"The House will be in order. Members and guests will be in their chairs. We shall be led in the prayer today by Representative Dave Severin. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their… oh, sorry. We will be led in prayer today by Representative Dave Severin."
"Good afternoon. Before we pray, I want to share a quick story with you to encourage you this afternoon. My father was a minister, and someone asked him several years ago, 'Reverend Severin, when I pray, how many times should I pray before the answer comes?' And my dad said, 'Well, that's simple. You pray until the answer comes. You don't beg, but you pray, and then you thank the Lord for the answer.' And this is how he could qualify this. My father was… fought in World War II. He was injured in World War II. He was in a hospital bed in 1944 in Chicago, came home from… from the… from the war on the hospital bed. Had one son who was mentally challenged. My mother took care of him, so my mother didn't have a job. My dad's in a hospital bed, doesn't have a job. He's in dire straits. He's listening to the radio. Oral Roberts was on the radio, and this is what he said: 'If you need a touch from God, put your hand on the radio as a point of contact and pray with me when I pray.' My father didn't even know if he believed in God, but he thought, I'm in dire straits. I'm injured. My wife doesn't have a job, I got a mentally handicapped child. I don't have a job. I don't know what to do. He puts his hand on the radio. Oral Roberts prays, my father is instantly healed. Gets out of the hospital bed, goes home a day or two afterwards. My father didn't believe in God, know about God, didn't go to church, didn't know there 10400081.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 was 66 books in the Bible, didn't know there was an Old Testament, a New Testament, or anything. All he knew is he needed help. And I share that with you because a lot of times people, they say, 'Well, I can't pray because I'm not good enough or I don't… I don't qualify.' I want to tell you this, if you're breathing, you qualify. Let's pray. Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank you, Lord, that you love us, you have a plan for us. I thank you, Lord, that the people that are in this building today, they're representing their people, that are representing this state, help us to do our very best. And, Lord, I pray that we put our faith and trust in you. I thank you that we don't have to be some super saint. All we got to do is call upon you and you hear us and you love us, and I thank you for that. In your name, amen."
"We will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Haas."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Gabel is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle."
"Speaker, let the record show that Representative Norma Hernandez, Hoan Huynh, and Kelly are excused today."
"Leader Keicher is recognized to report any absences on the Republican side of the aisle."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Spain is excused for today." 10400081.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There being 113 Members answering roll call, a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Ness, Chairperson from the Committee on Adoption & Child Welfare reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3169, House Bill 4534; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4539. Representative Harper, Chairperson from the Committee on Agriculture & Conservation reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5021, House Bill 5136, House Bill 5512. Representative West, Chairperson from the Committee on Ethics & Elections reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4339. Representative Jones, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 2680, House Bill 4160, House Bill 4373, House Bill 5259, House Bill 5260, House Bill 5492; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4207. Representative Walsh, Chairperson from the Committee on Public Utilities reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4456. The Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reported the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4442. Representative Meyers-Martin, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate 10400081.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 is House Bill 45. Representative Ammons, Chairperson from the Committee on Energy & Environment reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4941; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 3596, House Bill 5317, House Bill 5474, and House Bill 5475. Representative Croke, Chairperson from the Committee on Financial Institutions and Licensing reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4537, House Bill 5290, and House Bill 5384. Representative Manley, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Availability & Accessibility reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4642, House Bill 4701, House Bill 5295, House Bill 5390; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4233. Representative Slaughter, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4255, House Bill 4428, House Bill 4741, House Bill 5296, and House Bill 5580. Representative Swanson, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs reports following committee action taken on March 18, 2026: do pass Short Debate… Short Debate is House Bill 4336, House Bill 4891, House Bill 4911. Representative Kifowit, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Pensions & Personnel reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 5540. Representative Mussman, Chairperson from the Committee on Education Policy reports following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 1783, House Bill 4264, 10400081.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 House Bill 4582, and House Bill 5551; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5207 and House Bill 5552. The Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reported the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 3392, House Bill 4612, House Bill 4620, House Bill 4747, House Bill 4757, House Bill 4808, House Bill 5027, House Bill 5047, House Bill 5313, House Bill 5364, and House Bill 5471; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4284, House Bill 4379, House Bill 4516… correction, House Bill 4517, House Bill 4643. Representative Gong-Gershowitz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is… Short Debate is House Bill 1590, House Bill 4273, House Bill 4776, House Bill 5000, House Bill 5269; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 3811, House Bill 4896. Representative Tarver, Chairperson from the Committee on Revenue & Finance reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4786, House Bill 4849, House Bill 5237; do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 1790. Representative Ann Williams, Chairperson from the Committee on the Executive reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 5181; recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 1 and 2 to House (sic-Senate) Bill 1486. Representative Morgan, Chairperson from the Committee on Health Care Licenses reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short… Short Debate is House Bill 4749, House Bill 4762, House Bill 5168, House Bill 40… 5427, House Bill 5494; do pass as amended Short 10400081.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Debate is House Bill 4154, House Bill 4793, House Bill 4770… 4978, House Bill 5148, House Bill 5435, House Bill 5472. Representative Jiménez, Chairperson from the Committee on Housing reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4283 and House Bill 5424. Representative Andrade, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles and Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 19, 2026: do pass Short Debate is House Bill 4225, House Bill 4867, House Bill 5081; and do pass as amended Short Debate is House Bill 4934."
"Representative Vella, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I rise to honor St. Joseph's Day and the celebrations that go on around the Italian American people across the country. For those who don't know, St. Joseph was a husband to the Virgin Mary and the legal father of Jesus. The tradition of the St. Joseph's date back to the medieval Sicily during a time of severe famine. The people of Sicily, desperate and starving, prayed to St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers and the protector of families, to end their suffering. In response to those prayers, the famine lifted, and as a sign of gratitude, they began to celebrate elaborate altars in St. Joseph's honor. These altars were adorned with food, flowers, and sacred symbols meant to share God's bounty with others and to honor the saint who had interceded on their behalf. When Italian immigrants came to the… to the United States, they brought this tradition with them, and it quickly became a cherished practice in Italian American communities. The St. Joseph's 10400081.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Altar is always today in the feast of St. Joseph. It serves as both an act of thanksgiving and a communal effort to bring people together. The altar is often set up in homes, churches, and community halls filled with beautiful displays of food, such as breads, pastries, vegetables, fruits, and sometimes meatless dishes, honoring the state's connection to the humble, hardworking nature of everyday life. The food displayed in the altar are not just meant for decoration, but they are shared with family, friends, and anyone who comes to symbolize the importance of giving to others in times of plenty. For Italian Americans, this tradition also serves as a bridge between the Old and New World, and it connects us to our roots in Italy. It's a way to keep the spirit of our ancestors… ancestors alive to remember the struggles they faced. Today, on your desks, you have authentic Italian panna cotta, a sweet Italian cream with fresh fruit, so you know it's good for you, that it was provided by Matt Hanson from Torte di Paola, an Italian-owned bakery in his district. So, when you see Matt, thank him for this amazing dessert. So, do all… happy… and to all you on a happy and healthy St. Joseph's Day from… from my family, from Matt Hanson, Anthony, Natalie, and the entire Italian Caucus. Have a great St. Joseph's Day, and may blessings be upon you."
"Representative Tarver, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A very brief point of personal privilege, Madam Speaker."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just want to say happy birthday to my newly minted teenager, C.J., who turned 13 10400081.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 today. I was… I was hoping that Severin would add a prayer for me, but he didn't do that. But I also want to say happy birthday to her birthday buddy, apparently Bob Morgan's son, Ari, who turns 11 today. Happy birthday to both of them."
"Leader McCombie, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Speaker. I'd like a… a moment of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Today I am asking for a moment of silence in our chamber for Markell Price, an 8-year-old who died on February 6 of 2026 after DCFS failed him. It is devastating, but no longer shocking, that we have another horrifying failure due to the shortcomings at DCFS. But how many more children deaths will it take? Over 3,000 children have cases of serious injury, hundreds of children are missing, and over 1200 children have died under the state's watch, and the governor has refused to own that. Amongst several failing state agencies, DCFS is the most dysfunctional agency in Illinois. This is a created system where frontline workers are overwhelmed, isolated, and, in most cases, critical hotline workers are working from home instead of side by side, where collaboration and escalation can happen in real time. This is not a criticism of them. It is a failure of leadership to give them the structure and the support that they need to protect children. The system is broken. We've had several agencies directed, appointed by the governor, who he stood by and defended while children in the state's care failed again and again. Now, as the failures have become even more public, 10400081.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Director Heidi Mueller has brought us into the fold to listen, to work, to improve, and to bring transparency to the agency. We have made a step forward under her accountability alone, but we must also acknowledge there's more to do. There is a culture of very bad people who have failed children. We can't fix that. The basic function of DCFS is to protect children. We must focus on their children, and their safety must be paramount. We all believe in keeping families together, but when that priority outweighs the safety of the children, it stops being compassion and starts being negligence. In too many cases, the system has chosen reunification over protection, and children are the ones paying the price. It's time for solutions and the needs… and need to be structurally overhauls of DCFS. In this horrific tragedy, DCFS had eight chances to help this child, and on the ninth hotline call, he was dead. Eight chances, eight failures. What did those eight calls include? Reports of malnourishment, neglect, truancy, domestic violence, yet the system failed to act. This is not a partisan issue, but there hasn't been a Democrat working group on child welfare since the 103rd General Assembly. That speaks volume to the direction and the priorities of this chamber and the care of the governor has put forth to fix this never-ending problem. So, today I'm calling on the Speaker to immediately establish a formal bipartisan working group on child welfare. Give this body the opportunity to work with Director Mueller and deliver the statutory changes needed to protect children and support caseworkers doing this very difficult work. I'm also asking the governor to be accountable for these failures, manage, and to put similar 10400081.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 effort governing our state that he does fighting the federal government. Thank you."
"The body shall observe a moment of silence. Representative Swanson, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Actually, I'd… I'd like to ask for an extended point of personal privileges with two s, plural."
"Proceed."
"Thank you. I've got a couple pages with me here today. The first one I'm going to introduce is Jordyn Sedlock. She's a junior at Western Illinois University, where she majors in music education. Her parents are Carmen and Jason Sedlock. They are a small business, one of the many small businesses in Coal Valley, where they have a roofing company. Activities in school for Jordyn include the Delta Zeta sorority and also the Western Illinois University Music Education Association. Her community activities include participating in the rockathon… the RockyTHON, which is a dance marathon where they dance for nine hours raising funds for terminally ill students. Additionally, she's in Delta Zeta, as I mentioned, where they raise money for various charities for… one example is for hearing and sight for youth. Special recognitions include, she served… or she is on the Western Illinois University dean's list. I'd also like to recognize and welcome Austin Ullrich here with me today. He's a sophomore at Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. His parents' name 10400081.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 are Russ and Malinda Ullrich, and both of them are teachers at Galesburg High School. His school activities include student ambassador; president of the student government; member of Men of Distinction, which is a non-Greek fraternity; and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, which is an honor society. Mr. Anthony Law is the advisor to the Men of Distinction and Women of Character. He leads them and helps them focus on being good citizens and being involved in their communities through volunteerism. Community activities include, he's helped annual United Way Knox County Day of Action, where they've cleaned up the… the city park and Lake Storey area where a lot of camping takes place and other family activities. He's helped raise funds for… or raise products for the campus food pantry, which is a food pantry that Sandburg hosts for their students and his mentorship school visits to local elementary schools. His career goals are to go to Monmouth College, major in political science, and someday transfer to law school. Special recognition includes the 2024-2025 David M. Kellogg Award of Excellence from the criminal justice department where that award is named after Professor Kellogg, who was a previous instructor in the community justice department. I'd like everyone to join with me to welcome these two fine individuals to our… thank you."
"Welcome to the Capitol."
"Madam Speaker, I do have one more."
"Go ahead."
"Thank you. I rise to recognize the Western Illinois University women's basketball team. Not only during… and here we are during Women's History Month. Not only did this 10400081.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 talented group win the regular Ohio Valley Conference title, but they also won the Ohio Valley Conference tournament, and by doing so, clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament. The Leathernecks go on now to play the University of North Carolina in the Big Dance with an… and Western Illinois University overall record's 25 and 6. The last time WIU performed or played in the Big Dance was in 2017. Western Illinois University is led by Mia Nicastro, who is averaging over 24 points per game, which is the fourth highest in all NCAA Division I. As you can imagine, with success like that, Mia was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. Western excels on defense, as well as Addi Brownfield was named Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Western Illinois University collected even more hardware when head coach JD Gravina was named OVC, Ohio Valley Conference, Coach of the Year. Not only does the team get it done on the court, but they also get it done on the classroom. This past fall semester, they had a combined team GPA of 3.77. The entire WIU community will be cheering on our women's basketball team in the NCAA tournament. Please join me in congratulating the Leathernecks on a tremendous season so far. And also join me in wishing them good luck in the tournament. Good luck, WIU ladies. Thank you, Madam…"
"Thank you. I'd like the chamber to help me welcome our esteemed secretary of state, Alexi Giannoulias, to our chamber today. Thank you, sir. Representative Gill, for what do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Point of personal privilege. I can't speak." 10400081.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I am so happy today to have my friend Colton here. He interned for me all summer last summer and worked so hard for me. He's a senior at Ohio State, and he's majoring in biomedical engineering. That's right, I know somebody majoring in biomedical engineering, and we're so happy to have him here in Springfield. So, please give him a warm Springfield welcome."
"Welcome to the Capitol. The… we would like to recognize Representative Meier on House Resolution 637."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to introduce Blake Twenhafel, and I'm going to read the resolution now, which he is my page for today also. But the resolution will tell you about… a lot about this outstanding young man. The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Blake Twenhafel on being awarded the 2025 American STAR in Agribusiness by the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana; and WHEREAS, The American STAR Awards represent the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients, recognizing FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies by completing a Supervised Agricultural Experience program; and WHEREAS, Blake Twenhafel, a member of the Wesclin FFA in Trenton and a graduate of Kaskaskia College, is currently a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he majors in crop science; and 10400081.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 WHEREAS, Blake Twenhafel began BT Lawn Care by push mowing his first lawn in 2018, which he followed with utilizing extensive marketing strategies on Facebook and generating professional advertising materials; his business was part of his Turf Management Grass program, through which the FFA provided him with business development guidance and experience; and WHEREAS, Blake Twenhafel has led BT Lawn Care as it continues to grow year after year, having built a quality reputation throughout the community and maintained customer satisfaction while further developing BT Lawn Care's brand through strategic marketing; Blake Twenhafel has also undertaken employee management as part of the process of owning and operating BT Lawn to continue meeting customer demand, hiring his first employees, who will follow… were fellow Wesclin FFA members, in 2021; WHEREAS, Over the course of seven lawn care seasons, Blake Twenhafel has continued to expand BT Lawn Care, a business that serviced over 50 commercial and residential properties throughout Clinton County and the surrounding areas in '24; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Blake Twenhafel on being awarded the 2025 American STAR in Agribusiness by the National Future Farmers of America, and we wish him continued success in his endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a substitute… a suitable copy of this resolution will be presented Blake after today. Besides this, besides this, there were only four STARs given out in all of America, 10400081.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 one for agribusiness. Blake is the winner of that. The Ag Placement Award also went to an Illinoisan, which will be recognized on a different date. So, then farmer and agriscience went to the other 48 states, somebody there. So, this is an outstanding thing for a resident of Illinois to receive. And I don't know the last time Illinois had two winners. He's on the Collegiate Farm Bureau, University of Illinois team. He's a member of the Mascoutah Lutheran Church, 10-year 4-H member, and he's even worked on our farm as part of his college program, helping out with the business he was doing his internship with. His parents are in the gallery behind me, I believe. They are Michael and Angie. So, thank them for coming today and raising such an outstanding young man. Let's give him a round of applause."
"Congratulations. Representative Meier moves for the adoption of House Resolution 637. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the resolution is adopted. Representative Reick, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"It's with great sadness that I announce… I'm announcing that on Monday the great Orion Samuelson passed away at his home in Huntley. You couldn't grow up in Central Illinois in the 1950s, 19… well, the 1960s and '70s without hearing, if you listen to WGN Radio, the voice of Orion Samuelson, and you never forgot that voice. It was unique. And he was just one of a kind, and there will never be another. He grew up on 10400081.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 a farm in Wisconsin and became, literally, the biggest voice in agriculture in the United States, joining WGN Radio in 1960 and retiring in 2020. There wasn't a barn radio in Illinois that didn't carry WGN, and by doing so, you could go out there and you get farm news, interviews with farming experts, long-range weather reports, livestock and community quotes, direct reports from the Chicago stockyards. He reported on subjects like pork bellies and wheat futures and things like that. But he also tried to bring urban residents into the agricultural field by saying, 'If you eat, you're part of agriculture.' He was widely recognized nationwide. He visited 150 countries to talk about agriculture. And there was, in fact, a movement in 1980 to have him named secretary of agriculture by President Reagan. He declined the offer. This man was a giant in Illinois agriculture, and he did more, probably, to bring agriculture down to the level of every person in this state than anybody ever could. He was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame in 1996, the Chicago Television Academy Silver Circle in 2000, the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003. In the same year, the farm broadcast… the National Association of Farm Broadcasters named him Farm Broadcaster in the year… of the Year, and in 2005, he was inducted into the Illinois Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was a gentleman right to the end. Last time I talked to him was in 2023, when he was honored by the McHenry County 4-H by naming our administrative building at the fairgrounds the Orion Samuelson… after Orion Samuelson. So, this man is somebody who was part of my… as you get older, you… parts of your childhood fall away, and this is one of 'em because, 10400081.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 again, even though I didn't grow up on a farm, I grew up around farms. And the kind of things… the way he communicated to people, the way he communicated things that were complex, farm prices, weather trends, things like that, to normal people made them feel that they were part of one of the… the greatest industry in Illinois agriculture. So, I had a chance to meet him in 2023 for the last time, and he was very generous with his time. Asked me what I did. I told him, and he gave me a dissertation on what we should be doing for agriculture in this state, especially agricultural education. He said we're not spending enough money in the schools to let people know how important agriculture is to this state and how much we all depend upon it and how much we can all participate in it. So, I know that several of my colleagues here have some words to say about it. And at the end of their comments, I'd like to have a moment of silence for the great Orion Samuelson. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Meier."
"It is a sad day losing Orion. I first had a chance to meet him in 2009 at the Illinois State Fair when we received the Conservation Farm Family of the Year. He shook my hand and he says, 'Now, there's a working man.' He knew those were the hands of a farmer. After that, every time I met him, he never forgot my name. He knew who I was. We'd sit down, and we'd talk about ag, what was going on in Southern Illinois, what he knew. It was always part of his life, promoting ag, promoting our organizations that work with ag. He truly was a humble, kind, hardworking person that did miraculous things for the agriculture industry in the state of Illinois. And 10400081.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 you never needed a radio announcer to tell you who they were interviewing. You always recognized his voice. It's a voice we'll never forget. And I'm thankful I got to know the man, and I'm thankful for all he did for agriculture in Illinois. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Chung."
"Thank you very much. While I did not have as much a connection to agriculture and Orion Samuelson in that way, but I was saddened to hear when he passed away because I'd actually met him back in 2002 or 2001, I believe. I actually went over to the Spike O'Dell show at WGN and accompanied Mr. Samuelson as he read the night before… 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' and played little violin ditties while he read it. So, it… it really was a very memorable moment from over 25 years ago. But, you know, it's something that I will hold in me and was reminded of that when I heard of his passing. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Will Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Don't everybody be too surprised why I want to speak on this. But I do because as a kid growing up in the '70s, his ag report would come on either at… right before 5 or right before 6 or 7 in the morning, right before I started watching cartoons as I got ready for school. So, I learned more about some ag stuff, probably than I ever wanted to know, just listening to him because I never wanted to miss a minute of the cartoons. So, I would sit through his report before the cartoons came on, but I appreciate that. And when I… when I saw on Facebook or some post that he had passed away, I was a little sad because, 10400081.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 never met the guy, but he was a little bit of my childhood growing up. And I would probably have to say because of him, I understood more about the end of 'Trading Places,' the movie with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, than I ever would have had it not been for him. So, Representative, thank you for giving us this moment to acknowledge Mr. Samuelson. Again, very much a part of my childhood. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Madam Chair. When… when we think of Orion Samuelson, the thing that comes to my mind is he was the Walter Cronkite of ag broadcasting. As mentioned many times, his voice was recognizable just as Walter Cronkite's. And when Orion spoke when he came to communities, people gathered around him just because he was such a pillar of a person who was recognized in the communities. And I remember as a young person operating a tractor with a… before we had cabs on tractors, we had radios on the fenders. And that's why I'm deaf in my right ear because of that radio blaring in my ear. It was either WLS or WGN, the world's greatest network that was listened to back in that… all we had was AM. But I remember his reports coming across, and as a farmer, it was key to listen to what Orion had to say because it was going to be coming from the truth, and it was going to be coming from wisdom, and it was going to be coming from a man that we all respected. So, to Orion, we're going to miss you, but thank you for being here for us when you were. Thank you."
"The body shall observe a moment of silence. Representative Ammons, for what reason do you seek recognition?" 10400081.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I just wanted to recognize a great professor who has come to Springfield today to join us in committee this afternoon. Her name is Dr. LaKisha David. She's an anthropologist, assistant professor at the University of Illinois in anthropology. And she has been instrumental in reconnecting families through anthropology work that we passed in this chamber just about a year ago. And she has come to spend some time with us today in committee. And I just wanted to welcome Dr. David to her own Capitol here in Springfield. Thank you very much."
"Welcome to the Capitol. Representative González, for what reason do you seek recognition?" González: "Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed." González: "Thank you, Madam Speaker. There are moments in public life when the life… when the light shifts just enough to reveal the shadows we have been taught not to see. The recent revelations about labor activist Cesar Chavez have done exactly that, forcing us to confront truths long buried beneath the weight of history, loyalty, and myth. In that newly exposed space, we are called to listen with honesty, to sit with discomfort, and to honor the courage of those who step forward from the darkness into the light. My heart is with the survivors who have spoken up and with those who may still be carrying their stories quietly. Their courage deserves to be met with truth, not defensiveness. What labor leader Dolores Huerta has shared in light of these revelations carries a different kind of weight. She is not speaking from the outside or trying to tear down a movement she never 10400081.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 believed in. She is someone who helped build that movement with her own hands, who carried its hopes across decades, and who was harmed within it. When a leader of her stature steps forward, it calls us to listen with humility to hear not only her voice but the echoes of so many women whose stories were never given room to breathe. This moment reminds us of a difficult truth. A movement can rise to historic heights and still cast shadows it refuses to see. Triumph and harm can live side by side. And when we pretend they cannot, we create the conditions for the same wounds to reopen again and again. Harm survives when a leader is treated as untouchable, when the preservation of a legacy becomes more important than the protection of people, when silence is demanded in the name of unity. These patterns do not belong to one movement or one moment. They appear anywhere power goes unexamined. That is why accountability matters. It matters in our institutions, in our communities, and in our work. That is why I am denouncing a previous resolution I carried that this chamber passed, HR166 in 2023, and I am filing a new resolution to declare March 31, 2026, formally Cesar Chavez Day, as Farmworkers Day because this is how we hold leaders accountable. This is how we hold men accountable. This is how we hold pedophiles accountable, a standard that MAGA Republicans have refused to meet with the pedophile in the White House and everyone they're protecting in the Epstein files. This is how we confront abuse rather than excuse it, because even in this painful moment, we are reminded of something essential: The farmworker movement was never the story of one person. It was and still is the story of 10400081.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 thousands of workers whose hands fed this country while they themselves were denied the most basic protections. It was Filipino and Mexican organizers standing shoulder to shoulder. It was women who kept the movement alive in the quiet hours when no cameras were watching. It was children marching beside their parents, carrying the hope they were too young to name. It was families who risked everything for the simple promise of dignity. That collective struggle is a legacy worth lifting up. And as we move forward, we have the opportunity to honor the leaders whose integrity has never wavered. Dolores Huerta is one of those leaders. Her lifelong commitment to nonviolence, workers' rights, gender equity, and multiracial solidarity has shaped generations of organizers. And her willingness to speak openly about her own experiences, not to center herself, but to lift the voices of countless women who were overlooked, reflects the same courage that has defined her entire life of service. So, to ensure Illinois tells the full and honest story of the farmworker movement, I will also be introducing a resolution honoring Dolores Huerta in the current April 10, 2026, her birthday, as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois. Because when we move forward by telling the truth, by centering survivors, by honoring those who live with integrity, and by recommitting ourselves to the unfinished work of justice for farmworkers and all working families, the path ahead calls for clarity, compassion, and the courage to build something better than what we inherited. Thank you."
"Representative Guerrero-Cuellar is recognized." 10400081.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm also going to speak regarding what we've heard, what… what has come to light. I also want… stand here and make a wrong into a right. In the 102nd General Assembly, I presented a resolution, House Resolution 249, in recognition of Cesar Chavez. And so, when we find out what happened with Dolores Huerta bravely told her story and her truth, it's my… for me, I feel that I need to be up here as a Latina woman to be here and to recognize what I did wrong by honoring this individual. Like so many others, we'd admire Cesar Chavez and his work, but we're learning about the abuse of young women is crushing and devastating. I can get louder when you guys want to keep talking. The movement he began is bigger than one person, and we carry on that legacy without honoring his name. I admire Dolores Huerta and other women who have courageously spoke and are telling their story. They deserve justice, and I personally want to begin by rescinding this resolution, and, again, that's House Resolution 249 that was presented in the 102nd General Assembly. We are talking about breaking generational trauma, generational cycles, generational abuse. We're talking about women who are on the farm with their kids, and they're working there day and night, long hours, and the conditions that they have to endure. And now we're learning about what this one individual and the trauma that he had caused many of women who were on the farms and what we thought he was a hero and now we're learning what… how disgusting of an individual he is. And I'm calling him out on it, and it has to be done. As a Latina woman, we… I'm here in the General Assembly as a Latina woman. When I first came in, everybody 10400081.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 said, 'Oh, it's great to have a Latina woman.' That was how I was identified. It was a Latina woman. There was a color put in front of who I was and who identified me. And so, as a Latina woman, let me tell you about some things that we've had to endure culturally. And this is one of those, is we stay silent, and we don't say it, and we don't want this to go public 'cause what other people are going to say. Well, I'm talking about it, I'm speaking about it, and I'm being loud about it, and I have no problem about that. These women, these survivors, and it's coming out, and they're going to tell their truth. And they should tell their truth and everybody should take a moment to listen to what that truth is because they are owed that space. And so, I apologize for bringing House Resolution 249 because, again, I thought this was an individual who was amazing. And it's… it's unfortunate for me to… having to learn that this person once… I once admire and now the truth comes out. But when you hear about this story, please give those people those opportunities to tell you their story and just listen to them and tell them that you are proud of them and you thank them for being so brave. Dolores Huerta is in her 90s, and she is telling her story about what happened to her decades ago, decades ago, and she's telling her story now. That is amount of bravery and the truth that has to come out. We are still going to honor the farmers and all their work that they've done, and they continue to do, and the right and… and to work for the… to achieve working conditions that they are fighting for. But we need to recognize and say this name and then never speak of it again. So, that is what I'm doing. I thank 10400081.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Representative González for his words and his acknowledgement of the situation, and we are still learning details of the truth coming out. But we are hearing that this… that Dolores Huerta was not the only one, that there are more. And, unfortunately, in these situations, there are going to be more. So, let's give some respect to these women and to these women who are now adults and who suffered this as children and as teenagers and what they have to endure now because this is going to be one of those stories that's going to be in the headlines. Thank you."
"Representative Cabello, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I see that we have a guest on the floor today. Mr. Secretary, welcome. I'd like to take this opportunity of saying… revisiting some things on security while he is here since he is in charge of the Capitol. There are many things that this Capitol needs, and that is some very good cameras for the protection of the people on this body, for the people in the Senate, but, most importantly, for the staff and for the people that visit this Capitol. There are many things that I think that could happen that would secure this Capitol much better, that need to secure this Capitol much better. The men and women of the Capitol Police do a phenomenal job, but they need help. They need the tools to protect the people that visit this great place. So, hopefully, after the wave that you just gave when I said that 10400081.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 you were here, you'd heard these words 'cause it sure doesn't seem like you did."
"I'd like the body to help me welcome our esteemed treasurer, Michael Frerichs, to the chamber with us today. Thank you, treasurer. Representative Mussman, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Yes. Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members of the House. Happy Women's History Month for everyone. I rise today in honor of Maria Tallchief: prima ballerina, Native American activist, and founder of the Chicago City Ballet. Maria Tallchief grew up in Fairfax, Oklahoma, where her father was a member of the Osage Nation. At 17, she moved to New York City to pursue her ballet dreams. Throughout her career, she was told to use the last name other than Tallchief so she wouldn't be discriminated against, but she refused. She worked first as an apprentice and later as a full company member at Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo and later went to Paris to become the first American to dance with the Paris Opera Ballet. After marrying the choreographer she spent much of her career working with, she returned to New York to become the prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet. She was the first Native American to earn this rank. The famous Sugar Plum Fairy in 'The Nutcracker' was actually originated for her, as well as her signature role in 'Firebird.' Maria retired after decades of dancing around the world, being the first American and Native American to perform with many ballets. In her retirement, Maria Tallchief and her sister opened the Chicago 10400081.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 City Ballet, comprised of a ballet school and dance company. She also continued to advocate against injustices, especially injustices Native Americans were facing. Maria Tallchief is a shining example of a woman's ability to balance. Maria worked hard to become the best in her craft and also did not forget to advocate for her community and give back to ballerinas who would follow in her footsteps. We thank Maria Tallchief for her advocacy and hard work and for helping to build Chicago's fantastic artistic community. Happy Women's History Month, everybody."
"Representative Haas, for what do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Today, during Women's History Month, I rise to honor Bessie Coleman, a true American pioneer and aviator. Born in Atlanta, Texas in 1892, Bessie Coleman came from humble beginnings and faced significant barriers to chasing her dreams. In her early 20s, she moved to Chicago and began working as a manicurist at the White Sox Barber Shop, where she heard stories from pilots returning home from World War I. These stories led her to set her sights on becoming a pilot herself. Despite no flight schools in the United States being willing to admit her, Bessie Coleman did not give up. She learned French, traveled to France, and, on June 15, 1921, earned her pilot's license. In doing so, she became the first African American woman and the first Native American woman to earn a pilot's license and the first African American person to earn an international pilot's license. After receiving her license, 10400081.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Bessie returned home and became a barnstorming stunt pilot. She built a name for herself by entertaining crowds across the country. As she grew her platform, she remained firm in her purpose. She refused to perform at venues that required segregated entrances for Black and white spectators, and even declined a role in a feature film that would have required her to perpetuate… perpetuate derogatory imagery of Black Americans. Bessie's life was sadly cut short in 1926 at only 34 years of age. However, her legacy endured. She showed Americans that anything is possible, even at a time when everyone told her she would never achieve her dreams. Bessie's mission opened doors for a generation of aviators and helped provide opportunities for those who came after her. Her story is a perfect example of what can be achieved through determination, grit, and courage. I also want to let everyone here know that on Saturday, May 2, there will be a celebration of Bessie Coleman in Monee at Bult Field, and I welcome all of you to attend. Thank you."
"Representative Deering, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"I just wanted to make the body aware that today crowds of Illinoisans, both young and old, have gathered here at the Capitol to both rally and walk for life. This year's theme is Life is a Gift. It's not a slogan or a talking point but something real and deeply human. Every life is unique, full of purpose, and worthy of protection. For me, that belief is personal. I was adopted when I was just three days old, and 10400081.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 although I never met my birth mother, I think about the courage it must have taken for her to choose life, the uncertainty she must have faced, and the strength it took to make that decision. Because of her, I get to live this life. I get to have a family, serve my community, and stand here with all of you today. That's what it means when we say life is a gift. And a gift isn't something you take for granted. It's something you protect, something you cherish, and something you fight for. That's why this issue isn't simply political for me. It's deeply personal. It's about making sure that every woman knows she's not alone and she has real support and hope. And let's be honest: Here in Illinois, we have work to do. Our state's leadership has pushed an agenda to make Illinois the most progressive state in the nation, and in many ways, they have succeeded. In the process, too many women are being told there's only one option, and too many voices for life are being pushed aside. We can and we must do better than that because every life has value, every life has purpose, and every life is a gift. So, let's not just say life is a gift. Let's live it, defend it, and fight for it every single day. I encourage all of you, if session has recessed, to join the walk outside at 2 p.m. today. Thank you."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Mah for the purpose of an announcement."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Democrats would request a caucus meeting immediately in 114."
"The Chair recognizes Leader Keicher for the purpose of an announcement." 10400081.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"Thank you, Speaker. The Republicans would request a caucus in 11 and a half minutes in Room 114, please… 118."
Speaker Stuart: "The Democrats will caucus in Room 114 immediately. The Republicans will caucus in Room 118 in 11 minutes. The House stands in recess to the call of the Chair. Representative Canty… the House will now be back in order. Representative Canty, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. You may have noticed today that many of the women legislators are wearing blue extensions in our hair, and I've been asked several times why we're doing that. And I'm going to go backwards a little bit. So, women are told from a very young age that we need to look a certain way, we need to dress a certain way, we need to be a certain way. And that way is never the way that we were born. We are not allowed to age. We are not allowed to change our hair color. We are not allowed to augment our bodies. We are not allowed to go out of the house without makeup. We have young girls, from a very young age now, using skincare that's terrible for their skin so that they can fit into these molds. And then, on top of all of that, what we get written about us in newspapers and magazines frequently relates to how we look or how we are dressed. For instance, an article some of you may have seen that hit Cap Fax talked about Illinois having the highest number of legislators with blue hair in the entire nation at a high number of exactly two, two women legislators that at one time had blue hair. Neither 10400081.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 of them have blue hair currently, just to be very clear. But this article went on to talk, essentially, about the hysteria of women and how this must be a mental illness if they would want to change their appearance. And so, today, in solidarity, we are saying to the patriarchy: We are coming for you, we are making you uncomfortable, and today we actually do have the highest number of legislators, the most powerful legislators in the entire United States, the 45 women of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus and the women of the Republican Caucus who wore their blue hair in solidarity. The women are coming for you. Happy Women's History month. Thank you."
"Representative Stava, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"So, I think the reporting was a bit off because if we're going for people who have ever colored their hair, I rocked a really nice purple back in 2016. Not on the House floor, but I might be willing to bring it back. But if we discuss this, I think we have to discuss the lunacy, the absolute lunacy, that men dress all the same. Every single day they wear suits, and it bores me. I come to work and I am bored by your suits, day after day after day. For millennia… I actually took the history of fashion in college, boys. For millennia, men wore colors, colorful skirts, kilts. They got to feel the free spring breeze touch their ankles. And now, we are in this era of men just choosing to conform with one another and try to out-pay and get the more expensive suit. And it's just 10400081.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 very, very something you boys should think about, maybe a little bit harder, but also less, just like women. Thank you."
"Leader Keicher, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"As a bald man in the chamber, I'd like to restore a little bit more decorum and order. Proceeding on the business, if you could, please excuse Representative Moore for the remainder of the day."
"The record will reflect. Leader Ann Williams, for what reason do you seek recognition?" Williams, A.: "Madam Speaker, can you please excuse Leader Tarver for the remainder of the day?"
"On the Order of Second Bills on Second Reading, on page 11 in the calendar, House… Senate Bill 1486, presented by Representative Jones. Mr. Clerk, please read the bill."
"Senate Bill 1486, a Bill for an Act concerning business. 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 by Representative Jones."
"Mr. Clerk, please withdraw Floor Amendment 1."
"Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Gabel."
"Representative Jones on the amendment."
"I move to adopt amendment #2 to House Bill… Senate Bill 1486. I will explain it on Third Reading."
"Representative Jones moves for adoption of Floor Amendment #2. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 10400081.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 '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 1486, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Jones is recognized."
"Thank you. Everyone in the chamber, this is important bill for not only our General Assembly, this is an important bill for our taxpayers, our homeowners, people who pay auto insurance. For too many families in Illinois are doing the right thing: They're working hard, paying their bills, and trying to get ahead. And yet, they're getting hit with home and auto insurance that keep going up. For a lot of Illinoisans, this isn't a minor expense. It's the difference between making rent or falling behind. It's the difference between getting to work or making impossible choices. In a state where we're owning or renting a home or driving, car insurance isn't optional for most people. Insurance isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. And yet, the way rates are determined often feel disconnected to our residents, to our constituents, and from people's actual behaviors. For example, safe drivers are all asking the simple question, 'Why am I paying more every year when nothing about my driving has changed?' Yet, we have to be honest about what's happening. The rate increases are beyond people's control. For example, where you live and the broader economic pressures can drive up these costs and make people feel the system is not on their side. Consumers deserve to understand how their 10400081.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 rates are set. They deserve a system that is fair, not one that punishes them for circumstances that they can't control, and they deserve leaders that are willing to take a hard look at what's driving their increases and what we can do about it. I want to take a moment to read a couple stories that were shared with Secretary Giannoulias and shared with the Governor's Office, doing this driving change statewide. First, this is a story from Representative Tarver's district, and I… I understand that Representative Tarver is concerned about this bill, a constituent who had their insurance jump $1200 a year to $1600. That was for full coverage. They had no claims, no accidents, and no tickets. Due to living in a high-crime area, there was no explanation for this increase, but they had to drop the ability… their liability because that is all they could afford. It costs more to cover the car, and this is what we're facing today. And we know we can do better, and we should do better. To the bill. House Amendment #2 addresses the affordability of insurance in Illinois. House Amendment #1 reflects the governor's homeowner's insurance bill that was debated heavily in this chamber in October and approved by the Senate and House Amendment #2. House Amendment #2 also includes some of those same provisions extended to auto insurance. Both amendments include changes that were negotiated between the Governor's Office and the insurance industry. This legislation will provide consumers and customers with notice of any increases that are 10% or more to give them the opportunity to shop for more affordability and gives the Department of Insurance the ability to review rates to make sure that rates aren't 10400081.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 excessive and make sure that they're not discriminatory. It's also noteworthy that the Illinois is one… only one of two states, the other being Wyoming, that doesn't have any form of rate review. This legislation is important to home and car owners of Illinois who are struggling with increasing insurance rates. And I would urge an 'aye' vote and be happy to answer any questions Members may have."
"Leader Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Thank you. Chairman, Representative, I really appreciate the work that you've put on this and the… the collaborative nature that we've put. I do have a couple questions, and then I'm going to go to the bill. As you know, my concern is rooted in the consumer's best interest, as is everybody who's been weighing in on this bill. And as somebody who's been in the insurance industry for 30 years, some of the more technical fine points are where my concern lie, not with the overall concept. I think we can all agree that… that a good product that's able to be implemented will be easier on the carriers to reduce the amount of uncertainty that's out there, and thereby put our consumers in a better, more cost-effective way. So, a couple questions for you, Representative Jones. Subsection (d) of Section 1804 of the bill refers to the required documents that companies need to submit to the department in order to have what they're terming a complete filing. Am I correct that the required documents companies must submit are those documents companies submit 10400081.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 under code, Part 754 of the Illinois Department of Insurance rules?"
"Yes."
"And then further, looking at page 8, lines 19 to 22, House Amendment 2 in Section 1803(d). Again, page 8, lines 19 to 22, House Amendment 2, Section 1803(d), as in David. Would you agree that a rate is not excessive if it is an actuarially sound estimate of the expected value of all future costs associated with an individual risk transfer?"
"That's what Section 8… page 8, lines 19 to 22 state, Representative."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. And… and I know this is one that we hadn't talked about before, but we visited about it in general. Another concern that I have that… that I didn't talk about in committee today, do you have any feelings on whether the Department of Insurance currently has the staff to handle the additional filings from 200 insurers concerning auto insurance rate review?"
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that, Representative?"
"Do they… does the department have the… the staffing to be able to do the rate review on the 200 additional insurers we're bringing in now that we're including auto insurance?"
"So, the staffing part, I won't answer, but I can say the department is excited about having rate review. The department is excited about passing this bill. I won't respond to the… the questions about do they have enough staff."
"Sorry, I was having a side conversation. All right. To… to the bill, please."
"To the bill." 10400081.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"Thank you. Again, I want to give my hats off and appreciation to the chairman for navigating this and… and making what was a really poor bill before a better product. So, hats off to you, sir. Thank you very much for doing that. My biggest concern as a member of the industry is Illinois' current rate setting environment allows for competition and it also allows for those that do compete in the Illinois insurance market to price their product to attract folks to come. And when they don't, when they fail to do so, they go to other carriers. They have a freedom of movement. That supply and demand pressure has helped to keep Illinois rates at some of the lowest, given our population, in this country. This conversation most recently started concerning the homeowners insurance line and what we've seen in 2023, 2024, 2025, and just last week in Kankakee, Illinois is the significant level of natural disasters that are impacting our state. I had referred many of you in this chamber to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's website that detailed the billion-dollar-plus storms that occurred in 2024. They put a little red circle over the state and the approximate area where those occurred. The storms that hit Illinois in 2024 were so numerous, that were a billion dollars and more, that they nearly covered the entire state outline on that map. The factors that are impacting this are not limited to one carrier. They're not limited to one line. They're limited to the current reality that we see in our world concerning higher home prices, which we're wrestling with on other issues before us, the severity, the cost of labor, and the cost of materials to actually make the 10400081.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 repairs as they occur. What we haven't addressed are some of the drivers. We consistently see storm chasers infiltrate our communities following the disasters like we saw last week. Those storm chasers are driving additional insurance claims and additional costs. We continue to see lawsuits filed for dubious reasons that continue to drive costs. We've seen many carriers take immediate action in the past 12 to 18 months to attempt to mitigate the cost-consequential nature of where the premiums need to go based on the prior losses by taking more policy changes that would, unfortunately, put more of the burden back on the homeowner to keep the premium reasonable. At the end of the day, the premiums that a company sets are based on the prior experience and what we see coming in the future. When we consistently see across the homeowners line of insurance that most every carrier is making the same move to increase premiums, we know it is not an isolated incident. When we see the amount of storms that have struck the state of Illinois, the devastating costs, when we have each seen in our communities the storm chasers come up and tell you that they'll give you a free roof inspection, that they'll knock on your door, I've had folks in storms that have had 12 people knocking at their door attempting to convince them to put in a claim for a replacement roof when very little damage is availed, this is the reality of what we've got. Now, unfortunately, we're taking a step today that, in my opinion, is going to take an anticonsumer tilt because it will introduce a sense of uncertainty in the marketplace. That uncertainty needs to come with a price because insurers now don't act with the same understanding of what their 10400081.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 premiums need to be based on the power we're going to give to the Department of Insurance. Now, I know the roll call's probably done, and… and you have all heard me talk about this before. These… these are very heartfelt concerns. I do need to state for the record that I will be voting 'no' because I feel I have a conflict of interest if I even consider voting 'yes.' Because I foresee that uncertainty being priced into higher premiums that all of the Illinois homeowners will be paying, and insurance agents will thereby make more money once this passes. So, I will be voting against my interests by voting 'no' on this measure today. Madam Speaker, I do ask for a verification on this, please. Thank you."
Speaker Stuart: "Members, Leader Keicher has requested a verification. All Members will be in their chairs and vote their own switches. For further discussion, Leader West is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the bill. Colleagues, I rise briefly to speak not to the merits of this bill but to the moment we sometimes find ourselves in as legislators. There are times when our personal, professional, or financial relationships can create a conflict that prevents us from voting 'yes' or 'no.' In those moments, voting 'present' is not avoiding responsibility, it's honoring the integrity of this body and the trusted place… trust placed in us. I want to thank the sponsor and our majority leader for their tireless work that they've placed in this bill. And for those of us who may have similar conflicts, I encourage you to follow suit and remember it's not weak to vote 'present,' it's… it's showing that we want to keep the integrity of this 10400081.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 body. And so, I want to put on the record that I will have to vote 'present' as well."
"Leader Morgan is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Jones, thanks for bringing this forward and working on this issue that I think everybody in this chamber is experiencing and every constituent of ours is experiencing, which is the uncertainty, as was alluded to earlier, in insurance, the uncertainty about whether your rates are going to go up more than you can afford. I have a couple questions for you. You may have addressed this, I just wanted to kind of cover again. Representative Jones, there's a provision in here that deals with a reduction of your insurance rates for auto insurance. Can you kind of cover what that is?"
"Thank you, Representative. We don't know what the reduction in auto rates will be. We can just say that there won't be an increase that will not be… not come to the Department of Insurance where they have to reject the rate. Any increase…"
"No, Representative. I was talking about… there was a… I believe there was a provision that… that would reduce auto insurance costs if they take a different program or… there was something you were referencing to me earlier about under 20… under 55, if they take a certain course."
"Oh, you talking about eight hours to four hours."
"And what happens if you do that?" 10400081.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026
"That's just for drivers that… that's the auto part that reducing the training from eight hours to four hours. That's what this… that's what amendment 2 does, Representative."
"OK. All right. To the bill. I think that we hear a lot of insurance discussion on this floor, and I know it's easy to tune out, but I do want to just lift up one thing that my colleague, my partner, and friend from the other side of the aisle had talked about, about how insurance rates are set. Insurance rates are set based on the experience of the past and the projections of the future. This bill is about the projections of the future and whether or not we 100% fully empower an insurance company to determine what's best for our future. The entire premise of rate review is that we have regulatory oversight to trust but verify. Right now, we trust and we have no choice. We have to trust the insurance companies to set the rates for our constituents in our state, whether it impacts them negatively or not. This will change that and provide an essential protection for consumers that does not currently exist. And, more importantly, almost every other state in the country does. This is not that simple… or not that complicated, rather. It's very, very simple. Forgive me. It's simple because it's a very, very effective protection for consumers. Please vote 'yes.'"
"Representative Jones. Oh, sorry. Representative Chung is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the bill. I, as many of you know, represent and live in the city of Bloomington and… which is home to State Farm Insurance and Country Financial, both homegrown Illinois companies that have been in my community 10400081.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 for a hundred years or even more. Insurance basically built Bloomington-Normal, and I have many constituents and friends who have enjoyed long careers in the industry and the stable, middle-class life that has been afforded to them. I have been quite outspoken in my opposition to this legislation and will be voting 'no' today. I cannot vote for legislation that could hurt the district in which I serve and my community is potentially losing thousands of jobs and large contributors to my economy. If my own conviction wasn't enough, I've heard from my constituents on the issue, and they… and they also agree. I've received countless phone calls and emails about the bill, including people even stopping me in the grocery store or at my kid's band concert imploring me to oppose legislation that could potentially be devastating to our community. And they have thanked me for taking a principled stand that might have been unpopular in my own caucus, but I know I had to do it for them. So, I just wanted to speak here today about why I'm voting 'no' and… and knowing… and so, to let my district know that I… I do stand with them. But I do thank Representative Jones for bringing this bill and the work that he has done on it, but I will also be voting 'no' today. Thank you."
"Representative Jones to close."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Let me clarify Vice Chair Morgan's point that he was trying to make. So, if… the legislation calls for drivers over 55 to take training from eight hours to four hours, which will reduce their premiums if drivers over 55 are taking. So, that was the point Vice Chair Morgan was trying to make. And you are correct, Vice 10400081.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Chair Morgan, they will reduce their premium… premiums. They will save on money by taking this… these from eight hours to four hours. The classes will be offered online, and that's through the Secretary of State's Office. In closing, let me also thank not only Speaker Welch but also Leader Gabel for not only working through this bill but also the governor. The governor didn't get 80% of what he wanted in this bill, neither did the insurance industry get 80% of what they wanted. But this bill is the result that's on the board now of compromise, and compromise in this General Assembly means a lot. And the product that we put on the board today represents that compromise and it also represents the long- term commitment to affordability in insurance and giving the Department of Insurance the right to review rates, giving our consumers the right to not have rate… rates increase, but also giving them the right to have a say in how we do insurance in Illinois. I urge a 'aye' vote on this bill and thank all of the Members of the General Assembly for working through us. We heard your concerns, we listened to your concerns, and the result of it is the bill that's on the board now. So, I would ask for a 'aye' vote on this bill."
Speaker Stuart: "Members, Leader Keicher has requested a verification. All Members will be in their chairs and vote their own switches. The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 1486 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? Clerk, please… Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 66 voting in 'favor,' 2 voting… 40 voting 'against,' and 2 voting 10400081.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 'present.' Mr. Clerk, please read the names of those voting in the affirmative."
"A poll of those voting in the affirmative. Representative Ammons; Representative Andrade; Representative Avelar; Representative Blair-Sherlock; Representative Buckner; Representative Canty…"
"Representative Keicher is recognized."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I withdraw verification."
"On this question, there are 66 voting in 'favor,' 40 voting 'against,' 2 voting 'present.' And this bill, having received the constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
Clerk Hollman: "The following committees will be meeting immediately after session: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools will meet in Room 115. Gun Violence Prevention will meet in Room 118. Immigration & Human Rights will meet in Room 122. Labor & Commerce will meet in Room 114. State Government Administration will meet in C-1. Meeting at 4 o'clock is Appropriations-General Services in Room 122, Appropriations- Public Safety & Infrastructure in Room 115, the Gaming Committee in Room 118, and Higher Education in Room C-1. Please note that the Economic Opportunity & Equity Committee has been canceled for this afternoon."
"Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 732, offered by Representative Buckner; House Resolution 733, offered by Representative Buckner; House Resolution 734, offered by Representative Lilly; House Resolution 735, offered by 10400081.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 81st Legislative Day 3/19/2026 Representative Norma Hernandez; House Resolution 736, offered by Representative Jiménez; and House Resolution 737, offered by Representative Meier, are referred… correction…"
"Leader Gabel moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; all those opposed say 'nay.' In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. And now, allowing perfunctory time for the clerk, Leader Gabel moves that the House stand adjourned until Friday, March 20, 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."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and First Reading of House Bills. House Bill 5730, offered by Representative Friess, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. First Reading of this House Bill. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 10400081.docx 45