"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. The House shall be in order, and Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Representative Dave Severin. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off their cellphones, and rise for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Representative Severin."
"Good afternoon. I want to share a verse with you out of the book of John. Jesus says, 'These things that I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' So, I share that verse for one reason, very timely. In my district, we had a company close down yesterday, a thousand jobs going away. And so, you know, when someone calls you, you say, 'Hey, do you… do you know somebody?' And I say, 'I know a guy.' And so, who is it? Well, I've known him about 60 years. I… when's the last time you talked to him? I talk to him every day. Can he get me out of trouble? No, he can't get me out of trouble, but he will help us through trouble. So, that person is Jesus. And so, we're going to pray this morning… or this afternoon. And I would ask you to… to pray with me not only for this, a thousand people that lost their jobs yesterday, but if there's other people in your district that are hurting that need help that there is a God that cares about us. He doesn't get us out of trouble, but he helps us through trouble. Let's pray. Lord, I thank you for this day. I think we can call up… I thank you that we can call upon you and you hear and answer our prayers, and we don't tell you what to do, but we ask you, Lord. And so, today 10400076.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 I'm asking for help, for you to touch those people that have lost their jobs. I pray that you would give them peace. I pray that you would help them to find jobs. I pray that you would be with them to know what to do, what… know what not to do, Lord. And, again, I pray that you would help each one of these people to make the right decisions. And I pray for each one of us that we call upon you. And… and, Lord, you help us to do the right things, Lord, and not to… what's in our mind, but what is in your mind, Lord. And… and, again, today I thank you for those people that… that are looking for jobs. I thank you, Lord, that you have the answers. You know the possibilities. You know the… the outcomes that can come even positive to those challenges and those tribulations. So, again, I thank you for this day. I thank you for this House and this state of Illinois that we stand for, that we work with one… one another, together, to find the solutions to the problems that we have. And I thank you for this day. In your name, amen."
"We'll be led today in the Pledge of Allegiance by State Representative Rita Mayfield."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker West: "Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Mr. Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Harper, Olickal, and Smith are excused today." 10400076.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026
"Thank you so much. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Speaker, great to see you this afternoon. Please excuse Representatives Bunting and Stephens for the day."
"Thank you so much. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take that record. There being 108 Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Report. Representative Tarver, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on February 24, 2026: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 598 and Floor Amendment(s) 2 to House Bill 598."
"Representative Niemerg is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"With me, my page for a day. I have Khloe Parker. She is 16 years old and a junior at Marshall High School. After she graduates, she plans to attend Butler University to study international business, and from there she plans to go to law school to pursue work in corporate law. And her dad, Darren, is with us in the gallery. Khloe, welcome to Springfield."
"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Halbrook is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point." 10400076.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026
"Thank you. I rise today to speak about a matter that goes at the very heart of our democracy: election integrity. Last week, Congress passed the SAVE Act, a reminder that protecting the sanctity of our elections is not optional, it is essential. Here in Illinois, however, we have seen preventable failures that undermine public confidence in our system. In the Republican primary for governor, voters across our state are facing chaos in five counties. Lake, Kane, McHenry, Boone, and Ogle ballots included a candidate who, according to the State Board of Elections final certification, should not have appeared. Voters in some counties are casting ballots with Joe Severino's name while others are voting without him. Meanwhile, early voting has been delayed in our most populous counties, including Cook, giving some voters longer access and others less. And then there's Champaign County. The ballots for Ted Dabrowski were printed with his name misspelled as Tad. The county clerk, Aaron Ammons, refuses to reprint the ballots or halt voting, leaving voters' intentions at risk. These problems were entirely preventable. The State Board of Elections, which sends ballot certifications and oversees election procedures, failed to give clear guidance. They issued multiple conflicting certifications, ignored pending litigation, and failed to direct counties to universally delay voting until all disputes were resolved. Their mismanagement is a proximate cause of the confusion we are seeing today. Mr. Speaker, election integrity is not partisan, it is fundamental. Every voter in Illinois deserves equal access, accurate ballots, and a system they can trust. I urge the 10400076.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 State Board of Elections to take immediate corrective action, and I call on the county clerks to follow the law and ensure voters voices are properly counted. Anything less is unacceptable. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you… thank you, Mr. Speaker. Democrats would request a caucus meeting starting at 12:30 in Room 114. And I would encourage all Democrats to attend for some very important business. Thank you."
"Leader Keicher is recognized for a purpose of an announcement."
"Not to be outdone, Mr. Speaker, but we also have some very important business to prepare for. And I would request a caucus at the same time for Republicans in Room 118."
"Democrats will caucus at 12:30 in Room 114. Republicans will caucus at 12:30 in Room 118. The House stands in recess to the call of the Chair. West back in the Chair. Proceeding to the Order of House Bills on Second Reading, we have House Bill 598, by Leader Tarver. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"House Bill 598, a Bill for an Act concerning government. This bill was read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered… offered by Representative Delgado."
"Leader Tarver on Floor Amendment #1." 10400076.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026
"Floor Amendment #1 is a very small change but an important one that pushes back the Cook County property tax sale date from March until December of 2026."
"Leader Tarver moves adoption of Floor Amendment #1. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Tarver."
"Leader Tarver on Floor Amendment #2."
"Floor Amendment #2 is a narrow technical cleanup related to unintended consequences. Under the prior law… excuse me, under the law, Zion is required to abate at least 75% of certain grant funds back to taxpayers. But the problem is, under the PTELL calculations, when they do that refund, it permanently reduces their aggregate extension base."
"Leader Tarver moves adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the amendment is adopted. Any further amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further amendments. No motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the bill, please."
"House Bill 598, a Bill… a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Tarver is recognized."
"Again, on amendment 1, this is to push back the Cook County property tax sale date from March of 2026 to December of 2026. I'm happy to answer any questions."
"For discussion, Representative Sosnowski." 10400076.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026
"Thanks, Mr. Speaker. To the bill."
"To the bill."
"We had this in committee. Our Members were generally supportive of this. We certainly understand the pushing back of the timeline on the tax sale. I'd caution some Members, while I'll be supportive of this, in regards to Zion, we certainly understand that it's located just in regards to the decommissioned nuclear power plant. This does create some possibility in the future, though unlikely, that, you know, local governments could tax at a higher rate to make up that difference, even though we understand now that they're receiving a grant to cover that. So, I just caution some of our Members to be careful of that. But otherwise, thank you very much."
"For discussion, Leader Ugaste."
"Thank you. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Leader Tarver, the… the bill has two amendments. One deals with Cook County property tax sales. Is that correct?"
"That is correct, amendment #1."
"OK. And I understand the desire to do that and… and the reason for it. Where are we in… in getting something passed so that this issue can be resolved in total? Do you know?"
"I have a little bit of knowledge about that, so I appreciate you asking. We've been talking about this issue for quite some time, as you know, since the U.S. Supreme Court said that how we do things is unconstitutional. I personally had quite a few stakeholder meetings during veto. I also 10400076.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 convened meetings in November and December, and we've been working through… we're just not at a point now where we'd have a bill that would be able to move before the March date. But the goal is to move a bill that overhauls the property tax sale system and… and how we do it prior to leaving here at the end of May. So, that… that has been my charge, and I believe that we'll… we'll get there."
"OK. Thank you. I appreciate that because that… that's very helpful to know instead of just extending this out. And then, on the Zion portion, will that allow for the taxing bodies to collect on an increased assessment and push property taxes off on other taxpayers or have them have to pay the… the increased levy amount?"
"I certainly would not characterize it that way. My understanding is Zion is in a tough position. Either they take the grant money and they hurt themselves, or they don't take the grant money and they get no relief for their residents right now. So, I think this is focused on trying to ensure that they don't lose $16 million for schools, parks, and… and other… and other municipal entities."
"OK. Thank you."
"Leader Tarver to close."
"I urge 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 598 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 81 voting in 'favor,' 22 voting 'against,' 0 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the 10400076.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Walsh, for what reason do you rise?"
"Purpose of an announcement, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and lady, gentlemen of the House. Tonight at 5 o'clock at DH Browns is the annual Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus reception. Just want to make sure everybody has that on their radar. And all are invited, including staff. So, come on out and have a good time. Got a lot of raffles, silent auction. So, hope to see everybody over at DH Browns tonight, 5 to 7. Thank you."
"Representative Lisa Davis, for what reason do you rise?" Davis, L.: "Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"State your point." Davis, L.: "Members, as we continue to celebrate Black History Month, today I rise to highlight another influential ancestor. Jane Matilda Bolin was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on April 11, 1908. Jane Bolin was a groundbreaking attorney who went on to become the first African American female judge in the United States. After graduating from Wellesley College at the top of her class, a fiercely determined Bolin enrolled in Yale Law School. Despite facing blatant racism and social hostility on campus, Bolin graduated in 1931, becoming the first Black woman to earn a degree from the prestigious institution and passed the New York state bar exam in 1932. Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to join the New York City Bar Association and the first Black woman to join the New York City Law Department. In 1939, 10400076.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 Jane Bolin became the first Black female judge in the United States, serving on New York's domestic relations court for 40 years. She fought against racial discrimination in child welfare, adoption, and juvenile justice, ensuring fair treatment for all. Her pioneering role set a precedent for Black women in law. As the first Black woman in my family to attend and graduate college, attend and graduate law school, become a member of the Illinois State Bar, and now serve as a member of this legislative body, Jane Bolin blazed the trail for me and all Black women in law. Thank you."
"Representative Weaver, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Ladies and gentlemen, I rise today to recognize one of the greatest collections of Americans ever assembled to defend American interests and pride on a global scale as we advance our missions of freedom, justice, liberty, and victory. Of course, I'm talking about the United States of America Olympic gold hockey medal team, led by captain Auston Matthews; lockdown goalie, whose name I can't spell, but I can yell, Connor Hellebuyck; and, of course, great American patriot, living legend Jack Hughes. The boys were absolutely buzzing from puck drop, full forecheck, full backcheck, full paycheck. Our Americans started off strong as Matt Boldly pushed our champions to a 1-0 lead with a slick backhand finish on a solo rush, assisted by Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes. We were getting pucks deep, bodies to the net, and doing cardio the hard way. In the second period, we welcomed 10400076.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 adversity like a pancake breakfast. The Canadians struck late in the period to tie the game. The third period was tense. Connor Hellebuyck stopped a barrage of pucks, 41 out of 42 in total. Living legend Jack Hughes took a stick to the mouth, spitting not one but two front teeth chiclets after taking a high stick to the kisser. Teeth were lost, but more was gained: spirit, pride, vigor, resilience. It wasn't George Washington crossing the Delaware. Obviously, they were in Italy, otherwise very similar. The syrup soldiers had a good push, but Connor Hellebuyck responded to the Canadians the Canadian way, politely saying, 'No, thank you. Not today. Have a safe flight home, eh.' Then came overtime. In three- on-three play, Zach Werenski stripped a Canadian defender, fed living legend Jack Hughes streaking down the ice as Hughes buried a wrister through the opposing syrup soldiers' five hole. Good night. God bless. Have a nice plane ride home. That's exactly how you draw it up on the whiteboard: strip the puck, sauce the pass, bar down. Everybody goes bananas. This wasn't a skill issue, it was a will issue. And the boys needed a Zamboni to drag their golden teeth off the ice. It was, without a doubt, the greatest sports finish since November 2, 2016. Go Cubs. In the aftermath of global… of the global display of American dominance, living legend Jack Hughes perfectly stated through a bloody mouth and two missing chiclets, 'This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It's unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong. I'm so proud to be an American.' That's a great Canadian team, but we are USA. Let's go, America. Hockey is our sport now. Thank you." 10400076.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026
"Representative Cassidy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"State your point."
"I, too, thoroughly enjoyed the… the gold medal match with the… the men's hockey team. But I got to say, what I didn't enjoy was what happened in the locker room afterwards, where those men failed to recognize the amazing power of partnership they could have displayed in that moment and pointed out that the women's hockey team was actually a more winning team than theirs. That the women's hockey team managed to… has managed to win medals much more quickly, much more convincingly, and much more powerfully. Instead, instead of standing up for their sisters, instead of standing up for their mother who coaches the women's team, the men chose instead to go to the lowest common denominator to define locker room talk by laughing at the idea that the women's team should be invited to the White House too. I wish you had added a column to your poem, Representative, because it doesn't take much to acknowledge them too. Thank you."
"Representative Kifowit, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"The Members of the… of the body, you might have seen some wonderful young individuals walking around in traditional outfits. They are individuals from Ukraine, and there is a solemn anniversary that no one wished to mark. It is the four-year of the full-scale war since Russia invaded 10400076.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 Ukraine. Tonight, from 4 to 5, they will be at the Illinois State Library Atrium, 300 South Second Street. And it's an opportunity to come together to honor the date, to hear the voices of the children who were in Ukraine, and they want to do a performance for us. So, I want to urge the Members of the body to go pay tribute, listen to these individuals, and respect them for all that their country has gone through, and to, you know, mark this point and hope that the… the war in Ukraine can end quickly. It's been four years now. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the… the opportunity to give my point of personal privilege. Thank you, sir."
"Thank you. Leader Stuart, for what reason do you rise?"
"A point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Thank you. I… I awoke Sunday morning excited as all could be to watch USA Hockey. I… I don't know if you guys know this. I grew up in New Jersey. I've been a fan of the New Jersey Devils since they literally started when I was in middle school, when they moved to New Jersey, and love the Hughes brothers, have gone to see games in Newark and even seen them when they were playing the Blues down… down in St. Louis. And… and even though my husband has been a Blues fan his entire life, we somehow still manage to make our marriage work, and we just enjoy watching hockey together all the time. I was elated. I had the best morning. It was exciting. We were on the edge of our seats. I was screaming and yelling and just enjoying it. And then I can't tell you how disappointed I was when the president of the United States 10400076.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 decided to mock women when he called to congratulate the team. It was a major disappointment, but I can't say it was a surprise 'cause we've seen the president's disrespect of women over and over and over. So, I celebrate the win for the men who were out there, who are going back to their multi- multi-multi-million-dollar jobs playing for different NHL teams while the women are going back to their studies or jobs that don't involve hockey because they don't have the professional opportunities. I do want to take a minute, though, to congratulate all of Team USA. It was more than hockey. It was curling. It was Skimo, if any of you watched that insane event where they were running uphill and running upstairs and then skiing down as fast as you can imagine, basically up the three football fields. Just incredible athleticism, incredible grit, and incredible talent. So, it was a really great… it was a really great games for us as the United States. We had 33 total medals. I want to point out 21 of those 33 were won by the women of Team USA. I do have an advanced degree in mathematics. That is almost two-thirds. Of our gold medals, eight of the 12 were won by women. Three- fourths of the medals, 75% won by women. So, I want to say a huge congratulations to Team USA and especially the women who have had to overcome so many more obstacles to get to that place where they were in Milan. Thank you."
"Representative Grant, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Speaker. I'm a little confused. Someone had said that the women's hockey team was not invited to go to the State of the Union Address this evening. My understanding is that they were. So, something's wrong here, and I'm a 10400076.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 little perturbed by it, but not all that perturbed. All right. Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will be meeting after session: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education will meet in Room 118. Ethics & Elections will meet in Room 114. Insurance will meet in Room C-1. Public Utilities will meet in D-1. Meeting at 4 o'clock is Cities & Villages in Room 118, Consumer Protection in Room 115, Energy & Environment in Room 114, Financial Institutions in Room 122, and Judiciary - Criminal in D-1."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 680, offered by Representative Fritts. House Resolution 681, offered by Representative Fritts. House Resolution 682, offered by Representative Fritts. House Resolution 683, offered by Representative Fritts. And House Resolution 686, offered by Representative Hammond."
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves the House to stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 25, at the hour of noon. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 10400076.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 5702, offered by Representative Morris, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 5703, offered by Representative DeLuca, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 5704, offered by Representative Chung, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5705, offered by Representative Ammons, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5706, offered by Representative Benton, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5707, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5708, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5709, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5710, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolutions 687, offered by Representative Harper. And House Resolution 688, offered by Representative Meier. These resolutions are referred to the House Rules Committee."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on February 24, 2026: recommends be adopted, referred to the Floor is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3021 and Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 3730; approved for consideration, referred to the Order of Concurrence is House Bill 3799; recommends be adopted is the Motion to Concur with the Senate Amendment(s) 2 and 3 to House Bill 3799; approved for consideration, referred to Second Reading is House Bill 76, House Bill 1076, House Bill 1811, 10400076.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 76th Legislative Day 2/24/2026 House Bill 2698, House Bill 3021, House Bill 3351, House Bill 3659, House Bill 3730, and Senate Bill 1486. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400076.docx 17