"The House will be in order. Members will 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. Assistant Doorkeeper Padget."
"Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we lift up the leaders of our state and all those that you have set in places of authority to rule and govern. We pray that they would rule our land and many institutions with wisdom and integrity. We pray that each one of them would carry out their various responsibilities with honesty for the benefit of the state. Clothe each one of them with righteousness and justice as we pray that all selfish ambitions will be laid aside and that your plans and purposes are fulfilled for the well-being of all citizens. May your ways be known in our state and your name be lifted up in these corridors of power. Guide us into the ways of peace, justice, and truth. These things we pray. Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Ladisch Douglass."
"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 Gabel is recognized for any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle. Leader Gabel." 10300123.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Andrade, Burke, Chung, Harper, Syed, and Tarver are excused today."
"The record shall reflect. Leader Windhorst is recognized for any excused absences on the Republican side. Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please excuse Representatives Hammond, Hauter, McLaughlin, Jacobs, Friess, Tipsword, Caulkins, Niemerg, and Wilhour today."
"The record shall reflect. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 101 Members entering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: approved for consideration and referred to Second Reading is Senate Bill 457, Senate Bill 698, Senate Bill 867, Senate Bill 952, and Senate Bill 2655; approved for consideration and referred to Third Reading is Senate Bill 2931; approved for consideration and referred to the Order of Concurrence are House Bill 4224, House Bill 4412, House Bill 4439, House Bill 4781, House Bill 5151, and House Bill 5373; and recommends be adopted, Motion to Concur for Senate Amendment(s) 1 and 2 for House Bill 4412."
"Going to page 2 of the Calendar, under the Order of Resolutions appears House Resolution 974, Representative Rashid. Please proceed." 10300123.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I can get Member's attention. Today, I rise to present House Resolution… House Resolution 974 to honor the life of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at age 100. President Carter was a man who… I'm not going to read the Resolution, but I will share my own thoughts. President Carter was a man who lived his values through action and left an enduring impact on our world. He was born in Plains, Georgia in 1924, grew up on a peanut farm, where he learned the importance of hard work, humility, and community, a foundation that shaped his life's work. After leaving the White House, President Carter remained deeply committed to serving others through the Carter Center, which he founded with his wife, Rosalynn. He worked tirelessly to advance democracy, monitor elections, and combat diseases that devastated communities. His leadership in eradicating Guinea worm disease saved millions from suffering. He also spent decades with Habitat for Humanity, building homes and hope for families in need. President Carter's commitment to justice extended to his steadfast advocacy for the rights of Palestinians. He spoke out for their dignity and self-determination and wrote a book to promote peace. A man of deep faith, President Carter taught Sunday school at his Baptist Church well into his 90s. His actions spoke louder than words, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to his community and to the next generation. His legacy reminds us of the power of service, compassion, and courage. And… so, as we remember him today, let us honor his example and strive to carry his vision of a better world 10300123.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 forward. Thank you, President Carter, for your life of service. And, Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence."
"Moment of silence. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, Representative Rashid moves for the adoption of House Resolution 974. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Remaining on the Order of Resolutions appears House Resolution 977, Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to present a Resolution about a very special man, Clyde Bunch, who passed away recently. Clyde is from Springfield. He was on the county board of Springfield for 46 years, which is an amazing accomplishment. And I'm sure he's the only one of his kind. He also was the superintendent at the Department of Public Health for 30 years. Most importantly, Clyde was one of the most kind, caring people that I have ever met in my journey with this job and any of you would be honored to say that you knew Clyde. He was also a kindred spirit because he also was a diehard Cardinal fan. So, may he rest in peace, and it was an honor to have ever known Clyde."
"The Body shall have a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Scherer moves for the adoption of House Resolution 977. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. The Clerk is in receipt of a Motion in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several Bills. If there is leave, we will take these Motions together 10300123.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 in one Motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Leader Gabel on the Motion."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move that the posting requirements be waived so the following Bills can be heard in committee: Senate Bill 727 in Energy & Environment. Senate Bill 899 in Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges. House Resolution 903 in Human Services. Senate Joint Resolution 48 in Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We request a record vote on the Motion."
"Leader Gabel has moved for the waive… for the posting requirements. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. A recorded vote. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this Motion, there are 70 voting 'yes', 31 voting 'no'. And this Motion, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby… and the requirements are hereby waived. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"Committee announcements. The following committees will be meeting this afternoon: At 2:30 p.m., the Adoption & Child Welfare Committee will meet in Room 122; Transportation: Regulation, Roads, & Bridges will meet in C- 1; Energy & Environment will meet in Room 114; Revenue & Finance will meet in Room 118. At 3 p.m., the following committees will meet: Labor & Commerce will meet in Room 114, Human Services in D-1, State Government Administration in Room 118, and Transportation: Vehicles & Safety in Room 115." 10300123.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 978, offered by Representative Will Davis."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Gabel moves the House stand adjourned until Monday, January 6, time to be announced. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And we are adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Costa Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 4781. Representative Moylan, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 899; recommends be adopted is Senate Joint Resolution 48. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 727. Representative Burke, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 10300123.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 and 2 to House Bill 4224. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 and 2 to House Bill 5151, Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 5373, and House Resolution 903. The Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with Senate Amendment(s) 1 and 2 to House Bill 4439. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on January 5, 2025: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 3 to Senate Bill 698. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 727, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 899, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of these Senate Bills. They'll be held on the Order of Second Reading."
"A First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #22, offered by Representative Ugaste. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 7 of Article III of the Illinois Constitution and to add Sections 9, 10, and 11 of Article III as follows: 10300123.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 ARTICLE III SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS SECTION 7. INITIATIVE TO RECALL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (a) To initiate the recall of any Executive Branch officer named in Section 1 of Article V, a petitioning elector shall file an affidavit with the State Board of Elections providing notice to circulate a petition to recall an Executive Branch officer. The affidavit shall include: (1) a general statement of not more than 200 words enumerating the individual whose recall is sought and providing the grounds for which recall is sought; (2) a petition signed by a number of electors equal in number to at least 0.1% of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election; and (3) the signature of the petitioning elector. Upon acceptance of the petitioning elector's affidavit by the State Board of Elections, the recall of any Executive Branch officer may be proposed by a petition signed by a number of electors equal in number to at least 12% of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election. A petition shall have been signed by the petitioning electors not more than 90 days after an affidavit has been filed with the State Board of Elections providing notice of intent to circulate a petition to recall an Executive Branch officer. The affidavit may be filed no sooner than 6 months after the beginning of the Executive Branch officer's term of office. If the State Board of Elections determines the petition is valid, the Executive Branch officer whose recall is sought may file a response of not more than 200 words with the State Board of Elections. The petitioning elector's general statement and 10300123.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 the Executive Branch officer's response shall appear on the recall ballot. (b) The form of the affidavit, petition, circulation, and procedure for determining the validity and sufficiency of a petition shall be as provided by law. If the petition is valid and sufficient, the State Board of Elections shall certify the petition not more than 100 days after the date the petition was filed, and the question "Shall (name) be recalled from the office of (office)?" must be submitted to the electors at the next general election after certification of the petition. Any recall petition or recall election pending on the date of the next general election at which a candidate for an Executive branch office for which recall is sought is elected is moot. (c) (Blank). (d) The Executive Branch officer is immediately removed upon certification of the recall election results if a three-fifths majority of the electors voting on the question vote to recall the Executive Branch officer. If the Executive Branch officer is removed, the vacancy shall be filled as provided in Article V. (e) An Executive Branch officer recalled under this Section 7 is ineligible to serve again in the office in which he or she was recalled for 10 years following certification of the recall election. SECTION 9. INITIATIVE TO RECALL LEGISLATIVE LEADERS AND AUDITOR GENERAL (a) To initiate the recall of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the Auditor 10300123.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 General, a petitioning elector shall file an affidavit with the State Board of Elections providing notice to circulate a petition to recall the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the Auditor General. The affidavit shall include: (1) a general statement of not more than 200 words enumerating the individual whose recall is sought and providing the grounds for which recall is sought; (2) a petition signed by a number of electors equal in number to at least 0.1% of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election; and (3) the signature of the petitioning elector. Upon acceptance of the petitioning elector's affidavit by the State Board of Elections, the recall of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the Auditor General may be proposed by a petition signed by a number of electors equal in number to at least 12% of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election. A petition shall have been signed by the petitioning electors not more than 90 days after an affidavit has been filed with the State Board of Elections providing notice of intent to circulate a petition to recall the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the Auditor General. The affidavit may be filed no sooner than 6 months after the beginning of the Speaker's, the President's, or the Auditor General's term of office. If the State Board of Elections determines the petition is valid, the officer whose recall is sought may file a response of not more than 200 words with the State Board of Elections. The petitioning 10300123.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 elector's general statement and the officer's response shall appear on the recall ballot. (b) The form of the affidavit, petition, circulation, and procedure for determining the validity and sufficiency of a petition shall be as provided by law. If the petition is valid and sufficient, the State Board of Elections shall certify the petition not more than 100 days after the date the petition was filed, and the question "Shall (name) be recalled from the office of (office)?" must be submitted to the electors at the next general election after certification of the petition. (c) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the Auditor General is immediately removed upon certification of the recall election results if a three-fifths majority of the electors voting on the question vote to recall the officer. If the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the Auditor General is removed, the vacancy shall be filled as provided by rule of the appropriate chamber or by law. The removal of the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President of the Senate does not remove from the General Assembly the Representative or Senator who held that position. (d) A Speaker of the House of Representatives, a President of the Senate, or an Auditor General recalled under this Section 9 is ineligible to serve again in the office in which he or she was recalled for 10 years following certification of the recall election. (e) The procedure and manner of recalling the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, or the 10300123.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Auditor General shall be in addition to and not excluding any other method of removing an elected official as provided by law. SECTION 10. INITIATIVE TO RECALL MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (a) The recall of a member of the General Assembly may be proposed by a petition signed by a number of electors equal in number to at least 12% of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election in the Legislative District or Representative District represented by the member of the General Assembly. A petition shall have been signed by the petitioning electors not more than 90 days after an affidavit has been filed with the State Board of Elections providing notice of intent to circulate a petition to recall the member. The petition shall include the signature of the petitioning elector and a general statement of not more than 200 words enumerating the individual whose recall is sought and providing the grounds for which recall is sought. The affidavit may be filed no sooner than 6 months after the beginning of the member's term of office. If the State Board of Elections determines the petition is valid, the member whose recall is sought may file a response of not more than 200 words with the State Board of Elections. The petitioning elector's general statement and the member's response shall appear on the recall ballot. (b) The form of the affidavit, petition, circulation, and procedure for determining the validity and sufficiency of a petition shall be as provided by law. If the petition is valid and sufficient, the State Board of Elections shall certify the petition not more than 100 days after the date the 10300123.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 petition was filed, and the question "Shall (name) be recalled from the office of (office)?" must be submitted to the electors at the next general election after certification of the petition. (c) The member of the General Assembly is immediately removed upon certification of the recall election results if a three-fifths majority of the electors voting on the question vote to recall the member. If the member is removed, the vacancy shall be filled as provided by Section 2 of Article IV. (d) A member of the General Assembly recalled under this Section 10 is ineligible to serve in public office (or specified non-elected office) for 10 years following certification of the recall election. (e) The procedure and manner of recalling a member of the General Assembly shall be in addition to and not excluding any other method of removing an elected official as provided by law. SECTION 11. INITIATIVE TO RECALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (a) The recall of a local government official may be proposed by a petition signed by a number of electors equal to a percentage of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election as determined by the population of the unit of local government that the local government official represents: for a jurisdiction of not more than 1,000 qualified electors, 30%; for a jurisdiction of more than 1,000 qualified electors but not more than 10,000 qualified electors, 25%; for a jurisdiction of more than 10,000 qualified electors but not more than 50,000 qualified 10300123.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 electors, 20%; for a jurisdiction of more than 50,000 qualified electors but not more than 100,000 qualified electors, 15%; for a jurisdiction of more than 100,000 qualified electors, 10%. A petition shall have been signed by the petitioning electors not more than 90 days after an affidavit has been filed with the State Board of Elections providing notice of intent to circulate a petition to recall the local government official. The petition shall include the signature of the petitioning elector and a general statement of not more than 200 words enumerating the individual whose recall is sought and providing the grounds for which recall is sought. The affidavit may be filed no sooner than 6 months after the beginning of the local government official's term of office. If the State Board of Elections determines the petition is valid, the local government official whose recall is sought may file a response of not more than 200 words with the State Board of Elections. The petitioning elector's general statement and the local government official's response shall appear on the recall ballot. (b) The local government officials who serve on a public body must be recalled individually. (c) The form of the affidavit, petition, circulation, and procedure for determining the validity and sufficiency of a petition shall be as provided by law. If the petition is valid and sufficient, the State Board of Elections shall certify the petition not more than 100 days after the date the petition was filed, and the following question must be submitted to the electors at the next general election or 10300123.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 general consolidated election after certification of the petition: "Should (elected official) be recalled from (his or her) position(s) as (title of position)? (YES/NO) If (elected official) is recalled, who do you support to replace (him or her)? (Elected official). (Candidate). (Candidate)." (d) The local government official is immediately removed upon certification of the recall election results if a three-fifths majority of the electors voting on the question vote to recall the local government official. (e) Replacement candidates wishing to be listed on the recall ballot shall be certified under the same procedures as if the candidate was running for the applicable office in a standard election, except the petition circulation and filing of petitions shall only be between the time the intent to recall is filed and 90 days before the election. Candidates running to replace the recalled officeholder shall state clearly on the candidate's petitions which officeholder they are seeking to replace. (f) There shall be no primary or runoff election after a recall election. The top vote-getter or vote-getters in the recall election shall replace the elected official or officials who were recalled. (g) The procedure to be certified to run in the recall election shall be the same as the procedure for being nominated and certified in the standard election for the 10300123.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 123rd Legislative Day 1/5/2025 office to be filled. Challenges to recall petitions shall follow the same procedures as challenges to petitions under the Election Code. (h) If multiple officeholders from the same public office or district are being recalled, each recall question must be asked separately. All candidates running as replacements for that office and the current officeholder shall be on the ballot beneath the recall question. (i) If the local government official is removed from a unit of government over 1,000,000 persons, the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law. (j) A local government official recalled under this Section is ineligible to serve in public office (or specified non-elected office) for 10 years following certification of the recall election. (k) The procedure and manner of recalling a local government official shall be in addition to and not excluding any other method of removing an elected official as provided by law. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been the First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #22. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10300123.docx 16