"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Kirk Packer. Pastor Packer is with the Jesus Center in Sesser, Illinois. Pastor Packer 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's pray. Father, thank you just for this day. Thank you, Lord, for your guiding hand upon us. Lord, first of all, we just thank you for your guiding hand upon this state and the way that you have blessed us, the way that you watch over us. I thank you for each one of these Members. Thank you for the role that they play, Lord, in our government. I pray your guidance, protective hand over them. For those of them that know you, Lord, I just pray, strengthen them, Lord. Thank you that… that you are a good God. Thank you that, Lord, that… that you… you give us wisdom. And I just pray, Lord, that… that you would grant that. Lord, I pray if there's those that don't know you, I just pray for revelation, Lord, that they would… would know you, that they would draw close to you. Lord, we pray for guidance, Lord, as this state is led. We pray that you would show us ways to lift up, Lord, those who are oppressed, Lord, that we would give encouragement to those, Lord, who are headed down a path, Lord, that doesn't lead to a good place. Lord, we just thank you for your goodness. Thank you for this time. Again, just praying for wisdom. And we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." 10300108.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Slaughter." Slaughter – et al: "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 Rita: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences from the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Burke, Flowers, Guzzardi, Jiménez, Kelly, Ladisch-Douglass, Mayfield, and Yednock are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences from the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives McLaughlin and Sosnowski are excused for today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With there being 107 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 20, 2024: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to House Bill 299, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 4592, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 3081; approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 4592, Senate Bill 1289, Senate Bill 2417; and recommends be adopted are the Motions to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House 10300108.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 Bill 2385 and Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 4180. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 807, offered by Representative Mason, is referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative Rosenthal, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of… thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal preference."
"State your point."
"I have special guests with me here today. I have my wife, Marcia, of 52 years, and I have two of my grandkids that got out of school last Friday, Gavin and Harper. And Gavin's involved in baseball, football, and basketball. Harper's involved in volleyball, softball, basketball, and tumbling. And Harper is 12 minutes older than her brother, Gavin, and she also shot a bigger buck this last winter than… than her brother. And I wish… thank… wish everybody here a welcome to the… the chamber. Thank you."
"Welcome. Representative Croke, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just wanted to shout out my Page for the day. I'm joined by Addyson Anderson. She is a fourth grader at Peirce Elementary. She does jujutsu on Saturdays. She loves math, she plays soccer, and next year she's hoping to join the basketball team. So, if we can all give her a Springfield welcome. We also have her mom in… if… Jessica, will you stand? Sorry. We have Jessica here too, who's her mom, who would do literally anything for this girl. So, if we can all just say 10300108.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 thank you and… and that they're here for… for Springfield, I'd really appreciate it."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Benton, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Today, I would like to introduce my why, my family. Right here, we have Harrison. Say, 'Hi. My name's Harrison.'"
"My name is Harrison."
"And then I also want to introduce my daughter, Evelyn."
"Hi, I'm Evelyn."
"My wife, Erin, and my mother-in-law, Barb. These are… these are the reasons why I come down here and… and why I spend time away and work for so many other people, to make sure that they're taken care of and make a better future for them. So… say, 'I like candy.'"
"I like candy."
"Yeah, so, can we get a warm Springfield welcome for the Benton family?"
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Croke, for which reason do you seek recognition again?"
"Sorry. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I forgot to… PJ."
"He… he's letting you know how he feels that you forgot."
"All right. Yeah. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Bunting, what… for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300108.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, I'd like to direct your attention to the gallery here. The 106th District has some special guests joining us today. Kaitlyn Whitehouse, a 12-year-old 6th grader from GCMS there in Gibson City, is the granddaughter of Senator and Kathy Bennett. The Bennetts wanted to bring Kaitlyn down here to show her what Springfield has to offer, and, of course, they're going to show up on the House floor for a warm Springfield welcome. So, please give me a hand. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Proceed to Senate Bills on Third Reading. On page 7 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 3367, Representative Costa Howard. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3367, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3367 ensures that the Children and Family Services Act conforms with recent federal guidance regarding the collection of child support from parents whose children are in the care of DCFS. The new federal guidance instructs states to more narrowly define situations where it is appropriate to collect child support from parents of children in foster care and to adopt broad policies that reflect that child support collection is not required, except in very rare circumstances where there will be no adverse impact on the child or collection will not impede achievement of the permanency goal. Senate Bill 3367 10300108.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 passed out of the Senate unanimously, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, appreciate the description of the Bill. Just to confirm a couple things. Mainly, this Bill is to bring our state law into compliance with existing federal guidance on this issue. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And the Bill passed out of committee unanimously and out of the Senate unanimously?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3367 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Clerk, take the record. 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Delgado, Senate Bill 3389. Next on the Calendar, Senate Bill 3405, Representative Miller. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3405, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Miller."
"Yeah, this is just a Bill in… it's not creating any new revenue, but it's just giving the county the ability to move existing funds around to help get the people that are 10300108.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 struggling with addictions and other things to their counseling and classes they need to help them to get better. And I ask for an 'aye'…"
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3405 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving the Constitutional Majority, is… is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3406, Representative Davidsmeyer. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3406, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is in response to an… an accident that had a hazardous material spill near Teutopolis, Illinois that took a number of lives and had a number of individuals who had to rush into the scene and, you know, against their better judgement, to go out and save individuals. So, this Bill just says in the Rules of the Road book, that all kids have to go through before they get their driver's license, we have to include hazardous material placards. So, they know that when they get around larger trucks or larger vehicles that have these hazardous material placards that they should be a little bit more careful as they decide to pass or… or how they drive around those vehicles. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3406 pass?' All those in voting… in favor vote 'yes'; those against vote 10300108.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 'no'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3407, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3407, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Walsh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 3407 would amend the Wildlife Code to remove the requirement that meat processing facility must be an active member of the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger Program in order for it donate deer meat to a charitable organization or community food bank. Furthermore, it provides that the properly tagged and processed deer, which is not claimed in a reasonable time, may be donated to a licensed… donated by a licensed meat facility that no longer wants to process deer. And the facilities donating this meat under this Act must keep written records for at least two years following donation. Happy to answer any questions and ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 340… 3407 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 105 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving the Constitutional Majority, is hereby 10300108.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 declared passed. Senate Bill 3420, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3420, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3420 creates the Unfair Service Agreements. It's an initiative of the Illinois Land Title Association. What we're finding today is that real estate brokerage companies are paying landowners in exchange for an adjacent… for an agreement, excuse me, that property will be listed with that brokerage company in the future. The agreements are recorded in the chain of title and it… and can affect later ownership. As many parts of this agreement, they run with the land so that they're binding on future owners, and they… they have an assignment of rights to provide service without notice to or consent of. This is really a very problematic and deceptive practice, and we want to make sure we do not continue to allow these things to occur."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this deals with unfair service agreements. Is that correct?"
"Correct."
"And unfair is a word that has a relative meaning. We define those agreements in the Bill, correct?"
"Correct. As I… as I mentioned, Leader Windhorst, what it is, is about brokerage companies that are entering 10300108.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 into agreements, of course we're calling it unfair, but they are because they run with the land and they occur on future owners that have no knowledge and cannot get out of it."
"A version of this Bill had a violation as a Class A misdemeanor. Is that still in this version, or has that been removed?"
"One second, Leader, let me just double-check. It's a… it's a civil penalty. It's a… it's a civil penalty, Leader."
"Against the company that…"
"Against the… against the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act."
"And against the company who provides that agreement?"
"Correct."
"And do they have to record it to be in violation, or are they in violation just by entering into it?"
"Just by entering into."
"And is there any remedy for agreements that are recorded that violate this statute?"
"Yes. They can apply to a court in the county where the recording exists asking for a court order to declare it unenforceable."
"Thank you."
"Representative Costa Howard to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3420 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Take the record. With 107 voting 'yes', no 10300108.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3429, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3429, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3429 amends the Sanitary District Act of 1936 by changing the process for which certain districts may disconnect areas of the sanitary district. It passed unanimously out of the Senate, unanimously out of committee, and it's my hope that we can do it as well here in the House of Representatives. I appreciate a favorable roll call."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, what were the circumstances that caused this Bill to be required or needed?"
"Thank you for that question, Sir. As… so, this is an Amendment to an archaic Act of 1936. We're just bringing it into 2024 by looking at how it worked and how it doesn't work and making it streamline the process so it becomes more effective."
"Our analysis shows that there may be a subdivision in the City of Palos Heights that wants to disconnect from the sanitary district that is served by the city. And basically, they're being taxed by the sanitary district even though 10300108.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 they're being served by the city. Are you aware of that situation, or was this designed to address that situation?"
"I was not aware of that situation. But I'm… and I can't answer if this helps with that specific situation 'cause I'm unaware of it."
"But it would if there was a parcel of property, such as a subdivision, that are not being served but are being taxed. This would allow them to disconnect under your Bill."
"Correct."
"All right. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative West to close."
"I appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3434'… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3429 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3430, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3430, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Elik."
"Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 3430 requires HFS to develop and maintain on its website a comprehensive informational guide that explains the Medicare… Medicaid five-year look-back period as it applies to eligibility for 10300108.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 long-term care. The guide needs to be user-friendly and accessible. The five-year look-back period is a confusing area for people who may be entering long-term care and their families. Many feel forced to get expensive outside legal advice to help get them through this process. So, we believe this process should be transparent so that people can know ahead of time what their eligibility will be for Medicaid assistance for long-term care. I'm not aware of any opposition. Happy to take any questions."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3430 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3432, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3432, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's Terra Day today. Senate Bill 3432 would delay the start of a previously established pilot program through IDHS regarding the Division of Developmental Disabilities to train and professionally credential direct support professionals. The… under the original Bill, it was supposed to start this year. We need to extend it out one year because they didn't come up with the rules in time. So, it's just a one-year extension of a program 10300108.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 we already have. It's also the exact same Bill as 4643 that we passed out of committee in the… for beginning of Session."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3432 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take… Terra, you… would like to vote for you? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 107 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3434, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3434, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3434 amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, or IEMA, Act by authorizing the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security to adopt rules for the implementation of its state-funded programs and grants. I'd like to reiterate. This is adoption of rules for the implementation of its state-funded programs and grants, and I ask for its… its favorable roll call."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, as you outlined, this is for state grantmaking rules for state grantmaking."
"Yes, Sir."
"What is causing this change to be needed?" 10300108.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Okay. The reason why this is necessary is we are aligning it with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, which is already in statute. So, we wanted to make sure it resembled what we already put in statute."
"And it appears that there was a partisan vote in the Senate 39 to 19. It did pass the House committee unanimously. I know there has been some concern expressed about during some emergencies the power is given to IEMA and the powers the Governor has authorize… or exercised, rather, and whether there should be some limitations placed on those or, perhaps better put, more involvement of the General Assembly. So, kind of a question we've talked about on other Bills. Why do feel like giving administrative rulemaking powers appropriate in this… in this case, rather than us retaining powers to… as a General Assembly?"
"And that's mainly the reason why I wanted to reiterate that it's for the implementation of the state-funded programs and grants of which we, every year before the… before May 31, we approve as… as General Assembly Members. And so, this has nothing to do with the emergency rules. It has everything to do with state-funded programs and grants that go to the agency."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will." Davis, W.: "Representative, just for clarity's sake, as I'm reading the analysis it talks about necessary, incidental, 10300108.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 and appropriate actions with regard to grants and programs, funding… funding programs and grants. To your knowledge, are any of these… and I'm not asking this in a way to… I guess I just want to know, will any of these things be subject to any diversity requirements? Any grant that they put out there, will it have diversity requirements? Any program they're trying to push? I know we do that on the capital side, but I'm just asking a question. If we're trying to establish them and get them going, to your knowledge, does any of this fall in the diversity space at all? Will there be any requirements?"
"Yeah…" Davis, W.: "And it's just more of an inquiry type question…"
"Right. Good question." Davis, W.: "…if anything. We can dig deeper, and if there's ways to make it happen, great. But I'm just curious as you are trying to move this Bill."
"Yeah. That's a good question. And I would love to dig deeper on that with you because conversations were not focused around the diversity aspect of the… of the Bill… of the grants that go through IEMA. One moment. One second. And I will say its case-by-case based on the grants that go to IEMA. It… they all have different rules within themselves, but this one, the Bill that we have before us today, ensures that… also helps to make sure the grants are awarded more efficiently and quickly… and quicker as well." Davis, W.: "Okay. So… so, in that respect, I know sometimes we hear stories about it takes several months to get money out 10300108.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 the door. So, this will be a way to help streamline that as well and create some efficiencies in that also?"
"At least for this agency." Davis, W.: "At least for that one."
"We both understand the issues we have with other agencies. Would love to dig deeper on that as well. But, yeah, for this agency, it… it streamlines the process." Davis, W.: "Oh, okay. You satisfied my curiosity. Thank you very much. I appreciate it."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Representative, I guess I'm trying to fully understand what this is authorizing. As far as rulemaking process, what's currently in law that needs to be changed that IEMA or the Governor's Office can't make rules for whatever's happening here?"
"A lot of this has to do with the fact that IEMA and the Office of Homeland Security are now one agency. So, we're ironing out the wrinkles when it comes to various rules that both agencies came into before the merge. So, this helps to make sure both agencies are able to operate in alignment."
"So, IEMA was already allowed to make these rules and Homeland Security had other powers regarding making of these rules?"
"There were two different… two different agencies at the time that had two different processes that I'm not 100 percent aware of what those individual processes were. But this makes 10300108.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 sure that when… now that they're together, they have one way of doing things."
"Well, didn't we merge one agency into the other? I'm trying to understand. I… it just… I'm not comprehending why we need to change the law about this. And I have to admit I'm a little skeptical of IEMA because of what happened for three years during the COVID emergency, or emergency that allegedly lasted three years."
"Gotcha. And I'm… it's my hope that we will never have to go through what we went through during those last… those three years. But to my knowledge, SB3434 makes it the… streamlines the process for now that IEMA and the Office of Homeland Security are one agency. So, I can't speak on the past, but I do know that the grants and the… state-funded programs and state-funded grants are the only… are the only programs that will be affected…"
"Be affected."
"…by this Bill."
"Okay. I'm going to listen to see if there's any others, but thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Spain."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Representative West, thank you for bring this forward. But kind of continuing down the same line of questioning, you know, we… we all learned during the pandemic that the… this agency, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, IEMA, has some of the broadest powers in state government already 10300108.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 afforded to it. They were the convening agency utilized by the Governor to make many of the decisions affecting so many lives and businesses and operation of state government during the pandemic. What is missing here that they're not able to develop and facilitate grants where they would need additional rulemaking authority to do so?"
"Can you try that question one more time so I can understand?"
"What is the deficiency with IEMA currently where they would need additional rulemaking authority in order to make grants going forward?"
"So, this… this Bill, essentially, just irons out the process and it helps them to… it helps the grants that go to IEMA and go to the Office of Homeland Security, which is one agency, helps that process to be even more streamlined so that the money can get out quicker. And so, this is all about the money that is allotted to IEMA and the Office of Homeland Security. I understand people's concerns about what happened during our COVID days and the emergency rules, but this is… this Bill does not touch on that, nor does it affect that in any way."
"Thank you. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, I understand the intention of the Sponsor and I appreciate it here on… on creating some better coordination within our state government. That's a… a reasonable initiative, but we have to beware of the consequences of this legislation. And I think our memory should be so very fresh understanding what are some of the challenges, the downsides, the very serious problems that develop when we give agencies of state 10300108.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 government too much unilateral control, where we allow a chief executive of our state government to have outsized, unchecked control. And any time the Legislature grants rulemaking authority to an agency, we are giving up a little piece of our control. And it would be my very strong contention that we all saw firsthand how giving up too much control can create problems for the State of Illinois. We saw it in the pandemic. Let's not head down the same road again. I urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Wilhour."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Yeah. Just to reiterate what a… what a lot of the other people said, we went through several years where this Body completely ignored the Emergency Management Act and let the Governor pretty much do whatever… whatever he wants. And, you know, this is… looks like it's kind of legalizing some of that stuff. One-hundred percent this is… this is for grants and programs, you said?"
"Yes."
"Well, define programs."
"State-funded programs."
"Okay. So, let's say that they were… the state was, through its agencies, running illegal quarantining programs all over… all over the state. Would this allow them to rewrite rules to make what they were doing illegally legal?"
"That's a hypothetical that does not pertain to this Bill."
"Well, tell me how… how it doesn't. 'Cause when I'm… when I'm reading this, there's only one change in here and it doesn't say anything… it doesn't say anything about grants. 10300108.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 It says, 'The agency shall do all other things necessary, incidental, or appropriate for the implementation of this Act, including the adoption of rules in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.'"
"Correct."
"Okay. Well, obviously, we're… we're extremely skeptical that this is not just empowering government to trample on people's rights like they did for three or four years during COVID. So, I would strongly, strongly suggest a… a 'no' vote on this."
"Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Rep., some time ago, several months ago, the Governor issued an emergency order dealing with illegal immigrants. Will this Bill have any impact on that? Will the rulemaking under… authority granted under this Bill have anything do with that or any impact on that?"
"Not a subject matter in the… within the agency. But because the Office of Homeland Security deals with domestic issues, that it… there's a possibility that it could affect… have a hand in that."
"So, what you're saying is, is that the extraordinary measures and the extraordinary powers that were given to the Governor during COVID could be reinstituted under the rulemaking that's been granted here because there really isn't that much of a difference by the way you're talking about it. So, what we're looking at is still granting practically carte blanche authority to the Governor to issue 10300108.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 whatever Executive Orders he wish… he may wish to do in contravention or in compliance with these emergency rules. Is that… is that correct?"
"All I'm saying is that the fact that we have a agency, the IEMA and Office of Homeland Security that's one agency now, Office of Homeland Security being the office that deals directly with domestic issues within the state, I can't say yes or nor can I say no based on that."
"To the Bill. So, it looks to me like no matter what we do here, and I'm urging a 'no' vote, by the way, Executive Orders issued by the Governor, which in COVID lasted 40-some months, and here may or may not override whatever comes in the rulemaking still has not been dealt with. So, I would strongly urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Representative West to close."
"Thank you for the questions from everyone. I just wanted to stress that IEMA is now IEMA-OHS. One agency of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security. That is now one agency, and now we're… this Bill ensures that there's their rules and their… the language that is needed for both agencies is merged into one. It has nothing to do with what happened in the past, which I understand, but I just ask for its adoption because we're… this Bill helps us to move forward. Please, a 'yes' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3434 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 67 voting 'yes', 39 voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, 10300108.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 receiving a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Clerk is in receipt of a Motion in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several Bills. If there is leave, we will take these Motions all together in one… we'll take this Motion all together in one Motion. Is there leave?"
"Mr. Speaker, we request… we would leave for one Motion, but request a vote on that Motion."
"Leave is granted. Leader Gabel."
"Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived so the following Bills can be heard in committee: House Bill 4799 in Police & Fire Committee, Senate Bill 898 in Transportation: Vehicles & Safety, Senate Bill 1089 in Human Services Committee, House Resolution 763 in Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Joint Resolution 73 in Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee, House Bill 4718 in Executive Committee, Senate Bill 333 in Executive Committee, Senate Bill 2665 in Executive, Senate Bill 688 in Executive, Senate Bill 2906 in Executive, and Senate Bill 3410 in Executive."
"Leader Gabel has moved to waive the posting requirements. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 68 voting 'aye', 38 voting 'nay', no one voting 'present', the Motion… the Motion has… the posting requirements are waived. The Chair recognize… recognizes Leader Mah for an announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Democrats would request a caucus meeting immediately in Room 114." 10300108.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Representative Keicher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans would also request an immediate caucus in Room 118."
Speaker Rita: "The Democrats will caucus in Room 114, the Republicans in Room 118. The House will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action on May 20, 2024: approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 222."
"So, on page 7 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 3451, Representative Hanson. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. 3451."
"Senate Bill 3451, a Bill for an Act concerning commuter passenger rail service. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3451 amends the Transportation Cooperation Act of 1971 and will require the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Regional Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Commuter Rail Division to publish an annual report on or before December 31 of each year regarding safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board and the status of implementation."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, thank you for the description of the Bill. What brought this forward? Is there 10300108.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 something that's occurred or some issue that this is designed to address?"
"Thank you for asking. The genesis of the idea stems from a… I'm sorry, a 2023 CTA accident where a train… a revenue train struck a piece of rail equipment, actually a snow plow, injuring 38 people. The spirit of the Bill is… is asking our transit agencies to be more forthright and to, frankly, report back to us when the National Transportation Safety Board issues recommendation for improvements. Their job is to determine whatever cause they can for accidents, whether… if they're grave enough, either an injury or… and damage to property, to come up with a recommendation for possible prevention of said… or said accidents in the future."
"And this report will be made available to the public on the website. Is that correct?"
"Correct. It's… it is a… it is a 'will' for our transit agencies that we listed, and it's a 'may' for Amtrak and also for the… the Bi-State Development Agency, which is… encompasses both St. Louis and the Metro East area."
"And are there any known opponents to your Bill?"
"There's no known opponents, no known cost. And for anyone that may be wondering, this has nothing to do with either governance or possible discussions about revenue… I'm sorry, for… for funding going forward. This is a… this is a safety- related reporting issue."
"Thank you."
"Representative Hanson to close."
"Thank you for the robust discussion on what the Bill does, and I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300108.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3451 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. 108 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present'. And this Bill, having Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, Senate Bill 3452, Representative Syed. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3452, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Syed."
"Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 3452 is an initiative of the Department of Revenue to streamline bond requirements under the Tobacco Products Tax Act, as well as eliminate unnecessary administrative hearings in cases involving the seizure of tobacco or cannabis contraband when owners or possessors of the contraband waive their rights to a hearing and consented to the forfeiture. This initiative passed the Senate unanimously, and I ask for a 'yes' vote."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, the Bill here does a few things related to tobacco taxes and cannabis taxes. Is that accurate?"
"That is accurate."
"And makes a variety of changes regarding bonding requirements and the procedure to be used in disciplinary 10300108.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 action during ongoing cases of a tobacco tax dispute or a cannabis tax dispute. Is that…"
"That's correct."
"…correct? As it relates to the bonding requirements, what changes are made?"
"Could you restate your question? The bonding requirements?"
"Yes. What changes does this Bill make as regard to… to the bonding requirements?"
"So, the… well, I could… the… so, the proposed changes in this Bill is, one, that the… this proposal provides that tobacco products taxpayers with a two-year continuous compliance record are exempt from the bond requirements of the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. And it also provides that new applicants or distributors, who in the preceding year had less than 50 thousand of tax liability, are not required to file bonds. And the reason for those is because we believe… that the Department of Revenue believes that both taxpayers and the department should devote more resources to comply with statutory bond requirements as opposed to these lengthy hearings. Does that answer the question?"
"Yes, it does. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"And with regard to disciplinary action, does that mainly to do with the seizure of contraband that's discussed in the Bill, or is there other portions of disciplinary action that are changed by this Bill?"
"I may be misinterpreting your question, but there's no changes necessary to the disciplinary action. Are you referring to the administrative hearings?" 10300108.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Yes."
"Yes. Yes. So, that's only involving the seizure of contraband when the owner or possessor of the contraband has previously waived their rights and has consented to the forfeiture of that contraband. No other changes."
"And this was unanimous in the Senate and in committee. Is that correct?"
"Yes. And no known opposition on this Bill."
"Thank you."
"Representative Syed to close."
"I ask for a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3452 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 107… with 107 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3455, Representative Canty. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3455, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Canty."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present Senate Bill 3455. This Bill addresses concerns regarding our property tax system here in the state. Our residents and taxpayers throughout the state demand that we take a hard look at current problems, issues, and ways we can improve that system. Senate Bill 3455 directs the Illinois Department of Revenue, with the help of the Department of Commerce and 10300108.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 Economic Opportunity, to conduct an independent study to evaluate the fairness of the levy assessment appeal and collection processes in Cook County and the State of Illinois. This study will focus on the Cook County classification process, a process that is unique to Cook County, appeal procedures and recent delays in the process, homestead exemptions, and the economic impact of property taxes. IDOR will be able to consult with and receive public comments from our colleges and universities, local units of government, businesses organizations, unions, property tax professionals, civic organizations, and others. Importantly, this study conducted by IDOR will make recommendations and findings related to current issues in the process and provide possible solutions to these issues by July 1, 2026. The department shall consider at least the last 10 tax years' worth of data in completing the study and focus on both comparing assessment processes in Illinois and other states and analyzing homestead exemption data. The department will be permitted to work with institutions of higher education and units of local government, with information requested by the department from those units of local government be provided to the extent possible within 60 days of the information being requested. This Bill passed the Senate and the House Revenue & Finance Committee unanimously. It has no known opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will." 10300108.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Thank you. Representative, I think the issues with our property tax system is… has pretty well universal agreement that there need to be corrections and changes and definite reforms. And even in my short time in the General Assembly, I've seen efforts such as a property tax task force that's been developed. So, I guess the question that's raised is, how will this be different than prior efforts that we've had that have not borne fruit and brought reform to this system?"
"I think the goal here is to bring this out of the assessor's office itself and have objective third parties evaluating this data and providing recommendations."
"Will this apply… this study apply only to Cook County, or will it apply statewide?"
"It will apply statewide, but Cook County is the one that has a system that runs differently."
"And you mentioned pulling out the assessors. Why do you believe that will make this more successful than prior efforts?"
"I think that, you know, the assessors do a great job. I think they're also confident in the work that they do and that what they're doing is correct. I think by pulling it out and bringing into IDOR and DCEO, we can make sure that that's true or fix it if it's not."
"And when should we expect a report from this study?"
"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I follow."
"When should the report be concluded from this study?"
"Are you… sorry, are you saying which or when?"
"When." 10300108.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"When. Sorry. July 1, 2026."
"All right. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Representative, we had a task force a couple years ago that basically came to the conclusion that… and pointed a finger back here as the cause of much of our property tax problems. How's this going to change that?"
"I can't speak to that prior report, but I know that the organizations that have brought this forward strongly believe that this will be different because of who will be conducting the study and the manner in which they'll be conducting it."
"Are there going to be any discussions or examinations of unfunded mandates that are being placed on local government?"
"I… I would imagine that may come up."
"Will there be an examination of the effect of the failure of the state to properly fund Property Tax Replacement Fund and Local Government Distributive Fund funds to local governments, and thereby having a mitigating effect on property taxes?"
"I can't speak to that specifically, but the Bill lays out what we expect. And if those questions do come up, I imagine they would get answered there."
"Will the task force examine what will happen to local property taxes if the Governor's proposal to do away with the… with the grocery tax succeeds in this year's budget?"
"I imagine that if it comes up, it will be examined." 10300108.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"To the Bill. Obviously, we're looking at the wrong thing here. We're looking at costs being imposed upon local governments, upon municipalities, townships, counties simply because we failed to do our job by appropriating the kind of money necessary to fund local… local services and local… local governments, which are obviously much more efficient at doing so than we are. But I don't… I didn't hear any answers in this… in the Sponsor's answers, nor did I hear… read anything in our analysis that says anything dealing with mandates with shortages of reimbursements or replacement of the loss of local government is anything in it. And unless you're going to do that, the issue of looking at property taxes from the standpoint of… of what's in this Bill is really just whistling past the graveyard of what the real problems are with property taxes in this state. So, I… I think I would urge a 'no' vote on this Bill."
"Representative Ugaste."
"To the Bill. While I always appreciate anyone willing to work on property taxes, I just always find it interesting that we need another study done when we already know that our taxes are too high. We've had commissions and everything to look at this and study it and come out with proposals, and we even have Bills pending. I have HB4866. If you look at it, it should allow for property tax relief for over 21 years of 82 and a half billion dollars. So, while I'll probably vote for this, I don't oppose anything that will help lower property taxes. If we're serious about actually doing something, if we really want to get things done, let's start looking at the 10300108.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 Bills that have been filed already that will reduce property taxes. Thank you."
"Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, who all will be a part of this study or discussion? Who… I'm trying to read… read your language here to see… just drill into who will be a part of this."
"So, it will be conducted by the Department of Revenue. They can work with DCEO and others. They will be able to work with objective third parties like our university partners."
"Yeah, I… I didn't get the last half of that. I need you to speak into the microphone, please, 'cause I… I'm not getting that."
"So, it would be IDOR with the help of DCEO, and then they can also work with third parties like our universities."
"Okay. Are you going to include any folks that actually pay property taxes?"
"I believe all of those people pay property taxes in the State of Illinois."
"Yeah, but you don't have them named exclusively in this language. You don't… you know, we leave this up to agencies. Do they have any authority to go out and… and find people that own residential real estate or commercial real estate to get their thoughts on this or anybody in government or whatever to get kind of thoughts on how this should be reformed?" 10300108.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"I'm not sure I follow. So, they… they are made up of people who live and work in the State of Illinois, and they will have the opportunity to interview and conduct the study with whomever and however they see fit."
"Okay. So, we… I believe it was in 2019. I want to go back here and just look. So, in 2019, there was a task force that was passed here in this Body. It was made up of 88 Members by… I'm trying to find my stuff here. Can you tell me what the results of that task force that was paneled in 2019, what the results of that was… the report? And I guess it was… I'm seeing here a final report was due on December 31, 2019. Did that… did that report ever get filed?"
"I do not have that information off the top of my head."
"So, what is your goal here with this Bill? What is your goal today with this Bill that might be different? I mean, if you don't… if we had a task force back in 2019, and you didn't read that or know what the results of that is, why are we doing this Bill today?"
"Because the proponents that brought this to me believe that the past studies that have been done on this topic were not sufficient to address the inequities that they felt exist in our system."
"So, further explain, address the inequities in our system. What… what inequities in what system?"
"So, in Cook County, in particular, they have a different model of assessing property taxes, and it differentiates between residential and commercial properties."
"Okay. So, why… I still don't understand. What is your goal here, and how does that affect our other 101 counties?" 10300108.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"There is… there is a belief that that system is inequitable. And so, we would like to do an independent study to figure out if that's true. And if so, have recommendations for how to make adjustments."
"Yeah. Well, I think the inequity is or the facts are that Illinois is the first or second highest taxed state in the nation. The numbers continue to roll in from different third-party groups across this nation. People are voting with their feet. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. People are leaving this state in droves because of high property taxes, high income taxes, and the like. XYZ, name your tax. Fee increase. The gas tax went up by double in 2019. The list goes on and on and on. And yet, we don't know the results of what happened with this 2019 task force that had 88 members, if I'm… if I'm reading right here, and yet we're doing another Bill. This isn't rocket science. We're not trying to put a man on the moon here. We know property taxes are too high. You can probably pull 10 people in and by tomorrow morning have an answer to what needs to be done here to reform this system. And yet, we want another… do another Bill that will do nothing, go nowhere. Ladies and Gentlemen, I don't know what to do with this Bill. I'm just… I probably will vote 'no'. Thank you."
"Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"So, Representative, do we have anything with our educators involved in this, our school districts, or anything else?" 10300108.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"So, it… again, the study will be conducted by the Department of Revenue in conjunction with DCEO, and they can work with local units of government. That would include school districts."
"So, what… what does the DCEO have to do with property taxes?"
"They are a grantmaking body and one that all of the opposition felt might be an appropriate partner with the Department of Revenue on this."
"All right. To the Bill. You know, I was on the 2019 Property Tax Relief Task Force that amounted to a lot of good efforts and initiatives that were introduced, but not one thing came to fruition. Over 70 percent of our property taxes come from our school districts, and they should be number one on here, being involved and understanding where exactly that 70 percent of our property taxes are going. We don't have property taxpayers involved in this at all. Again, this is going to be another waste of time, that it will amount to nothing, that anyone in here has the stomach to actually vote for it to pass meaningful relief for our taxpayers in Illinois. Thank you."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Sorry, I was… wasn't paying that close attention during your presentation of the Bill. This is… this Bill is the initiative of some sort of, like, big government, leftist interest group, right?" 10300108.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"It actually is not. It's an initiative of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce."
"Oh, the… sorry, the Chicagoland Chamber. Again, I wasn't following it that closely. Representative, would you say that the… the property tax system in Illinois is working well?"
"I would not say that."
"Do you think the majority of your constituents think it's working well?"
"I would say my constituents do not think it is working well."
"Do you think the constituents in any of our districts are really thrilled with how their property tax system's working?"
"I think we have heard many arguments today why they do not think it is working well."
"Yeah. I… to the Bill. I understand. I was around in 2019. I was not a member… member of this group. I understand that we didn't fix everything in 2019. And if we… if we take that to mean that we should therefore stop trying to fix the problems of the property tax system and just live with it the way it is forever, then I think we should vote 'no' on this Bill. If we think there's yet more to learn about how to improve the property tax system in our state, I… I think this Bill provides a wonderful, clear, straightforward roadmap to getting some meaningful reform done. And I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Canty to close." 10300108.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Thank you very much. I very much believe in our system here to do better by our taxpayers on property taxes. And if you agree with me, I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3455 pass?' All those in favor voting 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 94 voting 'yes', 14 voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to House Bills on Second Reading, we're going to move to House Bill 4592. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. On page 7 of the Calendar, we're going to move back to Third Reading, Senate Bill 3389, Representative Delgado. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3389, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Delgado."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3389 does a few things with CMAP, but, most importantly, it allows a simple majority vote for the following actions: contracts, excluding the executive director employment contract; grants; purchase agreements; and meeting minutes. It also repeals the authority for CMAP to create the Wastewater Committee, and it changes the voting threshold for certain items, which I just outlined. This is actually an initiative of CMAP to try to modernize their Act and try to bring it up to the kind of work that they're doing currently. So, as far as I know, there is no opposition. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst." 10300108.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. So, this Bill deals with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, or CMAP. Is that correct?"
"Yes. That's correct."
"And currently they have a four-fifths vote threshold for operating or doing business as a board. Is that correct?"
"Yes. Yeah. So, right now, they… they need four-fifths vote to do anything at all. In terms of any kind of planning decisions, the four-fifths vote would still hold, so to make sure there's regional cooperation and coordination. But for some of these more day-to-day operational things, it would move to a simple majority."
"Do you know why the four-fifths threshold was placed in law originally, what the purpose of it was?"
"So, I believe… it predates my time here, but I do believe that it was because they wanted to ensure that there was regional cooperation. So, no one entity or one county would be able to determine what happens on the regional basis. So, that's why the four-fifths vote was required."
"And we are taking certain items out of that four- fifth threshold. You mentioned some contracts, meeting minutes, grants, purchasing agreements. Is that accurate?"
"Yes. That's correct."
"Are all of the entities involved with CMAP in agreement with this change?"
"Yes, they are."
"All right. Is there any known opposition to this Bill?" 10300108.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"There is none, as far as I know."
"Thank you."
"Representative Delgado to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3389 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting's open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 108 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 8 of the Calendar, Senate Bill 3460, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3460, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3460 amends the Self-Storage Facilities Act. It provides for updates and more current… excuse me, modernizes aspects of service of these rental agreements and how that they can be… how that they are tendered. There are some prohibited uses in there as well. But, again, this is a way for us to update, modernize the way we deal with service agreements with storage unit facilities."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3460 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, 10300108.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 receiving the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next on the Calendar, Senate Bill 3467. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Could you move it back to Second Reading?"
"Senate Bill 3467, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Olickal, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Olickal."
"Yes, Floor Amendment 1 is technical in nature. It just changes section… it just eliminates some duplicative language in Section 8.5 of the statute. I move for its adoption."
"Representative Olickal moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 3467. 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. And read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3467, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Olickal."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3467 is an initiative of the Illinois Speech-Language and Hearing Association. In 2023, the Section 8.5 of the Illinois Speech- Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act was amended to include a third pathway to becoming a licensed speech language pathology assistant. And this Bill amends that third pathway by clarifying that the bachelor's degree that a person received from a program meets the minimum requirement set 10300108.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 forth in Section 8.6 of the Act. Provides that the speech language pathologist who supervises the student completing the hundred hours of field work is nationally certified and requires the student to obtain national certification as a certified… or, SLPA. Again, this is an initiative of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association. There is no opposition to the Bill. I'm happy to answer any questions, but urge an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3467 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3471, Representative Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3471, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hernandez." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Bill will remove the fee for victims of car theft and allows the Secretary of State to issue new plates and sticker for no fee."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3471 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. 107 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, receiving the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Stuart." 10300108.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Senate Bill 3467, I intended to be a 'yes' vote."
"The record will reflect that. Representative Andrade. Next Bill, Senate Bill 3475, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3475, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3475 is an initiative of the Department of Revenue to streamline existing distributions of the state's Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax, or HOOT, by settling more well-defined percentages allocated to each fund. This is a six percent tax with a complex breakdown. Currently, from 1… from the 1 percent tax, 100 percent of it goes to the Building Illinois… Build Illinois Fund. And from the 5 percent tax, 40 percent goes into the Build Illinois Fund, while the remaining 50 percent, there's a $5 million allocation that goes to the Illinois Sports Facilities Fund. And then 82 percent of the 8 percent of the remainder goes to Local Tourism Fund, 18 percent of 8… of the 8 percent of the remainder goes to into the Chicago Travel Industry Promotion Fund, and 45 percent of 4… of the 4.5 percent of the remainder goes into the International Tourism Fund. As you can hear, this is very complex. This Bill streamlines the process even further so that 50 percent goes into the Building Illinois Fund and 50 percent is allocated quicker and easier for the Department of Revenue. This is their initiative. It passed unanimously out of the Senate. I ask for the same in the House." 10300108.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, I appreciate you going through those items. It appears from our analysis that the Department of Revenue is required… before this Bill, the Department of Revenue is required to recalculate on a daily basis the payments of hotel tax cash flows to various defined beneficiaries, and that this Bill replaces the daily recalculation with a standard algorithm. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"All right. And how is that algorithm determined? Or how would it be determined by the Bill?"
"So, the new… it will be determined by the new formula that I laid out. You want me to lay it out again?"
"No."
"Okay."
"I just want to make sure that that is…"
"Yes, Sir."
"…what the new algorithm…"
"That's the new…"
"…would be. So, what you laid out would be the new algorithm rather than a daily recalculation?"
"Correct."
"Why do we feel that we need to move from that daily calculation to the algorithm?"
"According to the Department of Revenue, the current fund allocation process for the… for HOOT is unduly complicated, commonly misunderstood, and much more complex than other tax 10300108.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 fund allocation processes. So, while defined fund allocation percentages are applied for deposits into the Build Illinois Fund, subsequent allocations are not, thus requiring the department to calculate month-to-date revenues each day to determine the target amount for each fund allocating to those funds until the targets are met. So, this helps to streamline the process 'cause, as you can hear, that's very complicated compared to other taxing funds that we have."
"This spring we've heard some conversation about funding for Chicago sports stadiums. Is there anything about this Bill that would alter the existing structure of state aid for sports stadiums in Chicago?"
"The number that goes into the Illinois Sports Facilities Fund does not look like it changes much. So, there hasn't been much conversation about that."
"Basically, this… there's… this Bill's not intended to address those issues. Is that fair to say?"
"Not at all."
"Okay."
"Correct."
"And it appears that the Senate treated this as an agreed Bill, and it passed unanimously out of their Body."
"Passed unanimously. Yes, Sir."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative West to close."
"I would appreciate an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3475 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The 10300108.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 107 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3479, Representative Kifowit. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3479, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I'm pleased to present Senate Bill 3479. It amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptions Businesses Acts. As you recall, several years ago, we passed a Bill to mandate that those that are providing veteran services would be required to disclose that they can get those same services for free from our county VACs and our state VSOs. There had since been found a loophole. This closes the loophole and puts, again, services to include counseling or coaching as it pertains to veterans or military benefit services. In… this is a way to stem the rise in, in essence, charging veterans for services they could have for free. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3479 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 108 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to Supplemental Calendar #1, we have House Bill 4592. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 10300108.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"House Bill 4592, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Buckner, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Buckner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment 2 just has some clarifying language that makes it… it makes sure that a private entity does not establish a policy to accept only digital IDs since this underlying Bill would just be an option. And also adds some language so that… creating some… some liability… removing some liability from officers if a digital ID is taken on a phone from them. And it also modifies the definition of mobile drivers' licenses to be consistent with the definition used by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators."
"Representative Buckner moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 4592, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Buckner."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4592 amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code by authorizing the Secretary of State's Office to create and issue mobile identification cards and mobile drivers' licenses. This Bill creates an enabling legislation because 10300108.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 currently there is no state law or statute that authorizes the SOS to create and issue these mobile IDs and mobile drivers' licenses to Illinois constituents. The Bill changes existing law by doing a few things. It adds references to mobile IDs and drivers' licenses so that the same will be subject to the rights and penalties associated with ID cards and driving privileges. It adds requirements so that mobile IDs and mobile driver's license can ensure the credential will be secure and interoperable. And lastly, it requires that mobile IDs and licenses comport with the system established and in use by the AAMVA and optimized across state lines to ensure identity verification. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader, the Bill establishes a mobile ID card or mobile driver's license, as you outlined. And your latest Amendment says that no person or entity can establish a policy requiring the electronic version over a physical version. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. And the… the context behind that, Leader, is because this is going to be optional or an option that's available to folks who are living here in the State of Illinois. We don't want any business entity to preclude what we're doing by saying that they will only accept mobile drivers' licenses or IDs." 10300108.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"What implications, if any, does establishment of the mobile driver's license or mobile ID have on the Real ID system that exists, I believe, federally?"
"Yeah, so the… you know, once again, this is enabling legislation that will allow the Secretary of State's Office to begin creating a streamlined process where folks will be able to have their Real ID in the physical copy, but also have the mobile drivers' licenses or ID on their phone. Just like we do with our credit cards. And so, they're taking it into… into account as well. Sorry."
"Are we anticipating any cost for the Secretary of State's Office?"
"Pardon me. Any…"
"Are we anticipating any costs for the Secretary of State's Office with this implementation?"
"No. They've gone through this. They've looked at the entire lay of the… lay of the land and there… there is not going to be a… a fiscal impact that will be prohibitive."
"Thank you."
"Representative Keicher."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, I was just sitting here listening to this and… and one of the thoughts that… that popped into my head that came up last time that you had talked on this is a very real concern. As I understand it, if a law enforcement agent shows up at your home and you invite them in for a cup of coffee, you've then consented, basically, to a… a search of your premises. How does that theory hold when 10300108.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 you're dealing with a cellular telephone? If you open it up and show them your ID, you hand it to them, say they swipe to another one or you have a text that comes in and supersedes the image, is that a legitimate search? Is that qualified or is that a tainted apple of the tree?"
"It would not be. Two things on that specific point, and I'm glad you asked that. One, being that the way that this is envisioned, folks would not actually have to hand over a device to… to law enforcement. You know, I've seen this in a few other states, and sometimes they just scan…"
"Okay."
"…whatever the code is there. But if for some reason someone did feel compelled to give their device to an officer, or a sheriff, or a trooper, we've got some very specific language here in Section 9 that says the display of a license shall not serve as authorization for law enforcement, or any other person, to search, view, or access any other data in your phone."
"Thank you."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Yes."
"Representative, with all of the… the modern technology, if I hand my phone over to a law enforcement officer, is there any penalty if… if someone were to access the data on my phone? I mean, we have devices, law enforcement has devices, obviously, that could clone my phone once they got their hand on it. I know your Bill says this, but is there a penalty for that? Is… what is my protection from someone, a rogue police 10300108.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 officer wanting to download my photos, accessing my phone? What… what's my protection?"
"It would be the same protections that are currently existing in the law if an officer somehow got your phone and did not have a search warrant. So, that… that wouldn't change in this space."
"And what's the safeguard for me or someone sharing my virtual driver's license or ID card with someone else? In other words, somebody gets their hands on my phone or… or a… an ID card holder wants to share his or her ID with an underage person so they can access alcohol. How… how are we going to prevent that?"
"Listen, I think the technology… well, I know the technology exists. And so, much like if… if you use the Apple Wallet function on your phone or any of those things, right? The parameters that are in place there are… will also be parameters that will be here in this… in this version of what we're doing. But, once again, Representative, I want to just remind folks that this is not taking away the ability to have a physical driver's license. I… I personally choose to have certain credit cards physically, other ones I have on my… my mobile device. So, this would just give us the ability to do that. There are a number of states around the country, including Louisiana and Iowa, who are doing this and who have done this and figured out a way to do it to keep… and keep folks safe. I think, you know, as Illinois continues to move forward and… and embraces technological advances, this is the right step for us." 10300108.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"Okay. I mean, I'm just concerned about the privacy and also the security. If someone wanted to take my ID, if I wanted to share my ID with another person, can they superimpose their photo onto my ID? I mean, how secure is this process?"
"It's actually easier to do that with just a physical ID in the current system we have. Superimposing an… an image on an app or through a mobile device is actually a really tough thing to do. I won't say it's impossible, but it's much easier to do that right now in the current status quo."
"Okay. I'm just, I guess… I'm more worried about protecting, you know, my identity with my driver's license or anyone else. I guess I'd like to see the technology of this before we go forward. Have you… have you seen this demonstrated somewhere?"
"I have. I've seen it demonstrated in a number of states, including ones that I used to live in. I… I understand the reticence and the questions about the technology. This current Bill, all it does is create enabling language to allow us to start moving forward in that space. But, once again, it is easier today for somebody to pickpocket you and take your license and take your ID and your identification than it is in this system that we're trying to create."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Rep. Buckner, I know you've worked really hard on this, and this is a great step forward. And there's a lot, I know, more work to be done as this rolls out. So, I have confidence that this 10300108.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 is going to land the right way. It's my understanding that while the ACLU is… of Illinois is not opposed to the concept of mobile or electronic ID, they still have issues with this Bill as written. And their concerns, and we heard some of that from our prior speaker, about expanding law enforcement access to mobile devices in a way that might have some privacy concerns. There may be issues around requiring an Internet connection to access the mobile ID, which disadvantages people who don't have Wi-Fi, perhaps could permit commercial entities to discriminate or charge higher fees. We see this in places that are refusing to take cash. So, some concerns there. So, for any concerns that cannot be addressed legislatively, are you and the Secretary of State willing to work with the ACLU of Illinois and other concerned advocates to resolve the issues in the rulemaking process?"
"Absolutely, through the rulemaking process and whatever happens on the… the other… in the other chamber. I think those are some… some very legit and cogent concerns. And we got to make sure we do this the right way, so absolutely."
"I appreciate that, and I look forward to seeing this roll out. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative… Representative Benton."
"Thank you, Mr. Sponsor. Will the… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Long day with the kids. Sorry about that. Thank you for the work that you've done on this Bill. Wouldn't this Bill… wouldn't this concept benefit people in rural counties the 10300108.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 most that can't necessarily get to DMVs in a… in a timely manner or DMVs being a little bit further away?"
"Yeah, I think folks who… who live in places where they've got to go a while to get to a facility, this will help them. But… but I think folks throughout the state may find this useful. I live in a community that has a number of DMVs and… and the process there has been streamlined recently, but this is going to create a process, I think, that makes it easier for all folks."
"Okay. So, this would benefit people a little bit more downstate, maybe in the eastern area of the state, these… these rural counties. It makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate that. There's a lot of… of push towards digital verifications. And, again, with the… the security component of it, with a physical ID, anybody can just make a copy of that and… and doctor it, right?"
"Yeah. And, unfortunately, we… we see that a lot of Illinois physical IDs, over the years, have been the ones that people have used to try to doctor. And so, this is really about, you know, Secretary of State's commitment to doubling down on security, but also on advancing us in a way that works for the whole state. So, you know, I do think this is a step… a step in the right direction."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I appreciate the Sponsor's work on this. I think this is taking Illinois the right direction, a step into the future and starting to get concurrent with a lot of other states and a lot of directions that they're going towards to make things more accessible, easier, and then offer a better way for the discrepancies of, you know, logistics 10300108.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 and transportation and trying to get to DMVs to try to get your license. And I think it's great work and it's a step in the right direction. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Buckner to close."
"I urge a 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 4592 pass?' Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 103 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting… no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Page… on page 2 of the Calendar, House Bills on Second Reading, House Bill 587. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 587, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Cassidy, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to adopt the Amendment and debate it on Third."
"Representative Cassidy moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. 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. And read… read the Bill." 10300108.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024
"House Bill 587, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cassidy"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 587 represents work between the Governor's Office, the Illinois Hospital Association, and advocates for survivors of sexual assault. Many of us were made aware of a rampant problem with hospitals receiving reports of abuse by medical professionals on patients, but not necessarily acting on them appropriately. House Bill 587 addresses the biggest problem with the underlying law, which is to close a loophole that allows hospitals to ignore reports when medical professionals are not actually employed within the main campus, or the main hospital campus. And this would require that those same reporting standards have to exist for folks at satellite locations. There was… this comes out of a case where a hospital system just continued to move a doctor around rather than address his chronic abuse of patients, and very many patients came forward this year. The numbers are a little stunning, to be honest with you. So, this is a great first step to make sure that we're closing obvious loopholes, but we clearly need to do more to make sure parents… patients understand their rights in health care settings. And I ask for your support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 587 pass?' Those in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; those opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay'. The voting's open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 108 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', 10300108.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 681, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 681, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Cassidy, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Cassidy."
"I'd like to adopt the Amendment and then date… debate the Bill on Third."
"Representative Cassidy moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. And read the Bill."
"House Bill 681, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year, I think many of us were shocked when there was a brutal and tragic killing in my district of an 11-year-old boy who died trying to protect his mother when her abuser was released from… by PRB, sorry, by the Prisoner Review Board, and he went directly to her home and attempted to kill her. When she learned that he was facing this hearing, she filed for an order of protection. But because her abuser was incarcerated, it wasn't an emergency, so she was not able to get an emergency order of protection. The judge rightly set it for a hearing. When the 10300108.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 attacker's revocation hearing began, the PRB board member was unaware that there was a pending hearing for his order of protection and there was no opportunity for… for the victim to present any testimony. This makes several changes to… that are immediate. And what we did, frankly, is in the aftermath of this heinous crime, people from both chambers and both sides of the aisle introduced Bills, and there were a lot of Bills floating around. Working with the Governor's Office, we pulled together everything that had been proposed, worked with everybody that was looking to make changes. And this represents, as… as our Speaker said in caucus, somebody getting a little bit of everything but nobody getting everything. What we are doing is making sure that board members complete appropriate training on gender-based violence so that they have an understanding of the impact of those issues. Requires the Board to notify any registered victims of a crime when the offender of such crime is being released from state custody. Requires that the PRB actually check prior to the beginning of a hearing to see if there are any outstanding issues in LEADS. The reality of these hearings is that very often the report to prepare for the hearing is completed days or weeks prior to the actual hearing. So, this just requires that they take a look and make sure they're not missing anything and that the report is fully up to date. Requires more transparency on the part of the board. They will need to be more public-facing with their actions. And the biggest piece, frankly, will be, some of us are going to get to spend a lot of time working together, a very robust task force to look at all of the interchanging, interlocked 10300108.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 issues. For example, we've got multiple victim witness notification systems in this state. They don't necessarily connect with each other. We want to make sure that we're getting every victim all the information they need. In addition, we have, clearly, a staffing issue at the PRB. So, we want the… the task force to look at not just the size of the PRB, but also what the qualifications are for folks. What… what we… are we recruiting all of the right folks to be on the PRB? Are we structuring their work in such a way that it is possible to get enough qualified people to do the work? The… the task force will… will dig deeper into those sorts of issues and… and come back with recommendations. Happy to answer your questions."
"Representative Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, appreciate you bringing this forward and the… the efforts been made here to help improve the PRB. Are we expecting an Amendment in the Senate as it relates to sexual assault survivors?"
"Yes. Thank you for reminding me of that. The… the PRB task force portion, in particular, neglected to include issues related to inclusion of sexual assault advocates. And in addition, the section on orders of protection, in terms of what… what needs to be part of the lookback, neglected to include sexual assault related OPs. So, that will be… that will be a Senate Amendment."
"There's a provision in the Bill dealing with DOC providing a report regarding completion of mandatory 10300108.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 conditions of parole or MSR. There's a time frame, some for detainable offenses. Six months, I believe, for detainable…"
"That's actually going to come out and become part of the task force. That's also part of the Senate Amendment."
"All right. So, that will… will no longer be part of the law after…"
"It will no longer be part of the Bill."
"All right. And… but the victim notification provisions and involvement provisions you've outlined, will those remain?"
"Those remain, yes. And they are very central to the functionality of this."
"Thank you."
"Representative Cassidy to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Question is, 'Shall House Bill 681 pass?' Those in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; those opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay'. The voting is open. All voted who wish? All voted who wish? All voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. With 106 voting 'yes', no one voting 'no', no one voting 'present', this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
Clerk Hollman: "The following committees will be meeting immediately after Session: Financial Institutions & Licensing will meet in Room 122B, the Executive Committee will meet in Room 118, Counties & Townships will meet in Room 115, Mental Health & Addiction will meet in Room 413, Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education will meet in C-1. Immediately after that, we have Insurance in Room C-1, 10300108.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 108th Legislative Day 5/20/2024 Economic Opportunity & Equity in Room 115, Labor & Commerce in Room 114, Human Services in Room D-1. Note that the Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Committee was canceled, as well as the Appropriations–Public Safety Committee was canceled."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 800, offered by Representative Katz Muhl. House Resolution 802, offered by Representative Ugaste. House Resolution 803 and 804, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. House Resolution 805, offered by Representative Halbrook. And House Resolution 806, offered by Leader McCombie."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; 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… Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 21, at the hour of 11 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 10300108.docx 61