"The House will be in order. The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We will be led in prayer today by Kishore Narayanam. He is with the SVS Temple in Aurora, Illinois. He is the guest of Representative Mussman. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"[Sanskrit] Good afternoon all of you. I’m representing the temple called Aurora Balaji Temple. This is in Aurora, Illinois. I’m just talking about what is the Diwali means. Diwali also known as a… the festival of lights. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and around the globe. It is… it marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. According to Hindu tradition, Diwali celebrates the retun of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. During the Diwali, families clean their houses, decorate with the very brightening lights and rangolis, colorful rangolis, and after prayers the goddess Lakshmi, the lady of wealth and prosperity. Finally, the Diwali is a time for coming together, spreading joy, and remembering the importance of kindness, compassion, and unity our communities. Thank you. Thank you for (unintelligible) and representatives of our community. Thank you so much."
"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." 10300117.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Burke, Chung, Guerrero-Cuellar, Lisa Hernandez, Jiménez, Moylan, and Slaughter are excused today."
"The record will reflect. Leader Windhorst is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please excuse Representative Hauter today."
"The record will reflect. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 109 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Representative Swanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of… I'd like to present House Resolution 878, please."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Before I begin the Resolution, I'd like to thank and recognize all the veterans serving in the House. If you could raise your hand to signify you're a veteran, please. All the veterans please raise their hand. Thank you all very much for your service as we go into Veterans Day. I'd also like to recognize some special guests I have here today. Up in the Speaker's Gallery, to the right, is Dwight White. He's an alderman in Galesburg City Council. Next to him is Mayor Peter Schwartzman from Galesburg. Next to him is my legislative assistant, Shanie Brown-Sanders. Next to her is 10300117.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 my wife, Tammy. Next to Tammy is Pastor Tony Franklin from Galesburg and also Mr. Jim Jacobs, a retired teacher from Galesburg. I'm honored to present House Resolution 878. As we honor our veterans today, I want to honor some veterans from the past. Following the Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for the raising of a Black regiment for the Union Army. Massachusetts Governor John Andrew quickly answered President Lincoln's call and began forming the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first Black regiments to serve in U.S. Civil War. Black men from across the state, country, and even other nations traveled to Boston to join this historic regiment. The 54th Mass. helped inspire the enlistment of more than 180 thousand Black soldiers, a boost in morale and manpower that President Lincoln recognized as essential to the victory of the United States and the destruction of slavery throughout the country. Twelve of these brave African Americans who answered the call and enlisted on April 26, 1863 with Company H of the 54th Massachusetts hailed from the City of Galesburg. What brought these men to join the 54th Mass.? Possibly, they heard former slave and anti-slavery orator Fredrick Douglass when he visited Galesburg in 1859. A total of 35 African American men enlisted from Illinois. Sergeant Joseph Barquet, Corporal Samuel Wells, Private Clay Welcome, Private Joseph White, Private Weston… Private Preston Williams, Private Reuben Caldwell, Private John Davis, Private John Dickinson, Private Hiram Garnet, Private George Hubbard, Private Henry Kirk, and Private William Timms served bravely with the 54th Mass. Nine were laborers. One 10300117.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 was a hostler. You might ask what a hostler was. A hostler was a man employed to look after the horses of people staying at an inn. One barber, and one mason. Sergeant Barquet, 40 years old, the only married soldier of the 12 and the most prominent, was known for serving as chairman of the Convention of 1866 to discuss civil rights, being a staunch advocate for the desegregation of schools, and delivering many speeches for equal rights for African Americans, especially African American veterans. While serving with the 54th Massachusetts, Private Kirk and Private Dickinson were wounded and captured at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner in South Carolina, outside of Charleston. The First Battle of Fort Wagner was July 10 and 11, 1863. The Second Battle took place on July 18, 1863. The Confederates won the battle, but the Union's bravery inspired many and proved that Black soldiers could be as effective as white soldiers. The Union suffered 1,515 casualties out of 5 thousand soldiers, while the Confederates suffered 174 casualties out of 1,800. Private Kirk and Private Dickinson were held captive in Salisbury, North Carolina until March 4, 1865 when a prisoner exchange of 8,684 Union soldiers took place, which included 120 who were African American. Despite 6 of the 12 either being wounded or captured, only 1 died while service to their country. Private Williams, who died due to an accident while in Jacksonville, Florida. The rest of the brave men left the 54th Mass. being discharged at the expiration of their term. It is right that we recognize the brave men from Galesburg who joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment to bring victory and, ultimately, the destruction of slavery throughout the 10300117.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 country. Today, we honor these 12 heroes and begin a campaign to recognizing Galesburg, their sacrifices, service, and bravery. In honor of Black History Month, the movie 'Glory' will be shown at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg. Interesting enough, Edward Zick… Zwick, the Director of 'Glory,' has family in Galesburg. I want to acknowledge the work of the late Dr. Hermann Muelder, Knox College, for his book, 'A Home from the War,' where this information was taken from. Mr. Speaker, I ask for an 'aye' vote on this Resolution."
"Representative Swanson moves for the adoption of House Resolution 878. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Canty, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"It is my honor and privilege to introduce one of our newest Members, Nicolle Grasse. Nicolle and I have known each other for many years, long before our legislative service. She has been a hospice chaplain for over 30 years, and she is an avid runner and has an amazing family. Nicolle and I served together on the Village of Arlington Heights Board of Trustees for two years, and she will continue her service there through the end of her term in April. Nicolle was appointed in June to fill the vacancy left in the House with the departure of Mark Walker in the 53rd District. So, please join me in giving a warm Springfield welcome to the appointed and now duly 10300117.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 elected Representative of the 53rd District, my friend, Nicolle Grasse. Welcome to Springfield."
"Representative Grasse, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I just want to thank everyone for your warm welcome, and I look forward to doing the work of the people in the state with all of you together. Thank you."
Speaker Buckner: "Welcome. Representative Niemerg, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce my Page for a day. This is Shaya Strader. She's in ninth grade, she's a homeschooler in Toledo, and her favorite subjects are art and music, right? Art and music. And a fun fact, she has 6 siblings, and they range in age from 30 years to 5 years. That's a big family. Thank you, and welcome to Springfield."
"Shaya, welcome to your Capitol. Leader Barbara Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, B.: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please help me welcome my intern, Hariana Galvan, from Aurora University, who's right next to me. And also, the students from Aurora University, who are in the pre-law club, and they're currently sitting at the Speaker's Gallery. So, welcome." 10300117.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024
Speaker Buckner: "Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Caulkins, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, last Friday, a federal judge issued a definitive opinion about the unconstitutionality of weapons, assault weapons, as you call them, ban and the magazine ban. That opinion definitively stated that the law that was passed and signed is unconstitutional. We have wasted years and years, months and months, if not years, of time fighting against this. We've spent millions of dollars fighting against this law that you know, we know, and now a judge has said is unconstitutional. I call today on Governor Pritzker to stop the appeal process. It's not going to succeed. We're going to spend a lot of time and a lot of money fighting against a law that is blatantly unconstitutional. We should be taking the illegal guns off the streets. We should be prosecuting the criminals that are using those guns, not criminalizing law-abiding citizens who choose to own rifles and shotguns and pistols. So, today I call on Governor Pritzker, I call on all of you, to support this. Let's stop this appeal process, accept Judge McGlynn's judgment that this law is unconstitutional, and let's get together and solve this problem of unlawful guns in the hands of criminals. We can do better. Let's use our precious resources to solve problems. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of an announcement." 10300117.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024
"Mr. Speaker, the Democrats would request a caucus meeting immediately in Room 114."
"The Democrats will caucus immediately in Room 114. The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of a…"
"Thank you, Mr.…"
"…announcement."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment. Thank you."
"Republicans will caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 848, offered by Representative Spain. House Resolution 849, offered by Representative Cabello. House Resolution 850, offered by Representative Faver Dias. House Resolution 851, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 852, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 853, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 854, offered by Representative Niemerg. House Resolution 855, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 856, offered by Representative Ness. House Resolution 857, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 858, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 859, offered by Representative Smith. House Resolution 860, offered by Representative DeLuca. House Resolution 861, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 862, offered by Representative Stuart. House Resolution 863, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 864, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 865, offered by 10300117.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 Representative Buckner. House Resolution 866, offered by Representative Faver Dias. House Resolution 867, offered by Representative Manley. House Resolution 868, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 871, offered by Representative Lilly. House Resolution 872, offered by Representative Haas. House Resolution 874, offered by Representative Halbrook. House Resolution 875, offered by Representative Will Davis. House Resolution 876, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 879, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 880, offered by Representative Ladisch Douglass. House Resolution 882, offered by Representative Spain. House Resolution 883, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 885, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 886, offered by Representative Elik. House Resolution 887, offered by Representative Ford. House Resolution 888, offered by Representative Yang Rohr. House Resolution 889, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 890, offered by Representative Severin. House Resolution 891, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 892, offered by Representative Mah. House Resolution 894, offered by Representative Jones. House Resolution 896, offered by Representative West. House Resolution 898, offered by Representative Halbrook. House Resolution 901, offered by Representative Nichols. House Resolution 902, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. House Resolution 904, offered by Speaker Welch. House Resolution 905, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 906, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 908, offered by 10300117.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 Representative Ford. House Resolution 909, offered by Representative La Ha. House Resolution 910, offered by Representative La Ha. House Resolution 911, offered by Representative Mussman. House Resolution 912, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 913, offered by Representative Yang Rohr. House Resolution 914, offered by Representative Didech. House Resolution 915, offered by Representative Rashid. House Resolution 916, offered by Speaker Welch. House Resolution 917, offered by Representative Elik. House Resolution 918, offered by Representative Scherer. House Resolution 919, offered by Representative Johnson. House Resolution 920, offered by Representative Vella. House Resolution 921, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. House Resolution 922, offered by Representative Spain. House Resolution 923, offered by Representative Gabel. House Resolution 925, offered by Representative Reick. And House Resolution 927, offered by Representative Syed."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing for perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, November 13, at the hour of 1 p.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 10300117.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 5859, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 5860, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 5861, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 5862, offered by Representative Olickal, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 5863, offered by Representative Friess, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5864, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning real property. House Bill 5865, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 5866, offered by Representative Jones, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5867, offered by Representative Jones, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5868, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5869, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 5870, offered by Representative Schweizer, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5871, offered by Representative Olickal, a Bill for an Act concerning property. House Bill 5872, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 5873, offered by Representative Swanson, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5874, offered by Representative Ammons, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5875, offered by Representative Caulkins, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 5876, offered by Representative Spain, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5877, offered by 10300117.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 Representative McLaughlin, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 5878, offered by Representative McLaughlin, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5879, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 5880, offered… offered by Representative Coffey, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5881, offered by Representative Niemerg, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. House Bill 5882, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 5883, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 5884, offered by Representative Costa Howard, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 5885, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 5886, offered by… offered by Representative Swanson, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 5887, offered by Representative McCombie… by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 5888, offered by Representative Olickal, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5889, offered by Representative Avelar, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5890, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5891, offered by Representative Hirschauer, a Bill for an Act concerning firearms. House Bill 5892, offered by Representative Hammond, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5893, offered by… offered by Representative Friess, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 5894, offered by Representative Spain, a Bill 10300117.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 5895, offered by Representative West, a Bill for an Act concerning service members. House Bill 5896, offered by Representative Tarver, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 5897, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5898, offered by Representative McCombie… by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5899, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 5900, offered by Representative Cabello, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5901, offered by Representative Jed Davis, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 5902, offered by Representative Hirschauer, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 5903, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning hemp. House Bill 5904, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning elected public office. House Bill 5905, offered by Representative LaPointe, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 5906, offered by Representative Tarver, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5907, offered by Representative Ammons, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 5908, offered by Representative Ammons, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. House Bill 5909, offered by Representative Kifowit, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 847, offered by Representative Jiménez; House Resolution 869, offered by Representative Keicher; House Resolution 870, offered by Representative Croke; House Resolution 877, offered… offered 10300117.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 117th Legislative Day 11/12/2024 by Representative Haas; House Resolution 881, offered by Representative Keicher; House Resolution 893, offered by Representative Mason; House Resolution 895, offered by Representative Yednock; House Resolution 897, a Bill for an Act… House Resolution 897, offered by Representative Harper; House Resolution 900, offered by Representative Yednock; House Resolution 903, offered by Representative Evans; House Resolution 907, offered by Representative Stuart; House Resolution 926, offered by Representative Mussman; House Joint Resolution 74, offered by Representative Hammond; House Joint Resolution 75, offered by Representative Hoffman; and Senate Joint Resolution 43, offered by Representative Friess, are referred to the Rules Committee. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300117.docx 14