"The House shall be in order. Members should be in the chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Seth. Pastor Seth is with the Partners for Our Communities in Palatine, Illinois. Pastor Seth is the guest of Representative Syed. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance."
"Hello. We call together on the God who is love, the God who is wisdom, the God who is the creator and mover of us all. We ask for the blessing of that God on this assembled gathering and on all the people of Illinois. We call on the God of the widow and orphan, the God of the outcast and stranger, the God of the sojourner, the God who calls on us to remember that we, every one of us, who's created in your image, send your wisdom in this place. Send your discernment to this Body. Send your compassion, your grace, and your love to all the people of Illinois. Amen."
"We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Ford."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Buckner is recognized to report any excused absence on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Andrade, Flowers, Jones, Nichols, and Yang Rohr are excused today." 10300111.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the… Leader Windhorst is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would you excuse Representative Rosenthal?"
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 111 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports. Representative Jacobs, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a young lady with me that is my Page for the day. Ladies and Gentlemen of the chamber, I would like to introduce my Page, Elizabeth Hill. Her dad is right up here, I think, Jason Hill. They are from Anna- Jonesboro. Very good football team. Okay? Listen, she's a freshman at Anna-Jonesboro, 15 years old. She is in District 81, where she is a straight-A student, which we like. She's also thinking about becoming an attorney and then maybe a judge. She would like to go to a top-tier college, something like maybe Northwestern, and maybe then on to the University of Chicago. I think that those are all good things because they're in the State of Illinois. One of the things that she would love to also do, I already told you, she wanted to be a judge. So, I'm not going to tell you that again. She's also one of the only person… people from Illinois that is going to the University of Chicago in the Emerging World Leaders Program. I think that's quite… quite impressive. Now, Elizabeth also does like to play softball. They finished their 10300111.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 last game yesterday. She's also, gosh, what, in the Future Business Leaders of America. I'm… I'm liking this gal a lot. I didn't know her then. I knew her dad. She wants to be involved in opportunities that will prepare her for the future. And that's a future that we hope will be right here and bright in the State of Illinois. Please give her a very warm, warm welcome, Springfield welcome. Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I thank the Body for their indulgence. Generally, this time of year school's getting out. We've just completed some of the later-season sports. I've got a number of state champions in the… in the House here. They're all standing up. As I introduce them in the… trying to make sure I don't take too much of the time. We're… we're supposed to have a budget by tomorrow, so I… I want to do this pretty quick. So, I'm going run through. If you can… if you can raise your hand as I announce you, I would appreciate it. From North Greene Junior High, we have the Illinois 2A 7th grade girls 4x400- meter relay state champs. Where are we? Ladies, over here on the Democrat side. Got Summer Coates, Bria Bushnell, Kelci Smith-Anthony, Wynter Robeen, Adilynn Churchill, and Livia Cooper. Congratulations, ladies. They also placed fifth in the 4x400 relay. So, good job, girls. I also have the West Central boys here. Class… Illinois Class 2A 8th grade 4x200- meter relay state champs and the Illinois 2A boys 4x400-meter 10300111.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 relay state champs. We've got Dallas Surratt, Brady Engelbrecht, Beau Donovan, Brody Lawson, Jacob Grady, and Abe Bonjean. Congratulations, fellas. Keep rolling here. Cutter Kirgan… Kirgan. I don’t… want to make sure to say that right, from Pleasant Hill. The Illinois 1A 7th grade boys shot put state champ. He also placed second place in the discus at the 1A 7th grade state championship. Congratulations, Cutter. I've got Hadley Lake here from Carrollton St. John Evangelist School. She's the Illinois 1A 7th grade girls state champ and also, seventh… she got the seventh place in the shot put. Was it the discus? First place in disc. Congratulations. Also, we have Chloe McAdams. We'll call her Back-to-Back McAdams. She is the Illinois 1A 8th grade girls discus state champ. Right? And last year, you won the state championship as well, right? She was selected to read the athlete pledge before the state track meet. She holds the seventh and eighth grade discus record at the state track meet. I want to wish her a huge congratulations. Keep up the good work. Okay, Collyn Forbis, Kinderhook Western Junior High, you got a 1st place in the 400-meter 1A 8th grade state champ. You got a 3rd place in the 800-meter, 6th place in the 1600-meter, and 10th place in the 100-meter. By the way, he has broken every school record in the 100, 400, 800, 1600, and shot put. He only ran the 400-meter twice before he qualified for state. In 2023, he placed 1st in the 1600-meter and 2nd in the 800-meter. Congratulations, Collyn. Jason Hoots, from Greenfield Junior High. He is the Illinois 1A boys 200-meter state champ. He also broke a state record with 24.75 time. He also placed 2nd in the boys 100-meter and 3rd in long jump. Congratulations, 10300111.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Jason. We're getting close here. Now, on… on behalf of Representative Frese and I, we've got the Jacksonville Middle School 8th grade boys 4A overall state champions. As a team, they won state. Darren Henry, Jeremiah Jackson, Jason Brown, Wyatt Moore, Carvell Stephens, Brock Meyer, Rylan Reese, Riley Hagar, and Calvin Gause. I… I got to say a little bit… a little extra shoutout to these boys. This was our… our basketball team and my… my oldest was on the basketball team with these guys. Talk about an amazing group of athletes and an amazing group of guys. They also won the Illinois 4A 8th grade boys 4x100-meter relay, with Jeremiah Jackson, Wyatt Moore, Darren Henry, and Jason Brown. The team also placed 2nd in the 4x400. Wyatt Moore got second in high jump, and Jeremiah Jackson got second in hurdles. Now, we've got, as a member of that team, Darren Henry was the Illinois 4A 8th grade boys high jump. I mentioned Wyatt got second. He got second because Darren got first. The kid's a machine. He won state and he had one jump left and he said, why don't you throw it up to 6 foot 6, and he broke the state record. So, good… good job, Darren. Proud of you. We've also got Malin Camerer from Jacksonville Middle School as well. Illinois 4A 7th grade girls discus state champ, and she also was the state champ in shot put. So, looking forward to see what you do next year, right? Congratulations. And last but not least, my friend Millie Schumacher… Schumacher, sorry, Our Savior School in Jacksonville. She is the girls 400-meter class 1A 8th grade state champion. She also placed 5th in the 800. She was part of the 4x400-meter relay that placed 4th, the 4x100 that placed 2nd, and the Our Savior School placed 3rd overall 10300111.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 at the state track meet. This is the third year in a row of her making a state appearance. Seven times medaling and three years at state. So, we're looking forward to what… see what she does once she hits high school next year. So, I want to wish all these champions from the 100th District and surrounding area a… a warm Springfield welcome and a huge congratulations from the Illinois… Illinois House of the Illinois General Assembly. Thank you."
"Representative Olickal, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please speak your point."
"I… I just wanted to recognize… I have two very special guests in the gallery today. My chief of staff, Beni Batiste, my outreach director, Tina Samuel. I would not be able to do any of the work that I do down here in Springfield without their hard work, their commitment, and friendship. And I'm just very grateful to have… have them on my team. So, let's please give them a warm Springfield welcome."
"Representative West, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please speak your point."
"So, on the Democratic side aisle, I'm asking Mary Beth and Jim Westin to stand, if they don't mind. They are teachers from my community and also the proud parents of Greydon Westin. And if you recall, Greydon was the clerk for us here in House, in the 102. And last Session, he started in my 10300111.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 district office in the 67th District. But his parents, Mary Beth and Jim, will conclude their time spent… spent educating Rockford's youth after a combined 60 years of service to the community they have both called homes all their lives. If you don't mind, give me a little bit of time. Mary Beth, in the height of COVID, the… she leveraged her expertise, her insight, and her experience in negotiating their contracts for over 1500 teachers for the state's third largest district, proving her relentless dedication to ensuring their terms and conditions for employment are fair, equitable, and are reflective of the needs and priorities of educators, students, and the broader school community. And Jim, he demonstrated remarkable creativity, adaptability, and resourcefulness in developing and implementing educational programs tailored to meet the diverse needs and backgrounds of incarcerated youth and exhibited extraordinary empathy, patience, and understanding in working with students who grappled with trauma, adversity, and system… systemic challenges, recognizing the inherent dignity and potential of every individual under his care. This is going to be a Resolution that I… I filed, and I will adopt it later. But I just want to take this time to thank them for their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence and have set a standard of professionalism and excellence that will continue to inspire future educators for years to come. The… the impact of their work extends far beyond the walls of the classroom, shaping the minds and futures of generations of students and contributing to the fabric of our community in ways that are beyond calculation and words. Their son, as I said, was a 10300111.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 clerk here, but he left us because he is now a Dunn Fellow in the Governor's Office. And so, I asked him what he wants to say to his parents, and he told me to tell his parents, 'Thank you so much for instilling the same commitment and passion for public service in me, and I… I love you. And their dedication to serving… advocating for marginalized members of our community, it's going to be the forefront of my life for years to come.' So, I want to take this time to thank you for your service. And I ask all of the Body to help me to congratulate them for their retirement."
"In the Calendar, under the Orders of Resolutions, on page 15, under Agreed Resolutions, we have House Resolution 817, Will Davis. Representative Will Davis. Mr. Clerk, read the Resolution. Representative Davis on the Resolution." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am very… to the Members of the chamber, I am pleased and honored today to have a very special guest joining us in the Speaker's Gallery directly in front of us. A gentleman named Michael Fountain, who is the Honorary Consul from the Bahamas to the Midwest. This Resolution that we are going to eventually adopt is the acknowledgment of a decade of his work as the Honorary Consul from the Bahamas to the Midwest and other Midwestern states, all the work that he's trying to do to make sure that he is building relationships here in the United States for the Bahamian Government. He has some counterparts in a few other states, but I can assure you that the work that they have done, even if they've been there longer, pales in comparison to the work that he's been doing relative to being the Honorary Consul to the Bahamas. I want to take a moment to 10300111.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 read the Resolution. And if there are any other Members in the chamber that would like also make some remarks after I'm done reading the Resolution, I certainly invite you to do so. House Resolution 817 says; WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Honorable Michael Christopher Fountain, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Chicago for the Midwestern United States, on the occasion of his decade of continued service; and WHEREAS, Consul Fountain, a Chicagoan from Chicago's West Side, possesses patrilineal descent to The Bahamas dating back to 1847 as a descendant of William Fountain; and WHEREAS, Consul Fountain was accredited by the U.S. Department of United… of the… by the U.S. Department of State, excuse me, as the first Honorary Consul of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Chicago for the Midwestern United States on March 6, 2014, becoming the second honorary consul of The Bahamas to ever be assigned and accredited by the United States; he opened the first Consulate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Chicago on September 5, 2014; and WHEREAS, Consul Fountain has conducted public diplomacy work to protect the interests of Bahamian nationals in the United States and to promote and engage interested parties in the specific matters of tourism, investment, trade, art, economic development, culture, science, agriculture, public safety, and the import and export of goods and services within his jurisdiction of the Midwestern United States, which includes 10300111.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; and WHEREAS, To further bilateral relationship opportunities between nations, Consul Fountain has engaged the administrations of the 41st, 42nd, and 43rd Governors of the State of Illinois, and the 69th and 70th Speakers of the Illinois House of Representatives, the 38th and 39th Presidents of the Illinois Senate, and the 55th, 56th, and 57th Mayors of the City of Chicago, and he has hosted The Bahamas' Minister of Foreign Affairs, its Parliamentary Secretary, its Ambassador and Head of Mission to the United States, its Deputy Chiefs of… Chief of Mission to the United States, three consul generals of The Bahamas, and general manager of the Broadcast Corporation of The Bahamas for engagements in Illinois; and WHEREAS, To deepen the diplomatic engagement between the State of Illinois and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Consul Fountain has overseen numerous activities, including raising the first flag of The Bahamas over Illinois soil in acknowledgment of the first sanctioned Sister City relationship between Cat Island, Bahamas and Richton Park, Illinois and in celebration of the 43rd of Bahamian… 43rd anniversary of Bahamian Independence on July 8, 2016, the first flag of The Bahamas at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in celebration of the 44th anniversary of Bahamian Independence on July 7, 2017, and the first flag within City of Chicago limits in celebration of the 48th anniversary of Bahamian Independence on July 9, 2021; he also organized and sponsored the first State visit of a sitting Prime Minister 10300111.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 of The Bahamas to Chicago from September 10 to September 11, 2023, during which he facilitated the opportunity for Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis to speak at the City Club of Chicago; and WHEREAS, As a diplomatic representative of The Bahamas… diplomatic representative of The Bahamas, Consul Fountain has also provided numerous support services to counties… countless, excuse me, Bahamians in need of assistance, and he has previously led multistate awareness and relief efforts for Bahamians affected by Hurricanes Joaquin… Joaquin, Irma, Matthew, and Dorian; and WHEREAS, Consul Fountain has served with distinction as a member of the Board of Chancellors for the Consular Corps College, an association of foreign consuls in the United States based in Washington, D.C., and he is a member of the Chicago Consular Corps; and WHEREAS, As the longest-serving diplomatic representative of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the United States of America, Consul Fountain now celebrates a decade of diplomacy, representing Bahamians in the Diaspora, within his jurisdiction of the Midwestern United States and the larger United States of America; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED STATES (SIC–STATE) OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Honorable Michael Christopher Fountain, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Chicago for the Midwestern United States, on serving as a crucial link to the bilateral relationship between The Bahamas and the United States for 10300111.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 over a decade, and we wish him continued success while conducting his consular duties; and be it further RESOLVED, That he, honorable Consul Michael Christopher Fountain, will receive a suitable copy of this resolution in… as an expression of our esteem and respect. Please give Honorary Counsel Michael Fountain a great round of applause. And, Mr. Speaker, before we adopt the Resolution, if there are any other Members that would like to speak, they should please do so at this time before we adopt the Resolution."
"Representative Ford is recognized."
"Thank you. To the Resolution, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Mr. Fountain, the Honorable Michael Christopher Fountain, from one West Sider to another, thank you for your service. You are a great model for not only the people of the West Side, but for our nation. And I want to thank Leader Will Davis for bringing all your dignity and respect and hard work to all of us here today because I had no idea what a powerful humanitarian you are. Congratulations, and I support the Resolution. And thank you, Representative Davis, for bringing this forward."
"Representative Lilly is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to thank Leader Davis for bringing this Resolution forward. Consulate Fountain was once my constituent. And now, I know where you are spending most of your time. But as he is doing the work, he's always kept the people's hearts and minds in his forefront, and building the relationship with the great State of Illinois and the Bahamas is what needs to happen. I thank you for your commitment and your energy and your excitement of how we can 10300111.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 work together and move forward. The 10 years have come and gone, but we know there's more to come. Congratulations, thank you for your work, and we look forward to your success. Blessings."
"Representative Mayfield is recognized."
"Thank you so much. I would like to just congratulate you personally. You have earned this title. It should have been bestowed on you years ago. You have been literally doing the work. You are a great ambassador for the Bahamian country. Every conversation we've had, every dinner we've had, you know, you have exemplified your country and just the relations that you have tried to build here between the U.S. and the Bahamas. So, congratulations, and I'm just so honored to be a friend of yours. So, thank you."
"Representative Meyers-Martin is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to add my congratulations to Mr. Michael Fountain for your passion, for your commitment, and all of the work that you have done not only in our communities, but the entire state. And I don't want to be redundant. I just wanted to express how thankful and appreciative and grateful I am that you have been the ambassador to all of us and the good work that you've done. So, thank you."
"Representative du Buclet is recognized." du Buclet: "Thank you. Again, I don't want to be redundant, but I do want to congratulate Michael. I've known you for a long time. I'm very happy for you and all… and I'm very proud of all the work that you've done. I just want to say, continue 10300111.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the good work, and I hope to go to the Bahamas with you one day."
"Representative Davis moves for the adoption of House Resolution 817. All those in favor say 'aye'; the opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Davis." Davis, W.: "Mr… Mr. Speaker, before you adopted the Resolution, I was going to ask, or move, that all Members of the Illinois House be added to that Resolution. So, if that can be done, that would be very much appreciated. And, again, Ladies and Gentlemen, Michael has been my friend since my beginning here in the Illinois General Assembly. And as… over the years, we've seen him grow into the gentleman that you see today. Very stern, very astute, and very appreciative of the opportunity to represent his country here in the United States in the Midwest. Again, we wish him continued success but, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is my brother standing up there. He has truly been that gentleman for me over the years as I've gotten to known he and his three boys. Relationships here sometimes extend beyond just the professional relationships that we have and they also turn into very friend… friend and family-feel relationships, and he has been my friend, consider him my family, my brother. And, again, thank you very much for the work that you've done here to stand up the Bahamian Consulate here in the Midwest and that you continue to do this great work on behalf of your country, but acknowledging that we are truly the beneficiaries of the work that you do. Thank you very much." 10300111.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative du Buclet, for what reason do you seek recognition?" du Buclet: "Point of personal preference."
"Please speak your point." du Buclet: "Today is another special day for a very special staffer. Today is the birthday of… God, I just went blank… Nora Walsh. I'm sorry, Nora. I went blank. Oh, my goodness. Now, I see how that happens. Today is a very special day. It is the birthday of Nora Walsh. She's been around me for at least a year now. She's been very helpful. She's very helpful to us down here in Springfield, and we should all just give her a warm round of applause and wish Nora Walsh a very happy birthday."
"Moving on to the Calendar, page 4, Senate Bills- Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3288, Representative Guzzardi. Representative Guzzardi. Out of the record. We have Senate Bill 3351, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3351, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3351 aligns the State of Illinois with federal HUD standards. It would provide that an elderly parent and their adult child of… with disabilities of the opposite sex would be… will not be required to share just one bedroom. We want to give people dignity, and this is a way to align the State of Illinois with our federal standards."
"There any discussion? Representative Windhorst." 10300111.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, what situation are we trying to address with this change?"
"Sure. So, what… we see what's happening is if an adult is living with their adult child's… sorry, they're always our kids regardless of age, who has disabilities, under federal guidelines… I'm sorry, under state guidelines in… with HUD, they would have to have one bedroom and… in order to qualify. And so, what this does would allow us to align ourselves with the federal guidelines to allow an adult parent and an adult child with disabilities to have, of the same… of different sex, excuse me, to have separate bedrooms."
"And the legislation says opposite sex. Is that correct?"
"Correct. It does."
"Yes. Thank you."
"No problem."
"Any further discussion? Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Representative, I just wanted to follow up on Leader Windhorst's question about the opposite sex. Can you explain to us what that means, what opposite sex is?"
"Oh, Representative, let's go."
"I… I didn't hear that. Say that again, please."
"I just… I want to make sure we have our definitions correctly." 10300111.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"It's in paragraph (b), near the end of the… it looks like it's… looks like there's two paragraphs of additional… additional language here, and it's in the last one."
"On the last page, the section that says, 'An elderly parent with an adult child with disabilities of the opposite sex shall not be required to occupy subsidized housing with only bedroom… with only one bedroom. Exceptions to the largest permissible unit size for subsidized housing shall be made when the elderly parent and adult child with disabilities of the opposite sex otherwise meet all other eligibility requirements.'"
"Yep. Thank you for reading that… that language. What does that mean, though? Define what opposite sex means."
"It means as defined in the federal definitions."
"So, I… I don't have that handy. I don't have that information in front of me. What… I would assume you have that. What… what does that mean? Help… help this Body understand before we vote on that."
"Sure, hold on one second. Let me make sure I… I want to make sure I read that to you correctly. Representative, we'll get back to you on that one. We're trying to locate the definition."
"So… well that…"
"What's your next question?"
"That's fine. So, what does it mean to you? What does this mean to you? This is your Bill. So, just explain to this Body what that means to you."
Costa Howard: "Well, frankly, Representative, my personal feelings on that issue are really irrelevant. It's the way 10300111.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 that we've written the statute to make sure that we have defined it so that we are in line with the federal guidelines."
"So, say that again. Your personal feelings does not enter into this. Is that what you're saying?"
"This is the statute."
"Okay. All right. Well, we… I think before we vote on this, we really need to know what the definition is. I'd… I would like you to expand upon what your personal feelings are, whether it matters or not. I think it's important."
"Any additional comments?"
"Is she coming up with the explanation or the definition?"
"I would… again, Representative, I'm going to refer you to the federal statute. I apologize. I don't have it in front of me, but I would refer you to the federal statute and the definitions 'cause that's what we’re going to be making sure that we are in compliance with."
"So, just in closing, I guess maybe our hope is in closing, do you feel that the opposite sex or believe that the opposite sex definition is static or is that fluid?"
"I… I apologize. Could you say that again? I didn't hear you."
"Yeah. So, is… do you believe the definition of opposite sex to be static or is that… is that fluid, it change?"
"Well, I think what my personal feelings on how we define opposite sex are, frankly, irrelevant. We have to make sure that we are in compliance with the federal guidelines. 10300111.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 And so, what the federal statute says is what Illinois is going to become in compliance with."
"So, how do we vote on this if we don't know what the definition of that is? That's kind of important to Members in this Body, to whether we… you know, whether it is fluid or otherwise."
"Representative, as you know, individuals in this chamber vote however they want, however they feel about a particular policy issue. And so, Representative, if you feel that we should not give individuals dignity, then you vote 'no'. But I'm here and I believe my side of the aisle is here to make sure that individuals who are in subsidized housing who have children with adult disabilities that they're continuing to care for are going to have dignity. So, you do you, and we'll do us."
"Thank you for that explanation. And, Mr. Speaker, no further questions."
"Representative Costa Howard to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3351 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 4 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3288, Representative Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 10300111.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 3288, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3288 is a simple measure to enable additional research in the mental health area. There are certain provisions under state law that require privacy protections for mental health-related data. These are really important provisions. However, they're not precisely aligned with HIPAA definitions around health privacy data. And so, when researchers attempt to perform mental health research, when they're already complying with IRB standards and HIPAA standards, sometimes our conflicting standards around mental health data make it difficult to conduct this kind of research. So, we're… we're allowing, under this Bill, an exemption… an exception, excuse me, to the… to the existing privacy laws around mental health- related data for research that is in accordance with those other federal guidelines. We already allow this kind of exemption for waivered research, as it's known, for other areas of very sensitive data, including HIV-related data. So, this is a… a known practice in state law. And by allowing this exemption, we're going to enable additional research to be performed to help us further understand mental illness and hopefully find further forms of treatments. So, I urge an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." 10300111.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you. Representative, just for clarity sake for me, we're changing the definition of research to comply, essentially, with federal law under HIPAA and the Code of Federal Regulations for privacy purposes for these records. Is that accurate?"
"Essentially, yes."
"All right. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Guzzardi, right now, do we allow for any type of mental health to be released under these same guidelines, or does Illinois have a much more restrictive privacy policy when it comes to mental health than the federal government?"
"I want to make sure I answer the question accurately. Illinois has very strong and very important privacy safeguards around mental health data."
"Right."
"I'm… I'm a big privacy guy, as you know.
"Sure."
"I believe that those safeguards are extremely important."
"I… I completely agree…"
"I know, I know. This is…"
"…and I'm a bit… and I'm a bit concerned that we're… we're changing…"
"…one of those gray areas where you and I agree."
"…that definition." 10300111.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, that's great. I'm glad you're asking."
"So, hang on. I just want to know…
"Yeah."
"…currently, under the definition of research, not what you're redefining it to here, are any mental health records in Illinois available for research projects without this change, any of them, unless it has the explicit permission of the individual?"
"Again, I want to be as accurate as I can here."
"Okay."
"These… these records can be accessed today, provided that the researching entity complies with the very restrictive federal guidelines around privacy as well as the very restrictive state guidelines around privacy, which overlap but don't intersect perfectly."
"Which tells me that they don't have access to them. So…"
"It's very difficult for them to access, yes."
"Yeah. So, maybe on a very, very limited basis. So, this Bill… I understand you want to change it, and you may have good reason, and I'll find that out in a minute, but this Bill is going to change that law. So, does it do so for all records currently in existence or only from the effective date of this Bill going forward?"
"You mean… your question is…"
"If someone's seeing a mental health provider and you're changing the law 'cause of HIPAA or something's been signed that would allow for research now to be done on an existing record where someone has talked to their mental health professional, does that existing record, can that now be 10300111.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 released under your law or is it only on any record for any meeting going forward? And is there a notice provision that that has changed so that that individual, who is meeting with their mental health professionals, so now I have two questions, is going to be notified of this?"
"Yeah. So, it's a good question. I would say that this… this change going forward will allow for previous records to be used in this kind of research."
"Okay."
"But I… I can't underscore enough that these… this… the guidelines around waivered research, both HIPAA guidelines and institutional review board guidelines, these are very, very stringent guidelines, and we already release extremely, extremely sensitive health data under these guidelines."
"Okay. So, I… to the Bill. And, Representative Guzzardi, I appreciate your honesty with me about this, but I… I'm going to ask you and everyone else involved with this Bill to think about what we're doing and stop. I know all of you on that side of the aisle, as well… well of us on this side, are very concerned about people's privacy. What these individuals who have been seeing mental health professionals for a very short period of time or very long period of time have done is released information believing no one else is going to have access to them. Nobody. Now, with the stroke of a pen and… and some votes here in Springfield, we're about to change all that on them, and that's not fair to them. And if there's no requirement for those who are currently seeing mental health professionals that them to be notified of this change, even for it going forward, that's not the right thing to do to 10300111.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 people. They're under the belief that this information isn't going to be made available. Illinois has very strict privacy laws on this for a reason. I know countless people this will affect. And if they know that we're doing this, they're going to be terribly unhappy, folks. They're going to feel violated, some of them. Is that what we want? We're going to stifle mental… people seeking mental health in this state by doing this. Please pull the Bill. Honestly, Will, amend it somewhere. I… I don't know. Don't pass it like this. This isn't fair to people."
"Representative…"
"It's not."
"I think you've… you've just expressed that you have…"
"Vote 'no'."
"…some fundamental misunderstandings about how this Bill works, Representative."
"I'm sorry? I'm sorry, I didn't hear that."
"Oh, I just said that… that the comments that you just made reveal that you have some fundamental misunderstandings about how the law works."
"What… what's my misunderstanding?"
"This Bill…"
"Explain."
"…will not enable people's mental health records to be bandied about willy-nilly without their consent. HIPAA requires informed consent on behalf of the patient. So, we're not allowing people's records suddenly to be disclosed. I have a feeling that, for instance, our dear friends at the ACLU might've opposed this Bill if it posed any significant 10300111.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 privacy risks to the mental health patients of the State of Illinois."
"Do… do you…"
"The… the reason why we're putting forward this Bill is because we want people to seek treatment and we want to enable better research to inform mental health treatments in Illinois. Our Genetic Information Privacy Act already contains this exemption."
"So…"
"Our AIDS Confidentiality Act already contains this exemption. So, these are deeply, deeply sensitive kinds of data that we understand are protected by federal law so we can make exemptions for them so the people can research these very important medical topics. The… the suggestion that by passing this Bill, we're going to expose peoples' mental health data is… is factually incorrect."
"No, it's not. It's actually factually on, and if you understood it a little better, you'd understand that too. Yes, I know genetic information is deeply sensitive, and I know AIDS or HIV information is very sensitive. I get all that. But there's the understanding now that all that's available if you sign the HIPAA waiver. When you go to a facility, such as one of our major hospitals in Chicago, part of their standard language right now is you sign away your rights for research unless you make a clear indication not to. That's there for all these patients already. I'm not asking you not to do this. I'm not asking you not to make the… the information available going forward if people agree to it, specifically agree to it. But maybe they remove that 10300111.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 authorization for research from that big hospital that we all attend if they understand that their mental health's going to be there too. We can't just decide this for people. It's not that I'm saying you don't have a good idea here. I'm saying you're going about it the wrong way. You're going to expose people's information they have shared with their mental health professional, thinking it's going to be kept private, to make it available for research because you deem it appropriate, 'cause you think it's in their best interest, not them. Vote 'no'."
"Representative Haas is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. So, when… when a mental health provider has an individual that's involved in a research project and they receive a request for information, they still have the right to ask the client for their consent to release the information that's being requested, correct?"
"Absolutely, Representative."
"So, as… as a mental health provider, most mental health organizations will have policies and procedures in place where they will, regardless of… of what this legislation may state, have… have those that… very strict and restrictive policies and procedures on releases of information. And… and as a mental health provider myself, I would never release a client's record, any personal protected health care information without first receiving that written consent…"
"And I don't believe you could under HIPAA either, right?" 10300111.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"…and release of information."
"You're… you're a provider. But I… I don't think you could do that…"
"Correct."
"…under HIPAA, which this Bill continues to comply with."
"It's actually not just HIPAA, but the… the Mental Health Confidentiality Act. So, this won't change my behavior as a mental health professional, this legislation won't, and I would still get that consent and release of information from the client or their legal guardian."
"Yes, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Representative Guzzardi to close."
"Thank you. This is an important measure that's been brought to us by the research institutions in our state who want to help us tackle mental illness. It's a profound challenge. We all know this. We need to do a lot more research into figuring out the causes and solutions of mental illness, and right now, this conflict in law is making it really hard for those folks to do that research. We will continue to protect the privacy of patient records under this Bill. We will simply allow for research to be conducted to help us address the challenges of mental illness in our state. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3288 pass?' All in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 10300111.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 77 voting 'yes', 32 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 4 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3418, Representative Mayfield. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3418, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mayfield is recognized."
"Thank you so much. This is an initiative of the Illinois Farm Bureau. This is basically just cleanup language for Public Act 103-118. The legislation clarifies that the county government or township with less than 1 thousand residences may fill a highway commissioner or clerk vacancy with some… with someone outside of the township or the county. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any additional discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, I appreciate you bringing this forward. In the explanation, there was, I guess, a situation I wanted to discuss to see if it's impacted by this Bill. This is designed, as I understand it, to allow nonresidents to be either elected or appointed in the townships of less than a thousand people because they're having difficulty finding those positions for people…"
"That is correct." 10300111.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, my question is, if someone seeks appointment or seeks election who is a resident and someone who is not a resident also seeks election or appointment at the same time, can the nonresident still be elected or appointed over the resident?"
"No."
"All right."
"It goes through the regular election cycle first. This is for individuals where there is no one that is filing to be elected for that position."
"Thank you."
"Representative Halbrook is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, one other point of clarification, or maybe two points, this is only for counties under a commission style of government or not a… like a township style of government. Is that correct? Is that what we heard?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't understand the question."
"Yeah. So, there are some counties in this state, I'm… like maybe 17 that are not under a township style of government. This… this applies to them or it… it doesn't?"
"To county governments? I'm sorry, I'm…"
"That's okay. I… I know there was a question about what counties this applied to. You would believe it applies to all counties in the state then?"
"Yes. Any county government or township with less than 1 thousand residents." 10300111.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Yeah. So, the question is, as I look through my language here, it says if they're organized as a commission form of government rather… and I think there's like 17 counties. I thought it applied only to those counties, but you're saying it applies to all counties."
"All counties with less than 1 thousand residents."
"So, the point is to allow a nonresident of the township to be a highway commissioner or clerk. Do they have to be a U.S. citizen to be appointed to one of these roles?"
"This does not change how any elections or appointments are made in those particular counties. It simply drops a resident requirement if the county or township cannot find anyone to file for the vacancy. So, it does not change any laws. It doesn't open any doors. It would be subject to whatever the Election Code is in that particular county."
"Okay. Thank you for those answers. This is a fine Bill, and I would urge support. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Mayfield to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3418 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Cassidy is recognized." 10300111.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe there's a Resolution to bring up, House Resolution 767."
"Representative Cassidy on House Resolution 767. Clerk. Representative Cassidy is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Resolution 767 honors the life of Anthony Scruggs. We are joined today by his daughter, Sarah Sullivan, and his granddaughter, Isabella Sullivan, and they're in the Speaker's Gallery. My staff member, Wade Greer, and his husband, Rick Pilcher, have known the Scruggs family since Rick was a child. Rick and Sarah were best friends since childhood, and the Scruggs have been a second family to Rick and Wade ever since. Tony's cooking and humor and close-knit family home have created fond memories for all. He was a barbeque master whose talents earned him many awards and brought the opportunity to compete on the TV show 'MasterChef.' He passed away in April and will missed by all who loved him, and I ask for a moment of silence in his memory."
"Please stand for a moment of silence. Thank you."
"Thank you very much."
"Continuing on page 4 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3501, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3501, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard is recognized."
Costa Howard: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3501 establishes the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act. This is an initiative of DarkSky Chicago and… and one of my 10300111.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 constituents. The goal is to reduce light pollution, which is very harmful, as we know, to our environment. Specifically, the Bill requires all luminaires purchased or installed by the state on land owned and managed by IDNR to follow specified outdoor lighting requirements to minimize light pollution. Again, this only applies to luminaires purchased with state funds."
"Any further discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. I believe you said this only applies to DNR property. Is that accurate?"
"Yes."
"And it is luminaires purchased with state funds, also stated that, correct?"
"Correct."
"Do we know if there's any fiscal impact that would result as this… with this law change?"
"No. There's no fiscal impact."
"Another question I have is, it applies to luminaires purchased with state funds, what about local governments that are using state grants? Would this impact their ability to purchase? Luminaire is not specified."
"It's purchases and… and/or installed by the state. So, like our state properties that we own. Not our municipalities. Not our park districts."
"There is a provision, just so we're clear, that says, 'All new luminaires purchased with State funds after the 10300111.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 effective date of this Act on a structure or land owned or managed by DNR.' The concern is the use of 'all new luminaires purchased with state funds,' whether the next phrase is limiting enough to just DNR property. And so, just for clarity sake, this is solely Department of Natural Resources property?"
"Correct. Let's… I want to… let's make sure we have our legislative intent clear, Rep… Leader. So, yes, this is… the intention is for it to be by the state, purchased or installed by the state, on land owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources."
"Okay. So, I think another issue is it has, 'All new luminaires purchased with the State funds after the effective date of this Act or installed after the effective date of this Act on property or structure or… on a structure or land that is owned by and managed by the Department of Natural Resources.' The concern is, should that effective date of this Act, should that be 'and' rather than an 'or'? That's…"
"I just… can you just reference the exact part of… I just want to make sure I'm going… I think the language is pretty consistent, Leader. I… I mean, it says it twice."
"It appears that it's on page 5, moving from line 7 through 15. That's appears to be one sentence. It's in that sentence."
"Again, Leader I… I'm… the way I'm reading it, again, for legislative intent purposes, right, I think it's pretty consistent."
"All right. Thank you." 10300111.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
Speaker Evans: "Any additional discussion? Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Yeah. So, Representative, I'm trying to understand, when this comes into being, I mean, as far as… I'm looking on page 6, line 14, I think that's paragraph 6 there. It talks about when the installation and replacement of roadway lighting is planned. So, are… are we going to just only deal with new projects and new installations, or is this retroactive to… we wholesale make changes at all the land that's laid out here, all the properties that are laid out? I just want to make sure we understand what we're doing here."
"Absolutely, Representative. And as you… as you're reading it, it's all new. It doesn't say anything about it retroactivity. Again, for… for legislative intent, let's make sure we're clear. Going forward, new projects, new replacement."
"Okay. Well, that's kind of the way I understand paragraph 6. It says, 'When the installation or replacement of roadway lighting is planned.' So, I just… I don't see… it says new, but installation and replacement. I… and maybe it's somewhere else in the language, so…"
"It's going forward."
"Okay."
"So, if there's an installation on a new thing, right, or the light bulb goes out and you got to replace it going forward. We are certainly not asking anyone to go back 10300111.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 and undo all the lights and put new ones. It's going forward, new."
"Okay. All right. So, will this type of lighting come at a higher expense, less expense, the same? Do we… do we know? Is there any impact financially here to DNR?"
"My understanding is that there is not a financial impact, right, Representative? Because the IDNR already budgets for light replacement, right? And so, going forward, they're… they're going to be making this change and better technology and, again, light pollution. They already have a budget for this."
"Well, and thank you for that. My… my concern is that, you know, this spring, we've… we've learned that there's over 400 projects, capital projects that DNR has, over a billion dollars of… of work to be done, all kinds of infrastructure, facilities. The roofs are caving in. They're falling on great disrepair, and I just don't want to mandate additional expense to DNR when they're 400 projects behind, a billion dollars behind. That's… I'm like, does this really matter when we have facilities that are leaking water and basically just huge disrepair."
"Well, I think this is going to… may come as a surprise to you, Representative, because I think that you and I are going to agree on something again. I agree with you. We should be making sure that we're fulfilling our promise to these projects. But IDNR has not reached out to me at any time or my Senator about cost concerns 'cause, as you know, I'm very concerned about that issue, as we've discussed. And so, we have not had that problem. These are new projects, new 10300111.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 things that are going forward, and I… and I agree. We need to make sure that we're fixing the infrastructure that we need to here in the State of Illinois."
"Okay. Thank you. Final question, Representative. I'm just curious if you got an answer back to us. I don't see an email on the opposite sex definition. Do you have that yet for us?"
"You keep looking, Sir."
"I'll anxiously await the email. Thank you."
"I'm sure you will."
"Mr. Speaker, no further questions."
"Representative Costa Howard to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3501 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 71 voting 'yes', 39 voting 'no', and 1 voting… 0 voting 'present'. On this… and this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving down page 4 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3513, Representative Friess. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3513, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Friess is recognized."
"Thank… thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 3513 amends the Illinois Notary Public Act to renew appointment to… as a notary public or electronic notary public. An applicant is 10300111.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 not required to complete a course of study or pass an examination if they submit a signed statement in the form and manner prescribed by the Secretary of State that they are licensed as an attorney or judge or employed by a licensed attorney or the court and have read and understood the version of the Act in effect at the time of application. The Secretary of State's Office and the State Bar Association are proponents of this. I appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3513 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. At the bottom of page 4 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3514, Representative Mussman. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3514, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mussman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I am here today to present Senate Bill 3514 on behalf of the 25 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders of the Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton, Illinois who are back home listening from their classroom. Inspired by fellow student Charlotte, they decided to embark on a research and nominate a mushroom to represent the new state symbol for Illinois. With the assistance of their teachers, Erin Hemmer and Laura McCoy, they performed 10300111.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 extensive field studies, surveyed over a hundred educators, scientists, and other specialists, including chefs, to create their list of potential nominees. They held a primary election in the school building to narrow down the list to two candidates. I am pleased to report that the calvatia gigantea beat out the runner-up, indigo milky, by a landslide in the general election. Calvatia gigantea is also known as by the common name giant puffball, and it lives up to its name by being able to grow 20 inches in diameter. I have a scale model built by the students here on my desk in case you'd like to see it in person. So, just like Illinois, it is very large. It is also a good choice because residents can find it to growing everywhere across the entire state. So, everyone has a chance to see one, and it is safe to touch. You can eat it when it is very young and the flesh inside is still white, but it will fall apart in a dramatic fashion once it gets overripe. Five U.S. states have already declared their state mushroom and about five others are considering mushrooms symbols of their own. In fact, Massachusetts is also considering the calvatia gigantea. I want to thank my bipartisan Bill Sponsors, Senate Sponsor Seth Lewis, and all the staff and students at the Prairie School of DuPage for their effort in bringing this proposal to the Illinois Legislature. And we request an 'aye' vote so that calvatia gigantea can become part our history among all the other Illinois state symbols."
"Any discussion? Leader McCombie is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will." 10300111.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"I just have two questions. Is that big, white thing there, is that the budget?"
"This… this is not the budget. This is calvatia."
"Okay."
"It’s a great photo op. Please come stop by my desk and get your picture taken with the next state mushroom."
"And one more question, Representative. How come… how come the puffball and not a morel?"
"Again, it… it did not make it through the general… or the primary election. The morel was definitely considered, but it just… it just didn't have the legs to get through."
"Was the morel taken off the ballot, or were they not able to slate, or what happened there?"
"Again, you know, these… this is what it is. This was a fair election. There were multiple candidates in the primary, and it did not make it to the next round. Indigo milky was the next runner-up."
"Oh. Well, thank you, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Representative Grant is recognized."
"To the Bill. Okay, I have to say that I have a friend who runs around DuPage County Forest Preserve, and she picks mushrooms. So, she's always on the lookout for mushrooms. And oftentimes, I go with her because I like to walk. I have actually seen this… this giant puffball in the wild. It's… it's the strangest thing. It… it doesn't even really look like that. It's more rounded, and then it's cut off at the bottom, and it almost looks a little surreal. You can actually 10300111.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 eat that mushroom if you want to. Thank you, Representative Mussman."
"Representative Mussman to close."
"I just thought everyone would like to know, I did get an update from the classroom. And for those inquiring minds, the morel is the Minnesota state mushroom. So, they… they do appreciate its finer qualities, but we are going in a different, bigger direction. Please vote 'aye'."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3514 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward on the Calendar, page 5, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3529, Representative Stava-Murray. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3529, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Stava-Murray's recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3529 is a companion Bill to HB5151 that we passed out of the House unanimously a couple weeks ago. It simply repeals part of the Pertussis Vaccine Act, which requires IDPH to create and distribute a pamphlet about the pertussis vaccine. The Bill passed both the Senate and the House committees unanimously and passed the Senate 55 to 2. I've been aware of no opposition, and I ask for your 'aye' vote." 10300111.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3529 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 100 voting 'yes', 10 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3547, Representative Yang Rohr. Representative Yang Rohr. Out of the record. Continuing on page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3548, Leader Barbara Hernandez. Leader Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3548, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Hernandez." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is an initiative from the Department of Health. It would create an additional Level III Trauma Center and Acute Injury Stabilization Center and create related standards for those designations. The Bill also adds additional members to the State Emergency Medical Service Advisory Council and the State Trauma Advisory Council."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Leader, do we anticipate that this Bill will result in any fiscal impact or cost to the state?" Hernandez, B.: "To my understanding, no." 10300111.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"All right. Our analysis shows there may be concerns about whether this will… Bill will require additional appropriations. Do you believe that will be the case?" Hernandez, B.: "I do not think so. I think that was asked in committee, and I think the Department of Health said they would not."
"Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Representative Morris is recognized."
"Thank you, Leader. I meant to be a 'yes' vote on Senate Bill 3414. I hit 'present', and I meant to hit 'yes'."
"Record will reflect."
"Thank you."
"Leader Barbara Hernandez to close." Hernandez, B.: "Yet…"
"Okay." Hernandez, B.: "I vote… can you please vote 'yes'? Thank you."
"The… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3548 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3551, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3551, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300111.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB3551 would require housing canceling for perspective shared appreciation mortgage borrowers and would provide IDFPR rulemaking authority to define terms, determine the details of what would be included in that counseling, and determine limits on the interest and fees that can be charged to borrowers utilizing these home financing instruments. Counseling could be done in person or by remote electronic or telephonic means. There is no opposition to the Bill, and it passed the House Committee of Financial Institutions and the Senate unanimously."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. This Bill covers, I believe, shared appreciation agreements. What are shared appreciation agreements?"
"So, it is a product by which someone takes a… a loan out on the… the appreciation of their home value. So, if you have a home that's $500 thousand and you enter into one of these agreements, and then when you sale your home for $650 thousand, that… that's… they use that metric to like calculate what they’re going to require back for payment of that loan. So, it's the loan, whatever amount the loan was, plus interest that's been determined by that increased amount of value in the home."
"And this Bill would provide that the borrower would be provided specified counseling prior to taking any legal action on those agreements. Is that accurate?" 10300111.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, it would require counseling when they are going to enter into the agreement with… into this loan arrangement with the… with the company that is doing the loans. The issue right now is that this is kind of a newer product, and there's not a lot of… I think that most of consumers don't have a lot of information on what the product is and… and what the expense to them is going to be. So, the counseling just hopes to make sure that the consumer has all the information necessary before they are entering into this shared appreciation mortgage. And because of federal statute, this hasn't really fallen… SAMs is what I'm going to call them, they haven't really fallen under federal regulation yet. So, we are just trying to make sure information in Illinois is provided to those consumers. And… and industry is… they are not opposed. They are… we have proponents and neutral industry members on this Bill."
"And does the lender provide the counseling? Is that who provides it?"
"Yes."
"And the Bill specifies the counseling that's to be provided?"
"Yes."
"And it does not appear that there's been any opposition to the Bill. As you mentioned, it passed unanimously in the Senate and in committee."
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Croke to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10300111.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3551 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Stava-Murray, for what reason do seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I intended to be a 'yes' vote on 3551."
"The record will reflect. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3566, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3566, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Elik."
"Thank you, Speaker. This Bill requires landfills in counties with populations over 250 thousand, instead of 275 thousand, to provide facilities that clean the mud, gravel, and trash from the wheels and the undercarriages of trucks and other vehicles exiting a landfill. And requires those trucks to actually use that facility. By decreasing the population threshold to 250, this only adds 2 new counties to the requirement, which are Madison and St. Clair in the Metro East. We've not heard any opposition. It's my understanding that the landfills have the facilities in place to already do this. This was… this passed the Senate unanimously, and I'm happy to take any questions." 10300111.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3566 pass?' All opposed (sic-in favor) vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 4 of the Calendar, at the top of the page, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 839, Leader Manley. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 839, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Manley."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 839 is a follow-up to the Paint Stewardship Act that was signed into law. I carried the Bill, and sometimes you don't think of everything, so this is a trailer to that. One of the issues that has come up since we've passed it is that contractors are trying to dispose of some oil-based paints. They're hazardous, and some of the collection areas had to get the right credentials, the right hazardous waste permit to do it. And so, this legislation will allow for the proper collection and handling of oil-based paints as an integral part of the paint care program. And I'll take any questions."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. This is an initiative of Chemical Industry Council of Illinois. Is that correct?" 10300111.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Yes, Sir."
"And it appears there are quite a few proponents. It was unanimous out of committee in the Senate, it appears. Is that right?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for bringing this forward."
"You don't have any watching paint dry jokes?"
"I'm… I'm poor on jokes today. I've tried."
"Okay."
"Yeah. Sorry."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 83… 839 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar, Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3567, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3567, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Elik is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. This Bill provides that the truth in taxation notice shall be posted on or near the top of the taxing district's webpage or from a direct link from the home page rather than just on the website. It has to be posted for 30 days, and this only applies to taxing districts that have 10300111.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 a website maintained by full-time staff of the district. The Bill passed the Senate unanimously. Happy to take any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3567 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 6 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3691, Leader Manley."
"Senate Bill 3691, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Manley."
"This is like a CPA extravaganza. Elik, Manley, Elik, Manley. We're going to take over. Ha ha, lawyers. Senate Bill 3691, as amended, strikes the language from the Family Caregiver Act that prevented family caregiver support services from being provided to grandparents or older individuals who are related caregivers if state funding was used to provide those services. This fixes a discrepancy where grandparents and older relative caregivers were included in the definitions of caregiver and family caregiver provided in the law but were prohibited by Section 25 of the law from receiving support services. This is an awesome Bill. I'll take any questions." 10300111.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3691 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 4 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 462, Leader Buckner. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 462, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Buckner is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 462 amends the Public Higher Education Act to prohibit public institutions of higher education from considering an applicant's legacy status or familial relationship to donors to the institution when admitting an applicant. Happy to answer any questions."
"Seeing no discussion, the question… seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House… Senate Bill 462 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving down to page 5 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3550, Representative Walker, presented by Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 10300111.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 3550, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Croke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, SB3550 modernizes the Financial Institutions Code, which is the statute that governor… governs IDFPR's Division of Financial Institutions. Specifically, the Bill seeks to modernize the language of financial institutions by aligning the statutory language with other IDFPR statutes to ensure consistency across the department. The Bill passed the Senate unanimously."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, I have no issues with the overall purpose of the legislation and… and what we're trying to accomplish. I did have some fairly specific questions. The first one's on pages 9 and 10. It deals with prohibited interests, and there appears to be some changes to this prohibited interest section. Would… I guess be viewed as an ethics provision. Could you explain what the changes are and why they were made?"
"Yes. So, my understanding, there are kind of two changes. The first being that it changes and says that if you have an interest in an investment or, like, a pension fund, but you're not the one who's actually managing that fund, it does not rise to the standard of having a conflict of interest. And then the other component is that… so, previously, the director and employees of financial institutions could not get a… were prohibited from taking out a loan from a financial institution 10300111.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 that was overseen by IDFPR. So, now, this just says that they are allowed to do that as long as the terms are the same that are offered to the general public."
"And then on page 12, we have a new section there, beginning on line 5, dealing with perjury, and it outlines the perjury and the penalty for perjury relating to fraudulent documents… signing of fraudulent document. It lists that penalty as a Class A misdemeanor but references the Criminal Code. And under the Criminal Code, perjury is a Class 3 felony. So, the… the question I have is, why was the penalty for this type of perjury reduced to a misdemeanor rather than being left as a felony?"
"Okay. So, I guess in the previous law… and apologies too, obviously, taking over the Bill for now-Senator Walker. My understanding is in the previous version of this statute, it was a misdemeanor that… it was a misdemeanor for any false documents that were submitted via subpoena… via subpoena. And now, this kind of changes it to being a Class A misdemeanor on the front end. But I… I think that that has remained consistent as it pertains to this statute. I cannot say why, in this statute, it's always been a Class A misdemeanor, while in the Criminal Code it is the Class 3 felony, I think, that you referenced."
"Well, thank you for those explanations. Those were the things that brought my attention. And appreciate your answers. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Any additional discussion? Representative Ammons is recognized." 10300111.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield…"
"Indicated she will."
"…for a couple of questions? Thank you. Can you share with us the provisions in the Bill that makes conforming changes to the Currency Exchange Act as well as the Payday Loan Reform Act?"
"One moment. Representative Ammons, it says that the Secretary of State may issue a cease and desist order to any licensee or other person or entity doing business without the required license. And so, it adds entity, not just person. That's what the… the change is."
"That is for the Currency Exchange Act, or is that for the Payday?"
"That's the Payday Loan Act, excuse me. Apologies, again. Representative Ammons, so it says now that any… to do, 'All rules and directions which are of a general character shall be made available in electronic form to all licensees within 10 days after filing and any changes shall be emailed to.' So, the… the changes there, 'any changes shall be emailed to,' instead of, 'shall received by mail notice of any changes.' That part, 'shall receive by mail notice of any changes,' is stricken."
"Thank you. Does this… this change… and this is my first time seeing the fullness of this package here, so forgive me if I'm asking questions that may have been answered in other forms. But the Payday Loan Reform Act, Currency Exchange Act, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus-passed Economic Opportunity and Equity Act, the CRA, does this in any way 10300111.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 impact the changes in the equity… the Community Reinvestment Act that was passed in the Economic Opportunity?"
"No. No."
"Thank you very much."
"Representative Croke to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3550 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3571, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3571, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Elik is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. This Bill provides that AEDs be accessible for use in areas of the school that are used for extracurricular purposes, not just the physical fitness facilities, so that these are not locked away where people can't access them if they're needed after the school day is done. I know of no opposition, and the language in this Senate Amendment that passed through the Senate removed the opposition from school groups. Passed the Senate unanimously. Happy to take any questions." 10300111.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3571 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3594, Representative Stuart. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3594, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Stuart."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3594 simply amends the Illinois Articulation Initiative and states that if a public institution does not have an equivalent major, lower- division courses, or both that align with the Illinois Articulation Initiative, major panel's descriptors, and course approval criteria, then the public institution shall be considered to be compliant for that academic year."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you, Representative. What are we hoping to accomplish by this change? What is the issue we're addressing?"
"So, we… we have had this kind of long-standing agreement that we codified in the 99th General Assembly requiring community colleges and universities to participate in the 10300111.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Articulation Initiative and review their courses for statewide transfer consistency. And this is just seeking to… there's sometimes issues where the public institution is considered noncompliant and it leads to problems. And so, this is just a way to make sure that they are compliant."
"And is this trying to address maybe some confusion about courses that qualify for transfer? Is that…"
"Yeah, yeah. That's… it's transfer initiatives and trying to help that."
"And this Bill will help resolve those issues or that confusion?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Stuart, does this then require the institution to be fully compliant the following year or can they get more than one pass on it? Or how does this work, just so I understand?"
"I will have to double-check on that for you."
"Okay, thanks."
"Do you have any further questions?"
"I do not. I'm… I'm just curious about that one issue. That's it."
"My understanding, it's for a given year."
"For a given year. Okay, thank you."
"Representative Davis, Will Davis, is recognized." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10300111.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"She indicated she will." Davis, W.: "Representative, the IAI says, according to our analysis, that it has a director. Is that a division of one of the existing areas or agencies, or what… what exactly is the IAI?"
"The IAI is it's… it's the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education managing these courses that are in the articulation agreement." Davis, W.: "Okay, but it's an entity. I guess that I want to make sure I understand exactly what it is. And do you happen to know who makes… who makes up the entity?"
"I can find that for you in just a minute." Davis, W.: "Oh, okay. Well, as… this is just more of my own curiosity, anything. But relative to the Bill, what I want to make sure I understand because… does this help create some seamlessness amongst students that are transferring in institutions relative to when they submit their transcripts to the place where they want to go that, when they look at their coursework, that they have a lot more flexibility? Maybe too strong of a word. But, you know, just a little bit more give in terms of how… how they're transferring courses. Sometimes we hear that students may transfer… you know, fill out a transcript application to two different institutions. This school takes my courses…"
"Correct." Davis, W.: "…and this school doesn't. So, is that what this entity…"
"This is…" Davis, W.: "…is about?" 10300111.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"…trying to help that. And to the answer to your first question, all public institutions provide faculty, as appointed by the Board of Higher Ed and the Illinois Community College Board, to serve on the panels that review the courses. Does that answer your first question?" Davis, W.: "Well, I mean… well, in terms of who they are, yes."
"Okay, thanks." Davis, W.: "But is the idea for the…"
"The idea, yes, is to… that better transfer process because we want to get everyone to that ultimate degree that they're seeking." Davis, W.: "Okay. Do you happen to know that if there's, and this may be a little bit beyond just the Bill right now, but if there's a disagreement between professors. You know, one thinks they know it better than the other. You know, I…"
"That is beyond this…" Davis, W.: "…I'm a professor at the U of I and you're just Eastern…"
"That is beyond this Bill." Davis, W.: "…kind of thing."
"And I imagine maybe sometimes there's kind of turf war, maybe also between community college and… and four-year, and we're trying to bridge those gaps and differences and just respect the coursework that students are doing 'cause, again, ultimately, if the goal of the student is that four-year degree and they are in our institutions, we want to support them getting to that degree in any way we can." Davis, W.: "Okay. And… and I think that's… that's important because, ultimately, we're trying to get them to where they 10300111.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 want to go to finish whatever degree program that they're truly interested in. In a former life, I actually was a college admissions counselor. And so, I dealt with that directly as I'm trying to help students facilitate their transfers from community college to at least the four-year institution that I worked at. So, if this is about making that process better, creating some of that seamlessness and helping students to navigate those waters a little bit better, then I truly appreciate what you're doing and certainly support this particular piece of legislation. Thank you."
"Thank you so much."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3595… 94 pass?' All those in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 5 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3601, Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3601, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Faver Dias is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3601 is an initiative of the Illinois EPA. It was brought to their attention during an audit of the need for simple cleanup language and to remove language that is outdated regarding 10300111.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 underground storage tanks. In no way does this Bill lessen or weaken regulations, but simply cleans up statute language that is outdated. There is no opposition. It passed out of this Senate and the House committee unanimously. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, is this designed to address some inconsistency with state and federal law?"
"Yes, correct. And delete a date referenced to 1986 that is no longer needed."
"All right. Well, I appreciate you bringing this Bill forward. Thank you."
"Representative Faver Dias to close."
"I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3601 pass?' All in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. We have Senate Bill 3606, Representative Mussman. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3606, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mussman." 10300111.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. 3606 seeks to address the problem of how to get more funding resources into schools to help them better support the needs of their high-cost special education students. This Bill is the culmination of many years' work and incorporates some of the recommendations of the High-Cost Special Education Funding Commission, which met during the 2021 year. This proposal amends the Children with Disabilities Section of the School Code so that just as schools are reimbursed for the tuition they expend sending special education students to non-public special education day centers, they can now also apply for reimbursement for the same state funding line for sending students to separate public special education day schools. This Bill also provides that the Purchase Care Review Board, which currently oversees the non-public special education day centers, will additionally now have oversite over the separate public special education day schools to ensure they are both under the same cost and price regulator. This was at the request of the non-public education day centers. Two non-voting members are added to the review board, again, to keep everyone in balance. There's no approbation increase associated with this Bill. Funds from the special education private tuition line will be prorated as needed to accommodate this new variety of distribution. These funds have been prorated in previous years, and the proration will not affect the funding of non-public special education day centers because school districts already pay 100 percent of their tuition cost up-front and then wait to get reimbursed from ISBE the following year. School districts understand 10300111.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 there will likely be proration but will benefit from now being able to apply for reimbursement for their high-cost special education students, whether they send them to a non-public setting or a public setting, meaning they can more authentically allow the needs of the student to direct which is the best-fit placement. I think this is a reasonable compromise to rebalance funding for our highest cost special education students. I thank all of the stakeholders who have earnestly and thoughtfully contributed to more than three years of this negotiation. The Illinois Association of Private Education Centers is now neutral, even though there are still some individual members that remain concerned. I request your support of this Bill, and I am happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this is designed to bring parity between public and private schools for reimbursement for special education. Is that accurate?"
"It is."
"Do we know what the cost will be associated with that?"
"There is no additional cost. It is just based on whatever the Body ultimately puts in that funding line year- over-year. So, we are in control of that cost. And, again, we have not asked for any additional finances this year."
"So, if we increase it, more money goes to the schools. If we decrease it, less. Is that too…" 10300111.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"That's the way it works."
"…too simplistic, or is that accurate?"
"That is accurate."
"All right. And do we have an idea of where we'll end up with this year's budget on that item?"
"The Governor's introduced budget kept it flat at about 202.7 million. Yep. We don't have any knowledge of that being changed at this time."
"Will there be any other fiscal impact associated with this change other than that item?"
"So, ISBE indicates that they may need to hire a couple of staff members, but they believe that they could do it out of the funding that they currently anticipate receiving in the budget. And they are also not asking for a funding increase at this time."
"Is there any need to increase the funding to make sure that no schools lose money from… from this… in the state budget, rather? Sorry."
"So, there actually… what I would say is there's no real way to determine that because what a school receives varies year to year based on the number of students they have and who they send to a… to a private program versus a public program. Again, so… so they may have a different number of students from year to year. So, simply because they receive less money is not an indicator that they receive less money because of the changing in this formula. It could be that they requested reimbursement based on a different number of students or a different amount of tuition based on the school that they used. Currently, they cannot receive any funding 10300111.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 when they use a public setting. And now, they can receive funding if they use a public setting for a student. So, while, based on potential proration, they may receive less tuition reimbursement for a private setting than they may have seen previously, now they can apply for reimbursement for a student they may never have been able to get money for. So, it… it's kind of a bit of rebalancing. And so, how each school will be impacted will be very unique to each school based on the students they send where from any given school year."
"Just one follow-up on that. I appreciate the explanation, and I may… may not be able to make it… my thought on it clear. But if the… if there were no change to the number of students served and they stayed the same at each school, that will obviously not happen, there will be changes. But if that were to occur into the next year, would there be a needed funding additionally from the state in order to keep all the schools at the level they were previously?"
"The schools have not asked for increased funding. And, again, because the… because the tuitions are paid retroactively, right, so you… you pay the tuition upfront and then, ultimately, the school district waits to be reimbursed from ISBE. So, as ISBE looks at the collective, I think, requests of their school districts, they could potentially ask for funding in the following year. But, again, in the year in which we add that money, we will have no idea what the schools are going to ask for, for the students that they are serving during that year. So, it's… again, it's… I… I'm not trying to be difficult, but it is a bit of a difficult thing to explain because so much is in flux." 10300111.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"A number that has been presented to our side is that this could potentially have a cost of 120 million that would be needed additionally. I'll let you respond to that concern."
"We have not heard that concern."
"All right. Thank you."
"Any additional discussion? Representative Elik."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Representative, one concern that a school district brought to me was that they often send students to satellite locations of larger organizations. Are you aware of anything in this Bill that would… would limit them from using those satellite locations?"
"Not at all."
"Okay, thank you."
"And I do want to step back. Yes, I am being reminded that some people had suggested that increased number, but I think there is disagreement over whether or not that is an accurate representation of what would be needed."
"Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Okay. My understanding of this is it… it's not… it's not necessarily creating new programs inside of these public schools to… to deal with these tough education situations. It's basically just allowing these public schools to be paid extra for…"
"They can receive reimbursement now for the tuition that they would expend sending a student to a public setting. 10300111.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Whereas, now, they can't do that. So, they're not really getting extra money. They're… they're just getting a reimbursement they would never have been entitled to before for using that setting."
"But it's not doing anything. This… this Bill doesn't really do anything to make sure that… that these kids in these situations are getting an increased level of care or increased level of… of education."
"So, again, during… so what will happen is, during the IEPT meeting, the school and the team will discuss with the parents the options that they believe are available for that student to see their needs met. There may be opportunities in a private setting. There may be opportunities in a public setting. And now, the parent, in consultation with the team, would be able to choose which setting is most appropriate for that student's need and they won't have to be unduly influenced by the idea that only one setting may have otherwise had reimbursement attached to it. Which it… and, again, right now, we also know that private settings are generally not widely available all the way across the state. They're… they're just not an option. So… so, again, it… it puts many school districts at a financial disadvantage."
"Would the… would the parent have the ultimate control over where the student went if… if, say, the IEP team, made up of the public school and the parents and… and all of those folks, the parents thought a private setting was better for their child, but the rest of the team was convinced that their public setting was better. Who… who would have the ultimate say in that… in that situation?" 10300111.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, the IEP is only able to make suggestions. It… it doesn't really determine which is a better setting, per chance. Again, that's part of the consultation and discussion. And, yes, it's ultimately up to the parent where they agree is the… is the best place they want their child to go. So, if a private setting is offered, a parent can choose to say no to that."
"Okay. Thank you. I appreciate that. Tell me a little bit about this specific funding for these… these students. Is this… is this done on a… on a aggregate, or is it done on an individual… individual basis?"
"So, for the non-public settings, currently, again, a school district pays tuition directly to that school for the services provided to that student, and then the school district requests reimbursement from ISBE for that. I believe there is some aggregation that goes on because it is… remember, it is paid retroactively. For this new setting for the… for the public school setting, the… the schools will send their data to ISBE, and that data has the ability to be more individualized. And, again, those schools will be paid retroactively for the services they provided to the student the year before."
"They're going to be… they're going to be paid based off of what it actually… what it actually cost that individual student and not necessarily the aggregate that we're… that we're operating under now?"
"Okay. So, I'm being told everything that is over two times per cap is being prorated at an aggregate level."
"Currently, yeah, it is." 10300111.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Yes."
"I just thought that we heard during committee that this was going to be more of the money actually following the… the student. Like, it would not necessarily be done on an aggregate basis. It'd be done on a…"
"No."
"…closer to an actually basis."
"It is a little bit more to the actual basis when you're looking at students that are going into the public setting. It… it gets real wonky in… in those reimbursement lines…"
"Yeah, it sure does."
"…and that's why I'm just trying to make sure that I… I don't misspeak. But, yes, what it ultimately means is, again, a school is not going be influenced by the fact that they can get reimbursed one setting and… over another setting and maybe where they consider these options for… for the best fit for the student. Remember, under federal guidelines, under IDEA, we are meant to put our students in the least restrictive environment possible, which very often may be a co-op, but a co-op is not necessarily a good financial option for a school if it cannot get financial reimbursement for that. They may be unduly influenced to consider a private school, which may offer a higher level of… of support then maybe what student really needed."
"Yeah, okay. Well, there was a lot of… there was a lot of talk in committee about… about this, and it is wonky and kind of confusing issue. Is it… this is going to be subject to… to rulemaking through the procurement process, right? As 10300111.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 far as… so, they could do some things on the rulemaking side that would…"
"So, ISBE will make rules, along with the Purchased Care Review Board, that… that will sort of set out those finalized details. That level of detail is not made in statute."
"Okay. Who is still opposed to this?"
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
"Who is… who is still in opposition to this that you're aware of?"
"I would say only a handful of individual private schools. The larger association that… that governs them, the Illinois Association of Private Education Centers, is positioned as neutral. Oh, I'm sorry, I see now. So, the remaining official opponents who had filed witness slips would be the Mentas schools and Hope School."
"Gotcha. Okay. Thank you very much."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3606 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting 'yes', 6 voting 'no', 0… and 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving toward the bottom on page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3615, Representative Canty. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300111.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 3615, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Canty."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present Senate Bill 3615, an initiative of the Department of Juvenile Justice to address an audit issue with trust accounts of detained juveniles. Current statute requires that those funds be placed in interest-bearing accounts. The concern is that the interest-bearing accounts charge more in fees than is generated in interest given the short length of time the youth are in custody. Youth that are in custody for longer periods, where their accounts generate more interest, receive help and guidance in opening and maintaining interest-bearing accounts that can be used even after their time in custody has ended. Senate Bill 3615 states that if conditions change, such that an individual youth's account could gain a minimum of a dollar in interest, then IDJJ must use an interest-bearing account. But in the absence of that, DJJ would be allowed to use non- interest-bearing accounts. This passed out of both the Senate and the House Restorative Justice Committee unanimously. I know of no opposition, and I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Any additional discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Why is this Bill necessary?"
"Yeah. So, right now, there is an audit finding consistently for IDJJ because they are required to have, basically, two accounts for every youth in custody and they 10300111.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 must be interest-bearing. Those accounts can cost up to $25 a month if you don't maintain a certain level within them. Most of these children do not. And so, they're not generating interest and it's costing more to maintain them than they're receiving."
"And this is an initiative of DJJ. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"It's supported also by Juvenile Justice Initiative and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth?"
"Yes, Sir."
"All right. So, those who are looking out for the youth support it as well as…"
"Yes, correct."
"…the administration, yes. Thank you."
"Representative Canty to close."
"Thank you very much. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3615 pass?' All those (unintelligible); all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, we got 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing to the bottom of page 5 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3617, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3617, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Rep. Croke." 10300111.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3617 is an initiative of the Department of Revenue that codifies an existing voluntary program the department has with depository institutions to locate the accounts of delinquent taxpayers on a case-by-case basis. No financial institution is required to participate in this program, and there is no opposition to the Bill. It passed both House Revenue and the Senate unanimously. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Any additional discussion? Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. That's the most excited anyone's said my name in a long time. I appreciate it, Mr. Speaker. Representative, does this exist in some form already? Is this being done?"
"Yes."
"And this legislation will codify what's in current practice?"
"Yes."
"And who are the people who are being targeted or gone after? People who are delinquent in their taxes?"
"Delinquent taxpayers, yes."
"And this will then result in more money being collected by the state?"
"Yes. I mean, it's already happening for the most part. So, I can't speak to like additional revenues. But, yes, I… I would think that that is a possibility."
"Is any institution that's… would be subject to this law not participating now, to your knowledge?" 10300111.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"There is. I… I do not know which financial institution it is. There is a large financial institution that will not participate unless there is some codification of the program. So, that is the… the goal, to codify so that they feel comfortable entering into this program. "
"So, their reluctance or refusal to participate's based on their feeling that there's not legal clarity around the program presently?"
"Yes, exactly. But it is still very voluntary. It is… is a hundred percent voluntary for the financial institution to participate in."
"All right. So, it's not mandatory but voluntary to the institution?"
"It is voluntary… voluntary for the institution, yes."
"Thank you."
"Rep. Croke to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3617 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading. At the top of the page, we have Senate Bill 3631, Representative Avelar. Representative Avelar. Out of the record. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have 10300111.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senate Bill 3648, Representative Cassidy. Representative Cassidy. Out of the record. We have Senate Bill 3652, Leader Mah. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3652, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Mah is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body. Senate Bill 3652 is simply the identical version of House Bill 5550, which we passed in this chamber with bipartisan support. It provides notification for those who have survived domestic violence or sexual assault during the time of their lease signing to notify them of their rights currently already in statute. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3652 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3661, Representative Mussman. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3661, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mussman is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 3661 is an initiative of DHS to amend the Health Care Worker Background Check Act to include comprehensive community mental health centers to the list of facilities 10300111.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 defined as health care employers. CMHCs are not currently considered as a health care employer and therefore are unable to report or add individuals to the Health Care Worker Registry if a background check reveals a disqualifying event. They are also unable to assist potential employees with lived experiences in pursuing a waiver. Evidence demonstrates that… that those with lived experience who are able use that experience to assist others who are struggling aids in their own recovery and can make them effective peer advocates and mentors for others. This Bill will expand access to background checks and waivers and bring CMHCs into compliance with the existing administrative rule requiring compliance with the Background Check Act. The latest Amendment removed the opposition. I'm happy to try and answer any questions."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, technically, we are changing the definition of a health care employer to include a comprehensive community mental health center certified by the Department of Human Services. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"What is the purpose behind this change?"
"So, it would allow them to ask for waivers on behalf of potential employees they have who may, for some reason, have a disqualifying event in their background. That's something that we already do for a number of other health centers, health-related programs. But because this is technically not considered the health-related program, they weren't included 10300111.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 also. Which… which means a lot of potential employees that they were looking at would never be able to work for them."
"So, under current law, employees who would not qualify under a background check would not be able to be employed and there would be no way for process for those individuals?"
"Right."
"And this would allow them to, even if they were under… I'm sorry, unqualified because of a conviction or criminal background check issue, they could seek a waiver through the Department of Public Health?"
"Yes."
"And then it would be up to the department whether the waiver's granted?"
"Right."
"All right. So, it is opening up employment opportunities to individuals who would not qualify currently?"
"Yes."
"All right. Thank you."
"Any further discussion? Representative LaPointe is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm just going to speak to the Bill. Thank you, Rep., for bringing this Bill forward. This is something I support. And this is what it means for our communities. In the world of access to behavioral health support, peer support workers who are people that have lived expertise are such an important way for anyone struggling with behavioral health issues, which could be mental health, substance use, the need for trauma support. Those peer support 10300111.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 workers with lived expertise are so important, and Illinois has made a big investment in growing peer support. And this Bill will really open up doors so our peer support workers can work at community mental health centers. And as you might know, our community mental health centers are where so much work related to behavioral health for our folks on Medicaid all across Illinois get support. So, thanks so much, Rep., for bringing this Bill forward. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Any further discussion? Representative Hammond is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Representative, we… we discussed this, I think, at… at length in committee. And our Members have some significant concerns because we are, in fact, allowing individuals to care for folks that could otherwise not pass a background check. And we really questioned why would we do that and open these folks up to potential harm, particularly given a lot of the things that are going on currently in the state and in facilities. And so, it states that… that it will allow for this waiver for a subset of crimes. Can you tell me what some of those crimes would be?"
"I do not have that in front of me. But remember, what… what really is happening here is they get to apply for a waiver. And then they look at the individual details of that case, and it is up to IDPH as to what whether or not they deem that is appropriate to… to acknowledge that waiver and allow that person to be employed anyway. So, remember, just because I… you have something in your background, it… it may 10300111.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 have happened 20, 30 years ago. And… and you have lived an otherwise upstanding life since, and it may not necessarily be a reflection of your character today. And, again, we find that people who do have lived experience are better peer counselors. It does help with their own recovery. It can be a win-win. You… you are not necessarily defined by one bad thing that happened in… in your past, and I think that's something that you've seen us work to address in a number of different settings."
"And I'm… I'm not necessarily all warm and fuzzy with some of our state departments and… and making decisions on who will be taking care of folks in these facilities and… and who won't be. And I… I can say, that as we've looked through these… the details here, it… if the department deemed it appropriate and someone had committed an armed robbery, they could, in fact, get a waiver for this position. And I think that… that that is a big concern. I think that we have a background check in place for a reason, and that reason is to keep our folks safe and not subject to harm. I'd encourage a 'no' vote."
"Representative Mussman to close."
"I appreciate the concerns. Again, I think that we know that maybe people who have had activities in their past, perhaps a drug sale or something or possession in their record, again, does not necessarily define them. We… we know that they have the opportunity with proper supports to be excellent peer counselors. And… and we see that we've already done this for a number of other health care settings. I think 10300111.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 this is strongly asked for in the mental health community, and I'd appreciate your support."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3661 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting in 'favor', 38 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3696, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3696, a Bill for an Act concerning commercial transactions. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Didech is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3696 adopts the 2022 revisions to the Uniform Commercial Code. Most significantly, it adopts Article 12, which governs the treatment of controllable electronic records, commonly known as cryptocurrency or digital currency. It passed the Senate unanimously. And we heard the House version of this Bill early this Session, which also passed out of committee unanimously. I thank you for your consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he will." 10300111.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you. Representative, this amends the Uniform Commercial Code. Just briefly, what is the Uniform Commercial Code?"
"Uniform Commercial Code is a piece of legislation. It's been adopted by all 50 states in the union. Essentially, it governs the transaction of goods in the marketplace."
"And the changes that we're making with this legislation, have they been adopted in other states?"
"Twenty-one states have already adopted this. I believe there's about a half dozen other states, including us, where it's currently under consideration."
"And these changes are… was suggested by… were suggested by the Illinois Bankers, and are supported by the Community Bankers Credit Union League and the Uniform Law Commission."
"Correct."
"Is that correct? And this passed unanimously in the Senate, I believe."
"Correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Didech to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3696 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby 10300111.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3716, Representative du Buclet. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3716, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Rep. du Buclet." du Buclet: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3716 is identical to the Bill… House Bill 5421. It requires the Illinois EPA to monitor water quality from nearshores, harbors, and public water supply intakes and provide an executive summary of the results every two years to the General Assembly and to the Governor. This was an… an initiative by the Illinois EPA, and it has no opposition, and it came out of committee with no opposition."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3716 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3741, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3741, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3741 is an initiative of the Illinois State Medical Society. Effectively, this is 10300111.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 just another tool for our medical practitioners, our health care professionals, or doctors to have a little more discretion in treating, in particular, opioid epidemic and those who need fentanyl and other types of medications to deal with… with their opioid addictions. This is something that we identified. We've artificially limited and capped what physicians are able to prescribe and provide for their patients. This removes that cap and allows us to… to really empower our physicians to do what they need to do and what they are trained to do. There's no oppositions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Hauter is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. This is another example of the ridiculousness of the issue of preauthorization or prior authorization. Thank you for bringing this Bill, but we have to make a law in Illinois that doctors can give the dose of the medicine that they want to give and not get a preauthorization from an insurance company. Call in and ask them, can we give this dose of this medication, which we think is a correct dose, and we have the experience, the education, and the training to say that this is the correct dose? But, no, we have to make it a law in Illinois that… that doctors no longer have to call into an insurance company and ask for the dosage of the medication. Please stop prior authorization abuse. Vote 'yes' on this."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"Yeah, I just want to thank Representative Hauter, who's been a real advocate for not just for his patients, but for 10300111.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 patients throughout the state. This a bipartisan Bill. It's going to help patients throughout the state. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3741 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3763, Representative Mussman. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3763, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mussman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 3763 is an initiative of the Department of Public Health to repeal the Reye's Syndrome Reporting Act, which was initiated in 1982 when the prevalence of these cases were very, very high. Ever since the widespread public education campaign, we have not had a case of Reye's Syndrome in the last 25 years, and the CDC is also no longer keeping this data. We have already heard this Bill in… as a House Bill in our own committee, and repealing the statute will alleviate staff time spent on maintaining any updates. IDPH will still have the information about Reye's Syndrome on their website. There's no cost. There's no explicit effective date. I'm aware of no opposition. I would appreciate your 'aye' vote." 10300111.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3763 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3767, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3767, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Avelar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SB3767 would allow applicants from other countries to apply for licensure by endorsement under several design profession practice Acts, including the Landscape Architectural Registration Act, the Architectural Practice Act, the Registered Interior Designers Act, the Professional Engineering Practice Act, the Professional Land Surveyor Act, and Structural Engineering Practice Act. As more U.S. nationals study abroad and the number of people with foreign licenses that have made Illinois their home, we are working on path so that talented individuals with foreign licenses can now get licensed in Illinois, as long as their foreign license meets the requirements similar to those in our state here in Illinois. The… the Bill passed the Senate unanimously, and I'm open to any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10300111.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. I believe you covered most of it in your description. I appreciate that. Just so I understand fully, this would allow for an applicant who is licensed in a foreign country to receive a license for certain licensures you mentioned in our state."
"That is correct. And that is as long as they meet the requirements that are similar to those in Illinois."
"And is there any citizenship requirement who would apply to all citizens and non-citizens of our state or legal residents, rather?"
"This Bill does not change any requirements with regards to work authorization."
"I'm sorry, would you repeat that?"
"Yes. The Bill does not change any work authorization requirements as required by law, so that's…"
"Separate and independent."
"Yeah. Yep, that's correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Avelar to close."
"I request an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3767 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 6 of the Calendar of 10300111.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3779, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3779, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3779 allows a licensed clinical social worker to possess and administer an opioid antagonist to reverse an opioid overdose in their professional capacity. Employers must train social worker employees on how to administer them. The Bill makes social workers immune to… from civil liability from administering the antagonist unless they acted with willful and wanton misconduct. It passed unanimously out with the Senate and out of committee, and it's my hope that we can do it once more in the House of Representatives. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3779 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. At the bottom of page 6 on the Calendar of Senate Bills-Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3793, Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3793, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Rep. Faver Dias is recognized." 10300111.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to present Senate Bill 3793. It's a simple piece of legislation and an initiative of DCEO. Senate Bill 70… 3793, it says that Community Action Board shall consist of no less than 9 members, rather than the currently 15 members required, and no more than 51 members. The reduction in the minimum number of board members is necessary because some community action boards struggle to have a quorum, and therefore, prevent the work of the boards from being completed. Nine members still allows for sufficient oversight, a variety of perspectives, and robust discussions. Currently, 51 percent of CABs have at least 1 vacancy, 14 percent have CABs have a 10 percent vacancy, and 17 percent of CABs have a 26 percent or greater vacancy rate. This passed out of the Senate unanimously and the House committee unanimously. I know of no opposition, and I encourage an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Appreciate you describing the Bill. Could you also describe what a Community Action Board is and what it does?"
"Yes, absolutely. So, Community Action Boards oversee community action agencies. Community Action Networks were created in 1964 by the Economic Opportunity Act, which was signed into… signed into law by President Johnson. So, they are nationwide. And then the Community Action Boards here in Illinois oversee these… the programs that really are… exist 10300111.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 to help people who live in poverty. So, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, otherwise known as LIHEAP, they administer weatherization assistance programs, and many of their programs are funded both by public dollars and private dollars as well."
"And by reducing this number from 15 to 9, it'll allow these boards to make decisions, operate, better able to have a quorum to…"
"Exactly."
"…conduct their business."
"To function more efficiently and effectively."
"Thank you."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3793 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 2 of the Calendar, House Bills-Second Reading, at the top of the page, we have House Bill 222, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 222, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Tarver."
"Representative Tarver on Amendment 1." 10300111.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Mr. Speaker, I believe Floor Amendment #1 is a gut and replace and becomes the Bill. Do you want me to describe it on Third? Thank you."
"Representative Tarver moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Tarver."
"Representative Tarver on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Amendment is just how… I can debate it on Third, but it just clarifies something related to the statute of limitations as it relates to children sexual abuse claims."
"Representative Tarver moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read this Bill on Third Reading."
"House Bill 222, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Tarver is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill came out of a discussion that we had last week. I had a point of personal privilege. And myself and many of my colleagues as well 10300111.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 expressed some frustration as it relates to things that have gone on with child sexual abuse cases. Specifically, this one happened to deal with CPS, but it's something that happens throughout the entire state. So, the purpose of this Bill, and I will admit it in advance that it's not as strong as I would like for it to be, but it does a couple of things. First, it builds on Representative Elik's original Bill, which was House Bill 1275, that will bar contributory… contributory negligence and comparative fault as a defense in child sexual abuse cases. So, thank you, Representative Elik, for that. The second thing that it does is in response to a expert for CPS testifying in a deposition under oath that not all sexual assault with children is traumatic, this would say on a per se basis that it is traumatic. You can argue the severity and the degree of the trauma, but you would not be able to argue that essentially raping a child is not traumatic. The third thing that it would do is just clarify, as it relates to the statute of limitations, that, essentially, a child who was sexually abused at, say the age of 9, is not on the clock to have known they were traumatized and file a lawsuit by the time they turned 11. So, I'm happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Elik is recognized."
"To the Bill. Representative Tarver, I just want to thank you so much for taking the lead on this and… and using language from a Bill that I thought would not go anywhere last year. I'm just really grateful that you've taken the lead, added to it, made it much stronger. And even though you 10300111.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 say it's not as strong as you like, this is going to make a gigantic difference in cases of both men and women that are trying to get… get a fair shake in court as plaintiffs against these school districts who knew and allowed abuse to happen to them when they were younger and to make sure that they are held accountable for that… for that action. And I just really appreciate it, and I definitely strongly encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, Representative Tarver to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll be as brief as I possibly can. I'm not known for my brevity. But, again, this Bill is not as strong as it could be. You know, CPS responded as it relates to this Bill and said that, you know, they were… they used the defense of trying to force this woman to use her name and saying that not all child sexual assault is traumatic as a way to save taxpayers money. This case actually settled for $800 thousand. The expert was paid $40 thousand. The law firm, over the course of the last several years, was paid $635 thousand. CPS's general counsel and other individuals are still collecting salaries. And then the gentleman who, I shouldn't even say gentleman, the rapist who caused all of this is still receiving a pension. And so, again, I just want to stress to my colleagues that I appreciate your support. Thank you to the staff as well for getting this Bill through and LRB for drafting it. But I hope that we can come back and have a further discussion about how we protect children in Illinois. And I will lastly, again, say that Ruchi Verma needs to be fired from CPS. Thank you. I urge an 'aye' vote." 10300111.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 222 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 7 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 536, Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 536, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 536, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 536 is an Amendment to the public… excuse me, Public Funds Investment Act. It expands… it allows a public agency that… to adopt an ordinance to allow it for investment of public funds in other instruments if such investments are in accordance with laws and… and investment policies. It extends corporate maturity rate for 3 to 10 years. But, again, the… the goal of this Bill is to achieve higher returns on investments over a longer period of time for some of our governmental bodies. I want to 10300111.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 make the record clear that what this Bill does, it makes it permissible upon passing a local ordinance to allow them to do so. This is not a requirement of our public bodies, but it is permissible. Thank you."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, are there any safeguards in the Bill that would avoid or prohibit what would be considered risky investments to protect public money?"
"Yes, because it does not expand. It'll… I'm going to make sure I say this the right way. No, the laws are currently in place. There's nothing that would allow an investment to go outside the current rules and regulations. It would just give some of our public bodies the opportunity to expand what some of the opportunities that they may have. I… I agree with you. That was a concern that was raised. The State Treasurer already does this. We… they are allowed to this. So, again, it's… it's all within that parameter."
"It appears from our analysis that the County Treasurers' Association was opposed or at one point was opposed. Have they expressed their opposition to you?"
"Yes. And, in fact, we've actually been meeting with them. This is an initiative of the DuPage Mayors and Management… Managers Conference. Our leader, Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess, actually has been meeting with the county treasurers, and we… due to timing, we are working on the trailer Bill to be able to go to do during Veto… hopefully to be able to move during Veto Session. My understanding was 10300111.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 that they were going to neutral because I am a person of my word, and we are going to be working on some additional language for them."
"Thank you."
"Representative Costa Howard to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 536 pass?' All those in favor say (sic- vote) 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to the bottom on page 7 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 694, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 694, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 694, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 694 is simply a technical cleanup to an omnibus cleanup of the recorders act last Session. Public Act 103-400 modernized and clarified the recording statute. And, unfortunately, some errors of the 10300111.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 statute were inadvertently omitted, which were vital to the operation of the office. This legislation will reinstate the omitted language as well as codify the existing language. Let me be clear on one thing. This is not a fee increase. The language in the Bill was law before Public Act 103-400. It's exactly what recorders were charging before the language was inadvertently dropped when we did a rewrite last Session. We're going back to their original fee structure, and that original language contains free… fee increase protection language with the requirement of a cost study to be performed by a third party and approved by a county board in order to raise any fees. It passed out of the Senate and out of committee unanimously, and it's my hope that we can do it once more in the House of Representatives."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, just to hit on the point which you hit on. This is not a fee increase?"
"Correct. Not a fee increase at all."
"As you go through the Bill, there are a lot of items and fees mentioned, so it… not to say we'd be skeptical that there may be one in there, but they're… these are the same fees that existed previously under… before the prior Act that you mentioned."
"That is correct."
"All right. And this passed through committee unanimously and the Senate unanimously?"
"Yes, Sir." 10300111.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative West to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 694 pass?' All in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; all opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. At the bottom of page 7 of the Calendar, under Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 726, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 726, a Bill for an Act concerning health. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 726, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative LaPointe."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 726 is the second Bill to come out of the Governor's Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative. It passed unanimously out of the Senate. The initiative is led by our state's chief behavioral health… excuse me, our chief children's behavioral 10300111.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 health officer. It's a comprehensive and coordinated statewide effort to build up quality behavioral health services for our youth. We are in a children's mental health crisis. I, others in this chamber, and the Executive Branch leaders believe that we have to be thoughtful and systematic in our work to build up the system. And so, again, this is the second Bill that is a part of that effort. So, this Bill does five things. It directs ISBE to conduct a readiness assessment related to school district readiness to conduct universal mental health screenings in our public K through 12 schools. I want to just say on the record that universal in this context means mental health screenings would be offered to every student, not that they would be done on every student. Second thing, the Bill directs HFS to work with our child-serving state agencies and our Medicaid managed care organization to identify leading indicators for our youth that are approaching behavioral health crisis so we can see what those indicators are with a goal to catch kids earlier before they go into crisis. Third, the Bill repeals the Wellness Checks in Schools Program Act that we have on the books because that was specific to a Medicaid population, and we want that work to cover all kids in public schools in terms of universal assessments. Next, the Bill moves the Children's Mental Health Partnership work that is currently housed at Lurie Children's Hospital to the Illinois Department of Public Health because it is a better, more comprehensive fit. And then, finally, the Bill allows for a pilot of personal support workers for in-home respite care for our youth that have both developmental disabilities and behavioral health 10300111.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 issues because that's an acute population that we do not have enough services for. So, a pilot program to explore that's appropriate. I'm sure there'll be questions, and I'm happy to answer them."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Tipsword is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Rep., I appreciate you bringing this. I agree, we… we have a mental healths… mental health crisis in this country. I just have a few questions. You did just answer some of my questions. I think it probably came from our discussion in… in committee, so I… I appreciate that. My… my question… my first question was, I… I had a problem deciphering what was currently in practice and what this Bill would do. I… I think you answered that a little bit when it came to universal mental health screening. So, that's a new piece. Is that correct?"
"There… there's… as we know, there's more than 800 school districts around the state, and some of those districts are already using some form of universal mental health assessment. And because of the first Bill we passed out of this initiative, the state, ISBE, has done a landscape scan to build our knowledge of what's currently happening, and it's happening in some districts today. And then the next step is to do a readiness assessment as a precursor to help school districts take it to the next level to be able to actually implement. And believe it or not, the schools actually want to do this on an incremental basis 'cause they 10300111.docx 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 want to be ready and have technology and referral resources in place before they really… for the schools that aren't doing it yet, they want the incremental nature so they can really be ready."
"Okay. In your opening you… you also made a comment about… this would be offered. So… so, this is not schoolwide to every student. This would be students who teachers or staff indicate may need this screening, or how will those kids be chosen, I guess?"
"Yeah. What I was referencing is the… the notion of a universal mental health assessment in the school. It means that the assessment would be offered to every student, but by no means would every student have to engage in that assessment."
"Okay. Okay. So, then, would it go back to… to a staff member? Or, I mean, how would… what starts the process?"
"I can't answer that right now because like, although there are some schools that have been doing this for a while, they're… they're already doing it. But the planning work that this Bill does is to figure that out. Like, we're being very thoughtful in our approach in talking to school districts around the state to really figure out what is going to work for them."
"Okay. So, who… who will do these screenings? Is it an employee of the school, a nurse, a counselor, or an outside person?"
"It's really the same answer that I just gave. I… it's… there's no prescription for that right now. It… it's going to depend on the school districts and what resources they have 10300111.docx 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 access to, what resources they might need that we can help them try to get. But I guarantee you it's going to look a little different in every school district 'cause we have more than 800."
"Okay. Where do parents come into this discussion? Is this parental consent if it's done in the school? Is this assessment done during the school day when the parents aren't there? How would you think that would look?"
"Well, the answer I just gave twice still stands because this is in development. So, we did the landscape scan, and now we're doing a readiness assessment, and it's the exact questions that you're posing now that are being contemplated in the process of doing this readiness assessment and talking to school districts all around the state. I can… I can tell you this though, like, there's nothing in the statute that requires parents to… like, there's nothing in the statute that requires parents to do anything or requires parents to send their kids to any sort of mental health treatment."
"Okay. Is… is this for public schools only, private schools, home schools? Where's… where do those schools line up in this?"
"This is for public schools K through 12."
"Okay. Thanks for your time. That's all I have."
"Representative Haas is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you. So, with regards to the content of this legislation, it's… it's really already in previous statute in the original Children's Behavioral Health Transformation 10300111.docx 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 legislation that ISBE, in coordination with the… the transformation officer and their team, provide the report back to the Governor and the GA what… with offer… offers of recommendations for implementation of the screening for K through 12, correct? And this Bill really takes that a little bit further with the phased-in approach and implementation. And that's really where we're getting the implementation of this screening process, correct?"
"Yeah. That's a great way to describe it, Leader Haas."
"Okay, thank you. So, in… in doing that, I… you know, I think my… my colleague here answered… or asked a few of the questions that I was going to ask. But this… this will be administered to… or offered to students in… in grades K through 12, correct?"
"Yes. It's all in development, but… but the goal is for universal assessments to be offered to public school students K through 12 around the state."
"Okay. Thank you. And who would authorize that screening to be completed? Would… would it still require parent or guardian authorization for that screening to be completed?"
"Well, everything is in development now, but give me a moment and I'll see if I can get the answer to that question."
"Thank you."
"Based on my extensive conversations with our chief behavioral health officer and this initiative, again, I'm leaning on the same answers I just gave. This is very much in development. It's an incremental process, and the whole reason that they're going through this step of doing a readiness assessment is to have these exact conversations 10300111.docx 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 with stakeholders and school districts around the state, and that's why it's such a thoughtful process."
"Okay. So, this legislation is really kind of ironing out those steps to get some of these pieces, these questions answered, these pieces put into place."
"That's exactly right."
"Okay. Thank you. And the intent, what is the intent really of administering this assessment? Is it what I kind of… am I correct in likening it to some of the… the screenings that we're currently doing, like some of the other developmental screenings that we're doing in the schools now?"
"The… the intent… and just to be clear, an… an assessment is… is not an intervention."
"Correct."
"An assessment is not support and treatment. It's a tool to try to identify issues early on in the process with the ultimate goal of providing options to kids and their families about support to try to catch kids before they approach a crisis point, which, to be clear, is not every kid. But we do have lots of kids in Illinois who are really struggling with their mental health issues."
"Sure, sure. I just want to see if it's fair that… to liken it to some of the other developmental screens that we're doing in schools now."
"And I would say, yeah, absolutely."
"Okay. Thank you. So, if a mental…"
"Any…"
"…health issue is… is identified through one of these screens, who would be accountable for the follow-through for 10300111.docx 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 some of those services that might be identified? Would the school be responsible for making sure that there's some follow-through with that? Or would it be the parents? Or who… who would that onus be… be put on then?"
"I… I'm a broken record here. So… so, that is very much in development. Like, when the readiness… as the readiness is… the readiness… what are we calling it? The readiness assessment. Now, I'm getting my words mixed up. As the readiness work is underway, those are the exact types of policies and procedures that are being contemplated. This will all be implemented alongside new tools that will give everyone the ability to… this is aspirational, to easily search for and connect with mental health support. And as… as you know, but not everyone knows, that is the exact work that the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative is… is doing right now, including a partnership with Google to get a portal off the ground."
"And if a… if a mental health need were identified and a parent or guardian does not follow through with that recommendation, would there be any consequences or ramifications to that? Because I think there's a lot of fear around will there be any negative consequences to that if a… if a recommendation's not followed through with."
"That's a good question, and the answer is no. There's nothing in the Bill that compels parents to do anything."
"Okay. Thank you for that answer. And my last question would be, will schools be responsible for contracting with particular service providers for any of the services that will be made available? So, if a… if a referral is made based 10300111.docx 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 on this assessment, will the parent or guardian have to choose from a treatment provider that the school might be contracted with or obligated to… to go to a provider or will they still have freedom of choice to choose the… the provider that… that they willingly choose on their own?"
"They would certainly still have freedom of choice. And… and some of that choice might come down to, what does their insurance cover or what does their insurance not cover? And we're also doing work, you know, to make sure Medicaid can be used for kids who have Medicaid in schools or at community-based providers. So, no, they wouldn't be forced to go to any specific place at all."
"Okay. Thank you for indulging me in these questions, and… and I would urge an 'aye' vote."
"Any additional discussion? Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, we've talked on mental health issues before. I have deep appreciation for where you're trying to go. I… I do struggle when it's in the school environment. And so, I have a couple questions that are in that area. What… what would be your vision for this? It sounds like as many children as possible would have a screening. At what grade level? At what school level? What… what do you picture happening?"
"Well, this Bill is not about my vision. This Bill is about transforming how we do children's mental health support in Illinois. And one component of that is to explore how we 10300111.docx 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 can have universal mental health assessments for kids in public schools K through 12 all around the state. And so, as you just heard, much of that is in development, but on a very baseline level. We want to make… the vision of the initiative is to make sure that every school has access to tools that would be offered, not… like, no kid is going to be forced to be assessed but…"
"But I… I hear a theme that at some point, and correct me if I'm wrong, that every student should have a screening in some manner. I understand it's permissive, right? But is… is that the ultimate framework that… that we see here? There's a mental health screening for every student…"
"Yeah."
"…in public school?"
"Yes.
"Okay."
"And I would liken that to, today in our schools, I would think and hope that every adult working in those schools, whether they're the school social worker or a teacher, is thinking about those things, is paying attention and recognizing when kids are… are struggling and passing on that information so our kids don't fall through the cracks."
"Who do you envision would have access to the results of the screening?"
"That's not really a question for me to answer. There's a robust thoughtful process going on. And so, it's not really about what me, as a Rep., what I think… you know, who I think should have access to it. This is the exact reason we're going 10300111.docx 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 through a readiness assessment that is thoughtful and incremental to answer these exact questions…"
"So…"
"…so the school districts themselves can weigh in on that."
"So, are… are you aware whether the information that would be gathered in this setting would be discoverable by a police agency or a court of law in the event of a… a divorce, an untragic weapons accident, a student-on-student crime? Is this information discoverable? Are we creating a record that may in fact harm not only the student, but potentially create liability on the part of the school if they didn't intercede in the proper way?"
"Those are the exact type of conversations that are a part of these readiness assessments. So, there's time for these conversations to be had to talk through these things."
"So, in… in the current environment, as I understand it, with the mandated reporter statute that's out there, if someone in the school system suspects that there is something that is harming the student or that the student is engaged in, they have a requirement to report. Can you help me understand how a routine screening like this would align with that mandated reporter issue?"
"Nothing about the current statute in front of us changes any… anything that governs things related to mandated reporting that you just outlined. So, you're asking me to… to pretend I'm a part of these readiness assessments and give you information. This is the whole reason there's a longer thoughtful process about readiness assessments with these 10300111.docx 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 school districts around the state, and those are the exact types of things that are going to be part of this conversation."
"Okay. To the Bill. I… I greatly appreciate and value our need as a country to… to better look into these mental health issues that are manifesting themselves and… and the influences that are… that are putting pressure on our kids to do the things that they do. I… I worry to a great extent if we institutionalize the process by putting it in our schools, we further take away what our teachers and what our school systems are designed to do and provide an education. 'Cause, obviously, we're seeing gaps in… in getting that education process completed. I also worry that we're creating a… a batch of evidence and liability and a big pot of information that must be addressed, and I don't know that schools and our law enforcement agencies are ready or prepared to deal with what's there. It… it may or may not be something that's important. It may or may not be something that's criminal. But the obligation to do something additional, even if it's involving law enforcement, is a very dangerous curve. So, I'm… I'm going to be a 'no' today just because of those issues. I worry about putting it in the school system, but I appreciate where your heart is on this. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Representative Weber is recognized. Representative Weber, would you like to speak? Representative Weber."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will." 10300111.docx 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, I'm reading here where, amends the School Code, reminds the State Board of Education to release a strategy for implementing universal mental health screening for students by October 1, 2024, mandates the school to issue reports to the Governor and General Assembly of school district plans by April 1, 2025. So, again, can… who comes up… what are… is this questions that will be asked to students? Can you explain or kind of give an example of how the screening works?"
"Can you orient me to the page number of the Bill you're on, Rep.?"
"I'm just looking at our analysis. Does this not require the school districts to release a strategy for implementing a universal mental health screening by October 1, 2024? Right here. It's right in the analysis."
"Yeah. So, here we go again. The Bill directs ISBE to do a readiness assessment of school districts. It's… it does not direct them to execute universal mental health assessments in schools. This is a very incremental, thoughtful process. So, the… related to October 1, it is about being done with a readiness assessment, where all of the things that you just heard about from our colleagues will be contemplated."
"Okay. So, page 1, line 20, I think is where we're… or page 2, line 7. Yeah, 'shall release a strategy that includes a tool for measuring capacity and readiness to implement universal mental health screenings of students.'"
"That's right."
"But does it…" 10300111.docx 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Measuring compacity and readiness to implement universal mental health screenings of students."
"Well, I noticed it."
"And… and I… I have… I have been in long conversations with our children's behavioral health officer about this. I… it… we are not getting these screenings off the ground October 1."
"Okay. So, I'm curious on it. It says, 'of students.' It doesn't say of particular students. It doesn't say of students who have their parental permission. It just says students. So, are… are we targeting every student in school?"
"Can you repeat that last question, Rep.?"
"Well, it just says for students in school, right? It doesn't say particular students. It doesn't say students who have… we have their parents' permission to talk to them. So, are we targeting, with a universal mental health screening, every student in school?"
"The intent is that the… well, let me back up. And I've said this like six times, but I'll say it again. This is about a… a readiness assessment so school districts can ready themselves and plan for this and contemplate the exact questions you are asking. So, it's not something that I miraculously have an answer to now that I didn't six minutes ago."
"So, are… are there guidance that these things have to have parental permission?"
"That is something that will be contemplated in the readiness work, in the work for measuring the capacity and… 10300111.docx 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 and readiness to implement the universal mental health screening of students."
"Can you point to it in the Bill where it says that parents will have to give approval for someone to approach their child and do a mental health screening?"
"It doesn't say that in the Bill because we're not there yet. This… this is… this is all about a readiness assessment that school… that ISBE is conducting with school districts. So…"
"There are $35 million for a hypothetical?"
"I'm… I don't know what you're talking about."
"So, let me ask you this. Do you believe that if there is a mental health screening done on a child, are the parents going to be the first person to get that report, a copy of every single one that's made?"
"I believe that those things will be complemented… excuse me, contemplated during the process of this readiness assessment. And… what I will say is, when I first read this Bill, I was a little frustrated at the pace because we know that many of our kids are struggling. But when the team and the children's behavioral health officer walked me through it, they made a very good case why we have to do this exact readiness work to have these conversations at the local school district level to see if the schools have access to the resources, technology, and so they can setup the policies that you are questioning about right now. So, it's… this is one step in several that may or may not happen."
"Well, it's… seems like there's a lot of dates and deadlines for something that may or may not happen. To the 10300111.docx 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Bill. Listen, parental rights are the most important thing. We can talk about spending all these millions of dollars, but what should be in the Bill that, number one, parents are notified, parents are engaged, and parents will be the first person to know what kind of results, if any, come out of any type of universal health screening done to a child in school. Thank you."
"Any additional discussion? Representative Hauter is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Okay. I… I may ask some questions again. I understand, totally understand, this is sort of a assessment to a strategy to get to a point of universal mental health screenings, and you may not be able to answer my question. And, again, it… it centers on universal and it centers on parental control and consent, and so you may not… I don't know what that exactly is going to look like. But you understand how deeply skeptical we may be about, when you say universal, if it's going to bypass parental control because of so many instances and programs. And the momentum out there is to separate kids from their parents' control in our schools. And so, my question is, you said no one is going to be forced to do this, but do you know, right now, is there going to be a consent that… that it's… may be universally offered, but it's offered not just to the student, but to the parents, so they can have shared consent if they want their child to undergo a mental health screening and not just notified that their child has 10300111.docx 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 undergone a universal health screening? Do you see what I'm saying?"
"I do 'cause it's similar to the other questions."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm going to give… give you an answer that is not going… you're going to be frustrated with answer."
"Yeah. Yeah."
"But these are the exact things that are going to be contemplated…"
"Okay."
"…in the readiness assessment to assess the readiness of school districts to engage in universal mental health assessments of our students."
"Okay. And then there was another… previously, there's a very controversial sexual education curriculum that was offered, and many school districts found it to be inappropriate and were allowed to opt out of it. I can see that many school districts in my district may have a very… may have a problem with the… the screening process or even the screening questions. Will school districts be allowed to say we do not want to do universal mental health screenings with this program? Will they be allowed to opt out of something like this?"
"Again, I'm going to say the same thing. This work is happening in the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative. And so, the answers to those questions are going to be contemplated in the readiness assessment that's… that's happening. So, that's one thing. And… and that's how I can answer the question." 10300111.docx 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Okay."
"And… and I would just… I'm hearing the questions."
"Yeah."
"I'm a little concerned that we're not stepping up to support our kids and… and doing our best to incrementally put more supports around them. I also really, really hope that people on your side aisle are engaging in conversations with our chief children's behavioral health officer and with our Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative. They are there to… to work with you and to answer your questions. So, I just encourage you to connect directly, and I'm happy to be in meetings with you and them as well."
"So, I just feel like how can I vote for something where I don't know… I don't know the consent. I don't know if there's an opt-out. I just don't know that this looks like. Even though it's very… it's kind of a let's move to look at this, I don't even know if I want to be on record as saying I want to move to look at something which I don't know."
"And the beauty of this is you don't have to vote for it."
"All right. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Any additional questions? Representative Niemerg."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will."
"Thank you very much, Representative. I don't want to be too redundant on this issue, and I appreciate the robust debate that we've had here this afternoon. For legislative 10300111.docx 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 intent, you had mentioned that all the questions that we had asked will be thought through when it comes to local control. Is it your intent to keep local control? Therefore, if my school district that my children go to, if they disagree with particular questions, they would be able to eliminate those questions from the mental health screening."
"All of that is going to be contemplated in the work of the readiness assessment of school districts. And this work is happening in the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative."
"Okay. I think that it would be easier to support this piece of legislation if it was not universal. It's a situation where here we are again giving authority to other agencies, other individuals to draft this language, and then once that language is drafted, have that placed into the school districts. At least with Senate Bill 818, there was an opt- out, which was… which was very important to many school districts throughout the state. But in this particular instance, if universal mental health screenings are brought forth and there's no discussion from this Body, there's no opt-outs for school districts. If parents, such as myself or other Members, are not given access to those questions or know exactly what those questions are or what is going to be asked of their children, unfortunately, I won't be able to support this piece of legislation today, but thank you."
"Any additional discussion? Representative Blair- Sherlock is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicated she will." 10300111.docx 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you. I guess when I listen to the debates, sometimes I think things get a bit obfuscated, so I want to make sure that I'm clear on this. This would be like a feasibility study, correct?"
"That's a great way to put it, Representative."
"Okay. So, this Bill itself is not necessarily going to result, in the fall, kids being evaluated, correct?"
"Can you say that one more time, Representative?"
"So, this is not going to result in children just suddenly being evaluated across this state, correct?"
"Absolutely not."
"And… and so, once they've conducted their inquiries and meetings and thought about the questions and how they could implement the universal, right, what do you see the next step to be?"
"I mean, this is hard 'cause you're asking me questions acting like I'm going on the ground in these places around Illinois. But based on a readiness assessment or a feasibility study, school districts would talk about the various policies and procedures, the various sticky issues, the various resources that they might need, the various barriers and controversies that need to be worked that… in order to get to a place where could have universal mental health assessments offered, keyword 'offered', in schools."
"Right. So, there would have to be additional legislation or perhaps administrative agency rules to have this actually be something that's happening in the schools involving children and families, correct?" 10300111.docx 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"That's fair to say, and everything about this initiative has been very incremental and deliberative, which is why we had one Bill last spring and we have another Bill this spring."
"And you anticipate that it will probably involve another Bill or two?"
"I think we're going to keep seeing pieces of legislation under the umbrella of the Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative."
"Great. Thank you."
"Representative Spain is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Representative LaPointe, thank you for bringing this Bill forward. We've had a lot of discussion, and a lot of your answers have been the same, which I understand of, you know, you're asking questions that we don't know the answers to yet. I think it's good that we're having a… a serious discussion about this topic, and… and hopefully sets the process up so that many of the questions that have been raised on the floor today, we'll know their level of importance and the consideration that they should be given through some of the next steps through this assessment. But similar to the former… preceding speaker, I'd like to understand the intentions in your Bill for those next steps. And do you contemplate that after the completion of the assessment, we'll be in a position to have further legislation that would be reviewed by this Body? Are we setting up a process for administrative rulemaking or emergency rulemaking? Is there 10300111.docx 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 any specific language in your Bill that addresses rulemaking provisions?"
"There's no language in this Bill that addresses rulemaking provisions. But similar to my previous answer, I… this is not the end of this topic in this Body. And there's going to be… this has all been so incremental, and we're going to have another Bill related to this very topic."
"Perfect. There will be another Bill. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. I rise in support of this initiative. I have filed Bills myself in the past creating programs that I hope could unlock funding for school-based mental health services. I… I think all of the concerns that have been raised are very genuine, they're very important. It's absolutely critical, as we embark on the next steps, that we have the rights of parents that are considered and involved, that we have opt-out procedures for parents, for… for schools even, that we have the ability to work together and make sure that we don't divide and separate parents from the role that they can play in providing nourishment and support to their children. But I think we all have to recognize that our kids today are undergoing tremendous challenges, whether it's bullying, cyber issues, social media, depression, and I… I applaud you for bringing this forward, Representative. And, again, it's not to minimize any of the very legitimate points that I think have been brought up, but I thank you for your work as one of the mental health experts in this House of Representatives. And I know… I think your offer to help bring people, your colleagues who have raised concerns, to the table within this transformation, I know that you're… that's a very genuine 10300111.docx 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 offer. And the ability to raise these issues is something that we should take you up on. So, I am in support of this Bill, and thank you for bringing it forward."
"Seeing no discussion, Representative LaPointe to close."
"Thank you so much, Speaker. And thank you to everyone who raised questions, which I agree, I believe are genuine questions. Just a few things I want to say before we close that might help clarify some of the debate. Although this Bill doesn't require rulemaking, we do have the authority to make rules because this is part of the School Code. And then I also just want to make clear that like… things like hearing and vision screenings that happen in schools, the intent of the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative is that parents and students, and I'll say this again so it's very clear, parents and students would be able to opt-out of these universal mental health assessments that this Bill is contemplating that we had so much discussion about. And truly, I hope that any Member of this Body joins me in ongoing conversations with our chief behavioral mental health officer and the whole initiative. Thanks for the conversation."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 726 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay'. Voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 80 voting 'yes', 31 voting 'no', and 1 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 8 of the Calendar of 10300111.docx 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 951, Representative Sosnowski. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 951, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 951, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Sosnowski."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Assembly. This is a… provides quitclaim authority for the City of Marengo. There's a current DCEO grant project of roughly $27 million that has been awarded for sewer and water extension along Route 23 up to… from the city to I-90. This would allow them to put together the last small parts of the parcels in order to put that sewer and water in. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you very much."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate… Senate Bill 951 pass?' All those in favor say (sic- vote) 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 8 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1089, Representative Yednock. Representative Yednock. Out of 10300111.docx 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the record. Continuing down page 8 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1479, Representative Jones, presented by Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1479, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 1479, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan for Representative Jones."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy to present Senate Bill 1479 on behalf of Representative Jones, our chair of Insurance, but also this is an initiative of the Department of Insurance. This Bill seeks to rework, for the first time in over four decades, the statutes that govern the market conduct examination and analysis process used by the department. There are probably two or three people in this entire chamber who would be able to articulate what market conduct examination is, including the spokesman, my friend over there from the department… from the other side of the aisle. But ultimately, this is going to provide a variety of different changes to our market conduct regulations. Creates a staged approach to the examination process, clarifies the procedure and limitations from posing fines and penalties, brings certainty to the process, sets forth the streamlined and efficient hearing process, and clarifies provisions with regards to the final examination report. So, there's no 10300111.docx 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 opposition. This has been worked on quite a bit. I want to thank Leader Keicher for his work on this with the department. And we ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Any discussion? Representative Keicher."
"To the Bill. I just want to thank the Sponsor. This was a product that took a while with the department to get worked out with the folks that are in the industry. It's a good product. I encourage everyone to vote 'yes'."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1479 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Olickal is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I have a few guests here today that I want to recognize in the gallery. The first is Dharani Villivalam. That name might sound familiar. She is the mother of my State Senator, Ram Villivalam. And with her is Yash Mazumdar, Senator Villivalam's nephew. They are constituents of Representative Yang Rohr. And I also have two special guests here with them as well, Elora Ganguly and Ranjit Ganguly. I wanted to specifically recognize Ranjit Ganguly, who… affectionately known as Ranjit Uncle. He is… he is someone who cofounded the Indo-American Center, which is a very important nonprofit that serves the people of West Ridge, the Indo-American 10300111.docx 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Democratic Organization, an organization that many of us in the South Asian community… or, many of us in the… that have made it into government in South Asian community owe a lot to. And he… he really is, and they all are, pillars of the community. And Ranjit Ganguly, especially, has been a mentor to myself, Senator Villivalam, and many other South Asian leaders, and we cannot recognize the growth of South Asian representation without recognizing and celebrating them and their efforts. So, please give them a warm Springfield welcome."
"Moving on to page 9 of the Calendar, top of the page, Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 2442, Representative Morgan. Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2442, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2442, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2442 is a Bill that really deals with when a hospital is going to be billing a patient when they are uninsured, but for those, in particular, who are under 200 percent of the federal poverty level… level. We already have a program in Illinois that really allows those who are under a certain income limit to avoid being 10300111.docx 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 responsible if they have to appear in an emergency room or go to a hospital. We have a program that exists. This basically closes the loop to make sure that those patients who qualify that… for that state program from being billed directly. Again, there is no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2442 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving down page 9 of the Calendar of Senate Bills- Second Reading. We have Senate Bill 2625, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2625, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2625, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is just to help to separate products that look like they're for children and have alcohol in them from products that actually have alcohol… I mean, that are alcoholic and for adults. I'm happy to answer any questions." 10300111.docx 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2625 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving down page 9 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 2744, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2744, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2744, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2744 is just a continuation of a policy we've had over the last few years where an individual health insurance policy must cover vaccines without charging a cost-sharing requirement or deductible. This, in particular, is applying to COVID vaccines, influenza, and RSV. Again, this really is what we were doing during the COVID pandemic and continues that process. Rally has… has been a tremendous for all of us in dealing with these, not just the pandemic, but also dealing 10300111.docx 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 with flu. So, know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, this would require that the coverage for those vaccines you mentioned without a co- pay beginning in 2026?"
"One second, let me just confirm that. That's correct."
"And those would… if they're administered by a health care provider or by a pharmacist?"
"I believe that's correct."
"And this coverage would… the mandate would go across state… for state employees, Counties Code, Municipal Code, School Code. So, it applies across the board?"
"That's correct."
"Remind me how long ago was it when we allowed pharmacists to administer these vaccines. Was that in the last couple years?"
"That's correct. During the COVID pandemic, we provided that opportunity for pharmacists to begin providing COVID shots and vaccines… tests and vaccines, as well as dealing with flu tests. So, this has been a great additional access point for a lot of people who might not be able to make to a hospital or to their doctor and to have that access at a pharmaceutical… or a pharmacy."
"And this… those covered is COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, correct?" 10300111.docx 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Morgan to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2744 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 92 voting 'yes', 18 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving at the bottom of page 9 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 2918, Representative Cabello for Leader Smith. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2918, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2918, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cabello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I am presenting a Bill for Leader Smith. This provides that a physical or mental disability that could… constitutes, in whole or part, the basis of a application for benefits under the Downstate Police Articles of the Illinois Pension 10300111.docx 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Code may be used, in whole or part, as a course of municipal… municipalities to discharge a police officer. The fire department has this exact language. It is in the code, and we're just trying to make sure and add our police officers. Would requestfully ask an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2918 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. At the bottom of page 9 on the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 2968, Representative Ammons. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2968, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2968, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2968 is a technical cleanup Bill from HRC of a Bill that we passed previously entitled the Equity and Racial Justice Act. It makes several changes to the… through the Act that cleans up the way the process of collecting data is, and it streamlines so that the 10300111.docx 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 agencies across the board use the same forms, same definitions, and other descriptive measures across each agency so that the data that is collected can be compared from agency to agency under the same guidelines. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, we had conversation about the Bill in committee. I just want to cover some of that here. The Bill is primarily around data collection. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Sir. That is correct."
"And specifically demographic information?"
"That is correct."
"And in law currently, we have certain elements of the demographic data, specifically racial categories and ethnic categories, that are listed in the law identified specifically before this Bill. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. It was already there."
"And… and we are going to remove the specific racial and ethnic classifications and allow those to be established by rule… administrative rule going forward?"
"Yeah, just so that the departments have the flexibility, we did pass a change in this Assembly just a few weeks back to include a Middle Eastern designation. And because of that, that gives them the ability and authority to make the changes 10300111.docx 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 as necessary, as opposed to having to come back to the General Assembly."
"And to allow you to address this concern I raised in committee, I'll present it to you again here. This is, again, an… an area where we have moved from our Body and the Senate legislating certain items and giving that authority up to administrative rulemaking. Why do you feel this is more appropriate to be done by administrative rule rather than by us, the Legislature, the elected Representatives of the people, outlining these in statute?"
"I… I appreciate that. The… the important thing about administrative collection of data is that each agency was performing it in a different way. And so, this is attempting to streamline that. We've already passed the original Bill. So, we did not actually give this authority to the Executive Branch solely because we passed the original Act. We're just coming back trying to clean it up so that they can actually implement it and give JCAR an opportunity to make sure that the rules match what the original Bill is."
"Well, I appreciate you answering my questions. I think there's just a difference of opinion. But thank you for your time."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ammons to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2968 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 10300111.docx 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting 'yes', 38… excuse me, 74 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And the Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills- Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3155, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3155, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3155, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is just to help out a situation where we initially incentivized angel investors to invest in certain Illinois companies, certain types of Illinois companies, and we had a minimum requirement for the jobs they would have to create and maintain. And then COVID happened. And so, this just gives DCEO the ability of discretion to determine who would need to pay back those tax credits. So, we don't want to penalize every single business for not meeting the metrics that we had set for them when no one anticipated an international pandemic. I'm happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Evans: "Any discussion? Representative Windhorst is recognized." 10300111.docx 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. We have the angel investment tax credit, which this applies to. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And that is a tax credit that generates… or program that generates tax credits for qualified new business ventures. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And under law, they… individuals in this program have to generate certain levels of jobs, a certain amount of jobs. Is that correct?"
"Right."
"And if they fail to meet the standard, the money that they received can be… or has to be, not can be, has to be repaid?"
"There… there was 'shall' language. If they did not maintain a certain level of jobs, then those tax credits would have to be repaid. So, this allows DCEO to have some discretion. It's narrow. I should've said that as well. March 13, 2020 to January 1, 2024. So, essentially, the period that we all knew to be COVID, allowing for the department to have discretion to see if there were bad actors or there were people that genuinely were trying and unable to meet those goals because of, again, international pandemic."
"And is the discretion we're giving to DCEO blanket across the board, or it will be done on a case-by-case basis?"
"Let me see. The language… I don't know if this says case- by-case. Give me one second. Okay, I'm at page 6, lines 19 10300111.docx 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 through 23. For tax credits under this Section involving the three-year reporting period, it says the repayment of any tax credits issued shall be determined at the discretion of the department. So, there's no limiting language or no language that specified this on a case-by-case basis."
"But it… it appears as entity-by-entity, meaning that…"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Yes."
"…it won't be every entity that got a credit during this time that failed to meet it gets the… the waiver. Its…"
"Thank you for the question. I understand now, but yes. It's on an entity-by-entity basis. So, this would allow them to determine that, you know, Tarver really tried and Windhorst didn't. And so…"
"Sounds right, yeah."
"…Tarver deserves to the… keep his tax credit and Windhorst has to pay it back."
"Sounds about right, yep. Thank you for answering my questions."
"You're welcome."
"Representative Tarver to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Seeing no additional questions, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3155 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting present. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 10 of the 10300111.docx 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3182, presented by Representative Jiménez. Representative Jiménez. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3182, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3182, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Jiménez is recognized." Jiménez: "Thank you. This Bill contains some technical updates to the Vital Records Act and adds a new section to the Hospital Licensing Act to be known as Liam's Law. Liam's Law is named after the first son of Anna Calix, who died at the end of a full-term pregnancy. After learning her son had died, Anna endured over 36 hours of induced labor and Liam was born. After 40 weeks of pregnancy, childbirth resulting in a stillbirth is psychologically identical to childbirth that results in a live birth. At least two stillbirths happen in Illinois every year. Every year, one person of postpartum families never get to bring their child home. They must go home from the hospital and find a way to adjust to their new reality as bereaved parents. At nine months postpartum, bereaved mothers are seven times more likely than nonbereaved mothers to report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Certificates of birth resulting in stillbirth are an important resource for bereaved parents because these 10300111.docx 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 commemorative documents make their incomprehensible loss legible. These certificates emblemize each… each unique parent-child relationship. So, what Liam's Law does is adds a new section to the Hospital Licensing Act and requires hospitals to provide patients whose pregnancies end in stillbirth with written information about the availability of certificates of birth resulting in stillbirth. I also wanted to honor Benjamin Lucas Pantoja, who's affectionally known as Benny, and was born on June 9, 2022 to loving parents Yolanda Carillo and Rogelio Pantoja. Benjamin Lucas Pantoja is also lovingly remembered by his siblings Nicolas Pantoja and Santiago Pantoja."
"Seeing no debate, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3182 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing down page 10 of the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3302, Representative Sosnowski. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3302, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading." 10300111.docx 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 3302, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Sosnowski."
"Thanks, Mr. Speaker, Members of the chamber. This allows North Boone Fire Protection District to be able to serve alcohol in their building. Essentially, they operate out of a facility that also has a large meeting banquet area, and this would give them the opportunity to host ancillary events outside of their main responsibility. I don't know of any opposition. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3302 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 10 in the Calendar of Senate Bills- Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3216, Leader Lisa Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3216, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3216, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Hernandez." 10300111.docx 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3260… 16 is… came from the Treasurer's Office. It simply adds any facility, property, or building under the… the jurisdiction of the State Treasurer to the listing of state facilities at which liquor may be delivered, sold, or dispense. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3216 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting 'yes', 3 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on page 10 of the Calendar, towards the bottom, Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3305, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3305, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3305, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz."
"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 3305 does a very simple but a very important thing, was to… is to ensure that for patients who have had to have major reconstructive surgery, requiring dental work to restore 10300111.docx 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 their ability to chew, their ability to, you know, restore their smile, have that coverage and aren't denied coverage for something that is medically necessary. I know of no opposition, and happy to answer questions."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, as you just mentioned, this is requiring coverage for medically necessary care and treatment for major injuries to the jaw through an accident or disease. Is that accurate?"
"That is correct, Leader."
"And this is brought forward by the… or a proponent, anyway, is this Illinois State Dental Society?"
"That's… that's correct."
"Has the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Association taken a position on the Bill?"
"I'm not aware of any opposition."
"Yeah."
"I believe it's agreed."
"It… it appears they may be neutral. Is that what you show?"
"That is correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Gong-Gershowitz to close."
"Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3305 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted 10300111.docx 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on page 10 in the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3310, Representative Tarver. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3310, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3310, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Tarver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This does one thing, which is to expand the window in which, essentially, the statute of limitations for the Illinois Human Rights Act at the Human Rights Commission… excuse me, not at the commission, but the Illinois Human Rights Act, to 2 years from 300 days. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Why was this change put forward? Why are we expanding the time?"
"You know, I was not careful when I said expanded. We're not really expanding in the sense that… I realize it's 300 10300111.docx 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 days right now, but most things, statute of limitations, unless it's a municipality, it's two years anyway, except for, I think, gender-based violence may be four years. And so, for any personal injury or… or discrimination case, typically, you have a two-year statute of limitations. So, I think this just brings it in line with that. And the other reason why I don't think it really expands anything, as far as the timeline, is because you can opt out from the Department of Human Rights within 90 days anyway and go straight to Circuit Court and pursue your claim for the… under the Human Rights Act. So, it just brings, again, the commission, essentially, into line with what you can do in Circuit Court already."
"It does appear that this change would actually take us out of line with… with the federal timeline, as of 300 days, as well as Wisconsin and Iowa. They're also at 300 days. And, actually, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri are 180 days, and Minnesota is a year."
"Sure."
"So, I… I guess you've addressed this point, but it seems like this actually will move us out of sync with surrounding states and the federal government."
"Well, perhaps. But, you know, unlike some states that surround us, and even unlike the federal government, the federal government sets the floor, right, not the ceiling. And so, the federal government doesn't acknowledge certain things that we acknowledge under the Illinois Human Rights Act. And we think that's it important to acknowledge those additional categories, those demographics. We think it's 10300111.docx 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 important to allow people a reasonable amount of time to bring their claim like they can do in any other lawsuit in Illinois except for, again, municipalities are one year, and I believe the Gender-Based Violence Act is four years."
"Well, I appreciate you answering my questions. I won't be able to support your Bill today, but I appreciate your answers. Thank you."
"Three out of four ain't bad."
"Representative Tarver to close."
"I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3310 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting 'yes', 39 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward to page 11 on the Calendar of Senate Bills-Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3713, Representative West. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3713, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3713, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative West." 10300111.docx 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A violent crime can have a lasting impact and can bring changes that one might not expect. In Illinois, the Crime Victims Compensation Program is administered by the Illinois Attorney General's Office in collaboration with the Court of Claims, and it provides resources to help those who… whose lives were interrupted by a violent crime. This financial assistance could include reimbursing cost related to crime scene cleanup, funeral burial expenses, mental health counseling expenses, relocation costs, replacement costs, and many other eligible expenses that could unduly burden victims. Senate Bill 3713 reflects the voices of victim advocates and does the following: It allows applicants to submit their own police reports, the office… the OAG to subpoena records when needed and to access the relevant juvenile records. It clarifies and expands eligibility for grandparents, grandchildren, and roommates to receive reimbursement for mental health treatment, time off work, and relocation. It includes compensation for loss of earnings, legal fees that solely relate to the crime, and damage to doors. It clarifies policy around individuals with felonies that are unrelated to the crime being considered for compensation. It allows individuals in a dating relationship with someone who was killed to be compensated for mental health treatment and expands acceptable treatment for victims beyond only hospitals to include a mental health… a medical facility, I'm sorry, or an independent mental health provider's evaluation. No opposition in committee, and no opposition in the Senate, and I hope for the same in the House." 10300111.docx 140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Appreciate you bringing the Bill forward. This is a very important program, valuable program, and I appreciate the changes you have here. I have just a few things to confirm with the questions. First, no compensation may be granted to an applicant under this Act while the applicant is held in a correctional institution. Is that a change to law or just clarifying current law?"
"Is that a change in the law or clarifying current law? Is that what you said?"
"Yes."
"Can I going to get back to you on that one?"
"Sure. And we also have that a person who is criminally responsible for the crime upon which a crime is… or claim is based or an accomplice to that crime is not eligible to receive an award."
"I missed the beginning of that question. One more time, Sir."
"A person who is criminally responsible for a crime or an accomplice who commits a crime won't be able to seek compensation under this Act. Is that accurate?"
"Yes, Sir. That's correct."
"All right. There… there is a piece regarding crowdfunding. If a person uses crowdfunding to obtain resources that will not count against their ability to receive funding under this Act. Is that accurate? Or put it…"
"Yeah, Leader. That's accurate." 10300111.docx 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"…put it more specifically, it's not a collateral source of payment. Is that…"
"Yes. That is accurate."
"Okay."
"And I got an answer to your first question. Can you restate your first question?"
"Yes. With the, 'No compensation being granted to an applicant under the Act while the applicant is held in a correctional institution,' is that already current law? Is this a change in the law or clarification of the law?"
"Clarification to the law."
"Thank you for bringing this forward and answering my questions."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Representative West to close."
"I would appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3713 pass?' All those in favor say (sic- vote) 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'… vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Tipsword, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Mr. Clerk, please let the record reflect I meant to be a 'no' vote on Senate Bill 2744."
"Record will reflect. Leader Burke in the Chair." 10300111.docx 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Remaining on page 11 of the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 3762, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3762, a Bill for an Act concerning government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 3762, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Avelar is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Today, I'm here to present SB3762. This Bill creates the Language Equity and Access Act, which would ensure equal access to Illinois state services by addressing language barriers for individuals with limited English proficiency. The Bill seeks to remove language obstacles, as well as align with federal guidelines to provide fair access to state services. The Bill would require the Office for New Americans, with support of the Department of Human Services, to create a Language Needs Assessment Report, provide assistance for state agencies in developing language access plans, and annual reporting on compliance. I'm here to add… to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, with regard to the Language Needs Assessment Report, you said that’s to identify the language… language that’s spoken throughout the state, as 10300111.docx 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 described in Section 25 of the Act. Is there a threshold needed for a language to be included or not included, such as a population requirement?"
"Yeah, so, what we have here is that the assessment shall be updated at least every 10 years in conjunction with the decennial federal census, but it also may be updated more frequently. I also want to make sure that I give information here, particularly regarding vital documentation, that would be required if there are more than a thousand limited English people in the population served by the agency or if limited English proficient people comprise more than five percent of the population served by the agency."
"And would that a thousand-person threshold or the five percent that you mentioned refer to the language spoken or the total number of people?"
"The language spoken."
"Thank you. And with regard to complaints for violation, how would… how does the complaint process work under this Act?"
"Yes. So, for the complaint process, and I want to make sure that I tell you this correctly, it is my understanding that there is a complaint process that's already existing under the Illinois Department of Human Rights. So, the… the idea would be for the Governor's Office for New Americans to also collaborate with the department on addressing complaints."
"And would the enforcement all be within state government, meaning that the complaint is made within state government and then…" 10300111.docx 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"That… that is correct."
"…passed down to the agencies? I'm… I'm sorry to interrupt you. What'd you say?"
"No, sorry. That is correct."
"Well, I appreciate you answering the questions. It appears that we had similar legislation earlier in this General Assembly, House Bill 3222, which passed 73 to 34 to 1. Thank you."
"Yep."
Speaker Burke: "Seeing no further questions, Representative Avelar to close."
"Thank you. Before I ask for an 'aye' vote, I do want to thank the organizations that work really hard to make this happen and also somebody who… who was extremely important to the crafting of the language of the Bill. So, I just wanted to extend a special thank you to Dr. Layla Suleiman, as well as Asian Americans Advancing Justice who have been pivotal in making sure that this becomes a reality. So, thank you so much, and I request an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3762 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 38 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 11 of the Calendar, we're going back to Senate Bill 3476, Representative Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300111.docx 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 3476, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. The Bill was… the Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 3476, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Evans."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and the great Members of the Assembly. I just want to say that this Bill exempts home- delivered meals paid through an intermediary are exempt from state sales taxes. I request your support."
"All right. Seeing no questions, Representative Evans to… oh, excuse… question is, 'Shall… shall Senate Bill 3476 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have Senate Bill 3751, Representative Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3751, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3751, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300111.docx 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative Evans."
"Thank you so much. We want better health outcomes and this Bill creates the Health Outcomes Review Board, a board that is charged with review reporting and make recommendations for policy changes to improve health care outcomes, including the illnesses, treatment, and cause of deaths across the state. On everybody's analysis, you'll see the board makeup. You know, we want individuals with direct experience. And I request your support."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leaker Evans, my understanding is there was some concerns of… that this effort is duplicative of other efforts in the state of… around health outcomes. Do you believe that this is unique to those efforts?"
"Yeah, I think it's unique. It's 12 million people here, and when people say things is duplicative, it's usually 'cause they want to monopolize the vision and the thought. This board will have a vision and thought, and the other board going to have their vision and thoughts. So, I'm always perplexed when I hear duplicative when we have 12 million people. You know, that mean we have very, very variety of thoughts and people that want to be involved."
"And it appears that there are some confidentiality provisions for board members that they are to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding the information they will receive, to keep it, of course, confidential. And if they 10300111.docx 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 violate that, they would potentially be responsible for… or be committing a misdemeanor. Is that accurate?"
"Yes, but we're going to get honest people for this board, so we didn't have to worry about that section."
"Well, that sounds… sounds good, if we're… well, if we have nobody breaking the law, right?"
"Yeah, I…"
"I appreciate you answering my questions. Thank you."
"Well, thank you."
"Representative Evans to close."
"I request your support."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3751 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting in 'favor', 39 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Next, we have Senate Bill 3775, Representative Moylan. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3775, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3775, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Moylan." 10300111.docx 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members of the Assembly. Amends Senate Bill 3775. It simply amends the… provides that the driver of a vehicle that is involved in any kind of a crash shall report it if no police officer is present. Thank you, and I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, this is IDOT's omnibus Bill. Is that correct?"
"I'm not sure if it’s an omnibus Bill, but they want… yes, it is. That's… I think."
"And in its current form, it is identical to House Bill 5411. Is that correct?"
"That's correct."
"And that passed this Body unanimously, 107 to nothing?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you."
"Representative Moylan to close."
"I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3775 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared 10300111.docx 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 passed. Senate Bill 3807, Representative Ammons. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3807, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3807, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The… this amends Article 9 of the Build Illinois Act, aka the small business development that raises the limit from 400 thousand to 2 million available for small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, women-owned businesses in the State of Illinois. It's an existing program. It's nothing that we're adding additional to. We are just raising the limit to allow them to be able to deal with debt and get a higher credit limit in this particular program for Build Illinois. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this Bill's identical to House Bill 5621, I believe."
"Yes, it is."
"That's your Bill that passed unanimously out of this Body."
"Yes." 10300111.docx 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"We've been informed there were, I believe, three Senate 'no' votes that were from the Republican side, and that that the opposition was because they were opposed to the increase that they viewed as being too substantial, essentially $1.6 million. Would you address the amount of increase and why you think that’s an appropriate amount?"
"Well, this particular amount was to align this program with other programs that are already available and allow existing businesses that are not minority businesses to get up to the $2 million. What we wanted to do was equalize those two programs and allow for, in this small business program, that the amount is also accessible up to the $2 million."
"And this program is for minorities, veterans, females, and persons with disability?"
"That's correct."
"Thank you."
"See… Representative Ammons to close."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3807 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to page 5 of the Calendar, Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3547, Representative Yang Rohr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300111.docx 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 3547, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Yang Rohr."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 3547 allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to update information on the early detection of breast cancer. Finding breast cancer early is the most important strategy for preventing death from breast cancer, and this Senate Bill updates IDPH pamphlets to be in line with the American Cancer Society's recommendation. It passed unanimously in the Senate and in the House committee and has the support of IDPH. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3547 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to page 4 of the Calendar, on Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 2931, Representative Johnson. Clerk, please read the Bill. Oh, no. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3219, Representative Harper. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3219, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Harper."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Senate Bill 3219 simply adds farmer-owned grocery stores or markets to be included in the 10300111.docx 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Illinois Grocery Initiative. Last year we passed the Grocery Initiative, along with many other Bills, to address food deserts across the state. This Bill simply allows farmer- owned grocery stores and markets to receive grants through the program. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, Representative, for bringing this forward. The Bill says this is subject to appropriation. Do we know what the cost would be if an appropriation were made?"
"I believe I was told the cost is about $200 thousand, and we’re working to get it in the budget right now."
"And you believe it will be in this year's budget?"
"Yes, I do."
"All right. And 200 thousand is the answer to my question?"
"I believe it is, yes."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste for a question… or, excuse me, is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative Harper, I'm just trying to under… make sure I understand the Bill before I take a vote. So, is that an amount that will be added to what is already there for the grant program, or is… will this just be part of the grant program that we either fund or don't fund?" 10300111.docx 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Yeah. We're just, honestly, adding farmer-owned grocery stores to the list of entities that are eligible to receive the grant. We're not changing the amount of the grant or the funding that’s set aside for the program. We're simply expanding the eligibility so that farmer-owned grocery stores may be able to apply for these funds."
"Okay. And just so I make certain I understand further, the program as it's currently set up is for food deserts. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Are these for farmer-owned grocery stores only in food deserts then, or would it… could it be anywhere throughout the state?"
"I do believe it could be anywhere throughout the state."
"Will they then only be eligible after all food desert grant applicants have been satisfied?"
"Say that again, now."
"Will the farmer-owned stores, if they're not in a food desert, only be eligible after all applications for the food deserts have been satisfied?"
"I can't tell you that. It depends on whatever rules the department has up in their grant program."
"Okay, I… I understand. I'm generally supportive of Bills like this. It will help these smaller operations and everything, but I… I think it's important that we save the money we've allocated first for the food deserts and then look to other entities. But I appreciate you bringing this forward. Thank you."
"I agree with you as well. Thank you." 10300111.docx 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative Miller is recognized."
"Yeah. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"It says here that these are grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores. Can you define for me what you mean by a farmer?"
"Say that again for me."
"Pardon me, I didn't hear you."
"I didn't hear you. Your question."
"Oh. Can you… can you tell me what you mean by a farmer? What's a farmer?"
"A farmer is someone who grows food or products."
"Is there a acreage in mind, or do you just…"
"There's no acreage in… in mind. In fact, this Bill came from a resident who was a farmer who started their own self- service grocery store in Riggston, Illinois. I believe that's a little bit south of here. And so, producers from that area have come together to provide local products to consumers, and this store has had great success in their local rural community. Which this is how we got the idea that we want to make sure that these folks are also able to apply for these Illinois grocery grants through the Governor's initiative that is already…"
"So, could this be…"
"…that is already in existence and already being funded. So, we're just adding the farmer-owned grocery stores to it as well."
"So, could this be somebody that has a garden that could apply for this grant?" 10300111.docx 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"I do not believe that a gardener is the same thing as a farmer. I think those are two totally different things. So, when I said farmer-owned grocery store, I meant farmer-owned and not gardener. That's why used the word farmer because there's a difference."
"So… so, does this legislation not define who is… who can apply for this grant?"
"Yes, it does. It defines farmer-owned grocery stores will now be able to apply for these grants. There are a number of other people who are already able to apply for these grants. All we're doing is adding one more group of people who are able to apply for these grants. And, again, these are farmer-owned grocery stores."
"Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative Harper, I want… I want to thank you and Senator Turner for bringing this forward. That is my constituent that you were speaking with. I drive by the Grab 'N' Grow Greenhouse all the time, and they have all sorts of fresh farm products, anything from the best chocolate milk you could ever have to fresh meat, fresh vegetables, fresh- grown bakery goods. It is awesome. I… I bought a half gallon of… of chocolate milk from there and my kids drank it in one day, and they don’t… they don't eat or drink very much. So, it was… it was great. But this… I appreciate you bringing this forward. This is a great opportunity for the food deserts out in the rural areas specifically, and I hope we can work 10300111.docx 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 together to help the food deserts in the more urban areas as well. So, thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Meier is recognized."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"I, too, want to thank you for this Bill. If I remember right, this Bill was put together at the Farm Bureau's annual convention in Chicago as we met with this couple, and we went around talking with C.D., with Sonya, and saying this is what we can do. We can work together to bring a Bill for this farm family to have their own store, on their own property, selling theirs and their neighbor's produce. So, a great way of us working with our constituents, whether in Springfield, in district, or at a Farm Bureau convention in Chicago. Thank you."
"Representative Harper to close."
"I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3219 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate… next, we have Senate Bill 3343, Representative Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3343, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300111.docx 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative Evans."
"Okay, wow. That sounded very serious, civil law. I think this is an initiative of the Treasurer's Office. It's my understanding it does a few things. It amends the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act and a variety of things. There's no opposition. I request your support."
"Seeing no questions, Senate Bill… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3343 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mayfield. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3235, Representative Harper. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3235, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Harper."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 3235 simply requires the Commission on Equity and Inclusion to conduct one or more disparity studies, subject to appropriation, in order to identify the places in Illinois that are exhibiting significant disparities with respect to their access to financial products and services as well as lending and investments by financial institutions covered under the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act. We believe that the inclusion of a disparity study, this is just a disparity study, is critical for proper implementation of the Illinois 10300111.docx 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Community Reinvestment Act and being a tool for economic justice for all communities throughout the state. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this is a study, a disparity study, for accessibility to financial services and financial institutions. Do I have that correct?"
"That is correct."
"And the… the study is… well, first, who will be performing the study?"
"The study will be done by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion."
"And the study is subject to appropriation?"
"Yes, it is."
"And do we know approximately how much that will cost?"
"I do not know if I have a cost on me, but usually our studies cost anywhere from 100 to about 200 thousand dollars, depending on who you contract with to do the study."
"And our analysis shows this is not to be funded by examination fees paid by the covered financial institutions. Is that accurate?"
"I do believe that is correct."
"We also show that the Illinois Credit Union League is opposed. Do you know why they're opposed?"
"They're opposed because of… they're not opposed to the disparity study, but they're opposed to the commingling of the funds that you just spoke of." 10300111.docx 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, their concern is, at… at some point, the examination fees may be used to fund the study. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
"Yes."
"Well, and when is the deadline for the study to be completed?"
"I don't know if we have a deadline here yet, but I can check on that and get back to you."
"Is there any concern with… that a lack of deadline will impact rulemaking that’s currently going on for this department?"
"No. In fact, we feel that IDFPR and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion may use this information, findings and other results from this study, as part of the community reinvestment examination process, as determined by more rulemaking. So, we don't see it conflicting with it. We're doing it in order to go along with it. And it was… in fact, it was during the rulemaking process that this suggestion for a disparity study came up."
"Thank you for answering my questions."
"Representative Delgado is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. For purposes of legislative intent, Representative, can the legislature use the Credit Union Fund as a source of funding for the disparity study?" 10300111.docx 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"I do not believe we're going to be using the Credit Union Fund to fund the study. It is subject to appropriation. So, we will be appropriating the money that is needed to fund the study."
"Thank you. So, just to be clear, not using the Credit Union Fund as a source for funding the disparity study? There will be a separate funding source for that?"
"This Bill is subject to appropriation."
"Okay. Thank you very much."
"Representative Harper to close."
"Thank you. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3235 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting in 'favor', 38 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3426, Representative Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please return this to the Order of Second Reading."
"Senate Bill 3426, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Hoffman."
"Mr. Clerk, please withdraw that Amendment."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3426, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300111.docx 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill, Senate Bill 3428 (sic-3426), once again, I would like to make sure everyone knows there was opposition to an Amendment that was going to be put on this Bill concerning the Motor Fuel Tax for determining the amount of money that… amount of money that certain airports would get. That was not adopted. That is not adopted, so there is no opposition to this Bill. Now, it simply deals with the… the sales tax exemption for aircraft maintenance. It indicates that we will apply… the sales tax exemption to aircraft maintenance would apply to qualifying tangible personal property transferred incidental to the modification of an airport… airplane instead of use of, and it changes that throughout. I know of no… it's small change, and I know of no opposition."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader Hoffman, is there a change in the Bill relating to the annual inflation adjustment for the Motor Fuel Tax?"
"No, I did not adopt that. There was some…"
"So, that was in Amendment 1?"
"Yes, and there was some opposition from airlines as well as in… it was actually… it was actually, that would have been Amendment #2, I believe. That would have been Amendment #2, and I did not adopt that." 10300111.docx 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Excuse me just a moment. So, the part dealing with a percentage increase in CPI for calculation of Motor Fuel Tax, that is not in…"
"That's not in the Bill. There was opposition from airlines as well as the Chicago airport, so I did not put it on the Bill."
"So, then, your… your Bill will deal just with the Service Use Tax and Service Occupation Tax?"
"Exactly. And all it would do… it was in… it would indicate that applies to qualified tangible personal property… a transferred incident to modification, as opposed to… to aircraft and not merely the use of aircraft."
"And this Bill came through the Revenue Committee unanimously with… with the changes you described?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman to close."
"I know of no opposition since we didn't adopt that Amendment, and I ask for a favorable roll call."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3426 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 8 of the Calendar, Senate Bills on Second Reading, Senate Bill 1089, Representative Yednock. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill." 10300111.docx 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Senate Bill 1089, a Bill for an Act concerning health. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1089, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Yednock."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. 1089 tries to amend the… the Act called Sami's Law, or Equitable Restrooms Act, to do Sami's Law. Sami is a constituent in my district. She is an adult that suffered… that suffers from a very terrible disease, and she has to have her parents, essentially, change her diaper, you know, every couple of hours. And she really can't visit the Capitol or travel around. Many adults and children that are, you know, full-size have this issue where they can't stop anywhere without having to basically have them tended to for their… for their needs without putting them on the floor of a, you know, gross bathroom or in the back of a truck or something. So, what we want to do is set up the framework for the state to look at putting the adult changing stations in all of our rest areas in the future and, you know, the Capitol as well."
"Representative Hammond is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Representative Yednock, I think I asked this of you in committee. Is this your last Bill?"
"It very well could be." 10300111.docx 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative, first and foremost, I want to thank you for this Bill. I think it is extremely important, and the fact that we can do something to give some dignity to these individuals and to their families is incredibly important. But I also want to thank for your service here. You have done it with real class, my friend. Thank you."
"Thank you, Leader Hammond. I greatly appreciate that. Thank you."
"Representative Yednock to close."
"A constituent in my district, it's… it's something that we're going to do, that we're going to work out in the future to make this happen. It's for the most vulnerable people, the most special people in our state, and I thank you all for your support."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1089 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Katz… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 0 voting 'opposed'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 898, Representative Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, can you take this back to the Order of Second Reading? It's already on Second. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 898, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. The Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Hoffman, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Hoffman on the Amendment." 10300111.docx 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I asked the Amendment be adopted and we debate this on Third Reading."
"Leader Hoffman moves to adopt Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 898. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 898, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hoffman."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is a bipartisan initiative of the Illinois Auto Dealers Association. It would require vehicle owners who reside in Illinois but have an out-of-state certificate of title to apply for an Illinois title from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office and obtain that Illinois certificate of title. In addition, Amendment #2 deals with the issue of when a car is… and title is obtained by an insurance company and later must be turned around in a car auction or something like that. It does not necessarily have to, when changing that title, be an Illinois title initially. Once it is transferred, though, and is in… in Illinois, then they would have to obtain that Illinois title."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 898 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 10300111.docx 166 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Turning to page 9 of the Calendar, Senate Bills on Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 2770. Mr. Clerk, please read the… Representative Evans. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2770, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of… this Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2770, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Evans."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker… Madam Speaker and the great Members of the Assembly. Senate Bill 2770 creates a prohibition for employers to force non-compete agreements on their employees in the construction industry. These employees do not have the responsibility or duties that would entrust them with proprietary information that would warrant in any way a covenant to not compete or solicit. The only purpose is to lock them in, deny them freedom to change jobs without fear of retribution. It should be noted that it's already illegal for an employer to require union construction workers to sign these type of agreements. So, Senate Bill 2770 would extend the worker protections already afforded to union workers to any worker who work in construction by prohibiting an employer from requiring their employees sign a covenant to non-compete or covenant to solicit. Workers just want to work, and this is another piece of legislation that is good for 10300111.docx 167 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 business and is bad for the bad actors. So, I request your support."
"Representative Windhorst for a question."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader, this would void covenants not to compete and covenants not to solicit in… to… for in… with respect to individuals employed in the… in construction. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"This is designed to be forward-looking and not retroactive. Is that accurate?"
"I wouldn't say it would void, so I think retroactivity is okay. But my… I think there was some discussion about this. I think the focus would be forward-looking because we don't want to go back years and years, but I wish it was because this just should never be happening in the first place. But it's my understanding it was forward-looking. I think that Alison made that clear in the… the committee hearing it was forward-looking. Alison Howlett."
"And this is just clarifying that this will… this voiding of the covenant not to compete applies whether an individual is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or not…"
"Oh, for sure, yeah…"
"…covers, yes."
"…because under collective bargaining, it's already the case." 10300111.docx 168 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"And there was some concern, I believe, among the Senate Republican Members about the non-solicitation portion of the Bill that they viewed as an expansion of the law. Would you address why the non-solicitation portion was added in addition to the voiding of the covenant not to compete?"
"I don't think it was really… I mean, we didn't get a lot of pushback from that in our… on our side. I'm not sure why the Senate Republicans had large pushback about that. So, I… I really can't… they would have to answer that question for you. I'm not sure."
"Well, the… the non-solicitation, of course, is different than the non-compete portion of the… the Bill. Is… I guess the rationale behind adding the non-solicitation portion of the Bill, why was that part specifically added?"
"I think the advocates saw it as, you know, we're trying to clean up a variety of issues. We want workers to just have to focus on work, and I think, you know, this was an added piece that we just, again, didn't get a lot of pushback from the industry, specifically, about this on that issue."
"And it looks like that the NFIB, Mid-West Truckers, Chamber, Associated Builders and Contractors are either neutral or took no position on the Bill. Is that your understanding?"
"Yes, it is."
"All right. Thank you."
"No, thank you."
"Representative Weber is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Does the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." 10300111.docx 169 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"I know, Representative, we had in committee some good discussion."
"Yeah."
"And if I remember correctly, that I'd asked the question if a customer called a phone at my… one of my company phones, and one of my employees took that call, went over and talked to that customer, wrote up their own contract on the weekend, that that would be perfectly fine. Even though I could fire them, I could not have a non-compete in that situation. Is that true?"
"Yeah, I don't think that you're describing a non-compete situation. You know, that's an unscrupulous employee, a dishonest employee. You know, a non… a non-compete situation would be they've developed a relationship, they've moved on, and now you don't want them to do any work in the market. I think a non-compete is a deeper issue. What you're describing is a slick employee who's getting over on you and not… that's just wrong."
"So, now, let's say in a different situation…"
"Yeah."
"…I work in a certain job. Our customers, let's say home, whatever, and then on the weekend or it's during the week, they tell the customer, if you call me, I can come over and do some work, you know, on the weekend and I'll do it cheaper than my boss will. Now, how… I can't have a non-compete to stop that?"
"No, you can't. And if this pass, you won't be able to. But, again, your concern is the concern that anyone would have. You know, if I worked at McDonald's and I was a great 10300111.docx 170 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 burger guy and I went over to Burger King, I mean, I have a right to, you know, I'm going to learn things and move on over to cook burgers over there. So, we can't stop the deporting and movement of employees. So, your concern is a concern. You want to hopefully hire honest people."
"Actually, what non-competes do is they write in your employee contract so that you can say that you cannot go and work for my customers on the weekend or on your own time. That is what the whole purpose of those things are for."
"And I think what we're discussing is there is a purpose for those, you know. If you're a high-level executive and you're dealing in proprietary information from my secret company and you're taking that to the next, I mean, that's wrong. But for workers, you know, it is what it is. Workers have the right to… to work other jobs and moonlight and do their thing. So, your problem is just…"
"Moonlighting sounds like a good thing…"
"…a human service resource issue, you know."
"…right, for both customers. I'd like to hire a lot of those. You know, here… here's something that's actually happened to me. Is it… and I have had employees join me in measuring up contracts, going and looking and bidding jobs, and stuff like that, and places where they would never even know exist or never know how to do the job, take that information and immediately go into business against me. And that is why we have non-competes and those things cause, otherwise, you know, I mean, I… I just learned to not… stop taking employees with me with the fear of having a direct competition…" 10300111.docx 171 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Rep., I want you to continue…"
"…with customers that I've earned, right?"
"Well, I want you to continue to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs like yourself, and it's not non-compete, but it's competition. So, please continue to mentor those folks because we need the next generation. We wouldn't have Apple without IBM, so."
"All right. Well, you know, I… I may not agree with you on this one. Thank you for the conversation."
"No, thank you."
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. May the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, maybe I'm overcomplicating this. If somebody's working for an employer, they get a better offer from another employer, this lets them go do that, right?"
"Well, they can go do that now. This doesn't have anything to do with that. That's called freedom, what you're describing."
"So, what's… I think I'm in favor of the Bill. I don't understand the headache that’s… that’s being described 'cause I think what you're trying to do is empower people to… to do that, right?"
"No, people are already empowered. What we're trying to do is stop people from stopping freedom. So, this is a we-don't- want-to-stop-freedom Bill. This isn't a freedom Bill. People already have freedom. We want to ensure that if I have a good 10300111.docx 172 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 worker that I'm not trying to use legalese to keep them locked into me."
"So, we're on the same page."
"Yep."
"So, this helps… this… this helps a competitiveness in the marketplace. If somebody else is offering better incentives or better pay, they can go to them, and this preserves that?"
"Without question. Yes, it does."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Leader Evans to close."
"Yeah, I just want to thank Alison Howlett and my friends at IBEW 134 in Chicago. I'm a Chicago kid, and all over the State of Illinois, we want freedom for the workers, protection for the workers. Let me work, and leave me alone. Please vote 'yes'."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2770 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 89 voting in 'favor', 24 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to page 6 of the Calendar, Senate Bills on Third Reading, Senate Bill 3631, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3631, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 10300111.docx 173 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative Avelar."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Senate Bill 3631 creates the Illinois Coordinate System Committee. This legislation is necessary to create, review, and revise the guide to the Illinois Coordinate System, which will replace the antiquated Illinois Coordinate System Act with the newly-created Illinois Coordinate System Act of 2024. The Illinois Coordinate System Act of 2024 is important for compiling accessible, accurate, reliable, and repeatable data for state use. This highly accurate data is vital to engineering, construction, cartography, and geographic information professionals and will advance the development of public infrastructure, industry, agriculture, and other facets of the economy. SB3631 will bridge discrepancies stemming from the prior Illinois Coordinate System Act for stakeholders throughout the state as well as professional associations, academic institutions, and private sector companies, enterprises, and businesses. There are no known opponents to this legislation, and I here to answer any questions."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Our analysis shows that part of the reason for this change in law has to do with the recent federal changes regarding the National American Territorial Reference Frame of 2022, which will be implemented at the end of the year, replacing the North American Datum of 1983. Is that accurate?"
"That is correct." 10300111.docx 174 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"So, this legislation's necessary because we have enshrined in our law the North American Datum of 1983, and we need to implement the NATRF 2022."
"2022, that is correct."
"All right. Thank you."
"The question… or, Representative Avelar to close."
"I request an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3631 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 3648, Representative Cassidy. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3648, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 3648 represents the ongoing implementation work of the… of CESSA, the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. This represents implementation changes and extensions at the request of DHS as well as Access Living. It's completely agreed. There are no… there's no opposition, and I ask for your support."
"The… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3648 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 10300111.docx 175 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question… on this Bill, there are 113 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to page 5 of the Calendar, Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3622, Representative Rosenthal. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3622, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Rosenthal."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 3622 would allow the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council to recommend the removal of a place from the National Register of Historic Places if the place is a bridge that is less than 22 feet wide and has a banister that is at least 18 inches in length and with the intention of the township replacing that or rebuilding a bridge."
"Can we get some more specifics on that, please?"
"Yeah. That’s it."
"All right. The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3622 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 15 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, we have House Joint Resolution 65, 10300111.docx 176 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please… Representative Rashid on the Resolution."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This Resolution simply declares April 2024 to be Arab American Heritage Month. I ask for your support."
"All those in favor… Representative Rashid moves for the adoption of House Resolution… House Joint Resolution #65. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed vote (sic- say) 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Moving to page 16 of the Calendar, also on Order of Resolutions, we have House Joint Resolution 66, Representative Faver Dias."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am honored to present House Joint Resolution 66, which honors a fallen soldier. WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to those who have served our country and, in doing so, have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Lieutenant Colonel Private (sic-Lance Corporal) Maher enlisted in the United States Marines in August of 2003, one week after his 18th birthday, despite having a full… a football scholarship and a full ride to Southern Illinois University. He completed basic training in San Diego, California and was assigned to Weapons Company 1st Battalion 3rd Marines 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit 1st Marine Division Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. And Lieutenant (sic-Lance) Corporal Maher was killed in action on February 2, 2005 in the town of Hit, Iraq as he came under small arms fire while responding to a helicopter crash. He had taken another marine's watch that morning to let his fellow soldier sleep 10300111.docx 177 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 in on his birthday. Lieutenant (sic-Lance) Corporal Maher was awarded numerous citations for his service, including the Marine Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among many others. Lance Corporal Maher was named an honorary member of Lake Villa VFW Post 4308; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate U.S Route 45 from Belvidere Road (Illinois 120) in Grayslake north to Washington Street as the "U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Sean P. Maher Memorial Highway". It is in my… it has been my honor to carry this Resolution, and I appreciate the Body's support. I ask, Madam Speaker, that all Members of the Body be added as cosponsors."
"Representative Faver Dias moves for the adoption of House Resolution… House Joint Resolution #66. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. All those in… have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present'. And this Resolution, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby adopted. Next, we have House Resolution 460, Representative Costa Howard."
"I'm sorry, Madam Speaker, one second to…"
"Take your time."
"Thank you. House Resolution 460 is to designate February as Turner Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois. Turner syndrome is a rare chromosomal condition where part of 10300111.docx 178 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 it… where part of the entire secondary X chromosome is missing in those who are born female. It's a very high fetal mortality rate. And, in fact, this has impacted my community with… this has impacted my community personally."
"Representative Costa Howard moves for the adoption of House Resolution 460. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Next, we have, on page 17 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 538. Representative Buckner is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 538 just encourages the Illinois Department of Transportation to start looking at ways to incorporate expressway lids into some of their build programs. Expressway lids literally just create more land space over interstates that have disconnected communities over time. Happy to answer any questions. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Buckner moves for the adoption of House Resolution 538. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Turning to page 18 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 613, Representative Lilly."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 613 urges the Illinois Department of Public Health to continue taking appropriate action to facilitate equitable access to adolescent and adult vaccines, including establishing appropriate programs and initiative to raise awareness on the importance of adolescent and adult vaccines. It urges the 10300111.docx 179 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Illinois Department of Public Health to continue working with the Center for… in state… the Center for Disease Control, in- state health providers, and patients to implement an effective and actionable state immunization strategy that includes adult immunization. It urges the Illinois Department of Public Health to continue increasing community resilience to communicable diseases and emerging diseases that are threatening our society. IDPH is also urged to continue to determine goals on which to center immunization plans. These are… we continue to urge IDPH to explore federal funding opportunities and partnership to support vaccine awareness and access programs aligned with the goals established in the state immunization strategy. I ask for your 'aye' vote."
"Representative Lilly moves for the adoption of House Resolution 613. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Returning to page 17 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 571, Representative Stuart."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. We did discuss this during actual School Counseling Week and the importance of school counselors and everything they do with our children in school. As we're coming up to the end of the school year, it's nice to make this official and actually recognize the week with this Resolution. And I appreciate everyone's support."
"Representative Stuart moves for the adoption of House Resolution 571. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 10300111.docx 180 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 have it. And the Resolution is adopted. We have House Resolution 549, Representative Stuart."
"Thank you again, Madam Speaker. It's always my honor to bring this to the Body every year recognizing MS Awareness Week. To remind the Body, our wonderful Bridget Cory from our research staff who keeps the… the clocks running up there, she… she does suffer from MS and it is with… luckily, she can get the wonderful treatments where she only has to get two infusions a year to keep her going, but it is still a struggle. It's really important that we do all that we can do for everyone affected by MS. I know Representative Ammons has MS in her family, and she and I want to do what we can do to support everyone with MS. And the treatments, like I said, have been life-changing for a lot of people, but there's so much more that we can do, and it's important that we pay attention to this."
"Representative Stuart moves for the adoption of House Resolution 549. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Moving to page 19 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, House Resolution 625, Representative Harper."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to present…"
"Representative Harper, I believe you have a Floor Amendment that needs to be adopted."
"We sure do. Can we… I move to… can we please adopt the Amendment #1?"
"Representative Harper moves for the adoption of House Floor Amendment #1 to House Resolution 625. All those 10300111.docx 181 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. House Resolution 625, Representative Harper."
"Yes. Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 625 simply declares May 12 through May 18 as Black Farmers Week in the State of Illinois and urges the people of Illinois to learn more about the history of Black farmers and what they have contributed to agriculture in the state and nationwide. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Harper has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 625. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. We have House Resolution 640, Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you, sorry. Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 640 declares March of 2024 as Nutrition… Nutrition Month. As we all know, the type and quality and amount of food that we consume each day plays a vital role in their overall health and well-being. I also, in terms of nutrition, want to thank our farmers here in the State of Illinois for all they do to feed our… our communities, feed our souls. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Costa Howard has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 640. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Next, we have House Resolution 649, Representative Blair-Sherlock. Please proceed. You can go ahead." 10300111.docx 182 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Okay. Oh, thank you. Okay, this is a Resolution to name March, I know we're a little late, Crochet Month. I had actually talked about this back in March. And we have a group of ladies and gentlemen known as Unraveled. And our Unraveled group, when I first filed this Resolution, had created and distributed over 600 pieces, hats, scarves, and gloves to the less fortunate in our communities. Well, this program has grown so much. In June, we'll be coming on a year, and we've been able to donate over a thousand hats, scarves, and gloves that we've made with love for the less fortunate. This has also spread across the state. We've gotten support from Lake County groups. We've gotten support from Fox Valley groups. And I just want to acknowledge all the people that have contributed to this wonderful program and to acknowledge March as National Crochet Month in Illinois. Thank you."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 649. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And House Resolution 649 is adopted. Representative Mussman, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point."
"Hang on. Getting to it. So, earlier today, I presented Senate Bill 3606, and we had missed a moment where we had intended to read a notification for purposes of legislative intent. So, I'd like to put that on the record now. For purposes of legislative intent, SB3606 requires all special education facilities, both public and nonpublic, subject to 10300111.docx 183 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 this Act to go through the same Illinois Purchase Care Review Board cost calculation and rate setting process at the Illinois Purchase Care Review Board. To the extent… the greatest extent possible, the Illinois State Board of Education will promulgate rules so that the cost calculation and rate setting process is the same for both public and nonpublic special education facilities. If ISBE does not promulgate rules according to this, we will come back with a trailer Bill to provide further clarity. Thank you so much."
"Next, we have House Resolution 653, Representative Harper."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 653 declares March 6, 2024 as Rare Disease Day in the State of Illinois."
"Representative Harper has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 653. All those in favor vote… say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Next, we have House Resolution 657, Representative Kifowit. Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members of the House. House Resolution 657 declares the month of May 2024 as Motorcycle Awareness Month. And the State of Illinois recognizes the 37 years of Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education, or ABATE, of Illinois, with more than 589,510 registered motorcyclists statewide, and the continued role that Illinois serves as a leader in motorcycle safety, education, and awareness."
"Representative Kifowit has moved for the adoption House Resolution 657. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 10300111.docx 184 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Returning to page 15 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, we have House Joint Resolution 46, offered by Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. HJR46 urges… the State of Illinois urges that the Convention on the Rights of the Child be presented at the Senate and adopted by the United States Senate to ratify the Convention on the Rights of a Child. And I ask for its adoption."
"Representative Ammons has moved for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 46. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Moving to page 17 of the Calendar, on Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 552, Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. It recognizes February 18, 2024 as being the World, I always have a problem with this, Cholangiocarcinoma Day, which is a very, very rare cancer. And one of my constituents brought this to my attention, and she is a survivor. She came and testified in committee to this. And we want to recognize February 18, 2024 in recognition of her survival and many others who are suffering from this very, very little-known cancer by acknowledging this day, and I ask for its adoption."
"Representative Ammons has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 552. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Moving to page 20 of the Calendar, on the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 659, Representative Cabello." 10300111.docx 185 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Madam Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Resolution 659 declares May 20 through the 24 of 2024 as Contractor Awareness Week, and I'd appreciate your support."
"Representative Cabello has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 659. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Moving to page 21 of the Calendar, Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 713, Representative Benton."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 713 declares April 28, 2024 as Workers Memorial Day, and it encourages all citizens to recognize and honor all workers killed, injured, and disabled on the job, thank them for their service, and offer sympathy for the families and loved ones and work to provide today's workers with safe workplaces."
"Representative Benton has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 713. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Next, we have House Resolution 717, Representative Moeller."
"Thank you, Madam Chairwomen. House Resolution 717 declares September 21, 2024 as It's Our Fox River Day."
"Representative Moeller has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 717. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Next, we have House Resolution 728, Representative du Buclet." 10300111.docx 186 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 du Buclet: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 728 declares May 1, 2024 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was the first Black sorority, founded in January of 1908, with a mission to promote unity and friendship among college women and to alleviate problems to improve their social stature and to maintain interest in college life. It has evolved to be more of a service organization for both adults and college students, and we have many esteemed members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, the list goes on. Let's see, we have Mae Jemison; Toni Morrison; Ella Fitzgerald; Rosa Parks; Gladys Knight, for you music lovers; Coretta Scott King; and many more. Thank you."
"Representative du Buclet has… excuse me. Leader McCombie's recognized."
"Thank you, just to the Bill. I just… or, urge the Resolution. I just wanted to thank the Representative for, again, inviting me to come speak to the sorority. It was a really fun experience and a really great group of women. So, I appreciate that. Thank you."
"Representative du Buclet, did you have closing remarks?" du Buclet: "Thank you, and you looked really amazing in your pink and green. I see we're matching today in pink and green, so I appreciate that. I… I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative du Buclet has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 728. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, 10300111.docx 187 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2024: recommends be adopted and referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 2 for House Bill 4828 and Floor Amendment(s) 2 for Senate Bill 125."
"The Clerk is in receipt of Motions in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several Bills. If there is leave, we will take these Motions together in one Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Leader Lisa Hernandez on the Motion." Hernandez, L.: "Madam Speaker, I move that posting requirements be waived so the following Bills can heard in committee: Senate Joint Resolution 49 in Appropriations-Elementary Secondary Education, Senate Bill 2651 in Counties & Townships Committee, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2651 in Counties & Townships Committee."
"Representative Windhorst is recognized on the Motion."
"Would request a record vote on the Motion."
"Leader Hernandez has moved to waive the posting requirements. All those… all those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Clerk, please take the record. On this Motion, there are 72 voting 'yes', 40 voting 'no'. And this Motion, having received the Constitutional Majority, prevails. And the posting 10300111.docx 188 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 requirements are waived. Representative Avelar, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you. The Illinois Black and Latino Caucus Foundations extend an invitation to everyone here to an end- of-Session celebration today, starting at 5:30, but with a late end date. So, if you can make it… we hope that you can make it. Everyone's invited. Thank you."
"And where is that, Representative Avelar?"
"My… my counterpart is going to say that."
"Excuse me. Representative Ammons, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you. I rise to continue with the announcement that the Black and Brown Caucus will host our annual celebration today at the 5:30 hour starting right on the property of the House Black Caucus, which was really just through the parking lot of the south entrance of the Stratton Building. And we welcome everyone to the celebration."
"Thank you. We next have House Resolution 718, Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Madam Chair. House Resolution 718 is an effort to urge the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in its Medicaid managed care organization request for proposal to include the following to ensure a robust, equitable, and inclusive procurement process: They request… the Resolution speaks to an RFP adjustment where the current criteria is 8 percent women, 11 percent minorities, and 11 percent… and, excuse me, 1 percent disabled 10300111.docx 189 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 individuals. The new criteria, at minimum, should be adjusted to reflect the state's population. It suggests that there should be review and accountability mechanisms, which include a biannual review of contract awardees to promote accountability, reporting an oversight that suggests a monthly reporting… a monthly report detailing the total spending and percentage of spending paid by BEP… paid to BEP vendors by awarded managed care organizations or MCOs. Also, quarterly recommendations by Black Caucus leaders where the three leaders of the Black Caucus, including the rest of the Members, should provide recommendations to the Governor's Office for MCOs' auto assignment rate and create incentivization to these organizations. Also, included as total Business Enterprise Programs spending, or BEP spending, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, along with Healthcare and Family Services, should compile a public report comparing the BEP expenditures to the MCOs' total spending, and that this data should also include race and ethnicity of the contracting business owners, and that the RFP should distinguish between funds allocated to the various groups. I ask for its adoption."
"Representative Davis has moved for the adoption of House Resolution 718. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Returning to page 11 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 793. It's on the Order of Postponed Consideration, House Bill 793, Representative Mah. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill… or, wait. Representative Mah, there are some Amendments pending. Would you like it 10300111.docx 190 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 returned to the Order of Second Reading to adopt those Amendments? Yes. Mr. Clerk, please return this to the Order of Second Reading for the purpose of adopting Amendments."
"House Bill 793, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments #1 has been adopted. Floor Amendment #3 is offered by Representative Mah."
"Representative Mah on Floor Amendment #3."
"I'd actually like to table Floor Amendment 3 and adopt Floor Amendment 4."
"So, Representative Mah has requested to withdraw Floor Amendment #3. Are there other Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #4, offered by Representative Mah."
"Representative Mah on Floor Amendment #4."
"I'd like to adopt the Amendment and discuss it with the Bill."
"Representative Mah moves for the adoption of House Floor Amendment #4 to House Bill 793. All those in favor say 'aye'; all 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. House Bill 793… or, please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 793, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a third time previously."
"Representative Mah."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I'm extremely pleased to present House Bill 793, also known as the Dignity in Pay Act, 10300111.docx 191 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 which puts Illinois on a path to phase out the use of 14(c) subminimum wage certificates for people with disabilities in our state. This effort represents a historic development that will modernize and improve our state's entire infrastructure serving people with disabilities, expanding services and employment opportunities, and truly recognizing the worth, potential, and dignity of all people. This Bill is important because one in four of us has a disability. People with disabilities are our neighbors, our friends, and those we love, our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, you and me. Over the last decade, our society has more fully recognized the unbound potential and inherent worth of people with disabilities. Disability is no longer something that relegates people to the shadows and margins. It is not something that promises a lifetime of segregation, isolation, separate and unequal treatment. Our physical infrastructure and public facilities have evolved to ensure access. Students have a right to classroom accommodation and inclusion. Americans are protected from a retaliation in the exercise of rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. We've come a long way, and yet the marathon journey to inclusion and full participation in society is incomplete. Despite great strides, unemployment among Americans with disabilities is staggeringly high. Approximately 30 percent of disabled Americans who want to work are unemployed. That's about 10 times the national average. Too many people who want to work still endure unimaginable barriers. Our laws can erect new barriers or chip them away. In 1938, well-meaning provisions… a well-meaning provision in the Fair Labor 10300111.docx 192 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Standards Act permitted employers to pay disabled workers less than the… the minimum wage. Today, subminimum wage earners in Illinois include people classified as having mild and moderate disabilities, including epilepsy, polio, visual impairment, deafness, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. I'm not here to demonize or villainize any provider supporting subminimum wage labor activity. My driving aim is to strengthen and better support those organizations and the amazing individuals they serve. El Valor, in my home district, is an organization that voluntarily moved from subminimum wage activity to supported employment and day activities that enrich the lives of the people they serve. They draw significant federal funding not allowable for subminimum wage vocational activities. Sparc, a wonderful nonprofit here in Springfield, provides subminimum wage work options that… and they support this Bill. Their CEO, Doug McDonald, said during committee testimony that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve this change. They are human beings. They are members of society. They are citizens, just as many of us are, and they deserve the same respect, the same protections as the rest of us. After more than five years of dialogue and compromise, stakeholders have united on this Bill, the Dignity in Pay Act, which is designed to expand work opportunities and improve the menu of services and supports for people with disabilities in Illinois. The Bill raises the personal needs allowance for more than 10 thousand people who live in CILA group… group home settings. It requires an increase in the supported employment rates paid to disability 10300111.docx 193 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 services providers. It establishes a transition grant program funded through a $13.9 million federal grant to assist nonprofit organizations over the next five years, and it gives representation to 14(c) provider organizations as system changes takes place. In addition to over a hundred local organizations, 37 state and national organizations support this Bill because we can all agree Illinois should evolve in a way that respects the full dignity of all people with disabilities. This list of supporting organizations include familiar and respected organizations, such as Special Olympics, Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Unite group, Autism Self Advocacy Network, Autism Speaks, the National Federation for the Blind, the Illinois Association for the Deaf, and countless others. In the last decade, 17 states, including West Virginia, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Washington, Colorado, and California have ended or begun the process to phase out subminimum wage for people with disabilities, recognizing that a better future is possible for those who yearn for their abilities and their contributions to be more fully valued. I want to say a word about the final Amendment, Amendment 4, which represents a resolution between myself, IDHS, advocates, Leader McCombie, and Leader Charlie Meier. I want to thank them for coming to the table to ensure the smoothest transition possible. House Amendment 4 extends the 14(c) phase-out date to December 1, 2029. It also requires the employment task force charged with the… charged with evaluating programs and making annual recommendations to examine the impact on individuals who have been working in 10300111.docx 194 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 sheltered workshops for the longest. I'm grateful for the support and thoughtful input of so many committed individuals, families, and organizations who just want to make Illinois a better place for people with disabilities. I respectfully and humbly ask for your 'aye' vote. And I'm happy to… questions."
"Representative Meier is recognized."
"When I came in 12 years ago, I had two great mentors here. I had Raymond Poe on the right side of me, and I had Don Moffitt on the left side of me. The first thing and the most important thing they taught me was always keep your word. Always keep your word. Throughout my time here, it has been my honor to work alongside the families in the disabled community, passionately, and fight for positive change. Last year, this Bill was introduced to eliminate subminimum wage. And as I, as well as many of us, were concerned for very… for the very community and their families I have been advocating for. Many us under this dome have 14(c) workshops and understand this valued population's contributions to their communities in a very meaningful way. After hundreds of hours of calls, meetings, tours, conversations have taken place to work on this legislation to ensure its best-intended impact without detrimental consequences to the aging population. Many provisions that were not previously in the Bill now have been added to the Bill, making it a better Bill, but it's not a perfect Bill. Many of the disabled concerns have been addressed. And I gave my word, which has always been good, that if the House votes with more than 60 votes, I would vote for this Bill because it's a lot better than what we had last 10300111.docx 195 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 year, but it's not what I want. The provisions in this Bill that have been added: protection for community agencies' right to earn the 14(c)certificate in the State of Illinois; increases for support employment providers; DHS shall, not may, transition grants to community providers who are able to transition and are eligible; developmental disabled individuals will have a voice in their employment decisions; two 14(c) providers will be represented in the task force, guaranteeing the key statements of aging adults are considered in impact in study in the task force; and finally, moving the effective date to January 1, 2030. Let me be clear. I understand the large amount of opposition to this Bill yet. The workshops and their families, the providers, they're worried and they're terrified and they know this Bill is not soup yet. But it's better than it was. We don't always have the voice to stop bad Bills. Our work is not done. And because of the compromise to move the effective date of implementation to 2030, these things still need to be done yet. The task force will have to have representation of providers from regions around the state, at least five different geographic regions. If you wanted to make it great, let this task force be put together by the Human Service Committees of the House and the Senate coming together with their Minority Chair and their Chair and them picking the task force that represents the people in their districts. The pay discrepancies between community employment trainers and DSPs going to the adult day programs, where a lot of these will end up, is $48 for training… trainers to be paid. Where if we send the bottom of these clients, the most vulnerable, they get 153. If we want 10300111.docx 196 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 them to be employed and have jobs, we have to take that 48 more up so they can be trained to give them every chance so they can have a job. The whole time this Bill is being pushed, they've cut the number of trainers in Illinois. That has to be changed if you want to close the workshops. I am so grateful for my caucus, the families, and the advocates who have stuck with us, who understand what it's like to have that loved one in their family, whose families have busted their butts since the federal government implemented this to start the nonprofits that are here taking care of these individuals right now. But this Bill is better than what it was, and we have time to work on it. I would like to thank Deputy Governor Hou and especially Amanda Elliott from DHS for their help and understanding to get us to this critical point today. Lastly, I'm holding everyone accountable in this chamber and those who come after us to make sure this task force works and it does what it's supposed to, not what we were told it was going to do. It needs to represent the people of Illinois, not other states, not national organizations, but our most profoundly disabled and their families. This Bill is a start. We can do a lot better. We can work towards a goal to do better. When you vote this vote today, vote with your heart, do what you think is right. I still don't know if I'm voting 'yes' or 'no'. The Bill is better. I will keep my word if it goes over 60. If it doesn't, I will not put it over 60. Thank you."
"Representative Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." 10300111.docx 197 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Leader Mah, just a couple of questions I want to follow up. We… we’ve said it a few times, but for those who remember this debate, there have been a few changes. I think it's worth repeating a few of those for the chamber. Just to clarify, when would this extension, with the new Amendment, be through for those who have these… these subminimum wage workshops?"
"So, the phase-out period has been extended to December 31, 2029."
"2029. Thank you. There's also a reference, again, we've talked… both you and… and Representative Meier also talked about the transition grant program. Could you just remind us what that is?"
"Yes. So, there is a $2 million transition grant program with funds already identified for the current fiscal year and another $2 million included in the budget, the Governor's introduced budget, for Fiscal Year 2025. And, actually, the funds are part of a $14 million grant from the federal government that is already promised. And so, the funds are there through the end of the phase-out period."
"And you referenced the increase in the personal needs allowance. Leader, could you just remind us kind of what that is and what that’s going to?"
"Right. So, CILA residents will have an increase in their personal needs allowance from $60 to $100, and that will help with their expenses, and it's… it represents a large increase and one that has been desired for quite a while."
"Thank you, Leader. To the Bill. We had a lot of conversation and discussion about this Bill. I'm not going to belabor it. I… I really do what to note, I… I think that the 10300111.docx 198 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 passion that’s been conveyed by those on the other side of the aisle, in particular my colleague who just spoke, I think is sincere. I know we can disagree about this issue. It's clearly dealing with a population that’s particularly vulnerable. As we discussed in this debate last time, I have a brother and sister-in-law with special needs. This is an issue that’s very important to me, also worked in state government on these issues before. Again, I care about these issues, many in the chamber do. I do want to just emphasize the literal name of this Bill is Dignity in Pay, and that is truly what we are talking about here. So, the only thing that I'll take issue with is, this is not a bad Bill. This is a good Bill. I want to thank Leader Mah for working on this, the Governor's Office, DHS. And those who… who opposed this Bill before, I think this is a better Bill today for that. I think everybody who worked on this put many hours behind that, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Stuart is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm just going to go to the Bill, I guess. This is… this is really tough. A good friend and… and colleague, Theresa Morrison, and her son, Al, have been talking to me about this for years and quite a lot. Al is a great guy. He has a work placement through this wonderful agency called Community Link, which is actually located in Representative Meier's region, but a lot of folks where I live also use that because there aren't that many providers in the area. Al, he loves Elvis, I mean, more than anyone I've ever met. He loves root beer, trying to brew his own root beer. He sure loves his mom. And what he really loves is 10300111.docx 199 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 his job that he has at Community Link. Al doesn't fully understand the ramifications of what could happen with this Bill, but Theresa's terrified that Al's going to lose that opportunity for that job that he loves so much. So, that's why this is really tough. Leader Mah spoke about the changes that we've done in special education in schools, and that is wonderful. A few years back, I was able to recognize the Teacher of the Year for Illinois from my own Edwardsville High School who runs a program like that. But Al, Al's older. Al didn't have those opportunities. Al… Al won't be able to transition to the type of work that the… the kids that are served by what we call the Tiger Den at Edwardsville. He didn't get to learn those things. Theresa doesn't feel secure knowing that Al's going to keep the opportunity he has to work. I think this is an example of sometimes where the regionality of our state is really starkly different. There's just not as many opportunities in the region for those community-based employment opportunities for people like Al. So, again, I'm sorry I'm kind of struggling with my words, but this is really tough. I… I would like to ask… I appreciate there's so much work. When this Bill came about a year ago, I… a frantic, tearful call from Theresa, my friend, Theresa, not… not Leader Mah, saying, 'This is it. This is the thing. This is going to be so horrible for Al. Please, please, please. I've been talking about this. Please help, please help, please help.' I appreciate that we took a step back, we were able to have this year to work on it. I appreciate everything everybody's put into this. The changes are remarkable, and I really think that we're getting to a good 10300111.docx 200 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 place, and I appreciate that, and I think that’s good. I… I would like to see… I echo the request that that task force be expanded. We really need regional… real regional representation when we do things like this. I… I frequently hear that things are statewide, but that never seems to go to the Metro East, which is where I live. And this is an example where I worry that that’s going to happen again. So, I… I have a big ask. I know I've talked with people who say the intention is, I believe the Bill says it has to have at least two providers, which means there could be more. I would like that guarantee that there's going to be more, and I would like that guarantee that we know they're going to come from different regions of the state. And I believe those promises because like… like Representatives say all the time, our word is our bond. We stick to our word. We do what we say we're going to do. I believe that’s true. But Theresa, on behalf of Al, doesn't feel secure in that. She wants it written down. She wants to know because Theresa's worried. She's not going to be here forever to take care of Al. She's not always going to be there to look out for him, and she's really scared about what will happen. I'm not trying to convince anyone else to vote any way. You… you vote what's right. And like I said, there's great stuff that has come in this year, and I… I fully support everyone who is supportive of this Bill and the good things that it's doing. But we keep to our word. I told my friend, Theresa, and her son, Al, if… if I… if you don't feel completely secure in this, I can't feel completely secure in this. So, I like everything that came in a year. Thank you, again, to the Sponsor for the work that has been done. I'm 10300111.docx 201 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 going to have to maintain a 'present' vote, but I just… I told Theresa that I would let everybody hear her story. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. We've… we've had a lot of debate over this. And, Leader Mah, thank you very much for all the work you have done and… and, as the prior speakers have mentioned, the changes are vast improvement over where we were. But the complete shutdown of 14(c)s and removing the subminimum wage just isn't the right thing to do. There are… are different levels. Yes, we want dignity in pay for people, but there are different levels of skills that people within this category have and what they're capable of doing. And training's going to help some, but some is just not going to ever get them there. I know because I've seen them working. I was at the facility, and I spoke to it last time, and it's in someone's district on the other side of the aisle, and I know a number of you have been to it. It's Valley Sheltered Workshop in Batavia. I was there beforehand, I've been there since, just to make certain I didn't misunderstand anything. This Bill has a lot of helpful items. I can tell you this, though, the $2 million, while it's start, isn't going to get us anywhere where we need to be based upon how many of these workshops I'm hearing exist throughout the state. But I'm going to tell you what the director of the facility sent me. I'm just… I'm not going to read it all to you, but I'm going to read to… some of it because I don't want you to think this is my words, this is what I'm telling you. This is what he's telling me is occurring. 'The push to 10300111.docx 202 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 end subminimum wages for workers with disability under 14(c) overlooks critical aspects of the community support mental health. While proponents claim this will… this will… move will redistribute resources more equitably, the reality is that it threatens the mental well-being and independence of many individuals with disability in Illinois. These environments are crucial…' now, he's speaking about 14(c) shelter he has. 'These environments are crucial for mental health, providing a sense of purpose, routine, and social interaction. Without these programs, many in our community will face increased mental stress, which will result in higher costs for a struggling support system, and Illinois ranks at the bottom in terms of support for persons with these disabilities.' He concludes… he had a lot of other things to tell, but he concludes with, 'The elimination of 14(c) programs does not equate to progress. It risks the mental health and independence of disabled individuals, imposes greater financial burdens on families, and undermines community-based solutions that are already working effectively.' As I said last time, and I'm going to repeat it, he told me Valley Sheltered Workshop is a service. It's not an employer. It's a service. And this is a man, Hugo, who knows service because he's the former associate director… prior to taking this job, he was the former associate director at Hesed House in Aurora, which is, to my understanding, the largest homeless shelter outside Cook County in the State of Illinois. It's important to do this work. I understand what the Leader's trying to accomplish, what the other proponents are trying to accomplish. Treating people with dignity is 10300111.docx 203 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 very important. But to eliminate something and trying to achieve another goal that's going to be harmful to a whole set of individuals, when we don't have to do it that way, just isn't the right thing to do. So, while I appreciate the improvements and the extra time to work on it, let's just get it right before we even pass it. So, at this time, I'm going to ask for a 'no' vote from the people of the chamber until we have it all worked out. Thank you."
"Representative Johnson is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I've spent the last 40-plus years working hard to give a voice to workers, and when I say workers, I mean all workers. And I'll spend the rest of my life doing the same. This Bill is about recognizing the contributions of disabled workers. Anyone who performs a job deserves to be paid fairly for their work. Equal minimum pay for working adults, no matter the disability, protects everyone's civil rights, and it's important to guarantee equal protection under the law. This 14(c) program was established, I believe, by Congress in the 1930s, nearly 90 years ago. Our understanding of workers' rights has evolved since then, and I believe it's time for this problem… this program to evolve as well. This Bill does not mean that day programs for these folks will go away. It means that if they're going to work, they're going to be compensated for it, the same as all of us in this chamber are and so many people outside of here. I remember the debate last year, you know, just like life outside, our life here's lived in moments. And it was last year when this Bill was debated. It was… it was a difficult time, I think, for a lot 10300111.docx 204 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 of us to listen to that debate. I… I do thank the advocates. I thank Leader Mah, all the advocates who've worked so hard to get to this point. I will… I will ask, as we go forward, that you… that, like so many things, that we continue, you know, these voices will need to be heard well past 2024. There's so many… so many people that need to be heard from moving forward. Dignity in Pay is the name of the Act, and… and I certainly respect that… that name, but… and there certainly is dignity in pay, but there's also… dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected. And I personally, through last year and now, I think I've maybe said 10 words to Representative Meier over the last two years. But I… I do want to say that I absolutely believe more than anybody that I've ever met that he believes in dignity for these workers and the right of a person to be valued and respected. As someone who a lot of time speaks from the heart, when… when Representative Meier speaks, I know it comes from the right place. And I am so, so thankful that he's out there on the frontlines doing what he's doing. I thank God for that, I do. I am urging a 'yes' vote on this Bill. And, once again, I just want to thank everybody for continuing to participate in this process. Thank you, Ms… Madam Speaker."
"Representative Mussman's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. I do think it is important to acknowledge, as many of my colleagues have said, that this program was actually created over 80 years ago as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. It was part of, actually, a package that was designed to create opportunities for physically disabled veterans to be part of 10300111.docx 205 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the workforce as well as people with disabilities. In September of 2020, the United States Commission on Civil Rights, under the Trump administration, completed a very extensive study and released a report on subminimum wages and their impact on the civil rights of people with disabilities. I do encourage you to read this report. It was incredibly thorough. In this report, they remind us that Section 14(c) does not reflect our modern values because it was enacted prior to our current civil rights laws. They also call out the Act as discriminatory because they acknowledge it does not work as it was originally designed, which was provide the support necessary so that those with any range of disability could become ready for employment in the competitive economy. The report points to data indicating that shelter programs too often do not offer a pathway into integrated work environments and very little opportunity for advancement. As few as five percent of workers ever transition into employment in the community despite the fact that the report found that people with intellectual and developmental disability who are currently earning subminimum wages are not categorically different in level of disability from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities currently working in competitive integrated employment. It finds that the difference between people who are successful in the community and those who are not is not their disability or skill level. It comes down to whether or not they were provided reasonable accommodations and support, which would allow them to find success. The primary recommendation of the commission as the result of their study was that Congress should repeal Section 10300111.docx 206 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 14(c) with a planned phase-out period, which is exactly what we are planning for in this Bill. And they pointedly said, 'Increased integration of people with disabilities into the workplace and society is now legally required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and legal precedent and is facilitated by technological advancements.' These developments make the need for subminimum wages to create opportunities for integrated employment no longer necessary. In the last 80 years, there have been significant advancements in technology, in therapy, in medicine, communication, and life expectancy for those with a wide range of cognitive and physical disabilities, which they acquired at birth or even later. We have worked hard in our state to ensure that, to the best extent possible, that our youth are diagnosed and supported at the earliest stages, they are educated in the least restrictive environments, often integrated into classrooms. They can do more than ever before. They and their families have a desire and an expectation that they will live, work, and play actively in their community with people with all abilities. We know what kind of programming and support will help prepare them for integrated employment. It falls to us to do the hard work to reconceptualize our state policy and provide appropriate financial support. It is past time we leave behind antiquated policies that we know are not in compliance with civil right laws or with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it… which more importantly hold people back from living their best lives. Now is the time to support this Act."
"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized." 10300111.docx 207 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"So, I'm… I'm going to repeat a little bit of something that somebody prior said, and I… I don't think there's anybody on this House Floor that cares more about individuals with developmental disabilities than Charlie Meier. The entire time here… and he deserves a round of applause. He's not a pie in the sky, you know, kind of person. He's a realistic, you know, nose to the grindstone, figure out how to make something work kind of guy. And I don't think anybody worked harder than… than Charlie on… on making the many changes that make this Bill a little bit better. I… I have a philosophy on what… what government's here for. And I think… I think the first point is something that we can probably all agree on, taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves. And that's a little bit what… what we're discussing today. As we talk about these 14(c) programs, and we talk about the term subminimum wage, Leader, can you explain how they decide what wage an individual receives under the 14(c) program?"
"Yes. Actually, before I answer that, I'd like to address some of the misconceptions that… that were shared by some previous speakers."
"And… and you'll have a chance to close. I… and I not… not trying to be rude but…"
"Right."
"I… I could go to the Bill, but I wanted to give you the opportunity to respond to that specific question." 10300111.docx 208 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Sure. From my understanding, there are lots of rules and regulations and requirements for 14(c) certificate holders and time tests… or what are… what are they referred to? Time studies that are required that, in fact, put a great deal of burden on many of these providers to become certified to run these sheltered workshops paying subminimum wage under the 14(c) waivers. And, you know, one of the goals of this Bill is to improve the system so many of these providers have access to better resources so that they can provide enhanced services that address the various needs of many of the individuals who are served by these organizations. I… you know, one of the previous speakers mentioned Valley Sheltered Workshop, and I have, myself, visited Valley Sheltered Workshop. There's nothing in the Bill that would require any of these workshops to close. So, it's not a ban on sheltered work or workshops, and the use of the 14(c) certificates and the use of subminimum wage can continue until December 1… 31, 2029. But the provisions of the Bill are meant to enhance the services so that those who would like to seek work in the competitive community environment have the tools to do that. And the programs that are available, in fact, are reimbursed at a higher rate than what is available for the sheltered workshops. And so, in fact, the supported employment programs, the community integrated employment programs, and the community day services all reimburse at a much higher rate and allows for a 50 percent reimbursement rate from the federal government. And so, you know, these are…
"I'm… I'm trying to be respectful, but we're getting outside of the scope of my question. So, the… the point that 10300111.docx 209 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 I was trying to make on the 14(c) is that a third-party organization comes in and makes a decision. It's not the… it's not the… the employers of these individuals who receive these 14(c) waivers. It is a third party that decides the ability of the individual, and… and that’s how they decide the wage rate that that individual receives. We… we talk about, once again, keep saying dignity in pay, and I think there's a certain amount of dignity that comes with having a job. And you're correct that this Bill does not say these workshops have to shut down. But if they don't have state contracts or federal contracts that pay enough to cover those wages, these places will shut down. And you're right, they won't shut down until January 1 of 2030, but they will shut down because there are other options for these private places to go to. The dignity provided by a job is amazing. I… I talk to one of my local providers who said, 'You know what, we have somebody who would be great without the behavior issues.' He said, 'Very able to do a lot of work, but only for an hour at a time.' And also, you have to have somebody there to ensure that that person, when they have that behavior issue, that they can manage that. Then you have individuals who almost have zero production. Those are the individuals that I'm certainly concerned about. One of the prior Representatives specifically spoke to a mother concerned about their adult child and what's going to happen. And so, when I look at this, I think as a parent, when your child is a child, you know that they're eventually going to grow up, eventually become an adult. As a parent of a disabled child, which I am not, you know your child's going to grow up but 10300111.docx 210 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 may not ever be able to take care of themselves fully. And… and I think putting a date on… on when these facilities will no longer be able to do what they have to do, so that an individual has the dignity of a job, is certainly concerning to those parents. And I think we're doing those parents a large disservice. The… since I've been office, say last… last decade, our state budget has gone from the low 30s. I saw a budget at 31 billion. I thought I saw a budget at 32–33 billion, and now we're talking about a $53 billion budget. And one of the things that always gets left behind is the PUNS list, which is supports for those with developmentally… or, developmental disabilities. And we… you know what we do? We do just enough that the courts don't step in and tell us that we have to do more. We… we're spending almost… almost double, an extra two-thirds of what we spent a decade ago, and we're barely enough to keep up with the court order that require… that we're required of under PUNS. I don't believe any promise from the State of Illinois that there will be dollars to continue these programs after December 31, 2029. I think that a number of programs are essentially receiving bribes to support this program. Most of them don't support this. And the reality is that these workshops are going to shut down at an additional cost to the State of Illinois. Because instead of going to a job where they receive a paycheck, which may be lower than the average person, instead of going and receiving a paycheck, you know what they're going do? They're going to go to an adult day care. And you know what, that adult day care gets paid more than the places that are providing a… a service and a job to those individuals. 10300111.docx 211 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 So, it will actually cost the state more when these shops shut down, which means our dollars are not going as far as they should. My… my dad served on the board of a… a workshop, and they do a lot of services in the… in the local community, whether it be local shredding for local businesses or they work for Reynolds where they put little pieces in… in plastic bags or something of that sort, and they're paid based on their ability. We are voting… if you vote 'yes' today, you are voting to get rid of this… these individuals' jobs. Not everyone, but certainly the ones in mine. They will be gone, maybe not January 1, 2030, but shortly after, once the bills keep coming in and they can't pay them. So, I want you to think long and hard. If this was a task force to figure out how we get to… to $15 an hour or to minimum wage, right, I… I'd be all for it. But it's not just a task force, it's a deadline. It's a time frame that says, if you don't get there, oh well. And I don't believe that my providers will be the ones on the task force. I think it will be the ones that signed up in support that are currently getting… have been promised something so that they can continue to provide the services that they're providing. I don't often… I talk a lot on the House Floor, and I know you all know that. And sometimes I get snarky, right? I get a little sarcastic. I'm not being sarcastic on this one. Please think about it, right? If this was a task force, we could come up with a plan before we set the cut-off date. But this, we're setting a cut-off date and there's no going back. We're not going to change this policy. We're not. So, please think about these individuals who have the dignity of having a job to go to 10300111.docx 212 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 every day, seeing their friends, who aren't just friends, they're coworkers. I know you want to send… and… and I'm not saying this snarky. I… I hope this isn't just for a press release to say that look what we did, because these are the people that government's here for, to take care of those who truly cannot take care for themselves. I… I hope you think long and hard before pushing your button today. And this isn't… this doesn't affect Republicans. This doesn't affect Democrats. It affects the individuals that we are charged with helping to take care of. It affects the parents of those with developmentally… developmental disabilities who don't know what will happen if something bad happened to them. I urge a 'no' vote."
Speaker Burke: "Members, we have numerous Members seeking recognition. We're going to move to a three-minute timer. Representative Benton is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I've had a lot of issues with this Bill, and last time it came up I didn't vote 'yes' for. I think the process was a little bit challenging the way that it came up. And since then, there's been a lot of robust conversations, a lot of meetings that have been set up. And, again, I didn't like the process. I didn't like how it came about, but I appreciate a lot of the people that have taken the time to have those conversations and try to get those answers for everyone. And I want to acknowledge some of those people. And some of them are Rep. Meier, who has spent a lot of time… well, we spent some long meetings, and he was asking the tough questions, and he had a lot of opposition. Representative La Ha, asking a lot of the tough conversations… 10300111.docx 213 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 or tough questions, having the tough conversations to make sure that we get this right. Do I think it's particularly right now? No, but I think it's come a long way from where it originally was. And I just want to go in, and I'm not going to say I'm a 'yes' or a 'no' on this one, but… and I'm not trying to change any perspectives, but there are a lot of people that did a lot hard work on this one. Ben Stortz, who's the president and CEO of Cornerstone, which happens to be in my district and services Will County, 11 CILA homes in my district, and 450 individuals with developmental disabilities. And he's… he's done a really good job advocating for this one, and also happened to be on IARF. Josh Evans, who happens to be up in the gallery, who worked very hard, president of IARF; Luis Andrade; Ryan Croke; Mike Grady with Autism Speaks; Nick Boyle, who happens to be up in the gallery with Access Living, to all come together try to have those real conversations about how we're going to move forward with this. I think Representative Meier had a… brought up a very good point about revisiting this on a regular basis. We need to go back and take a look at this every six months, every year to reevaluate it, along with that task force, to make sure that we are making the right decision. And if we have to go back in and we have to fix something, I think we, as elected officials, need to go back in, change the law, create trailer Bills, and make sure this is always going to be the right thing to do. So, I just wanted to say that and thank some of those people 'cause this has been a long, long process and this has been a long journey. So, thank you."
"Representative Caulkins is recognized." 10300111.docx 214 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, the… who pays the subminimum wage? Where… where does that money come from?"
"So, there are about 66 14(c) certificate holders…"
"Yeah, but who… who pays that individual? Who… who… how…"
"The… it… it varies."
"But… so, all right. Well, let me… let me answer your question because I spent 25 years advocating for developmentally disabled adults every day of my life for 25 years, pushing for supportive work, pushing to get people out of workshops and into the economy where they could have a job other than in a… in a workshop environment. Companies will hire a workshop to produce some kind of a good. They're paying the individual that's doing that work based on their ability to do that work. There are different levels of developmental disabilities. There's… you understand that, I'm sure. So, a company cannot afford to pay someone to do a minimal amount of work for $15 an hour when the production level, which is the 14(c)process, determines that they aren't putting out at a hundred percent. And that’s what determines the pay. So, this isn't the workshop getting rich off of their clients by paying them a subminimum wage. It’s the workshop struggling to find a… a company that’s willing to come into that workshop and provide work for those clients at a fair rate based on the production of that individual. So, that's… let's not think that the workshops are getting rich off of subminimum wage. 10300111.docx 215 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 I want to just take a second… and I want to go to the Bill, Madam Speaker."
"And please, if you could bring your remarks to a close."
"It'll… it'll be just this… just one thing. Ladies and Gentlemen on the other side of the aisle, you control the budget process. Illinois has the bad reputation of not taking care of the developmentally disabled people in this state. I know. I lived it. If you vote for this Bill, it is going to be on you to provide the money to make this work because I guarantee you no company is going to pay someone $15 an hour to do a third of the work that a normal or an average worker can do, and there's going to have to be a way to subsidize this program to keep people employed. And it's going to come out of the General Revenue Fund. So…"
"Please bring your remarks to a close."
"…think about this. Think about this before you vote for this Bill because it's your responsibility to fund it. I don't think this is…"
"Representative, I've asked you three times. Please bring your remarks to a close."
"I don't think this Bill is ready. I don't think we should have a deadline in this Bill. There are many, many parts of this Bill that are good. But this is not the solution to the problem, and I don't believe you'll come back and find a way to fix it. And I'm very, very concerned that you will properly fund this because the State of Illinois has not properly funded the services that we should be providing to 10300111.docx 216 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the developmentally disabled population in the State of Illinois. Don't… please, don't add to that tonight."
"Representative Lilly. And I would remind Members we're on a three-minute debate timer, and please don't make me go to two-minute debate timer. Please be respectful. Three minutes, Representative Lilly."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a workers' right Bill. This is about equity. I, too, want to thank Leader Mah for her work, along with the diverse coalition that have been working on this Bill for years. Today, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a profound opportunity to impact the lives of adults and… with developmental disability. With nearly 1 thousand proponents on record and nearly all organizations and agencies that represent the developmental disabled supports this cause. We need to stand in unity in our commitment to make a difference in their lives. When it comes to the rates, yes, the Department of Healthcare and Family Service, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, have committed to filing an Amendment to the Home and Community Based Service Program Waiver. This Amendment will increase rates for small group supported employment by January 2025. We are committed to addressing this issue. This is an agreed Bill with the trade industries and the disability civil rights movement, representing the IDD, blind, deaf and cross-disability communities. This… this legislation represents a compromise reached after years of dialogue between DD and service providers in the industry, disability groups, and civil rights, and anti-poverty advocates. Again, this is an agreed 10300111.docx 217 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Bill. Many of you may have heard the City of Chicago and a range of employers across Illinois have already passed and phased out subminimum wage programs in favor of support… supported employment and meaningful day programs and opportunities by recognizing that every worker, given the right support, and make valuable contribution. Every employer will have the opportunity and see the potential of their workers and hire more persons living with disability. I am determined and ambitious, and we are determined and ambitious state, that this is a statewide push for the disabled employment. We must create opportunities today, not tomorrow, but today for people with disability. This is the work of this Body. I say that this is critical legislation that is long overdue. It paves the way for the success of providers in Illinois. I encourage you, I strongly encourage you to vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"Representative Hanson's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She will."
"Thank you. And thank you, Leader Mah, for bringing this forward. You were working on this long before I got here, and the one thing that I've learned in this past year and especially recently is that every person in this chamber cares, and… and their positions, whether if they are in full support or still skeptical, like myself, it comes from the heart. And a lot of objective studying has been done into make this a better Bill over the last year. Early on, you mentioned respect and protection. That’s something we wanted for every single worker, every single employee, every single 10300111.docx 218 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 person in whatever they do for… for a living or their livelihood. However, those are things that I kind of… I believe that the… what this… what this Bill and what we're looking to do is more of a… it's more of a human services Bill than a… than an employment Bill or a labor Bill. But since it's been presented to me by agencies that represent labor, including the department of, I looked at it, and I looked through this legislation through the labor lens. And one thing that I know, whether if we are talking about something that we looked to achieve through collective bargaining, or talking about any sort of agreement that… that may do something to provide protection or respect for workers or for workplace is to make sure that every single employee is protected, okay? In my world, that means the junior employee, that means the person that has the… the least to lose because they have the least seniority. Not every single person… not every single person that… that would be impacted by this Bill is protected. And I've learned a lot in the last, really, 24 hours for some of the good things that this Bill can do. But I don't believe that… that the… the places, the 14(c)s, that are not in support are guaranteed that there is a… there is an avenue for them at the end of this time frame. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, but it's also terrifying for places that are doing good work for their neighbors, their partners, that’s what they're referred to, not as… not as employees or workers, that something is there for them after December 31, 2029. So, I mentioned I've learned some things in the last 24 hours, and I did not realize the federal funding opportunities that may be out there for these 14(c)s 10300111.docx 219 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 that are doing good work. And I've heard some… some awful things about human rights violations and… and workers being taken advantage of, and if that's taking some… place somewhere in the state, this… this legislation is going to help them. But there is also the chance that workshops that are doing great work, and they're providing independence within their… within their workshop community. Every single day is… is a day in their journey of joy. It’s a phrase that I've learned from the workshop in my community in my district. Those federal funding opportunities need to be tapped into. This task force better be the hardest working task force of all of our task forces in the state."
"Representative, your three minutes have expired. Does anybody want to give… Guerrero-Cuellar for three minutes. Manley in the Chair."
"Thank you. I won't take three more minutes. The federal funding needs to be tapped into, okay? No one needs to be left behind, and that's what a good labor Bill actually is. No one gets left behind, the junior worker, the person that's… that's the least likely to have protections. Secondly, on the task force, it needs to be the hardest working task force in the state. There needs to be geographical balance, okay? This is definitely not a downstate issue, a Chicago issue, a… a collar county issue. There needs to be guaranteed geographical balance, and some of these 14(c)s, some of these workshop operators need to be a part of that, need a part of… need to be a part of this group. Only 37 of the 65 14(c)s were… are showing on support in here. And I… there are a lot of individual names, agencies, leaders that are elected, 10300111.docx 220 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 leaders that are appointed in support of this, and I'm seeing letters that I have immense respect for. And I don't know which button I'm going to hit yet, but I will have the most scrutinized eyes, I hope all of us will, for the work that still has to be done in this task force in the immediate term and over the next five years. Those neighbors, those partners in this Valley Sheltered Workshop that I can walk to from my district office that are counting on me, and they've been doing good work there since 1960. I don't expect that to change, and phasing out is terrifying way of saying elimination. And we're going to work together to make sure that… that they are not eliminated, that their journeys of joys continue. Thank you very much."
"Thank you, Representative. I really appreciate your engagement on this issue and…"
"We're going to go to the next speaker…"
"Okay."
"…Representative Mah. Representative Swanson, three minutes."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"Thank you. I've been to… and I've got to be quick here. So, I've been to several of my providers in my district, of which I do have several. The one that really strikes me the most when talking to the parents is, as a parent, what am I going to do when I no longer have someone to… somewhere to bring my child or my adult son or daughter because they're no longer going to be employed? This particular agency is in a community of 9 thousand people, 9 thousand people. A local 10300111.docx 221 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 business provides $359 thousand per year to this business to employee the young… the people in that community with a job. They work 24 hours a week, 24 hours a week. Three hundred fifty-nine thousand dollars is what this one business… and it's a national known business. These young… these people make pallets, you know, the things you see painted… painters with their paints on. That's what they do. They make big ones. They make small ones. These are shipped around the world. These… this company and these individuals are affecting what's going on in the world. And with 359 thousand into a $15 minimum wage, that's why the parents are asking me, 'What am I going to do? My son, my daughter, and my family member will no longer have a job because $359 thousand does not go far at $15 an hour.' So, this is not going to increase productivity. It's going to increase individuals in an unemployment situation because they're no longer have somewhere to go because there's no… not any money left to employ them. Some of these individuals have been tried to… to bring out in the community to work in some of the businesses, but a community of nine thousand people, there's not enough businesses that are willing to take the time to work with some of these individuals. Some of these individuals require someone to move their hand to do the product, to move it from one box to the other, to put it in the box. This is what is going to happen in this community of 9 thousand. There's going to be individuals losing their job. When I did the… some of the math using some simple farmer math, I went from half the number of individuals that are going to able to be employed there at $15 an hour, if that's what our minimum wage is going 10300111.docx 222 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 to be. So, if I had the time, I would ask the Sponsor of this Bill, how do I look… how do these businesses, how do these 14(c)s in my district look a parent in the eye and say, 'I'm sorry, but your family member is no longer employed here?' Thank you."
"Representative LaPointe."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Just a few quick questions off the top. Leader Mah, when does the personal needs allowance increase start?"
"January 1, 2025."
"2025, all right, next January. Thank you. And then just to reiterate, none of these jobs are going away until 2030. Is that right?"
"Correct.
"Okay."
"So, the subminimum wage can remain in place until 2030. And I'd like to also point out that Chicago passed an ordinance in 2019, five years ago, requiring a phase-out, and none of the organizations, none of the providers in Chicago have closed as a result of this process. In fact, many of them have improved their services and enhanced their ability to get federal Medicaid reimbursement to supplement the… the resources that they would… that… that supports their organization. And I'd like to point out that there is zero federal Medicaid match for 14(c) activities."
"Okay. Thank you for that. I'm going to speak to the Bill. Leader Mah, I'm really grateful for your…" 10300111.docx 223 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"To the Bill."
"…grateful for your leadership, grateful for the leadership of many in this chamber to carry what is one of my priorities, and that is making sure our kids and adults with developmental disabilities all across Illinois have full opportunities, and I see this Bill as part of that work. I know that in the… in the work that happened since last spring, when this Bill went up on the board and did not pass, that lots of advocates and providers have come on board and come from a 'no' to a 'yes'. And it's my understanding that one of the concerns before was the same providers that run sheltered workshops, some of them were the very same providers last year at this time who were fighting tooth and nail to raise the DSP wage up to $4, and many of us fought like hell for that and we got it up to 250. And so, I hope that what that showed our providers is we are here for you. We are ready to fight for more investment for what you're doing every day in CILAs, in day programs, and in transitional employment. Sign me up for that. I commit to that. And, yes, we have 15 thousand people on our PUNS list, and we have almost 6 thousand adults today that are ready for services that can't get it. But what I'd like to underscore because…"
"Representative LaPointe, three minutes from Representative Ann Williams."
"What I would like to underscore is there's a five-year transition period. And guess what can happen in five years? We are all now working under a Governor who has made unprecedented investment in our developmental disability community and supports. So, I know that people don't have 10300111.docx 224 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 confidence that we're going to continue to invest, but I do because we have never seen the kind of investment that we've gotten from this administration. And I partner with them and hold them to account to keep doing that. What we need our sheltered workshops to do is not close. I do not want them to close, but they need to transform. As we just heard Leader Mah say, the money is out there. They are capable of transforming. We need all hands on deck from our providers so we can shrink that PUNS list and make sure those 6 thousand adults who are ready for services and ready for transitional employment and supported employment can come off that list. So, no, I don't want sheltered workshops to close, but I want them to transform what they're doing. They need to transform. We are here to support them. Sign me up for that work. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Representative Jiménez." Jiménez: "Thank you, Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill." Jiménez: "Thank you so much to the Sponsor and all the previous speakers that spoke in support. I wanted, today, to rise to share a little bit of my experience. In my three years as the manager of the Fair Labor Standards Division of the Department of Labor, I was previously responsible for the oversight and enforcement of sheltered workshops and the subminimum wage. During that time, I witnessed workers being paid cents on the dollar for their labor. These workers included people classified as mild or moderate disabilities, including people with epilepsy, polio, visual impairment, deafness, learning disabilities, and even mood disorders. Now, you may ask, you 10300111.docx 225 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 know, why… why I would be concerned? Well, the concern was that… and this goes to a question that was posed earlier. Who determines what these rates are, right? Does the employee have any opportunity to set the rate? No. It is the employer who sets the rate. It is not a third party, as was mentioned. It is employer that has the responsibility to set the rate. And the way that they do this is, as the speaker… as the Sponsor mentioned, under rules that the federal government provides under 29 CFR 525, which sets forth the conditions and terms governing the rates that the employers should set. So, employers conduct, typically, different types of works… different types of time studies. Sometimes they use a time clock, right, to time. And what they do is they… they do various studies to determine somebody without a disability and what the worker at… at hand would be able to do in the same job for the same performance. I just wanted to share that information. The concerning piece for me has always been, as somebody who, again, reviewed these applications on a daily basis, is that there is very little opportunity for there to be any complaint process or any appeals process. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work out that way with the power imbalance that we're talking about here. And so, I've always had… I was always very concerned about this issue. And so, that was one of the reasons I was very excited that this conversation was happening. And while the employees does sign off on the application and their willingness to accept the rate, there's practically no real opportunity for the workers to appeal these wages. In addition, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and numerous civil rights and 10300111.docx 226 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 disability advocacy organizations have raised significant concerns about the fairness and equity of paying subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities. It is clear, and many of my colleagues have mentioned, that this practice is outdated and does not… does not align with the values…"
Speaker Manley: "Representative Jiménez, you can take Representative Hernandez, Norma." Jiménez: "Thank you. It is clear that this practice is outdated and does not align with our values of equality and inclusion. Now, what we have before us is something very exciting to me. It's very exciting because it would allow Illinois to recognize the equal value of workers with disabilities. It is also very exciting and very important to me to note that this initiative is supported by the very disability rights groups that have a history of advocating for the disability community, that for decades have fought for the equal rights of the disability community. For me, in particular, an organizations like El Valor, who was created in the Latino community that has supported many families that I personally know, and many Latinos personally know, has… that’s been… it's been a vital touchstone for the Spanish-speaking community. El Valor itself has voluntarily relinquished their 14(c) certificate. That tells you something. Also, they are in support of this Bill. That tells you something. There is also other organizations, many organizations, like the Illinois Association of the Deaf, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Equip for Equality, Access Living, the Ark, National Association of the Blind, I could go on and on, disability rights groups, and that to me is very important. And I want 10300111.docx 227 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 to make sure that I emphasize that for those of you who are listening. Who are we listening to when we're taking a vote on this? And finally, I will point out that among a robust set of data collection and reporting required in the Bill, I am pleased that Department of Human Services will now be required to undertake a comprehensive review of the enhanced service and support needs of aging adults with disabilities who have been engaged in subminimum wage work. Annual reporting will ensure ample opportunity for ongoing review assessment and recommendations from a diverse range of community partners, including providers, to ensure these efforts. As you can see and as you've heard, this Bill is a compromise. The Sponsor, and I commend Representative Mah, Leader Mah, has worked hard to bring all the parties to the table. And I remind you that it does set out a five-year phase-out process. And it would lead us from a segregated, isolated work options and towards a customized, integrated employment plan for impacted workers. And for that, I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Chair recognizes Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"At the end of our days, we all want to look back and say we lived a life of dignity. Dignity is the sum of many things. Comes from being honest with others, and it also comes from being honest with ourselves. It also comes from work. The dignity of honest work goes a long way to define who we are, and the rewards of honest work are more than monetary. Pride and effort transcends it. By reducing the dignity that comes 10300111.docx 228 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 from doing the best one can within one's ability by reducing it to an arbitrary number and calling it Dignity in Pay cheapens the true dignity of work, and thus the dignity of life. Vote 'present', vote 'no', don't vote at all. Please do not support this Bill."
"Chair recognizes Representative Hirschauer."
"Thank you, Chair. To the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"First, I want to thank the Sponsor of this Bill, Leader Mah. Thank you so very much for traveling to Batavia and for visiting Valley Sheltered Workshop. You met with the folks who work there and the director, and you took time to speak with him and listen to their concerns. And we really did spend a lot of time there that day. I am also listening to the concerns of Valley Sheltered Workshop, and I'm committing right here on the record to walk with them and work side by side with them as they transition to a new model over these next five and a half years. And I have heard a lot of my colleagues in here say the very same thing to the organizations that serve their communities. I'm committing right here, again, on the record, to hold myself accountable to the families that are worried that they will have to leave Valley Sheltered. We will work together to ensure they don't lose what they have. And, hopefully, together, we will make it into something even better than it is right now. This is a very tough issue, and the reason why it is so tough is because every single person in this chamber is united in our care. We care so much about our constituents with developmental disabilities. We care about our providers who 10300111.docx 229 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 give their precious time and energy to serve the IDD community. We care about our families who need our support. We, again, are united in our care. We believe in the dignity and beautiful of all people, and we will work together to make sure that their potential is realized."
"Chair recognizes Representative La Ha."
"Thank you. Today, I'm talking as a mother. I have a child this directly impacts, and this is a really hard one for me. I've lost sleep, I've had conversations, I've prayed, and I still don't know what the right thing to do is. But I do know that those of you who push your green buttons today, you have to accept accountability. This cannot fail. These are people's livelihoods. These are people's dreams. These are people's children. This isn't a program in the State of Illinois that can fail. To the workshop owners, please know that I will be relentless watching these task forces. I will be watching, making sure that we are prioritizing this particular movement, this Bill, this Dignity in Pay. When we pass this today, if this passes today, this tells my daughter and others like her that we, as the General Assembly, support them and that we're behind them. But please do not push your green button and forget about this and just go about your lives. We have to hold accountability to the state, the Governor, and everybody in this room. So, think about how you're going to vote today. Thank you."
"Our last speaker will be Leader McCombie."
"Thank you. Thank you, Representative La Ha. Will the Sponsor yield for a couple of questions?"
"She indicates that she will." 10300111.docx 230 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Representative, is it your intent to shut down 14(c)s?"
"No."
"Is it the intent of the Bill to shut down 14(c)s?
"No."
"Thank you. We came in together, so I ask, do I have your word that throughout this task force, when things come up that are discovered that will make this Bill or this transition, the aging population more protected, do I have your word, does Charlie have your word, does Representative La Ha's daughter have your word that you will bring it back to this before the effective date of this Bill?"
"Absolutely."
"Thank you. People keep talking about this being a workers' rights Bill. This isn't a workers' rights Bill at all. It's a people protection Bill. We're in the minority, as you all know, and our goals are often the same. It's how we get there. I am so proud of Charlie. People say, how can the minority make a difference, 40 out of 118, what can you do? Well, this is what can be done, right here. He's worked. He has yelled at all of you over and over again. He's begged, he's pleaded, and he's got a better Bill. Is it perfect? No. Do I think it's going to get better after more things come out of this task force? Absolutely. This isn't an agreed Bill. That's not a fair statement, words matter. This is a compromised Bill. We could all do better at that. I want to thank you for listening, being in… a participant in this process. And not to use your name in debate but, Representative LaPointe, I think what you said and what Nicole said, Charlie wanted to say, tried to temper down, we all 10300111.docx 231 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 have to be held accountable here if you're voting for this. Even if you're not, hold those that are voting 'yes' accountable. This is extremely important. I sit on a board on purpose because of Charlie for Rolling Hills in Lanark. They don't want this. They're scared, and they should be scared because, if we get this wrong, they're going to close and that aging population will be hurt. Please, like Charlie said, vote your hearts, but just don't forget why we're here and what your vote means. And we still have time by pushing this out to 2030. We have time to make this a perfect Bill. Thank you."
"Representative Mah to close."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues, all the advocates that have put their hearts and souls into making this a better Bill, the Governor's Office, IDHS. I… I echo the sentiments that have been expressed on this floor about everyone's commitment to making a better system of being able to improve people's lives to serve our constituents in our communities. I believe that passing this Bill and getting us started in the process is a commitment between the state agencies, the advocates, the providers to move towards a better system that provides resources and expands opportunities for everyone. The EEOPD task force is already up and running, and our commitment to add representation from 14(c) certificate holders is just the floor, not the ceiling. There are currently seven 14(c) certificate holders already serving on this task force, and you have our commitment that membership will expand and look to regional differences and full representation of providers from across the state, 10300111.docx 232 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 experts who know exactly what needs to be addressed so we can come up with a better plan that will help improve services for people with disabilities all over Illinois. I mentioned before that Chicago has already been through this process of phase-out, and the organization in my district, El Valor, which has been mentioned a couple of times, I visit on a regular basis. And the joy and happiness that I see from their participants is just so incredibly heartwarming and beautiful. The staff and the… the folks who run that organization are completely committed to providing the best service for their participants, and they have been able to make it work. Whenever I visit, you know, people are having a great time. And I've also had a group of participants come down to Springfield to lobby me and… and to… to tell me about their needs of their organization. They are able to take advantage of a lot of federal matching funds because of the variety of programs they're able to have after they've transitioned off of 14(c). There are organizations all over this state, 14(c) certificate holders, who continue to have sheltered workshops but have transitioned out of the subminimum wage model. So, Macon Resources in Decatur, for example, UCP Seguin, Clearbrook in Arlington Heights. These are organizations that have transitioned successfully, and they're willing to provide the technical assistance, the roadmap, the guidance to providers that are unsure about how to do it. Our state agencies, or the divisions within IDHS that have been providing the guidance, they're there to help. And the sheltered workshop, Valley Sheltered Workshop that was mentioned before, I have visited. And, you know, what we 10300111.docx 233 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 saw during the visit was a variety of activities, some of which could have been part of… or could be part of programs that are reimbursed, that are reimbursed at a higher rate, and could bring resources into the organization. There's so much potential, and I think that the goal of this Bill is to truly work towards a system that serves everyone. Paying subminimum wages to disabled workers perpetuates and reinforces untrue and unfortunate expectations, low expectations, about people with disabilities in the workforce. This Bill emphasizes the potential and the worth of people with disabilities and directs our state's resources towards better programs and supports to serve this population and honor the dignity of all people. We put a lot into making this Bill a much better Bill, and I appreciate all the input, all the conversations that we've had. I think that now's the time, and I'd like for all of us to be on the right side of history. I urge an 'aye' vote for this Bill. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 793 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting in 'favor', 30 voting 'opposed', and 3 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Clerk is in receipt of Motions in Writing to waive posting requirements for several Bills. If there is leave, we will take these Motions… oh, I guess there is not several Bills. We'll take this one all by itself. Lisa Hernandez… Leader Hernandez on the Motion." 10300111.docx 234 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Hernandez, L.: "Madam Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived to the following Bills that can be heard in committee: Senate Bill 3608 in Executive Committee.
"Leader Lisa Hernandez has moved to waive the posting requirements. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. Leader Hernandez has moved to waive the posting requirements. All those vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'nay'. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. Seventy-three voting in the 'affirmative', forty voting 'opposed', zero voting 'present'. And the posting requirements are waived. The Chair recognizes Leader Ortiz for the purpose of an announcement."
"Speaker, the Democrats would request a caucus meeting at 8 p.m. in Room 114."
"Democrats will caucus in Room 114 at 8 p.m. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees are scheduled for 7:15 p.m.: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education will meet in Room C-1, State Government Administration will meet in Room 122B, County & Townships will meet in Room 115, Judiciary - Criminal will meet in D-1, Housing will meet in Room 413, and the Gaming Committee will meet in Room 114."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 824, offered by Representative Schweizer. House Resolution 825, offered by Representative Canty. House Resolution 826, offered by Representative Rosenthal. And House Resolution 827, offered by Representative Moeller." 10300111.docx 235 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Friday, May 24, at the hour of 9:30. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5854, offered by Representative Hirschauer, a Bill for an Act concerning firearms. First Reading of this House Bill. Committee Reports. Representative Davis, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2024: recommends be adopted is Senate Joint Resolution 49. The Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2024: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 4720 and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 3157. Representative Tarver, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2024: do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 2651. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2024: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 4500. 10300111.docx 236 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 111th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Representative Guzzardi, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2024: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 4768. Representative Didech, Chairperson from the Committee on Gaming reports the following committee taken on May 23, 2024: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 394. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 2651, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill, will be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300111.docx 237