Illinois House Floor Debate — April 7, 2025

"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We should be led in prayer today by Representative Dave Severin. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn… turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."

"We shall be led today in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Hirschauer."

"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."

"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Benton, Hoffman, Jiménez, Kelly, Kifowit, Mayfield, Scherer, Slaughter, and Hanson are excused today."

"Thank you, Leader Gabel. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."

"Thank you, Leader Keicher. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 108 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Leader Spain, for which reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please proceed." 10400027.docx 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Welcome, Amelia. Representative Cassidy, for which reason do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed, Representative."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to my colleagues for your indulgence and attention. If I could have the attention of the body, please. I rise today to honor a man who has dedicated his life and career to this place and our state and the people we serve. Bear with me, as some of what you're going to hear may seem more suitable for a memorial resolution, but I'm a big believer in giving someone their flowers while they can still enjoy them. Matt Jones has served the Office of the State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor and Illinois State's Attorneys Association since 2009. For years, he's been the voice of state's attorneys in our Capitol, building relationships across party, ideology, and geography, always focused on crafting the best possible policies for our state. And I want to acknowledge that some of Matt's coworkers are here in the Speaker's Gallery: Pat Delfino, David Robinson, and Shari Smiley are here to honor our friend, Matt, as well. I first met Matt in the '90s. I was as green as can be, a new lobbyist for the Cook County State's Attorney's 10400027.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 office, and he was Pate Philip's attorney on the Senate Judiciary Committee. So, of course, it was love at first sight. It… it actually really was. We recognized each other's inner policy nerds and commitment to service and operated from a place of honor and respect from that moment forward. Over the years, our relationship grew to include our spouses and kids and pets and our fair share of shared joys and sadness. In other words, an amazing and treasured friendship. Four years ago, I got a call from Senator Elgie Sims. Elgie was on Senate Democratic staff at the same time Matt and I met, and we still have a little crew of folks from those days who are also in the gallery now. Elgie was leaving the hospital in Peoria, where he had detoured on the way to Springfield after learning Matt had been hospitalized. He was diagnosed that week with glioblastoma, a relentless beast of a monster cancer I've already lost people to, and I feared the worst. Never one to take no for an answer, Matt and Sandy and their medical team have been just as relentless, buying us so much time we didn't expect to have with Matt. He's been able to be around to see his kids achieve amazing things, and they've seen their dad fight like hell to be there for them. Recently, we got the news no cancer patient wants to hear, the tumor was growing again. In a cascade of bad luck, Matt was then diagnosed with whooping cough and pneumonia and suffered a series of seizures that have impacted his ability to communicate but not his incredible intellect. Together, Matt and Sandy made the decision to move to hospice care, where Matt has been for a little more than a week. Many of you have contributed to a GoFundMe to help with the costs 10400027.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 that are not covered by insurance, organized by our pal, Pete Baroni. And I am so thankful to everyone who has tried in any way to provide some support and relief to them. Sandy is livestreaming this special series of points of personal privilege from some of his colleagues in the chamber. Knowing that they also shared a special bond, I reached out to our former colleague, Mary Flowers, and asked her about her relationship with Matt. She immediately responded with, 'We used to argue all the time, but we always loved each other.' She shared stories of debating him over juvenile justice issues and racial bias and policing and said, 'We were always able to speak truthfully to each other. To me, that's what we're missing most here, and it's what I will miss most about him.' Matt, thank you for your friendship, your example of selfless service, and your passion for your positions that you never let get in the way of rational discussion and collaboration, your wicked humor, and your incredibly open heart. I love you, Sandy, Ben, and Emmy to the moon and back. Thank you."

"Leader Gordan-Booth, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"

"One moment, Mr. Speaker. I should've been better prepared."

"Take your time, leader."

"I met Matt Jones… I met Matt Jones in a precinct in my district. I was running for State Representative, and Matt Jones was there working for my opponent, and he was working like hell to make sure that I did not win. He was very loyal to his candidate, and I didn't like him at the 10400027.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 time. And he really was irritating me and my election attorney because he was vociferous in his advocacy for his candidate. And, obviously, things worked out well for me and we began to work together down here. And I… at the time, my mother was still living, and I shared with my mother this encounter that happened in the precinct that day. And my mother had few choice words, and she said, 'I know his mother. I should've… I should call his mom.' And, you know, we come from a community that is very close-knit. People where we live, they ask, 'What's your last name? Who are your people?' My mother knew his mother, and I began to know Matt. Not just as a Peorian, but as someone who carried a lot of weight down here in Springfield, someone who carried a big stick when it came to issues related to justice and advocacy. And I share this story in the beginning of our relationship because, as you can tell, that certainly isn't where the relationship ended. Matt and I, over this last 15 years, our professional and personal relationship, our families' relationship, took on an entire other color. The work that we were able to do down here on behalf of people that have sought justice for many years… you know, some people may or may not know it, but there are a lot of pieces of legislation that have advanced justice over the years. I hope I'm not taking away your cred, Matt. But it wouldn't have been possible if Matt had not worked to bring some consensus within his association, I'm sure at times to his own peril professionally. It wasn't easy for him to go back to his association and provide advocacy for bills to the likes that a Representative Cassidy may have been supporting, or Chairman Slaughter, or myself, but he knew that it was the 10400027.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 right thing to do. And he was willing to go back and advocate for what was right, even when professionally it was incredibly difficult. That's hard to find these days. It's incredibly hard to come by in this place and in the world. And when I think about where we sit in the world today, big and little, Lord, we are in so desperate need of people that can disagree and still have the ability to move forward and find common ground. As difficult as that may seem, like, it's what we have to do. And for those of us that have worked on issues on the opposite sides of people and have been vociferous in our advocacy for those that we care about, we have to find a way. We have to find a way to work together. We cannot allow disagreements or the fact that somebody tried to get you unelected to turn the work that we do into a finite game. This is an infinite game, and we have to center that. And I just thank Sandy and Ben and Emmy. I will never forget that dinner that we had at hibachi six months ago. My family and his family and talking about Ben going to Florida State University. You know, ladies and gentlemen, time is this fleeting thing, and we always think that we have so much of it. Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't. And I would dare say that we don't know what life has for us. But I will say that if we all lead lives full of purpose, driven by the things that we believe and the values that we hold, we make the difference that we can with the time that we're given, and we love those that love us and even those that don't, I pray that it will sit well with all of our souls at the end. Because whether we know it or not, we are all on that path. And I thank God that I had the ability to build a relationship 10400027.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 and a friendship with someone like Matt Jones, who I will carry with me for the rest of my days because I know that how a relationship starts does not determine how one will end or continue. Matt, we love you, we cherish you, we honor you, and we uplift you. God bless Matt Jones."

"Leader Spain, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Please state your point."

"Representative Weaver, for which reason do you seek recognition?"

"Please state your point."

"Representative Slaughter, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wanted to take a moment here just to recognize our great friend, Matt Jones. Matt and Sandy, I know you're listening right now. Matt, I wanted to thank you just for, you know, what you meant to me in my career. But as you've heard, Matt, you've meant so much to so many here in Springfield and here in the chamber. Just 10400027.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 chairing Jud - Crim over the last seven years, I've worked a lot with you, Matt. We built a… a special bond, a positive, and, quote-unquote, 'productive bond.' We, all of us, Matt, just really appreciate just how kind and caring of a soul you are, such a hard worker. You represented the state's attorneys association so well. You truly just exemplified what it means to be a collaborative partner and a collaborative stakeholder here in Springfield. Like most of the Dems, my… my relationship with Matt started off rocky. I remember it was my first day of Jud - Crim, not as the chair, but just as a… as a ranking Member, and Matt met me, literally, at the door… at the front door. And I'm like, 'Hey, man, what's… how are you?' You know, 'I'm Rep. Slaughter.' I walk in, and I remember turning over to then-Rep. Sims and Rep. Cassidy, like, so who is this guy? What's… what's up with… what's up with this? And both of them, really, just eloquently articulated to me, 'Hey, if you want to be impactful in this space and on this committee, make sure that you introduce yourself to… to Matt and get a chance to… to talk to him.' So, you know, I'm like, okay. So, I'm getting out of seat and both of them are like, 'Wait, wait, wait. Please know he is going to oppose all of your bills, but he's going to be great to work with.' And I'm like, okay. And they were exactly spot- on. Matt, you and I built a bond. I mean, there was times where, you know, Matt, you and I would talk. You would pretty much rip… rip my bill apart. Like, hey, we don't like this, we don't like that, we don't like this. And I would give him that look like, hey, you know. Hey, bro, I think I'm moving this. And he… he looked back at me, he pulled me to the side, 10400027.docx 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 and he whispered. He said, 'Well, you know, if you really want to move this, these are the couple points that I would highlight for you.' He was one of one, ladies and gentlemen, one of a kind in how he collaborated with Members. It was just a special professional that we're talking about here, an ability to agree, to disagree, but also to pour in time and energy and effort to reach consensus. That's who you are, Matt. We thank you for your commitment. We thank you for your dedication. A true giant when we talk about our public safety community, our criminal justice community. We want to thank you for everything that you do, Matt. We're proud of you. You've shown… and many of us have been following you over the last… especially over the last four or five years. You've shown tremendous resilience and perseverance, and we just thank you for everything that you've meant to us. Keep fighting the good fight. We love you, brother."

"Leader Windhorst, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, leader. Members, one more round of applause, please, for Matt Jones. We're rooting for you, Matt. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."

"Representative Blair-Sherlock, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Point of personal privilege."

"Please state your point."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like the House to meet my page for the day. This is Jackson Alfano. Jackson is a young man attending Jackson Middle School in my district, and he's in sixth grade. He's here with his parents, Vito and Carine Alfano, who are up in the balcony. And his activities in school include cadet choir, 'Warriored Up' string ensemble, concert orchestra, and their orchestra recently qualified for the state through IGSMA contest. He participates in the student union, theater and drama. Community activities includes: swimming with the local swim team in the summer, the Villa Park Mariners; he likes to play chess and has been involved in the community theater; he loves reading and visiting the local library; playing video games. And he would like to be a meteorologist when he grows up and wants to help manage the climate crisis that past generations have left. I'd like you all to give a great Springfield welcome to my page, Jackson Alfano."

"The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement." 10400027.docx 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"And, Leader Keicher, do you have an approximate time on that?"

"Thank you, Leader. The Democrats will not caucus. Democrats, please stay on the floor. The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 for about approximately one to one and a half hours unless Leader Keicher can make it shorter. The House stands in recess until 2 o'clock. Members, Members, prepare to present your House Bills on Third Reading. Pursuant to House Rule 52, we will be presenting bills under Standard Debate. The sponsor has up to five minutes, up to five minutes, to present their bill, and no more than two Members in support, three Members in opposition are permitted to respond or ask questions. Leader Guzzardi for an announcement."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please excuse Representative Camille Lilly for the remainder of the day."

"Thank you, leader. Proceeding to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading, we have House Bill 3356, Representative Lisa Davis on behalf of the sponsor, Representative Ammons. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Representative Davis to explain the amendment." 10400027.docx 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Davis, L.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What the amendment does is it cleans up a drafting error."

"Thank you, Representative. Representative Davis moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1 to… moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Davis." Davis, L.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, African- style hair braiding is a cultural practice dating back thousands of years and passed down through generations. Currently, Illinois requires 300 hours of expensive training from a licensed braiding instructor in a licensed school. What House Bill 3356 does is it exempts hair braiding from licensure and it gives skilled women the opportunity to earn a living practicing their heritage… their cultural heritage. It is also fully supported by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as well as the Governor's Office. I ask you guys to vote 'yes' on House Bill 3356. Thank you."

"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she will." 10400027.docx 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"For further discussion, Leader Guzzardi is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"She indicates that she will."

"Representative, thank you for bringing this important measure before us today. I noticed that you yourself, Representative Davis, are a cosponsor and Representative Jed Davis is a cosponsor. Can you speak to the reason why Representative Will Davis was not invited to be a chief cosponsor on this bill? Is it because it's a bill pertaining to hair styling, Representative Davis?" Davis, L.: "Rep… Representative, what I will tell you is, in the Davis Caucus, when you have one or two Members, it's automatic that the third Member is also a part of that bill."

"I… I wasn't familiar with the bylaws of the Davis Caucus. Thank you for informing me. Thank you for presenting your first bill on the House floor today. We're very proud to have you on board. This is an important measure." Davis, L.: "Thank you."

"There being no further discussion, the Chair recognizes the sponsor, Representative Davis, to close." Davis, L.: "Members, I just ask that you vote 'yes' on the bill. Thank you."

"Thank you, Representative. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3356 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 10400027.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 42 of the calendar, we have House Bill 3438 from Representative Andrade. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Andrade is recognized."

"Mr. Speaker, House Bill 3438 is initiative of IDOT. It requires IDOT to develop and implement a life-cycle costs analysis for each state new construction, reconstruction, or replacement road project for projects over… exceed 500,000. Also, it allows IDOT employees from Aeronautics Division on the Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee to cast the breaking vote only and requires a crash report to be submitted in electrical format. That's the gist of the bill."

"Seeing some discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates that he will."

"IDOT. IDOT brought the bill forward. It's just… it's updating their… they were going through their… their listing of some of the bills and just… it's to update their construction and reconstruction reduction. IDOT brought the bill themselves. It wasn't… it's not… it's not a… a industry or construction industry."

"That is correct."

"It is to see if… which material is better suited, if it's either asphalt or the cement, and that's… that's what it… it's for."

"Yes, that is correct. So, also, IDOT would like to resolve this repeat finding legislatively. That's what it… that's what it's also for, for the… the previous question that you asked."

"It's not… it's not a nonvoting. It's that they would only vote when they are needed to break a vote."

"Break a tie."

"That's the only reason why."

"I respectfully request an 'aye' vote."

"Almost there, Representative. Leader Keicher is recognized for further discussion."

"Thank you, Leader Keicher. There being no further discussion, Leader Andrade to close."

"I respectfully request an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3438 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Proceeding to the… the Order of House Bills on Second Reading again, House Bill 3637, Representative Avelar. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Avelar to explain the amendment."

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The amendment actually is something that allows for… actually, it was a change that we made due to the OAG's office feedback that… and they were concerned about using the term 'peer-reviewed research' as a standard, so the amendment strikes that term and relies on the World Health Organization instead."

"Representative Avelar moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?" 10400027.docx 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Representative Avelar is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HB3637 strengthens Illinois' commitment to protecting health care providers and patients by expanding our shield law protections and reinforcing the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to safeguard access to medication abortion. This bill can be broken into two key areas: One of them is amendments to the shield law, the second one being amendments to the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Just as a reminder, Illinois enacted its shield law in 2023 to protect health care professionals who provide lawful care in our state. In 2024, we strengthened its protections by preventing Illinois agencies from assisting out-of-state law enforcement in investigating lawful health care provider… provided here in Illinois. So, what this bill would do is it would expand its protections further by embedding them into various health care practice acts, and this will ensure that all health care professionals authorized to practice in Illinois, not just primary licensed holders, are protected. The second major piece of this bill addresses the looming threat to medication abortion access. We know that Project 2025 has called for the revoking of FDA approval for medication abortion drugs, and we cannot wait to react after the fact. We must take proactive steps to protect Illinois patients and providers now. So, HB3637 includes language that 10400027.docx 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 would ensure that if the FDA revokes approval of a medication, prescribing it will not be considered a violation of Illinois law as long as it remains recommended by the World Health Organization. And while this won't override federal law, it would ensure that providers in Illinois are not penalized under state law for prescribing necessary care. I'm open to any questions."

Speaker Morgan: "Thank you, Representative. Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates that she will."

"That… that is correct, Representative. We have here… do you want me to name them? We have the licensed practical nurses, licensed prescribing psychologists, licensed social workers, as well as licensed assistant behavioral analysts."

"Correct."

"That's lawful in Illinois, correct." 10400027.docx 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"I think overall what this legislation is about is in making sure that when it comes to lawful health care performed in Illinois that we are making sure that we're protecting individuals who are doing that."

"Yeah, so… so, as I mentioned before when it comes to… while this wouldn't override federal law, it would ensure that providers in Illinois are not penalized under state law. And this is, again, for prescribing necessary care."

"Well, one of the things that we wanted to make sure is that we were being proactive. And we know that currently at a federal level, there are multiple entities that are being weakened, for the lack of a better word. So, we want to make 10400027.docx 26  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 sure that when it comes to this particular issue that FDA approval for medication abortion would not be something… or, actually, if the FDA were to take this medication out of its FDA approval that it would not still ban or limit access to medication abortion in Illinois."

"The World Health Organization, to my understanding, is also made up of experienced health care providers as well. So, I'm… I'm confident on their… on what they put out with regards to safety of drugs."

"Could you repeat that again, Representative?"

"The intent is to… to protect a lawful health care access here in Illinois."

"Yes. Correct. That's accurate. It will be covered."

"It's not specific to the abortion pill."

"Leader Haas is recognized."

"She indicates that she will." 10400027.docx 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"It does not protect against malpractice. What I would say is it would protect for them to be able to provide lawful care here in Illinois, but it… it does not protect against malpractice."

"Could you repeat that again? Sorry, couldn't hear."

"So, if the issue is that the person lost their license because they were providing care that wasn't lawful in another state but it's lawful here in Illinois…"

"I think what I would reinstate is that this is not… when it comes to malpractice, if there is malpractice issues when it comes to a license, that is not what this bill is about."

"If it… if it's a violation of that state's statutes to provide care, it would be… yeah, this is… this is what it's getting at."

"Well, but this bill… this bill is not about malpractice, though. What we're…"

"I'm trying to understand your questions here and…"

"Yes."

"To the bill."

"Dr. Hauter is recognized."

"Indicates that she will."

"I want to make sure that I understand it. If it has been approved by the FDA but not by the World Health Organization? Is that what you're asking?"

"So, this particular bill, when we're talking about drugs, we're specifically talking about medication abortion. So, if that were the case, I would just say that the language does not cure other federal issues the prescribing health care professional might run into in the event that the FDA does revoke approval of these drugs. It will, however, prevent 10400027.docx 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 prescribing these drugs from being a violation in Illinois law."

"What I would say is that FDA approval for medication abortion, if the FDA revokes that, we would still, in Illinois, be able to have these drugs from being able to… to be prescribed in the state."

"To the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Avelar to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've heard time and time again with regards to some of the… what's been happening at the federal level. What we're doing here with this is we are making fixes to the shield law, as well as making sure that 10400027.docx 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 when it comes to the FDA… and we've found time and time again that when it comes to departments at the federal level and agencies, we have seen their power weakened, to be quite honest. And we want to make sure that here in Illinois that we are strengthening our laws and make sure that people who are looking for reproductive access to… to reproductive health care access don't find anymore barriers. So, with that, I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3637 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 67 votes in 'favor,' 39 votes 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Proceeding back to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading, we have House Bill 3095. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Mr. Clerk, are… any further amendments?"

"Third Reading. Representative Blair-Sherlock, please read the bill. Oh, Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Blair-Sherlock to present." 10400027.docx 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Thank you. Okay, this bill is not a super complicated bill. What it does is it lowers the number of people required to be on the regional authorities. This is with respect to the Guardianship and Advocacy Act. It lowers the number of people to a minimum of seven, maximum of nine. And it also resets the quorum requirement to 'the quorum shall consist of the majority of the appointed members' because it will fluctuate. The reason for this bill is that the regional authorities were having difficulty filling their boards and meeting their quorums, and they need to get business done. So, this is our way to address that issue. Thank you."

"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"Because… well, first of all, I took this bill over, but it was brought forward because the regional authorities were having difficulty meeting quorums and having enough people on their boards. So, we're just lowering the threshold a little bit so they can conduct business."

"They deal with mental health care availability and accessibility for people with developmental disabilities and vocational rehabilitation."

"Not… not that I'm aware of. I would have to get back to you on that, but I… I do not believe so. I think that there are other authorities that can take care of that."

"No, not at all. It's just reducing the number, which… which makes it easier for them to conduct business on a regular basis."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "For further discussion, Leader Keicher is recognized."

"Seeing no further discussion, Representative Blair-Sherlock to close."

"Thank you. This… this bill passed out of committee unanimously. It's a bipartisan bill. It's really to help make government more effective and enable them to do their job, and I would ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3095 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With… on this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0… 1 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Proceeding to page 39 of the calendar, House Bill 10400027.docx 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 2754, Representative Briel is recognized. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Briel."

"Thank you. Today, I'm presenting House Bill 2754, which is a two-part change to streamline the ability for local municipalities to make decisions based on their zoning requirements. What this bill does is it gives mayors and local officials the ability to vote in zoning plans. It also removes the threshold from two-thirds to a simple majority."

"Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"In zoning issues, yes."

"There've been multiple situations in different areas that have arisen due to the ability to delay certain social service organizations from establishing in communities. So, in my community, we went through almost two years before a health and wellness halfway house was able to get approval because getting it through the council was so challenging. This also affected Arlington Heights. They had a critical housing project that was delayed for a significant amount of time because it was unlawful for the mayor to vote."

"Representative McLaughlin, for which purpose do you rise?"

"The sponsor shall yield."

"I do not believe that it does and neither does research, but we can definitely get back to you on that."

"Representative Cassidy is recognized." 10400027.docx 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Question of the sponsor."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Representative, is this your first bill?"

"Yes, it is."

"I'm glad to hear that. Like a lot of times, and you sometimes get warned about this, but, you know, sometimes there are unintended consequences. And so, I'm just really curious, does this impact any… any of the rights of skateboarders?"

"Actually, unfortunately…"

"I mean, I know zoning boards tend to hate them."

"Yes. Yeah, yeah. No, it does not affect skateboarders, but we could put that in there. Maybe…"

"So, it… so, for example, if a municipality was attempting to prevent a skate park from coming in, your theory is that a mayor might be able to push it over the top."

"Exactly. Right."

"And is this a secret Murri agenda to get more skate parks?"

"Perhaps. Yeah, it might be. I… I think everyone should have skate and dog parks. But this goes just a little bit more important than that, including homes for people with disabilities, CILAs, the ability to have independent living communities when a zoning board, who has sat there together with longevity for a long time, doesn't want it in their backyard because they're not aware of the need. They're removed from the situation. Those that get elected actually have to talk to people." 10400027.docx 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"So, this is very much a YIMBY bill. I love it. I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Briel to close."

"I think this is a very important, and I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2754 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 68 voting in 'favor,' 37 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading, we have Rep… Leader Buckner with House Bill 2973. Out of the record. Staying on Orders of House Bills on Second Reading, we have House Bill 2584, Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, read the bill. Sorry, Mr. Clerk, out of the record. House Bill 1538, Representative Chung. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk… Representative Chung is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm here to present House Bill 1538. It's a very simple bill that helps my lovely community, Bloomington-Normal. What it does, it allows the Bloomington- Normal Water Reclamation District that they can enter into an agreement to sell, convey, or disburse treated wastewater to 10400027.docx 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 a private entity located within 50 miles of our district's boundaries and also may accept wastewater for treatment from a private entity within 50 miles of our district's boundaries. It passed unanimously in the Cities &… Cities & Villages Committee, and I ask for your 'aye' vote today."

"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates that she will."

"Sure. Leader, we… in Bloomington-Normal, we have had… I guess lots… lots of other communities around the state, we've had interest in possible, like, data centers to be coming in and for us to be able to… Bloomington-Normal to be able to use their treated wastewater in this manner to help with data center cooling. I see it as a great way for economic development."

"Thank you so much."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Chung to close."

"I ask for your 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1538 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. 10400027.docx 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Proceeding to page 31 of the calendar, we have House Bill 42 with Representative Costa Howard. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Costa Howard is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 42 is an… an initiative of the Helen Plum Library in my district. What we found is people who live outside of a taxing body for our libraries have to pay their fee all in one fell swoop. And what we know is, people want to use our local libraries. So, what House Bill 42 does is that it authorizes the board of trustees for a library to assess costs of persons residing outside that service area from which their library taxes are generated, and it allows them to actually move that into a system so that they don't have to pay it in one lump sum. It does not change the way the fee is calculated, and it actually is a real help to let our individuals in our communities continue to use our library in an affordable way. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Is there any discussion? Representative Halbrook is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"I'm sorry, Representative. Can you… I'm not exactly sure what you're asking. Accounting is done… I'm not sure what you're asking." 10400027.docx 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

Costa Howard: "It's up for the… it's not statewide, Representative. Just so that you're clear, this allows our library boards to enter a policy that would allow them to do that. It is not something that every library board has to do. It allows… once again, you and I love that local control, it allows that local control to continue."

"It's quarterly or biannually, and that's determined by each individual library board, and they, too, would be required to decide what their accounting process would be. Again, the essence of local control."

"Correct. That's what they do now. If an individual pays, they have to pay in full. And so, we know that in many of our communities that don't actually… are not part of the individual taxing body that can be over $1,000 for some families. And so, this allows them, to the individual library board, to set that up and make that determination. And so, 10400027.docx 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 within that individual library, they will decide their accounting process and how they take care of that."

"Again, Representative, we will allow our library boards and each individual library to make that determination, as they know the best needs of their communities."

"Leader Keicher is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"We did not make that specification in the bill, Representative. I can talk to the Senate sponsor. If we need further clarity, we are happy to do that. Again, this was a piece of legislation that was brought to me directly from my local school board. Yep, municipal and township." 10400027.docx 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Yes, we have clarification. I apologize."

"We don't have that limitation. And… and I guess I would say this. I know in my area, Representative, that what they do is it's an automatic that a… a student who's in… a school student, a K-12, that they have access to that library for free, no matter what. That… those are policies that we know that we have locally, at least in my community we do. And my school districts take care of that as well. So, I don’t believe that that… I would argue that's not an issue. I worked with the Illinois Library Association on this… on this bill language, and this was the recommendation per them."

"If you have a suggestion, Representative, I'm… I'm happy to entertain that…"

"…and we can talk to the Senate sponsor. I… I never want to send it to the Senate and say we have to fix it, but I'd be more than happy to work on that because we don't. We 10400027.docx 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 want the more libraries, the better. If our community can afford to keep that up, that's what we would want to do."

"Absolutely."

"Correct. Nothing in the bill touches that fee and how that fee is calculated. Only the payment of how that would works, to not have to be done in a lump sum."

"How would you… do they treat now, Representative? They would have… I mean, again, it would… it would be… it's determined by… there's nothing in the bill that changes the way it is being done currently."

"There is nothing in the bill that does that. Again, it gives the… as I said, we worked with the Illinois Library Association on it to give the flexibility to the boards to make those kinds of determinations intentionally."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Costa Howard to close."

"This is an opportunity for us to make the use of our libraries financially easier for people who don't live within that taxing body. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10400027.docx 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 42 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 94 voting in 'favor,' 11 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 33, House Bill 1366, with Representative Crawford. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Crawford."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1366 amends the School Code to inform parents or guardians that they have the ability to have an advocate present at individualized education program or IEP meetings. It does two things. This bill makes clarifying changes to the ISBE notice of conference template to inform parents or guardians of students in need of an IEP that they can bring the following individuals to meetings: advocates for the family, child… family or child, people knowledgeable of the IEP process, and people knowledgeable about their child… their child's needs. Unfortunately, many families do not know that they have the ability to do this, which is enshrined in the… in Section 504 of the Rehab Act. The bill also directs ISBE to provide a one-pager to school districts regarding their facilitated IEP process that is a free service offered by ISBE that can be distributed to parent or guardians in whichever manner is 10400027.docx 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 typical for dissemination of this type of information at that district."

"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates that he will."

"That is correct. This… and this bill came out of my discussions with constituents who weren't aware of their ability to have this… these individuals present. While it is enshrined in federal law, and… and state law actually, the information is just not getting to the hands of the parents. While they know their school, they may know their district, they don't necessarily know ISBE, which is where you find this information. So, I am simply just putting it in hand on documentation that is common… commonly given to parents."

"This is… I mean, the person would not be functioning as an attorney. I guess they could perhaps be an attorney, but most advocates are not. In fact, our attorney general puts out a document already, which I've just learned about in recent weeks, about how to choose an advocate that's a nonattorney advocate, but to make sure that individuals choose folks who are knowledgeable of the IEP process and are able to provide that service." 10400027.docx 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"We're not. This is… the facilitated IEP process is already a free service that's… that's offered. We are just informing, providing information to parents that they may have these services available to them."

"Leader Elik is recognized."

"He indicates that he will."

"This is indeed my first bill."

"Thank you."

"Representative Ford, for which purpose do you rise?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates that he will."

"Representative Crawford, I had a lot of questions, but you did such a good job handling the bill from the beginning. But I do have one question for you. I've been looking for the amendment that you tabled. Could you tell what table I can find that on?"

"There is a small end table in my Airbnb that I'm placing all of my bill ideas and all the things that I'm tabling in this House underneath. So, they're gathering dust there right now." 10400027.docx 47  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Well, Representative, I would like to see it, and, you know, it's a rule around here. Maybe you could pull this from the record, run and get this tabled amendment, bring it back so I can make sure it's safe, and I keep the tabled amendment so you don't use it again."

"On second thought, I think I may have spilled coffee on it, so it's illegible at this point."

"All right. Thank you very much (unintelligible) great job. I urge an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Crawford to close."

"I urge an 'aye' vote, 118 of them, hopefully."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1366 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting 'favor,' 1 voting 'nay,' 0 voting 'against…' voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continue on Third Reading, page 38 of the calendar, we have House Bill 2456 with Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the record. Please read the bill. Moving back to Order of Second Reading… Mr. Clerk, please read the bill on Second Reading."

"Representative Croke to explain the amendment." 10400027.docx 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The amendment is a page and line amendment that is technical. It adds 'with' after 'that' to make a 'person charged fees by a third-party restaurant reservation service that with respect to the reservation listed, advertised, promoted, or sold in violation of the Act, may bring a civil action.'"

"Representative Croke moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Croke."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2456 creates the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act. The bill would prevent third-party restaurant reservation services from listing, advertising, or selling reservations for a restaurant without a written agreement with that restaurant. I just want to quickly explain the bill in practice. So, for a lot of restaurants in Chicago, something that's occurring right now is they will post their reservations on a platform like OpenTable or Resy, which they have a third-party agreement with, and then a other service will go in and take all those reservations with a bot and then sell those on a third-party. A customer can then go buy that reservation, which was originally free, sometimes up to 400 or 700 dollars 10400027.docx 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 when I last looked. None of that money goes to the restaurant itself. This is really a lose-lose situation if we allow this to persist. Guests are going to have to pay an exorbitant fee in order to just go to a restaurant. If those reservations fail to resell, restaurant owners and workers will have to deal with the expense of no-shows, and restaurants are already working on a very thin margin right now. It's impossible for these restaurants to have to plan accordingly when they think they are fully booked and then they have to absorb the costs of those empty tables. This bill does not apply to reservation services like OpenTable, Resy, or Tock. It does not prevent a reservation from requiring a down deposit that is then applied to the restaurant experience. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates that she will."

"So, basically, the appointment trader or the third party will not… will no longer be able to operate. There could be… the AG's Office could essentially issue a fine. There would be a fine of $1,000 for every situation in which a reservation were posted. That's the fee associated with this. Currently, the restaurants are trying to issue cease and desist, but the operators are not responding to that."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"One moment. The only thing that they would cover… could recover for is injunctive relief, actual damages, attorney's fees, other remedies, actions alleging a violation. They're… they're stipulated under Section 15(b), 1-4."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Croke to close."

"Ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2456 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 1 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to page 34 of the calendar, House Bill 1411, Representative Davidsmeyer. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Davidsmeyer is recognized."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no discussion, Representative Davidsmeyer to close. All right. No further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1411 pass?' All… all in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to Orders of Second Reading, page 18, we have House Bill 3011 with Representative Davis. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "Third Reading. Representative Davis is recognized for House Bill 3011."

"Representative Davis." Davis, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill is really basic. It brings community college trustees, elected officials into the world that of all the other elected officials in Illinois live with the… the ability to take an oath upon being sworn into office."

"Leader Guzzardi is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates that he will." 10400027.docx 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Thank you, Representative Davis, for bringing this forward. It's another great bill today with your name on it. Can you tell us about the oath? What… what will they swear in the oath?" Davis, J.: "Yeah, it is the exact same oath that all elected officials kind of take across Illinois. So, to the constitutions, Illinois and United States Constitution."

"Uh-huh. So, they'll swear to follow the provisions, uphold the United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution?" Davis, J.: "Correct."

"And your view is that it's important for every elected official at every level, from community college boards all the way to the president of the United States, be required to follow the Constitution. Is that correct?" Davis, J.: "That is correct."

"So, you know, for instance, the United States Constitution, which requires the separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branches, that that Constitution ought to be upheld by our elected officials at every level of government?" Davis, J.: "Yeah, no, I don't doubt that. I'm not sure where you're leading with the questions, but I'm looking to uphold the constitution and have officials abide by them."

"I know you are, and you do a wonderful job of that here in this chamber. And I'm just echoing the importance of this bill because I believe that, as you do, elected officials at every level of government should be responsible to upholding the principles of the constitution under which they 10400027.docx 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 serve. When a judge orders you to take action, you have to follow it. That's the constitution. When powers are reserved to the legislative branch, the executive branch can't trample on them. That's… that's the constitution, and… and I think it's a really important moment for us today to underscore the values of our democracy are contingent on upholding the constitution and that elected officials at every level ought to proceed in that manner. Thank you for this very important bill, and I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Representative Davis to close." Davis, J.: "I, too, urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3011 pass?' All in… all in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on Orders of Third Reading, on page 35, we have House Bill 1697, Representative Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "Representative Lisa Davis, Mr. Clerk. My apologies."

"Representative Lisa Davis, please proceed." Davis, L.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1697 would require training for telecommunicators or 911 dispatchers on 10400027.docx 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 recognition protocols for cardiac arrest and hands-only CPR instruction for callers. This is known as T-CPR. To date, 13 other states all require T-CPR training requirements for 911 telecommunicators. I would urge an 'aye' vote."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates that he will."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Lisa Davis to close." Davis, L.: "I'd urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1697 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order 10400027.docx 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 of Second Reading, on page 28, we have House Bill 3655 with Representative Will Davis. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Will Davis to present the bill." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The last and final Member of the Davis Caucus. I appreciate that. House Bill 3655 attempts to do a few things to help small businesses. First of all, let me just say it's an initiative of the Small Business Advocacy Council, which is a member-driven organization of small business owners and local chambers of commerce that advocates for small business owners. Their mission is to make Illinois the best place to open and grow a small business. With that being said, it attempts to do three things. First, it requires all state agencies and departments to uniformly advertise to small businesses… to the small business community all contracts available for bid. Second, it establishes a loan program to help businesses that receive contracts to deal with cash-flow needs caused by payment issues. Businesses that are awarded contracts will be eligible to receive a low-interest loan to fund cash-flow needs of the business as it executes the contract. The loan would be repaid when the payment from the state is received. Since the loan is guaranteed with a payment from the state 10400027.docx 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 and the state earns interest on the loan, there is no risk or cost to the state, and it would be a huge help to small businesses. We believe several states have a similar program. And finally, the bill creates a uniform scoring system of… for evaluating and awarding contracts. All bids from small businesses would be… would be scored based on the business experience with the subject matter of the contract, their credentials of the staff, the innovative techniques and technology purposed by the business, the length of the time… length of time the business has been operating in the state, and the number of contracts the business has previously secured, and other factors that would give businesses from economically depressed areas in the state an opportunity to compete for these contracts. I'll be more than happy to answer any questions."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates that he shall."

"Representative Crespo is recognized."

"Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates that he will."

"Representative Davis, let me go back to the subject to appropriations. So, it's a loan program… it's a loan program, and I understand that there's a structure to make sure that whoever benefits from the loan, if they get a contract, they should be able to repay the loan back." Davis, W.: "That's the premise behind it."

"Yeah. And in terms of… has anyone be able to quantify the size of the program? How much seed money would the department need to fulfill the requirement to… to give out the loans?" Davis, W.: "I want to say no to that, but, again, I want to emphasize that the loan is based on them… a contractor receiving a contract. So, if they have the contract, whatever they're loaned or what their loan needs are will be repaid by it. So, we feel that this is really of, with regard to that piece of it, little to no cost to the State of Illinois."

"And I agree. I would imagine that's a low-risk loan because, hopefully, they'll have a contract to repay it back." 10400027.docx 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Davis, W.: "Well, they have to have a contract."

"They have to have a contract." Davis, W.: "They have to have a contract, and that's how you create the repayment because they have received…"

"Yeah." Davis, W.: "…and been awarded a contract to work on a state project."

"Yeah, but however, still, the department would need some seed money. You think it's minimal, but they haven't been able to quantify how much think that amount would be to start the program." Davis, W.: "Well, they… they certainly haven't provided a number…"

"Okay." Davis, W.: "…in terms of what they think that will be."

"Okay, thank you. Thank you, Speaker." Davis, W.: "Thank you. Mr. Speaker, as… as I've been advised, I need to pull this bill from the record."

"Out of the record. Staying on House Bills-Third Reading, on page 32, House Bill 54 with Representative Deering. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Deering is recognized."

Speaker Morgan: "With discussion, Representative Elik is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"No further discussion, Representative Deering to close."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 54 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on the Order of Third Reading, on page 34, we have House Bill 1430 with Representative Delgado. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Delgado's recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1430 is an initiative of the Office of the Treasurer. It amends the Student Investment Account Act to allow the treasurer to invest in refinanced student loans. This bill also gives the state 10400027.docx 62  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 treasurer explicit authority to work with financial institutions to expand loan options and lower interest rates for Illinois residents with student loan debt. Refinancing loans at lower rates will hopefully result in lower payments for these borrowers. And if any of you all have had to pay back student loans, you know that sometimes that debt can be crushing. So, this is… the goal behind this bill is to provide an option for students to be able to refinance student loans at a better rate than what they find on the private market and ultimately help make college more affordable. Thank you very much."

"Thank you, Leader Delgado. Any discussion on this bill? Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates that she will."

"So, the Treasurer's Office currently has a contract with a loan servicer that provides student loan products right now. This is just expanding those offerings to allow them to do refinancing, so he will… right now, they plan on using the same loan servicing company that they work with now."

"So, there is not an increased amount of funding for this. The treasurer currently has access to a number of 10400027.docx 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 different funds. I think there's 700 funds across the state portfolio, but it's currently capped. I want to say it's… there is a… I think there currently is a cap in the… in the existing statute. So, this is not any additional funding."

"So, currently, they're getting a rate of return at about 4%. And while there are lots of different ways that the treasurer can invest state funds, this is one that is really about making opportunities available to Illinois residents who are currently struggling with paying very high rates for loans that they have taken out. And so, this has a public interest as well as returning at a rate of 4% right now."

"So, again, there's already a loan servicing company that they work with now. I don't remember the name of it off the top of my head, but they are currently under contract with them."

"It is out of state."

"I believe it's in Iowa. I… I believe it's in Iowa."

"I believe so." 10400027.docx 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"That is… that's my recollection."

Speaker Morgan: "For further discussion, Leader Keicher is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"So, my understanding is that this particular loan servicing company was fully vetted, and… and they are willing to do this work, and so the… the treasurer has entered into that agreement with them. Of course, the treasurer will be happy to work with an Illinois institution as well. And my understanding is that they are currently looking for another servicing company that would be here in the state."

"No, I do not know that."

"If there's a default on… yes, it would be… it would be… I believe that the servicer is responsible for that, but I… you know what? To be honest with you, I don't want to answer that question incorrectly."

"Absolutely. Absolutely."

"So, my understanding is that the loan servicer is the one that goes through the process of vetting out the… the borrower. And there's a series of requirements that that borrower would then have to meet, just like any other loan. The benefit of this loan is that it's coming in at lower than market rates, so it's an opportunity for folks to be able to get a lower interest rate and maybe help lower those monthly costs."

"For further discussion, Representative Ugaste is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"I believe that is correct."

"I think that is the upward limit, yes."

"I'm not sure… I'm not sure what question you're asking me. As it relates to this program?"

"I understand what you're asking. So, I… so, right now, the… the return on the investment is about 4%. That I can tell you."

"So, my understanding is that any time the treasurer enters into an agreement to invest the state's money, there are a number of different processes that they go through. So, making sure that they're putting all the protections in place that they would with any other investment. Just like if there was an investment with any other fund and that fund were to go under, it would be the similar kind of risk for the state."

"So, there's nothing in this legislation that would state that, but the loan servicer does have a number of requirements that they make any borrower go through. So, if you had somebody who was defaulting over and over and over again, I would… I would guess that that loan servicer probably wouldn't consider that person a good credit risk. But that would just be my assumption. I think that's the process that a borrower will go through."

"So, that's not specifically enumerated in this bill."

"That is something that the loan servicer would handle as a part of their contract with the treasurer."

"Yes. And so, when I spoke with the Treasurer's Office about this particularly, they do have a number of financial literacy programs that are tied to some of the programs that they offer. So, that is available. I wouldn't say that that's necessarily required, but it is something that the Treasurer's Office provides."

"To the bill."

"Representative, please bring your remarks to a close."

"For further discussion, Representative Crespo."

"Speaker, the sponsor yield?"

"She indicates that she will."

"So, Representative, I think this is a great idea. I understand the objective behind it. I am a little bit concerned that, yes, we will lose the ability to get a higher return by moving these funds somewhere else. I'm also concerned… I guess I'm going to ask you that. It says here that the department will guarantee the loans. What are they using to guarantee those loans?"

"I think just like with any other investment, the guarantee is the full faith and credit of the State of Illinois."

"I’m sorry, what was that?"

"The full faith and credit of the State of Illinois." 10400027.docx 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"I understand, but what funds will he be using to guarantee those loans if they're not paid?"

"So, currently, the… the treasurer accesses about 700 accounts across the state's funds for the state investment portfolio. So, it comes from a number of different places."

"And those are ones you said they were capped?"

"Yes, it's capped. The amount that the… that the treasurer can put into this investment is capped."

"It's capped, but it might be taking those… might be using those funds that could be used for something else. My final question. So, we've heard that the current president is talking about getting rid of the Department of Education. As you all know, the Department of Education monitors, it has oversights over these student loans. Was there any conversations with the department… with the treasurer, what would happen if they do get rid of the Department of Education, how those loans… or what impact would have on those student loans? What impact would it have on this program?"

"So, that's a great question. I'm so glad you brought that up, Representative, because this is specifically around private loans. So, this is not in competition with any federal loans. This refinancing program is specifically for private loans. So, there would be no impact."

"Okay, thank you. Thank you, Speaker."

"There being no further discussion, Rep… Leader Delgado to close."

"So, once again, I would like all of to remember back in the days when we were paying student loans. Some of us probably still are paying student loans. And having the 10400027.docx 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 opportunity to be able to refinance a very high interest rate loan by going through a program like this is a great opportunity for us to be offering to Illinoisans. So, again, I would ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1430 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 67 voting in 'favor,' 38 voting 'against,' and 1 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on the Order of Third Reading, on page 32, we have House Bill 1073 with Representative DeLuca. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative DeLuca is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1073 amends the College Student Immunization Act for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine, also known as Tdap. If a student cannot provide the dates on which they received three or more doses of Tdap, the student must provide at least one date on which they received the dose of the vaccine not more than 10 years prior to the beginning of the term of the current enrollment. It ensures the law reflects the CDC's standards for adult vaccination schedules. It ensures the law accounts for older students who do not have electronic records. This legislation was brought to me by a constituent, and this legislation solves the issue. 10400027.docx 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 It went through committee unanimously, and I ask for your support."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates that he will."

"No, it is not adding."

"It would allow… it's really set up for older students who are returning that may not have electronic records. So, it would allow them to show at least one within the last 10 years."

"It was a constituent, an older individual that was returning to school that ran into this problem that she didn't… she couldn't provide the records because she no longer had electronic records. So, she had just received a dose recently, and this would solve that problem for those individuals who are looking to return to school."

"How it is implemented, yes." 10400027.docx 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Yes."

"I was not even aware of that. I have not heard from them. It's not… it's not listed on my analysis that they're opposed. I was not aware of that. So, I haven't heard from them."

"No, but we did work closely with the department. We had amended the original language to, you know, remove any concerns."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative DeLuca to close."

"Thank you very much for the questions. I ask for your 'yes' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1073 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, 80… there are 89 votes in 'favor,' 12 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on Order of Third Reading, on page 43, we have House Bill 10400027.docx 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 3671 with Representative Deuter. Mr. Clerk, please read the record… read the bill."

"Representative Deuter to present."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 37… sorry, House Bill 3671 is an initiative of DuPage County State's Attorney's Bob Berlin. The bill provides that a person who distributes private images without consent may be tried in the county in which the offense occurred or the county in which the victim resides. This bill enhances the ability for prosecutors to protect their residents and is similar to the venue options allowed for identity theft trials. This measure received unanimous support in committee. I ask for your support."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates that she will."

"That's correct."

"For further discussion, Representative Canty."

"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Will the speaker yield?"

"She indicates that she will."

"Representative Deuter, is this your first bill?"

"Yes, it is."

"Do you recall, roughly, how many hours you spent in preparation for this moment right now?"

"For this particular bill or this moment? This is a lifetime opportunity, right? Thank you for your question."

"Nicely done and well presented. Thank you. I encourage an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Deuter to close."

"I appreciate your support."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3671 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on the Order of Third Reading, we have House Bill 1838 with Representative Tarver… Leader Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Tarver."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill is a great bill, as you can tell, because I sponsored it. It is a bill that 10400027.docx 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 prevents CPS primarily from testing 4-year-olds for selective enrollment programs. I'm happy to answer any questions. It came out of committee unanimously."

"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1838 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Remaining on Third Reading, House Bill 1075 with Representative Didech. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Didech to present."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1075 designates Diwali Day as a commemorative holiday in the State of Illinois. Diwali originated as a harvest festival in ancient India. It evolved into a religious tradition for practitioners of Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. And today, it is also a secular holiday observed by people across the world who share in the celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During Diwali, feasts are prepared, fireworks are launched, and music and dance numbers are performed by people of all ages. The Diwali holiday is a truly joyous occasion where families and communities come together to celebrate our collective goodness. Other states, including Texas and Pennsylvania, have taken steps to 10400027.docx 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 formally recognize Diwali. We can join those states by passing this bill as a meaningful illustration of the important bond between the Indian American community and the State of Illinois. Thank you for your consideration, and I ask for everyone's support."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates that he will."

"That's correct."

"So, this bill amends the Commemorative Dates Act. That is the law that we use to recognize important cultural heritages of various people in Illinois. For example, it's the same law that includes Italian American Heritage Month, the Republic of Ireland Day, Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. It is a token of respect and appreciation for the various communities in our states."

"Correct. This… this bill would not create a new state holiday in… in that manner."

Speaker Morgan: "There… seeing no further discussion, Representative Didech to close." 10400027.docx 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"I would ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1075 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on Third Reading, page 32, we have House Bill 1158 with Representative du Buclet. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative du Buclet, please present." du Buclet: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I stand before you today to present House Bill 1158. House Bill 1158 is a critical piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's ability to modernize, expand, and strengthen their state's water infrastructure. This bill is essential in ensuring that our communities remain resilient in the face of aging water systems, increased flooding risks, and growing environmental… and growing environmental challenges. The purpose of the bill is to raise the annual borrowing limit for the MWRD from 150 million to 250 million, which would allow for accelerated investments in sewage treatment, flood control, and water quality improvements. It also reaffirms the district's ability to issue pension bonds to ensure financial stability for its workforce without impacting required employees' contributions. Because our water infrastructure is aging and 10400027.docx 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 we must ensure that we have the financial tools to actively address these critical projects rather than waiting for the crises to force our hand. And as many of you know, I am a former vice president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. And so, this bill is near and dear to my heart. It represents a necessary and responsible step towards protecting our communities, modernizing our water systems, and ensuring financial stability for the MWRD."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

Speaker Morgan: "For further discussion, Leader Spain is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"To the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative du Buclet to close." du Buclet: "Thank you, Representative. I urge an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1158 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 votes in 'favor,' 30 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Third Reading, we have House Bill 1724 with Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Elik to present."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further questions and no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1724 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Third Reading, House Bill 1575 with Leader Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Evans is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the great Members of this assembly. House Bill 1575 was an initiative of my county clerk and recorder. Prohibits the county recorder from assessing a fee to modify an unlawful restrictive covenant on one's deeds of property. Currently, a… a recorder can assess a fee to correct an unlawful restrictive covenant. Moving on from the past to the future, we want to remove these unlawful restrictive covenants. I request your support." 10400027.docx 84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

Speaker Morgan: "For discussion, Representative Halbrook is recognized."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Yes."

"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1575 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Third Reading, we have House Bill 2978 with Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Faver Dias."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2978 is a bill that we actually passed last year out of this changer with… chamber with wide bipartisan support. It's a bill that provides additional unpaid leave for parents of babies who 10400027.docx 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 are in the neonatal intensive care unit. This leave is in addition to FMLA and any paid leave that the parent is already entitled to. One of the largest predicters of child development and outcomes is based on the… a baby's ability to attach to their parents. This additional leave would allow critical bonding to take place both inside the NICU and, just as a when a baby who's not in the NICU goes home, for that to continue as well. In 2022, there were 13,564 preterm births in Illinois. Sixty-seven percent of babies were in the NICU for less than 10 days. But those babies who are in the NICU longer, the 20 days are truly critical for the care and development of the baby and the mental health of the parents. This also has a tiered unpaid leave system based on the size of the employer. I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she'll yield."

"Yes. And last… last year, we passed it out of the House. It did not get called in the Senate, so we are trying again."

"Yes. I just looked it up. That was it."

"Yes. If you employ between 16 to 50 people, it's 10 days. If you employ over 50, then it's 20 unpaid days."

"Actually, my own personal experience, I had children who were in the NICU for 89 days, and knowing how critical it is to be there every single day for their care. But then if you've used up all your leave, then you don't have that opportunity to bond and care for your infant at home. And so, there's an adjustment if you have a child in the NICU because your child has been born under intense critical care situation, but then you also need that time when you go home to also get situated with a new baby at home."

"In this bill, there is a… employers can request a reasonable proof of care in the NICU, and so that is allowed, that the employer can request that."

"I can get back to you on that, but I would assume… the Department of Labor is given primary enforcement reasonability, including rulemaking power, and is authorized to impose civil penalties for violations."

"For further discussion, Representative Hauter is recognized."

"She… she will." 10400027.docx 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Yes, exactly. It would be in addition."

"This additional leave would be up to 20 days, if you have an… if you employ over 50 people. It's a tiered system. If you employ less than 16, there is no… we… in negotiations last year, you don't get… this does not apply to you. Sixteen to 50, it would be an additional 10 days, and 15 over, it would be 20."

"Yeah, absolutely. I had my… my children were in the NICU for three months, so 12 weeks. If I had been in a circumstance where I couldn't have taken additional leave, then I would've had to go back to work the day after I brought them home, after they've spent three months in the intensive care unit on oxygen, intubated. And so, that is a stark transition back. And so, this allows for that additional time. But if you look at the statistics, the vast majority of babies in the NICU are in there less than 10 days. And so, it's going to be a very small percentage of families that this would apply to that would need to use this. But to those families 10400027.docx 88  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 who have babies in there for that extended time, it's critically important."

"No, a… a neonatal intensive care."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Faver Dias to close."

"I encourage an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2978 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there's… there are 91 votes in 'favor,' 7 votes 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Order of Third Reading, House Bill 1911, Representative Fritts. Mr. Clerk, please read the… read the bill."

"Representative Fritts, please proceed."

"For discussion, Representative Halbrook."

"He indicates that he will."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Fritts to close."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1911 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is declared passed. Returning to the Order of Second Reading, we have House Bill 2873. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Gong-Gershowitz to explain the amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment 2 simply clarifies that labor compliance activities do not constitute stalking." 10400027.docx 91  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Representative Gong-Gershowitz 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?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Gong-Gershowitz, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2873 amends the civil stalking no contact order to include harassment in the definition of stalking. It provides that stalking includes harassment, which is conduct that is not necessary to accomplish a purpose which is reasonable under the given circumstances, which causes a reasonable person emotional distress and causes the petitioner emotional distress. This fills a gap in existing law. Currently, there is no clear order of protection on the basis of harassment. It does include expressed free speech protections. There is no opposition, and I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"Yeah, thank you for the question. I worked with this bill… I worked on this bill with gender-based violence 10400027.docx 92  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 advocates and lawyers after this gap in existing civil law was brought to my attention by one of my interns who had actually worked with a judge, who noted that oftentimes a victor… a victim of harassment has trouble establishing the course of conduct that neatly fits the definition of stalking under our current civil no stalking… civil stalking no contact order. We did some research and looked at states like California, Indiana, many others that include harassment in their civil no contact orders, modeled this amendment off of those existing statutes. And that's… that's the impetus for the bill."

"That is correct."

"ACLU is neutral with the first House Committee Amendment that we adopted in committee."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Gong-Gershowitz to close."

"Thank you. This is a bill that helps protects victims, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2873 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying 10400027.docx 93  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 on Order of Third Reading, on page… on Second Reading, forgive me, on page 3, we have House Bill 1081. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Gill, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1081 is super near and dear to my heart, and I am so excited to present this bill to you. What this bill does is it defines what therapeutic recreation is, and it requires the Department of Health Care and Family Services, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to submit the necessary application to the Federal Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the support waiver for children and young adults with developmental disabilities and the adults with developmental disabilities waiver to include a therapeutic recreation service for individuals using the self-directed service model known as Home-Based Services. This bill came to me from one of my dear friends, Sean McNamee. We grew up together in the Special Olympics at Marquette Park in Chicago. And he came to me with this bill. And basically what it does is it allow… it expands the spending for our friends with disabilities to include the therapeutic recreation services that are so needed in our districts, and that's sports, and theater, and 10400027.docx 94  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 art, and all of the most wonderful things that all of our children participate in and every child should have the opportunity to participate in. And I'm… I'm very excited about this bill, and I'm here for any questions."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates she will."

"I'm sorry. I'm so glad you asked that question. This… this has zero financial impact. What it does is it doesn't change the amount our friends with disabilities get. It just expands the spending of the money they receive."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Gill to close."

"This is a wonderful bill. Please vote 'yes.'

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1081 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this bill, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to bills on Third Reading, we have House Bill 1586 with Leader González. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400027.docx 95  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Leader González." González: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HB1586 will codify existing federal merit requirements into Illinois state law, ensuring that even if the federal government weakens or eliminates its requirements, programs with federal merit requirements like Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment insurance will continue to be administered by qualified and capable state employees. This will continue to see some work in the Senate that… so that's… if something comes down from the feds that tie the change to jeopardizing federal funding, this bill wouldn't apply… the language wouldn't apply and then will also list out the reference to federal rules."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"He indicates that he will."

"Representative Didech is recognized for further discussion."

"Thank you. Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will."

"Thank you, Leader González, for bringing forth this bill. I… I support the goals of this bill. We've had a few 10400027.docx 97  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 conversations about this. I… I think there's been a few different opinions about some of the… the technical nature of how this bill is drafted. Can… can you speak to, kind of, the update on… on those conversations and what… what the plan is to… to be responsive?" González: "Yes, for sure. We're going to… we're going to continue to have these conversations in the Senate. They'll send them back our way. But in any case, if there is a… we'll make sure, if… if necessary, that we write down… we reference any federal rules that may impacted by this bill in the Senate. And also, that if anything comes down from the feds that would change… that has…"

"All right. To… to the bill. I… I apologize." González: "…that ties the change to this, you know… no, no, no. That if something comes down from the feds that ties the change to jeopardizing federal funding that… this wouldn't apply."

"Understood. To… to the bill, Mr. Speaker."

"To the bill."

"I… I'm going to support this bill today. I… I think we should be careful about making a habit out of fixing bills in the Senate, especially when we still have time in the House to… to work through some of these issues. But out of respect for the Leader, I will vote 'yes' today. Thank you very much for working on this important bill."

"For further discussion, Representative Reick."

"He indicates that he will." 10400027.docx 98  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"To the bill."

"For further discussion, Representative Crespo."

"Thank you, Speaker. Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will." 10400027.docx 99  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Representative, I understand what we're trying to do here and I agree with… with the objective. What I'm trying to understand is, this would impact programs like Medicaid, unemployment insurance, which are administered by the state, but funded in part or whole by the federal government. Is there a risk that we could lose federal funding?" González: "I don't believe so because, again, we… we have the idea that this wouldn't be federally preempted. But if there are changes come down from the federal government saying that, you know, they change anything that federal funding would be in jeopardy, then we would make sure to have that change present over in the Senate."

"Okay. So, there is a risk that we could lose federal funding. Again, these are programs that are funded in part or in whole by the federal government. If they mandate certain things and we decide we're not going to follow that mandate, they can pull the funding from us, correct?" González: "I mean, as the federal government is working right now, they can pull the funding anyway with whatever reason they have, so…"

"Oh, absolutely. And I… I think it is a big concern, especially when it comes to Medicaid when you consider that we receive $23 billion or more in Medicaid funding. But my question again is, have we been able to quantify at least what is our exposure or risk in terms of losing federal dollars?" González: "Based… based on our legal counsel, even if, you know, the federal government has these rules, it's very 10400027.docx 100  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 constitutionally debatable that they can pull this funding based on any change that they do over there. So…"

"I agree with your legal counsel. Again, all I'm asking is what is the exposure just in case. I think we should know that by supporting this… and, again, I agree, it's a good idea, but have we been able to quantify potentially what is that exposure in terms of lost funding from the federal government?" González: "We can make that clear. That's why I mentioned that, you know, we're going to make sure that in the… that in the Senate that if, for some reason, they were to… the risk were… were there that we will make sure that, you know, these… this wouldn't apply."

"So, this… so, it's going to be amended in the Senate?" González: "There will be… yes, there is a commitment to continue working on it in the Senate."

"So, it'll be coming back for concurrence?" González: "That is the idea, yes."

"So, I'm hoping at that time that we have a better idea of our exposure and what's the risk for the state in terms of losing federal dollars when it comes back. Thank you. Thank you, Speaker." González: "Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "For further discussion, Representative Halbrook."

"Indicates he will."

"To the bill."

"Representative Manley for further discussion."

"Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates that he will."

"Representative, can you give me a… an example of what exactly you're trying to accomplish with your bill? An… like an example of a situation." González: "The way that I… that I explained it, I explained in committee too, that let's say that, for example, that the civil service requirements are A, B, and C. And for some reason, the… the federal government, the Trump administration, decides to pull out B and C. At least we have A as a baseline here in Illinois because, again, we're dealing with state employees. We can set our own requirements for our own employees. So, at least we will have A if the federal government were to take out B and C." 10400027.docx 103  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"What would A, B, and C be? Give examples of what A, B, and C might actually…" González: "These requirements, they're just like, you know, qualifications, like are they qualified to be able to administer these programs, do they have the qualifications. It's based just…"

"So, if it's a high school diploma, or if it's a bachelor's degree in something, if it's…" González: "It can be a range… it can be a whole range of things. A whole range of things."

"It could be anything. It doesn't necessarily have to be…" González: "No, seriously, it could be… it could be a whole range of things. In the… like I… like I mentioned, you know, we already have the power in and of ourselves to be able to… to codify our merit requirements for our own state employees. So, you know, if anything, it's just a matter of making sure that we still have qualified people, qualified personnel administering these… these programs."

"Okay. And this would be which state programs, which state employees?" González: "The… the examples for the state programs specifically are like… like Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment insurance. Those are the type of programs that would be… that, you know, are administered with federal funding, but, you know, we have state employees who are the ones, you know, administering here in Illinois."

"So, anybody who surrounds those programs, works to administer those programs?" 10400027.docx 104  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 González: "Yes, all of them. All the ones that work in Illinois."

"Okay. All right, thank you." González: "Thank you."

"Leader… Leader Guzzardi for further discussion."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will."

"Leader González, thank you for bringing this bill before us today. You… you mentioned earlier that some of the provisions that are protected that we're seeking to enshrine with this bill have been on the books since the 1930s. That… am I recalling that correctly?" González: "Since the 1930s, yes."

"Can you tell us about the… the genesis of these protections? What… what kind of provisions… where did this all come from in the first place, and why is it important to preserve it?" González: "Maintaining these… these merit system requirements, it just uphold existing protections in hiring, retention, promotion. It fortifies existing protections against discrimination and undue political coercion, and it preempts privatization, which would harm workers employed by the state in federal grants administration."

"And essential provision of these protections is around ensuring that employees are hired on the basis of merit. Is that correct?" González: "Yes. In Illinois, we… we hire based on merit."

"Yeah. I think this is a really… it's a really important point to underscore 'cause there's a lot of discussion about hiring practices. And I think trying to ensure that we have 10400027.docx 105  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 transparency, fairness, accountability in our hiring practices is incredibly important because there has… when we… we have an unfortunate and tarnished record in this state of a long history of hiring not based on merit but based on familial connection, political connection, right? And it's the very provisions that are in a bill like this that are ensuring that that kind of inside self-dealing isn't prevalent in our state workforce. Isn't that correct?" González: "Yes. We're trying to make sure, you know, with… with the retention of these civil service requirements in Illinois Statutes that we're… that we're making sure that at least we have employees, like state employees, people who are incentivized to look out for the best interest for the benefit of those who live in Illinois."

"Thank you very much." González: "Thank you."

"All right, Leader González for a closing." González: "I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Members, Representative Halbrook has requested a verification vote. All Members will be in their chairs and vote their own switches. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1586 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 68 voting in 'favor,' 38 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' Mr. Clerk, please read the names of those voting in the affirmative."

"Representative Halbrook is… is recognized."

"Thank you, Representative. On this question, there are 68 voting in 'favor,' 38 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to bills on Third Reading, on page 37, we have House Bill 2397 with Representative Grasse. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Grasse, please proceed."

"Good afternoon, colleagues. House Bill 2397 addresses a profoundly serious issue that is absent in our prison facilities: hospice or end-of-life care. House Bill 2397 would address the inadequate hospice services in our corrections system by requiring that the Illinois Department of Corrections publicly report on hospice and palliative care of incarcerated persons across all facilities and institutions. This bill received unanimous support in committee, and I urge your support."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates that she'll yield."

"Yes."

"Well, I think first gathering the information's important. I know one year of data we had, had 488 people who died and 404 did not receive adequate end-of-life care, dignified care. So, once we have the data, we can see what we can do to help provide dignified end-of-life care for… for all people."

"No. As I said, we do have less than a year's worth of data that I just gave you the numbers for, but that's what we want to do with this bill. I do know that we have over 1,000 people age 65 and older who are currently incarcerated. So, this is becoming a growing issue and concern."

"Thank you for that question. That's a really good one. Actually, I believe, let me see, there are only three facilities where hospice and end-of-life care are offered, but they're not offered uniformly across all the Illinois Department of Corrections' facilities." 10400027.docx 108  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"No. In fact, hospice and quality end-of-life care can save. Part of this data will help us understand how much is spent for those who are receiving futile treatments."

"For further discussion, Representative Halbrook is recognized."

"She indicates that she will."

"Yes."

"Sure. From the Illinois Department of Corrections, between September 2019 and June 2020, there were 488 incarcerated people who died of… died in the Illinois Department of Corrections. There were 404 people who died in these facilities with no hospice services, and often they died without dignified symptom-managed care."

"Well, because we have an aging population within the prisons. As I mentioned, there are over 1,000 people over the age of 65 who will be spending the rest of their life in prison. And it is an increased issue and concern, not only for the possible fiscal savings but, most importantly, because of my belief and the belief that all people, regardless of where they reside, should receive dignified end-of-life care."

"So, we have just that little bit of data I shared, but this provides a… a more organized demographic understanding of everything that is happening in our prisons. So, it will provide a full scope of… of better data and demographics so we can better understand what the issues and needs are and how we can address them."

"There is, right now, no limited documentation on program outcomes and inconsistent implementation across facilities. There's no centralized or consistent data on the number of incarcerated people receiving end-of-life care, nor on any of 10400027.docx 110  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 the demographics, such as the age, gender, or disability status of those people residing in prisons, just to begin."

"And, Representative Halbrook, you're out of time. Leader Keicher indicates he'll give you his time."

"Well, ultimately, once we have the data, we can understand how best to provide uniform, consistent, symptom- managed, quality end-of-life care for those people who are dying in our prisons."

"Well, it depends on what the data is, but the plan is to have a better understanding of who needs and who is not receiving quality, dignified end-of-life care and then put into place how we can make that happen."

"Some of what you said is correct, some is not. We have some data. We don't have consistent data. We do not have 10400027.docx 111  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 uniform data. The numbers I gave you from 2019 and 2020 were just some small bits of data we have."

"I do know they already do have this data. It's about putting it together in a… in a comprehensive, organized way. They do already collect this data. We will just be getting it from them."

"So, no additional cost. They are already collecting it."

"To the bill."

"For further discussion, Representative Canty is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Thank you so much. Representative Grasse, it really makes us crazy when legislators come into this chamber and they 10400027.docx 112  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 talk about issues that they don't really know about. Do you even have any experience in the hospice space?"

"I am still a hospice chaplain and have been a hospice chaplain for almost 32 years. Thank you, Representative Canty."

"That sounds like a really long time. How long have you been a State Representative?"

"I have been a State Representative since June of this past year."

"So, would you say that your experience being a hospice chaplain is longer than your experience being a State Representative? I'm… I'm not super great at math all the time."

"Yes, I would."

"Thank you so much. So, does it seem like this is an issue that you have encountered maybe once or twice in your 32 years of being a hospice chaplain?"

"I would say thousands of times, Representative Canty."

"Thank you so much for bringing this bill forward and sharing your experience with us. Is this your first bill?"

"It is my first bill."

"Congratulations on a job well done. I encourage an 'aye' vote."

"With no further debate, Representative Grasse to close."

"This bill received unanimous support in committee. It's also known as the Eddie Thomas Act, named after a man who, unfortunately, died a very difficult, horrible death while in 10400027.docx 113  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 prison, in hopes that we can make that different for other people. So, I urge your support. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2397 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting in 'favor,' 27 voting 'against,' 1 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Gabel is recognized."

"Mr. Speaker, let the record show that Representative Jones is excused for the rest of the day."

"Continuing on House Third Reading bills, House Bill 1866, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar. We have… Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "Representative Guerrero-Cuellar, please proceed."

"Speaker, let me acknowledge, well done. Thank you to the General Assembly. House Bill 1866 is really to extend the repeal date from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2028. Also, it changes the language regarding the E 9-1-1 system, the Enhanced 9-1-1 system, replacing it with the updated Next Generation 9-1-1 system, and I'm open to questions."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates she'll yield." 10400027.docx 114  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Correct."

"Correct."

"No, that will take care of the rates. With the extension, they're going to stay as is."

"Well, it's really our… our 911 for our first responders' operating system, right, to ensure that we have our ambulances and our fire department and our police department are able to get to emergency calls as needed."

"So, this will provide it for the… with populations over 500,000. Every 9-1-1 system in Illinois must provide Next Generation 9-1-1 services by January 1, 2027."

"Yes."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Guerrero-Cuellar to close."

"I encourage an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1866 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 10400027.docx 115  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Order of Third Reading, we have House Bill 2546 with Leader Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Guzzardi, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 2546 is a clarifying change to our Youthful Parole Act. This is a measure that we passed in 2019, which allows individuals who are under the age of 22… under the age of 21, excuse me, when they committed certain types of offenses to apply for parole. The bill, as we passed it originally, sets out a timeline for this process to happen. And the first step in that timeline is the three years before their eligibility, they may file paperwork requesting this hearing. The… the change that we need to make is that certain individuals have been resentenced, and when they get resentenced, they're less than three years away from their eligibility day. So, the… there has been some discrepancy in the interpretation of the original law 'cause the law says three years prior to becoming eligible, the person may file this paperwork. But we want to make sure it says any time up to three years in case you get resentenced to within that three-year window. So, this will just say any day up to three years before you're eligible for review, you may file this petition with the PRB. So, again, this is… the PRB has interpreted this language both ways, so we just want 10400027.docx 116  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 to make it really clear in statute what we mean. There's no known opposition to this bill, and I would urge an 'aye' vote."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates he will."

"My recollection is in the lame duck session in 2019, if I recall correctly."

"It's people under the age of 21 when they committed the offense, and it's only for a certain categories of offense. And some types of offense, you are eligible to apply after serving 10 years. That's the shortest possible duration. Some types of offense after 20 and some after 40 years, if I'm recalling the statute correctly."

"That's correct. They… they will be, yes. That's correct."

"It doesn't even really do… yeah, it doesn't even really do that much. It just clarifies the timeline for when the petitions may be applied for." 10400027.docx 117  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Yeah, and… and the PRB, in some cases, has interpreted it as… as this bill's written that that's what the current law means. And in other cases, they've denied people because it doesn't comport with the… a strict reading of the language of the law. So, that's why we're trying to make this change."

"I appreciate it."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Leader Guzzardi to close."

"I appreciate the debate with Leader Windhorst. I guess I would only say that even if you don't support the underlying bill, this is making that act clearer and easier for our agencies to implement. So, I think an improvement to the law is always a thing worth voting for, and I would ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2546 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. Leader Guzzardi is recognized."

"Mr. Speaker, please, I request that the bill be moved to the Order of Postponed Consideration." 10400027.docx 118  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Mr. Clerk, please place this bill on Postponed Consideration. Moving to page 32 of Third Readings, we have House Bill 79, Leader Haas. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Haas, please proceed."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 79 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on bills on Third Reading, we have House Bill 1461, Leader Hammond. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Hammond, please proceed."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1461 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Second Reading, House Bill 3744 with Representative Hanson. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Hanson to explain the amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. The amendment simply puts the onus on the shipper, rather than the carrier, about the movement of irradiated nuclear fuel or items throughout the state."

"Representative Hanson moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Hanson, please proceed." 10400027.docx 120  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3744 is a public safety initiative, and it's a bill that… that's an initiative of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security. In 1990, the Radiation Protection Act for compatible… the Radiation Protection Act hasn't been updated since 1990. This will bring our state regulations in line with the national… U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's requirements and regulations, and it also increases the notification that a shipper must provide with radiated… irradiated nuclear fuel either within or through the State of Illinois. Takes the… takes the notification time from 7… from 24 hours to seven days."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"That's correct. We haven't updated our law since 1990, and we are actually required to be compatible based on the Atomic Energy Act of 1954."

"Correct, yeah. It's… it's the responsibility of the shipper, rather than the carrier, to provide the information to IEMA, the state police, and any agencies that are going to 10400027.docx 121  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 be possibly receiving either shipment in or through their area."

"There being no further debate, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3744 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on Orders of Second Reading, we have House Bill 1607 with Representative Harper. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Harper to explain House Floor Amendment 2."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask that House Floor Amendment 2 be adopted. It simply replaces designee with a designee who shall serve as a nonvoting advisory member of the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts."

"Representative Harper moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?" 10400027.docx 122  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Representative Harper to explain House Floor Amendment #3."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for the adoption of House Floor Amendment #3, which simply replaces the Office of Lieutenant Governor with the Department of Public Health."

"Representative Harper moves adoption of Floor Amendment #3. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Harper, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I am blessed to present House Bill 1607, which creates the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts. The commission will be housed in the Department of Public Health and will focus on the effectiveness of current state-led efforts while advising the General Assembly on the best practices and policies that will lead to the elimination of food deserts. I know of no opposition, and I encourage an 'aye' vote."

"Leader Windhorst for discussion."

"She indicates she'll yield." 10400027.docx 123  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"It's a commission to eliminate food deserts."

"That is correct."

"Yes, but most importantly, it takes into account voices from across the state, knowing that there's no one-size-fits- all approach to solving food deserts because they're happening for different reasons in different spaces. It takes into account many different stakeholders all across this state, again, as they not only evaluate the current ways that we've been working as a state to eliminate food deserts but also giving us recommendations on perhaps more policies and programs that could help us eliminate them faster for the sake of the public health of Illinois."

"It does include a definition, but it is our existing definition that we've been working on."

"Not that I know of."

Speaker Morgan: "For further discussion, Representative Halbrook."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Sure. As stated in the bill, '"Food desert" means a geographic area where people have limited access to affordable, healthy, and nutritious food. "Food desert" includes a food desert as defined by Economic Research Report Number 140 of the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, August 2012.'"

"I can't tell you if there's been anything updated from the USDA, but I know that from passing the food desert report here in the State of Illinois, I don't know, maybe eight years ago, that we also codified our own definition here in the State of Illinois. And that is also included here in this bill. We are making no changes to the definition of a food desert, which I'm sure we're all very clear on what that means 10400027.docx 125  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 here in the State of Illinois. I also want to remind everyone here that I am proud that my Members of the Agriculture Committee passed this bill unanimously. And after many valuable conversations, we passed these three amendments unanimously as well. And I want to thank the five chief cosponsors and the 17 and counting cosponsors for their faith in this bill."

"What was passed eight years ago was one of my very first bills on this subject when I got to the General Assembly, and I learned that food deserts were not on the subject of anyone here. And coming from a community where most of the people are dying prematurely from preventable diet-related diseases, especially those in my household, I just found that unconscionable. So, what the bill that I passed then simply tracked the food deserts. And since then, there are a lot of Representatives on this floor who have used that tracking to provide the basis for passing their bills to help to remedy our food deserts. And so, again, that bill was simply to track the locations of the food deserts throughout this state and give a report to the General Assembly on where those… where those locations are. And so, now that we are tracking them, moving forward with a commission will actually help us to put some tangible solutions in place that will really help us increase healthy and affordable food access for people all 10400027.docx 126  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 across the State of Illinois who are living and dying in food deserts."

Speaker Morgan: "Real quick, Representative. Representative Miller is giving you more time, Representative."

"So, I can't tell you how many areas, but I passed a bill that makes the Department of Public Health send you a report every single year that details the… those locations. So, Representative, I bet if you check your email that report from the Department of Public Health, which, again, comes out yearly because of the bill that I passed years ago, is in your email inbox and you already have that information."

"Let's see here. The commission has a number of members. And as you know, in order to be fully functional, you definitely want to have it staffed, but you just have to meet quorum. And so, it looks like we have about 16… about maybe 20, right just under 30 members of this commission, sir."

"There are various reasons for why food deserts exist in various areas. For example, in my community in West Englewood, Chicago, there are different reasons that there are food deserts perhaps down in Washington County. And so, it will be the work of this commission to look at county by county, region by region what those specific reasons or what are those specific criteria that are causing those areas to be food deserts. And, in fact, that in itself will help to guide the advice and the recommendations that will come from this commission that hopefully we will be able to adopt some of those here on the House floor sooner rather than later, before more people die prematurely simply because of perhaps what zip code they live in or what county they live in doesn't have an adequate amount of grocery retailers."

"To the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "For additional discussion, Representative Deering."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"I'm sorry, Representative, can you repeat the question for me? It's kind of loud."

"I do not, but that is the reason that I have proposed this commission, so that we can test the effectiveness of our current efforts to address food deserts. And so, I am hopeful that it's making a difference. To be honest, I can't feel the difference in my community, in my food desert that I've been living in for the past 40 years, but I am hopeful that it will reach."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Harper to close."

"Thank you. I encourage an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1607 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 95 voting in 'favor,' 9 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to bills on the Order of Third Reading, we have House Bill 1141 with Representative Hauter. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Hauter, please proceed."

"For discussion, Representative Costa Howard."

"Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Representative, I… I think we all agree that policy is a good thing that insurance covers basic health care. Do 10400027.docx 131  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 we have an estimate about what… if this will have a budget impact?"

"Okay, thank you. Is this something that you see in your practice that you're going to benefit from?"

"Okay, but your practice, since this is your practice, you see this firsthand and… and there will be an impact in your practice, correct?"

"Thank you."

"For further discussion, Leader Keicher."

"He indicates he'll yield."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Hauter to close."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1141 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 33, we have 10400027.docx 133  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 House Bill 1375 with Representative Barbara Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "Representative Barbara Hernandez, please proceed." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HB30… 1375 establishes a student teaching stipend program to support the financial needs of students pursuing teaching careers and to address the state teacher shortage. The Board of Higher Education is responsible for overseeing the program, providing technical assistance, and adopting rules for administration. This is subject to appropriation, and this bill is actually similar to one we passed last year, which was HB4652. It passed the House, but it was stuck in the Senate. This would also allow $10,000 to go to students… well, the stipend program, and then 2,000 for the cooperating teachers."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"For further discussion, Representative Reick."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Representative Reick, your time's expired, but I believe that Leader Haas has given you an extra five minutes."

"To the bill."

"For further discussion, Representative Crespo."

"Thank you, Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"She indicates she'll yield."

"So, Representative, I heard you say that the projected cost of the program, if fully implemented, would be like $60 million, correct?" Hernandez, B.: "Fully, yes. We're only requesting 10."

"How… how did you arrive to $60 million?" Hernandez, B.: "Well, if we do the math, on average student teaching is around 521 hours, which is an equivalent to at least 7,815. If student teachers were to earn minimum wage, some programs go above the amount while others go below. So, that's our estimate of why we want to give up to $10,000 for student."

"So, how… how many students are you projecting would be eligible for the grant?" Hernandez, B.: "I believe we… we don't have the specific number of the data. However, from the past conversations, it's close to… I believe we said it was close to 5,000." 10400027.docx 138  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Okay. And that would… that number is key because that's going to help establish how much the program could potentially cost. We've made wrong assumptions in the House before and has results in programs that have cost us a lot more than what we projected. So, I… I think we need to be careful when we try to quantify. I appreciate the fact that you are able to quantify how much it's going to cost. Has the Governor's Office given you an opinion on this? And the reason I ask is because during the governor's introduced budget, he did say that if we propose… if anyone proposes a new program, they need to identify where that money's going to come from or what program is going to… at the expense at what other program. Has the governor given an opinion on that, on this bill?" Hernandez, B.: "I have not talked to the governor about this bill."

"Okay. And… and to the bill, folks. You've heard me say this before."

"To the bill."

"Every time you pass a bill that's subject to appropriations, you create a line item. Once you create a line item, you're leaving it up to a handful of people to decide whether that gets funded or not. And I'll give you a good example. We had the Healthy School Meals for All that… that Leader West passed several years ago. Ladies and gentlemen, those people are still waiting for those meals. The program is going to cost over $200 million. So, my question to you is, if you support this, are you supporting that as well, and which one should we prioritize first? You 10400027.docx 139  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 can ask for everything. You can't have it all. We need to start prioritizing what we want, and at the end of the day, taxpayers are going to pay for this. And at this rate, we're just going to run out of taxpayers' dollars to spend. So, again, be careful when you pass these bills that are subject to appropriations because you're, in fact, creating a line item that's going to put pressure on us and the taxpayers to fund it. So, please keep that in mind."

"For further discussion, Leader Stuart."

"Thank you, Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Thank you. Thank you, Representative, for bringing this forward. I just have a couple of questions. Are you aware, do we have a shortage of teachers across our schools, across the entire state, across all sorts of subject matters and ages and… and everything else?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes, we do."

"Is it a requirement for those seeking teacher certification to do student teaching?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes, it is."

"So, they're absolutely required to do this?" Hernandez, B.: "Yes."

"Are you aware that they are not allowed to have outside employment while they are doing their student teaching?" Hernandez, B.: "I'm not aware. I believe they do have a full-time job, if they're able to handle it."

"I… I've supervised student teachers. They're not allowed to have an outside job while they are doing their student teaching semester. So, I would guess, I'm sure you probably 10400027.docx 140  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 would agree, that lots of these students still have to pay rent and fees, and they are still paying tuition, and yet they are not allowed to have outside employment during the time that they're student teaching. Would you agree with that?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."

"So, in this day and age, almost every college student does some type of an internship. Oftentimes, they are paid quite well during that internship. And would you agree that this is pretty similar to an internship, and yet this is unpaid?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."

"Okay. And would you like to help solve the shortage of teachers that we have in the State of Illinois?" Hernandez, B.: "Of course I will."

"I… I would very much too. I realize that this could be an expensive proposition for the State of Illinois, but to the bill."

"To the bill."

"I would argue… I would argue that this is expensive, but what's more expensive is an entire generation of uneducated students because we cannot get teachers in the classroom. When we have classrooms that are constantly covered by substitute teachers, when you have a teacher who has to cover two and three classes at the same time, when you have a teacher that never gets planning time because they are constantly pulled away to cover because there are not enough teachers in the classrooms, we are in a dire situation. We are in a dire situation, and we need teachers. This is a 10400027.docx 141  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 barrier for those seeking licensure. It's an expensive barrier to have to do your student teaching completely unpaid. This goes back to the history of the sexist nature of the fact that teachers tend to be overwhelmingly female. Overwhelmingly female. And the expectation is that they were taken care of by a man, so it's okay that their salaries are low. And this is just the beginning of it, that teachers are expected to do a lot of work for free. And this is where it starts. And if we don't start to fix this problem, our classrooms will remain empty of those highly qualified teachers that we all want our students to have. So, if you don't want to have huge class sizes, if you don't want your kids being taught by substitutes, a different teacher every single day in the first grade is not a way to learn literacy. If you don't want those situations to happen, then you need to support things like this, and we have to do the work to figure out the way to fund things like this. So, again, thank you very much, Representative, for bringing this forward."

"For further discussion, Representative Ugaste."

"The sponsor will yield."

"To the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "For further discussion, Representative Halbrook."

"She'll yield. Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Barbara Hernandez to close." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, everyone. I think this bill is very important to the students that are seeking to be our future educators here in Illinois. They… although if the colleges fix what the Representative was saying, right now, there's a lot of economy issues, as we're seeing. The stock market is crashing, and people still need to pay groceries, rent, and other medical issues that they might have and balances. Therefore, this is something to be able to help them seek their goals, and maybe we should focus on other issues later on but… that relate to the… what the Representative wants to do. However, right now, this is about a bill that will educate individuals, keeps people in our colleges, and be able to help them in this financial need. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1375 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting in 'favor,' 23 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to Order of Second Reading, on page 24, we have 10400027.docx 147  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 House Bill 3385 from Norma Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Out of the record. On Third Reading, page 33, we have House Bill 1312 from Representative Hirschauer. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Hirschauer, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1312 amends the State Commemorative Dates Act to provide that the governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the third Friday in September in each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day. Currently, we must designate POW/MIA Recognition Day via resolution every year. This change was requested by an active group of constituents in my district comprised of service members and families of service members who are part of my local veterans' advisory committee. They are advocating for this permanent designation to reflect the seriousness of the issue and to reinforce our commitment to remembering and honoring our POWs and those missing in action. I would especially like to recognize Bill and Traci Wood, who are technically constituents of Leader Ugaste, but they worked with the 49th District's veterans' committee to get this bill passed. Bill and Traci both have uncles who are still missing in action from the Vietnam War. This legislation honors… 10400027.docx 148  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 honors Bill's uncle, Air Force Major Ronald Mayercik, and Traci's uncle, Thomas Pilkington, of the U.S. Navy. In honor of Bill and Traci's uncles and all those families across Illinois, I ask for your 'aye' vote."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1312 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' 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 question, there are 106 voting in 'favor', 0 voting 'opposed', 0 voting 'present.' And this bill shall have received a constitutional majority and is hereby declared passed. Staying on the Order of Third Reading, on page 32, we have House Bill 1082 from Representative Johnson. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Johnson, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1082 amends the Illinois Municipal Auditing Law. It changes the requirements for municipalities' annual audits for those whose population are under 1,000. Rather than having to pay an auditing firm annually to file the report, that requirement will be moved to every four years, with an annual financial report for the other three years. Of course, there is the understanding that any report that contains an adverse opinion, then the audit report must be filed annually until such time that the audit report is clear of adverse opinion or disclaimer opinions. At the request of the Comptroller's Office, the effective date 10400027.docx 149  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 is Fiscal Year '27. This is an IML initiative. It is also supported by the Illinois CPA Society."

Speaker Morgan: "For discussion, Representative Swanson is recognized."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Johnson to close."

"(unintelligible) for your comments. It's important to point out that this is going to impact nearly half of the municipalities here in the State of Illinois, 639. So, I… I want to compliment IML for this initiative. And there were discussions about expanding it even further, and I think those discussions will continue in the subsequent years. Thank you, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1082 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting 10400027.docx 150  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 37, and we have House Bill 2387 from Representative Katz Muhl. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Katz Muhl, please proceed."

"Thank you. House Bill 2387 may be familiar to some people. We ran this last year in the House with a vote of 99 in 'favor.' The bill seeks to address a gap in our law regarding outpatient treatment. For people who are currently on pretrial release for felony charges, their mental health needs are typically addressed in their prerelease hearing. But in the event while they are out on release symptoms should arise, there is a gap in that there is not circuit court jurisdiction to address outpatient mental health needs. So, this bill would look to fill that gap so that in the event somebody has mental illness arise during that window, they would be able to have an appropriate hearing and have outpatient treatment provided. The bill was brought by Mental Health America, and as those who were in committee will remember, the Sheriffs' Association also sat with us at the table in agreement that this gap should be filled. Appreciated the unanimous vote in the committee, and I'm open to take any questions on the bill. Thank you." 10400027.docx 151  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"Indicates she'll yield."

"No, we're only addressing outpatient."

"Correct. We are only changing involuntary outpatient."

"That is correct."

"No, we're still working on some technical questions that came up very late, but everyone is in agreement that the bill will help fill a gap in mental health care and that we should move forward."

"I believe Mental Health America will discuss directly, and if we need them, we'll do them. But it's not clear that we do. We're still working through that question." 10400027.docx 152  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"To make sure that somebody who is on pretrial release who has symptoms of a mental health illness arise can properly have involuntary outpatient care through the circuit court."

"You're welcome."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Katz Muhl to close."

"Thank you, and I urge an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2387 pass?' All in favor say… vote 'aye'; all opposed say… vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the roll. On this question, there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'present,' 0 voting 'against.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, House Bill 2537 with Representative La Ha. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative La Ha for 20… House Bill 2537 is recognized."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2537 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 32, we have House Bill 1085 with Representative LaPointe. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative LaPointe, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HB1085 is about behavioral health access and affordability. This bill applies to commercial insurance that's regulated by the state, so not Medicaid. We're talking about Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, et cetera. I'm very proud that this bill passed this chamber last year on a vote of 86 to 20. The specific part of access and affordability that this bill gets to the heart of 10400027.docx 154  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 is the pervasive problem of inadequate commercial insurance networks when it comes to behavioral health. So, in more human language, what this means is even though people have insurance and they pay their monthly premium, when they go to use that insurance for mental health care, like therapy for yourself or your kid, or psychiatry, you cannot find a provider who will take your insurance. When this happens, which is very common, people either forgo care all together, they keep looking for another provider that does take their insurance, or, and this happens all the time, they pay out of pocket for regular therapy of psychiatry, which can run at a $150 a pop to 300 a pop. So, this turns into a cost-of-living issue. The losers in this game are consumers like us who need mental health support, our friends, our neighbors. The other losers in this game are our behavioral health professionals, therapists, psychiatrists. They have to choose between forcing their clients to pay out of pocket or accepting dismally low insurance reimbursement rates from our commercial insurance companies. So, this bill does two big things. It increases the reimbursement rates from our commercial insurance payers to providers and then it reduces the administrative burden that our providers have to face that keep them from joining insurance networks. I'm happy to go over those administrative burdens, but I'll leave it at that, Speaker, and see if folks have questions."

"For discussion, we'll turn to Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates she'll yield." 10400027.docx 155  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"In the bill it is set at 141% of Medicare, and that is a benchmark for providing true parody between behavioral health and medical surgical health care that health care policy experts and actuaries have agreed is a very appropriate benchmark."

"I think I'm understanding your question. The Medicare fee schedule for all of health care that is publicly available, we can all access it. And so, what this bill is saying, for instance, for 60 minutes of psychotherapy, for instance, a company like Blue Cross Blue Shield would have to reimburse providers who take state-regulated commercial insurance here in Illinois no less than 141% of Medicare. And if… if you want me to tell you what that rate is, I can do that too."

"Okay. So… and it varies a little by region. So, 60 minutes of psychotherapy by a psychologist in Chicago, under this bill, 141% of Medicare would be $193, and the current Medicare fee schedule is $137."

"I'm very aware. We've been in great conversations for about two years." 10400027.docx 156  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Happy to do so. That… that sounds like an accurate recap of their position, in addition to some… some discomfort with putting specific rates into statute, but yes. Here's why many of us disagree with that assertion that this bill will raise premiums. Behavioral health care costs are about, if you take out medication, about 3% of all health care spending is behavioral health, 3%. So, if we're going to spend a little bit more on behavioral health, when it's only 3% of all health care spending, I… I have a very hard time believing that that is going to increase premiums. And on top of that, it is well documented across health care research that when we actually have a system where people can access behavioral health and get their needs addressed, it saves money on physical health care. So, they're alleging the premiums will increase. It's very difficult to get insurance companies to show their math. We disagree that that will happen. We also, thanks to this chamber, have a rate review statute on the books. So, the Department of Insurance now has to engage in rate review and, essentially, direct commercial insurance companies to really show their math when they are proposing premium increases. So, we think that is a strong mitigating force to the assertion that this will raise premiums." 10400027.docx 157  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"No."

"It does… it does not employ the… excuse me. It does not apply to state employee health plans, but it applies to all other state-regulated commercial insurance plans in the state."

"I would go back to that this idea that this is going to increase cost is an assertion that many of us do not buy, for the reasons I already indicated. And then our rate review statute, which is finally going to come into effect very soon, serves as a mitigating force. And I would also outline that there's a cost to doing nothing. Our constituents, and in fact many Reps and Senators in this chamber and reporters I've talked to about this bill, they are bearing the cost now by paying out of pocket $300, $200 for their therapy sessions on top of their monthly premiums. And so, that is what this bill is trying to stop so we can incentivize behavioral health providers to actually join networks."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative LaPointe to close."

"Really appreciate the bipartisan support on this bill. And I just want to emphasize that in the two years that we've been working on this, we have met so many people who 10400027.docx 158  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 immediately recognize the value of this because they have been burdened by paying out of pocket for their mental health care. And all too often, we let the commercial… commercial insurance industry off the hook. We… all of us can get behind affordable and accessible behavioral health care. We've got to hold the insurance industry accountable for covering the care that we are already paying for. Thank you, Speaker."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1085 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; and all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting in 'favor,' 33 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Evans in the Chair."

"On page 41 in the calendar, House Bills-Third Reading, we have House Bill 3094, Leader Mah. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Leader Mah is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3094 builds on legislation that we passed in the 103rd General Assembly and has been well into its implementation. This bill simply builds on that and adds part-time workers to the benefits that are required to… to be offered to them. The federal government taxed… the federal tax code includes a provision whereby employees may only access this provision through their employer where they're able to buy transit passes at a pretax 10400027.docx 159  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 rate. And this is something that has been very popular in its implementation, and we are now extending the benefit to part- time workers. I'm happy to answer any questions."

"Any questions? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicated she will."

"It includes part-time employees in the calculation of the number of employees that need to be reached for an employer to offer this benefit."

"Yes. At the request of IBEW, we made a change that excluded workers in the construction industry under a bargaining agreement simply because many of them seek employment through an employment hall system. And many of their workers are not… are transient and… and move from company to company, and so we excluded them from eligibility."

"Leader Mah to close."

"I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3094 pass?' All in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; all those opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 10400027.docx 160  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 69 voting 'yes,' 37 voting 'no,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 4 of the calendar, House Bills-Second Reading, we have House Bill 1287, Representative Manley. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Manley on the amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can we adopt the amendment and discuss it on Third?"

"Representative Manley moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Read the bill on Third Reading."

"Representative Manley."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1287 is an initiative of the Illinois Ombudsman Program. They conducted an informal survey of long-term care homes and discovered that 54% of nursing homes already have one, at least one, AED. Of the 543 nursing homes asked, 292 already have it. That works out to the 54%. We'd like them all to have it. And to address the 10400027.docx 161  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 cost, we are extending the effective date until January 1 of 2030 to allow nursing homes sufficient time to prepare for the budgetary impact. The goal is to change this to address industry concerns of the cost. The average cost is 1500 to 3000 dollars, depending on the model chosen. Some cost more. Almost 40% of the homes already have found ways to pay for AEDs. Number two, address the concerns about the new role. It removes the AED medical director that was in the initial language, instead refers to the AED Act to ensure the AED is properly maintained. This aligns with the language in other acts requiring AEDs. AED training is already part of the BLS, Basic Life Support training clinic… trained clinical staff are already required to complete. Removed reference to all types of licensed long-term care homes except nursing homes. And this change was part of the negotiations to get the industry to neutral. I'll take any questions."

"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst."

"She indicated she will."

"Everybody was neutral. We all worked together. It was actually a great experience. We all sat in the same room. We kind of hashed it out and came to an agreement and was able to get this passed in its current form." 10400027.docx 162  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"Representative Manley to close."

"Please vote 'yes.'"

"Question is, 'Shall House Bill 1287 pass?' All in favor say (sic-vote) 'aye'; all opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And the bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward in the calendar, page 37, House Bills- Third Reading, we have House Bill 2339, Leader McCombie. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"The leader is recognized."

"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2339 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 34 in the calendar, House Bills-Third Reading, at the top of the page, we have House Bill 1388, Representative Meyers-Martin. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Meyers-Martin."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1388 is a refiled bill from last session. It passed out of the House and went over to the Senate, became part of an omnibus bill, which never got concurrence from this body. So, House Bill 1388 amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides the Illinois Gaming Board shall allow sworn law enforcement personnel employed by the board who retire in good standing to keep their previously issued board identification cards as well as identification indicating their separation from service and 10400027.docx 164  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 identify that person as being employed by the board as a sworn law enforcement personnel. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicated she will."

"They actually came to committee. The morning of the committee hearing, they said that they had information of… negative information on gaming agents. However, AFSCME has guaranteed that their members are in high standing, and, of course, no bill can address all bad apples."

"Thank you."

"Representative Meyers-Martin to close."

"I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1388 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all the opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting 'yes,' 1 voting 'no,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving forward in the calendar, page 41 of House Bills-Third Reading, at the bottom of the page, we have House Bill 3214, Representative Moeller. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Moeller is recognized."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3214 requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to study the implications of becoming what is called a Medicare Part A Buy-In state. Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreements are made between state Medicaid agencies and federal CMS to help streamline the Medicare enrollment process for eligible Medicare beneficiaries who do not qualify for premium-free Part A coverage. Part A covers hospitalizations, rehab stays, and some home health services. Thirty-seven other states have entered into these agreements with CMS because it has been shown that these agreements streamline enrollment for beneficiaries and, by making Medicare benefits more accessible, can save the state from paying for these services with Medicaid dollars. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is fully federally funded. HFS is neutral on the bill. The bill passed out of the Human Services Committee unanimously, and I know of no opposition. The bill is supported by a coalition, including the Jewish United Fund, AgeOptions, Legal Council for Health Justice, Justice in Aging, Shriver… Shriver Center on Poverty Law, and CJE SeniorLife. Would ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicated she will."

"There is no cost." 10400027.docx 166  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"That is correct."

"Yes."

"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3214 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'no,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 36 of the calendar, House Bills-Third Reading, we have House Bill 1806, Representative… Leader Morgan. Leader Morgan is recognized. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Leader Morgan."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy to present House Bill 1806, the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act. In short, what we're finding is more and more people are going online looking for behavioral health services. And what they're finding is sometimes AI is stepping in the way and stepping in between them and their health care provider. So, this is a protective act to make sure those who are licensed in Illinois to provide the care that they otherwise would be providing are not getting usurped by those bots out there pretending to be providing behavioral health care. Obviously, 10400027.docx 167  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 this is an important issue. We want to make sure we're getting them to the right kind of professionals for the help that they need. This bill will do that. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates he will."

"Well, we already have enforcement on a lot of different areas, just like this, right, where somebody's pretending to be a licensed health care professional. So, this really is exactly the same kind of enforcement. In this case, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation steps in if those are holding themselves out to be a therapist or a psychologist and they're really not. So, the enforcement will be the same. What's different here is that more and more consumers are going online looking for these kinds of services and are not getting the disclosure that these are not, in fact, licensed professionals. So, it's both a disclosure bill but really a protection for those in Illinois looking for these kinds of services."

"Yeah, and… and I think this is, again, consistent with what we do now if you set up a practice and you hold yourself out as a doctor or medical office. The department still has the enforcement mechanism against entities and businesses that hold themselves out as a licensed entity. This is really consistent with that. I believe the penalties are identical to what we already have today."

"They're supportive."

"Also supportive. I know of no opposition to the bill."

"Seeing no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill'… further discussion? Representative Spain is recognized."

"Indicates he will."

"That's correct."

"Not in this bill. I actually have a different bill I hope to bring to the chamber very soon, but it would not be in this legislation."

"Thank you, leader."

"Leader Morgan to close."

"I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1806 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And the bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving back to page 14 of the calendar, House Bills-Second Reading, we have House Bill 2675, Representative Moylan. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."

"Representative Moylan on the amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. House Floor Amendment #3 is a gut and replace amendment. The amendment becomes the bill and maintains its original intent. House Floor Amendment #3 makes some minor grammatical changes, corrections as House Amendment #2 and adds painted markings as suitable temporary signage to alert pedestrians and cyclists to the dangerous conditions."

"Representative Moylan moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment #3. All in favor say 'aye'; the opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Please read the bill on Third Reading."

"Representative Moylan on Third Reading."

"Thank you. House Bill Amendment 2675 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to require authorities managing public paved bike trials to install permanent signs, warning cyclists and pedestrians of highway crossings, unless there is already a traffic control device. And I respectfully ask for a 'yes' vote."

"Any debate? Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates he will." 10400027.docx 171  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"That's correct."

"Yes, sir."

"When bicyclists went across a highway situation, they want to make there was some signage."

"That's correct."

"Yes, sir."

"Representative Moylan to close."

"I respectfully ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2675 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'no,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Morgan in the Chair." 10400027.docx 172  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Continuing on… Morgan in the Chair. Continuing on with Third Reading, House Bill 1432, Representative Ness. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Ness, when you're ready, please proceed."

"Oh, thank you, Speaker. House Bill 1432 is an initiative of the Treasurer's Office to create an account similar to what we did with Bright Start for every child born in Illinois. This would create an ABLE account for every individual that qualifies for one of those accounts. So, just to remind the body, an ABLE account, Achieving a Better Life Experience for all, is an account for people with individual… I'm sorry, with developmental disabilities that they can use these funds to fund things that they might need in their lives, technical devices, upgrading their home to live more independently. These do not affect their benefits. And I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Yes, it is. The estimate is about 200,000. But what we're trying to do with this bill is to get it in statute so that the agency can start setting up the structure when we go to… to be able to fund it."

"We haven't… we haven't formally created anything yet. I mean, I'd like to ideally, but I also understand the restraints."

"Leader Keicher is recognized."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Well, one of the… it'll be based on funding, and it's also being set up as, like, a match account. So, if a family puts in so much, the State of Illinois, we could match that up to a point, depending on availability of funds. But it would be, you know, largely based on people that open them…"

"…and then we would match that."

"They just need to be eligible for the account."

"That's the eligibility."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Ness to close." 10400027.docx 174  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Thank you. I just want to say this is one of those areas that I think is really important to the people that these accounts serve. It's something for their families. It's something for them to invest in to really build that better quality of life for individuals with… individuals with disabilities. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1432 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 1 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with Third Reading, we have, on page 32, House Bill 1108 with Representative Meier. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Meier, please proceed."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1108 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 105 voting in 'favor,' 1 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 36, we have House Bill 1852 with Representative Rashid… 1859, forgive me. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 1859, please read the bill."

"Representative Rashid, please proceed."

"Thank you, everyone. This bill would prevent community colleges from being able to use artificial intelligence to replace college instructors. This is really important to protect the quality of our education so that people… accreditations from community colleges mean something and, of course, to… to protect the instructors. And it passed out of committee unanimously. I know of no opposition. I ask for your support."

"There being no discussion, 'Shall'… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1859 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted 10400027.docx 176  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 87 voting in 'favor,' 17 voting 'against,' 1 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Second Reading, on… on page 22, we have House Bill 3278 with Representative Mason. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Mason, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a simple House Bill. It directs the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to create a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan as it relates to preproduction plastic pellets. Everybody say that fast with me three times. Those are the pieces of plastic that go to a manufacturer and then are made into plastic things. There is a lot of loose debris that is lost in transportation. So, after a year, the EPA will have to create a plan to address this. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates she'll yield." 10400027.docx 177  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Correct, as it relates to the plastic pellets."

"Yes."

"We do not. They have a year to study and determine what that plan should be."

"Correct."

"Yeah. They were opposed to the underlying bill. I do not believe that they were opposed to the amendment. So, the underlying bill had an actual pollution plan that had to be developed. And what we did with the amendment is gut and replaced it and turned it into having the EPA study this and create a future plan rather than dictating what that plan should be."

"Yeah, I don't think so. But I don't see it as any different as any of the other agencies doing, you know, deciding what they need to do in the course of their work."

"We do not. It would be in their normal course of business."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Mason to close."

"I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3278 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 68 votes in 'favor,' 38 votes 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, have received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Third Readings, on page 32, we have House Bill 226, 226 with Representative Ryan. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Ryan, please proceed."

"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present House Bill 226, legislation to crack down on dishonest companies who prey on the vulnerable. House Bill 226 makes it unlawful for companies to send mail that claims the recipients home warranty is expiring and requesting payment to renew a 10400027.docx 179  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 policy that doesn't exist. If the resident does not currently have a home warranty with that company, this bill makes it unlawful to solicit them. If implemented, companies that continue to mislead homeowners with this scheme would be subject to monetary penalties under the state's Consumer Fraud and Deception Practices Act. This bill passed committee unanimously."

"Leader Guzzardi for discussion."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Representative, you said the bill passed committee unanimously. Who was on that committee?"

"Moe, Larry, Curly, and I forget the fourth guy's name, but I… I wasn't there. This was Leader Hoffman's bill originally."

"Oh, this bill was an initiative of Leader Hoffman. That explains maybe some of the defects in the underlying language."

"Possibly."

"Representative, is this your first bill today?"

"It is."

"Thank you so much for joining us. We're really happy to have you. And despite this being a Leader Hoffman initiative, I… I think we can probably get around to supporting it."

"Thank you for your support."

"Representative Ryan to close."

"I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."

"There being no further discussion to malign Leader Hoffman, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 22'… 10400027.docx 180  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Representative Ryan. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 226 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Readings, on House Bill 40… on page 42, we have House Bill 3391 with Representative Sanalitro. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Sanalitro, please proceed."

"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3391 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 36, we have House Bill 1865 from Representative Scherer, 10400027.docx 181  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 who's going to be presented by Representative Blair-Sherlock. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Blair-Sherlock, on behalf of Representative Scherer."

"Thank you. I would ask that Leader Windhorst be nice to me on this bill. Okay. All right. So, House Bill 1865 amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the… give me a second, in that it prohibits insurance agents from, in certain circumstances, selling policies to individuals who are in nursing homes… doesn't completely prohibit, let me get there… in nursing homes over 65 or who have mental deficiencies that would render them incapable of understanding what's going on. So, they can't solicit them in the nursing home or a long- term care facility, and they can be directed to discuss it with members of that person's family or their representatives. It also says that they cannot change the policy without a waiting period, and it changes the unfair and deceptive agreements, being voidable by the director… and give me one more second. Oh, and then there's also a section on disruptive changes to a nursing home resident that it's unlawful practice within the meaning of the act for nursing home or long-term care facility to make substantive changes likely to be disruptive to a resident or move the resident's place of living without prior approval from a family member, guardian, or power of attorney of the resident if they suffer from dementia or suffer from medical condition that reduces their capacity. I would ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 10400027.docx 182  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Correct."

"Correct. Yes."

"Correct."

"Correct."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Blair-Sherlock to close."

"I think this is a great bill, and I would ask for your 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1865 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting 10400027.docx 183  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 100 vote… 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with Orders of Third Reading, on page 32, we have House Bill 1120 with Representative Schmidt. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Schmidt, please proceed."

"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1120 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 36, we have House Bill 1938 with Representative Sheehan. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Sheehan, please proceed." 10400027.docx 184  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion on Representative Sheehan's bill, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1938 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on… continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 33, we have House Bill 1225 with Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Slaughter, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House. House Bill 1225 aims to make critical improvements to our Business Enterprise Program. It supports small minority and veteran-owned businesses across our state. Many of you might be aware that our last comprehensive BEP report has us drastically underachieving to meet our 30% BEP goal. Out of our 23.5 billion in spending, only 5.5%, that's 10400027.docx 185  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 approximately 1.5 billion, went to BEP-qualified vendors. HB1225 addresses how our state procures for goods and how it can support smaller reseller businesses in their efforts to submit lower bids for contracts. In situations where resellers are working with manufacturers on pricing, typically we see larger resellers receiving significantly better deals, better pricing than our smaller resellers. As a result, larger resellers are always able to ultimately provide a lower bid and, thus, win the contract. The smaller businesses' costs are simply too high to compete. As it relates to resellers, HB1225 would allow, not require, but would allow state agencies and public universities to level the playing field by giving smaller businesses the same big volume discounts larger businesses routinely receive by requiring a best consumer price policy. With this bill, the manufacturer would provide documentation that they have extended the same best customer pricing to all of the potential suppliers or resellers regardless of their size or ownership. Again, this initiative is permissive. We have made this, or changed this, from a 'shall' to a 'may.' Our Black business leaders, and the Business Leaders Council, as well as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and also the Veterans Chamber of Commerce had been at the forefront of this bill. I urge a 'yes' vote on House Bill 1225."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"May do it."

"They're… they're allowed to, right?"

"They're not required to."

"That's right, and they would have to, you know, guarantee or show… disclose that they have done so and has provided the same consumer pricing to… to a potential reseller, no matter the size or the… the ownership."

"I mean, I don't think that it will lead to… to higher prices. Again, what we're doing is leveling the playing field. I would say want to focus more so on that. I haven't heard the argument that it would drive up prices. There is no opposition, or at least no one has slipped in opposition in that regard. So, I would… I would more focus on the fact that we're leveling the playing field for everybody and anybody else." 10400027.docx 187  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"For further discussion, Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he'll yield." Davis, W.: "Representative, I appreciate what you're attempting to do, as I've done similar measures, kind of, in the construction space to try to encourage participation with smaller minority businesses who are trying to do business with the state. So, I… I appreciate this. When you say… when you changed from… from 'shall' to 'may,' which makes it permissive, do you have any mechanisms that go back to verify that if someone did not use it, since it's a 'may' situation and they did a procurement, that there was a lower price out there that they could have chosen?"

"Yeah. I mean, that particular agency and/or state university would be able to, in the procurement process, verify that." Davis, W.: "Well, see, the thing is, I want to make sure. Because when you give them the authority to kind of make their own decision, the question is, are they actually using the lowest priced good or services out there. So, maybe not for out of the House, but maybe consider if there's some mechanism that could be put in place, maybe through the CPO's office, where 10400027.docx 188  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 they have to then verify that that indeed was the lowest price available for that good or service."

"Chair Davis, that's noted. And, you know, both you and I know, as we implement these reforms to our procurement process, it is important that we stay vigilant and on top of these… these measures in that regard. So, I totally agree with you." Davis, W.: "So, thank… thank you very much for this. I certainly encourage everyone to support this mechanism as we are trying to help small businesses. Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "For… no further discussion, Representative Slaughter to close."

"Yeah, let's do something to level the playing field here, make sure that we're putting forth an effort to ensure that we have equity in regards to how our procurements are done. Let's improve our BEP program. Let's support our minority-owned and veteran-owned in small businesses. I urge a 'yes' vote on House Bill 1225. Thanks."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1225 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 76 votes in 'favor,' 29 votes 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having declared… received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continue on the Order of Third Reading, on page 35, we have House Bill 1758 with Leader Smith. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400027.docx 189  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Rep.… Leader Smith, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1758 gives all state officials who are responsible for state property an extra month to file the Annual Real Property Utilization Report to the director of CMS. This report covers all the real property owned by the state and what to do with it. Currently, the report must be filed by July 31 of each year. This simply extends that date to August 31 of each year. There is no opposition, and this bill passed out of committee unanimously."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1758 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 39, House Bill 2667, Leader Spain. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Spain, please proceed."

"Seeing no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2667 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 1 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 34, we have House Bill 1597, Representative Stava-Murray. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Stava-Murray, please proceed."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates she'll yield."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Stava-Murray to close."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1597 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 102 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Keicher is recognized."

"Thank you, Leader. Continuing on with Third Readings, on page 34, we have House Bill 1502 with Representative Stephens. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Stephens, please proceed."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1502 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing… actually, returning to the Order of Second Readings, on page 26, we have House Bill 3522 from Leader Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Speaker, please read the bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Leader Stuart, whenever you're ready, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a bill to create a direct admissions program for our public universities and colleges across the state. Very simply, parents can opt-in to have their children considered. The universities determine their 10400027.docx 194  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 level of what people need to meet in terms of GPA or other requirements. And then ISAC will have that information and parents will be given… and students will be given information to what schools they are admitted to so that no one is filling out costly and timely applications, not knowing if they're going to get into a school or not. This is a program that we've been working on for a very long time. This is going to help us recruit more Illinois students. It's going to bring to the attention of some students who didn't know that they were college material and make sure they know that they have a place to go to school after high school, if they so wish, in this state."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Correct."

"Yeah. So, basically, when you register your child for high school, you can decide if you want to opt-in and allow that information to be shared with the universities so that they can consider your child for this direct admission program, but it's an opt-in." 10400027.docx 195  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Yeah."

"They… they want… the program, they want to be able to implement it well, so they have a little bit of concern of that first year, the timing of when to have the opt-in done, just based on when bills get signed into law and when typical registration starts to happen for schools. We believe that the… working together with IBHE, they can be fully prepared and get that done. And this is a program that can build over the years. So, maybe we don't capture as many students as we want in the first year, but we don't want to miss that first opportunity. But they are talking with IBHE to try to iron out those differences."

"I… my understanding is IBHE can handle this within their current appropriation. No additional impact."

"No. And like I said, I believe that's within their budget. It's not new spending."

"For additional discussion, Representative Will Davis is recognized. Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"

"She indicates she'll yield." 10400027.docx 196  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Davis, W.: "Representative, as I listen to this, is this just a general admission to the university?"

"Yes, this is for general admission, not specific to a major or a specific program." Davis, W.: "So… so, if it's not specific to a program… so, a general admission means that you can get in, but you still may not get the major that you want."

"Yes, and that's true today. There are students who may go… like at… at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, they enter programs sometimes for the business school after their first two years of general education. And they don't always have a guarantee of admission to a specific program." Davis, W.: "Okay, but…"

"So, this is just a general admission." Davis, W.: "But what if that student wants to be…"

"They can apply to specific programs. This is not the only way to apply to schools. This is just an added tool for admissions." Davis, W.: "Well, I… I guess I'm trying to see if this offers any better chance that a student gets into the major of their choice. Because not just applying to… filling out an application and putting that down as your major doesn't guarantee your admission. It would… some of these schools, admission into the… the program of your choice. And, unfortunately, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana traditionally has a history of not admitting Black students into engineering and other specialized programs. They make them go into LAS, and then they linger there for two years, and then still not even have an opportunity to go into their 10400027.docx 197  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 major. And they wonder why Black students go to other schools for engineering, in particular, is because they're not allowed in their major when other schools are saying, yes, as a freshman, we will put into our engineering program and work you all the way through. So, I'm just trying to see, does this offer any other guarantee other than, quote-unquote, 'admissions to the institution' for the major of that student's choice?"

"No, it does not. But I will say what this does, and it does work a little bit differently for UIUC and UIC because their admissions process is a little bit different and they don't have general admission. What this will do is identify students that meet… and, again, the institutions can set a bar or a standard wherever they want, but it brings them to their attention and then they are required to do targeted outreach. And, hopefully, that will bring more students from our rural areas that are often get overlooked by UIUC, more students of color, and others that, the ones you are talking about, that typically do get left behind. So, it does require the university to do more targeted outreach to these identified high-performing students." Davis, W.: "But…"

"It… I understand you point. I think that is something that we can handle in another bill. But this, again, will bring the attention to students who otherwise wouldn't realize that they are, what we say, college material, but they get this letter indicating that they've been preadmitted to five or six different institutions across the state." 10400027.docx 198  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 Davis, W.: "Okay, so you're just saying it helps to identify students and that's pretty much as far as it goes."

"Well, it helps identify them and it lets them know they are guaranteed admission to a specific school. So, when they fill out that application, there's not a question whether they will gain admission or not. They know that they will gain admission." Davis, W.: "So, then, let me make sure I understand the mechanism. So, a student fills out this general application, all the institutions get it, and then they respond to the student whether or not that student could or would be admitted into their institution?"

"Close." Davis, W.: "Okay."

"So, they fill out, again, like when they register for high school, they indicate whether they want their GPA and other information to be shared through ISAC to the… well, ISAC would know the institution standards and would have the student's information, and they will match whoever meets. And then ISAC will be able to send… and it may work through the Common App, and that's all getting worked out. But there will be a communication to the student and the family, and you might get a letter that says, 'Congratulations,' you know, 'you have been admitted to Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and Chicago State University. Please follow these steps. Enter this portal and finish the'… you know. It's not really an application at that point because you know you've gained acceptance." Davis, W.: "Okay." 10400027.docx 199  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"But it's… you know that you have acceptance to those institutions." Davis, W.: "And that's a general acceptance."

"Yes." Davis, W.: "So, again, it doesn't answer the question about specific major."

"Right. And many of our schools do only offer general admission for those entering freshman." Davis, W.: "All right, I'll stop there. Thank you."

"Thank you."

Speaker Morgan: "Without further discussion, Representative Stuart… Leader Stuart to close."

"This bill's been a long time coming, and I hope that everybody will vote 'yes.'"

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3522 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 100 voting in 'favor,' 2 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 35, we have House Bill 1754 with Representative Swanson. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Swanson, please proceed."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1754 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all 10400027.docx 201  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, have received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Readings, on page 35, we have House Bill 1616, Representative Syed. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Syed, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present House Bill 1616, which provides part-time employees up to 10 days paid leave in a 12-month period to serve as an organ donor. We currently grant these benefits to full-time employees who have been employed for six months or more, that option, and expanding this recourse to part-time employees will make important progress in meeting the state's need for organ donations. This will only apply to employees who have been working for six months or more and to public sector employers and private employers with more than 50 employees. As many of you know, I care very, very deeply about reducing barriers for living organ donors, and I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates she will."

"Yes."

"So, the only difference is that part-time employees, their compensation would be the average daily pay that they've been receiving over their course of… in that job. So, that's the only difference given that it's a part-time role as opposed to a full-time."

"They're a… they're a proponent, yes."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Syed to close."

"I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1616 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 70 voting in 'favor,' 34 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continue on the Order of Third Reading, on page 38, we have House Bill 2442 with Representative Ugaste. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400027.docx 203  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"Representative Ugaste, please proceed."

"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 2442 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' This bill, have received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Keicher for an announcement."

"Leader West for an announcement."

"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Please proceed."

"I know we're busy with our Third Reading. I just want to take a quick minute to wish happy birthday to Representative Suzanne Ness."

"Happy birthday, Representative. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 41, we have House Bill 10400027.docx 204  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 3176 with Representative Vella. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Vella, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is just a cleanup bill. It clarifies some aspects of a possible land transfer. There is no opposition."

Speaker Morgan: "There is some discussion. We recognize Representative Fritts."

"He begrudgingly yields."

"I think that is your district."

"You're welcome."

"I'm bringing this legislation forward to reconcile the discussions we had when this… the original bill was passed just to make sure that some language is put in to make sure that the land transfer is done in an appropriate way."

"Not… language, yes. Anti-gaming language, not legislation, but yes." 10400027.docx 205  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"I'm not sure about that, but I will… I'll take your word for it."

"Sure."

"To the bill."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Vella to close."

"I urge an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3176 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting 10400027.docx 206  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 91 voting 'for,' 10 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Second Readings, on page 30, we have House Bill 3760 from Representative Walsh. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Walsh, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3760 amends the Wildlife Code, making it unlawful for any person to trap or hunt gray fox, except during the open season. It'll also make it unlawful to hunt the gray fox during open season if there is a biological imbalance of the gray fox and the Department of Natural Resources identify that, and it gives them rulemaking authority to change the season. I know of no opposition and ask for an 'aye' vote."

"For further discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"He indicates he'll yield." 10400027.docx 207  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025

"That is correct. It's not changing that."

"May be able to, if there's an imbalance in the populations, to adjust that season."

"I believe the DNR's noticed there's been a fluctuation in the population of the gray fox throughout the state and they're looking to protect the species."

"None that I know of. I've talked to the trapping association and hunting associations, and they don't have any problems with it."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Walsh to close."

"I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3760 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Third Readings, on page 43, we have House Bill 10400027.docx 208  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 3740 from Representative Weaver. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Out of the record. Returning to the Order of Second Readings, on page 20 of the calendar, we have House Bill 3140 from Representative Weber. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Weber, please proceed."

"Thank you, Representative. There… there's no discussion. On this bill, the question is, 'Shall House Bill 3140 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' 10400027.docx 209  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Readings, on page 34, we have House Bill 1431 from Leader West. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader West, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1431 is an initiative that came from a 90-year-old constituent of mine who desires transparency when it comes to facility fees when patients go to outpatient services. After working with the Illinois Hospital Association, I was able to get them as a proponent and get the Chamber of Commerce as neutral. This bill does four things: it requires… or says a facility shall make a method that the facility will use to inform patients of being charged with a fee, services and operating expenses covered by the facility fees, reasons for being charged for that fee from the… for the… on the patient's health plan, and contact information if the patient has any more questions. I have no opposition. I ask for a favorable roll call."

"There being no discussion on this bill, shall… the question is, 'Shall House Bill 1431 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 10400027.docx 210  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Second Reading, on page 14, we have House Bill 2658 from Leader Williams. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Williams to explain floor… House Floor Amendment 2." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Floor Amendment simply moves a section of the bill into a more appropriate section, so just technical."

"Leader Williams moves to… moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. The amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Leader Williams, please proceed." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This initiative is from the Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias' office, and it provides a smarter, more pragmatic approach to handle driving privileges for drivers with multiple DUIs, strikes the right balance, and prioritizes safety of driving first and foremost. So, currently, if you have multiple DUIs, you're 10400027.docx 211  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 only able to drive using a permit, which provides you to drive during… if you can show hardship. And that includes things like doctor's appointments, day care, if you're a student going to school, and going to work. What we'd like to propose here is instead utilizing the breath alcohol ignition interlock devices, also called BAIID devices, that will allow drivers to drive 6 days a week, 12 hours a day within a 200- mile radius of their home, but only if they can successfully start the ignition interlock device. And we believe this will reduce the incidents of driving while under the influence while assuring drivers are able to drive for other essential purposes. And the Mothers Against Drunk Driving as well as the Alliance of Intoxicated Motorists agree with us. Happy to answer any questions."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."

"She indicates she'll yield."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Leader Williams to close." Williams, A.: "Thanks for your consideration. I'd ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2658 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Third Reading, on page 43, we have House Bill 3678 with Omar Jawaharial Williams. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Williams, please proceed." Williams, J.: "Thank you, Chairman. House Bill 3678, it's an easy bill. It amends the Wildlife Code by removing a clarifying reference to license suspension and a revocation to eliminate redundancy and consolidate the process. It amends the Apprenticeship Hunter License Program by removing the 10400027.docx 214  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 27th Legislative Day 4/7/2025 references to a Apprenticeship Hunter License since that is renewed every March 31 anyway. So, I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."

"He indicates he will."

"Leader Williams." Williams, J.: "Thank you for your questions, sir."

"Oh, one second. Leader Ann Williams is recognized for a question." Williams, A.: "Representative Williams, I'm just wondering that if this bill passes, will I still be able to drive with my pet on my lap? Thank you." Williams, J.: "Well, Leader… Leader Williams, with this bill, since it's just the Department of Natural Resources, you'll still be able to drive with that dog on your lap until next general session. I will bring my bill back, and we're getting rid of no dogs on the lap. And with that being said, I thank you for your questions, and, Chairman, I ask for an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Morgan: "Look forward to that bill coming back, Representative. The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3678 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to the Order of Second Reading, on page 22, we have House Bill 3272 from Representative Yang Rohr. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."

"Representative Yang Rohr, please proceed."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 3272 provides protection for workers of outdoor aquatic centers from excessive UV radiation exposure in their workplaces. There are, for example, lifeguards at pools or waterparks, many of whom are teenagers or young adults who are especially susceptible to UV overexposure because of their jobs, and this can cause increased risk to skin cancer. The bill requires employers of outdoor aquatic centers to provide shade structures to allow employees to regularly apply sunscreen and to wear sun-protective clothing if they choose. And in the absence of this legislation, there… there are some employers who have been denying workers the… the ability to wear simple things like hats or, for example, requiring a doctor's note to wear that sun-protective clothing. This will help decrease incidences of… of skin cancer, the most prevalent form of cancer. And I ask for your 'aye' vote."

"Leader Windhorst is recognized for discussion."

"She indicates she will."

"That is correct."

"Yes."

"Yes, if employ people at those aquatic centers."

"Correct."

"Correct. It does not compel the employee to wear that protective clothing."

"Correct. So, for example, if they have certain colors that they want them to wear that could be within those guidelines."

"That's… that's correct. The employer may provide that information if they choose."

"Yes. That… that is…"

"Exactly. That's why this legislation is here because there have been constituents that have come to me that have been… have either not been allowed to wear, for example, some of the sun-protective clothing or have been required to get a doctor's note in order to apply sunscreen regularly or to get that clothing."

"That is correct."

"That's correct."

"I have not heard from them."

"The bill does require them to provide access to structures that provide shade. That can include an awning. It can include canopies. It could also just include an umbrella."

Speaker Morgan: "There being no further discussion, Representative Yang Rohr to close."

"Thank you. I urge an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 3272 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 68 voting in 'favor,' 35 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."

"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, April 8, at the hour of 10 a.m. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."