"Good day. For Christians, we are in the season of Lent, which is a time for self-reflection, and for all of us, human self-reflection is a very important part of being able to do what we do and do it well. So, as we gather today, let us take a moment to turn inward for some self-reflection before we turn to the work before us. May we look within ourselves and call upon the values that shape us, not for our own gain, but for the common good. Let integrity guide our words, wisdom inform our choices, and compassion shape our actions. May we embrace justice knowing that fairness must reach all, not just the favored few. Let humility remind us that leadership is service and courage strengthen us to do what is right, even when it's not easy. May we hold fast to the truth even when it is inconvenient. May we act with love for our neighbors knowing that our shared humanity binds us together. And may we remain steadfast in our belief that liberty and justice are not privileges for some but rights for all of us. So, as we begin this session today, may these values guide us, knowing that the decisions we make will shape the lives of those we serve today and tomorrow. Let us begin. Amen." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Guzzardi." 10400020.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Guzzardi – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Buckner is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Madam Speaker, let the record reflect that all Democratic Representatives are present." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Madam Speaker, please let the record reflect that Representative Spain is excused for today." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 117 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Leader West, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Madam Speaker, over the weekend I was reminiscing over when I first came… became a State Representative. There's 60 of us in this chamber who were here when the… under the previous Speaker. Now, I remember those times when the main rhetoric we heard was the self-righteousness of ethics and how we need to go ahead and stop voting for the individual. And a lot of people had this… was on this podium saying, on this level saying that we need more ethics, stronger ethics under this dome. Well, I rise to share more distressing news of things that Donald Trump and Elon Musk simply do not 10400020.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 believe are priorities when it comes to honesty and integrity. The Department of Justice public integrity unit, the Department of Justice's public integrity unit, which is responsible for overseeing prosecution of political corruption, has been gutted and the attorneys responsible for leading those prosecutions are being told to seek other jobs. But I wonder if there's… there's people who will want to cry out against the low ethics of that. I'll wait. I don't hear anything, Madam Speaker. This comes on the heels of Trump's unprecedented decision to order an end to the office's corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. But yet, I was waiting for people to stand up on the rooftops and say how unethical it was, as we are accustomed to hearing on that side of the aisle, but I didn't hear anything. I'm wondering if there's someone who wants to talk up on it now. I'll wait. I didn't think so. It follows Trump's decision to pardon Rod Blagojevich. There's still some people in this… under this… in this chamber who remember that vote and remember standing up on the rooftops expressing how we need honesty and integrity in government. Is anyone talking now? I'll wait. Trump and Musk literally stood on the White House lawn to sell Teslas when we cannot even talk about campaign money under this dome. But is anyone talking about it now, speaking up from the rooftops that we need integrity and ethics in government? I'll wait. And yesterday, we learned that Elon Musk's private company is the new provider of internet access at the White House. I think we call that conflict of interest under this dome, but is anyone speaking up against that on the other side of the aisle? I'll wait. None of this is 10400020.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 surprising to those of us who watched the decline of ethical governance in the first Trump administration. But what surprises me is that my friends across the aisle, Madam Speaker, are apparently okay with this. But talking about ethics only when you think it benefits you politically isn't restoring trust in government, it's being complicit in its erosion. Once again, Madam Speaker, beware of the lollipop of hypocrisy; one lick and you suck forever." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Halbrook on Resolution 28."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, today I wish to speak to House Resolution 28, a resolution to honor the life and service of Brad Phegley. Today in the gallery, we are joined by several members of Mr. Brad Phegley. I met Brad about six years ago when he expressed an interest in becoming the next coroner in our home county of Shelby. Over the next several weeks, months, and years, we began to see his dedication and passion to public service and the professionalism in which he handled the role as coroner. To the resolution. The Members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bradley L. 'Brad' Phegley of Shelbyville, who passed away on December 6, 2024. Brad Phegley was born to Jack Adrian and D. Kathryn Phegley in Shelbyville on April 10, 1967. He graduated Shelbyville High School in 1975. He furthered his education by attaining an associate's degree in criminal justice from Lake Land College. He also served in the United States Army. Brad continued to serve his community as law enforcement officer in the Illinois State Police for 28 years, also as a 10400020.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 deputy sheriff in Shelby County, chief deputy coroner for eight years, and then as coroner for four years. Mr. Phegley was an active member in his community, serving as a member of the Windsor Christian Church, Altamont… Altamont Masonic Lodge 533, and the Shelbyville Horseshoe Club. Brad was an avid adventurer, outdoorsman, and sports fan. He was a licensed pilot, a certified scuba diver, and a skilled hunter, fisherman, and camper. He has a myriad of other interests, including beekeeping, pickleball, and tending to his hobby farm. He was a loyal supporter of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and the Blackhawks. Brad was a beloved father, partner, grandfather, uncle, a great-uncle whose adventurous spirit matched his kindness and his ability to make a long-lasting impact on his community. Brad was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jack; and his brother-in-law, Mike Maretti. Brad is survived by his son, Brent; his sister, Debbie Maretti; his significant other, Shellie Weber; his sister-in-law, Barb; grandchildren, Kaylee and Jack; his nieces and nephews, Jason, Krista, Lori, Angela; and his great-nieces and nephews, Haley, Emily, Kelsey, Kyle, Emma, Chase, Trey, Ryan, Kathryn, and Sophie… Sophie; of which many of those are here today with us in the gallery. Therefore, let it be resolved that the Illinois House of Representatives of the 104th General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we mourn the passing of Bradley L. 'Brad' Phegley and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Madam Speaker, this resolution was adopted on an earlier day. And I ask for a moment of silence to remember and honor the life and service of Brad Phegley." 10400020.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Members will have… will observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Moore, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. Members of the General Assembly, it is my honor to introduce my page for the day, Matti McCartney. Matti McCartney hails from Pittsfield and proudly serves as Miss Quincy 2025. As just… at just 20 years old, Matti has dedicated herself to education, advocacy, and community service, with a special focus on dyslexia awareness. A student at Western Governors University, Matti is pursuing a degree in elementary education with aspirations of a obtaining a master's in speech pathology from Western Illinois University. Her passion for speech and literacy stems from her own experiences with dyslexia, a learning difference that made reading and education a challenge. Instead of allowing this struggle to define her, Matti turned it into a mission to support children with dyslexia and help them gain the confidence and resources they need to succeed. Her initiative, Reading Between the Lines: Advocating for Dyslexia Awareness, raises awareness from the barriers individuals with dyslexia face and promotes strategies to success. Thank you. Through her advocacy, Matti seeks to ensure that no child feels isolated or incapable because of a learning difference. She knows firsthand from frustration, self-doubt, and perseverance required to overcome these obstacles, and she is committing to making sure others receive the support they need. Matti's accomplishments are many, and 10400020.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 they extend beyond her personal advocacy. She serves on the Everyone Reading Illinois Junior Leadership Board, a statewide organization dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia. She also founded a pageant for individuals with special needs and earned a full-tuition sophomore… softball scholarship. She is a Phi Theta Kappa member, a National Honor Society inductee, and a 2022-2023 Illinois State Scholar. This June, she will compete for the title of Miss Illinois and the opportunity to represent our state at Miss America in the fall. Besides being our… my page for the day, she will be testifying at a committee hearing in support of SB1672. So, I urge all my colleagues to look at that. And we are joined by her mother and the director of our pageant up in the gallery, if they could stand. My fellow colleagues, please join me in giving a warm Springfield welcome to Matti McCartney. Matti, thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Congratulations, Matti. Representative… or Leader Hammond, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"It is my honor to introduce my page for the day, Faye Snavely. Many of you know Faye's mom, Ashley Snavely. Her dad is Nick. Faye is a second grader at… thank you, Madam Speaker. Faye is a second grader at the Springfield Christian School. She loves reading, which I think is encouraging for all of us, and also, she is a competitive swimmer. So, please join me in welcoming Faye to the House floor." 10400020.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Leader McCombie, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. A moment of a personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. Just for a… real quickly, thank you for the reminder to a previous speaker of the jeeps that were on the Capitol… or in the Washington, D.C. on the Capitol lawn as well. I kind of forgot about that, but thank you for that reminder. Just wanted to reassure if the U.S. Department of Education is… is abolished, the three and a half to four and a half billion dollars in federal funds that we may expect next year could be directly to us… sent directly to us. Has a lot of potential benefits depending on how, of course, we were to manage that education spending. There's many positive proponents to that. We could actually have greater local control and flexibility. We could have reduced government and administrative cost, meaning that we could reduce red tape, streamlining the processes. We could have a greater share of that money coming to our classrooms rather than to the administration. We could have a more efficient use of the dollars. It could go to addressing our teacher shortages, classroom resources. With strong collaboration, with leadership, Illinois may be able to actually implement more effective reforms without waiting on the feds. Illinois could actually experiment with new approaches. Without federal restrictions, we could look at better ways to improve illiteracy, vocational education, and STEM programs. Some states might actually look to increase… thank you, Speaker… 10400020.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 school funding, where we here in Illinois could improve our evidence-based funding model. I've already talked to some you folks on the other side of the aisle who said that if this happens, you're willing to collaborate with the Republicans on this. In this moment, I ask for you to think ahead and be ready to do that work. Work with Republicans, help us effectively spend those dollars. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Leader Mah, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I rise to speak on something that has honestly made me speechless. Right now, we are witnessing our country's history about to repeat itself in the most horrifying way. Donald Trump has openly declared his intent to use the Alien Enemies Act, a law that paved the way for one of America's darkest moments, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans. This is a law weaponized in times of fear and in moments where scapegoating replaces justice. You'd think we all… we'd all agree this law should have been buried long in the past, but here we are again. Trump wants to invoke the same law to mass deport people without due process, without oversight, without any regard for the basic rights this country was founded on. Let's be clear: This is a direct attack on immigrant communities and an attempt to strip people of their humanity under the guise of national security. We have seen what happens when fear dictates policy. We have seen the consequences when the government labels entire groups of people as enemies. We swore 10400020.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 we would never let it happen again. Yet, here we stand, ready at the wheel to repeat a disgraced history. Madam Speaker, we cannot stand idly by and have such a law born from xenophobia is… as… is resurrected to justify mass deportations. I refuse to let history repeat itself, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Scherer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"In regards to public school education, my concerns continue. Actually, they are growing every day. If we can be guaranteed that special ed won’t be touched, the Pell Grants won't go away, that rural teacher programs will continue to exist, that civil rights will still be protected, that Title I, Chapter 1 reading and math services will stay in place, that there will be no vouchers to run away from funding public schools, then you can sign me up, coach, and I'd be all for it. But until you can guarantee me that, I couldn't consider supporting the end of the Department of Education. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Hanson, for what do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. Today, we celebrate National Transit Worker Appreciation Day and recognize the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of the essential men and women who keep our transit systems running smoothly. Transit workers play a vital role in our communities, ensuring millions of people travel safely 10400020.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 and efficiently, whether it be for work, school, health care, tourism, or other person… personal matters. From our bus drivers to our train operators, from our mechanics to station attendants, these essential workers make sure our daily commutes are reliable even in challenging conditions, such as heavy traffic, bad weather, and during a worldwide pandemic that cost the lives of way too many of them that actually work and do the job. Their commitment to safety, professionalism, and service often goes unrecognized. But today, we take the opportunity to express our deepest gratitude. Public transit is more than just a service. It's a life line, and it's critical that it connects people that support our economy and brings community… communities closer together. Nationally, there are roughly 430,000 transit employees, and here in Illinois, over 60 transit agencies employ nearly 20,000 workers, approximately 15,000 serving the RTA region in Northeastern Illinois. So, to all the transit workers, my brothers and sisters, we say a big thank you for your hard work, patience, and skill. Your efforts are not only essential, but critical, and we appreciate everything that you do. Let's remember to show appreciation not only today but every day. Transit workers are the essential members of our communities who deserve our ongoing recognition and support. So, happy National Transit Worker Appreciation Day. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Norma Hernandez on House Resolution 176." Hernandez, N.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." 10400020.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed." Hernandez, N.: "Hello everyone. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge March as Women's History Month. Since 1987…" Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Members, shhh." Hernandez, N.: "…and women of all races and ethnicities continue to impact and influence not only their families but also the next generation of leaders. Latina women, in specifically, have made an impressive impact on the State of Illinois and are a driving force behind Illinois' economic growth. They now compose the largest group of women workers in the U.S., behind non-Hispanic Caucasian women, currently numbering over 14 million. They account for 17% of the female labor force and are projected to rapidly continue growing. The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus was established in 2002, has diligently worked to preserve and protect Latina heritage while supporting Latina women in the legislative leadership positions in the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. Designed to increase federal, state, and municipal resources that benefit Illinois Latinos, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has been vigilant in making sure members of their community have a proper necessities to become successful and create legacy of which generations to come will be proud. Our Legislative Latino Caucus blazes a path for women in leadership to continue striving for greatness while making unprecedented decisions that improve the quality of life for Black and Brown communities. Our legislative caucus has become the voice for Latino communities in Illinois seeking change and equality and will continue preserving the history of its people. On 10400020.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 March 15, Illinois established the Latina Heritage Day to provide a dedicated time to celebrate and recognize the cultural and historical contributions of Latinas as well as raising awareness of the challenges they continue to face. Latina Heritage Day will serve as an opportunity to uplift the voices and achievements of Latinas, promote civic engagement, and inspire future generations to continue the legacy of their leadership and advocacy. Therefore, we'd like to recognize that Illinois is the first state in the country to recognize Latina Heritage Day in the state. Thank you all. Appreciate it." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Olickal, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wanted to take a moment to welcome my pages for the day. They are my not so little cousins, Elizabeth and Isabel Olickal. They are visiting, don't hold it against them, from Texas, but they were both born… born in Chicago. They are juniors at Allen High School. They are both passionate about service and love to practice our traditional South Indian dance, Bharatanatyam. And Isabel is aspiring to be a pediatric nurse. Elizabeth aspires to pursue a career in business. I also wanted to give their parents a special shoutout: Joel Olickal, Bindu Olickal, Manoj Olickal, and Jilly Olickal. They were very instrumental in my life, in guiding me, and providing me advice and supporting me. So, I figured I'd repay the favor, pay it forward, by trying to indoctrinate them and convince them 10400020.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 that they should pursue careers in public service because we need young, talented people to… to fight the good fight and… and do the good work. So, please welcome them to Springfield." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Welcome to Springfield. Proceed to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading, page #2, House Bill 22, Representative Didech. Okay. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 22, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. Okay, we move to the next bill, House Bill 24, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."
"House Bill 24, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Didech." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Didech to explain the amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Floor Amendment 1 just provides that the bill was prospective and not retrospective. I ask for its adoption." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Didech moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed." 10400020.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 28, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."
"House Bill 28, a Bill for an Act concerning receivership. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Didech." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Didech to explain the amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Amendment 1 make… makes a technical change to a definition, and Amendment 2 exempts the provisions of the act to receiverships under the Nursing Home Care Act. I would ask for their adoptions." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "So, Rep… Representative Didech moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Didech." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Didech, please explain…"
"Thank… thank you, Madam Speaker. I… Floor Amendment #2, as I said, exempts receiverships under the Nursing Home Care Act. I ask for its adoption." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Didech moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?" 10400020.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"No further amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 42, Representative Costa Howard. Okay. Read the bill."
"House Bill 42, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 54, Representative Meier. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 54, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1062, Leader Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1062, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1073, Representative DeLuca. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1073, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1075, Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1075, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. Leader Davidsmeyer, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10400020.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Illinois is bracing for significant electricity price hikes and potential energy shortages, raising concerns among consumers, businesses, and, of course, policymakers. The anticipated price increases stem from a combination of factors, including higher demand during peak summer months, constraints on power supply, and ongoing transitions away from fossil fuels in the state's energy mix. Recently, Illinois policies have pushed us away from the reliable coal and natural gas energy sources, forcing retirements. The governor set aggressive decarbonation goals, pushing utilities to move away from reliable sources. MISO, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which manages the Illinois grid in the central and southern portion of the State of Illinois, has warned a potential of… of potential energy shortfalls, particularly in Central and Southern Illinois. The reality that we're dealing with is as we force our energy policy, as we force renewables that are not ready to provide the actual energy that we need and we retire reliable sources like coal and gas, what are we doing? We are increasing the price, artificially increasing, we are forcing increases of price in energy to our constituents. And the reality is, who does that hit worst? That hits… hits the people that are least able to afford it, whether it's senior citizens, the middle and lower class. We have to figure something out. We can't retire all these things and force renewables when renewables are not ready to take hold. One of our colleagues on your 10400020.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 side of the aisle is encouraging getting rid of the moratorium on nuclear. Well, nuclear was included in the clean air energy. Why can't we work that direction? In the meantime, we have to have something that provides the energy. The reality is, when we don’t have energy here in the State of Illinois, you know what we do? We import it. We import coal energy or natural gas energy from Indiana, and Missouri, and Kentucky. So, we're getting it from the same sources. You just feel better because we're not producing it right here in the State of Illinois. The reality is, in the next few years, we could see our energy prices go up, up to five times what they are today, not only because of limiting our sources but because we're also bringing in new technologies that are going to drain the current energy sources. So, what we're doing right here affects the middle class and individuals that are affected most in the State of Illinois. So, if you truly care about those individuals, I think you would want to look at an energy policy that allow their jobs to continue and allow them to stay in their homes. I encourage a reliable energy policy that covers all energy sources until other reliable sources are found. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Miller, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Tomorrow is going to be a great day here in the… in the City of Springfield, in the Capitol Complex as we see thousands of homeschool and private school families that brought y'all cherry pies here just a few weeks 10400020.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 ago to enjoy are going to be here to advocate for freedom in education. I know one thing. As a freedom loving American and as a homeschool dad of seven and a homeschool granddad of soon to be 22, this issue is very important to me. You know, when I think about this bill, I've got a couple… Blue Heeler pups that love to go with me in my big, diesel-powered, beautiful pickup truck to… out to see the cows. And one thing that they enjoy doing is, as soon as we get out in the pasture, they like to jump out, and they'll find the biggest pile of crap. And they'll go in there, and they'll roll around in that, and just it'll feel so good to them. And then they'll come back to me almost with a smile on their face expecting of me to be proud of them. You know, when I think about this bill that… that y'all have decided to tyrannize home educator and private educators with, I think about this dog and I think about this bill being nothing but a pile of crap. And you get so happy and you're so proud of yourself for trying to eliminate some of the freedoms that… that home educators enjoy on a daily basis and the absolute joy of being able to educate their own kids and see them thrive and prosper through the process. You know, when I think about this… this whole idea, I thought, why would any responsible parent turn the educational process over to you rascals over there on the other side of the aisle? Look at what you've… look at what you've done. You know, by your own statistics, about 70% of your kids can't read or write or do math. And, by the way, we always want to talk about democracy. Well, there's 30… approximately 35,000 opponents to this bill and only about 750 proponents…" 10400020.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative, can you please bring your remarks to a close? Thank you."
"I had the landing gear down, but I'm… a lot of times when I lose my spot I have to go and start over." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "We will…"
"But what… the thing that we… that we can observe of what you've done well, you've done well in… in taxing, borrowing, spending, and regulating. And what we have watched in real time, we watched you… you destroy safety and security, quality education, economic opportunity, energy independence. You've turned the American dream of home ownership into the American nightmare because of the out-of-control real estate taxes we all have. You don't know the difference between a boy and a girl. You think that carbon dioxide is some dangerous element out there that's going to destroy you. We also know that we are, in Illinois, that we're broke and people are leaving. It's because we're physically bankrupt and morally bankrupt. That's just a snapshot of what y'all have done to this great State of Illinois, and now you want jurisdiction over our kids. I'm sorry, but I think if you were in charge of the Sahara Desert, you would run out of sand. Not only would I say no to this bill, what I would say, hell no. And I'd appreciate you take this off the record and throw this pile of crap in the garbage. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Okay. Okay, we will proceed to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading, page 3. House Bill 1082, Representative Johnson. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1082, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee 10400020.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Johnson." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Johnson to explain the amendment. Out of the record. House Bill 1085, Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1085, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1088, Representative West. Leader West. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1088, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1120, Representative Schmidt. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1120, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1141, Representative Hauter. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1141, a Bill for an Act concerning… a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Hauter." 10400020.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Hauter, please explain the amendment."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. It… the amendment eliminates the need for some state insurance plans to abide by the mandate." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Hauter moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1149, Representative Swanson. Mr… Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1149, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1158, Representative du Buclet. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1158, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House… Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1225, Representative Slaughter. Out of the record. Moving on to page 4, House Bill 1270, Representative Hauter. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1270, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 10400020.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1305, Representative… Leader Williams. Ann Williams. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1305, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1358, Representative Chung. Out of the record. House Bill 1364, Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1364, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1365, Representative Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1365, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1366, Representative Crawford. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1366, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #2 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1368, Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1368, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 10400020.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1373, Leader Tarver. Out of the record. House Bill 1375, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1375, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1388, Representative Meyers-Martin. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1388, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. Representative Benton, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"As many of you may see, there is… it's that… the best time of the year, it's deadline week. And I brought down some coffee from a business owner that's in my district, Chris and Aaron, that own Ten Drops Coffee, which is located a couple blocks from my district in Representative Natalie Manley's. So, just keep in mind throughout the week while you're drinking coffee and while you're trying to move bills that the House blend 104th General Assembly edition, this is something that I like to do to highlight those small businesses. And… can I have a little quiet in the chamber, please? The coffee is sponsored by Constellation, and as… so 10400020.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 we talk about those energy conversations as we keep going through committees, it's an important conversation, as well as small businesses and taxes. This coffee might not be here next year because nationally with the tariffs that are put in place, the commodities market is hurting and small businesses are hurting. If it does come back around, it might be half the size, if the business is still there. So, keep that in mind as we're talking about policy, as we're talking about national tariffs, things like that. I also want to thank Josh Hassert and Michelle Clem that helped put this together. And when you're going around, please do me a favor and tag Ten Drops Coffee and put it on your social media. It's a big deal, and it helps a small business from my district and Representative Natalie Manley's. So, thank you very much, and thank you to Constellation for giving us the energy to make it through the day." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Okay. We will proceed in… to the Order of House Bills on Second Reding, page 5. House Bill 1391, Representative Canty. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1391, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1411, Representative… Leader Davidsmeyer. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1411, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." 10400020.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1430, Rep… Leader Delgado. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1430, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1432, Representative Ness. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1432, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reding. House Bill 1447, Representative Kelly. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1447, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1538, Representative Chung. Out of the record. House Bill 1555, Representative LaPointe. Out of the record. House Bill 1576, Representative Costa Howard… Leader Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1576, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1577, Rep… Representative Huynh. Out of the record. House Bill 1582, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400020.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"House Bill 1582, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. On to page 6, House Bill 1605, Representative West… Leader West. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1605, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1630, Representative Johnson. Out of the record. House Bill 1631, Representative Rashid. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1631, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1632, Representative Rashid. Please… Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1632, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1640, Representative Grant. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1640, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1697, Representative Lisa Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400020.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"House Bill 1697, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee… or Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1700, Representative du Buclet. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1700, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1711, Representative Didech. Out of the record. House Bill 1715, Representative Cassidy. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1715, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1724, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1724, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1805, Leader Morgan. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1805, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." 10400020.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1806, Leader Morgan. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1806, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1823, Representative Croke. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1823, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. We move on to page 8, House Bill 1859, Representative Rashid. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1859, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1865, Representative Scherer… Scherer. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1865, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1866, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400020.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"House Bill 1866, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1869, Representative Mussman. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1869, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. Representative… I'm sorry, 18… House Bill 1882, Representative Kifowit. Out of the record. House Bill 1908, Leader Evans. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1908, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1911, Representative Fritts. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 1911, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1927, Leader Lilly. Out of the record. Once again, House Bill 1927, Representative Lilly. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."
"House Bill 1927, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1928, Leader Lilly. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400020.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"House Bill 1928, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 1938, Representative Sheehan. Out of the record. House Bill 2333, Representative Andrade. Leader Andrade. Out of the record. House Bill 2335, Representative Kelly. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2335, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 2350, Representative Johnson. Out of the record. We move on to page 10, House Bill 2363, Leader Lilly. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2363, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 2366, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2366, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 2386, Rep… Representative Katz Muhl. Out of the record. House Bill 2394, Representative Benton. Out of the record. House Bill 2397, Representative Grasse. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400020.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025
"House Bill 2397, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 2409, Representative Kelly. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2409, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 2436, Representative Gong-Gershowitz. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2436, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. House Bill 2437, Leader Costa Howard. Out of the record. House Bill 2442, Representative Ugaste. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2442, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Third Reading. Leader Stuart, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Yeah. Just really briefly, Madam Speaker, I want to remind the body that a history-making team in the State of Illinois is making its first run at the NCAA Tournament. So, Roll Cougs. SIUE learned on Sunday that they will be facing 10400020.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 another Cougar team from Houston, and that game is at 1 o'clock. So, I'm respectfully asking, Madam Speaker, that we suspend operations of the House at 1 o'clock on Thursday so that we can all watch the game and cheer on the Cougars in their history-making run in the tournament. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"I won't give the PJM report today since Representative Davidsmeyer gave his report earlier. And also, if you enjoy pumpkins and watermelons, listen up. I rise today to celebrate Women's History Month to pay special tribute to Sarah Frey of Frey Farms in Wayne County, Illinois. Sarah Frey is a true pioneer in agriculture, a successful businesswoman, an author, an inspiring example of leadership, innovation, and determination. Sarah's journey of hard work and success began at a young age, helping her family on their small farm. At 16, Sarah barrowed $10,000 to buy her used truck to take over her family farm's melon route. She quickly grew the farm's client list from 12 to 150. When the farm fell on hard financial times, at the age of 18, Sarah bought the farm outright and started what would become a wildly successful pumpkin farm operation. Please listen. Sarah now grows more pumpkins than any other farmer in the United States, earning her the nickname 'Pumpkin Queen of America.' Sarah also has built a highly successful watermelon juice brand known as Tsamma Watermelon Juice. Behind… beyond her remarkable 10400020.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 business success, Sarah has been a tirelessly advocate for rural communities and women in farming. Sarah serves on the United Fresh Government Regulations Council, the National Watermelon Promotional Board, and is a member of the Illinois Agriculture Coalition Committee. Thank you for those of you that are listening. Sarah's leadership, passion, and commitment to agriculture inspire us all. Thank you for your innovative and invaluable contributions and for paving the way for future generations of women in agriculture. Go pumpkins, and go watermelons." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Niemerg, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"I rise to discuss an incident that, quite frankly, turns my stomach. This is a story of a 13-year-old girl, 13, who came home from Shepard Middle School in Deerfield, Illinois on February 5 and was frightened because a biological male was in her locker room. The Deerfield School District 109 administrators told the girl's family that because the boy was transgender, he was allowed to be there. A few days later, the male student was again in the girl's locker room and the girls refused to change into their PE clothes due to the violation of their space. What happened next is something that, as a parent, I simply cannot comprehend. The Deerfield School District 109 administrators supervised the locker rooms to ensure everyone changed into their PE clothes and allegedly tried to force the girls to change in front of the male student. The parents of the girl have an audio recording 10400020.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 of a school official threatening to punish the girls if they refused to change in the locker room. Folks, these are middle school girls. These educators at Shepard Middle School are charged with protecting kids. They failed miserably. They appear to have intentionally forced these girls to change in front of a biological male against their will. The seriousness of this incident cannot be understated. What happened at Shepard Middle School is tantamount to sexual assault, and instead of stopping the insanity, the people in charge were enabling it. Eighty percent, eighty percent of this country does not want males invading female spaces. This country completely rejected this ideology because they understood that males invading female spaces is wrong. And I find it unbelievably hypocritical of the majority party here in Springfield that continually say we represent women…" Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Okay. Thank you, Representative."
"I'll bring it to close. I'll bring it to close. That we represent women, and yet, you're letting this type of garbage happen in the State of Illinois." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Cassidy, for what reason do you seek… seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"I'm going to start by doing what I intended to do when I lit my light and remind folks that tonight is the Sullivan Caucus party at the Gin Mill. It's starting at 5:30. There will be bagpipes. There will be corned beef sandwiches. There will be Irish music. There will be abundant love for everyone who enters that space because that's who we are. We don't 10400020.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 pick on people smaller than us. We don’t make up boogey men and try to create issues where they don’t exist. What we do is focus on the work that the people of Illinois sent us here to do instead of picking on children. So, I'll see you all tonight at the Gin Mill." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Leader Morgan, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Chair." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yeah. So, I appreciate the concern from my colleague on the other side of the aisle, and I think it's really interesting because my colleague on the other side of the aisle always seems to be so angry, so angry. And, you know, I… I really was trying to wonder, why is my colleague so angry all the time about other people's kids, what's happening in other people's lives? And I realized it's because my colleague isn't working to represent his district. He's not working to benefit his economy of his community. He's not working to protect his community. He's embarrassed. He's embarrassed. And I understand. I… I would be too if I came to this chamber every day and I talked about issues, didn't impact me, didn't impact my community, didn't impact my area, didn’t impact my businesses. But instead, talked about other people and didn't help my own community. Didn't help my town, didn’t help my schools, didn’t help the families that needed the help. Because I would be embarrassed if I were still collecting a per diem, still collecting my salary, not working for my own district. I represent Deerfield. I live in Deerfield. So, I'm really proud of my community who 10400020.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 stood up for those who need to be defended and protected, making sure we have great schools. Which we do, by the way, have incredible, incredible schools, incredible families, an incredible community that has come together to deal with this situation because it's a lie. So, the next time the Representative wants to talk about other districts, again, I understand he may be ashamed and, frankly, probably should be. But instead of standing on this floor and taking our time here today talking about children, maybe, maybe try and help your own district." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Thank you, Representative. Rep… Representative Ness, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I rise in recognition of Women… Women's History Month. And with my point, I'd like to talk about a little of the history right here in this building. As many of you know, I'm the cochair of COWL, the Conference of Women Legislators. COWL was started in 1979 when women made up only 11% of this General Assembly. Speaking to women Members from that time, they talked about coming together as a way to support one another, to discuss significant issues, and work in a bipartisan way. They provided learning opportunities for women who wanted to pursue an education. And in 1999, COWL became a 501(c)(3) to raise money for older women returning to college. Today, we call that scholarship W.I.S.E., women in their second act. Today, women make up 44% of this General Assembly, making us 10400020.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 11th in the nation for the most women in state legislatures. While our numbers have changed, our desire to continue elevating the interests of women throughout the state has not. COWL… COVID slowed us down, but it didn't knock us down. And so, in that spirit, our House leadership now consists of myself, Representatives Yang Rohr, and Representative Haas. And in the Senate chamber, we have Senators Edly-Allen, Johnson, and Harris. We met in February for strategic planning session and to update the mission and vision of COWL. Tomorrow at 11 a.m., I invite all of you to join us as we share those updates, as well as the work we did last session and our vision for the future of COWL. COWL membership now includes men, former legislators, and other individuals and organizations who want to partner with us and continue the work started by the trailblazers before us. On your desks is a flyer for our annual meeting and membership drive. Again, it's tomorrow at 11 a.m. in the Stratton Building on the first floor in Conference Room F. I look forward to seeing all of you there, hoping that we can continue to improve our level of dialogue in this chamber. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Representative Mayfield, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Personal privilege, please." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. Today, in recognition of Women's History Month, it is my absolute honor to talk about a woman of firsts, a trailblazer not just in Illinois politics but in our country's politics, the first female Black woman to serve in the United States Senate and the first woman elected to 10400020.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 the United States Senate from Illinois, Carol Moseley Braun. After being sworn in to office into 1993, she said, 'I cannot escape the fact that I came to the Senate as a symbol of hope and change. Nor would I want to, because my presence in and of itself will change the U.S. Senate.' And that was a change she was. During her time as senator, she certainly looked out for the people who were not given a fair chance in life by fighting hard on issues of minority rights, education, and crime while seeking solution for all families to thrive. Her legislative initiatives included the Education Infrastructure Act, Women's Pension Equity Act, and historic preservation for the Underground Railroad. Growing up in Chicago, she knew the importance of Black people feeling a sense of belonging in this country. Perhaps that's why she successfully blocked the reestablishment of a patent for an emblem that highlighted the first national flag of the Confederate States of the United… of America after delivering a powerful and passionate speech. But to me, her legacy goes far beyond her legislative accomplishment. Representation matters, and she was our representation. She showed what… young women like me that anything is possible. We didn't care that at the time that she was the only Black person in the Senate. We needed to see one person beat the odds, and for us, that was enough. Miss Carol Moseley Braun was and will remain our inspiration. Thank you." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement."
"Ma'am, if I can, can I have a point of personal privilege before the announcement?" 10400020.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, ma'am. I think everybody back home in our districts is very excited this week because, as everybody is aware, brackets were just announced over the course of the weekend. And, of course, I'm talking about the Illinois Manufacturers' sponsorship of the Makers Madness in the State of Illinois that takes above all things and puts products that are manufactured right here in the State of Illinois up on a pedestal for us to rejoice and honor a proud tradition in this state of putting things out there that no other state can. So, in matchup number one, we have Gindo's Spice of Life from St. Charles against Azteca Homestyle Burritos. Matchup number two, we have an aerial pump from MTH Pumps in Plano, Illinois versus TCCI Manufacturing in Decatur, Illinois. Matchup number three, we have Chef Heatley's Salsa versus Global Navigation Motion Modules manufactured by ZF Active Safety. Matchup number four, we have a Joint Combined Aircrew Systems Tester by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove versus Jumbo Marshmallows from Gilster-Mary Lee. Frankly, I think the marshmallows are going to pull that one out. We have Titanium Vacuum Chambers manufactured by Meyer Tool & Manufacturing in Oak Lawn. We have Lagomarcino's Chocolates in Moline, Illinois. We have a Rain Light Sensor from Forvia Hella in Flora, Illinois. We have Donor Milk from the Mothers' Milk Bank of Western Great Lakes region in Elk Grove, Illinois. Matchup number seven, we have Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon, it's delicious, made by Whiskey Acres Distilling in DeKalb versus the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray Drone Refueler. And finally, we have the ROV Skimmer-Remote 10400020.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 Operated Oil Skimmer made by Elastec in Carmi, Illinois versus the, of all things, Aerosol Spray Cheese manufactured by Burner Food & Beverage in Dakota. Let's all go out and celebrate these brackets by making sure people in Illinois are proud about what's made in this state. And, Madam Chair, with that, I would request a Republican caucus in Room 118." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 upon adjournment. The Democrats will not caucus. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet at 2 o'clock this afternoon: The Appropriations–Elementary & Secondary Education Committee in Room 118; Adoption & Child Welfare in Room 122B; Agriculture & Conservation in Room 115; Judiciary – Criminal in Room D-1; Insurance in Room C-1; Public… Public Utilities in Room 413; Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges in Room 114. At 4 o'clock this afternoon the following committees will meet: Cities & Villages in Room 118, Consumer Protection in Room 115, Energy & Environment in Room 114, Financial Institutions & Licensing in Room 122B, Health Care Availability & Accessibility in Room C-1, and Veterans' Affairs in Room 413." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 189 and 190, offered by Representative Buckner. And House Resolution 196, offered by Representative Swanson." Speaker Hernandez, L.: "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 10400020.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 20th Legislative Day 3/18/2025 now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, March 17, at the… I'm sorry, the 19th, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 10400020.docx 42