Illinois House Floor Debate — March 18, 2026

"Good afternoon. Today, as we gather in service to the people of Illinois, we come just beyond yesterday's St. Patrick's Day. And we are reminded that’s… while that celebration fades, but it's values that that day lifts up endure; the values of resilience, community, and hope, and we honor the journeys that brought each of us here across neighborhoods, across generations, across differences. Like the long roads traveled by so many before us, our work is not always easy, but it is purposeful. So, may we carry forward the spirit of perseverance, the kind that keeps going even when the path is uncertain. May we lead with humility, knowing that not one of us holds all the answers but together we can always find a way. And may we choose connection over division, remembering that our strength is found not in standing apart but in standing alongside one another. And in each decision we make today, may we ask who benefits and how do we ensure that all of our communities benefit, especially those who are too often unheard. May we do this work with open minds, steady hands, and a shared commitment to the common good. And may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sunshine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Amen." 10400080.docx 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 Speaker Williams, A.: "We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Hirschauer."

"Speaker, let the record show that Representatives Andrade, Croke, Deuter, Norma Hernandez, Huynh, and… and Kelly are excused today." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Keicher is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side of the aisle."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please proceed."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. This past weekend, a house of worship in my community who I hold near and dear had a… a mortgage burning celebration of which I was unable to attend. And I want to just take the moment real quick to congratulate St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Rockford, Illinois, under the leadership of Superintendent EJ Parham and under… and under the legacy of Bishop Emeritus James E. Washington. To my St. Paul friends and family, congratulations on your mortgage burning. I see that we are three years from 100 years of being in existence, so I'm looking forward to celebrating with you really soon. Again, apologies for not being able to be there, but congratulations on your mortgage burning. Thank you, Madam Speaker. And if the… if the body will help me 10400080.docx 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 celebrate them, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much." Speaker Williams, A.: "Congratulations. Representative Ammons, for what reason do you arise?"

"Point of personal privilege, please." Speaker Williams, A.: "Please proceed."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. If I can do a couple points. One of them is a memorial for Dr. Bernard LaFayette. Dr. Bernard LaFayette, he passed away on March 5, 2026. Dr. Bernard LaFayette was a colleague of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and was part of some of the most important moments in civil rights in our nation. And I didn't want this moment to pass, as his homegoing will be taking place in Tuskegee, Alabama, this week on the 22nd of March. I wanted to lift a couple of things that I think are important in the life of Dr. Bernard LaFayette in remembrance of his service to this nation. Dr. Bernard LaFayette started his activism at 12 years old. He joined the NAACP with his grandmother to address segregated buses. He was also one of the students of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee who joined his activist high school students who went on the Freedom Rides. While he attended Baptist… American Baptist College, Dr. LaFayette roomed with former U.S. Representative and civil rights icon John Lewis, where the two of them were roommates for a short time prior to them joining the Freedom Rides. And on those Freedom Rides, about 300 Freedom Riders at the time were beaten, and he was taken to Parchman prison at that time. At the age of 22 years old, in 1963, Dr. Bernard LaFayette was named director of the Alabama Voter Registrations 10400080.docx 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 Campaign. Later that year, there was an attempted assassination on his life for attempting to get African Americans the right to vote. He has a long history with Illinois, which is important for us to lift him and remember him and his service. Dr. LaFayette was sent to Chicago to do some work with the American Friends Service Committee in Chicago to do open housing. And he was in Chicago at the time of Bloody Sunday, which just passed about a week ago. As we remember the Chicago Freedom Movement's work, it is important for us not to forget people like Dr. Bernard LaFayette, who worked with Dr. King, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, and so many others who are simply trying to guarantee the rights that were supposed to be guaranteed in the Constitution for all Americans. On this day, we in Illinois want to remember and thank Dr. Bernard LaFayette and his family for a long career dedicated to civil rights, equal rights, equity, and justice in the United States. And with that, I would also ask for a moment of silence for losing a brother this week as well." Speaker Williams, A.: "Members will take a moment of silence. Thank you."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. And just one more acknowledgement. I want to acknowledge also that we have some wonderful students. Many people know that I have a large internship program in my office, and a lot of these bills are reviewed before I even come to Springfield. Some of those students are here from the environmental studies at the University of Illinois. I don't know if they made it into the gallery, but if they are in the gallery, I would certainly like to welcome them to Springfield. Today they will be in 10400080.docx 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 committee with me. There's quite a bit of them. They will be in committee for E&E this afternoon, so we look forward to them learning how this process works here in Springfield. Thank you so much." Speaker Williams, A.: "Welcome to Springfield. Representative Faver Dias, for what reason do you arise?"

"Point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker." Speaker Williams, A.: "State your point."

"Today I'm rising because I have a message for every child and every person in Illinois who has a learning disability generally and specifically dyslexia. Unlike the president of the United States, I understand that dyslexia or a learning disability does not mean you are less qualified to run for office. It simply means you learn differently. But it is not a deficit of intellect or capability. It is not a barrier to leadership. It is not a disqualifier for the presidency or any other dream you dare to chase. And when that difference is understood and harnessed, it can become your superpower. Psychologists are now writing about the dyslexic advantage. People with dyslexia have a keen ability to mentally manipulate objects in 3D space. This is why a disproportionate number of people with dyslexia are successful in fields like architecture, engineering, and surgery. They can see a finished product in their mind's eye before it even exists. People with dyslexia often rely on episodic memory rather than rote memorization of facts. This leads to high emotional intelligence, which means they have a keen ability to read people and understand different perspectives, a skill our current president severely lacks. 10400080.docx 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 While it is clear our president does not know history, I would remind people that George Washington struggled to read and spell and was suspected of having dyslexia. Thomas Jefferson struggled with sentence composition as he was learning to read and write and then wrote the Declaration of Independence. Woodrow Wilson had dyslexia and became president and won a Nobel… Nobel Peace Prize. So, whether you have dyslexia or another kind of learning disability, you are qualified to run for office, regardless of the ignorance of the person currently occupying the White House. How your brain works is an asset, your perspective is a gift, and you can be president of the United States. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Thank you. Representative Guerrero- Cuellar, for what reason do you arise?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."

"State your point."

"I would ask the body if you can help me welcome a very special individual today. She is with us in the gallery. Her name is Monica Ochoa. She is the United States of America Ms. Illinois for 2026. Ms. Ochoa, I also want to recognize something very important to me, very dear. In the 8th District police in the Chicago Police Department, she is also an officer. She is here today. She's joining us. Let me just tell you a little bit about her. She holds a master's degree in engineering and a bachelor's degree in psychological science. Also, she… she is internationally recognized actress, an International Motion Picture Academy Award winner, and her films have been recognized in France, 10400080.docx 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 Mexico, South America, and, soon, Nigeria. Her films have appeared at the Chicago Latino Film Festival and Chicago Horror Film Festival, on the platforms, including Fox, NBC, and Amazon Prime and Tubi and Plex. She is also part of the Univision's commercial talent roster and is a co-author of the 'I Am Limitless,' launching in 2026. And so, she came down to Springfield today, and I want to just recognize her efforts and her amazing career and talent. And, again, welcome to Springfield. Thank you." Speaker Williams, A.: "Welcome. Representative Halbrook, for what reason do you arise?"

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Resolution 586 declares the week of July 5 through July 10, 2026 as Blues Kids… Blues Kids Week in the state of Illinois. Can I have everyone from the Blues Kids Foundation please rise? Thank you. Illinois, and particularly Chicago, has played a central role in shaping and preserving the blues, a uniquely American art form that has influenced generations of musicians around the world. HR586 also recognizes the work of Fernando Jones, who is here present with us. In case you don't… you don't recognize him, this is him. He's a famous Chicago blues man and fellow educator who founded the Blues Kids Foundation in 1991. So, for more than three decades, Mr. Jones has dedicated himself to teaching young people not only how to perform the blues but also to understand its history, cultural significance, and role in American music. And, yes, Dr. Jacobs, that includes your friend, Muddy Waters. This resolution… absolutely. This resolution highlights the foundation's signature program, Blues Camp, which provides free, immersive music education to youth. Participants receive instruction in 10400080.docx 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 musicianship, songwriting, performance, and the historical foundations of the blues while engaging in mentorship and cultural exchange. This resolution further acknowledges that thousands of young people have been impacted by this programming, strengthening their artistic development and deepening their connection to Illinois' rich musical heritage. Because of their participation, Blues Kids have had the opportunity to learn and travel nationwide and even internationally. Today, with us, we had students from Owen, Esmond, and Powell schools, 60 of them. Unfortunately, they had to leave us this afternoon so that we can return them in due time to their parents. But they gave a rousing performance in… in the rotunda this morning, well, this afternoon, of several of youth blues hits, as well as solicited the participation of this State Representative in his first harmonica lesson and several of our Speaker's staff members who accompanied them. By declaring Blues Kids Week, we honor the enduring legacy of the blues in our state and recognize the educators and organizations committed to preserving its future for many more generations. I thank you, and I ask for adoption." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Crawford moves… moves for the adoption of House Resolution 586. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the resolution is adopted. Congratulations. The clerk is in receipt of a Motion in Writing to waive the posting requirements for this afternoon's committees. If there is leave, we will take the 10400080.docx 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 motions together in one motion. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Leader Gabel on the motion."

"Speaker, pursuant to House Rule 21(e), I move that the posting requirements for the bills posted to the following committees be waived so committees can meet at an earlier time, for the following 5 p.m. committees to meet at 3:30: Cities & Villages Committee, Consumer Protection Committee, Energy & Environment Committee, Financial Institutions & Licensing Committee, Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee, Judiciary - Criminal Committee, and Veterans' Affairs Committee." Speaker Williams, A.: "Leader Gabel has moved to waive the posting requirements. 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? OK, there being 71 votes in 'favor,' 33 'against,' 0 voting 'present,' this motion, having received a majority, the posting requirements are waived. Speaker Welch in the Chair."

"Shhh. Members, today it is my privilege to welcome to our chamber the Honorable Charlotte Montel, the consul general of France in Chicago. Consul General Montel began her posting in Chicago in 2025 after successful postings in Canada and at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris. As we all know, Illinois and France have a special partnership dating back to the 1600s when French explorers Marquette and Jolliet explored the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and French traders established the first relationships with the Indigenous People of this land. Today we keep these bonds strong through our economic partnerships and cultural 10400080.docx 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 exchanges with the French people. So, Members of this distinguished body, please join me in celebrating this great friendship by welcoming the Honorable Consul General, Ms. Charlotte Montel."

"Thank you, consul. The honorable consul general has agreed to take photos down in the well for any Members who wish to take a photo. Leader Ann Williams is back in the Chair." Speaker Williams, A.: "Representative Canty, for what reason do you arise?"

"Point of personal privilege." Speaker Williams, A.: "State your point."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today in recognition of Women's History Month and know that I stand on the shoulders 10400080.docx 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 of the pioneering women who came before me. The battles these women fought all centered around allowing us to control our lives and not be subject to unfair restrictions on our economic, civic, and bodily autonomy. That struggle continues today and in this room, covering issues like equal pay and the right to choose, which are good at grabbing headlines. But it's important we not neglect the simple, easy-to-forget inequalities that are just as much a tool of restricting our autonomy and sewn into the fabric of our everyday lives. The women in the room might have already realized I'm talking about pockets. While it might seem like a small thing, the convenience of being able to throw my phone and keys into my pockets makes my life easier. It encourages freedom of movement, and, more importantly, denying that convenience sends a message to women everywhere: Your mobility is unimportant. The message to generations of girls is: Don't worry about carrying the car keys or handling money or even leaving the house. And a lack of pockets was an implicit tool sending that message. Suffragettes, a century ago, were known for fighting for the right to vote. They also fought for women to have pockets. Both were met with hostile backlash from an establishment that didn't want equality. Today, although all American women have the right to vote, millions of girls are growing up in a world that still automatically adds pockets to clothes meant for boys and men but often neglects them in clothes for girls and women. Major designers are starting to see the desire for pockets and make changes, but the fight for pocket parity still has a long way to go. If you disagree, there's a simple way that we can test this, and I'm going to 10400080.docx 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 80th Legislative Day 3/18/2026 do a little call and response. So, could all the male Representatives in the room who have been tired on some long session night and just wished they could put their phone in their pocket instead of lugging a heavy purse around clap? OK, how about the women? Have you ever wished, after a long night, to be able to put your phone in your pockets instead of carrying your purse around? Let's clap if you've wished for that. If someone could explain to me why it's good there's such a difference, I'd like to hear it. Happy Women's History Month." Speaker Williams, A.: "Thank you. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."

"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."