"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's an honor to be with you today. Please bow with me as we pray. Gracious, heavenly Father, we come before you today, bowing before your throne of grace, recognizing that every single one of us stands in need of that grace. We thank you for your presence here today. We ask that you continue to pour out your wisdom on these men and women who have been called to do the work of serving the people of this great state. We ask for your discernment to guide the deliberations of this group today. We ask for clarity of minds, for compassionate hearts. We ask that you help keep at the forefront of all that happens in this place, everything that… that you have for each one of us to be and to do. We pray that truth, justice, righteousness be the foundation of all that is done in this chamber, and we ask that you help us to reject anything and everything that attempts to pull us away from you or your truths. Would you bless each of these Representatives with courage and the wisdom to act with integrity and humility. And we pray that peace and truth would prevail here and ultimately that your will would be done above all else in all things. Most of all, we thank you for your amazing love. We don't understand it, we certainly don't deserve it, but we're really thankful for 10400038.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 it. And we thank you, Father, for all of those things. We pray these things in your name today. Amen." Speaker Williams, A.: "We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Sheehan."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Speaker Williams, A.: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Morgan is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Gong-Gershowitz, Guerrero-Cuellar, Jones, Scherer, and Syed are excused today. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Good morning, Madam Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Moore, Reick, and Windhorst are excused for today." Speaker Williams, A.: "Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 109 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Representative Sheehan, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please state your point."
"Madam Speaker, today at the police memorial ceremony, we honored the sacrifice of nine brave officers, whose names have now been added to the fallen police officer's memorial. Nine names that should have never been added, nine families 10400038.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 left shattered, nine lives cut far too short. I echo Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic's sister's deep concern that we are the number one state for on-duty police officer deaths. We have lost officers, good men and women, because of flawed policy. The SAFE-T Act, under the guise of reform, has eroded public policy, making it harder for law enforcement to do their job, harder for communities to feel safe, and easier for violent offenders to walk free. Those who commit violent crimes are released on electronic monitoring, roaming neighborhoods that should be places of peace and not fear. I cannot and I will not stay silent while the very people sworn to protect us are put at great risk. We have the power right here in this chamber to correct this course, to fix this broken law, to take meaningful action that strengthens our police force, protects our citizens, and ensures that no officer's name is ever added to that memorial because of policy we have created. This is not about politics. This is about lives, about duty. We can never bring back the lives that have been lost, but we can do everything we can to make sure another name is not added to that list. Let us come together as leaders, as protectors, as people who refuse to allow another officer's family to receive that dreaded phone call. We owe it to them. We owe it to their families. We owe it to the next name that we can and must prevent from being etched into that memorial. May the fallen never be forgotten. May we honor them, not just with words but with action. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
"Committee Reports. A corrected Committee Report from April 30, 2025. Representative Vella reported on April 10400038.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 30, 2025 from International Relations, Tourism, and Trade that: recommends be adopted, House Resolutions 108, House Resolution 178, House Resolution 197, and House Resolution 249. Committee Reports. Representative Scherer, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools reports the following committee action April 30, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1584; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1583; and recommends be adopted is House Resolution 135. Representative Hirschauer, Chairperson from the Committee on Gun Violence Prevention reports the following committee action April 30, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2280; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 181; and recommends be adopted as amended is House Joint Resolution 26. Representative Barbara Hernandez, Chairperson from the Committee on Immigration & Human Rights reports the following committee action on April 30, 2025: recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 4. Representative Blair-Sherlock, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports the following committee action April 30, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 246, Senate Bill 1265, Senate Bill 1607, Senate Bill 1612, Senate Bill 2129; recommends be adopted is House Joint Resolution 13, House Resolution 230, House Resolution 234, House Resolution 246; recommends be adopted as amended is House Joint Resolution 27. Representative Stuart, Chairperson from the Committee on Higher Education reports the following committee action on April 30, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1376; do pass as amended Short 10400038.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 Debate is Senate Bill 1958; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 90 and Senate Joint Resolution 13. Representative Kelly, Chairperson from the Committee on Police & Fire reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1491; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 40, House Resolution 78, House Resolution 106. Representative Cassidy, Chairperson from the Committee on Restorative Justice & Public Safety reports the following committee action on May 1, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 2418; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 1899; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 247. Representative Stava-Murray, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Health reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1950; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 32, House Resolution 129, House Resolution 153, House Resolution 232, House Resolution 233, House Resolution 237, Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 73, and Senate Joint Resolution 25. Representative Moeller, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Health and Human Services reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 32 and Senate Bill 2421. Representative Mason, Chairperson from the Committee on Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education reports the following committee action taken on May 1, 2025: recommends be adopted is House Resolution 137 and House Resolution 145. Representative LaPointe, Chairperson from the Committee on Mental Health & Addiction reports the following committee 10400038.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 action taken on May 1, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 188, Senate Bill 1560, and Senate Bill 2500." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Olickal, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "State your point."
"I wanted to give a special shoutout to our deputy legislative director. It is Fallon Seller's birthday today. I have had the great privilege of working with her for the last couple years. She's incredibly passionate, dedicated, a lot more organized than I am. So, I would definitely be lost without her. So, join me in wishing her a happy birthday." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Hammond, for what reason do you arise?"
"Me? Thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please state your point."
"I would like to introduce to the body this afternoon one of my constituents and one of my mayors from my district, Mayor Tim Harris from the Village of Fairview. If you would give Mayor Harris a warm welcome, and please welcome him to his Capitol. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Chung, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please state your point."
"Thank you so much. It's one of my favorite days of the… in the session today is that it's Cheesecake Day. So, in continuing with the great tradition that Comptroller Judy 10400038.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 Baar Topinka had started, Comptroller Susana Mendoza would like to invite everybody down to in front of her office to enjoy some cheesecake. And I hope that since I am making this announcement, I get two pieces. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Niemerg, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "State your point."
"With me in the gallery are some folks from Crawford County, the CEO program. Go ahead and stand, guys. The interesting fact, the CEO program was founded by my former music teacher in Teutopolis, and it has grown massively throughout the State of Illinois. So, welcome to Springfield. We have Kate Pleasant, Erin Allen, Valerie Austin, Evan Herr, Jackson Goble, Autumn Taylor, Khyzaiah Poole, Greyson Holscher, Baylor Forman, and Mason Correll. Welcome to Springfield, guys. Congratulations." Speaker Williams, A.: "Welcome to the Capitol. Representative Canty, for what reason do you arise?"
"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point… I am here today to introduce my page for the day, Hazel Bugos. She is from Chatham, Illinois, a second grader at Glenwood Elementary School in Mrs. Hickman's class. Shoutout to Ms. Hickman. She loves seeing all her friends at school and playing at recess, especially with her best friend, Ella, and her favorite subjects are art and PE. And it says here that she hates math, 10400038.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 but I think that's just for, you know, right now. She'll eventually love math. And her favorite books are 'Judy Moody,' and her favorite movie is 'Lilo and Stitch.' She is here today with her Grammy and her Aunt Ella, who is one of our amazing staffers. So, let's give her a warm Springfield welcome." Speaker Williams, A.: "Welcome to Springfield. Representative LaPointe, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to pile on and say a few things about the Cheesecake Day that is happening. And just to be clear, everyone can go get a slice of cheesecake until 2:30, and we're grateful to the comptroller hosting this. But what I want to say is I am so proud that Eli's Cheesecake, which is an international business, is actually located in my district in the beautiful neighborhood of Dunning. And I want to give a shoutout to the CEO, Marc Schulman, and he runs this business with his daughter, Elana Schulman. And even though it's an international business, they are constantly giving back to the community, and Marc and Eli's Cheesecake hires lots of folks with disabilities, incredibly inclusive hiring, always partnering with the community. So, not only is it delicious cheesecake and an international business located in my district, these are business owners that have incredible hearts, and I'm very grateful for Marc and Elana Schulman. Thanks, Chair." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please proceed." 10400038.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025
"Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I rise today to address the recently released FY 2026 Economic Forecast and Revenue Estimate from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The data in this report should concern every Member in this chamber, regardless of party affiliation, because it confirms what so many Illinois families and job creators have long known: Our state is not keeping up. Nationally forecasters predict real GDP growth at 2.2% in 2025 and 2% in 2026. That's modest growth, stable economy for our country. But here in Illinois, it's a different story. Our own forecast, just 1.8% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026. That may not sound like a big gap, but it's a symptom of long-term pattern of economic underperformance. Since 1998, the United States has averaged 2.4% real GDP growth per year, Illinois just 1.4%. We've only grown faster than the national average three years out of the last 25. Progressive policies are producing poor results. Think about that. In nearly every year for a quarter of a century, we've lagged behind the rest of the nation. We're not just underperforming, we're falling behind. The first quarter of 2024 brought a contraction of 1.8% in Illinois' real GDP. That means our… our economy shrank. While we did see a rebound in the second and third quarters at 2.8 and 2% respectively, the volatility is troubling, especially when paired with our long-term trajectory. So, why is this happening? Why does Illinois consistently trail the rest of the country? We don't need to look very far for answers: high taxes, overregulation, uncertainty about the business climate, persistent outmigration of working families and job creators, decades of 10400038.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 policies that prioritize government growth over economic growth. If you want different results, we must pursue a different course. That means cutting red tape, providing tax relief to working families and small businesses, making Illinois a state where people will want to live, work, and invest again. These numbers aren't just lines in a spreadsheet, they represent fewer jobs, slower wage growth, and more young people leaving… leaving for opportunity elsewhere. Let's not ignore this report, let's use it as a wake-up call. Let's come together and finally make a bold structural change that's needed to turn this ship around for our economy, for our future, and for the people of Illinois. Thank you, and I urge everyone in this chamber to take these facts seriously. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Moeller, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege. This is a big week for birthdays here in the House. Leader Ann Williams' birthday was this week. Let's all give her a round of applause. Happy birthday, Leader Williams. Leader Guzzardi's birthday was on Monday, and today is Representative Harry Benton's birthday. So, happy birthday to all our Reps." Williams, A.: "Representative Friess, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege." Williams, A.: "Please state your point."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm here today to give the MISO report. If you guys have not heard, the MISO capacity 10400038.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 pricing jumped to $666 for the summer. To put that in context, it was $30 last year. So, everybody knows what that's going to amount to. It's going to amount to a rate increase, anywhere from 18 to 22% for residential customers, and I hope everybody in this body tells their constituents why. We all know we're putting gas and coal out of business. Solar doesn't cut it. Wind doesn't cut it. We need to be reasonable and smart when it comes to our energy. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Spain, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please state your point."
"Well, we've a lot of announcements about cheesecake, but if you're craving a different type of cake, outside on the back of the chamber in Room 314, in my office, we have birthday cake because a wonderful young woman is leaving behind her 20s and turning 30 years old today. Bree Steinacher from my office. Happy birthday, Bree." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Hauter, for what reason do you arise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "State your point."
"Madam Speaker and Members of the Illinois House, I rise today as a physician opposed to physician-assisted suicide. As some of you may know, there is a bill before the Illinois Senate, Senate Bill 9, that would legalize suicide aided by a physician, so-called 'medical aid in dying.' I will never call physician-assisted suicide 'medical aid in dying' because we have that in medicine. It's called palliative care. 10400038.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 It's called hospice care. Against this background, last weekend, the Illinois State Medical Society met and debated again the topic of physician-assisted suicide and current legislation. I'm very happy to report that the ISMS, the unified voice of Illinois physicians, voted overwhelmingly to oppose physician-assisted suicide and Senate Bill 9. The physicians of Illinois will stand with our terminally ill patients to offer comfort and relief with palliative care, to offer dignity in dying with hospice care. The physicians of this state will stand with the vulnerable, the poor, and the disabled, who are often pressured with the insinuation that their lives are worth less, that they are a burden, and that suicide is the best or only option. The physicians of Illinois will stand with our ancient and sacred oath: first, do no harm. The ISMS and the physicians of Illinois will strongly oppose physician-assisted suicide legislation that may come before this General Assembly. I ask that my colleagues here in the General Assembly not entangle physicians with the unethical and unwanted practice of doctors assisting in their own patient's suicide. Thank you, Madam Speaker." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative McLaughlin, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please proceed."
"Thank you. I'll be brief. We have an upcoming Senate- House game. I'm not sure if that trophy up front, Representative Moylan, but that's upcoming next week. I want to thank our staff who, last night, we held a staff-member 10400038.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 Republican-side softball game, which the average age of, I believe, the elected officials was around 55. I think the average age of staff was in their mid-20s. But our staff is so generous and so helpful to us. We won 10 to 9, and I want to thank on the floor Zack Emberton, one of our great staff members, for assisting us in the victory by hitting into a game-ending double play. So, I really want to thank Zack for that, and we look forward to working together on both sides of the aisle and defeating the Senate once again next year. So, thank you, Zack Emberton. Your help was extra special last night. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Huynh, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "State your point."
"Today, it's May 1. It's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month commemorates and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history, cultural achievements of the United States. So, this month, the Asian American Legislative Caucus will be highlighting prominent Asian American individuals, Native… Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders throughout this month. So, thank you so much for your time, and we look forward to providing more information this next month. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions." 10400038.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 288, offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz. And House Resolution 289, offered by Representative Walsh." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
"House Joint Resolution 33 (sic-34), offered by Representative Gabel. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, May 01, 2025, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 06, 2025, or to the call of the Speaker; and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 06, 2025, or to the call of the President." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 6, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of… Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 290, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth, is 10400038.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 4047, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4048, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4049, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 4050, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 191, offered by Representative Morgan, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 248, offered by Representative Jiménez, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 405, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 1158, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1160, offered by Leader McCombie, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Senate Bill 1531, offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Senate Bill 1773, offered by Representative Stuart, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. First Reading of these Senate Bills. First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #16, offered by Representative Rashid. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption 10400038.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 38th Legislative Day 5/1/2025 of this resolution a proposition to amend Section 3 of Article IX of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IX REVENUE SECTION 3. LIMITATIONS ON INCOME TAXATION (a) The General Assembly shall provide by law for the rate or rates of any tax on or measured by income imposed by the State. In any such tax imposed upon corporations the highest rate shall not exceed the highest rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5. (b) Laws imposing taxes on or measured by income may adopt by reference provisions of the laws and regulations of the United States, as they then exist or thereafter may be changed, for the purpose of arriving at the amount of income upon which the tax is imposed. SCHEDULE This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This was the First Reading in full of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #16. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400038.docx 16