"The House shall be in order. Members should be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to meet together today. As we do our work throughout the Capitol, surround us with your love. Lord, allow us to see your beauty, feel your love, know your wisdom, and experience your power. May we find the comfort we desire in you and the strength we need in your name. Surround us with your presence and be with us in every hour of the day. May your love be the passion in our hearts, your joy be our strength when times are hard, and your presence be the peace that overflows in our lives. These things we pray. Amen."
"We shall be led in the pledge of allegiance by Representative Jacobs."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Evans: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Didech, Manley, and Mayfield are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side off the aisle." 10300120.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect Representative Cabello and Randy Frese are excused for today."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 112 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on November 20, 2024: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to Senate Bill 688 and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 3410."
"Representative Halbrook, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two Resolutions to present this afternoon. So, the first Resolution, Ladies and Gentlemen, is HR898. Up to the… my right here in the Republican side of the aisle, in the Speaker's Gallery, is the Effingham St. Anthony's High School boys baseball team. These gentlemen are celebrating a state victory this spring of 2024. And so, these guys have put together quite a winning streak this spring. Won 7 straight victories in the postseason to finish a 27-5 and 1 record. The Bulldogs also sent two players, were named to the all-state team, Brock Fearday and Connor Roepke. They are coached by, let me pull this together here, Tony Kreke and assistant coaches, Blake, Mark, and Clint. And then I want to be able to… I want to read all the names of the team here. I think everybody's present, but I'll read all the names. We have Beau Adams, Jordan Jones, Max Koenig, Connor Roepke, Nick Ruholl, Brock Fearday, Brady 10300120.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 Hatton, Samuel Link, Ryan Schmidt, Tim Seiler, Joseph Tegeler, Vincent Vogel, Henry Brent, Drake Brown, Maddux Clark, Aiden Lauritzen, Will Bierman, and Alex Mayer. Ladies and Gentlemen, let's give them a warm, congratulatory Illinois General Assembly House welcome. Thank you."
Speaker Evans: "Representative Halbrook, you have a second Resolution?"
"Yes, please. House Resolution 873 that mourns the death of James M. Kelly, 'Jim'… I'm sorry, let me restart over. This mourns the death of James M. 'Jim' Kelly Sr. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this Resolution seeks to honor one of our World War II veterans from the Urbana area. This gentleman was actually born in a small town in my county just a few miles from where I live in Findlay, Illinois. Jim was one of nine children. And, again, he was born in Findlay, but his family moved to the Urbana area many years ago. Upon graduating high school, he joined a railroad company just as World War II was beginning. After numerous attempts to be released from the railroad company to join the… the war effort, he did that, I believe, in 1944, in January 1 of 1944. Jim married his high school sweetheart in LA at the beginning of his service. Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, California, where he was assigned to the Fifth Service Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment of the 5th Marine Division, and the next stop was the Battle of Iwo Jima. Kelly fought valiantly for his country for the entire 36-day battle. When Jim returned home to Urbana on May 10, 1946, he began his career and his family, welcoming a daughter, Cheryl, and sons, James, which are here in the 10300120.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 gallery with us today also, and granddaughter… granddaughter Kelly Johnson. Jim was a strong supporter of World War II, the memorial in Washington D.C., The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. He was a lifelong member of the VFW, American Legion, Masons, and Marine Corps League, and the Elks Club for over 40 years. He was married to his wife for over 66 years. This Resolution, this effort was brought to me today… or this spring by a gentleman by the name of Bob Mullins that worked with him as a firefighter in Urbana- Champaign area for many, many years of their life. So, with that, Ladies and Gentlemen, this Resolution seeks to honor the life and the service of Mr. Kelly. And with that, let's take a moment of silence and ask for the adoption of this Resolution."
"Please stand at attention for a moment of silence. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, Representative Halbrook moves for the adoption of House Resolution 873. 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. Leader Hernandez, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Hernandez, L.: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point." Hernandez, L.: "I am honored to have the privilege to read a Resolution for Sylvia Puente, an incredible individual who has given much of her life to public advocacy and who inspired me to run for office. WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Sylvia Puente on the occasion of her 10300120.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 retirement as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente was the first person in her family to graduate from college; she received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and completed graduate studies at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and earned her master's degree from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente was dedicated her life's work to public policy on Latino issues while highlighting the vital role Latinos play in society; she has served as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum, a state-wide, non-profit advocacy organization in Illinois, for the past 16 years; prior to that, she served as the director at the Center for Metropolitan Chicago Initiatives for the University of Notre Dame's Institute for Latino Studies from 2001 to 2008; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente's strategic leadership at the Latino Policy Forum has shaped public policy to improve educational outcomes for children, to make housing more accessible and affordable, to promote just immigration reform, and to build on the influence and leadership of Latinos in Illinois; under her guidance, the organization has promoted increased access to early education and advocated for more than 25 million to build early childhood education centers, the nation's first ever capitol grant program of its kind; and WHEREAS, Through the Latino Policy Forum, Sylvia Puente has empowered thousands of parents and communities to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities through 10300120.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 the organization's Know Your Rights trainings to access information regarding bilingual education, fair housing, and immigrant rights; she has also overseen the evolution of the Multicultural Leadership Academy, a leadership development program that has created a vast, powerful, and inspiring network of nearly 300 Black and Latino leaders, uniting them to further promote diversity in the region and empower communities in working collaboratively; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente has continually served her community and the State, being selected by Governor JB Pritzker to serve on his transition team as part of the Educational Success Committee, which was tasked with tackling the State's educational issues, and through her stewardship, all Illinois children, regardless of immigration status, have access to early childhood education through the State's new Department of Early Childhood; she also received appointments from two previous governors to serve on the Illinois Education Funding Advisory Board and the Illinois Early Learning Council; more recently, she was instrumental in the passage of the Work Permits for All resolution in Illinois, calling for more than 40,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois to receive legal work authorization and lawful permanent status without separation from their families, and its victorious passage in the 103rd General Assembly served as a catalyst for generating the most significant action in immigration policy in the United States since DACA; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente also serves as co-chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda, a partnering organization that provides opportunities for Latino leaders to work and advocate as a 10300120.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 collective body and through which she played a pivotal role in establishing the Welcome to Illinois Coalition, an organization where government, philanthropic organizations, service providers, everyday people, and volunteers come together to address the humanitarian crisis in Illinois; she is also considered a valuable resource for Chicagoland media outlets for her respected insights on Latino issues and political trends; and WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente has rightfully earned a national reputation as a bridge builder and a trailblazer, having been recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S.; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Sylvia Puente on her retirement as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum, and we recognize her impact on Latino empowerment across the State of Illinois; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Sylvia Puente as an expression of our esteem and respect. I ask members to please help join me in congratulating my friend, my mentor, Sylvia Puente."
"Is there any discussion on this Resolution? Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Mr. Speaker… thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the Members of the chamber, if you would keep your sidebar conversations low in this moment. Sylvia Puente is not an average citizen. Normally, we would be recognized people for this level of service when they have passed on, but we are trying to 10300120.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 recognize someone and give them their flowers while they are still here. She is one of the first persons that, as a new Member of the General Assembly, I had the pleasure of working with on my first piece of legislation. She is so smart, so dedicated, has worked on numerous levels of government, not just local, but state and federal. Her work will proceed her for the next 50 years. I do believe that at this moment, we owe her a full House standing… and I'm asking my Republican colleagues to join us in recognition of Miss Sylvia Puente for the work that she has done on behalf of all Illinoisans, whether you voted or not for that measure. She has done a hero's level of work for undocumented, for documented, for other workers, for people throughout the entire State of Illinois. Whether they're Latino or not, she has been there. So, if you all will please stand to your feet and give her her due flowers right now while she is in this chamber, we would honor her appropriately. So, Miss Sylvia, we know that you are not leaving government and that you're going to be there for us in the next few years, but you have earned a full standing ovation from this Body. And I ask and request for the Speaker to ask for a full standing ovation for Miss Sylvia Puente."
"Any further discussion? Representative Mason is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Leader, for bringing forth this Resolution. I have not had a lot of opportunity to work with Sylvia Puente, but I did hear her speak when I was in a leadership class at UIC many years ago, and she inspired me so very much, and I have followed her 10300120.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 ever since. And I'm sorry that this Resolution did not get the attention that it deserved because she is an amazing woman, and I just wanted to add my congratulations." Speaker Evans: "Seeing no further discussion, Representative Hernandez moves for the adoption of House Resolution 947. 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. Representative Syed, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"I rise to speak to House Resolution 926… 927, which was adopted on November 12, to congratulate the William Fremd High School girls flag football team on their extraordinary and historic achievement in becoming state champions during their inaugural season. This remarkable victory is not only a milestone for Fremd High School athletics, but also a very proud moment for the advancement of women's sports in Illinois, showcasing the strength, dedication, and talent of young women in our state. A huge congratulations to the players, whose teamwork and determination brought them to this success, as well as the coaches, whose leadership and guidance made this historic achievement possible. To the entire Fremd girls flag football team, you have not only made your school proud, but you have also left a very enduring and exciting mark on Illinois sports history. And being a proud Fremd alumni, it makes me so happy to see Fremd students accomplish such incredible things. Congratulations, and go Vikes."
"Representative Rashid, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10300120.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Please join me in welcoming my Page for the day and my district office intern, Kayla Pilgrim. Kayla is a resident of Berwyn and a first-generation college student. She's completing her bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago and is set to graduate this December at only 18 years old. Kayla serves as the director of communications for the UIC Student Advocacy Coalition and completed internships with the Illinois State Board of Education and UIC's Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services. After graduation, she hopes to earn her Masters of Public Administration and wants to work in communications or public affairs. Please join me in welcoming Kayla to Springfield."
"Representative Ford, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"Speak your point."
"Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I rise to say thank you to Wendy Butler, who retired from CMS. You know, if you know Wendy Butler, you were blessed to work with Wendy Butler. Any time you call CMS, she was there for the constituents. So, today, I say thank you, and I say congratulations to Wendy for her contributions to the State of Illinois and the people in this Legislative Body. So, thank you, Miss Butler, for the work that you've done and I look forward to a Resolution to celebrate your accomplishments. We 10300120.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 can all thank Wendy Butler with a round of applause. Thank you."
"Representative Swanson, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you… is my mic working? Okay, it is now. Thank you. I'd like to introduce some young men and women from the community. They attend Monmouth College, and if I could ask them to stand up, please. They are wrapping up their school season and class here in Springfield today. Because for the last several weeks, they've been watching us through a microscope, studying the elections and process here throughout Illinois and the rest of the nation. So, they're here today to observe us, just to see what we do here on the floor to get a better understanding of how we do politics. They're escorted here by their director, Mr. Robin Johnson. And I had a chance to talk with them earlier, and they're just a great group of young men and women from Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. So, thank you for being here today."
"Representative Niemerg, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you my Page for the day. This is Bella Collins-Shaw. She is 13, from the huge town of Palestine, Illinois. She's here accompanied with her Aunt Penny, who's up in the gallery. She's one of four, and you're homeschooled, right, Bella? And your favorite subject is geography, right? Well, 10300120.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 congratulations. Welcome to Springfield. Very happy to have you."
"Representative Stava-Murray, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"I'd like to congratulate the Downers Grove North High School boys cross country team, who was… who were the Class 3A state champions at our recent Illinois High School boys cross country state finals. As a cross country runner myself back in the day, I know the sport is not for the faint of heart, and I congratulate them heartily on their victory."
"Representative Ness, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"So, I… today, I rise to speak to House Resolution 936, which we will not be able to vote on before the end of the year, but I want to call attention to because it honors and recognizes December 19, 2024 as Illinois ABLE Day. And for those of you that don't… may not know, ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. These are investment funds created specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. And in 2016, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that created the Illinois ABLE accounts. To date, there have been over 6500 accounts created and $90 million contributed. And what makes these accounts special is that individuals can contribute it to them without… without 10300120.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 it affecting their benefits in any way. So, they still receive their benefits. They can invest and use this money towards things that enhance quality of life, whatever that might be. So, we just want to stand here in recognition of December 19, 2024, marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of the ABLE accounts. Thank you."
"Representative Rashid, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We passed this Resolution last week, HR915. I want to have everyone join me in wishing President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday. He turned a hundred on October 1, and we want to thank him for his life's work promoting peace and democracy and humanitarianism. So, join me in congratulating President Jimmy Carter on his 100th birthday."
"Representative Hauter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please speak your point."
"Since we're apparently not doing anything right now, I would like to do a medical demonstration. You know, we've had quite a few Bills on Narcan. And one of the things that I've been trying to emphasize is that Narcan is safe, and it's easy to use, and you don't need to be trained at all. So, I would like to show you, and the floor, and the Members a very important lifesaving procedure. Now, I got this Narcan at CVS. It's a… you can get it across… it's under the counter. It's right beside the Tylenol and everything else, and you can get it and keep it at home. Now, I'm going to have one of 10300120.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 my colleagues that's not been trained, you don't need training to do this. I'm going to have them administer it and show you how easy and safe it is. And someone… obviously, it reverses opioids, and I am allegedly not on any opioids. And so, it will do nothing to me. But if you are, it is a lifesaving medication that is a cure and the… the antidote to respiratory depression from opioids. So, one of my colleagues, without any training. Amy, would you like to administer? I'm not going to… I'm just going to hand you the package. It's so easy that… that even Representative McLaughlin could do it. All right, you have to actually… okay, now you just spray it in my nose. And that can be a lifesaving maneuver. And it is completely safe, and it was just like if you would take a sugar pill, and… and you don't have any side effects. If you are, you know, have an opioid overdose and you have respiratory depression or altered mental status, that would reverse it. Just one more thing that I just want people to know, that when we make these Bills and we bring this up and we talk about, well, we'll also provide for training, I want it to be just like CPR or just like an AED. You don't need training, just do it. It's completely safe, and it could save someone's life. Thank you very much." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Hernandez in the Chair. On page 2 of the Calendar, proceeding to the Order of Senate Bills on Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 688, Representative Gong- Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 688, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. This Bill was read a second time previously. Amendment 2 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #3, 10300120.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz, has been approved for consideration." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz for the Amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Do I need to adopt the Amendment, or can I go ahead to present the Bill?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "You will need to adopt the Amendment."
"Okay. Can I adopt the Amendment and then discuss it on Third?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #3. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Third Reading. Proceeding to the Order of Senate Bills on Third Reading, Senate Bill 688, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 688, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 688 is a trailer to House Bill 4351 that passed both chambers unanimously in this spring. This is a trailer that simply clarifies how a five-dollar process… private process server fee is to be collected and forwarded to the Cook County Sheriff. Just to refresh everybody's 10300120.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 recollection, the underlying Bill simply removed a provision in statute that required a motion and permission from the court in order to obtain a special process server… for service of process in Cook County only. The underlying Bill really just conformed Cook County to the rest of the state. This trailer is simply a technical change to ensure that it could be implemented effectively." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this is a trailer Bill to the prior House Bill that you mentioned that passed this General Assembly. Is that correct?"
"That's correct, unanimously."
"It passed unanimously. There are two sections of the statute, one dealing for non-Cook County counties and one primarily with… dealing with Cook County. As it relates to Cook County, what does this change intended to accomplish?"
"So, the… the change in this trailer Bill really just stipulates the manner in which a fee that was in the underlying Bill itself but it… this is just a clarification as to how that fee gets paid and gets from the special process server to the Cook County Sheriff."
"And there are some changes to the provisions for counties other than Cook. What is the point of those… those changes?"
"Clarifying only, not changing the substantive law that impacts other counties. It's just to make absolutely clear that a process may be served in any county by special 10300120.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 process servers without special appointment. We wanted to make very clear that we were not changing the process outside of Cook County and that this only applies to… to Cook in… insofar as we're changing current process."
"And does this… we… this is dealing with fees. Does this increase the fee? This Bill, does this Bill increase the fee?"
"No, this Bill doesn't make any change to… to fees. It's just clarification as to the manner in which this is supposed to happen. It's an implementation clarification."
"Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Gong-Gershowitz to close."
"Bill passed unanimously, and ask for your support. Thanks." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Shall Senate Bill… the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 688 pass?' All 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, take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'against', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 2 of the Calendar, proceeding to the Order of Senate Bills on Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 3410, Leader Hoffman. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 3410, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The Bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Hoffman." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman on the Amendment." 10300120.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Yes, Madam Speaker, I would ask that we adopt the Amendment and debate the Bill on Third Reading." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in… all those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Third Reading. Proceeding to the Senate Bills on Third Reading, we have Senate Bill 3410, Leader Hoffman."
"Senate Bill 3410, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 3410 is the omnibus sunset Bill. It provides for a one-year extension of 12 different sunset… sunsets that will be occurring. And in addition, it also contains the extension of the unemployment insurance speed bump from January 1, 2025 and moves it to January 1, 2027. The reason that we need to extend the speed bump is, in order to facilitate negotiations regarding unemployment insurance, we always put in a, quote, 'speed bump,' unquote, that would increase employer taxes and reduce employee benefits. Since the unemployment insurance fund is… is sound, we don't need to have any negotiations that need to happen in the very near future. This is agreed by business and labor, and I think it's very important that we do in order to avoid an increase in taxes on employers and a decrease in benefits to employees. 10300120.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 In addition, we extend for one year the sunsets on the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee, the authority for the Rockford to sell the Elliot Golf Course, Illinois… Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging, the apprentice for education expense tax credit, the Public Defender Quality Task Force, the home rules preemption under the Illinois Power Agency, the emergency rulemaking for the implementation of changes to the Public Aid Code, the… one year for the Zero Tariff Family's Task Force, additional one year for grantmaking authority of the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, the Cook County traffic assessment waiver, authorization for out of state and voluntary commitments, and finally, by one year, authorization for the Secretary of State to lift license suspensions. I ask for a favorable roll call." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader, I appreciate you going through each one of those. There was a question in committee that I'd… I'd like to address here, specifically relating to the HFS and DHS emergency rulemaking authority that's being extended from June of 2025 to June 5 of 2026. Of course, this is an emergency rulemaking authority. Why is that being extended for an additional year?"
"It's my understanding that the emergency rulemaking, it was authorized to implement wage increases under the Public Aid Code and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration. The wage increases and the wage adjustments are for direct support personnel and for other frontline 10300120.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 mental health workers. And the methodologies established in the rules are subject to federal approval, and they apply to workers for community-based providers and DPH-licensed facilities. So, since this is subject to federal approval, we believe that we need to extend this because we'll be making applications at some point to the federal government for approval, and we want to make sure if we're going to be able to do this that we have the time to do it in."
"Thank you for that explanation. Some of the underlying Bills on our side of the aisle had 'no' votes, so I think that's… will be why you see 'no' votes from our side today. There's… any time we deal with an omnibus, there are things we like and don't like, particularly on this side. And some of these, I think you'll hear we wish were separated out so our… our vote would reflect how we feel on each one of these. But appreciate your explanation." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the Bill." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "To the Bill."
"Leader, you mentioned and… and it was mentioned that the unemployment insurance extension is in here, and that is technically a sunset. But as you also mentioned, it's an agreed Bill. It's an agreement between business and labor and something we've been working with your side of the aisle on, and we're very supportive of it. And, in fact, if this was a standalone, we would be supportive of it and we'd be… you'd see a lot of green on this side. But, unfortunately, it's in with a bunch of Bills, some of which we didn't support the first time. I don't believe we'll be supporting this time. 10300120.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 So, unfortunately, while there are a number of Bills, as Leader Windhorst pointed out, we could support, and especially the Unemployment Insurance Bill, if we had done it as a standalone, and seeing as how there's at least 13 other vehicles we found that we could've run this through, we just can't vote for it under this circumstance. So, that's the only reason why you will not see green on this side, given… for that particular Bill, given the circumstances in which this is presented. So, I will be voting 'no' and I suspect some others will as well. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Representative Wilhour is recognized."
"Thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" Speaker Hernandez, B.: "He indicates he will."
"Leader Hoffman, what's the LGBTQ+ Aging Commission?"
"We, in… we had passed an Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging. The report is due right before the end of 2025, and the department needs more time to complete the report."
"What's it mean? What's it mean? What are they… what are they studying? What's…"
"It's my understanding that they will provide recommendations that will help the aging population of the LGBTQ community."
"What's different about them then just regular people aging?"
"I'm not on the commission."
"Do we know how much these commissions cost?"
"I don't believe that individuals who are working as part of the commission are compensated." 10300120.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"So, there's a bunch of people out there, a bunch of bureaucrats out there doing this out of the kindness of their heart?"
"Like any type of study or commission, we have many of them, and individuals who are interested in the subject may be asked to serve on the commission."
"Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Leader Hoffman to close."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. To Representative Ugaste's point, I want to make clear that the unemployment insurance provisions of this Bill are agreed. They're agreed by business and labor, Republicans and Democrats. I understand his point, so I would call this an unagreed Bill with agreed provisions. How's that? I ask for an 'aye' vote." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 3410 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 74 voting in 'favor', 38 voting 'against', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The Revenue & Finance Committee will meet in Room 118 at 3:15 p.m. Revenue & Finance will meet in Room 118 at 3:15 p.m." Speaker Hernandez, B.: "Committees will meet, and we will return to the floor. The House stands in… in recess to the call of the Chair." 10300120.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Evans in the Chair. On House Supplemental Calendar A, under the Order of Concurrences, we have House Bill 4636, Leader Burke. Mr. Clerk. Leader Burke is recognized."
"Thank you. I move to concur in House Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 4636."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Leader Burke…"
"I'm sorry, I probably should've given a little more background in that. So, if you'll just indulge me for one second."
"Yes, please. Go ahead and provide some more background."
"I'm sorry, I… I had lost my train of thought. So, House Bill 4636 is a… a very small…"
"One moment, Leader Burke. One moment. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on November 20, 2024: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur to Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 4636 and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 2703."
"Leader Burke is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All right, taking this from the top. I move to concur in House Bill… in Senate Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 4636. And this Bill is an omnibus… very, very, tiny omnibus revenue Bill, and it mainly deals with 10300120.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 items from the Department of Revenue and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. There are a couple provisions that were on Department of Revenue's list relating to timing of sales tax for non-Home Rule communities adopted by ordinance, changes… reeling back some changes we made in the spring on prepaid telephone calling arrangements. There's some additional work to be done to get that to where we anticipated it was going in the spring. So, we're going to roll that back to the… the prior law just to keep the status quo while we continue to work on it. And then there are some underlying changes to the Tobacco Products Act, again, technical. And some new dates for… new dates for changes that we made for the credits for wages paid to returning citizens. And then with DCEO, the changes deal with the tax credits that we approved for Music and Musicians Tax Credit and involves some reporting requirements. And, again, it's just some technical changes to make sure that the funds that we approved for use for those productions are rolled out in the way we intended. So, I know of no opposition, and I would ask for a 'yes' vote."
"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Thank you. Leader Burke, there's just a couple items I wanted to get clarification on. First, with regard to the credits for wages paid to returning citizens, what change is made to that provision?"
"The… the Bill that we passed in the spring had… had increased the… the cap that… the credit. And… and the idea 10300120.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 would be to make this something that businesses would be more likely to… to use. And to… and to implement that, we needed some changes to specific dates that the employers would have to comply with in order to get the credit. So, again, very technical."
"And returning citizens, does that definition change in this Bill? Is there anything about that definition?"
"No. No, there's no change."
"It is… are… are returning citizens synonymous with formerly incarcerated persons?"
"That… that's correct."
"With regard to the non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax and Service Occupation Tax, these are changes that occurred in what was the Bill that eliminated the grocery tax state mandate?"
"That's correct. That's correct. That we did in May."
"And if I remember correctly from that Bill, we eliminated the state-mandated portion of that tax. We allowed for the local governments to implement their own grocery tax. And then… yes?"
"I'm sorry, go ahead."
"Go ahead. If I said something wrong, go ahead and correct me at that point."
"So, the… the cleanup on this was not related to the grocery tax. In that Bill, we also gave non-Home Rule communities the ability to adopt a local sales tax by ordinance and… so put them more on par with Home Rule communities. And so, the cleanup relates to that particular provision." 10300120.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Thank you. And that actually gets, I think, to my point. Many of us who wanted to eliminate the state-mandated grocery tax and allow the locals to fill that in on their own, if… if they wished, had concern about this additional taxing authority we're providing non-Home Rule communities, and I think many of us hoped that, actually, this would be pulled back. But, actually, we're making it clearer that there is no referendum required for non-Home Rule communities. Is that correct?"
"I don't think it's making it clearer. It's… it's changing the date to which they have to report the adoption of the ordinance to the Department of Revenue so that it lines up with other types of ordinances that… so that… that they're on the same schedule so that the department can implement taxes in the… in a uniform time frame."
"This tax… taxing authority, though, would still be by… not by referendum, but by ordinance or resolution. Is that correct?"
"Yeah. The… the underlying Bill did provide for it to be imposed via ordinance."
"And is there an expansion of what these dollars can be used for? I… I believe in the original Bill, we allowed for potential property tax relief or for infrastructure, and it looks like we're adding operations as a possible expenditure for these dollars."
"My understanding is that the… the expenditure for operations would be approved up… there's a time limit. I believe it's 2031. If… if you'd just hold on one second, we'll double-check. All right, so it adds a provision that if an… 10300120.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 if the tax is adopted by ordinance or resolution after the effective date of that underlying Act, which was August 5, 2024, the municipality, the non-Home Rule municipality, may, until January 1, 2031, use the proceeds of the tax for municipal operations in addition to or in lieu of… of the other accepted uses."
"And… and that authority is new, the permissible expenditures, that… that is a new authority with this Bill."
"I want to say it's a revival of a… a power that had been granted prior and had lapsed, and now has been extended to 2031. So, I don't think it's a new concept, but I think it had lapsed at some point."
"And it appears this Bill, in the Senate, had a vote of 47 to 8. Does that sound correct to you?"
"That's correct."
"Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicated she will."
"Leader Burke, you think this is your last Bill?"
"God, I hope so."
"Did you say that in the spring too, Leader Burke?"
"Well, it is, what? It is 12 hours earlier than the… than the spring."
"It is. It is."
"So, I think we're… I think… I think we're safe that this is going to be it." 10300120.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Okay. Just. if I heard correctly and I'm reading our… the computer screen correctly here, I think there's four tax credits contained in this Bill. Is that correct?"
"There's no new… there's no new tax credits. I think we're making changes to some of the tax credits that we approved in the spring in order to make sure that they're able to be implemented in the manner that we expected. As they've gone through the process, as you know, sometimes… you know, as you go through the process of rolling things out, you realize, you, you know, need… need a tweak to the language."
"Okay. I… I understand, but my point is we're addressing four, maybe five tax credits in total within the Bill, correct? I don't need the exact number. I… I think that's roughly the number."
"Yeah, it's… it's several. Yeah."
"Okay. Seven?"
"Several, I'd say."
"Several, okay. Is Invest in Kids in here at all?"
"No, it is not."
"Okay. To the Bill. So, we passed this Bill in the spring, and we're willing to address taxes on theater production, music and musicians, and other tax credits that seemed reasonable, and yet we never took up ones for our children. One so that 9,500 children could go to the schools they want to so that they could have a chance in life and succeed. And here we are again now in the fall, in Veto Session, with another opportunity to address tax credits. And while these changes may all be needed, or may not, we're still not taking care of the kids. And that I don't understand. I don't 10300120.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 understand how it is we're willing to take care of everyone else's needs, but when the needs of our children are at stake and their futures, we're just going to let it go by. I wish I could support this, but seeing as how we won't consider the kids, I won't be supporting it."
"Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Before we take roll on this, I'd like to excuse Representative Davidsmeyer for the remainder of the day."
"Leader Burke to close."
"I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall the House concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 4636?' This is final action. All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all those opposed signify by voting '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 'aye', 38 voting 'nay', and 0 voting 'present'. The House does concur in Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 4636. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to the Calendar of page 2, Senate Bills-Second Reading, at the top of the page, we have Senate Bill 688. We have Senate Bill 7… excuse me, 2703, Representative Kelly, Mike Kelly. Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2703, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. This Bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Kelly, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Kelly on the Amendment." 10300120.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Can we adopt the Amendment and debate it on Third Reading?"
"Representative Kelly moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All in favor say 'aye'; 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 the Bill on Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2703, a Bill for an act concerning revenue. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mike Kelly is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor #… Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 2703 is a gut and replace Amendment which changes the underlying Bill to a TIF extension omnibus Bill. The Amendment provides specific 35-year TIF extensions for the completion and financial closure of redevelopment projects in various municipalities. These projects include: City of Knoxville, Knoxville TIF District; City of Chicago, Peterson/Pulaski TIF; Central West TIF; Lawrence/Broadway TIF; City of St. Charles, First Street TIF District; Village of Melrose Park, Seniors First TIF; Village of Melrose Park, Zenith Opus TIF. The Amendment also provides specific 47-year TIF extensions for the completion and financial closure of redevelopment projects in various municipalities. And these projects include: South Holland; Thornton Township; Route 6/South Park TIF; the Village of Lansing, Ridge Road redevelopment project area; and the Village of Melrose Park, 10300120.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 Mid-Metros TIF. This would take effect on December 31, 2024. I know of no opposition, and I appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"Any discussion? Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. And… and my comments bear nothing on the… the Representative supporting this. These are often put together in omnibus fashion. But during this last General Assembly, I introduced two measures to reform our broken and corrupted TIF system in this state. What we continue to do year after year is extend TIFs from their 23 years to 35 years, and then again a few years later to 47 years. Thirty-five years ago, George H.W. Bush was being sworn into office at the end of the term of President Reagan. Forty-seven years ago was 1982. Ronald Reagan was the President. We are extending decisions for an inordinate period of time that is drastically impacting our taxing bodies. And, most importantly, the taxing bodies that are being hit the hardest are our local school districts. We need to reform the TIF program. We need to tighten up the definition so that green pastures, farmland that's productive for that purpose, are not being turned into blighted areas. It's a bastardization of what the original intent of the TIF was. It is creating a bad environment for our schoolchildren. And at the end of the day, it's ripping off the taxpayer by forcing higher and higher property taxes on the property taxpayers in the State of Illinois. I know there's not going to be many of you with me, but I encourage a 'no' vote, and send a signal that 23 years is the limit we will accept for TIF extension. Thank you."
"Leader McCombie is recognized." 10300120.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024
"Thank you, Speaker. Just to the Bill. As… as much as I love my chairman there and do agree with everything he just said, I'm going to support this Bill because I know there's probably going to be an ask from somebody in my district as well. And here's the bottom line, very similar to what Representative Keicher was saying. We keep passing bad policy here that is making communities do this. If we had better policies coming out of the Capitol Building, our communities would not have to have TIF districts. So, just think about that as we continue to pass legislation that hurts our small communities, our midsize, and our large areas. Thank you."
"Representative Kelly to close."
"Appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2703 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 90 voting 'yes', 20 voting 'no', and 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 924, offered by Leader McCombie. House Resolution 948, offered by Representative Yang Rohr. And House Resolution 949, offered by Representative Yang Rohr."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; the opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory 10300120.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 120th Legislative Day 11/20/2024 time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stands adjourned until Thursday, November 21, at the hour of 10 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; the opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 10300120.docx 33