Speaker Gordon-Booth: "We shall be led in prayer today by Representative Grasse. The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We will be led in prayer today by Representative Grasse."
"Good afternoon. We gather here today as stewards of a profound trust placed in us by the very people we serve, a trust that is carried not only in our votes but also in our voices, our choices, and the way we show up for one another. Before anything else, I want to take a moment to pause in gratitude for the many staff whose steady hands and deep knowledge make this place work day after day and who help all of us do the work of the people and also for our families and loved ones who share the long hours, the late nights, and the unseen weight of public service. Their patience and support are the quiet foundation beneath all we do, and we are thankful. Trust is a powerful thing. When it is honored, it builds possibility and benefits for all of us. When it is broken, people feel it deeply as disappointment, as distance, as doubt about whether their lives and struggles truly matter in the important work we do here. That is why our responsibility is not only to cast votes but to speak and to act clearly and courageously for what is right and for what is just, even when it is difficult. Because the common good is not just an idea, it is a lived reality. It is a child able to receive the health care when they are sick and a public education to live their lives fully. It is our neighbors finding a home they can afford and can have food on their table. The common good is our veterans, our seniors who are able to live with dignity and security. It is the common 10400078.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 good that binds all of us here in this place across districts, across differences, across time, reminding us that our work belongs to the people who need us now and to those who will inherit what we build. So, may we move forward together grounded in trust, mindful of the weight it carries, and committed to using our votes, our legislation, and our voices in ways that widen care, strengthen dignity, and serve something much larger than ourselves. So, let us begin here. Amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Leader Tarver."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side."
"Thank you, Speaker. Let the record show that Representatives du Buclet, Evans, Gong-Gershowitz, Jones, Manley, Mason, and Olickal are excused today. Thank you."
"Thank you. Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Stephens, Spain, McLaughlin, Hauter, and Rosenthal are excused for today."
"Have all recorded who wish? Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the 10400078.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 record. Ninety-eight being present, there being Members answering the roll call, a quorum is present to do the people's business. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Scherer, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4137, House Bill 4239, House Bill 4247, House Bill 4375, House Bill 4535, and House Bill 4536. Representative Blair-Sherlock, Chairperson from the Committee on State Government Administration reports following committee action taken on February 25, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4288, House Bill 4438, House Bill 4496, House Bill 4554, House Bill 4608, and House Bill 4695. Representative Mayfield, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure reports the following committee action taken on February 25, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1329. Representative Kelly, Chairperson from the Committee on Police & Fire reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4328; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 578. Representative Stava, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4300, House Bill 4477; recommends be adopted is House Resolution 548, House Resolution 607, House Resolution 609, House Resolution 614. Representative Cassidy, Chairperson from the Committee on Restorative Justice & Public Safety reports the following committee action taken on 10400078.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4665. Representative Mason, Chairperson from the Committee on Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4587. Representative LaPointe, Chairperson from the Committee on Mental Health & Addiction reports the following committee action taken on… taken on February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 47… 4714. Representative Yang Rohr, Chairperson from the Committee on Personnel & Pensions reports following committee action taken on February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2564, House Bill 4491, House Bill 4575, and House Bill 4576. Representative Tarver, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on February 26, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1818; and recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 to House Bill 910. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 693, offered by Representative Cochran, is referred to the Rules Committee."
"Representative Chung, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege. Great. I wanted to… so, this week is the sports in the 91st District week. Yesterday we had the Illinois State University men's football team that came, and we, you know, applauded them for all their efforts this year. But also, even more notably, is the Kingsley girls basketball team, Kingsley Junior High School basketball team, that is here today. If you guys stand up, up there in the Speaker's Gallery. So, 10400078.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 yes, let's give them all a round of applause. This girls basketball team is really remarkable. In the past three years, they won the sixth grade IESA Class 4A championship. In seventh grade they won it as well, and in eighth grade they won it. So, that's three years of championships in a row, and in that three years, they have not lost a single game. They have… their record for the last three years is 86 and 0, which is really, really incredible. And when I met them all at an assembly last month, I said, 'This is remarkable what you guys have done. Let's get you down to the Capitol and… and to recognize you for all your efforts and achievements.' So, I did want to shoutout their… let's see, we have Mr. Davis, who's their athletic director. We have coach Roger Nalewajka and assistant coaches Steve Wood, Megan Williams, and Mackenzie Coates and manager Carelle Yetimbi. And we've got… and, I guess, as I call your names players, you can sort of raise your hand. We have Maizie Olson, Nilah Robinson, Lavaysia Washington, Vivian Reeves, Alexandria West, Easton Carter, Vivian Wood, Olivia Carolan, McKinnley Ross, Amelia Nalewajka, Jasmine Spiller, Aliyah Khokhar, and Isabel Forsberg. So, I just wanted to just congratulate you all on an incredible run for the past three years. Some of these girls have been playing together since they were in kindergarten. And the thing is that next year, when they go to high school, they'll be all going to different high schools, so this is sort of the last hurrah for their team. So, I thought it would be a really great opportunity to bring them down here today and welcome them to Springfield. So, let's give them all another round of applause. Thank you." 10400078.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026
"Welcome to your Capitol. Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege please, Madam Speaker."
"State your point."
"Thank you. It's official, Illinois is now number one. And I must say, if there was ever a dubious distinction worthy of recognition, this would be it. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Illinois has become the top abortion destination in the nation, performing 23% of all out-of-state abortions in the United States in 2024. Out-of-state abortions made up 39% of Illinois' total abortions last year. Let that sink in. People are coming from across our country to this state and have made ending life of the unborn a priority. And yet, here we are, congratulating ourselves for leading the destruction of life. Governor Pritzker has not only signed this reality into law, he is actively funding it. Through his so-called reproductive health fund, he is pushing to pay for abortions nationwide, turning Illinois into a hub for not just its own citizens but for anyone seeking to end a life. Make no mistake, this is a full-scale, deliberate attack on the unborn. Colleagues, the moral clarity of this moment is unmistakable. The Old Testament is filled with voices of the righteous calling out the wicked. Prophet Jeremiah warned of a generation that slays the children in the valleys. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs, 'Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors him.' And who is more needy than a child's life who is just starting to begin? Illinois is honoring neither God nor the sanctity of life. History itself judges us harshly. Every 10400078.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 civilization that once practiced child sacrifice, whether in Carthage, the Aztecs, or elsewhere, has been wiped from the pages of history. They did not thrive. They did not endure. They crumbled under the weight of their own evil. And yet, here we are, proudly following in their footsteps, celebrating a rise to the top for ending innocent lives. Madam Speaker, this is not leadership. This is not progress. This is evil dressed up as policy. And we as lawmakers must ask ourselves, do we want Illinois to be remembered as a beacon of freedom or as a state that glorified the slaughter of the most vulnerable? We cannot stand silent while our state funds abortion not just locally but nationally. We must fight for life, we must fight for morality, and we must fight for the generations yet to come. And we must remind Governor Pritzker and anyone who follows him that no amount of money, no political agenda, no law can ever erase the truth. Life begins at conception, and it deserves protection. Thank you."
"Representative Weber, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mrs. Speaker."
"State your point."
"So, I rise today with my thoughts focused on the future of our children and grandchildren here in Illinois. We all know how important it is for children to have access to quality educational opportunities. We need to do everything we can to set them up for the future success in life. That's why I'm encouraged to see a growing drumbeat of bipartisan support all calling for Governor Pritzker to opt Illinois into the federal scholarship credit program. As Comptroller 10400078.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 Susan (sic-Susana) Mendoza put it in a recent Chicago Tribune op-ed, 'It's a no-brainer.' The program is funded entirely through private donations to help low-income students attend a better school that meets their educational needs. Even more, they can use it to pay for tutoring, supplies, or other special services that they may need but may not be able to access otherwise. Since it's a federal program, Illinois taxpayers can donate to get federal tax credit even if Illinois does not opt in. But our students can only benefit from this program funding if the governor decides to opt our state into it. I couldn't agree more with our comptroller; it's a no-brainer. Governor, please don't let our students miss out on this opportunity. It's time that we opt in as a state. I also want to call your attention to a piece of legislation along this lines that I have filed to help families cover the cost of K-12 education. Many of you have heard of the 529 plans, if you have kids. My wife and I did this when our children were little. It was able to help out with their future education. Many states have expanded that to cover K-12. House Bill 4107 expands our existing Illinois education savings account by allowing families to use the tax-advantaged savings to also pay for eligible expenses for K-12 education. It's another straightforward way to help families ensure that they are able to provide for the best education possible for their children. And because this is a 250-year anniversary of our nation Declaration of Independence, in the words of the Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, author of the declaration, 'Educate and inform the 10400078.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 whole mass of the people… They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.' Thank you."
"On page 7 of your calendars, under the Order of Concurrence, we have House Bill 3564, offered by Representative Syed. Representative Syed is recognized."
"I move to concur, House Bill 3564, amendment 3, 7, and 8. Oh, amendment 7 is a gut and replace. It guts and replaces the original bill, as well as amendment 3. This bill, in its entirety, is just amendment 7 and amendment 8. And the bill bans certain junk fees related to rental leases and requires that nonoptional fees have to be provided on the first page of a lease or a web page link on the listing. This is a bill that bans unnecessary junk fees and requires transparency for nonoptional fees. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Leader Windhorst is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, I believe in committee yesterday there was some discussion about the various amendments, of course, we have 3, 7, and 8, and whether 7 trumps 3 or exactly where we stand with the amendment. So, if you could clarify that please, we'd appreciate it."
"Yes. We… we have received confirmation that amendment 7, because it is a gut and replace, would replace the entire bill and any preceding amendments, including amendment 3. So, the bill is exclusively amendment 7 and amendment 8."
"And there was also conversation about the realtors' position. What is their current position on the bill?"
"They formally have no position." 10400078.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026
"There has been some concern expressed about… by other groups about the fact that the fees that would be limited by this bill do not actually cover the costs of certain items. Would you please address that concern?"
"I have not heard that concern related to the new amended version of this bill. They may be referring to the application fee, which is capped at $50. However, there are exemptions made in the bill in case the fee… in case the application… and the credit check fee is higher, then they provide a receipt. And they can… landlords can be reimbursed at a higher rate."
"And a part of the requirements in Senate Amendment 7 is that all nonoptional fees, whether one time or recurring, what must be explicitly contained on the first page of the lease agreement or a tenant will not be liable for payment. Is that accurate?"
"Yes. And then, in amendment 8, it clarifies that we could also just provide a link to a web page, which fully discloses all the fees as well."
"And that would be for an electronic version of the lease. What about a printed lease? If it was paper, would that still satisfy it?"
"Yes, as long as that web page link is provided or it's on the front page of the electronic or the paper lease."
"Our analysis shows that the Chicagoland Apartment Association and Rental Property Owners Association are opponents to the bill. Are they still opponents with the amendments, or what is their position?" 10400078.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026
"The Chicagoland Apartment Association is neutral on this version of this bill."
"And do you have a position from the Rental Property Owners Association?"
"No, I have not heard from them."
"And a part of the bill, again, prohibits certain junk fees and fines, and there is a list in our analysis. Are… is there a specific definition of junk fees in the bill? Is that outlined expressly?"
"This… the specific fees are outlined within the bill itself."
"And we, with this bill, would also be limiting the exercise of home rule powers, particularly in instances where certain municipalities may have model leases to be used that would no longer… they could, I guess, present a lease, but that would no longer be binding beyond this bill?"
"It allows home rule communities to regulate concurrently to this bill."
"I'm sorry, something happened. Could you repeat that for me? I'm sorry."
"I said it allows home rule communities to regulate concurrently with this bill."
"And if there is a violation, what is the enforcement mechanism?"
"A person alleging a violation of this bill may bring forth a civil action."
"And that would be the… the tenant or lessee would bring the action. Is that correct?"
"It could potentially be them." 10400078.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026
"Yes. And when does this become effective, if it passes into law and is signed by the governor?"
"This… this becomes effective, according to this bill, July 1 of 2026."
"July 1 of this year?"
"Yes."
"Is there a reason we're doing this today rather than later? It's just a matter of clearing something off the calendar?"
"This bill's here on concurrence. We've worked on it since last year, so that's why we're presenting it here today."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Hammond is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A few questions of the sponsor, please. She will yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, we had a discussion on this bill in Executive Committee, and I asked at that time… it's my understanding that you have filed House Bill 5234, a clean version of this bill that does not include any of the language that is currently in amendment 3. Is that correct?"
"The… the way that this bill is written is… is exactly the same as that because amendment 3 is not within this bill anymore."
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch the last part."
"Because amendment 3 is overwritten by amendment 7, the bills are essentially identical."
"I… I understand that you are stating that." 10400078.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026
"And that has been…"
"My question is, have you filed House Bill 5234, another version of this bill, absent amendment 3?"
"Yes."
"So, what is the urgency? And I know you keep saying concurrence, but you have a clean bill that you filed on February 5. We don't have to go through all the emotions of what's wrong with amendment 3 and… and overridden by amendment 7, and your attorneys have given you advice on that. But you have a clean bill that you, in fact, your caucus, controls the Rules Committee. They control every committee. You have every right to request that it be brought to the floor and not go through concurrence on this with the questions and the opposition/no position by the Illinois REALTORS. What is the urgency with this on concurrence, as opposed to you passing a clean bill?"
"It's never too soon to protect tenants. And, Leader Hammond, I appreciate your question. This bill was introduced last session. It went through House committee. It went through the House floor. It went to Senate committee, Senate floor, and is now back with amendments. It has been out there for quite some time, and it's a well-negotiated bill. And once again, it's a bill to protect Illinoisans, and I believe that we should all have a sense of urgency around this issue."
"Representative, with all due respect, when you filed House Bill 5234, you obviously knew that there were issues with the concurrence of this bill."
"And those issues no longer exist. There was miscommunication, but procedurally amendment 3 is overwritten 10400078.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 by amendment 7. It is the same exact bill as the bill I filed."
"I think procedurally it would have been in the Senate to withdraw amendment 3 because that's what the controversy is here today. So, with all due respect, I would urge a 'no' vote."
Speaker Gordon-Booth: "Leader Syed… Representative Syed to close."
"Thank you. Right now, people across our state…"
Speaker Gordon-Booth: "Representative, my apologies. Leader Keicher."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Appreciate you catching that. I don't believe you guys know the time bomb that's in here, so I am going to request a verification, please."
"Members, Leader Keicher has requested a verification. All Members will be in their chairs and vote their own switches. Leader Morgan for further discussion."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Questions of the sponsor, if she'll yield."
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you, Representative, for bringing this bill. For those who have been paying attention over the last few years, we've had a few opportunities to talk about junk fees in different contexts. But I… I want to just kind of bring everyone's attention to the fact that this is… it's, well, narrow but also really focused and really impacting an area that I think is needed. Can you remind the body about why this is junk fees in a real estate landlord-tenant rental capacity, as opposed to just kind of broad junk fees, which 10400078.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 I have a piece of legislation, others have introduced? Can you remind us why this is really narrow and who this would apply to?"
"Yeah. So, it's actually partially inspired by, in 2024, Chicago Sun-Times put an article out explaining how this exact issue affects people in our state. There are surprise fees that people are… that they've signed a lease, they're not anticipating these… these fees, but suddenly they show up, which is why we have this essential transparency component that requires nonoptional fees to be on the front page of a lease or to be disclosed on a… on a link to a web page. There are additional junk fees that have been well negotiated in this bill that constituents, constituents of people across Illinois, including districts that are represented in Southern Illinois, are facing because for whatever reason, whatever reason the company or the landlord deems. So, it's critical that certain fees that are considered junk fees that have been, once again, well negotiated are addressed through this important legislation."
"Thank you, Representative. And I… I remember that Sun- Times article. And I remember being really surprised because, like many of us in this chamber, I think we've all been renters at some point. And, you know, I'm a lawyer, so I tend to look at contracts. But I'll be honest, I didn't really pay a lot of attention to the provisions of my rental agreement. But can you remind the body some of the fees that were so egregious and shocking that were just starting to show up in these automated, standardized contracts that were just 10400078.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 pretty, again, very egregious, but at a minimum, we would all agree are junk… junk fees? So, what are some of those fees?"
"So, I'll give an example. There's a… some of the junk fees that are explicitly stated in this bill are a fee for the modification or renewal of lease agreement, which could look like just changing a single word on a lease. A fee for an eviction notice…"
"Wait, Representative. Did you say there was a fee for a modification of the agreement? Is that right?"
"Yes."
"OK."
"There… that could be a potential fee that someone could theoretically put in a lease or put on a tenant at some later point after they've signed their lease. And that fee is explicitly banned through this bill."
"Great. Thank you, Representative. And also, there… for those in the chamber that weren't listening to the prior debates with a few of the questions from the other side of the aisle, one of the questions was kind of why we're here. And… and I do, again, I think it's worth repeating. You were asked why we're doing this now, and why is it important that we pass a bill to protect consumers in the state of Illinois. Can you just repeat your answer?"
"Yes, I will repeat my answer. And I will say, to me, it is egregious as a young person when I know people that are my friends, people that are my age cannot go out and afford housing. And they are desperately seeking housing, when we all know we have a housing crisis. There is not enough housing out there, let alone affordable housing. So, when I know 10400078.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 people in my community and my peers and young people all across our state are going to seek out leases and are going to seek out housing, and then they're slapped with all sorts of nonoptional fees, junk fees that they can't even seem to comprehend. And they don't know how to go upon addressing it. So, this bill empowers people to actually protect themselves away from these junk fees that, you know, that they might have imposed upon them. I appreciate that question."
"Yeah. Thank you, Representative. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Friess is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Parliamentary inquiry. It's my understanding that this affects home rule, so I was just curious what the voting threshold is."
"It's 60, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Representative Syed to close."
"Right now, people across our state are desperately seeking housing that they can actually afford. These junk fees and surprise nonoptional fees, fees that they may have never anticipated, make that very difficult. And the urgency behind this bill is that shelling out an additional hundred dollars or $500 is not an option for families across our state. This bill eliminates junk fees and mandates proper disclosure of nonoptional fees. It is a good bill for people across Illinois, and I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
Speaker Gordon-Booth: "Members, Representative Keicher has requested a verification. All Members will be in their chairs and vote their own switches. The question is, 'Shall House… shall the House concur with Senate Amendments 3, 7, and 8 to 10400078.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 House Bill 3564?' This is final action. All those in favor vote 'aye'; all those vote 'nay.' The voting is now 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 56 voting 'yay,' 36 voting 'nay,' 2 voting 'present.' The House does not concur with Senate Amendment 3, 7, and 8 to House Bill 3564. And this bill, having failed, does not receive the constitutional majority. The motion fails. Representative Morris is recognized."
"For the record, I was… was going to be a 'yes.'"
"Representative Meier, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point."
"I woke… I woke up this morning, and I thought, you know, it's been about a year since I finished my radiation, and I really didn't know. So, I looked on the calendar, and I finished it last week. So, it's been one year last week. And I just want to encourage everybody, go out there, have your PSA test, have whatever test the doctor's asking you because I feel better now than I have in five years, and everybody should have that opportunity. Listen to your doctor, take the test that you need, and go out and get checked. Thank you."
"Great news. Representative Deering, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"You may state your point."
"I just wanted to alert the body that the first week of March will be recognized as Soil Health Week. I do want to 10400078.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 thank the body for a unanimous passage of House Bill 54 last spring. And while we are in our home districts, may you find the time to connect with your local farmers and ag industry folks and continue to have the conversation with them as we recognize both advocacy and education for soil health. Thank you so much."
"Thank you. Representative Cassidy, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"You may state your point."
"As we all head back to our districts for the next couple weeks, I want to make sure folks have it on their calendar. The annual Sullivan Caucus will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24, at Floyd's Thirst Parlor from 6 to 10. Hope that you can all join us. Everybody will be Irish that day."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 685, offered by Representative DeLuca. House Resolution 691, offered by Representative Scherer. House Resolution 692, offered by Representative Sheehan. House Resolution 694, offered by… offered by Representative Crawford. House Resolution 698, offered by Representative Stephens. House Resolution 699, offered by Representative Ford. House Resolution 700, offered by… offered by Representative Kelly. House Resolution 701, offered by Representative Sheehan. And House Resolution 702, offered by Representative Lilly."
"Leader… 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 10400078.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Leader Lilly, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Speaker."
"You may state your point."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise for our Black history moment for today. Today I honor the life and legacy of Gladys West, a brilliant mathematician whose work helped shape the modern world. Ms. West was born in 1930 in rural Virginia during segregation. Gladys West grew up in a time when opportunities for Black American, especially Black women, were extremely limited. Determined to create a different future, she excelled in school and earned a degree in mathematics from Virginia State University. She later went on to work for the U.S. Navy. There she became one of the few Black female mathematician working in highly technical government role. She programmed early supercomputers, analyzed satellite data, perform complex complications or calculations to model the true shape of the Earth. These are those precise Earth models became essential to the development and accuracy of the Global Positioning System, what we know as GPS. Without her mathematical precision, GPS, as we know it today, would not work reliably. Her story closely connects to the powerful message of 'Hidden Figures.' The film highlighted the Black women mathematician at NASA who contributed to the space race were overlooked for decades, like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Gladys West was a hidden figure, a brilliant mind working behind the scenes making history without widespread recognition. For many years, her contributions were widely 10400078.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 known… were… were not widely known. But in 2018, she was inducted into the U.S. Air Force Hall of Fame, finally receiving national recognition for her groundbreaking work. Gladys West passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 95. She left behind more than… more than scientific achievements. She left a legacy of perseverance, excellence, and opportunity. Her life reminds us of the brilliance that exists everywhere, even when the world is not yet ready to celebrate it. Every time we use GPS to find a location, navigate traffic, or guide emergency services, we are benefiting from her extraordinary work. Gladys West was truly one of the hidden figures who helped shape the world. In doing so, she helped change it. Thank you, Gladys, for being a part of our world. God bless you."
"And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, March 18. All those in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5711, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5712, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5713, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5714, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5715, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning 10400078.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 appropriations. House Bill 5716, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5717, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. First Reading of these House Bills. Executive Order 2… 2026-02 is referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5718, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5719, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5720, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5721, offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 5722, offered… offered by Representative Gabel, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400078.docx 22