"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We should be led in prayer today by the Evangelist Tucker McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel is with the Springfield Christians in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. McDaniel is the guest of Leader Windhorst. Members, Members, thank you. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let us pray. Our holy and righteous God and Father, Yahweh Almighty, we praise your name, we praise you for all the good things, for you are good all the time. Your love overflows in our life. Your desire is that no man perishes. Everything you've created is perfect and right. All life is precious in your sight. And we give thanks to you, Father. We give thanks to you for this day, that we can come together and see the sunshine and feel the cool breeze and… and see you in all the things of this life. We're thankful for the many blessings that we have, for the country that we live in. And I pray for those who live in suppressed countries, that you'd be with them and help them in their times. We pray for the men and women fighting for this country, for the freedoms that we have. Most of all, we're so thankful for your son, who lived a perfect life and died at the hands of evil men for all of us, to sanctify us, to forgive us of our sins, that we may have a hope to live in heaven with you. We ask for guidance, Father. Help us to abide by your word, to be shining lights in this world, and to help us when we are weak. Guide the men and women today who make the decisions for this state and for this country. We are so 10400050.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 thankful for their service and their dedication in… in their jobs. We're… ask that you keep us safe this day in all the things that we say and all the things that we do, in our life here and all the days of our lives, that you keep us safe until we meet you in heaven, Father, our spiritual Zion, our eternal home. It is through your son, your only begotten son, who intercedes for us, the precious Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
"We should be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Leader Hammond." Hammond – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Buckner is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Ammons, Andrade, du Buclet, Jones, Mayfield, Scherer, and Syed are excused today."
"Thank you. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Sosnowski and Spain are excused for today."
"Thank you, leader. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 109 Members present, answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports." 10400050.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2025: recommends be adopted, Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 2044."
"Leader McCombie, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. I rise today with a heavy heart and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. On the evening of May 21, two dedicated Israeli Embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky, who was 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who was 26, were tragically killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. They were a young couple, deeply committed of fostering peace and understanding and were on the cusp of an engagement. Their lives were brutally cut short by an act of hate perpetrated by a 31-year-old from Chicago who allegedly declared he acted for Palestine and for Gaza during the attack. This heinous act is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing rise of antisemitic violence fueled by dangerous rhetorics and falsehoods. The resurgence of blood libel has found new life in modern discourse, spreading misinformation and inciting violence. Speaker, we can no longer ignore this. The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest put it very plainly: At a time when antisemitism is reaching unprecedented levels in Chicago, statements of condolence and symbolic gestures are no longer enough. The mayor and city leadership must take real action and show those who engage in or tolerate toxic rhetoric will be held accountable. The safety of Chicago's Jewish community depends 10400050.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 on it. As legislators for the state of Illinois, we cannot remain silent. Silence in the face of such evil is complicity. We must stand firmly against antisemitism and support our ally Israel and its right to exist and defend itself. Our job is not to tiptoe around the truth. Our job is to confront hate head-on. After the horrors of October 7, I introduced House Resolution 55 to affirm our support for Israel, to condemn Hamas and all terror organizations, and to make it crystal clear Illinois stands with the Jewish people. To the families of Yaron and Sarah, to the Jewish community here at home and across the world, we see you, we grieve with you, we are committed to ensuring your safety, your dignity, and that your truth is not erased by indifference or political fear. This body has an opportunity and, more importantly, a responsibility to lead. I urge the adoption of HR55. Let us be the voice of courage. Let us be the firewall against hate. And, Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence."
"Body shall take a moment of silence. Thank you. Representative Halbrook, for which purpose… for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A Point of personal privilege… privilege, please."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, today I rise to highlight and support a major development at the federal level and to challenge this body to take action that aligns Illinois with a growing national trend toward economic freedom and family protection. Just a day or two ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful 10400050.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Bill, which includes significant and permanent reforms to the federal estate tax. Starting in 2026, the federal exemption for the estate and lifetime gift tax will increase to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for families. These new levels will also be indexed to inflation, meaning they will continue to grow with the economy and the cost of living. And, more importantly, these changes are permanent, not temporary tax relief that sunsets a few years down the road. This reform is a game changer for family-owned businesses and family farms, especially in rural communities who often find themselves land rich but cash poor. Instead of being forced to sell off pieces of the family farm or the family business just to pay a tax bill after a death in the family, more families will be able to preserve the legacy their parents and their grandparents worked so hard to build. But while the federal government is moving in the right direction, Illinois is stuck in the past. We are only one of a few remaining states that still impose an estate tax, and our exemption is far lower… lower, at just $4 million. This means that an Illinois family could owe estate taxes even when they owe nothing to the IRS. That's just wrong. This tax hits family farms, small businesses, and middle-income savers the hardest. It's a tax on success, a tax on generational wealth, and a tax on dreams. It punishes those who have planned, saved, and invested in our communities for decades. If Washington can recognize the harm of estate taxes and take action to shield families, Illinois should follow suit. At a minimum, we should match the federal exemption levels, but I believe we should go even further and eliminate the Illinois 10400050.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 estate tax altogether. Let's give Illinois families a fighting chance to hold on to what they've built. Let's stop penalizing hard work and responsible planning. Let's be a state where legacy matters more than government revenue. Thank you."
"Representative Hirschauer, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"If I could have the attention of the body, we are celebrating a very special birthday today. It always stinks to work on your birthday, but I want us all to make sure that this day is super special for Nora Walsh, who keeps things running smoothly for us every single day. So, Nora, we're sorry you have to be here, but we're happy to share this day for you. Happy birthday."
"Happy birthday, Nora. Representative Rosenthal, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I'd like to introduce my page for the day to the… to the body. He's a sophomore at Pawnee High School. And Colton Patterson, he has an interest… thank you, sir. He has an interest in political science or possibly real estate in the future. I play softball with his dad, and his great- grandfather was our American Legion baseball coach back in the '60s. So, let's welcome him to Springfield. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Chung, for which purpose do you seek recognition?" 10400050.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen of the chamber, I know it's… it's May. We're ending the… coming towards the end of May, but May is also Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and I… we spoke about it maybe towards the beginning of the month. Since we've been busy, we haven't had much of a chance to… to recognize people on the floor, but I thought that today was an important day to recognize this gentleman. I wanted to recognize Korean American U.S. District Courts Judge Myong Jin Joun. In his over 25 legal… 25-year legal career, Myong Jin Joun has served on multiple courts in Massachusetts and has worked with numerous legal institutes and nonprofit organizations. Prior to serving as district judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Judge Joun attended Suffolk University Law School and served in the Massachusetts National Guard. Judge Joun later became an associate judge of the Boston Municipal Court and led a trial advocacy workshop as an instructor for four years at Harvard Law School. In 2023, Myong Jin Joun was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by President Joe Biden and was confirmed by the Senate later that year. Since his appointment, Judge Joun has presided over various notable cases. In March, he issued a temporary restraining order on the Trump administration's attempt to attack diversity, equity, inclusion by freezing teacher training grants. Yesterday, most notably, Judge Joun blocked the Trump administration's illegal attempt to dismantle the Department of Education, reinstating more than 10400050.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 1300 U.S. Department of Education employees. Judge Joun's ruling also blocks the Trump administration's attempt to move the federal student loan portfolio and special education programs out of the Department of Education and to the Small Business Administration and Department of Health and Human Services. Time and time again, Judge Joun had stood up to the Trump administration's illegal attacks on education across the country. Yesterday's ruling affirms Judge Joun's oath to the constitution and to the rule of law, standing up for what is right and protecting all Americans and their rights in the process. As a Korean American myself, I could not be more proud to talk about Judge Myong Jin Joun and to share with you all his dedication to the constitution and to the people of America. Thank you."
"Leader Ann Williams, for which purpose do you seek recognition?" Williams, A: "Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed." Williams, A: "I just wanted to share with the body a nice moment that I had on the way to the Capitol this morning. I was going to be nice and early today and then, alas, the tire gauge or the tire pressure gauge went off in my car, showing a low right rear tire. So, dismayed, I went to the nearest tire shop to drop it off and realized now I'm going to be late, what a pain. So, I drop it off at the tire shop, walk into the Capitol, kind of crabby because I'm going to be late now, my whole day is messed up. And as I'm walking up toward the Capitol, I walk, and my path crosses this nice lady, and she says in an accent, 'Excuse me. I'm… I'm sorry, I'm just 10400050.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 visiting.' So, I stopped to take a moment to chat with her. She had a heavy accent. She was a Polish woman from Chicago area. Her name was Maria, and she was here to visit the Capitol, see the Lincoln sites. And it really just struck me how lucky we are to come into this building every day, to work in this amazing environment, and to really make a difference. So, thank you to Maria for reminding me that I'm so honored to be here every day, and I hope all of you will take Maria's new lesson as well. Happy Friday."
"Representative Schweizer, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Colleagues and fellow citizens in the chamber today, as we gather here in the House of Representatives, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and the Memorial Day weekend. This is not just a day of rest but a day of remembrance. We honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation, sons and daughters of Illinois who answered the call and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their sacrifice has secured the freedoms we are sworn to uphold in this chamber. Let us carry out our duties with the same sense of purpose, dedication, and service that they showed the… on the battlefield. May their memory guide our decisions, and may we never forget that freedom is never free. Thank you."
"Thank you, Representative. Representative Weber, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker." 10400050.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Please proceed."
"Fellow Members of the House, I'd like to share an important story with you about Rebecca. Rebecca is a hardworking municipal employee that has spent much of her life working in… for municipalities and other agencies and recently decided that she wanted to retire. Her last day at work will be the end of July. And normally, with the Illinois Municipal Retirement League, you would receive your paycheck within a couple days or possibly a week or so out after retiring. But that's not what Rebecca was told. She said that currently she would have to wait until November 1 probably before she receives her first paycheck. Now think of this. Rebecca has a husband, and she still has two children that are in college. To continue her COBRA health insurance, that's going to cost $2500 a month. On top of that, three months with no income from her retirement check adds up to $9,844. You add all that together between the moment she retires and when she's told she's going to get her first check, that adds up to $17,344.83 for a person who has dedicated their life for local municipality and told that now that she's retired that we cannot do what we've always done. Now, it's going to take three months to get our first check. This is not a first time that we've heard of this. I've had multiple instances in my office. That's why I filed HB2358. And I'm not trying to sell my bill. What I'm trying to do is honor our retirees here in the state of Illinois. We have an obligation to not bankrupt families, to not force them to take money out of their retirements, out of their IRAs, or anything else, but to get their retirement check to them in a timely fashion. 10400050.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 When I spoke with Director Collins, I was assured this was a one thing, it's a very rare occasion. But now, after we were promised just contact her office, we have three instances where we sent emails and have yet to get a response in regards to these retirees. Folks in this chamber, I don't… I don't know if you can add it to the budget, add it to a bill, anything we got to do. We have to make sure that our retirees can receive their retirement benefits that they were promised in a timely fashion. They deserve better than having to wait three months and question how they're going to pay insurance for their family. I think it's time if… if my fellow Members on the Democrat side and Republican side can work together, it would be nice if we could honor our hardworking municipal retirees and get them a retirement paycheck on time. Thank you very much."
"Representative Faver Dias, for which purpose do you… do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"I want to take a moment to honor an extraordinary young woman. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Ofelia Torres. She's a 16-year-old in Lake… at Lake View High School in Chicago. A teacher friend reached out to me and asked if I'd be willing to speak with Ofelia, who was working on a policy research paper about inequities in health care. Ofelia is smart, curious, passionate, but unlike most… but unlike most teens her age, her days aren't spent with her friends or in classrooms. Instead, they're filled with doctor's visits, clinic check-ins, chemotherapy sessions, and 10400050.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 overnight stays at Lurie Children's Hospital. Ofelia is living with Stage IV ARMS, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the soft tissue. Because of what she's endured, Ofelia understands the health care system better than any teenager should. She spoke with me with deep insight about the challenges her family has faced: fighting for hours for medication approvals, spending countless hours on the phone navigating a major change in Medicaid coverage when their hospital was no longer in network, and shouldering the overwhelming stress of a complex and broken health care system. Her story is heartbreaking, but it's also a call to action. Just yesterday, Congressional Republicans passed a budget that would slash Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions of families like Ofelia's. We may not control what happens in Washington, but we do have the power to shape what happens here in our state. As we enter the final days of our legislative session, I urge my colleagues to remember Ofelia Torres as we make critical decisions about our budget. Real people, real children are depending on us. Though I met Ofelia through a teaching connection, she actually live in… lives in Leader Guzzardi's district. And, Ofelia, if you are listening, we are in awe of your strength, your courage, your intelligence, and you are not alone. We are standing with you and fighting for you here in Springfield. Thank you."
"Leader Guzzardi, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed." 10400050.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"I just wanted to follow on Representative Faver Dias' comments. Representative Faver Dias called me the other day and said, 'You have the most amazing constituent. You have to meet this young woman,' that she had just gotten off this long conversation with Ofelia. And I feel so fortunate that she lives in my district. And then the next day, I go into my inbox and I get this incredibly thoughtful memo that Ofelia had wrote to my office about her story and her experience with the health care system and policy reforms that she thinks are really important for people like her who are navigating this incredibly complex and difficult system. And I just want to say, Ofelia, if you're watching us today, I'm so proud that you live in my district. I look forward to getting done down here and coming back up to Chicago and spending some time with you in our neighborhood and learning from you about your experiences and how we can make policies to support you and your family. Thank you for your courage, for your voice, and for being a light in all of our lives."
"Representative Miller, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you very much. Yeah, I rise today to celebrate the vision and foresight of the authors of Title IX. And it's interesting to me when I was doing the research on this, I found out that Senator Birch Bayh, a Democrat, and Patsy… Patsy Mink, a Democrat also, in the House of Representatives, she was also the first person in the House of Representatives of color, but they had the wisdom and foresight to bring this 10400050.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 forward. And it's interesting that we continue to have this debate and this conversation. You know, it's been a little bit of a snapshot of our culture and the slouching to Gomorrah that we see here. And, you know, when we think about the things that we've been debating on this House floor, you know, such things like what's the appropriate age to kill a baby, should… should we have tampons in women's restrooms, et cetera, et cetera… or, in men's restrooms, excuse me, et cetera, et cetera. But the list goes on and on, and it's a real… it's almost embarrassing to me as a Christian to have to even have conversations to live in a pretend culture and live in a fantasy land. I know I had this conversation with my sons, and I said, 'Boys, if you're ever bleeding in your pelvic area, you're not having your period. What you're having is a medical emergency, and you better get to the hospital.' But it's… it's amazing to me that we tried out all these red herrings and we gaslight the citizens of Illinois and try to get them to think that the Republicans are picking fights with kids when the reality is we're standing for women's rights and the women's right to privacy. It's common sense that pretend women should not be competing against real women. This isn't complicated. I'm a farmer, and we're involved in production agriculture. And every farmer and every farm kid in the Illinois understands the difference between a bull and a heifer. This is utterly ridiculous. Women's sports were created for biological women only, to give them a level playing field, a chance to win, a chance to achieve their goals, and even have scholarship opportunities. This was the reason for Title IX for crying out loud. All these 10400050.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 opportunities were flushed down the toilet when biological men compete. It's totally absurd. You know, where's the equity in all this? Everyone should agree that women need their privacy, but not the woke mob, the so-called safe spaces for men who want to play dress-up and pretend to be a girl. You know, those days should have been long gone. This side of the aisle will continue to fight the woke mob here in Illinois to protect women's sports, and together, let's make competition fair again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2025: recommends be adopted and referred to the floor is Floor Amendment #1 for Senate Bill 2503."
"The clerk is in receipt of Motions in Writing to waive the posting requirements for several bills. If there's leave, we will take these motions together in one motion. Leader Windhorst, is there leave? Leave is granted. Leader Buckner on the motion."
"Speaker, I move that the posting requirements be waived so that the following bills can be heard in the Executive Committee: Senate Bill 26, Senate Bill 40, and Senate Bill 1988."
"Leader Buckner… Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We request a record vote on the motion."
"Leader Windhorst (sic-Buckner) has moved to waive the posting requirements. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 10400050.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 vote 'aye'… vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? There being 71 voting in favor… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 71 votes in 'favor,' 38 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present,' and this motion, having received the constitutional majority, the posting requirements are waived. Proceeding to the Order of Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 4, we have Senate Bill 1523. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1523, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendment. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Gill."
"Representative Gill to explain the amendment."
"Thank you. I would like to adopt the amendment and discuss it on Third."
"Representative Gill moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1523, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gill to discuss the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1523 amends the Counties Code. Provides that any person who files or causes to be filed a deed or instrument that is recorded in the 10400050.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 grantor's index or the grantee's index that is fraudulent, unlawfully altered, or intended to unlawfully cloud or transfer the title of any real property may be held liable to the rightful property owner affected in an action brought in a court and… or competent jurisdiction for such legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate to enforce the code. Requires every county to establish and maintain a property fraud alert system. I'm happy to take any questions."
"Is there any discussion? Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Thank you. Representative, as you said, this is going to place a mandate on county clerks and recorders to monitor potential fraudulent deeds. Do I have that correct?"
"Correct."
"It appeared in the enforcement, and I believe you touched on this in your remarks, that this may be enforced through circuit court or through administrative proceedings. Is that correct?"
"Correct."
"Is the administrative proceeding process limited only to a certain type of county or any county that has an administrative law judge?"
"It's any county."
"So, some counties, as I'm sure you're aware, don't… do not have administrative proceedings or administrative court. In that case, they would go through the circuit court?"
"Yes." 10400050.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"All right. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1523 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 109 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Staying on Second Reading, order… Senate Bills on Second Reading, we have Senate Bill 1548, again, Representative Gill to… Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1548, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Gill to present."
"Thank you so much…"
"Senate Bill 1548, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gill."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1548, as amended, expands the Illinois State Police and Department of Human Services' ability to raise awareness of their Endangered Missing Person Advisory by allowing them to use funds of outreach to individuals with developmental disabilities, communities of people with developmental disabilities, and organizations that serve people with developmental disabilities, instead of only doing outreach to 10400050.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 developmental disability facilities. The Silver Search Task Force includes the Office of Homeland Security. As a Representative, I love this bill, and I'm happy to take any questions."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam… Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He will."
"Thank you. I'm still stuck on…"
"She will."
"I'm still stuck on yesterday, sorry. Representative, this will provide some obligation to the Illinois State Police. Is that correct?"
"Correct."
"And have they expressed an opinion whether they support or will have any issues implementing this bill?"
"I have not heard from… I've not heard."
"We are showing they're neutral, so I'm assuming, at least, they believe they can accomplish what they're required to do under this bill?"
"Correct. I think Senator corrected their concerns in the Senate, so it came over fine."
"Thank you."
"Sure."
"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1548 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 10400050.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Proceeding to Senate Bills on Third Reading, on page 2, we have Senate Bill 1859. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill for purposes of… of moving back to Second for purposes of an amendment."
"Senate Bill 1859, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Guzzardi."
"Leader Guzzardi to discuss the amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. The amendment makes some changes to the makeup of the task force. I would ask for the body's approval, and we'll discuss it further on Third."
"Leader Guzzardi moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1859, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative… Leader Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1859 creates the Climate Displacement Task Force. This task force is set to study changes in population that may happen as a result of changes in the world's climate. The task force will meet over the next year and provide a report to the General Assembly by June 30 of 2026, and they will provide a subsequent report following on that first report the next year. We understand 10400050.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 that as climate and the planet changes, population shifts are going to follow suit. And we want to make sure that whatever those shifts do to the landscape of our state in Illinois, that we're prepared for it, that we have the research behind us, and we have a plan to accommodate those shifts in global population as they may affect our state. I would ask the body's support. Thank you."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized. Representative Halbrook is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He recognizes… he acknowledges that he will."
"Representative, it's a little noisy in here. What's the purpose of this task force? We weren't able to hear on this side. What was the purpose of this task force again, please?"
"The purpose is to understand how changes in global climate may affect population shifts that could have impacts on the state of Illinois."
"So, why do we think… or, I guess, let me ask you this. Then do we believe that there's a shift in population in the state of Illinois and that there maybe is a reason for that? Is that your premise?"
"No, the premise is that globally around the world populations are likely to shift in the coming decades as the weather changes and that those global shifts may have an impact on the state of Illinois, and we want to understand that and be prepared for that in the event that, for instance, there are many new arrivals to our state as a result of climate displacement." 10400050.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"So, you're not saying then that there is… there has been a shift in population, and we're just assuming that there's going to be, and we believe that climate is to blame for that, and we want to have a task force to study that."
"Certainly, there has been a shift in population. This task force is not addressing that question, though."
"Yeah. So, who all will be on this task force? How many members?"
"Sorry for not having the exact number, but there's… the General Assembly is represented, the IEPA, various executive departments, and appointments from the governor."
"So, Members of all four caucuses will be there…"
"Correct."
"…it looks like, maybe."
"Yes."
"At least one from each caucus."
"That's correct."
"Yeah. And so, are these positions compensated for?"
"No."
"Okay. And is there any expense to running this… this task force?"
"Not to the state, no."
"Yeah. And so, where will this… I mean, does these task force, are they housed in a certain agency or is it just a function of the General Assembly?"
"There… it won't be housed in a specific agency, no."
"Okay. And then as far as staffing it, I mean, will we have to provide staff to be a part of this effort?"
"No." 10400050.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Okay. And so, if we find that there's a shift in population, what will be… what will be the result of that? I mean, how can I definitively tell… why don't we have a… why don't we have a task force that looks at any other regulation that we might create? I know there's been a property tax task force. There's been at least two of those, 2019 and then one again last year, and we're not seeing any positive results of that. But there's lots of other regulations that are causing population shifts. Why are we focusing in on climate… the climate here?"
"I… I would certainly encourage you to introduce legislation to create other task forces that are in… in areas of interest to you, Representative. I would say that climate displacement, there's broad scientific consensus that hundreds of millions of people in the next decades will be required to leave their current homes and move to different parts of the world as a result of changes in the weather. And that may well have an impact on the state of Illinois, and we want to make sure that if it does, we're prepared for it."
"So the… the studies or the information that you're referring to that is led you to create this task force or to bring this legislation forward, what kind of a shift in population? Where do people… how far do they have to travel to evade what level of climate change? What… what does that look like? What level of climate change, and what motivates them to move and how far?"
"Well, I'm not a climate scientist, and the whole purpose of having this task force is to bring together expertise to help us answer these questions. But I will say 10400050.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 that when daily temperatures in the summer are 120 or 130 degrees in parts of this planet where people live, that's not going to be a long-term tenable solution for those people. When island nations' sea levels rise and flooding and storms, hurricanes that cause tremendous displacement and damage, those folks may not be able to live in those places in the future. So, we just want to understand what might happen, how it might affect the state of Illinois, and how we can prepare for that in the future."
"Well, thank you for your admission to not be a climate scientist. I know there's a lot of legislation comes from your side of the aisle that people seem to perceive to be some level of a client scientist. And I know you've read that… said that you've read a lot of information, a lot of data, a lot of studies, and so you… you kind of throw out there that if it's 110 degrees, people are going to move. But we have those kinds of high temperatures in the desert southwest, and people move there for those high temps. I'm… I'm curious why you have this bias about high temps. And then… where are… are they going to move to northern Alberta? Where do they expect to move? What… what's the plan here? I'm trying to understand why we're doing this bill, what the premise is, and why we're doing it."
"Well, the kinds of questions that you're asking are precisely the kinds of questions that this task force is going to help us get… get good answers to. Are people moving as a result of changes in the weather? If so, from where and to where? Could we expect that those changes might affect the state of Illinois? Maybe the task force will come back and 10400050.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 say climate displacement will have no impact on our state and we don't need to do anything. That would be a welcome answer, but perhaps the task force will provide us with a roadmap to prepare for future changes to our state's population. And I think better to be prepared than to be caught off guard."
"Yeah. Well, again, I think this is kind of pie in the sky and…"
"Representative, can you please bring your remarks to a close, please?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the bill."
"To the bill."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the House, here we go once again. We have these… kind of these euphoric ideas. We have preconceived notions about what's wrong and what we need to do. These are always kind of problems in search of a solution or a solution in search of a problem, whatever the case might be. I believe this is truly misguided. Ladies and gentlemen, we've had 41 climate disasters predicted since the early to mid-60s, and right now the score is zero to 41. Again, this is misguided. I think we need to be studying why people are leaving the state of Illinois. It's not about climate hysteria."
"Representative, please make your remarks to a close."
"Thank you. And with that, ladies and gentlemen, we need business reform. We need property tax reform. And with that, I would urge a 'no' vote. Thank you."
"Members, as a reminder, we are on Standard… we are on Short Debate. The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1859 10400050.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With 71 votes in 'favor,' 38 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present,' this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with bills, Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 4, Senate Bill 1555, Representative Hirschauer. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1555, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please proceed."
"Senate Bill 1555, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hirschauer on the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1555 is a pretty simple bill. It adds the Secretary of Early Childhood or their designee as a member of ISBE's Advisory Council of Children with Disabilities. You know, it's really important here in the state, as we're moving towards a new Department of Early Childhood, that we are recognizing the unique needs of our little ones, ages three to five, who are looking for special ed services through our public school system. And this will just help get a little extra eyes on their needs. Thanks."
"There being no… no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1555 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who 10400050.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 4, we have Senate Bill 1594. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1594, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please proceed."
"Senate Bill 1594, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit on the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I am presenting Senate Bill 1594, which is just a technical change. It does nothing but change the title of the Emergency Medical Disaster Plan to the Public Health and Emergency Medical Plan. It does nothing else."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Thank you. Representative, why are we changing the name?"
"The… the department thought that it would be more encompassing and better for the public to understand." 10400050.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"And we are moving, just to be clear, from Emergency Medical Disaster Plan to Public Health and Emergency Medical Plan. Is that correct?"
"Correct. Correct."
"And the agency felt that the name change is appropriate for what the… of what occurs under… with that plan. Is… am I understanding that correctly?"
"That's correct. The agency decided that this would be easier for the public to understand, that you don't necessarily need an emergency, per se. There could be a public health issue. And so, they wanted to merge the two as Public Health and Emergency Medical Plan."
"Is there anything in the bill that expands executive authority or the ability to declare a disaster or execute the plan?"
"Nothing changes but the title of the… the plan."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1594 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 72 voting in 'favor,' 37 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Rules Report."
"Rules Report. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2025: recommends be adopted and 10400050.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 referred to the floor is Floor Amendment #3 for Senate Bill 2503."
"Leader Buckner is recognized."
"Point of… point of personal privilege, please, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know in… in this line of work, we spend a lot of time here with each other, and we don't often get a chance to spend special times with the people who we love. I just want to wish a very, very happy birthday to my mother. My mother spent three decades as a Chicago public school teacher, and she is the soul of our family and the sunshine of my life. And so, I want to wish her a happy birthday. And in the words of the great American versifier and rhapsodist Tupac Shakur, 'even though I act crazy, I gotta thank the Lord that you made me.' Happy birthday, mom."
Speaker Morgan: "Happy birthday. Representative Swanson's recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I want to recognize and acknowledge the Western Illinois University Wind Ensemble is performing tonight at the world- famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Wind Ensemble is the university's premier wind, brass, and percussion ensemble. Conducted by Dr. Mike Fansler, the ensemble regularly leads new wind band and mixed chamber commissions while remaining a champion of significant historic repertoire. In addition to performing at Carnegie Hall, the ensemble plays prestigious events across the Midwest, and 10400050.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 their spring season is always highlighted by the president's performance. Please join me in congratulating these young, talented musicians on their upcoming performance at New York City's Carnegie Hall. Thank you."
"Congratulations. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 4, we have Senate Bill 1605 with Representative Gill. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1605, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Gill."
"Representative Gill to explain the amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to adopt the amendment and explain it on Third."
"Representative Gill moves adoption of Floor Amendment 1. All those in favor… Floor Amendment 2, forgive me. 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."
"Senate Bill 1605, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Gill."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1605, House Floor Amendment 2, is a gut and replace that aims to help school districts pay for personal services cost of agriculture education teachers. Personal service cost is defined as the cost of a teacher providing 60 additional days 10400050.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 or 400 hours outside the teacher's regularly scheduled teaching duties for the benefit of agriculture education. Currently, a school district may apply for a grant to fund up to 50% of the personal service costs for an agriculture education teacher. This measure clarifies that teachers shall receive 100% of that compensation for the 60 additional days. It also adjusts the required elective course selection, changing the term vocational education to the more representative career and technical education. My district is home to the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, and I believe it's critical that we are forward-thinking with supporting agriculture education and strengthening an industry that is crucial for our state's economic well-being. I would appreciate your support. I'm happy to answer any question."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Thank you. Representative, on an earlier version of the bill, the State Board of Education, I believe, was opposed."
"Correct."
"Are they currently… what is their current position?"
"Neutral. The amendment was worked out by all parties, and everybody's okay with it."
"And is the Farm Bureau also still in support?"
"I think they… they were waiting for… I have not heard from the Farm Bureau, and I think the Senator was waiting back for feedback but hadn't heard." 10400050.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Yeah, we're not sure what their position is."
"I… I do not."
"It is supported by the Association of School Boards and is the initiative of the Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers. Is that correct?"
"Correct."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1605 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1675, Representative Kifowit. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1675, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee… no Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1675, a Bill for an Act concerning State… State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speakers, Members of the House. This is another technical bill. It modifies the definition of military offenses to align with the list of punishable 10400050.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 offenses for the Illinois National Guard. They are aligning with what is in federal law."
"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1675 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 108 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1740. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1740, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendments 2 and 4 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Mussman."
"Representative Mussman to explain Amendment #2."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment #2 is a page and line amendment that removes two members from representing the Chicago public school system, one from the teachers and one from the administration. House Floor Amendment #4 adds extra members to the other two teacher- facing organizations that we have in order to rebalance the membership of the system."
"Representative Mussman moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 10400050.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #4, offered by Representative Mussman."
"Representative Mussman moves for adoption of Floor Amendment #4. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair… 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."
"Senate Bill 1740, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mussman on the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 1740 is a bill that takes important steps in addressing our long-standing problems that our state has with our ever- growing list of unfunded mandates that we ask our school districts to adhere to. This proposal passed out of the Senate unanimously. This bill was negotiated with a wide variety of education stakeholders over the course of many months, beginning actually last fall. Importantly, it takes the step to create the School Code Mandate Reduction Council. The council shall meet no less than four times between October of '25 and September of '26. And it shall aim to streamline our School Code by making suggestions to eliminate unnecessary, duplicative, and overly burdensome mandates in order to increase administrative efficiency and give local school districts more flexibility in their operations. The makeup of 10400050.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 the council has been carefully arranged, but concerns were brought up in committee about making sure that there is adequate representation of rural and small school voices. There was a concern expressed about adding too many people to the council. The teachers' organizations, who do have multiple seats to fill, and the State Board of Education have both committed to ensuring a proper number of seats they have the ability to influence will represent the diversity of voices across the state. And they'd also like to remind us that each of the four General Assembly Caucuses also have two seats to fill for the initial council, and we ourselves can be sure to include diverse representation. We believe there is a healthy opportunity to have the concerns of our rural and small schools considered as the council deliberates their policy recommendations. Aside from facilitating the creation of the Mandate Reduction Council, this bill also looks… takes an initial look at reorganizing and streamlining numerous parts of the School Code where a working group found duplications and similarities they felt could be addressed immediately. The area of concern that has been brought up by the House committee was the reorganization of certain commemorative holidays. The recognition of these holidays was not removed, but they have been reorganized into the same section of School Code for efficiency and made optional for schools to determine for themselves the best way to recognize them because many of these holidays are actually reflected concepts that are taught within sections of our state standards. It was agreed that the mandate's council will further discuss how to best address our existing long list of 10400050.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 holidays to recognize and how to consider new holidays the General Assembly will continue to add into the future. It is our understanding that no formal education organizations have any opposition to this bill. We have long struggled with finding a meaningful way to address the cumbersome burden of unfunded mandates that have crept into our School Code over time, and we know this has been a huge concern for our school districts back home. The creation of this council to do an intense and thoughtful review of how our existing mandates interact with each other and have evolved over time, in conjunction with making some of the changes the preliminary work group have now suggested, will finally put us on a pathway to making some progress on this issue. I'm happy to answer questions. I would appreciate your support."
"Leader Windhorst on the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Thank you. Representative, the overall goal is to provide mandate relief to schools. Is that accurate?"
"Yes."
"And you had mentioned that this bill passed unanimously in the Senate. We have amended it, though, since that vote occurred. Is that accurate?"
"We have. We continue to tweak the makeup of the council slightly, as there was concern raised that there were significantly more administrative positions than educator positions, and we wanted to rebalance that a little bit."
"If you could… I know you gave a good detailed description of the bill, but if you could just briefly hit 10400050.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 the highlights of some of the mandates we're hoping to provide relief from."
"Oh, okay. Well, so… so there were a number of places where we had duplications, as it was written throughout the code. One of the things that we had is we had mandated a certain number of hours for our concussion training. And we know that some of the professional training videos that are available for teaching those are actually less than two hours, so we're making some combinations. We're reducing some of those kind of duplications. Let's see what else. We actually are removing the mandate that schools use soybean ink and recycled paper, which I know is a sensitive topic, but it was a particular request of theirs. So, we're going to go ahead and make that change. We have a number of changes to our health and science education format, where, again, they were written in numerous places in our statute and we're organizing them together."
"With regard to the commemorative days that are currently in statute, what… what does this bill do with those?"
"So, again, it sort of moves them into the same section of code. Some were optional and some had originally been mandated. We have moved the ones that we believe we have the ability to make optional into the same section. Because some of them, if you look at like Constitution Day, all of our students between sixth grade and high school actually take regular classes about the constitution. We wanted to give our schools a little bit more flexibility on how to recognize that. I believe there are three different commemorative 10400050.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 holidays that are meant to recognize the Earth and recycling and other things, but, again, we have a very comprehensive climate and science program where those issues will also be covered. So, we're… we're just giving our schools a little more flexibility there."
"Well, I would say I think there's probably uniform agreement in this body to reduce the mandates that we're placing on schools, the hope being that ultimately that will result in a reduction in property taxes. Is there anything in this bill that mandates any relief the schools receive from mandates to be translated into a reduction in levy or other property tax relief to the property taxpayers?"
"There is nothing in this bill that would do that. I would say, again, the… the pieces that you are seeing here are generally what was considered low-hanging fruit, and I don't think these are the things that are causing significant cost to our school districts. Perhaps, as the larger council continues to meet, they would identify issues that might have a little bit more meat in them. But overall, I would argue we're not changing the length of the day, we're not changing the hours. I don't know that we would be ever recommending something of such magnitude that it would… that it would cause that kind of a reduction. I certainly don't want to mislead anyone."
"With regard to the commission, the amendment has changed the composition of the commission. What… what is… what does the amendment do with regard to the composition?"
"So, essentially, we are adding six teacher… six representatives of the teaching… teaching industry. That… 10400050.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 that's the main change from what you had originally seen. Otherwise, again, you're looking at representatives from across the state that represent, like, large unit school districts, and ISBE has the opportunity to insert people. We did make a change. So, the initial composition of the board sees the… all four caucuses of the House and the Senate placing two members on the initial meeting. But as you can see, there are provisions for the state superintendent to reconvene this council as needed into the future. We believe that it would be appropriate for the council to reconvene approximately every 10 to 15 years to see what kind of things the General Assembly has added to the School Code in that time. And we have suggested that in the outlying years that the appointments coming from the General Assembly be reduced to one member instead of two. So, you see that's also part of our amendment."
"With regard to the membership, I believe as you refer to it the teaching industry, essentially that'd be three members from each of the major teachers' unions."
"Yes."
"Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"I believe there is a concern that's been expressed that there's a lack of rural representation on the commission. How would you address that concern?"
"So, as I had said in my earlier comments, it was determined that perhaps it was becoming too cumbersome and we did not want to add an individual with that particular expertise when it is possible for all of those teaching unions 10400050.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 and other educational organizations across the state, as well as the General Assembly appointees, to also intently reflect the voices of our rural and our small school districts. We believe that they will be well covered."
"Mr. Speaker, I request Standard Debate on this bill."
"Standard Debate."
"And I have no further questions. Thank you."
"Leader Tarver is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Awesome. I appreciate that. Madam Chair, can you maybe tell me how this differs, and I'm assuming that it does, from House Bill 3503 that we passed through your committee more recently that deals with curriculum, oversight, and alignment in dealing with some of those mandates?"
"So, I believe… and I'm a little rusty. I wasn't prepared to talk about that. I believe that bill is specifically to discuss how our curriculum is… our state standards, 'cause remember the state does not set curriculum, how our standards, especially for our standards for graduation, would be considered. This council is convened to look at all the other mandates that we have out there, as we indicated, what is in the commemorative holidays, how often you have to perform certain training programs. It's… it's a much more diverse council. Certainly, I think that we could decide in the future whether or not we feel it is appropriate that this council take up considering those other standards and graduation requirements, but that is different than what the other bill, I think, was intended to do." 10400050.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Okay. So, I just want to make sure. So, to the best of your knowledge, I know you don't have it in front of you right now, the bills do two separate things. Okay. I just want to make sure because, you know, we've had some conversations and have been pushing ISBE since they had not looked at the curriculum in 20 years. We have… and I just talked to Gong- Gershowitz. We have asked to teach Asian American history, African American history, and things along those lines. I want to make sure that that task force or that study that's going to be, I think it's January 1 of 2026, is not somehow being delayed because of this bill. To the best of your knowledge that… let me ask a better question. To the best of your knowledge, your bill, Senate Bill 1740, does nothing to alter that timeline. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Okay. And your bill, to the best of your knowledge, does nothing to alter what that task force is going to do. Or, excuse me, what… what that report is scheduled to do. Is that right?"
"Right."
"Okay. I just wanted to make sure. When I saw oversight and mandates and things, and you're a better person than I am, I wanted to make sure there was no delay on that because it's been quite some time. We have some issues out there that we want to address to make sure that folks are teaching all the things to all the kids. So, I appreciate you bringing this bill forward and answering my questions. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Representative Swanson is recognized." 10400050.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates that she will."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the concerns I have, when the commemorative days were shift from 'shall' to 'may' is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is now a, if you want to type, commemorative holiday. Is… is it not on the list? I… I believe I… I saw it."
"I do not think that is on the list of things that were moved. As I recall, it was Leif Erikson Day that had been shifted. You'll see that many schools do actually want to have classes on Veterans Day now because many of them then have very special activities that honor our veterans. I know that I have attended many a Veterans Day program at our schools on Veterans Day."
"Well, you know, I… I think it is important that we recognize those veterans, especially, I believe, Iraq, Iran, most current veterans has also been moved. So, I think it is important we keep our veterans in mind and that they remain a part of the 'shall' and not an optional."
"We… I am not aware that we have ever moved that. That… that is not, I believe, reflected in this bill."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Yes."
"There being no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1740 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 79 votes in 'favor,' 29 votes 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And 10400050.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with Senate Bills on Second Reading, we're going back to page 4 for Senate Bill 1329 with Leader Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1329, a Bill for an Act concerning education. 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 1329, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Stuart, please proceed."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 1329 is an initiative of ISBE looking to strengthen student safety. As amended, it would allow the state superintendent to notify an educator's current or most recent employer if the educator is being investigated for an alleged act of misconduct that constitutes a threat to the safety of students. Specifically alleged physical injury, sexual misconduct, or sex or other offense as defined in Section 21B-80 of the School Code. This did pass the Senate unanimously. The IEA and the IFT are both neutral, and I know of no opposition. I want to point out that a lot of Members on both sides of the aisle have been working on this educator misconduct issue in terms of student grooming and other offenses, and this is, I believe, an important part of continuing that work."
"So, a reminder, Members, we are back to Short Debate. Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?" 10400050.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Leader, the intent here is to make sure that there are… there was reports of investigation made known to prospective employers or current… current employers. Is that correct?"
"Yes. I think the… the loophole, so to speak, is we may have someone who is under investigation in a different state because maybe it's like an Instagram issue or something like that, and so to make sure that their current employer would be aware of that."
"Does this bill address a process if the individual who is accused is later cleared, whether that would also be communicated as required by this law for the investigation?"
"I… yes. I know it does. I can find that if you need me to."
"Your statement is, though, it… it does address it?"
"Yes."
"So, there's not only a requirement that the investigation be communicated, but also if it's… the person's cleared that'd also be communicated?"
"Correct."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1329 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 108 votes in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. 10400050.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Continuing on with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1799 from Representative Olickal. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1799, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2… Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Olickal."
Speaker Morgan: "Representative Olickal to explain the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Amendment #2 broadens the definition of an emergency situation to include circumstances that would result in near-term interruption of noninstructional services and adds language that stipulates that a mutual agreement can't reopen the current contract. I ask for its adoption."
"Representative Olickal moves for adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all 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."
"Senate Bill 1799, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Olickal."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 1799 addresses contracting with third parties within school districts. Currently, school districts are contracting with third parties, and instead of hiring district employees directly, school districts are 10400050.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 often contracting with third parties to provide student services, including custodian work, food service, or transportation, such as driving a school bus. And while contracting with third parties in emergency situations fills unexpected gaps in staffing, prolonged third-party contracting presents risk factors that can lead to problems. For example, school districts do not control the hiring process, training, or evaluation of third-party bus drivers, which leads to concerns regarding safety. In addition, contracting with third parties is often much more expensive than hiring a district employee. And so, what this bill allows for is… it allows for third-party contracting but only in emergency situations and requires agreement from the affected bargaining units to enter a third-party contract after three times or more. This will increase accountability, reduce wasteful spending, and ensure school districts are hiring district employee for long-term services. The… again, the House Amendment #2, this language was negotiated with the opposition, which included concerns from the school management, principals' association. And with this language, essentially, brings almost all of the opposition to neutral because we worked on broadening the definition of 'emergency situation' and making clear about mutual agreements and not being able to reopen existing bargaining contracts. So, happy to answer any questions and ask for its… urge an 'aye' vote."
"For discussion, Leader Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." 10400050.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Good afternoon, Representative… or, good morning, Representative Olickal. I guess we're not there yet. We… the school systems in our state are set up to be run by the school boards. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"And by giving the collective bargaining unit at that school veto power over any hiring decision, be it temporary or otherwise, just solely based upon duration, we're effectively turning over part of that control to that bargaining unit, aren't we?"
"I don't necessarily agree with that characterization."
"Are those bargaining units elected by the general public?"
"No."
"You mentioned… well, to the bill."
"To the bill."
"School boards are responsible to the public to run their schools in the most efficient, best way possible. Collective bargaining units contract with school boards in a way they seem… they deem fit in order to express how many employees can be hired outside, who has to run certain equipment, and many other things. By doing this, we are now inserting ourselves into an area we really don't need to be in. If a school board is overdoing it with temporary workers, the collective bargaining unit can take care of that in negotiations. If the school board needs to do this to stay fiscally sound because they're having problems monetarily, well that's another consideration for the school board to take. We don't need to be inserting ourselves here. This isn't 10400050.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 going to be a cost savings for the school districts, because if it were, they'd probably be in support of it and just do it anyhow. This is going to be another added cost, another added cost for the property taxpayers of Illinois. I urge a 'no' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1799 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 83 votes in 'favor,' 24 voting 'opposed,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Going back to Senate Bills on Third Reading, on page 2, we have Senate Bill 1928 from Leader Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1928, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Stuart."
"Thank you, Chair. The… Senate Bill 1928 is the same as House Bill 2967, which we passed through this chamber unanimously. It is… we have a Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, which requires a survey, a sexual misconduct survey, and we are just updating that survey, revising some of the time frame when things have to be reported and things like that."
"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1928 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. 10400050.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 votes in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"One committee will meet upon adjournment at 11:30. One committee will meet at… this morning at 11:30 a.m. The Executive Committee will meet in Room 118."
"Members, we shall recess to the call of the Chair and return to the floor after committee. The House shall stand in recess to the call of the Chair. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
"Committee Reports. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2025: do pass Short Debate is Senate Bill 1988; do pass as amended Short Debate is Senate Bill 26, Senate Bill 40; and recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to Senate Bill 1602."
"Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. If you could please excuse Representative La Ha for the remainder of the day."
Speaker Morgan: "Thank you, leader. Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know we're trying to get wound down today, but I would like to take just a minute to talk about the issue of decorum that we attempted to address yesterday. Last Friday, a Member of the other side of the aisle made comments that were deemed insulting to many Members on this side of the aisle. We were instructed… rather than receiving an immediate ruling, we were instructed to write a 10400050.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 letter, present that to the Speaker, and we would receive a ruling. That letter was written and was delivered on Tuesday. We had to wait until Wednesday to get a response from the Chair on that letter. And we were told, essentially, this is the rule and it is not appealable, meaning the Members of this body could not address the issue of decorum. So, in response to that, yesterday… rather, after session on Wednesday, a Motion to Expunge the comments was filed, according to rule. Yesterday, that Motion to Expunge those comments from the record, which is allowed as a motion by rule, was referred to the Rules Committee and any vote to… to remove that from the Rules Committee was shutdown. The rule cited was Rule 18(g), which was interpreted to give authority to only one Member of this body to object and that that objection and interpretation of that rule could not be appealed. Again, prohibiting the Members of this body to address the issue of decorum, and tacitly endorsing the comments that were made. There is one word that the majority party uses in almost every bill. Equity. Equity means fairness. We have our most famous predecessor in this body, Abraham Lincoln. When he was a Member of this body, he said, 'those who ask equity must do equity.' You cannot claim the mantle of equity and then adopt a rule that allows one person to shut down a vote. Thank you."
"Representative Sanalitro, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." 10400050.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"I'd like the record to reflect I intended to vote 'yes' on SB1799. Thank you."
Speaker Morgan: "The record shall so reflect. Thank you. Representative Schmidt, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Yes, I… I have some guests here I want to recognize from… from East St. Louis back home. I rise today to recognize an organization that is making a profound difference in the lives of young people in one of the most underserved communities. Harambee International is a nonprofit based in East St. Louis where they are dedicated to the empowering youth through the transformative power of the arts. Harambee International creates an environment where young people can discover their voice, build emotional intelligence, grow as leaders, and deepen their knowledge of self. Harambee summer camp has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for youth living in public housing communities throughout East St. Louis. What began as a local initiative has grown into a powerful movement, giving our young people not just a program but a pathway to a bright future. The program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. The leadership of Harambee should continue to inspire all of us to build a better Illinois, one young person at a time. Thank you."
"Welcome to Springfield. Returning to Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1884 from Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400050.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Senate Bill 1884, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Cassidy."
Speaker Morgan: "Representative Cassidy to explain the amendment."
"The amendment addresses concerns raised by licensed professionals and simply clarifies that CMS's ability to accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree does not apply to positions requiring a professional license. So, for example, in spite of playing a lawyer on TV, CMS could not hire me into an attorney spot."
"Representative Cassidy moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion 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."
"Senate Bill 1884, a bill for an act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"So, as I explained in the amendment, the bill… the underlying bill simply grants CMS the authority to accept equivalent work… or, life experience in lieu of a degree in hiring decisions."
"Leader Windhorst for discussion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." 10400050.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Thank you. Representative, what is the purpose behind making this law change?"
"It is to grant greater opportunities to folks who have the skills available to… to perform jobs for the state."
"So, I guess it's an acknowledgment there may be some barriers in the law to employment that just don't need to be there. Is that…"
"Exactly. There are… there are a great many jobs where folks who could learn on the job perhaps, and it would be an opportunity for promotion, or for folks who have had those experiences in the private sector that they could bring to… to the state."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1884 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills in Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1899 with Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1899, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. The bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400050.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Senate Bill 1899, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Slaughter."
"Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and ladies and gentlemen of the House. Honored to present Senate Bill 1899, which is an initiative of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Many of us are aware Illinois has several unique programs that allow first-time offenders to be diverted from the traditional court process and potentially avoid prison and the stigma of having a charge on their permanent records. Under current law, nonviolent individuals charged with a first offense may be diverted to a diversion program, such as the First Time Weapons Offense Program. And upon completion, the state's attorney dismisses the charges. However, the individual cannot apply for a FOID card until after the charges are dismissed. Senate Bill 1899 allows eligible first-time diversion program participants to apply for a FOID card while participating in a diversion program. And if they are eligible for a FOID card, they will be able to receive the FOID card after completing the program. All of the current requirements for law… lawful gun ownership remain the same, and the Illinois State Police can deny any application if the person remains ineligible for a FOID card. Senate Bill 1899 is important and needed because it expands access to rehabilitation while upholding gun safety laws, maintains law enforcement oversight, strengthens public safety through legal compliance, and ultimately reduces recidivism and supports successful reintegration. As this bill moved through the Senate and the House, the Cook County State's Attorney's 10400050.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Office collaborated with both the Illinois State Police and the Cook County Public Defender's Office. Senate Bill 89 (sic- 1899) is supported by a robust list of stakeholders that include Gun Violence Prevention PAC, Illinois Freedom Civic Coalition, the Illinois State's Attorneys Association, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, the Illinois State Rifle Association, and also the Illinois State Police. I urge a 'yes' vote on this important piece of legislation. Vote 'yes' on Senate Bill 1899."
"Leader Windhorst for discussion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates that he will."
"Thank you. Representative, the First Time Weapons Offense Program currently exists, and we're just making some changes to it as you outlined. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. We're… we're adding this important diversion program."
"And part of that is making sure that individuals who successfully complete the program, which means their charges are dismissed, can obtain a FOID in a timely manner."
"That's… that's correct."
"We also are adding a provision that give… makes it clear that the state's attorney has discretion on who is in the program or not."
"Yeah, that… that's correct. This last amendment, the state's attorneys put forth to… to make that clarification. That's right." 10400050.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"And I believe you hit on this, but just to be clear, the State Rifle Association, State's Attorneys Association both support this bill."
"They do. There's considerable collaboration with those two entities, and, yes, they've slipped into support."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1899 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 97 voting in 'favor,' 11 voting 'against,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1920. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1920, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Faver Dias."
Speaker Morgan: "Representative Faver Dias to explain the amendment."
Faver Dias: "Yes, Floor Amendment #2 adds two additional components to the bill, which I'd like to discuss on Third Reading."
"Representative Faver Dias moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?" 10400050.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1920, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Faver Dias."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 1920 is a bill that has three components, all of which are requirements of ISBE and will support our schools. The first requirement is regarding artificial intelligence. As we all have heard, artificial intelligence has quickly exploded into every facet of our lives and every sector of our economy and society. Schools and classrooms are no different, and they have felt the impact of AI as much as any other sector. With AI technology evolving far faster than educators have been capacity to follow closely, many are looking for guidance, both to leverage its benefits and avoid potential harms. Senate Bill 1920 proposes that the State Board of Education issue guidance to districts and schools as they navigate how to best adapt to our changing technological world to ensure that our district leaders, teachers, and students can learn to use AI effectively and ethically. The second requirement is around transparency in examining the validity of content tests. It requires ISBE to provide transparency on their website to the content test review process. This work includes the involvement of multiple sets of panels, which are made up of Illinois educators and higher education faculty members under the Pearson contract with ISBE. Finally, the third component of Senate Bill 1920 is for ISBE to encourage districts to share any information or resources they have 10400050.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 around using American Sign Language practices in their schools. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Because of the rapidly changing nature of AI, isn't there concern that whatever guidance we develop right now will be quickly outdated?"
"Certainly that is a concern, but what we have found, that's not just a concern, that's the concern in general, but it's even a bigger burden on our schools, our districts, and classrooms. And what we're hearing repeatedly from teachers is that AI is a constantly… it is a… it is a source topic and concern among our students in their classrooms. And so, we need the state to step in. This bill requires a collection of stakeholders so ISBE can act nimbly and quickly and… and to offer guidance to the best of our ability. Yes, it changes, but districts and teachers and administrators desperately need something."
"And there are some issues around the content area test. What changes is this law making there?"
"So, this is simply adding transparency to the process when the validity of content tests is reviewed within the contract between ISBE and Pearson."
"Is there anything in this bill that would prohibit ISBE from exercising its independent judgment when it adopts these content area tests?" 10400050.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"No, that's all part of the current process with ISBE under the contract. There are panels, though, that look at the validity if any questions are arisen… arise. It doesn't change… it doesn’t change the decision-making. It just provides transparency so the public can see who is… sits on these panels."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1920 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 74 voting in 'favor,' 34 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having declared… received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing on with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 5, we have Senate Bill 1941. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1941, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Costa Howard."
"Representative Costa Howard to explain the Amendment."
"Thank you. Floor Amendment #1, it strikes out some language from a previous bill to allow a cleaner definition of a… a park zone street."
"Representative Costa Howard moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' 10400050.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 have it. The amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1941, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Costa Howard."
"Thank you. Senate Bill 1941 would allow our municipalities to install flashing lights, flashing light indicators at pedestrian crosswalks near our schools. Currently, the way it works is they have to go through ISBE, and who better to know our school areas than our local control? And so, it would allow the municipalities to install the lights as needed."
"There begin no further discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1941 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' and 1 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 6, we have Senate Bill 2044 with Representative Bunting. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2044, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been 10400050.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Bunting."
Speaker Morgan: "Representative Bunting to explain the amendment."
"Yes, we need to adopt Floor Amendment #1 because it becomes the bill and then we will discuss on Third."
"Representative Bunting moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor vote (sic-say) 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendments #2, offered by Representative Bunting."
"Representative Bunting on the amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We also need to adopt Floor Amendment 2. We'll speak on the Third Reading."
"Representative Bunting moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chairs… 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."
"Senate Bill 2044, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Bunting on the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 2044 amends the Counties Code, the Township Code, Illinois Municipal Code, Park District 10400050.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Code, Conservation District, Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, Cook County Forest Preserve District Act, and the Chicago Park District Act, providing that these local governments' special districts may allow a person to sign any document with a web-based signature if the local government's special district uses a secure web-based platform. Also clarifies within each act that the section does not apply to a nominating or candidate petition or a referendum petition. This initiative is from my Senator on behalf of local municipal and county officials to provide flexibility in the process to permit tools such as Docusign to add speed and efficiency to the process. Currently, there is no opposition. Passed out of the Senate 56 to nothing, and out of the Cities & Villages this morning 9-nothing. I would greatly appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2044 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' and 0 voting 'present.' This bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 6, we have Senate Bill 2001 with Leader Stuart. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2001, a Bill for an Act concerning business. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed." 10400050.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2001, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Stuart."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a really good consumer protection bill, making sure that folks who buy items at auction are not unwillingly purchasing stolen property."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized for discussion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Our analysis is showing that initially there were some concerns, maybe from TechNet and IRMA, regarding the bill. I believe those may have been addressed in the Senate. Are you aware if those concerns have been addressed?"
"Yes. In fact, IRMA and the Illinois State Auctioneer Association are now proponents of the bill."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2001 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed say (sic-vote) 'nay.' 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 108 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continue… continuing with Senate Bill on Second Reading, on page 6, we have Senate Bill 2175 with Representative Kifowit. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400050.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Senate Bill 2175, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. 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 2175, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Kifowit."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly. This is a bill who will allow a veteran to have up to four days of leave to seek medical treatment for services connected to their disability. Currently, veterans can be scheduled multiple VA visits, and that might or might not be covered by their employee… employer. And so, this allows them up to, as I said, four days of leave to seek medical assistance at a VA clinic or at a VA hospital or other avenues in which they need, only for their disability."
"The question is… oh, forgive me, Leader Windhorst for discussion."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Just briefly, we had seen, I believe, an identical House version of this bill, 2777, which passed unanimously. Is that correct?"
"Correct. This is the same bill. It's just this came over to the House before the House bill went over there."
"Thank you."
"Thank you." 10400050.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"The question is, 'Shall House (sic-Senate) Bill 2175 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? On Senate Bill 2175, have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this bill, there are 108 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Keicher, for… for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. If you could please excuse Representative Grant for the remainder of the day."
"Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 6, we have Senate Bill 2220 from Representative Vella. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2220, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. 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… please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2220, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Vella."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 2220 makes a slight change to the Self-Storage Facilities Act. It provides that when a self- storage facility wishes to enforce a lien on a property in the facility with a claim that has come due, the notification has to include, among other things, that the website where 10400050.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 the online bidding may take place, if inapplicable. There is no opposition, and it came out of committee unanimously."
"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2220 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 1 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 7, we have Senate Bill 2280 with Representative Slaughter. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2280, 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 2280, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Slaughter."
"All right, good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House. Here before you with Senate Bill 2280, which is an initiative of the Department of Human Services and a cleanup bill to the Reimagine Public Safety Act. As many of us recall, back in 2021, the act created the first of its kind Office of Firearm Violence Prevention. It was a pivotal… pivotal effort for our state to comprehensively address gun violence and has become a national model. Since launching the Reimagine Public Safety Act, we have discovered 10400050.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 that several well-intentioned but rigid statutory deadlines and provider requirements are slowing service delivery rather than improving it. Senate Bill 2280 seeks to address these inefficiencies and put forth changes that will allow the program to reach its maximum impact. The bill has three main components. First, it removes an artificial cap on technical assistance partners so we can match the right subject matter experts to each community. Really, what we're wanting to do here, ladies and gentlemen, is promote a more robust hub-and- spoke model for the department. Secondly, it consolidates duplicative reports into one clear annual submission that legislators will actually be able to read, removing the January 1 reporting deadline, which allows the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention to fully collect fourth-quarter violence data so that the legislature can make funding decisions on 12 months of data. It also allows for a more consistent, well-defined annual report. Finally, it gives smaller, non-Medicaid certified behavioral health grantees 12 extra months to obtain HFS approval. No money is requested. We're only freeing existing funds to move more nimbly and transparently. Let's pass this for our Reimagine Public Safety Act to make the program more impactful and easier to implement. I urge a 'yes' vote on Senate Bill 2280."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Representative, we're primarily making changes to reports and recommendations that may be compiled 10400050.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 from the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. We've been working with our partners, University of Illinois Chicago up north, but also working with Southern Illinois Carbondale. They're our research partners on this. Historically, we haven't been able to fit that fourth quarter of data into the report because of the January 1 submission requirement. So, we only traditionally have been using those three quarters of data. We want the most accurate data. And so, therefore, moving that submission deadline allows us to take into account that fourth quarter data."
"And, of course, I serve on that committee, and there were no votes. I think those were primarily about our feelings about the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. So, for Members on our side, depending on your underlying position on that… that office, you may want to vote accordingly. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2280 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 71 voting in 'favor,' 36 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with… Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 7, we have Senate Bill 2455 with Representative Hirschauer. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2455, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. The bill was read for a second time previously. 10400050.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Hirschauer."
Speaker Morgan: "Representative Hirschauer to explain the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment 1 is a gut- and-replace and becomes the bill, so I'd like to adopt and then speak to it."
"Representative Hirschauer moves for adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2455, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Hirschauer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 2455 is an initiative of IDNR. And it cleans up two forestry acts: the State Forest Act and the Urban and Community Forestry Act. These two acts were written in the '90s and are in need of updates. These much-needed changes will better reflect current best practices in forestry and land management, our state priorities, and help us meet some federal guidelines. This proposed legislation will allow the department to be more nimble and adaptive with their programming and will allow the department to both meet the needs of existing grantees while opening opportunities for new grantees. On behalf of IDNR, I ask for an 'aye' vote." 10400050.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, with… with regard to requests for grant assistance, I show there are four areas that… that include activities that would be allowed to be implemented or enhanced. Are those four activities in current law, or those changes to current law? And that would be the current… let me… I'll just back up. The bill provides that requests for grant assistance shall include, but not be limited to, those activities that will implement or enhance: (1) current Illinois Forest Action Plan objectives; (2) local forestry program management objectives; (3) tree canopy capacity in underserved and disadvantaged areas of communities or counties; or (4) urban and community forestry… forest canopy. Do you know if those are currently the standards in law, if… if this is changing those?"
"It's… it's my understanding that we… we needed to change, so this reflects a change to better match federal opportunities. So, there were some… there were some communities that were missing out on grant opportunities that, you know, qualified under the federal language, but our state language didn't match. So, we're doing a cleanup so we can capture more communities."
"And we are also making changes to the list of designated state forests. How are those changes made? What is being changed, rather?" 10400050.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"So, we are including two new forests… forest designation, Lowden-Miller State Forest in Ogle County and Spoon River State Forest in Knox County."
"Are any being removed?"
"No."
"And where does the funding for this assistance come from?"
"I believe we're looking at federal grant funding."
"Do we anticipate, then, there would be any fiscal impact to the state budget?"
"No, we do not."
"We show that the Freedom Civic Coalition, doing business as… or, Illinois Freedom Alliance is opposed. Have they contacted you regarding their opposition?"
"They have not contacted me. And I will say this, this bill ran first in the House and went through committee, and I did not hear from them then as well."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2455 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 7, we have Senate Bill 2459 from Representative Mason. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill." 10400050.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Senate Bill 2459, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Mason."
"Representative Mason to explain the amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The amendment does one simple thing. It removes the word carcass from the legislation."
"Representative Mason moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor vote (sic-say) 'aye'; all those opposed vote (sic-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."
"Senate Bill 2459, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mason."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. This bill is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture. It adds catfish to the list of food products that have to be inspected when sold in bulk. It aligns Illinois state regulations with federal regulations. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Does the bill use the term catfish?"
"It does not."
"It does not. Yeah, I was looking for the word catfish. I couldn't find it. What is the word?" 10400050.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Siluriformes…"
"Okay."
"…maybe."
"I'm… I'm going guess that's correct. I… I'm not sure."
"I'm guessing too."
"Yeah. And this is… change is being done to align with federal law. Or, is that correct?"
"Correct."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2459 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 86 votes in 'favor,' 19 votes 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 7, we have Senate Bill 2466 from Leader Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2466, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. The bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2466, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Evans." 10400050.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the great Members of the assembly. This bill, which has already passed this chamber in a bipartisan vote, was brought forward by the Department of Natural Resources, IDNR. And this bill aims to update the Open Space Land Acquisition Development Grant, OSLAD, project matching amounts to expand the amounts of funding available. Currently, the law only allows the Department to use 10% of the total amount of OSLAD funding to offer 90% funding opportunities for distressed communities. This legislative proposal would redefine the metrics to use to determine what communities would qualify as a distressed community. The bill would also expand the ability of the department to award a higher total amount of appropriated funds to distressed communities so that they would receive a higher level of assistance. Additionally, the bill defines distressed location projects. This new metric and definition would incentivize units of local governments to develop and apply for OSLAD funding within these distressed locations, as these areas serve the most vulnerable in both distressed and nondistressed community. This proposal calls for no more than 10% of the total available OSLAD funds to be utilized for distressed location projects that are located in nondistressed communities. The adjustment made by the amendment, which was adopted, changes the decennial census data to the data to the latest American Community Survey from the Census Bureau. So, I request your support. And, again, this… we really work to ensure that the fundamental purpose of OSLAD is not changed, but we can uplift some communities. We don't want to punish good communities for doing good 10400050.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 things, but we want to attempt to uplift communities that struggle and open up and expand OSLAD. It's nothing like having a beautiful park in your community. So, let's strengthen good communities, and let's also uplift those that struggle. So, I request your support."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader Evans, this is designed to provide greater grant opportunities for distressed communities under the OSLAD program."
"Well, they already have access to the grants. What we want to do is ensure that they take full advantage and provide flexibility to the department to get some of those communities that would otherwise not have access to the grants to open up to those grants while prioritizing the communities that frequently take advantage."
"And these distressed communities are located statewide?"
"Oh, without question, yes. We want it statewide because… and also, it's just providing opportunity. They may or may not take advantage, but we want to make sure that nobody has an excuse to say that we don't care. All communities are included. But those main communities are very active in OSLAD will still be the priority."
"And you mentioned that we had passed essentially the same bill as a House version. I believe the vote was 113, with one person voting 'present,' and no 'no' votes. Does that sound correct?" 10400050.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Yes. Yeah. We really worked, again, to ensure that it's not some special program for certain communities, that we open it up, that all communities have access."
"Thank you."
"Thank you so much."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2466 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 2 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 7, we have Senate Bill 2469 from Representative Ryan. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2469, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. 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 2469, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ryan for the bill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I'm here presenting Senate Bill 2469, an initiative of the Illinois State Veterinarian Medical Association, which makes a technical change to deal with a drafting error in legislation covering how physicians, in this case veterinarians, prescribe medications. This drafting error ensured that on January 1, 10400050.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 2026, veterinarians will no longer be able to prescribe many vital medications that include anti-seizure and pain management drugs for our pets. SB2469 pushes that back until 2028 so that vets retain the ability to prescribe these meds while the drafting error is corrected. Without this legislation, which has the support of a large number of veterinary organizations, prescriptions that keep our pets comfortable and healthy will be cut off at the beginning of next year. It passed the Senate unanimously, and I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2469 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 107 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. If you could please let the record reflect that Representative Friess is excused for the remainder of the day."
"Thank you, leader. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 7, we have Senate Bill 2487 from Representative… from Leader Avelar. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2487, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. The bill was read for a second time previously. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Avelar." 10400050.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Leader Avelar to present Floor Amendment #2."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Floor Amendment 2 is a page-and-line amendment. It retains the underlying bill, but specifies that the Department of Human Rights may, in its discretion, conduct a fact finding conference. The amendment also adds an option to request a fact finding conference for the complainant and respondent."
"Leader Avelar moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filled."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2487, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Avelar."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is… SB2487 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. The bill allows IDHR to exercise discretion and improve efficiency in investigations by deciding on a case-by-case basis whether to hold a fact finding conference as part of the investigation. The amendment also allows judges to award civil monetary penalties up to a cap, if necessary, to vindicate the public interest in repeat cases of discrimination. The statute already grants this discretion for housing discrimination charges. The bill would standardize this approach across other articles, including employment, financial credit, and public accommodations. And I'll be happy to take any questions." 10400050.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"For discussion, Leader Ugaste is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Good afternoon, Leader Avelar. A few questions about this. Fact finding currently in the Department of Human Rights is mandatory. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"Okay. And this would make it optional and allow the parties some say in whether it occurs, but the department still would maintain discretion, correct?"
"Yeah. So, it is my understanding that the fact finding conference is not like a trial or hearing. Neither party gets the… the chance to question each other. In some cases, a fact finding conference can be a useful tool for the investigator to ask questions or gather information. And at other times, the investigator can gather the required information through interviews or documents and scheduling a fact finding conference could sometimes create delays."
"And it imposes new penalties, this bill does, on violators, not for any extraordinary or egregious conduct or… or just plain repeated, but for the first time, they can be fined up to $16,000. Is that correct?"
"That is correct, sir."
"And for the second time, if it happens within five years, up to $42,500, correct?"
"Correct."
"Was that yes, I'm sorry?"
"Yes. Yes." 10400050.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Okay. And then the third time, it's up to $70,000 within seven years, correct?"
"Correct."
"And we're talking about people who have had their human rights violated, correct? That… that's why these charges are brought. Someone's… someone's been found in violation of the Human Rights Act, correct?"
"So, the penalties here are civil, not criminal, and would only be awarded as an additional form of relief if a judge determines not just that the discrimination occurred but that this is… but that this additional penalty is in the public interest."
"Okay. But my point is, it's all happening because someone's been discriminated against, correct?"
"Correct."
"All right. But they're not going to be the recipients of this, are they? It's going to be the department that receives this civil penalty, isn't it?"
"That is correct. And…"
"Thank you."
"Yeah, thank you."
"To the bill."
"To the bill."
"The fact finding conference, I… I would have preferred it stay the way it was. It's been operating like that for quite some time. Changes to it, though, could… could be accepted. However, these additional penalties, we're going to award penalties because someone's a bad actor and violating the Human Rights Act and discriminating against people. I 10400050.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 would think it would be the aggrieved party that receives the penalties. But, no, for some reason, we're going to deter bad conduct by giving the money to the state of Illinois and the department. I urge a 'no' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2487 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 71 voting in 'favor,' 35 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 8, we have Senate Bill 2503 from Leader Evans. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2503, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 2 and 3 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Evans."
"Leader Evans to explain the amendment."
"Yes, I'm just combining a couple of sunset bills. I know we're getting towards the end, so just request your support. Combining… taking the language from Senate Bill 2493, I believe it is. There were a couple of sunset bills. We're combining them. So, request your support."
"Leader Evans moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?" 10400050.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Floor Amendment #3, offered by Representative Evans."
"Leader Evans on Floor Amendment #3."
"Yeah, both amendments are the same, just combining a couple of sunset extension bills that passed out of committee. Request your support."
"Leader Evans moves adoption of Floor Amendment #3. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 2503, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Evans."
"All right, thank you. Again, we want our roofing workers to continue to work. And we also combined a language from another bill. Again, we want people to continue to work, so request your support on these sunset extension combination bills, similar… a mini omnibus bills."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader, we are including some penalty enhancements for violations of… of the act. Is… is that correct?"
"I think it's my… I don't know if it's penalty enhancements. It's just more flexibilities for the departments, so probably penalty adjustments. But, yeah, just 10400050.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 ensuring there is proper penalties being given. I… I don't like penalty enhancements, for sure."
"And what is the issue we're hoping to address with these changes?"
"Again, just making it better. I think when we do these sunsets, our departments ask for flexibility to do their job better. So, it's just small changes that are being made. Nothing extreme. Definitely not an enhancement."
"We have a note that the Attorney General's Office has received more complaints about unscrupulous roofing contractors than any other trade and that that is one of the reasons why some of these changes are being requested. Have you received similar information?"
"Yeah, it's mean, complaints come, but we need more workers in general, more training. So, hopefully, this will just help make the industry better."
"And this has support from the industry?"
"Yes, my understanding is we don't move these without getting full support."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2503 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Moving to Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 3, we have Senate 10400050.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Bill 593 with Representative Stava-Murray. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 593, a Bill for an Act concerning health. 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 593, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Stava-Murray."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As many of us know, Illinois is facing a critical health care workforce crisis that is putting patient access to care at serious risk. Severe nurse shortages, long emergency department wait times, and rising violence against health care workers are straining hospitals across our state. Since the expiration of pandemic- era flexibilities, Illinois has lost approximately 25,000 health care workers. And by the end of 2025, we face an… we face an estimated shortage of 15,000 nurses statewide. Emergency department boarding has become an increasingly serious concern, driven by high patient volumes, bed and staffing limitations, and difficulties transferring admitted patients to an inpatient bed or appropriate care setting. Today, the average wait time in Illinois emergency departments is nearly three hours, specifically two hours and 58 minutes. At the same time, health care workers across the nation have experienced a sharp increase in workplace violence, and six in 10 registered nurses report having left, changed, or considered leaving the profession specifically 10400050.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 due to workplace violence. Recruitment and retention challenges, an unsuitable workforce pipeline, and other regulatory hurdles are further compounding the problem. Since these challenges are systemic, there is no single solution. In response, IHA and the hospital community are strongly supporting Senate Bill 593 to establish a Health Care Workforce Task Force under the Illinois Department of Public Health, bringing together key stakeholders, including state agencies, legislative leaders, health care providers, labor and education partners. The task force would be tasked with identifying solutions and providing a report with recommendations to address the workforce crisis with a focus on improving recruitment and retention strategies, enhancing the state's licensure system, expanding health care workforce pipeline programs, reducing violence against health care workers, and promoting diversity and improving access to health care careers. I'm happy to answer any questions, and I urge an 'aye' vote."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, who makes the appointments to the task force?"
"So, I believe that the intent of the bill will be for IDPH to make the appointments. So, it may not be reflected in the current language, but there will either be a trailer bill or something in veto that that… and this was negotiated among many different agencies, so no one has a problem with that." 10400050.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"So, now it… it reflects the Governor's Office, but in the future, we expect it to be IDPH?"
"Correct."
"All right. Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 593 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 3, we have Senate Bill 189 with Representative Johnson. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 189, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Johnson."
"Representative Johnson on the amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment 1 is just a technical change. It adds the language concerning the aquatic features on the interactive equipment."
"Representative Johnson moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; 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." 10400050.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"Senate Bill 189, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Johnson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 189, as amended, changes Section 13 of the Swimming Facility Act. The rules adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health shall permit sporting and fitness good equipment systems to be installed in swimming facilities."
"There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 189 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Mr. Speaker, if you could please excuse Representative McLaughlin for the remainder of the day."
"Thank you, leader. Moving to Senate Bills on Third Reading. On page 2, we have Senate Bill 27 with Leader Rita. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 27, a Bill for an Act concerning families. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Rita."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 27 is an initiative from the Illinois State Fire Association, and it makes a change to be consistent throughout the IMDMA Act to make age a consistent throughout the… that act. Happy to answer any questions. There's no known opposition that I'm aware of." 10400050.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 27 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Looking at Senate Bills on Third Reading, on page 2, we have Senate Bill 1814. Mr. Clerk, please return that bill to Second for purposes of an amendment."
"Senate Bill 1814, a Bill for an Act concerning health. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Gabel."
Speaker Morgan: "Representative Swanson to explain the Amendment."
"Thank you. Amendment #1 was provided by a resident in Illinois whose daughter died one year… five years ago yesterday from Rocky Mountain spotted fever. What this amendment does, it requires the local health departments to make public notice announcements to inform the general public when a positive case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is detected within a county or area under the local health department's control. Between the years of 2019 and 2023, the incidences and treatment at a doctor, there were 14,169 insurance codes and 1451 patients treated."
"Representative Swanson, we're just going to adopt the amendment."
"Right." 10400050.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"So, Representative Swanson moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1814, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Swanson, please continue."
"So, on the… the base bill is a bill brought to me by Senator Neil Anderson's legislative aide. She was… when… on the birth of her son, she was taken to Iowa City because she was identified to having the amniotic fluid embolism, which is a life-threatening childbirth emergency in which amniotic fluid enters the bloodstream of the mother, triggering a serious reaction, results in cardiorespiratory collapse and massive bleeding. What do… what this legislation does, it requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to be more responsive, provide education materials on the signs, symptoms, and management of amniotic fluid embolism."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1814 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 105 voting in 'favor,' 0 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Continuing with Senate Bills on Second Reading, on page 4, we 10400050.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 have Senate Bill 1602 from Representative Cassidy. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1602, a Bill for an Act concerning health. The bill was read for a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Cassidy."
"Representative Cassidy on the amendment."
"The amendment addresses a handful of outstanding issues from the Office of the Attorney General's working group on SASETA, which is the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act, and I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate the bill on Third."
"Representative Cassidy moves the adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1602, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Last year, in an interview about my work on behalf of survivors of gender-based violence, a reporter shared with me a story of a woman that she had recently talked to who had been drugged on New Year's Eve, raped, and dumped in her driveway. She awoke hours later uncertain of what had happened and, frankly, incapable of even lifting herself up off the ground. After 10400050.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 some time had passed, she got herself to her local hospital, where instead of being met with compassion and care, she was met by a doctor who insulted her appearance and attempted to discourage her from pursuing a case. He told her that if she wanted to collect evidence, she had to travel 70 miles away, and while they could eventually get her there, there was no promise to get her home. That began a relationship with Cheryl Thompson. She, eight days after leaving the hospital, discouraged and believing that she had no options, she found out that there was a treatment hospital just 15 minutes away. She got herself there, and the same nurse gave her that compassion and care that she initially deserved, agreed that her injuries were consistent with a sexual assault, but apologized because it was too late to get viable evidence. Her efforts to seek justice, to seek discipline against the doctor went nowhere. When I connected with her, I promised that I would walk with her the rest of this way, and we sought to make a change. Working with the Office of the Attorney General and their working group on SASETA, we have reworked the entire law, and it's now survivor-centered. We have made significant changes, the most significant to Cheryl being that the Department of Public Health no longer has to wonder what it means to say that a transfer plan shouldn't be unduly burdensome. Now, most of us in this room would think that 70 miles and no promise of a return home was pretty burdensome, but now the standard will be to prioritize the closest available treatment hospital. We address issues of transportation. We address access to care. We make sure that that care is provided timely. We update training for the 10400050.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 medical professionals who provide this care and give Cheryl a little bit of justice today. I ask for your support."
"For discussion, Leader Windhorst."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, Representative. Appreciate you bringing this forward. With regard to the qualified medical provider list and the transfer plan that will be required, does the bill address the use of out-of-state hospitals?"
"There is… it removes the 2029 sunset for out-of-state hospitals."
"And the reason I bring that up is, I know you're aware, a lot of areas that…"
"We got a lot of borders."
"Exactly. And especially in rural areas, the closest hospital that would qualify would be out of state. So, I want to make sure that was protected."
"Yep."
"There are also some changes to the sexual assault services voucher. What changes are we making to that?"
"Let me pull that up. So, transfer hospitals will be able to generate service vouchers and receive reimbursement for the care that they are able to provide. Very often, you begin to provide care before you realize that… that there's been a sexual assault. So, they'll be able to provide that initial care and… and bill for that. And it… it makes it easier for a survivor to get access to those vouchers. So, in… in Cheryl's case, for example, the… the hospital in Union County could have provided her that voucher." 10400050.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"We have listed several proponents with the amendment, including the Illinois Hospital Association is now a proponent with the amendment. Is that correct?"
"Yes, they are. They have been an amazing partner working through a very complex set of laws and regulations that they have to conform with. So, I'm… I'm grateful to them for their help."
"And as well as the Attorney General's Office and the Illinois Nurses Association are now proponents."
"Absolutely. The working group was very broadly representative of everyone who touches this space. And… and we've all come to agreement on it."
"Thank you."
"The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1602 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay.' The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 103 voting in 'favor,' 1 voting 'opposed,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received a constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Jawaharial Williams." Williams, J: "Good afternoon, Chair… Speaker. Please let the record reflect for Senate Bill 1602 I meant to vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"The record will show… so reflect. Leader Gordon- Booth, for which purpose do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Moment of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point." 10400050.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"If I could have the attention of the body. Eleven years ago, on May 23, it was a Friday just like this one. We were wrapping up Third Readings, and I had just come off of a bipartisan, bicameral baby shower led by none other than Leader Lilly. And I left this chamber with a truck full of items that my colleagues very graciously gifted to myself and my budding family. And nine months pregnant, ankles swollen, legs swollen, toes swollen up, I drove home. And as many pregnant expecting mothers do, you are talking about the weeks ahead and the joy that you are going to experience bringing life into the world. Many of you all that have given birth, that carried a child know that you get to a point in your pregnancy where you can't even lay down in the bed. You're so tight. You almost have to sleep in a recliner. And that May 30… that May 23 turned into May 24. And on May 24, at 3:17 a.m., we received a phone call that no family ever wants to receive. We received the phone call that your child has been shot and you need to get to the hospital now. And like anyone else who's ever received that call, you're praying the entire way that a mistake was made, only to get to the hospital to realize that not only was it not a mistake, but they take… but they take you to the small waiting room. I've been in that small waiting room a couple of times, and it's never good when you go to the small waiting room. After maybe 45 minutes, the doctor comes in, takes his hat off of his head, lays it on his chest, and says, 'I'm so sorry. We've done all we can do, but DJ is gone.' I'm sorry. And I share this moment for a couple of reasons. One, it's important to me that DJ never be forgotten. One. Two, oftentimes, when you go into 10400050.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 Memorial Day weekend, it can be a moment of festivity, of fun with family and friends, but ladies and gentlemen, in many communities across this state and across this country, it is the beginning of a season of gun violence, where many people lose their children, they lose their brothers, they lose their sisters. And I want us to be mindful as we go into this Memorial Day weekend about the work that we have ahead of us. We're not always going to agree. We are not always going to understand what each other's plights are. But, ladies and gentlemen, I want to share with you what we all share is the love for our families and the love of our communities. And I love DJ today as I loved him 11 years ago. That doesn't change. But what I would share with you all and what I hope that we have the ability to do is to see beyond what we feel personally and what we have felt personally and have compassion for one another as we continue the work that we must do over the next week ahead. We have to find ways to provide protection and opportunity in communities. I… I will never say that there is a bill that we would pass that would've saved DJ's life. But, ladies and gentlemen, the work that we do is bigger than any one person, no matter how much losing DJ shattered my family. Shattered. I will leave you with the fact that this work, and many of you all that have been a part of my life, you all have been a part of my therapy journey because this work is what has allowed me to remain sane, being able to work on behalf of other victims, working on behalf of other families. And so, for those of you all who have been a part of that collective work, from me and from the entire Booth family, I thank you." 10400050.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025
"The body shall take a moment of silence. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The Executive Committee will be meeting after adjournment in Room 118."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 373, offered by Representative Katz Muhl. House Resolution 374, offered by Representative Walsh. House Resolution 375, offered by Representative Guzzardi. House Resolution 376, offered by Representative du Buclet. House Resolution 377, offered by Representative du Buclet. House Resolution 378, offered by Representative Lilly. And House Resolution 379, offered by Representative Stephens."
"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, of the 'ayes' have it. And Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 27, my birthday, at the hour of 11 a.m. All of those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on May 23, 2025: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1988. Introduction of House Bills. House Bill 4066, offered by Representative Guerrero-Cuellar, a Bill for an Act concerning local 10400050.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 50th Legislative Day 5/23/2025 government. First Reading of this House Bill. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 711, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 852, offered by Speaker Welch, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. First Reading of these Senate Bills. Second Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 26, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 40, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 1988, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second… Second Reading of these Senate Bills. They'll be held on the Order of Second Reading. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400050.docx 97