"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 2001, offered by Representative Stuart, a Bill for an Act concerning business. First Reading of this Senate Bill."
"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be lead in prayer today by Pastor Josh Palma. Pastor Palma is with the First Baptist Church of Pana in Pana, Illinois. Pastor Palma is the guest of Representative Halbrook. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off their cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Heavenly Father, you are so good and kind to us today. Your mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. You are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, though totally undeserved, toward sinners like us. You are a God of righteousness and justice and wisdom, sovereign over all creation. No one takes a position of authority outside of your control, and no one wields authority outside of your command. As the session begins today, I pray for your wisdom and guidance upon the men and women in this room who represent the people of Illinois. May their hearts love what is good and right and just. Keep them from corruption and make them courageous. Cause them to defend the least of these: the babies in the womb, the veterans who defended our nation, and the orphan and widows. Lord, where they fall short, as we all do, help them to know the provision of forgiveness and cleansing through your son on the cross, that by his death 10400047.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 and resurrection, eternal life can be theirs by faith. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Schmidt."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Hirschauer, Jones, Scherer, and Syed are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Please let the record reflect that all Republicans are here today to conduct the people's business."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 114 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the committee on… Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 20, 2025: recommends be adopted and referred to the Order of Resolutions is House Resolution 295."
"Speaker Welch in the Chair."
"Shhh. Good afternoon, Members. Good afternoon, Members. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce the Honorable 10400047.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 Battsetseg Tuvshintugs, the consul of Mongolia. Consul Tuvshintugs is a guest of Leader Theresa Mah and our Asian Caucus. Consul Tuvshintugs has led Mongolia's diplomatic effort in Chicago since 2022. She is the first consul to serve in this post for Mongolia. She's the… it's the latest posting for her in quite an impressive diplomatic career. Before coming to Chicago, Consul Tuvshintugs served as director general of Mongolia's Department of Neighboring Countries. She headed the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, and she served in the Mongolian Embassy in Beijing. Her visit here today is another reminder of the important role Illinois plays on the international stage and reinforces the words carved into the statue that greets visitors on the ground floor of this very building, 'Illinois welcomes the world.' It is my honor to welcome Consul Battsetseg Tuvshintugs to the Illinois General Assembly today. Please put your hands together and welcome the consul."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your kind introduction. Honorable Speaker Welch, Honorable House Representatives, good afternoon. First of all, I would like to thank for this wonderful opportunity of addressing the Illinois General Assembly. It's a great honor bestowed, not only on me, but on 15,000 members of the Mongolian community in the Greater Chicago area, which constitutes the biggest Mongolian diaspora community in the United States. The Mongolian community concentrates in Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties, grew significantly in the last two decades due to the… due to better economic opportunities, pleasant and safe living conditions as well as inclusiveness and respect for 10400047.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 diversity the great State of Illinois provides for them. Mongolian Americans cherish the possibility of pursuing their dreams in the Prairie State while preserving the unique cultural heritage inherited from their ancestral homeland. Community members are excited about the Illinois Legislature and government's support offered through the state grant to the Mongolian Heritage Center, the first Mongolian community center in the process of establishment. The Mongolian community's economic strength and contributions to the state economy is expanding with increasing number of businesses and workforce. The community is dynamic and energetic in social life, organizing academic, cultural, and sports events throughout the year. As a relatively young and small community, Mongolians in Illinois also face challenges, including undocumented presence, limited health coverage, and English proficiency. Therefore, programs… programs that support small businesses, communities of color, and low- income families, such as Illinois Family Relief Plan, Community/Service Block Grant, Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant program, are of great significance for many community members. Honorable House Representatives, the consulate was established three years ago by the decisions of the parliament and government of Mongolia, within the policies of increased focus on providing timely consular service to the Mongolian citizens living in the Midwestern region of the United States and also on furthering… further deepening Mongolia-U.S. bilateral relations. Mongolia and the United States are strategic partners bound by shared democratic values. The two countries established strategic 10400047.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 partnership in 2019 and issued Joint Statement on Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership in 2023. Building economic resilience, promoting democratic principles, strengthening security cooperation, deepening people-to-people ties have been the main pillars of Mongolia-U.S. bilateral cooperation. To contribute to ever-expanding Mongolia-U.S. strategic partnership, the consulate has been establishing solid working relations with many state and municipal-level organizations, business associations, educational and cultural institutions. In cooperation with the community- based organizations, as well as with Illinois organizations, the consulate has organized events and visits that aimed at expanding trade, business collaboration, and deepening mutual understanding between Mongolia and Illinois. It's with a great pleasure to mention that in 2024, bilateral trade turnover between Mongolia and Illinois reached 160 million U.S. dollars, which was 700% increase from the previous year. We believe that there is great potential to further tap in other areas too. The consulate will continue its efforts in facilitating the development of trade, economic, educational, and cultural exchange with Illinois while continue supporting the Illinois Mongolian diaspora community. We sincerely hope for Illinois Legislature's continued support and attention to the development of bilateral ties as well as to the matters concerning the Illinois Mongolian community. Thank you for your kind attention."
"It's truly been an honor to have the consul here. Let's give her another round of applause, please. The consul general has graciously agreed to extend her time here and 10400047.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 take photos with Members in the well. Leader Avelar is back in the Chair."
"Under the Order of Resolutions, we have House Resolution 313, offered by Representative Rosenthal."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members of the House, today in the gallery, we have a special guest with his wife, family, and friends. I rise to recognize and honor an outstanding Illinoisan, a patriot, a friend of this state and nation, Brigadier General John M. 'Marty' Green on his well-earned retirement from the United States Air National Guard. General Green has served as the Air National Guard assistant to the Air Force deputy chief judge advocate general, based in Washington, D.C. In this critical role, he was the primary advisor on legal matters impacting 90 Air National Guard wings nationwide, providing essential support for both the federal mission of the Air Force and the performance of Title 32 and state active-duty missions. As a senior member of the Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council, he helped lead the team that advises both the air… the Air Force judge advocate general and the director of the Air National Guard on complex legal issues. He was also selected as an inaugural member of the National Guard Bureau's Legal Services Advisory Group, advising the chief of the National Guard Bureau on legal services and operations across the entire National Guard enterprise. I had the privilege of serving alongside General Green for three and a half years when he was first… received his direct commission in April 1980… or 1998, and I saw first- hand his professionalism, sharp legal mind, and deep commitment to both the mission and the people he served. He's 10400047.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 the kind of leader you want by your side during complex, high- stake situations. Since then, he has worn many hats with distinction. He served as staff judge advocate for the 183rd Wing and provided critical legal support during Hurricane Katrina, acting as legal advisor to the commander of Task Force Pelican. He also served as a senior Title 32 legal advisor to the dual status commander during the NATO summit in Chicago, a vital national security mission. He is highly respected member of the legal community, admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Illinois, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, and both the Court of Appeals for the Armed Services, and the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals. Outside the uniform, General Green serves as senior vice president and legislative counsel for the Illinois CPA Society. Prior to this work in the private sector, he served the people of Illinois as executive assistant attorney general under two different attorney generals. He also remains active in state policy, serving on the attorney general's charitable advisory committee, the Department of Revenue's directors advisory committee, and the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission. His service has not gone unrecognized. Among his many awards are the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Award, and the Illinois Lincoln Medal of Freedom, among others. Brigadier General Green is a proud eagle… Eagle Scout and a council member at large for the Abraham Lincoln Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He is 10400047.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 a past president of the Western Illinois University Alumni Association and a recipient of their Alumni Achievement Award. On behalf of the Illinois House of Representatives, I extend our deepest congratulations to General Green on his retirement and our sincere gratitude for his career spent defending and strengthening our state, our nation, and the institutions we all hold dear. We wish him the very best in all his future endeavors, and also happy birthday today."
"For further discussion, Representative Manley's recognized."
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"First of all, you think you know someone, and then you find out his name is John and not Marty. I have had the pleasure of knowing about and of Marty Green for more years than I've spent here. So, probably over 20 years or so. We had a mutual friend that adored him, told me when I got here that I would adore him, and he was right. It is so unusual, oftentimes, unfortunately, in this building that we find someone that you can work with, you can trust, and you know them to be a straight shooter and a man of his word. That is John 'Marty' Green. I'm not going to call you John, just so you know that. Thank you for everything you've done for our country, our state, and as you will continue to do, I hope, for the Illinois CPA Society. You're not leaving, are you? Okay, good. I appreciate you, I congratulate you, and thank you for being just a really good man. Thank you."
"Leader Hammond's recognized."
"Point of personal privilege." 10400047.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Please proceed."
"To add on to what Representative Manley just said, great words about a great man and a great friend, most importantly. Well done. Well done, general. Thank you so much. Go Necks."
"Representative Rosenthal moves for the adoption of House Resolution 313. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the resolution is adopted. Representative Bunting, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I would like to introduce you to my page for the day, Brianna Hilleary, whose family lives just outside of the town of Odell. For my urban colleagues, that is down Interstate 55, exit 209. She just currently finished her freshman year at Western Illinois University, where she is earning her bachelor's degree in law enforcement and justice administration. With this degree, she hopes to go to the FBI, with a focus on violent crime, and be part of their Behavior Analysis Unit. At school, she is part of an Alpha Phi Sigma, Campus Student for Christ, and ROTC, where her and her roommate just reenergized the rifle team. At home, she is heavily involved in 4-H, as my family close knows. For the past 10 years, she enjoys raising and showing her livestock. Please join me in giving Brianna a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Deering, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10400047.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Thank you, Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Over the last four years, Illinois' state budget has ballooned by more than 11.5 billion, reaching a projected 55.2 billion in 2026. Runaway budgets, bloated programs, promises with no price tags. And when the bills come due, the same tired answer: raise taxes on working families yet again. Governor Pritzker asks… acts as if every government program is sacred and that reigning in spending is somehow cruel. That's nonsense. Just look at Medicaid, where enrollment has more than doubled since 2000. During COVID, the rolls swelled, thanks to federal dollars and emergency policies. But now it's time to return Medicaid to what it was meant to be: a safety net for our most vulnerable, not a permanently broken system. But instead of reform, Governor Pritzker ignores the facts: waste, duplication, even fraud. Over 8 million people nationwide are on Medicaid who shouldn't be, and Illinois is no exception. I've seen what real help looks like. Through my work with the Northeast Community Fund and expanding a food bank in Decatur, I've helped people pick themselves up with dignity and purpose. That's compassion. That is what works. But Governor Pritzker and his allies would rather keep people trapped in despair, so long as it helps them grow government and pursue their political futures. So, let me ask a hard question. Why have Governor Pritzker and the Democrats destroyed opportunity, driven out good careers, failed to educate our kids, and forced so many families to rely on broken government programs instead of building lives of independence and prosperity? It seems because their agenda is 10400047.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 built on dependence, not dignity, control, not compassion. We should be lifting people out of poverty, not locking them in it. We should be encouraging jobs, not exploding Medicare rolls. We should be empowering people, not expanding government. This isn't just about Medicaid. It's about a state government that has grown $11.5 billion bigger in four years and still somehow claims to need even more. Illinois doesn't need a bigger government. It needs a better one. We need to stop pretending that unlimited government growth is a virtue. It's not. It's a threat to our economy, to our children's future, and to the very dignity of every hardworking Illinoisan. And it's a symptom of a failed political class who have stamped out dreams of millions of Illinoisans. It's time to do the hard work to restore hope and opportunity for Illinois families. Thank you."
"Representative Ford, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"I concur some with the previous speaker. I have daunting reports that I wouldd like to share with the House of Representatives and the people of Illinois. The Chicago Urban League has released its 2025 State of Black Chicago Report. It highlighted the stark racial wealth gaps in Chicago. The report revealed that the median income worth of Black families in Chicago is zero dollars, compared to 210,000 for white families. This disparity is a major focus of the report, which outlines solutions and strategies for building Black wealth in Chicago. I urge my colleagues and those that are listening 10400047.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 to read that report if you like. And also, I want to give credit to the Illinois Times, a racial disparities… Dean Olsen issued a report, also, that I think, during the times that we're going through, the budget process in Washington and here in Illinois, the racial disparities that Dean Olsen speaks of. Springfield area is the second in the country in income gaps between Black and white households. The report goes on and it speaks to the disparities across the state. In several of Illinois large municipality areas, disparities and poverty rates between Black and whites are much larger than the disparities nationwide. Now, I'd like to share these numbers with you. Because even though the numbers are high for Blacks, there's still white people that actually have poverty. So, here are the numbers. In Springfield, Black poverty rate is 40.3%, while 8.3% white live in poverty. Rockford, Illinois, 36.5% of Blacks live in poverty, while in Rockford, 10.2% live in poverty. In Bloomington, we have 33.2% of Blacks living in poverty, while 11.4% whites live in poverty. Peoria, Illinois, 32.8% Blacks live in poverty, while 9.1% whites live in poverty. Decatur, Illinois, 29.7% Blacks live in poverty, while 10.2% whites live in poverty. Chicago, where I live, 23.2% of Blacks live in poverty, while 6.4% whites live in poverty. Illinois overall, 24.5% of Black people live in poverty, while 8.2% of whites live in poverty. The U.S. total, 21.3% of Blacks live in poverty, while 9.2% whites live in poverty. I bring that to the attention so that we can make this budget process a part of our conscience and recognize that even white people need Medicaid, even white people need SNAP. We all have people in our districts that 10400047.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 need support from this state budget. So, I urge us to use our compassion as we negotiate the budget because not only are Blacks struggling, but so are white and Brown people struggling in the State of Illinois. So, I urge us to keep that in mind. And I want to thank the Illinois Times for their report and the Chicago Urban League. Thank you, Madam Speaker."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. So, this is becoming an annual thing for me. When I asked my husband if I could run for office, neither of us realized that I would be in Springfield every single year on our anniversary. So, this is just to give a shoutout to my husband. Happy 30th anniversary. I love you, babe. Thank you."
"Happy anniversary. Representative Severin, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Yesterday, I had the privilege of going to a grade school in my district, Jasper Grade School, fourth and fifth graders. They come every two years to the Capitol and take a tour, and I missed them when they were here, so I went and talked to them. Had some tremendous questions. And also, every two years, they do a fundraiser and they go to Washington, D.C., and they're doing that this summer. But I told them, I 10400047.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 said, 'Boys and girls, here's what we're going to do. You go to ilga.gov, you follow us on the House floor live. I'll do a shoutout to you.' So, this is a shoutout to the fourth and fifth grade classes of Mrs. Rodgers and Ms. Osborn from Jasper Grade School, with big opportunities and from a small school. So, how's it going, boys and girls? And how about a shoutout from Springfield to Jasper Grade School. Thank you very much."
"Proceed to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading. House Bill 460, Representative Barbara Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 460, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Barbara Hernandez."
"Representative Barbara Hernandez to explain the amendment." Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mrs. Speaker. This amendment will just add local government to the bill."
"Representative Barbara Hernandez moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, it's… the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."
"House Bill 460, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Barbara Hernandez is recognized." 10400047.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 Hernandez, B.: "Thank you, Mrs. Speaker. This will create parity with the state and… by adding local government entities to offer scholarships to students who might not be eligible for federal aid. This is a technical amendment, so it's just adding something to a previous bill that we had."
"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Who are the students this will apply to that are currently not covered under existing law?" Hernandez, B.: "To those that won't be able to receive federal aid. So, those would be under the Retention Illinois Students Equity Act, would be transgender students and undocumented students."
"So, first, transgender students would be eligible because… under this bill, but they're not eligible federally. Why is… why are those students not eligible federally?" Hernandez, B.: "So, I'm not sure about that since we already… this is not really mainly for transgender students. I'm just adding local government entity to this, as we already passed this before but only included state and not local government entities."
"But we are adding individuals to be eligible for certain types of assistance that are currently not eligible. Is that accurate?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"And those groups include transgender students and those unlawfully in the country." 10400047.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 Hernandez, B.: "Undocumented students."
"Those two groups are the primary groups?" Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"And this will make them eligible for awards under the MAP program." Hernandez, B.: "Well, the state already has that covered. But this would be if a local government offers a scholarship through a… an alderman or something, then this will open up the ability. It's not a requirement for a local government to offer a scholarship. It's just if they have the program to just make sure it doesn't exclude anyone."
"And if a local government does offer the program, they will be required to include those students if they apply and are eligible." Hernandez, B.: "That is correct."
"So, that discretion would be removed from local governments." Hernandez, B.: "Yes."
"Does this change, in any way, the amount of money allocated by the state to local governments or through the MAP program?" Hernandez, B.: "To my understanding, no."
"You do not anticipate a fiscal impact to the bill?" Hernandez, B.: "To my understanding, no. Like I said, if this is a local government trying to offer a program that they put money towards, then this is something that will be impacted. But it won't come from the state, to my knowledge."
"Thank you." 10400047.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 460 pass?' All those 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, take the record. On this question, there are 70 voting in 'favor,' 40 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 2327, Representative Friess. Mr. Clerk, read the bill."
"House Bill 2327, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Friess."
"Representative Friess to explain the amendment."
"Yeah, thank you. The amendment just provides… amends the Child Labor Act. It allows 14-, 15-year-olds to work at the Sparta shooting complex for two specific events."
"Representative Friess moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2327, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Friess is recognized."
"Yeah, thank you. This just amends the Child Labor Act, like I just said. It allows 14-, 15-year-olds to work two specific events at the World Shooting Complex. Appreciate your support." 10400047.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2327 pass?' All those in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed say… vote 'nay.' The voting's 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 113 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to House Bill 2987, Leader Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2987, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #4 is offered by Representative Stuart."
"Leader… Leader Stuart to explain the amendment."
"If I could, the amendment becomes the bill. Can we adopt the amendment and then discuss the bill?"
"Leader Stuart moves adoption of Floor Amendment #4. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2987, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Stuart's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. And just… I need one second. It's… this is very timely that I'm calling this today, as I spent part of my Friday, and I have for the last few weekends, hunkered down in the basement with a tornado coming through 10400047.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 in my area. This bill reflects the work of a task force that was put together after a tragic tornado came through and wiped out a warehouse, an Amazon warehouse, in the Edwardsville region. I do want to give a little history lesson before that. In 2004 in Roanoke, Illinois, there was a Parsons manufacturing plant that had an F4 tornado hit there. There were 140 people, and there were three minor injuries and no fatalities. And, unfortunately, in Edwardsville, we didn't have a similar result. That was because the… the folks at Parsons manufacturing chose to put safety measures in place, chose to build to a standard that provided a safe place for people to go as they tried to get shelter from the storms. I… I wish that that were the case in all of our warehouses, but, unfortunately, it is not. So, what this bill does is it, like I said, reflects the work of the Warehouse Safety Task Force that was put together and issued their report. Hopefully, many of you saw it. That report basically made four recommendations. One had to do with the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. We are not doing anything with that recommendation, but it's… I sure hope that our federal government will continue to fund the funds that help keep that going 'cause we all rely on that mutual aid. What's in this bill reflects the other three parts, and we want to make sure that the warehouses have a site-specific safety plan and that that safety plan is shared with local first emergency responders. So, that's the first part. The second part has to do with the building specifications on any new builds. And I want to point out that everybody has been brought to neutral on those requirements. And then the third part has to do with making 10400047.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 sure that we have building inspectors that are properly trained in order to provide those inspections on the… on the construction. So, it's, again, seeking to keep warehouse workers safe, making sure that they get to return home every day after their time at work. And I would appreciate your support."
"Leader Spain is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Leader Stuart, first of all, thank you for your work on this topic. I know it's been several years in the making, from that terrible tragedy that hit close to home and really shed a light on… on this important topic. So, I just want to take a few steps back, because we're… we're discussing this bill now on amendment 4, and just make sure that I'm clear on some of the changes that have been made along the way. I know maybe the original version of this legislation began with some requirements for both new and existing warehouse facilities that would require some investment in… in storm shelters. Is that correct?"
"You're correct. That was included in the original bill. Although, this current bill, the current form, it's only on new construction."
"So, I think that's an important change to note and really is something that came about with your diligent negotiation with the retail merchants, with the manufacturers. So, that's been an important change. There were some changes in subsequent amendments related to the Municipal League. Could you talk about those changes, please?" 10400047.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Yeah, originally we had… we had a… probably a little bit of a… of a not understanding of exactly how code inspections worked and how people are trained to do those code inspections, learned a lot, and then had written some language just to make sure that we were just requiring proper ICC certification, and then realized that we had left out some people that performed code inspections. And IML brought that to my attentions, and we made sure that we had the language that covers everybody, whether they're in an incorporated or an unincorporated part of a township or in a situation like that."
"Great. Thank you. So, I know that there have been a lot of stakeholders engaged in this topic. Many began with strong opposition. You've worked well with a variety of stakeholders from… from different perspectives. And I just want to finish with, by the analysis that I have, there remain two opponents to the bill. I believe the first are counties, one of the Illinois county associations. Do you know if… if they still have opposition to this legislation?"
"They have not had conversations with me, and I don't know if it's due to the new language making sure that their code inspectors are also required to have that certification."
"Okay. And then the remaining opponent, and you and I have talked about this, so it is my understanding that the Illinois Grain and Feed Association is an opponent to the bill, even still after amendment 4. Is that your understanding as well?"
"Yeah, it is my understanding. I… I do want to point out that I have talked with farm bureau and our understanding is 10400047.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 that the codes don't reference farmers and farmers aren't subject to this bill, but the grain operators seem to think that that doesn't cover them. We have talked about the possibility of finding a way to make sure that they have structures where people are not in there during the course of work and making sure that they are excluded. I believe they are from the rational analysis section that's in the bill. I will continue to talk with them. My Senate sponsor has continued… agreed to continue that as well too. And if we can pin down that language and not undo the safety put in place for everybody else, we're happy to do that."
"And I think that's important. First of all, thank you for that. In the discussions that we've had privately, you believe that, based on the legislative text as written, that your bill is not written with the intention of including grain bins, fertilizer storage, other types of… you're warehousing of something, but it's not a place where people are working on a regular basis with… inside those structures."
"Correct. It's… it's like a container for stuff, and we're not… we don't have people moving that stuff in and out on a regular basis every day. It is… it's, like I said, just a container holding a product."
"Right."
"That's not intended to be included."
"Okay. So, I think this is useful conversation for purposes of legislative intent. Perhaps there's a follow-along clarification that would be necessary. But I did want to point that out for the benefit of Members who may appreciate what you're trying to do but may have concerns about implications 10400047.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 for, you know, the storage of… of grain or fertilizer or other, you know, storage activities you'd see in some of our more rural areas in the state. So, I appreciate your willingness to continue to work on that topic, if necessary. And then just raise for Members that are following along that there are still some technical opposition on this bill as written. But thank you, Leader Stuart, for the… all of the stakeholder engagement that you've made. And, Madam Speaker, I'll bring my remarks to close, but just a question about the order of debate that we're on because we have a couple more Members that would like to respond on this topic as well. Do you know if we're on… I'll make a motion to move to Standard Debate just in case we are not on Standard Debate."
"We will move to Standard Debate."
"Thank you."
"Leader Ugaste."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Good afternoon, leader. We… we've spent quite a bit of time, you far more than me, on this. And I hate to admit, due to a little bit of lapse in timing, as well as you having four amendments, I just want to make sure I understand. For the building inspectors and their certification, remind me exactly to whom that applies again and whether they have to have statewide knowledge or… or just local knowledge, how that works, if you would."
"I mean, if you'd like, I could read you the language directly out of the bill." 10400047.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"If you… or you could summarize it. I… I don't need it word for word. It's up to you."
"Well, we have building inspector being a state or county employee whose duties include the inspection or examination of structures or property in a county to determine if zoning or other code violations exist or a third party contracting, you know, in such an instance. And what we are requiring is that they have to hold certification from the International Code Council in the area in which the inspector is inspecting or examining."
"Okay."
"And they're… they're required to keep a copy of that certification on file, whatever entity is hiring that person."
"All right. And that currently isn't required in law, though, is it?"
"It is not required, and we have put in… in the language right there that there's a grace period to allow time to obtain that certification if they have people that do not currently have it."
"Okay. And are we providing any funding for the, well, municipalities or counties to pay for this funding for people?"
"No, we didn't put any direct funding."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thanks."
"Leader Davidsmeyer is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." 10400047.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Leader, I… I just want to follow up on a couple of questions that Leader Spain was discussing. As we look at the ag industry, you'd… when it comes to this bill, you do not believe that it includes, like, grain elevators?"
"Like I said, I don't… I don't believe it… it does. I believe that following the… the rational analysis system that they're allowed to use to determine proper, like, safety locations that they would be exempt. But I… I think that there's a way to… to make sure that we… it's just unfortunate they are considered a warehouse just like the other ones."
"Yeah."
"And I think we have a… a way to… although, I don't think they are included or would have to make any specific building requirements. I'm open that I think there's a… a narrow piece of language that would help define that."
"Okay. 'Cause you know… you know this is obviously near and dear to my heart, too…"
"Yes."
"…because I have constituents who lost their son in… in a horrible incident, and I want to make sure that these warehouses have… have safety aspects that we all know they need. Continuing along that, as we look at agriculture, Illinois has multiple rivers. Barges bring in large amounts of fertilizer. The fertilizer is actually put into large hoop buildings that are warehousing the… the fertilizer. We do have… I know in my district we have individuals that will be in and out of those buildings with end loaders and whatever… whatever other equipment. Do you believe that that will be 10400047.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 required? I mean, an elevator, you have a grain bin where most of the time nobody's in there."
"Right."
"But with… with these hoop buildings and… and things of that sort, you do have people that are in or… in and out of there moving material around. And so, I just… I want to make sure that, as we move this forward, that we're not including those because normally there's an office right nearby or something of that sort."
"So, we defined a warehouse worker specifically as a person who spends a majority of the working hours working within the warehouse. So, like you are saying, if the office is off-site…"
"Yeah."
"…of the bin or… again, I apologize if I'm using improper farm…"
"Yeah. No… no problem."
"…terminology. But then that… they would not be considered a warehouse worker. And so, the expectation would not be that… their safe location is probably within that office space and doesn't need to be within that warehouse space."
"Okay. Okay. I just… just wanted to clarify. I appreciate your work on this."
"I appreciate the clarification."
"Thank you."
"Representative Reick is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." 10400047.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Representative, is it fair to say that what your intent here is, is to deal more with fulfillment centers rather than what would… what we would characterize as a pure warehouse?"
"I think the… what we saw was a fulfillment center. I do think sometimes similar structures are used as… they could possibly be used as manufacturing centers, and I would also like to make sure there's safety there. But I think what… what we all picture as a fulfilment center is really what we're trying to make sure there are protections for."
"I'm wondering if maybe, not… not right now, but maybe an amendment could be filed to maybe more narrowly define what you're looking at as a more of a fulfilment-center-type model, or that kind of thing, and thus make the objections of the ag community a little bit… help remove those."
"Years of time have gone into this and definitions have been looked at. And sometimes you narrow a definition too much and you've excluded everybody. And I want workers to be safe. So, respectfully, Representative, I've been doing my work, and I've been finding a way to make this protect the people that we need it to protect."
"Well, I appreciate that, and I'm not… I'm not slamming you for the work you've done 'cause I know it's been… it's been substantial. It's just that I'm trying to find maybe a way for us to come to some accommodation with the ag industry, which I believe also has legitimate concerns. So, thank you for your answers."
"Thank you."
"Leader Stuart to close." 10400047.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Thank you. And I would be remiss if I didn't say today… unfortunately, I wasn't able to get them here. We know how the schedule is where you never quite know when something might come up and when you may be able to call a bill. But we lost a young man named Clayton Cope. He was one among the six that we lost, and his family have been tireless advocates. They're trying to do everything they can to protect every other family from going through the tragedy that they went through. I have to thank them for their time, coming to every task force meeting and bringing us information and helping us learn what we needed to learn, and I hope that they can be proud of at least this step that this bill today will take towards their goal of protecting everyone else's children in the future. I would appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2987 pass?' All those 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 83 voting in 'favor,' 28 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And the bill, having received a… a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving on to House Bill 2155, Representative Elik. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 2155, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Elik's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 2155 is… was filed at the request of the Bethalto School District and the Community Hope Center in my district. The bill removes an old deed 10400047.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 restriction that was put into place by the GA in 1997 when the Bethalto School District received approval in Public Act 90-0071 to deed an old vacant school building to the Community Hope Center, a nonprofit. The CHC still operates at that building, would like to have full control of the property for future improvements. The… that deed restriction stated, for example, that any proceeds from a sale or lease would go to the school district. And the school district actually, at that time, had even more expansive deed restrictions in place. The school board voted unanimously to remove the deed restrictions it had imposed in 1997 and requests that the state lift any further deed restrictions because the district has no intention of ever wanting the old building and property back, as it would not be feasible for it to renovate the property. The Community Hope Center has successfully served thousands of community members who need housing, food, and other social services, and they find that the deed restriction is a hinderance to them investing in the property and would like that lifted. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 2155 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, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 6 of the calendar, under Third Readings, we have Senate Bill 10400047.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 1667, offered by Representative Blair-Sherlock. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1667, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Blair-Sherlock is recognized."
"Thank you. So, Senate Bill 1667 is the same as House Bill 2568, which we have passed once from the floor. This is a treasurer cleanup bill that also includes definitions and regulations of finders. This bill passed unanimously out of the Senate. And since I've already presented it once and passed it out of the House, I would just say that I'm ready and available for questions. Thank you, and I would ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, this is establishing a new license for finders under the recovery of unclaimed property act. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Is there a fee for the license?"
"Yes. It'll be established by JCAR."
"Do we know approximately how much that license will be or comparable to other license… similar licenses what… what we can expect?"
"Yeah, we expect it to be something similar in the nature of a couple hundred dollars."
"I'm sorry, did you say about a hundred dollars?"
"A couple hundred dollars." 10400047.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"A couple hundred dollars. How is the term 'finders' defined in the bill?"
"Okay. 'Finder' is defined… specifically, 'finder' means a person engaged in the location, recovery, purchase, or assignment of property held by the administration for a fee, compensation, commission, or other renumeration paid by the owner of the property or a person engaged in assisting in location, recovery, purchase, or assignment of property held by that administrator for a fee, compensation, commission, or other renumeration paid by the owner of the property."
"In order to be a finder, then, does the individual have to receive some sort of compensation or a fee for the finding…"
"Correct."
"Or… go ahead, please."
"Yeah, that's correct."
"What is the penalty if a person engages in this activity without the license?"
"Ten thousand dollars."
"Is that a set fee or… or will it… is it gradual?"
"It's a set fee."
"And how… who enforces the act?"
"Excuse me one second."
"Sure."
"I'm sorry, I'd like to correct something. It's up to 10,000. So, it's not a flat 10,000 for everything. And it is enforced by the Treasurer's Office." 10400047.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"And will that be done administratively, or will he be required to go to court to enforce it?"
"The fees would be administratively, but if you're seeking injunction that would have to be through the Attorney General's Office in a court action."
"Does the treasurer administer any other licenses?"
"No other licenses."
"And the penalty to the finder without a license is… as the potential fine, as you said, plus the loss of any property that is found in violation of the act. Is that accurate?"
"Yeah, the only remedies would be fees or injunction. There is not a confiscation of property."
"And, I guess, coming down to just the general necessity of this license, why are we creating a license for something that currently is not required to be licensed?"
"Well, currently, you're required to have a private investigator's license. So, it is currently… and… and a private investigator's license is much more broad and has additional stringent requirements, so this actually creates a category that does not include something as expansive as a private detective's license."
"And are you or the Treasurer's Office aware of individuals engaging in this activity without the private investigator's license?"
"Yes, and if they… I'm not personally, but the Treasurer's Office is. And if they try and claim property, the Treasurer's Office refuses." 10400047.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Would you repeat that last part? I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said."
"Okay. If a finder who is not a licensed private detector tries to recover property, they are denied."
"Appreciate your answering my questions. I have some concerns with the bill. I believe other Members may have questions as well. I'll let them ask those now. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Good afternoon, Representative. A few quick questions for you. I believe, in prior discussion with Leader Windhorst, you indicated that JCAR is going to decide the amount of the registration fee. Is that accurate?"
"The treasurer will propose administrative rules. It'll have to go to JCAR."
"Okay, so you're not asking JCAR to set the fee, just let… the treasurer will bring a rule and then JCAR will rule upon it, correct?"
"Correct."
"Okay. Thank you. Regarding the bill itself, now, it's been gone over that this passed previously. But at that point, very little opposition had been filed on this bill. Is that correct?"
"No, that's incorrect. There was opposition. You will recall, as you are on the committee, there was stringent opposition in committee." 10400047.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Was that in the final amendment or when the Senate Bill finally came through? I'm… I'm having a hard time recalling. I'm not certain why we…"
"That was… that was…"
"Hang on. I'm not certain why we run bills through two times when one's already passed. But because of that, I forgot when it's coming. So, thank you."
"Yeah. No, that was my final amendment in the House, I believe."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear that."
"That was… I believe that was my amendment in the House. Yeah, there was late opposition from one group, but there was prior opposition."
"Okay. So…"
"And… and I do believe, 'cause this is a Senate Bill, that that opposition had come out before it passed the Senate unanimously."
"Okay, but there is significant opposition to the bill. And part of the opposition is that this will bar… unless a company is licensed by the treasurer, this could bar two companies from just contracting with each other and one being able to act as a finder on behalf of another. Is that accurate?"
"Okay, a CPA firm can do it without a finder license, but I'm a little confused with how you worded this. So, I… this would not interfere in companies doing business with each other. Whoever's doing the finding is the one that requires the license. So, I'm a little unclear as to what your query is." 10400047.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"If an employer were to hire an employee to work as a finder, would they meet all the qualifications under this act? Or could they?"
"Who are they?"
"An individual hired by an employer to do searches on their own behalf as a… do they qualify that as a finder?"
"No, because they would be their agent."
"And where does it say in the definition for a finder that agents are excluded?"
"They're claiming on behalf of themselves as the agent. So, it doesn't say that."
"Okay. And then finally, is this seeking to regulate any work by bankruptcy trustees or bankruptcy courts?"
"No, we cannot regulate bankruptcy. That's federal and there would be preemption."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Excellent. Thank you, Representative, for bringing this. I have a couple questions. First, I want to direct you to Section 15-406, if we could. It seems that the treasurer becomes the de facto trustee of all presumed abandoned property now under this. Is that your understanding?"
"That's… one second."
"I mean, it really elevates the treasurer's role beyond that of a custodian."
"Right. Right. But that's… that's existing law." 10400047.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"But we're giving him additional areas that he can get into, if I'm reading this correctly. Am I not?"
"No."
"On the… on the trust language? And… and while we're looking, folks on our side might want to check their… their vote on House Bill 2568."
"Now I… I lost my train of thought, but no. The… the treasurer never becomes the trustee of…"
"Okay."
"…over the property."
"In looking at Section 15-504, it seems to have some privacy issues potentially with security in governance on the requirement of sharing books and records with the treasurer. Are there any limitations on what the treasurer can see and not see?"
"It… it doesn't vitiate privacy laws."
"I'm sorry, can you speak up?"
"Yeah. I said it doesn't vitiate privacy laws, but what it does is it says that the treasurer could cooperate with other entities to share this information."
"And… and the way I'm reading it, Representative, is I see it as more of a 'treasurer gets his way,' if he's asking that, on the face, the agency or the other government unit would be required to share it with the treasurer. And I worry about some of the language, not necessarily this treasurer, but treasurers down the road."
"If you look at section (a) of 15-504, it says, 'Unless prohibited by law of this State other than this Act.' So, that does not eliminate privacy laws." 10400047.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"I mean privacy from the treasurer going into another agency because, again, it's a state agency and getting records that the treasurer doesn't currently have access or authority to view."
"If another state statute makes those records private, they're still private."
"I understand that, but there might be some that, again, slip through the cracks. And I'm worried about the privacy issue, but it's neither here nor there. The last item I have concern with would be Section 15-806, where it gives the, seemingly, the treasurer to seize funds held by other agencies based on a reasonable belief and a lack of response. I'd… I'd like to have something other than a reasonable belief and some sort of impartial third party being able to… to weigh in on whether those funds could be claimed by the treasurer."
"Yeah, the treasurer is not seizing money. This would be if an agency is owed money by a private entity and the treasurer is holding the unclaimed property of that entity. If the agency doesn't claim it, then it… it goes into GRF."
"But doesn't that deny due process to the original owner of the property?"
"The owner is the agency."
"Okay. Okay."
"It's the state."
"I struggle with it for those reasons. I appreciate what you're trying to do. Thank you very much."
"Thank you." 10400047.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1667 pass?' All… 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, take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting in 'favor,' 40 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Back to the bills. On Order of Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1723, Representative Ammons. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1723, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1723, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this House… Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Members, we'll move… we are moving to the Order of Short Debate. Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 1723. As many know, the Mahomet Aquifer in Central Illinois is the sole source clean drinking water for nearly a million people in our state. This bill puts in additional protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, many of which have been negotiated in the Senate with Senator Faraci, which I want to thank him for his work and certainly thank all of the Members here for their support for this important initiative to protect our drinking water. I ask for its passage today, Madam Speaker." 10400047.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, I appreciate your description. If you could, there was some conversation on our side. Why is this bill necessary?"
"This bill is necessary because there was an effort to store carbon that had been sequestrated under the aquifer, the main source of our drinking water."
"And by 'our,' how many… how big is the area that's affected?"
"It's almost a million people."
"And how will this bill address your concern?"
"This bill puts additional protections and bans the storage of the carbon in the greater access portion of the aquifer itself."
"Initially on the bill, there were quite a few opponents to the bill, and it looks like that list may have narrowed. But I want to go through some of the opponents and see if they've contacted you. Has the Illinois Farm Bureau reached out in their position on the bill?"
"I haven't talked to the farm bureau on this or 1581. I know they were initially in support of the bill. I'm not certain what their stance is today."
"What about the Illinois Manufacturers' Association?"
"I have spoken with them, and we've had several meetings. They remain opposed to the initiative for the obvious reason, for the businesses who they represent."
"And you said they remain opposed. Is that correct?" 10400047.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"According to the ILGA, they remain opposed."
"The Illinois Renewable Fuel Association?"
"I've spoken to them as well."
"And do they remain opposed?"
"They remain opposed to the idea of protecting the full source of our water."
"Have any of the groups opposed suggested ways to reform this bill to make it…"
"We have made changes to this bill already by removing the recharge zone area and protecting the greater portion of the aquifer. That is the negotiation that we did in the Senate."
"And it appears that there are some commissions and reports that will be performed. If you could, describe what you anticipate from those."
"There is a task force that's also included in this bill to continue to protect the aquifer. The task force itself, hopefully with the support of the Prairie Research Network and certainly the Prairie Research Institute as well as other advocacy organizations, will continue to monitor this. There's appointments that are made by the governor, the House, and the Senate to include community members as well on this task force."
"And what do we hope we'll… we will learn from this study, what information that we hope will be produced?"
"Well, hopefully, it will produce what the previous commissions did, which is to identify this as a sole-source aquifer, the only aquifer of its kind in the State of Illinois. And if there's a leak in this aquifer, and we've 10400047.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 seen some risks to the aquifer to date, those risks could affect over 880,000 people in the greater Mahomet Aquifer area that depends on this water source."
"And this, of course, is a Senate Bill we're voting on. There was a prior House version. What is the difference between those, if you recall?"
"The House version was a complete ban of the entire area. This is not a complete ban of the entire area."
"Thank you. Madam Speaker, I believe there may be one or two other Members on our side who'd like to speak, if I could request Standard Debate on this bill."
"We will move to Standard Debate."
"Thank you."
"Representative Schweizer is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the bill. I want to personally thank Representative Ammons, as well as Senator Faraci and Senator Rose, for all the hard work that we put into this bill. It's been a long time coming. There's a lot of constituents within the greater Mahomet Aquifer area that have concerns with the sequestering through and underneath the Mahomet Aquifer. I know it's relatively local to Central Illinois, but it also affects greater Illinois if something were to happen to that aquifer. So, I want to thank everybody that had a part of this. It's a good bill, and I look forward to its passing. Thank you very much."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1723 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, take the record. On this 10400047.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 question, there are 91 voting in 'favor,' 19 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Members, we are moving back to Short Debate. On page 2 of the calendar, under Third Readings, we have House… Senate Bill 19, offered by Leader Guzzardi. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 19, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Guzzardi's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon, Members. Senate Bill 19 comes over to us from the Senate as an initiative sponsored by President Harmon. It's a modernization of the authorizing law for the Prisoner Review Board. There are about 20 distinct changes in the bill. I would describe them as in three general buckets or categories. The first bucket is expanding the rights of victims in petitions before the Prisoner Review Board. This is especially true of survivors of domestic violence and people who have orders of protections. These were worked on by the domestic violence advocacy community, and many of these changes were contained in Representative Cassidy's House Bill 681 of the previous General Assembly, which passed this body unanimously but was not taken up by the Senate. This bill also clarifies and improves processes for petitioners who are going before the board. Many of these changes were included in my House Bill 5396 of the 103rd General Assembly, which also passed this chamber but was not taken up by the Senate. And then the third category of changes would be increasing the professionalism and the efficiency of members of the 10400047.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 board, including, for the first time, a requirement that people with experience in the criminal legal system, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, et cetera, be appointed to the Prisoner Review Board. Again, that's a new provision for the first time in this bill. This is the result of years of work, much of it led by the Senate to try to improve processes and functionality of this board. There's no known opposition to the bill. Stakeholders from across the spectrum have been involved in the discussions around this bill, and I would ask for the body's support."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you Madam, Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, appreciate your description. I just have a few points to bring out. You mentioned prior efforts to reform the PRB. There was a bill, which you noted, House Bill 681, which passed this body unanimously, went to the Senate, was amended there, and then that passed unanimously, came back, and was not voted on here. My understanding, in conversation with some of our Senate colleagues, is they felt that version was an agreed upon bill. And much of their opposition we saw into this bill was reflected in the fact that their agreed bill was not called for a vote in this chamber. So, my… guess my question is why don't we just allow that prior House Bill that was amended in the Senate to come for a vote rather than adding other things to the bill?"
"So, that's a bill from the 103rd General Assembly, so, unfortunately, we're no longer able to call it and take it up 10400047.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 on its own. I wasn't involved in the decision-making around the fate of that bill, but I will say that this bill incorporates the provisions, the agreed provisions, of House Bill 681, again, which mostly center on allowing further participation for survivors of domestic violence and people with orders of protection. Further participation in the processes at the PRB, those agreed provisions are included in this bill along with several other changes."
"There are also some provisions around the, I believe, the Joe Coleman Act. Is that correct?"
"Yes, it is."
"And if you would, just briefly, what is the purpose of the Joe Coleman Act and how do these changes impact it?"
"The Joe Coleman Act provides for an expedited process for review of petitions for people with terminal illness or permanent disability for… for relief. This bill doesn't change who's eligible or what the criteria are for relief under the act. It's just procedural changes. So, clarifying changes around public notice or in public hearings and public attendance to those hearings, requiring that the board vote on those decisions in public, explain those decisions, reporting of whether people are represented by attorneys in those hearings, some data gathering around the hearings. So, no substantive changes to the act, just procedural changes."
"There is also a… a change regarding commissioners acting as hearing officers. If you could, explain what that change does and why it was made."
"Yeah, it's really an effort to address caseload at the board. This is something that's come before us. There's been 10400047.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 a backlog of cases. It's taken time for these cases to be heard. So, they're asking to be able to bring in commissioners who can hear these cases alongside board members. They wouldn't supplant board members. But, for instance, in a three-member panel, there could be one commissioner and two board members, thereby allowing for added capacity for the board to hear cases."
"How would the commissioners be chosen?"
"The board would choose them. I'm not sure that the bill specifies the process by which the board would make those decisions. I'll take a quick check and make sure that I'm not missing anything, but I think it's… they're chosen by the board."
"They're chosen by the board. That was the… the point I was getting to. And then we are affecting the term of the PRB members. We are going from six years to eight years."
"That's correct."
"Why are we increasing their term?"
"I think the… my understanding of the effort from the Senate is to try to mitigate the politicization of this board and to try to make it more… able to function more smoothly without having to be before the body. And I think that experience on that board is helpful for Members. So, the idea of these shorter terms, the idea might be that there would be an overmuch turnover and there wouldn't be enough, sort of, built-up experience amongst board members."
"Well, and I think the point you brought out and… and again, conversation with some Senators is they the felt like changing the term impacted their ability to have oversight on 10400047.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 the PRB, because, you know, they have to advise and consent on those members, and by lengthening their term, that limits their authority. Why do you feel this is not a limitation on their authority?"
"I would say it's a change from six years to eight years, so it's not a drastic change by any measure. And, frankly, this is an area in which I'm really deferring to the Senate, the Senate being the entity that engages in this behavior. This was the agreement that they worked out in this bill. So, I would… I would suggest, for the record, that this… the Senate ought to be granted some deference in this manner."
"Well, and… and not to get too deep in the weeds on the Senate's vote, but there was some opposition on the Democratic side of the aisle in the Senate as well. Madam Speaker, I hate to make this another request, but if we could have Standard Debate on this bill."
"We will move to Standard Debate."
"Thank you."
"Leader McCombie is recognized."
"Thank you. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. I have a… a local, horrible incident in my district. Two decades ago, a young girl was murdered by her boyfriend, and he has recently been released. There was a… a lot of confusion, some missing details of his release. So, my question with SB19 is, how will this improve the notice, the PRB notice, between VINE and the AG's Office? How will this bill help that?" 10400047.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Thank you for that question, Leader, and it's a really important one. This bill… the bulk of this bill is focused on precisely what you're talking about, which is making sure that victims, survivors are more engaged in the process at PRB because, unfortunately, too often we've heard from victims and family members that they simply haven't been given a voice in this process, they haven't gotten their requisite notifications or the details. So, for instance, the bill will require the board to hire a director of victim and witness services. It clarifies notification provisions, expands timelines, creates a 30-day window by which people are meant to be notified. There's data collection about this. So, really, the bill is laser-focused on the question of making sure that all parties engaged in these cases are heard from and brought in to."
"Okay. And one more question. Thank you for that answer. Does this bill also mandate the AG's Office to… to study this, how the VINE and the PRB work together?"
"That's exactly right, yes. Requires that the attorney general conduct a review of the witness notification system to make sure that witnesses are being notified in a timely fashion and that what happened to the families in your district doesn't happen again in the future."
"Is there a deadline on that?"
"It is July 1 of 2026, so they've got one year to produce that report."
"Okay." 10400047.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"And if there are further legislative changes that are needed as a result of that, I look forward to working with you on those."
"And… and can I assume if that report is not back that you will certainly be a strong advocate to push that to… to be done?"
"I will not wait for that date to come. I will be working closely with many colleagues in this side and your side of the aisle to make sure that report gets produced."
"Thank you. Appreciate that."
"Thank you, leader."
"Representative Cassidy is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the bill."
"To the bill."
"I want to thank Leader Guzzardi, and I'm grateful that he has a moment to sit down. I want to thank him for… for really being such a great partner and advocate to make sure that we got these important provisions for survivors into this bill. I want to thank the… the team, both on the other side of the aisle. Thank you, Leader McCombie, for your partnership over the last couple of years as we've worked on this. We can all agree that we need to make sure that our survivors are given the respect that they deserve, that they need, frankly, to survive. So, I… I just want to thank everybody who… who made sure that we didn't push through an incomplete package and took the time to work through this meticulously this year. So, thank you. I do want to clarify, wherever it appears in the bill, 'victim impact statement' is intended to have the same meaning as 'victim statement.' Those 10400047.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 are used interchangeably throughout the bill. This is an important component because so often our… our survivors are left out of the process. I'm glad for the… the thoughtful discussion around the… the notification systems as well. Right now, folks need to know that we are operating under a patchwork of systems administered in different spaces, and that is certainly not the most user-friendly approach. So, I am looking forward to working with you, Leader McCombie, and you, Leader Guzzardi, to make sure that when this report comes out, we get it right this time so that we don't have any more folks falling through the cracks, no more little boys have to die, no more folks have to live in fear. So, thank you for this, and I urge everyone to vote 'yes.'"
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 19 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, take the record. On this question, there are 74 voting in 'favor,' 37 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Members, we are returning to Short Debate. Senate Bill 126, Representative Gill. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 126, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gill is recognized."
"Thank you so much. Senate Bill 126 would require all state- regulated health insurance plans to cover medically necessary, FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatments that slow the progression of the disease. It would also require coverage of 10400047.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 testing needed to confirm a diagnosis. This bill is an initiative of the Alzheimer's Association and is agreed with the insurance industry and all stakeholders. And I thank them for trusting me with bill. We passed this bill last year unanimously, and this just expands this wonderful medication to everybody now. Happy to take any questions."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 126 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, take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Democrats would request a caucus meeting starting 10 minutes from now in Room 114."
"The Democrats would… would caucus in Room 114 at 2 o'clock. Leader Keicher is recognized for the purpose of… of an announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus at 2 p.m. in Room 118."
"The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 at 2 p.m. The House will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. The House will be in order. The clerk is in receipt of Motions in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several bills. If there is leave, we will take these motions together in one motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Leader Evans is on the motion." 10400047.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Madam Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived so the following bills can be heard in the following committees: Senate Bill 324 in Adoption & Child Welfare, Senate Bill 1298 in Human Services, Senate Bill 2001 in Judiciary – Civil, Senate Bill 2303 in Police & Fire, Senate Bill 2469 in Health Care Licenses."
"Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you. We request a record vote on the motion."
"Leader Evans has moved to waive the posting requirements. 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? Clerk, please take the record. There being 72 voting in 'favor,' 39 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this motion, having received a constitutional majority, the posting requirements are waived. Representative Kifowit, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Chair. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Members, you might have received an email last week and potentially a reminder this morning for NCSL. Of course, our own Leader Evans is ascending to leadership of NCSL, and they have a happy hour at Aunt Lou's Soul Food from 5:30 to 7:30, and all are invited to attend. The… Aunt Lou's just opened up. I believe it's on the corner of Monroe, but don't quote me on that. But, again, you are all welcome to attend Aunt Lou's for NCSL happy hour, 5:30 to 7:30. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Fifth… Fifth and Monroe. Thank you." 10400047.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Representative Friess, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, last week we had the Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day here, and this week we've been advised by the State of Illinois that the FOID card system will be temporarily shut down for maintenance. So, what does this mean? It means that FOID card holders and law-abiding citizens cannot purchase a firearm, cannot purchase ammunition, or validate their FOID card. Additionally, it means that private businesses will essentially be unable to operate and… and complete sales until this is resolved. Only the State of Illinois could find a way to trash the Second Amendment and private businesses at the same time. Let me be clear, this is not the fault of the Illinois State Police. They have been dealt the unfortunate hand to deal with this. The fault lies with our lawmakers. There is no other constitutional right that we would tolerate being obstructed. There is absolutely no governmental, administrative, bureaucratic system excuse that warrants obstructing the constitutional rights. Imagine if the government told you that due to computer update that your free speech was suspended. We would never tolerate that. So, why is the Second Amendment any different? The FOID card is bad enough at is… as it is. It does nothing to make law-abiding gun owners pay to exercise their rights. It is time to get rid of the FOID card and stop forcing gun owners to exchange money for rights in Illinois. Thank you." 10400047.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Representative Briel, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Members, today, I am incredibly excited and honored to introduce you to my page for a day, Brieaunna Duck. Brieaunna just graduated from Pontiac High School. Her friend's dad is Representative Bunting, as surprising as that is. And Brieaunna is going to be attending University of Illinois Carbondale in the fall. Oh, sorry, my bad. Urbana- Champaign, my bad, my bad. I know… sorry. Hey, she's going to U of I. It's not my fault. All right. One of the things that's great about Brieaunna is that she is mostly interested in business, economics, and finance, but also has a strong commitment to civics. She's been an election judge during those grueling times, and we're really excited to have her. So, she'll be with me for the next two days. Please come up and say hello, talk to her. She's excited to learn. She's also a part of the lieutenant governor's Girls Lead mentor program, and she has to do a big report on us at the end of this. So, be nice to her or you might end up in a report. Thank you again, and welcome, Brieaunna."
"Representative Hauter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a parliamentary inquiry."
"Please proceed."
"On Friday, May 16, I asked the Speaker for a ruling, if the insulting words spoken on the House floor were out of 10400047.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 order and in violation of House decorum. The presiding Speaker did not resolve the inquiry, eventually asking me to submit a request for determination in writing, which I have done. Does the Speaker have a response to my verbal, and now written, inquiry on the rules of House decorum?"
"Representative, the request was received. It was received this morning, and we are working on it."
"With all due respect, I'm not sure why I don't have a response. If you look at the rules, I will point out the rules of the House do not require a point of inquiry to have a written request for determination. And, in fact, the House Rules allude to the fact that immediate or a timely response is appropriate from the Chair. So, I ask again, why do I not have a response on my point of decorum?"
"There is no ruling yet. It's still under review."
"So, I'm going to dispute that the inquiry needed to be in writing, and I contend that the inquiry should've been resolved by adjournment on Friday. I… I guess I will continue to await the Speaker's response to my verbal, and now written, inquiry on the rules of decorum in the House. Thank you, Madam Speaker."
"Representative Tipsword, what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"On May 14, a Woodford County man was arrested following a lengthy investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence. The 37-year-old was suspected in a child 10400047.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 pornography case. The state's attorney charged him with 21 counts of possession of child pornography. Additionally, the state's attorney filed a petition to deny pretrial release. After careful consideration, the judge in the case ruled that he could not detain the defendant based on the Pretrial Fairness Act. Instead, he was being released on conditions. What were those conditions, you ask? He's prohibited from being in contact with a person under 18 years of age, and he is not allowed to use the internet. Who is going to enforce these ridiculous conditions? However, this travesty is not the police officer's fault, it's not the states attorney's fault, and it's certainly not the judge's fault. Look around this chamber. It's our fault. We are the ones who have diminished our criminal justice system to a form of catch and release, with a hope that the defendant may someday come back for trial. It's time we pull our collective heads out of the sand and repeal this horrible law, but we won't because that would be admitting some of us were wrong. So, what are we doing? We're doubling down. Just this spring, we have moved bills that would further reduce the accountability of criminals by giving them a pathway for early release, even though they have committed the most horrific crimes imaginable, including homicide and child sex crimes. Additionally, we are moving to limit how police conduct search warrants, making it more difficult for us to do our job, and, yes, unbelievably, lowering the distance a sexual predator can reside from a school or park. And we do all of this in the name of criminal justice. More prudent… a more prudent approach would be to hold criminals accountable for the crimes 10400047.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 they commit, enact sentencing enhancements, and do what you said you were doing. Give our judges back their judicial discretion. It's time we listen to the stakeholders and admit this is not working. Thank you, Madam Speaker."
"Members, we will proceed to the Order of Senate Bills on Third Reading. Just a reminder, we are in Short Debate. On page 2 of the calendar, under Third Readings, we have Senate Bill 28, offered by Representative Faver Dias. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 28, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Faver Dias is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 28 modernizes our teacher and principal evaluation laws by restoring local flexibility and professional judgment to the process. It is an agreed bill among all stakeholders, including both labor and management. It's kind of a unicorn in that way. This proposal reflects nearly 15 years of lessons learned since the enactment of performance evaluation reform measures and is grounded in practical realities experienced by our educators and school leaders. This bill makes the use of student growth as a significant factor in teacher and principal evaluations permissive and determined by the local joint committees starting July 1, 2025. This bill also provides that if a district chooses to continue using student growth as a significant factor in evaluations that metric will also be available to consider in dismissal hearings. I also want to emphasize that Senate Bill 28 does not alleviate the growth component of teacher evaluation at all. In fact, 10400047.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 the professional practice elements within the existing teacher evaluation systems, like the Danielson framework, emphasize accountability through comprehensive, practice- focused assessments that better capture a teacher's impact on students. This shift not only lessens the administrative burden but promotes a more practical and impactful accountability framework, benefiting students, teachers, and school leaders alike. It passed the Senate unanimously, also the House committee unanimously, and there is no opposition. Thank you."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. As you noted, the teacher dismissal hearing provides that… this provides that at a teacher dismissal hearing, a school district may no longer use that student growth component as an indicator of a teacher's performance."
"If the joint committee has taken the significant growth factor out of the evaluation process. So, this will be a joint committee by joint committee decision at the local level. If they choose to keep it in, they can, and then it can be used in the dismissal process. But it is now at a local level discretion."
"And who is on the joint committee?"
"It's made up… it's chosen in the district, and it's made up of a variety of stakeholders, including administrators, union members, teachers. It's… it varies by district." 10400047.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"And if it, the joint committee, decides to leave this component in, it will still be considered. So, in essence, it is a local decision then."
"It is a local decision. Districts continue as they have, or they can make this change starting on July 1."
"There have been concerns expressed about accountability, making sure teachers are still accountable for their performance to students. How do you feel this bill accounts for that accountability with this change?"
"So, accountability on student growth is still very much a part of a… a teacher's daily life. As I referenced, the Danielson framework is one of the major evaluation components that we use throughout the state. And in that Danielson framework, there are multiple components that make this a comprehensive student growth, a comprehensive part of those teacher conversations, teacher reflection. Assessments are done daily, and should be done daily, and are taken into account and reflected upon in order to guide lessons. So, this does not take it out. It just allows decisions to be made if it's a part of the teacher evaluation, but it's still very much present in… in classrooms."
"And as I understand it, as it relates to a teacher evaluation, there are four levels: unsatisfactory, needs improvement, and I believe two others."
"They… they vary by district with those names, but, yes, essentially there are four levels."
"And this bill would only change the impact as to the unsatisfactory evaluation, or would it impact the other?" 10400047.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"I don't… it would not… to my understanding, it wouldn't impact the levels. It would impact the comprehensive use of it in… in all the teacher evaluations."
"So, it would be able to be used to distinguish between those other levels besides unsatisfactory."
"If… if it is taken out, it would not. It would not be a component if the local district chooses to go that route."
"So, if it's taken out, can't be used for any of the four levels. If the local board allows to keep it in, it can be used for all four."
"Correct."
"All right. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 28 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, take the record. On this question, there are 92 voting in 'favor,' 21 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 31, Representative Croke. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 31, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Croke is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 31 is identical to House Bill 1823. Senate Bill 31 passed the Senate unanimously, and House Bill 1823 also passed the House unanimously. The Senate Bill version also passed committee unanimously. But 10400047.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 this bill is a joint initiative of the public guardian and the public defender's office. It makes a conforming change regarding youth that are being detained in JTDC past their court-ordered time because of DCFS' failure to find placement. Regardless of whether a child protection petition was filed or a delinquency petition was filed, DCFS would have to submit a report to the court on behalf of the youth detailing the efforts that DCFS has taken to place the youth in an appropriate setting. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 31 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, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Kifowit on SB32. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 32, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm here to present Senate Bill 32. Senate Bill 32 allows households of a veteran or a member of the armed forces to qualify for SNAP benefits if their household gross income is at or below 200% of the income poverty guidelines. This is subject to federal approval. If required, it will be a use of federal funds, and the bill does not use state funds."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized." 10400047.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. You, I think, hit on the point I wanted to ask at the end. Will this implicate the state budget in any way?"
"No. No, we… we are going to petition the federal government to allow the use of federal funds to help these military families."
"So, we don't anticipate any fiscal impact to the state."
"No."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 32 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 114 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mayfield on Senate Bill 39. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 39, a Bill for an Act concerning property. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mayfield is recognized."
"Thank you so much. Senate Bill 39 is a very simple bill that does something that is very good for all of us. Basically, what this bill does is it provides an exemption on EV… the EV requirement for individuals that… I'm sorry, for 10400047.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 nonprofit organizations that are building homes for unhoused veterans. And as we all know, homeless and veteran are two words that should never be used in the same sentence. So, this is actually something that is good. The exemption only applies to these particular types of projects, and I'm asking for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall… shall Senate Bill 39 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 114 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Ness for Senate Bill 58. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 58, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ness is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Senate Bill 58 is a bill that continues to support and build on the work of creating more skilled manufacturing workers throughout the State of Illinois to make sure that we have a workforce that can meet the demand and increase of manufacturing. It's an IMA initiative. It passed the Senate unanimously. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will." 10400047.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Thank you. Representative, we show this is subject to appropriation. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Do we know what an appropriation amount would be if this were fully funded?"
"Sure. So, somewhere around 2 million is… is the estimate, but this also includes the ability to enter into agreements and contracts with other entities that also might pick up some of the cost of it. So, it could be less. But, yes, it's subject to appropriation."
"Are we anticipating it being funded in this year's budget?"
"Realistically, no."
"All right. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 58 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 114 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Evans for Senate Bill 67. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 67, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Out of the record. Representative Katz Muhl for Senate Bill 69. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 69, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Katz Muhl is recognized." 10400047.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 69 provides for coverage under insurance for hippotherapy and equine riding therapies. This coverage would apply to private insurance regulated by the state, state employees, and self-insuring groups. There is no opposition, and there was bipartisan support at both the committee level and the full floor vote in the Senate as well as the House committee. Ask for your support on this bill, please."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"Indicates she will."
"Thank you. Are there any other states that you're aware of that provide this coverage mandate?"
"Not other states, but insurance policies, including the Blue Cross ones, do already. So, this will even the playing field amongst the providers."
"And are there programs that qualify that exist in the state?"
"Absolutely. As I shared in committee, my younger sister got her start as an aide in one of these programs. It changes lives, both for the staff, the volunteers, and the riders."
"And this mandate would also apply to the Counties Code, Municipal Code, School Code, the… the codes that we have authority over."
"That is correct."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 69 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting's 10400047.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 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,' 33 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Keicher on Senate Bill 71. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 71, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. What we have before us now is… is an excellent piece of modifying a mandate that currently applies to schools. We see this arising out of a chemical spill that happened in Ohio a couple years ago, where the school district wasn't aware of what they should do in the event of a chemical spill. Do they keep the kids inside? Do they shut off the HVAC? Do they turn it on? Do they send them home? So, all we're asking is that schools work with IEMA to evaluate the potential exposure to hazardous chemical releases and to develop a plan so that they're not caught flat-footed like they were in Ohio. I'm happy to go into more detail or answer any questions others might have."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 71 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 111 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. 10400047.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 Representative Katz Muhl for Senate Bill 73. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 73, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Katz Muhl is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill arose out of an issue in my home township, where a local family's baby was exposed to toxic heavy metals in baby food. The bill, which has no opposition and is done with the consent of the retail merchants, would provide for testing that would be provided on public websites so people could review the data. We made a small amendment in committee in order to acknowledge the fact that the department already had existing rules that they could use to implement this process. Open to any questions and ask for your support for the bill. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 73 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 114 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Ann Williams on Senate Bill 103. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 103, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Williams is recognized." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill is an initiative of the CBA, Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law 10400047.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 Committee, and just makes two clarifying changes to court procedures under the Adoption Act. First, for children being adopted out of DCFS care, only a petitioner who has placement of a child or consent or approval from the department has standing to file adoption petition. And secondly, people previously found by a court not to be the parent of a child or whose parental rights have already been terminated by another court are not entitled to notice at a subsequent adoption hearing. And I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, leader. Why was this bill brought forward? What are we addressing?" Williams, A.: "These are just a couple of practical applications of proceeding with adoptions. So, in the first instance, it didn't make sense to move forward with adoption petitions by persons who had not been cleared in the initial DCFS procedure. You can't adopt a child out of DCFS unless you've already been through a certain procedure. Yet, it was happening anyway, so we were just delaying, having more court time, more court costs, only to have the same outcome. On the second item, there's no need if the termination of rights has already happened or if a court has already weighed in on the parentage of a child in juvenile court, there's no need to revisit the issue in adoption court. And so, notice was duplicative and unnecessary. So, both of these items are about streamlining the process and not causing unnecessary delays 10400047.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 in… in what is kind of a sensitive matter of adoption of a child."
"Our analysis shows that an organization, I believe, by the name of FamilyForward is opposed. Have they contacted you about their opposition?" Williams, A.: "I'm not familiar with the organization nor have I heard from them or anyone else in opposition to the bill."
"Thank you." Williams, A.: "Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 103 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 114 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Ann Williams on… on Senate Bill 104. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 104, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Williams is recognized." Williams, A.: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. Continuing on regarding adoption issues. Senate Bill 104 makes two changes to correct what have been statutory oversights in confidential intermediary procedures to be consistent with policy and practices of the law currently. So, first, this bill clarifies that adoptive parents of a minor adopted child can petition for a confidential intermediary to connect with and exchange information with the adopted parents of a minor birth sibling. 10400047.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 As you can imagine, all the science, and… and it's pretty much commonsense by now that more information for adoptees is an important thing. And families are recognizing this, so we're allowing the confidential intermediary process to engage in this way. And secondly, Senate Bill 104 corrects a drafting oversight as to an existing remedy for an adopted person who cannot obtain a copy of their original birth certificate because it is lost. This provides for a process for those people to get the information that an adopted person is entitled to under the law that we passed many years ago that allows them access to their original birth certificates. Happy to answer any questions."
"Representative Reick is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Quick question, Representative. This communication between adoptive children of, I'm assuming, different families, this is for what purpose again, please?" Williams, A.: "So, right now, if you're in an open adoption situation, of course, the family can communicate with members of the birth family at will. But if they go through what is already established process, the confidential intermediary program, that allows a person to be kind of a… a liaison, if you will, between the adoptive family and the birth family. This just says that the adoptive family can work with this program, the CI program, to exchange information about siblings for the adoptee."
"And this can be done independent of court… a court overview or review, right?" 10400047.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 Williams, A.: "I'm sorry, that last part?"
"Can this be done independent of court review?" Williams, A.: "Yes, this is a program outside the courts, and this is something that's… yes."
"Very good. Thank you very much." Williams, A.: "Sure."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 104 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 110 voting in 'favor,' 3 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader West on Senate Bill 106. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 106, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader West is recognized."
"Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 106 authorizes the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, ICJIA, to enter into contract with a third party for the purposes of evaluating grant applications. The bill also clarifies that ICJIA has grant awarding authority and may adopt rules for the purpose of awarding grants. I ask for a favorable roll call."
"Leader Morgan's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can we please excuse Representative Chung for the rest of the day?"
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?" 10400047.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader, I've heard a couple of concerns about this bill I'd like you to address. The first is that entities that receive grants from ICJIA may be involved with the scoring and evaluation of grant applications. Is there any provision in the bill that would limit the ability of those receiving grants from ICJIA to be involved in that evaluation process?"
"To my knowledge, the language just simply says third party, so there… it doesn't go any further from there."
"And then there is a provision, I believe, that allows for grant recipients… some of the grant funds to be used for legal aid for noncitizens."
"That's incorrect, sir. If you're referring to civil legal aid, it has been an eligible category for a grant under… since… under ICJIA since the R3 inception, so nothing new there."
"So, it's… that is something that exists, but it does not exist because of this bill. Is that what you're saying?"
"That's correct. It's already been in… in existence."
"And what this bill does, why are you bringing it forward to make these changes in the law?"
"ICJIA has very limited staffing. And when it comes to the grants that go through the agency, they're in need of assistance to review these grant applications. It's bringing a strain on the staff of ICJIA. This is allowing them to recruit third-party members to help with the process of… of reviewing the grants. Nothing more than that." 10400047.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"Just to… back to a prior question. On page 6, there does appear to be new language about civil legal aid. I don't know that it specifically references noncitizens, but my understanding is that is a category that is eligible for grants through ICJIA."
"Most of the grants that come through ICJIA are focused on criminal justice and bring… ensuring that those who are returning to our communities have the resources that they need. But beyond that, there's no intent to expand what the rules are for that particular portion of the grant."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Okay. The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 106 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 72 voting in 'favor,' 40 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Cassidy on Senate Bill 108. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 108, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy's recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 108 is a pretty simple bill that makes permanent an already existing traffic fee waiver program that is specific to Cook County. It's been in place since 2021, which… and it allowed Cook County judges to waive the… the fee 10400047.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 portion. And I want to be really clear: This is fees, not the fines, not restitution, simply the assessments for court costs for people unable to pay. They're able to waive up to 50% of a person's assessed fees. One of the things that's also important to note is that when the Supreme Court did the study of… on fines and fees, they found that these fees were very rarely collected because folks simply don't have the money to do it. So, it's not a massive impact on any of these budget. The fees eligible to be waived under this program can amount up to $700 per person. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, as you outlined, this is a pilot program, which this bill will make permanent. Is that correct?"
"Will make it permanent, yes, sir."
"And the… this applies to the fees, but not fines. So, the fines are things the court would assess that would have to be… still be paid."
"Right."
"And the fees, which are often established either by statute or rule, the Supreme Court would… would be waived. Is that correct?"
"Up to 50% of them. And they… they often amount to a great deal more than the statutory fines associated with the charge. These are court costs that the county charges. And as I said, they are very… very rarely collected." 10400047.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
"I see that the Association of Chiefs of Police is opposed. Have they expressed their opposition to you?"
"No, they have not."
"My understanding, in a conversation with those who have been opposed, is the concern that these fees are often used to fund certain elements of government that are not being funded otherwise. Would you care to address that concern?"
"Absolutely. As I mentioned, these fees are very rarely collected, so this is not blowing a hole in the Cook County budget in any way. The folks in Cook County are very much in support of doing this."
"Thanks. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 108 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,' 40 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Moeller on Senate Bill 119. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 119, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Moeller is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Senate Bill 119 changes the required second testing of syphilis for pregnant women from the entire third trimester to between 27 and 32 weeks, the beginning of the third trimester. This bill also expands who can do a syphilis blood test from a physician or other person 10400047.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 to any appropriate health care professional. Finally, this bill expands what testing methods for syphilis are approved for pregnant persons. This is an initiative of the Department of Public Health. I am not aware of any opposition and would ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 119 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 110 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Stuart on Senate Bill 128. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 128, a Bill for an Act concerning animals. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Stuart is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill is pretty simple. It limits the medical exemptions for animals who are otherwise required to get a rabies vaccine. It limits that to one year with the ability to renew annually rather than having that exemption be an indefinite exemption."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 128 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 111 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements." 10400047.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025
Clerk Hollman: "The following committees will be meeting immediately after session: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education will meet in Room 118, Agriculture & Conservation will meet in Room 115, Cities & Villages will meet in Room 413, Energy & Environment will meet in Room 114, Financial Institutions & Licensing will meet in Room 122, Health Care Availability & Accessibility will meet in C-1, Judiciary - Criminal will meet in D-1. Immediately after that will be Veterans' Affairs in Room 118 and Consumer Protection in Room 115."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 348, offered by Representative Rosenthal. House Resolution 350, offered by Representative Rashid. House Resolution 351, offered by Representative Chung. House Resolution 352, offered by Representative Briel. House Resolution 353, offered by Representative Costa Howard. And House Resolution 354, offered by Representative Buckner."
"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 Wednesday, May 21, 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 shall stand adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 10400047.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 47th Legislative Day 5/20/2025 4058, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 4059, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 4060, offered by Representative Weaver, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400047.docx 77