yeah. That seems to be a little bit of a… a contradiction. We've got a shortage of workers everywhere. This probably isn't something the government should be getting involved in. And I'll… I'll go to the Bill. It seems to me that the teachers' unions, specifically, have plenty of money that they're more than happy to throw around in political races. They should be more than capable of doing this on… on their own. I mean, just in the… they could have funded dozens of these… these student teachers with just the money that they basically set on fire in my district in this last race. So, they should definitely be funding this stuff on their own."
"Leader McCombie is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a few questions?"
"She will."
"Thank you. This teacher… or, this is going to be run by IBHE. Is that correct?" 10300104.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"Okay. The teacher vacancy is run by ISBE. Is that correct?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"Okay. I think one of the questions that may have been brought up before and also in committee was since that is not being completely utilized, why not dissolve that and replace it with this, correct? That was one of the questions?" Hernandez, B.: "That was, yes."
"Okay. Can you again remind me what that answer was?" Hernandez, B.: "Apologies, can you repeat that again?"
"Can you remind me what that answer was?" Hernandez, B.: "The answer was that we are not looking into that at the moment. We are trying to create a new program."
"Okay. Grow Your Own, that is run by ISAC. Is that correct?" Hernandez, B.: "No. To my understanding, it's not."
"Who?" Hernandez, B.: "I believe it's IBHE."
"And that's another program that is not completely utilized. Is that correct?" Hernandez, B.: "Under ISAC, I believe there's a lot of different programs that…"
"No, Grow Your Own. It's another one that's not completely utilized." Hernandez, B.: "They use funds every year."
"They do, but it's not… it's not effective. It's not completely utilized every year." Hernandez, B.: "I wouldn't be aware of that." 10300104.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Well, I'm just… what I'm saying is, is that we have programs that already exist. And there's… there's Bills out there oftentimes, I have one for Grow Your Own, to put in fixes, and sometimes we call them trailer Bills or different things to offer fixes to make them better, more effective. And I think this Bill, for you, a new program, is another new way to bring teachers aboard, right?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes."
"Right. So, you're utilizing this, and I… I think it's a great idea. And I think what Representative Crespo had said, it's just another thing, you know, subject to appropriation. And I think your intent is good, and I think we all, under the dome, can agree your intent is good to bring new teachers aboard. But it… it's just another… another thing that we're kind of, I feel like, setting up for failure, but we all want to support it because the idea is good. But we don't look at what we already have in place and fix those things. We just keep on funding those and not effectively using them. So, I… I just ask that as… as a Body, we look at what we already have and maybe just fix what we… what we already have and utilize those better or dissolve those and really have a program that will be effective and utilize those dollars and not make things subject to appropriations. I'm… I'm going to support the Bill because I… I do believe your intent is real, but I also want you to… you and your side of the aisle to look at Grow Your Own. Look at the Bill that I have and… and that I've had over the years to… to fix that program, to fully utilize that program, to look at the teacher vacancy program and see. If it's not going to work, let's dissolve that and 10300104.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 use those dollars for your program so it doesn't have to be a subject to approp and give false hope. Thank you."
"Representative Faver Dias is recognized."
"To the Bill. I just wanted to thank Leader Hernandez for all of the… her work on this Bill. We've had many negotiations over the last five months. There is no perfect Bill, but this is a Bill that offers a lot of great compromises. And it brings about… to Leader McCombie's point about a variety of programs, there are a variety of programs out there, but they all have different intentions. Grow Your Own, Teach for America are all alternative certification paths, and they certainly have their place. In the Teacher Vacancy Grant that we appropriated $45 million also has another… another purpose behind it, which is to help current districts who are hard to staff districts recruit and keep teachers. But this program, this paid student teaching program, has a completely different purpose. It came about for two major reasons. One, as we look around, we see that unpaid student teaching internships are one of the last unpaid internships that we have. Nine other states are starting to offer paid student teaching programs. And then, secondly, it… we also saw that low-income teachers are having trouble completing their student teacher experience and actually quit and never get their teacher license because they cannot afford to work for 16 weeks unpaid many hours a week. And so, there are some really great other programs that we have in this General Assembly, but this paid student teaching program addresses a unique issue. And collectively all together, we can move these forward to address the teacher and educator 10300104.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 shortage working group. So, again, thank you to Leader Hernandez for your work on this Bill."
"Representative Hernandez to close." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Speaker. And thank you, Members. This is a really great Bill. We've been working on it for a couple months now to get to this compromise. So, I want to thank the organizations, the agencies involved, and the Representative Faver Dias for also helping with everything. It's very important that we continue to support future teachers in this state, and this is going to be a pathway for them. So, in their honor, I… I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 4652 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 85 voting in 'favor', 23 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative DeLuca, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Please join me in welcoming a former Member back to the floor, my predecessor and retired judge, George Scully, is here."
"Representative Chung, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed." 10300104.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Great. Thank you so much. I would like to welcome a group of folks up in the gallery today. And I would like to direct my colleagues here to… to recognize them. The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science's faculty are taking part in the Extension Academy to gain professional educational experiences on Illinois Extension's land-grant mission, Extension systems, and to equip them in being collaborators in Extension work. Today is day two of a three-day tour of Illinois, so learning about the diversity of Extension programs and partnerships throughout the State of Illinois. These faculty do research to support people, communities, and their environments while working with Extension staff to translate the research and educate the public for the common good. And I'm from McLean County, which as the largest 4-H fair in the State of Illinois, which… so, I am always really happy for the work that the Extension does. So, let's please welcome here… them here today."
"Moving… moving to page 3 of the Calendar, House Bills on Second Reading. We have House Bill 5561, Representative Evans. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5561, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Evans."
"Representative Evans to explain the Amendment."
"Yeah, it's a gut and replace Amendment. Can I debate it on three… on Third Reading?" 10300104.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Yes. Representative Evans moves for the adoption of House Floor Amendment #3… #1, excuse me, House Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Evans."
"Representative Evans on the Amendment?"
"Oh, it's just a technical change, commas and periods. Just some edits. Request adoption."
"Representative Evans moves for the adoption of House Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5561, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Evans."
"Thank you. This Bill is an initiative of our wonderful Attorney General, Kwame Raoul. The Floor Amendment #1, which replaces the Bill, does about six things. It amends the definition of adverse employment action with alignment set forth in the USSC in Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company v. White. It defines a regulatory act. It expands it to include any adverse employment actions. It expands protections to employees who not only disclose to the 10300104.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 government or court about workplace practices, but threatens to disclose. It expands protections to employees who disclose or threaten to disclose to supervisors, principal officers, board members, and contractors regarding workplace practices and increases damages and penalties to include injunction relief, front pay, and liquidated damages and allows the Attorney General to investigate and sue for violations of the Act, including civil penalties for repeat offenders. I request your support."
"Chair recognizes Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader, there are some provisions regarding damages in this Bill. Specifically, as it relates to liquidated damages, what are those set at in… in the final version of the Bill?"
"Ten thousand to thirty thousand."
"And is there any penalty that would be paid to the employee who is subject of the retaliation?"
"The liquidated and actual damages."
"So, the… the amount of money with the liquated and actual damages would go the employee as part of this action? Just so I understand correctly."
"Yes, and also civil damage of 10 thousand."
"Who is in charge of enforcement under this statute?"
"The employee can sue, but the Attorney General will also sue." 10300104.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"And you went through in… in pretty good detail the changes that this makes with the Amendments. Why are these changes to the law necessary?"
"The general rule is that most employees may be fired at any time for any reason or for no reason at all under what is known as the at-will employment doctrine. Illinois recognizes a public policy exception to the at-will employee doctrine. An employee may not discharge an employee for the reason that violates a clearly mandated public policy. Our courts in Illinois have limited the common law public policy exception in situations in which an employee has no statutory remedy. Thus, because of the recent enacted Whistleblower Act, whistleblowers may… must rely exclusively on that statute. Historically, under the common law, Illinois courts have protected both whistleblowers who report unlawful activities to outside public bodies and whistleblowers who report unlawful activity to internal supervisors. The current whistleblower only protects whistleblowers who report unlawful activities to outside public bodies, such as a government or law enforcement agency, potentially displacing the common law protections on whistleblowers."
"And part of the purpose of this statute is to deter or prevent retaliation. Do… I'm assuming by bringing these Amendments forward and this change in law forward, you don't feel current law is sufficient to deter that retaliation, that this is necessary?"
"We would like to encourage employees to work with their employers to resolve issues on the front end, leaving government interventions to fix problems in the workplace as 10300104.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 the last resort. To encourage that, we need to ensure that employees have the same protections that they would if they had reported to the government."
"I… I would note that, obviously, there are certain elements of retaliation that need to be protected against, but the penalties involved here are a pretty significant increase. With those Amendments, though, that you have detailed, is there any opposition remaining to the Bill from organizations?"
"Well, we put a lot of work in to eliminate some of our larger advocacy groups. So, it could potentially be a small amount, but most of the larger groups in which we engaged with, they were heard, and we responded."
"Do you know if the Illinois Chamber or the National Federation of Independent Business remains opposed?"
"The Illinois Chamber is neutral. I can get you some clarification on NIFB."
"Okay. And I… our analysis shows they are still opposed. Thank you for answering my questions."
"Well, thank you."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. This is, again, another expansion of rights already remain in place. I don't know that any of us want our employees suffering adverse consequences when they're just trying to make certain that people follow the laws of the state or the federal government. But at the same time, to keep expanding the definitions, to increase the penalties, to provide for interest rates prior to any judgement having occurred, as well as attorneys' fees, 10300104.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 litigation costs, and other such costs to a bill, we're really just deterring business again from… from doing what it is they need to do here. If we didn't have any laws in place, I'd probably be much more supportive of this. But as we do already have laws in place to address these situations, I don't know that we need to add on to it or increase the costs of business that they already incur here in the State of Illinois just by chance that there may or may not be an adverse finding. If they deserve an adverse finding, well, they do. We have laws in place for that. If they don't, though, this could add extra to their costs. I also am not fully understanding the need for the Attorney General to be able to insert themselves into these actions. These have generally been private rights of action, as far as I know, and don't believe we need it to increase the size of government by allowing them in these actions as well. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Evans to close."
"I request your support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 5561 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 71 voting in 'favor', 38 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having achieved a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Delgado, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed." 10300104.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"I wanted to take a moment to recognize some folks in the gallery today with Northwest Center. They're… if you all would stand. These folks are great organizers in my district, and I appreciate them coming down to Springfield today. So, if we could give them a strong Springfield welcome, I would appreciate it. Thank you."
"Moving back to page 2 of the Calendar, House Bills-Second Reading. We have House Bill 4502, Representative Lilly. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4502, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill again."
"House Bill 4502, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lilly."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 4502 is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. It basically prevents the appropriation, assignment, or transfer of money in the OSLAD Grant Fund to any other state funds. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. I appreciate the description of the Bill. What are OSLAD funds used for?"
"Currently, the OSLAD program was established by the General Assembly in 1986 to provide matching funds to local 10300104.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 government for park district improvements and projects and to acquire open lands and to develop the improvement of the parks throughout the State of Illinois…"
"Thank…"
"…where all of our children participate."
"And… thank you. And this Bill says that any money that's appropriated, assigned, or transferred to that fund will not be transferred to another fund. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Lilly to close."
"I ask for a 'aye' vote…"
"The question is…"
"…in support of our children."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 4502 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this vote, there are 108 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Benton, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Rise to present House Resolution 607."
"Please proceed."
"First of all, I… I want to welcome to the gallery Chief Jeff Carey from the Joliet Fire Department, along with a lot of the other officers, lieutenants that are down here supporting one of their colleagues for receiving an award, 10300104.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 and then also supporting other of their colleagues and the families of the fallen. And one of the programs that they started in Joliet is wildly successful, and I want to talk about that in the House Resolution. The Illinois House of Representatives wishes to commend the City of Joliet and the City of Joliet Fire Department for their partnership with mental health provider Thriveworks; and WHEREAS, Thriveworks, founded by AJ Centore, Ph.D. in 2008, is a leading mental health provider that helps people live happy and successful lives by making high-quality counseling and psychiatric services accessible and affordable; and WHEREAS, Thriveworks offers licensed clinicians who are in-network and major insurance providers and provides in-person and online care for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship issues, and more; and WHEREAS, The partnership between the City of Joliet and Thriveworks followed with successful implementation of city-provided, Thriveworks-facilitated mental health services for first responders and educators in early 2022; WHEREAS, Thriveworks opened its first clinic in Joliet on July 12, 2022, where they launched a landmark mental health program funded by the City of Joliet, including a $400,000 pledge from the city to fund mental health services through Thriveworks and Silver Cross Hospital for the city's underinsured and uninsured, including low-income and unhoused residents; Thriveworks' mental health services are accessible to uninsured residents through a voucher dispatched by the City 10300104.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 of Joliet Fire Department, where residents with insurance can have an out-of-pocket expense covered; and Thriveworks in Joliet, including TherapyLand, a unique psychiatric behavior health center equipped with the best resources to foster child development and mental health counseling, including designated areas for home and kitchen play, dress up, sandbox play and offers children the chance to utilize blocks, puppets, nurturing tools, art supplies, and more; WHEREAS, According to the City of Joliet Fire Department, since the implementation of Thriveworks, emergency calls related to mental health crises have decreased as well as the overall costs of emergency response; Thriveworks continues to make an impact in the region, and have been adopted by Joliet Township, Plainfield Township, with the Townships of Wheatland and Lockport working to adopt the program in the future. One of the… the key things about the way that government works well is when you have people like Chief Carey that is really passionate about helping people with mental health issues and tries to utilize taxpayer funds that in turn ends up saving hundreds of thousands of dollars by implementing these calls, and they end up going out and doing wellness checks on people and checkups to… because they haven't heard from them for weeks, months, where they used to hear from them every week on mental health calls. They come back and say the program's working. Which every time that they have to do a responding call, it's about 3 to 5 thousand dollars with the fire department and police to respond. That's a huge savings to 10300104.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024 the taxpayers, along with Medicaid. But what they're doing that's even more important is they're making lives better. So, I appreciate them coming down, and I just want to recognize them. Thank you for all the hard work that you're doing, not only on the fire service, but for the community and making people's lives better. So, let's give them a round of applause, and thank you for coming down."
"Moving to page 13 of the Calendar, Senate Bills on Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 461, Representative Ortiz. Out of the record. Senate Bill 462, Rep. Buckner. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 462, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 464, Rep. Mayfield. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 464, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 508, Rep. Delgado. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 508, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 774, Rep. Gabel. Out of the record. Senate Bill 859, Rep. Buckner. Read the Bill, please." 10300104.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Senate Bill 859, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2625, Rep. Tarver. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2628, Representative Chung. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2641, Representative Manley. Read the Bill, please, Mr. Clerk. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2745, Representative Buckner. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2745, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2849, Representative Rita. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2849, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2930, Representative Gonzalez. Representative Gonzalez. Just for… please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2930, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 2936, Representative Spain. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2936, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300104.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 3138, Representative Buckner. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3138, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 3285, Representative Cassidy. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3285, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 3389, Representative Delgado. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3389, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 3432, Representative Costa Howard. Representative Costa Howard. Please read the Bill."
"Senate… Senate Bill 3432, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 3558, Representative Mah. Representative Mah. Out of the record. Oh… oh, excuse me. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3558, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 10300104.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 3631, Representative Avelar. Please read… please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3631, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Hanson, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Chair… Madam Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Assembly, wanted to welcome the Oswego Fire Protection District that's here in part today. Lieutenant Jason Sipes received an award. Many of us attended the fallen officer ceremony earlier today. We made our way over here. Lieutenant Sipes, many of us work very hard to leave our work at home. Thankfully, you didn't, and you saved a life during your off-duty hours. You were recognized today by your peers and many other guests at the Bank of America Center. Thank you for what you do every day. And Oswegoland Fire Protection District is partially the 83rd District that I represent, as well as Jed Davis, Rep. Kifowit, and also Rep. Harry Benton. So, thank you for making the trip here today. Congratulations on your award, well deserved. Thanks for what you every day as a first responder for us."
"Congratulations. Representative Olickal, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed." 10300104.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"Thank you. Today, I have up in the gallery a couple of guests with me. Father Saji, who is a priest here in Springfield. Father Dels Alex from Phoenix. And with them, a special guest for me, Father Francis Koloth. He's actually from my father's hometown in Muvattupuzha in Kerala, India. And so, this is their… his first time visiting the United States, and by chance, ended up being able to come visit Springfield. So, I'm very excited for them to see the Capitol, and would love for all of us to give them a warm Springfield welcome."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for a purpose of an Amendment… an announcement. Leader Mah, for purposes of an announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Democrats would request a caucus meeting immediately in Room 114."
"The Democrats will caucus immediately in Room 114. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet at 2 p.m. today: The Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee in Room D-1. The Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committee in Room 122B. The Revenue & Finance Committee in Room 118. The Adoption & Child Welfare Committee in Room 114. The Insurance Committee in Room C-1. And the Ethics & Elections Committee in Room 413. At 3 p.m. today the Energy & Environment Committee will meet in Room 114."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 777, offered by Representative Windhorst. And House Resolution 778, offered by Representative Coffey." 10300104.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 104th Legislative Day 5/14/2024
"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. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, May 15, at the hour of 11:30 a.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 5841, offered by Representative Delgado, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 5842, offered by Representative Vella, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5843, offered by Representative Faver Dias, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 5844, offered by Representative Guzzardi, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5845, offered by Representative Spain, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300104.docx 60