"The hour of 9:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. Members will be in their seats. Unauthorized personnel please retire from the Chamber. We will be led in prayer today by Pastor Tom Daly with Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Pastor Daly is the guest of Representative Bill Brady. Guests in the Gallery may wish to rise for the invocation. Pastor Daly."
Pastor Daly: "Would you bow your heads with me in prayer? Glorious Father in heaven, to You belongs all power and authority. By Your very command, nations have risen and fallen. You have established Your word, and through it, justice and equity. You have also shown us Your mercy. Through Your Son, Jesus Christ, we have experienced Your love. We thank You this day for the blessings that You have so abundantly poured out upon the peoples of our nation, and of this great state. Though undeserving and ungrateful as we are, You have withheld nothing good from us. As our elected leaders gather this day in Session, we seek Your blessing. The needs of our people are great, as are the complexities of the issues before them. Of old, You blessed King Solomon with wisdom. Grant this same gift to our leaders, that they may discharge their duties with Your heavenly guidance. Temper also their wisdom and zeal with humility. Remind them that it is to You that they must ultimately give an account of their stewardship Mindful then, of Your mercy and promise, guide these men and women, that they might lead us according to Your will. We are bold to make our request, in the name of Christ, our Savior: Amen."
Speaker Hannig: "We'll be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Kosel."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 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. Representative Currie is recognized for excused absences."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Boland is excused today because of illness."
"The record will so reflect. And Representative Tenhouse."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No Republican Members are excused today. We're all ready to do business."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record, 117 Members have answered the Roll Call. A quorum is present. The Chair is prepared to begin the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading, for those Senate Bills that are in order, have all their Notes filed, and where the Sponsor is present, we will try to move those Bills to Third Reading. Senate Bill 14, Representative Mautino. Representative, the Chair erred, there's a Fiscal Note request on that one, so we can't move it to third, yet. Senate Bill 21, Representative Saviano. Do you wish to move your Bill to Third Reading, Representative? Out of the record. Senate Bill 106, Representative Scott. Would you like to move your Bill to Third Reading?"
"Mr. Speaker, there's an Amendment that just came out of committee. If we want to adopt the Amendment, we could do that."
Speaker Hannig: "We have not received that Committee Report, Representative."
"Then we need to wait, Mr. Speaker. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Out of the record. Senate Bill 108, Representative Saviano, 108. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 108, a Bill for an Act amending the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, and Locksmith Act of 1993. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 237, Representative Daniels. Can someone indicate to the Chair whether the Republican Leader wishes to move that Bill? Yes. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 237, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities Law. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 361, Representative Biggert. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 361, a Bill for an Act amending the Probate Act of 1975. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 372, Representative Saviano. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 372, a Bill for an Act concerning physician assistance. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 429, Representative McAuliffe."
"Mr. Speaker, is there an Amendment filed on that?"
Speaker Hannig: "Mr. Clerk, is there an Amendment. Yes, the Clerk indicates there is an Amendment. Do you wish to proceed?" 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Yes."
"Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 429, a Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative McAuliffe, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative McAuliffe."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 429 adds some language to aggravated assault as defined in paragraph six of subsection (a) of the Section for Class A Misdemeanor, if a firearm is not used in the commission of the assault. I ask for adoption, please."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it and the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Floor Amendments."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 495, Representative Churchill. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 495, a Bill for an Act amending the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Churchill, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Churchill."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Amendment, basically, is something that I promised the Committee Members I would do. And it takes away the use of boats on private ponds. The Bill ...the underlying Bill basically says you have to have a flotation device on young people, and there was a question raised in 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 committee whether or not that would be true if you were on your own private pond. And under the original Bill, you would have had to have a flotation device on. I have now excluded private ponds."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Representative Churchill, Senate Bill 496. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 496, a Bill for an Act amending the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 497, Representative Fritchey. Representative Fritchey. Proceed on 497?"
"Mr. Speaker, we filed a Motion to recommit this to the Rules Committee, yesterday."
Speaker Hannig: "We will get to that. So, we'll take it out of the record at this time."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Out of the record. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 532."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 532, a Bill for an Act amending the State Finance Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 533, Representative Capparelli. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 533, a Bill for an Act amending the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 544. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 544, a Bill for an Act amending the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 545. Is Representative Mautino here? Representative Mautino, in the rear of the Chamber, Senate Bill 545. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 545, a Bill for an Act amending the Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Mautino is recognized."
"I believe there is a Floor Amendment on that that was filed. Has that been through committee yet?"
"Apparently that has not been through committee, Representative. Do you wish that returned, then, to Second Reading?"
"Please, hold that on Second, then. It's at the request of the Senate Sponsor that that Amendment be added."
Speaker Hannig: "Mr. Clerk, return Senate Bill 545 to the Order of Second Reading. Committee Reports."
"Representative Black, Chairman from the Committee on Transportation, to which the following Amendment was referred, action taken on May 9, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 954."
"Mr. Clerk, was that an old Committee Report? 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 I'm not sure if the Chairman was denoted correctly there. Representative Black, maybe you can enlighten us as to how you became Chairman of the Transportation Committee."
"Yes. I need to fill out my resume, I'm getting very old and looking for retirement. And, we're here to do the work of the people. And in the absence of the regular Chairman, we do the best we can, Sir. In full cooperation, I might add, with your staff, and I think there was, maybe, I think there were two Democrat Members on the committee. So, extremely bipartisan, and it was a wonderful Amendment."
"We understand, Representative, now that you've been made Chairman, we're counting on you on a number of other votes that we'll be taking later in the day."
"Oh, no question about it. Thank you."
"Thank you, Mr. Black. Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 548, Representative Crotty. Do you wish to proceed? Yeah. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 548, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Vehicle Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 6... excuse me, Senate Bill 659, Representative Brady. Out of the record at the request of the Sponsor. Committee Reports."
"Representative Stroger, Chairman from the Committee on Local Government, to which the following Amendments were referred, action taken on May 9, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 106, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 256."
"Senate Bill 689, Representative Black. Chairman Black. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Representative 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Black, on Senate Bill 689, do you wish to proceed?"
"Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I had filed an Amendment to this very important Bill. Has it been approved for consideration?"
Speaker Hannig: "Mr. Clerk, are there any Amendments pending? No, the Amendment has not yet reached the Clerk."
"Well, as Chairman of the Transportation Committee, I'll just... we passed it, it's okay. Do you want to add it to the Bill now? Or do you want to wait?"
"We need to wait until the Clerk..."
"Oh, okay. Well, can I reconvene the committee here, shortly?"
"Any time you wish, Representative."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Senate Bill 693, Representative Morrow. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? The Gentleman was in the Chamber. Out of the record. Senate Bill 755, Representative Currie, Barbara Currie. Is the Lady in the Chamber? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 755, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Public Aid Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 789, Representative Dart. Do you wish to move Senate Bill 789? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 789, a Bill for an Act amending the Unified Code of Corrections. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 816, Representative Hassert. Representative Hassert. Do you wish to move the 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Bill? Yeah. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 816, a Bill for an Act amending the Radiation Protection Act of 1990. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 861, Representative Churchill. No. Out of the record. Senate Bill 951, Representative Brady. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 951, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 954. Is Representative Wait in the Chamber? The Gentleman is not in the Chamber. Senate Bill 1002, Representative Howard. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 1002, a Bill for an Act amending the Counties Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1031, Representative John Turner, 1031. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1084, Representative McGuire. Representative Jack McGuire, on 1084. Do you wish to call the Bill? Representative McGuire, do you want to move the Bill to Third Reading? Yes. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1084, a Bill for an Act in relation to assistive technology. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative McGuire, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative McGuire." 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Amendment has been proposed by the Department of Rehabilitative Services. The Amendment is a technical Amendment. I believe there is no opposition. I don't think there's any concern with it. The people that are supporting this Bill have no concern with it. So I would ask for your favor on the Amendment."
"Is there any discussion? All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it and the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 1129."
"Senate Bill 1129, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1130."
"Senate Bill 1130, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1131."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 1131, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 1132."
"Senate Bill 1132, a Bill for an Act regarding appropriations. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments." 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Consent Calendar, Second Reading."
"Consent Calendar, Second Reading. Senate Bill 517, a Bill for an Act in relation to finances. Second Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of Senate Bill 368?"
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 368 is on the Order of Senate Bills--Third Reading."
Speaker Hannig: "At the request of the Sponsor, return that to Second Reading. The Chair will now go through the Order of Second Reading one additional time for those Members who have come to the Floor late. Senate Bill 63, Representative Capparelli. The Gentleman's not in the Chamber. Excuse me. Excuse me, on the Order of Second Reading we have Senate Bill 6, Representative Dart. Representative Dart on Senate Bill 6. Out of the Record. Senate Bill 9, Representative Burke. Senate Bill 9. Do you wish to move it to Third Reading, Representative Burke? Excuse me, there's a Note outstanding. Representative Saviano on Senate Bill 21. Representative McGuire on Senate Bill 225. Representative McGuire, did you wish to move that Bill to Third?"
"Yes, I'd like to move that to Third. Thank you."
"Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 225, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Vehicle Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Okay. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 106, Representative Scott."
"Senate Bill 106, a Bill for an Act amending the 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Illinois Municipal Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Scott, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Scott."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Amendment #1 becomes the Bill. It reinserts the original language, which was in Senate Bill 106, and then adds provisions of what used to be House Bill 307, which passed the House with 87 votes, House Bill 234 and House Bill 272, which both passed the House with 116 votes to 0. And also adds agreed language regarding the mandatory maximum hiring age for police and firefighters. This used to be in the Illinois Code, was taken out when a Federal Act, allowing it sunset. The Federal Government has put in language to allow us to do it again, so we're trying to put the law back the way it used to be."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any discussion? All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it and the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments. A Fiscal Note and a State Mandates Note, as amended, has been requested on the Bill."
"So the Bill will remain on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 285, Representative Steve Davis. Do you wish to move the Bill? Out of the record. Representative Granberg is recognized. Representative Granberg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just have a question. Did Representative Deering get a new job? Is this a new tour guide up in the Gallery?"
"He's doing a very fine job, I might add." 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Is this our new tour guide in the Capitol?"
Speaker Hannig: "Now we know why he couldn't make that Transportation Committee meeting this morning. Senate Bill 331, Representative Monique Davis. Is the Lady in the Chamber? Out of the record. Senate Bill 351, Representative Feigenholtz. Is the Lady in the Chamber? Sara Feigenholtz, on Senate Bill 351. Do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. The Lady indicates she does wish to proceed with Senate Bill 351. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 351, a Bill for an Act amending the Hospital Licensing Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 418, Representative Feigenholtz, 418. Do you wish to move it to Third? Okay. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 418, a Bill for an Act to amend the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Excuse me, is there an Amend... I filed an Amendment on this yesterday. Do you have it?"
"Okay, Representative, on that, that was on Senate Bill 418?"
"Correct."
"The Clerk indicates that no Amendments have been approved. So if you're waiting for an Amendment we'll have to move that Bill back. So, you're waiting for an 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Amendment? Okay. Mr. Clerk, return Senate Bill 418 to the Order of Second Reading. Has Representative Deering returned to the Chamber? Okay. On the Order of Third Readings. Senate Bills Third Reading. Senate Bill 63, Representative Capparelli. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? The Gentleman's not in the Chamber. Senate Bill 107, Representative Acevedo, (Sic--Senate Bill) 107. Do you wish to call the Bill on Third Reading? Out of the record. Senate Bill 110, Representative Churchill. Out of the record. Senate Bill 165, Representative Kubik. Representative Jack Kubik. Out of the record. Senate Bill 171, Representative McKeon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 248, Representative Wojcik. Is the Lady in the Chamber? Out of the record. Senate Bill 271, Representative Gash. Is the Lady in the Chamber? Out of the record. Senate Bill 341, Representative Biggert. The Lady's not in the Chamber. Out of the record. Senate Bill 421, Representative Currie, or Ronen. Representative Ronen. Carol Ronen, would you like to handle that for Representative Currie? Representative Ronen, would you like to handle this Bill for Representative Currie? Or is Barbara in the Chamber? Where's Representative Barbara Currie? Representative Ronen at Representative Currie's desk. Excuse me. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 421, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Ronen."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. This Bill amends the School Code. What it does is, it eliminates the requirement that the local school council training be provided through Chicago area universities. And instead requires that this training be at the direction of the 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 board. The University of Illinois College Education, and the Chicago Board of Education are strong supporters of this. This Bill would reflect current practice. The school and community relations division of the Chicago public schools will continue to use training materials that were developed in 1995 under direction of the U of I College of Education. And they will continue to serve on the Council of Deans. I would ask Members to approve this Bill."
"The Lady has moved for passage of Senate Bill 421. And on that question, Representative Black is recognized."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, what is the position of Mr. Vallas, and those people instrumental in the Chicago School Reform effort, on this Bill?"
"Thank you for asking that question, Mr. Black. The Chicago Board of Education are proponents of this Bill."
"Was there any minority report filed? Or, is this a unanimous position of the Chicago School Reform Board?"
"I believe it was. I know of no opposition on the Chicago School Board. And, as I said before, it is current practice. I'm told that there was no opposition in the Senate. It passed unanimously, as well as, in the House Committee."
"If we are eliminating the requirement that local school council training be provided through Chicago area universities, and then giving that power, that sole power to determine how that training will be delivered to the Chicago School Board, do we have any reasonable assurances 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 that we're not going to get into some... and, in all due respect to the people who serve on the board, you know, there have been some difficulties. That's one of the reasons the Chicago School Reform was passed. Who's going to monitor the contracts? Could they contract with an out-of-state college? Could they contract with a private proprietary board to deliver this training? What kind of guarantees do we have that this is going to be, in fact, what we say it's going to be?"
"As I said before, this is current practice. And the training materials that were developed by the local universities will be continued to be used. But I should point out that the Chicago Board is doing this right now, and it fulfills their responsibility to provide these kinds of training to local school councils."
"If they're doing this currently, would that not be a violation of a Public Act that we passed a year or so ago?"
"When the training started, Representative, the universities were involved and helped to develop the curriculum. Now that that curriculum has been developed, it's really not necessary for them to be involved in that manner, and the Chicago Board can continue that."
"Well, as you recall, last Session, House Bill 206, Sponsored by Republican Leader Daniels, and joined by Representatives Cowlishaw, Hoeft, Mitchell, and Winters passed both Chambers and was signed into law. That became Public Act 89-0015. And it clearly required that all local school council members complete training provided through Chicago area universities at the direction of the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois. So if you're telling me now we want to codify what the Chicago Board is doing, it appears to me that what they're doing is 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 outside the current law."
"Well, I would point out to you that there is no Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois. And that's one of the problems that we're trying to address in this, to make what was determined to be important in the School Reform Bill that we passed, allow it to be implemented appropriately. So, in fact, this is the way it's happening. There is no dean. We're trying to just modify law to reflect what the current practice is."
"Representative, I appreciate your answering the questions. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I have some concerns that this is changing or altering some of the requirements outlined in the Chicago School Reform Package of a year or so ago. And, in looking through the Bill, I find a somewhat disturbing lack of direction, or safeguards as to who's going to provide the training, who will oversee the contracts that could be awarded for said training. And I just, I'm not very comfortable with this. I wish we had heard from, at least on this side of the aisle, I wish we had heard from the Chicago Board of Education. We have no contact. I just asked our staff. So, I'm not sure that the Sponsor is up to any nefarious purpose. But, I just don't have enough information to stand in support of the Bill. And, in given that fact, I will stand in opposition to the Bill."
"Representative Hoeft."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"I guess I really am confused, because a year ago we passed through something, very enthusiastically, dealing with UIC being the center of the core of the training, and 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 that they accepted this as one of their leadership responsibilities. Basically, what I'm reading from this is, that they've sort of backed down from that commitment. The board is now looking for multiple sites for this training. Is that roughly correct?"
"That's not my understanding. This measure came from former Senator Alice Palmer, who now works at the University of Illinois. The problem is that there is currently no Dean of the Department of Education at the University of Illinois. Under the statute passed last year, that individual has to be in charge of the training programs, no such individual exists today. This essentially is cleanup legislation because there is no dean. And still the training programs will be organized through, and with the consultation of the Chicago area departments of education at major Illinois universities. So, I don't think there's anything but a technical change here. The Bill passed the Senate without any negative votes. There is no opposition to the Bill from any organized constituency, whatsoever. As I say, it's just a cleanup Bill, that's all it is."
"What's even more confusing is it came through the Education Committee, unanimously, and I'm part of that group, am I not?"
"Right."
"The only question here is, the enthusiasm, the spark that we had last year. This was a great initiative. We wanted UIC, they wanted it real badly. And it would be unifying all of the training. And it sounded like a really great idea last year. And now we're watering it down and saying, anyone can do it. Obviously, you don't want to force something upon a university that is reluctant to provide 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 the services. So, it obviously has to be done. But it's sort of a sad day because I thought we had a commitment from that institution. And I thought it would unify things and create a group of individuals who would give us the front line newest ideas in education. Obviously, that failed."
"Well, as I say, there is no Dean of the Department of Education at the University of Illinois. I think the people in the Education Department remain enthusiastic about their role. But just as a matter of clarification, if there isn't a dean, the current statute doesn't work at all. So, this is, I think, not a lack of enthusiasm on their part, but the lack of a body to direct the program as was called for in last year's Bill."
"Representative Stephens."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to rise in opposition. Should the Bill appear to get the requisite number of votes, I would ask for a verification."
Speaker Hannig: "You're acknowledged on that request, Representative. Representative Biggins."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield to a couple questions, please?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, would you explain, again, the reason for this Bill, as opposed to why U of Illinois was okay last year, but this year you want to bring it in-House to the board?"
"Sorry, I didn't get the question."
"The purpose for the Bill to move it from control of the University of Illinois to the Chicago Board of Education?"
"The original statute provided that the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Chicago, in consultation with the Council of Chicago Area Deans of Education would provide the training. There is no Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois. And that's what this Bill does, it takes out that reference to the dean, but the training will still be provided in consultation with the Council of Chicago Area Deans of Education. As I say, this Bill came out of the Senate with no negative votes. There is no organized opposition to the Bill. It came from former Senator Alice Palmer, and it came to us because there isn't a dean who can comply with this Act. Now, if we don't pass this Bill, I think it's possible that there will be no training. And I don't think that's an outcome that would appeal to any Member of this House."
"There would still be training for the local school council members, is that correct?"
"No. No. As I read it, the training should be provided at the direction of the Dean of the College of Education. Well, there is no dean, where goes your training? We're trying to make sure that training continues, quality training, for local school council members."
"All right. And is it likely that this might save dollars for the Chicago Board of Education?"
"I don't think this is going to have a fiscal impact on any of the institutions of higher learning, or of the Chicago Board."
"Thank you."
"Representative Monique Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this legislation. I believe that the Mayor's appointments to the Chicago Board has proven that we do have citizens in our city who are stalwart and very capable of leading this 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 system away from the decline on which it was... which was its path. We realize that local school council people must continue to be trained. But we must not allow them to think, because there's no Dean of Education at the University of Illinois at this time, that they no longer are mandated for training. These individuals, LSC members, are elected every two years. And as they're elected, the law requires that they receive certain instruction of an educational or budgetary manner. If we can count on the continued training of LSC members then we can be certain that schools are being given the kind of governance, guidance, and direction that they need. I'm puzzled, truly, at the concern about this legislation, in view of the fact that we do want local school council members trained, and we don't want anything to give people the idea that since this education position is not no longer valid that, therefore, the law does not say they must have training in budgetary matters or educational matters. I think with the leadership we now have in place, our schools are improving, significantly. And we're proud to stand here and seek your support on this legislation. It isn't asking for any money. It isn't actually removing anyone from positions. It's merely an attempt to continue with the kind of training and guidance that we've been able to afford our local school council members. I think Barbara Flynn Currie, and Carol Ronen should certainly be commended for bringing the legislation to us. I have received letters of support for this Bill. And I've been asked to remind the Members of this Body that without LSC training, without local school training for the people who are deemed to govern our schools, to select principals, then we're certainly leading our schools back into a condition that we 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 wouldn't want them to reflect. I believe it's significantly important that we realize that we have no opposition for this Bill, and to create some, is rather odd here. We're asking that you take a look at what we're asking you to do. It is this Body that put local school council members in place. It is this Body who mandated training for local school council members, realizing, realizing that when a mother who's been home with her children, who perhaps has not been to school in a long time, or a father, that they may not be abreast of the information needed for those who are deemed with the responsibility for governing our schools. Therefore, this training is important. I believe that the superintendent, or the chief of our system, I believe that those board members will continue to seek the very finest there is to offer, in training for these members. And for us to abandon that path at this time, would be a very sad situation. I think as we look upon Senate Bill 421, and realize that our illustrious Senators voted this Bill out, our illustrious Senators heard testimony on this Bill, and it received absolutely no opposition. Our concern here is that we will in some way halt, or hamper that very, very needed training for local school council members. The local school council members are to be trained in educational theory, they are to be trained in budgetary matters. And it's so important that once this training has taken place, as these local school council members run for office, they can use this..."
Speaker Hannig: "Do you want to finish your sentence, Representative Davis?" Davis, M.: "I'll wrap it up. As they run for office, one of the advantages they could use is the fact that they have had 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 local school council training, for example, they've had so much training in all of these areas. So, I urge an 'aye' vote on this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (sic - Speaker)."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative John Turner. Representative Turner." Turner, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." Turner, J.: "Representative, my analysis indicates that this alters the Chicago School Reform Package that we had passed. I know that your leader on that side of the aisle, and certainly the leader on this side of the aisle believes that the Chicago School Reform Package, that we passed, was a success. And I'm just wondering why we would want to alter what we have done that has been successful, and exactly how this does alter the Chicago Reform Package previously passed?"
"Because there is no Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois. The central structure will remain in place. The training provided to local school council members will continue at the direction and the consult with the Area Council of Deans of Education. But there is currently no one in the position that is referenced in the current Act, and would be dereferenced if we passed this Bill. So, my understanding is that the people at the University of Illinois at the Dean of Education's office were of the view that this is a technical change that will not undercut the role of the universities in providing training to local school council members, but will take the administrative responsibility out of this particular office that, as I say, is today unoccupied." 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Turner, J.: "Was there a dean at the time that the Bill was passed?"
"My understanding is that there was. But you know deans, they come, they go." Turner, J.: "Certainly. Should this measure fail, what would happen?"
"Well, I think there might be a question whether you can go on providing training to LSC members in consultation with these area university groups, because under the statute, if that's how you did it, under the statute it has to be done at the direction of somebody who isn't there. Now, maybe that's not serious, maybe we would ignore the fact that there's a violation of the law. But I think it was in the interest of the University of Illinois to try to make sure they weren't put in that position." Turner, J.: "I guess it just strikes me that instead of passing something through the General Assembly, why don't we just wait until the vacancy is filled? When do you project that's going to happen?"
"I don't know when that's going to happen. And it may well be that the next incumbent would not welcome the administrative duties that the current statute provides. But, again, I don't think that we do any damage to the principle of local school council training, and its connection to colleges and departments of education, if we pass this Bill. Because the area council of education departments would still be active in establishing curriculum and providing the training." Turner, J.: "Well, have you been contacted with regard to when the position might be filled? Has anybody approached you, or discussed that with you in any manner?"
"No. As I say, the Bill came to us through former State 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Senator Alice Palmer, who now works at the University of Illinois Chicago, and she described this as a clarifying cleanup Bill, and did say that there is no person occupying that post. Now, I take her at her word. And I assume also that if there is nobody in the job now, you know, sometimes it takes a long time to find someone who meets the qualifications, and is also interested in being a dean. And it seemed to me this was a sensible way to go. And, as I say, does no damage to the principle that educators at the university level be involved in providing training to local school council members." Turner, J.: "Have you any contact with the Governor or his staff as to whether or not they're supportive of this measure?"
"Haven't heard. But there was no opposition to this Bill in committee, in the Senate. As I say, it's clarifying language. It does no damage to the concept of academic involvement in local school council training. And it seems to me we ought to pass this Bill to clean up the current problem with this Act." Turner, J.: "Thank you, Representative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Howard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for a couple of questions?"
"She indicates she will. She will."
"Thank you. Representative Currie, excuse me for being sort of dense, but I just want to be sure I understand. You're saying there is no dean who would be able to authorize, or at least oversee the implementation of this training."
"Right. The current language says, training of local school council members shall be provided at the direction of the Dean of the College of Education at the University 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 of Illinois at Chicago."
"And we at this point have no idea when there will be someone filling that position?"
"We don't."
"So, in the meantime, am I to assume there's harm being done by no training going on?"
"It is certainly conceivable that harm will ensue if this training does not continue."
"Am I also to understand that the Board of Education, Mr. Vallas's office, has not indicated any objection to this?"
"Yes, you are right. No one has indicated any objection to this."
"So, I'm not quite sure I understand what the problem is..."
"...Neither do I.."
"If there's been no objection. So, that it seems to me that this is something that we should pursue, that we should move right along with. And I certainly applaud you, and the others who are sponsoring this, as well, for seeing a need and taking the steps necessary to fill that need. I'm certainly supportive of this. And I'm certainly hopeful that all of the persons on this side of the aisle, and on the other side of the aisle have listened to this debate, and understand that it's important that you do, in fact, support. Vote 'yes'. Thank you."
"Representative Currie to close."
"Thank you, Speaker. It's a simple straight forward proposition. There are no red herrings here. It is what it says it is. Let's make sure the training continues, that the area colleges and departments of education are involved with that training. I'd appreciate your 'aye' votes. This is cleanup language, nothing more, nothing 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 less. Let's make sure that we're not putting the University of Illinois in jeopardy of not following the law. And let's make sure that we're not putting the existing training programs that are working so well, in the same kind of jeopardy. I appreciate your 'yes' votes."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 62 voting 'yes', and 54 voting 'no'. Representative Stephens has requested a verification. Mr. Clerk, read the Poll of those voting in the affirmative."
"A Poll of those voting in the affirmative. Acevedo. Biggins. Bradford. Bradley. Brosnahan. Brunsvold. Bugielski. Burke. Capparelli. Crotty. Barbara Currie. Julie Curry. Dart. Davis, Monique. Davis, Steve. Deering. Erwin. Fantin. Feigenholtz. Flowers. Fritchey. Gash. Giglio. Giles. Granberg. Hannig. Hartke. Holbrook. Howard. Hughes. Johnson, Tim. Jones, Lou. Jones, Shirley. Kenner. Lang. Lindner. Lyons, Joseph. Mautino. McAuliffe. McCarthy. McGuire. McKeon. Moore, Andrea. Moore, Eugene. Morrow. Mulligan. Murphy. Novak. O'Brien. Pugh. Ronen. Schakowsky. Schoenberg. Scott. Scully. Silva. Slone. Smith. Stroger. Turner. Younge, and Mr. Speaker."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Stephens, do you have any questions of the affirmative?"
"Representative Brosnahan."
"Representative Brosnahan is in his seat, near his seat."
"It's good to see him. He missed the RCGA softball game after making a commitment to support the team. And I 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 just wanted to make sure I recognized who he was. Representative Bradley."
"Representative Bradley."
"Bradley made the game."
"He's in his seat."
"Representative Boland."
"Representative Boland was excused."
"Excuse me. Representative Holbrook."
"Holbrook. Did you say Holbrook? He's in the rear."
"Representative Bugielski."
"He's in the center aisle."
"Representative Scott."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Scott is sitting over by Representative Lang. Do you see him?"
"Representative Stroger."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Stroger. Is Representative Stroger in the Chamber? Representative Stroger. Mr. Clerk, how is he recorded?"
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Stroger is recorded voting in the affirmative."
"Remove him."
"Representative Deering."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Deering. Is Representative Deering in the Chamber? Maybe he's on a tour, Representative. Representative Deering. Yes. Representative Deering, is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Mr. Clerk, how is he recorded?"
"Representative Deering is recorded voting in the affirmative."
Speaker Hannig: "Remove him. Representative Stephens, Representative Giles, and Representative Morrow are 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 requesting leave to be verified."
"Absolutely."
Speaker Hannig: "Thank you, Representative, and Representative Monique Davis, as well."
"Representative Novak."
"Representative Novak. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Representative, I'm advised that he may be in a Dereg meeting. Do you know from your side of the aisle if that's the case or not?"
"Let me check with Representative Persico."
"Would you, please?"
"We believe that meeting hasn't started. And with all due respect, we would persist in that."
Speaker Hannig: "Okay. The Gentleman persists on the verification of Representative Novak. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Representative Novak. The Gentleman is not in the Chamber. Mr. Clerk, how is Representative Novak recorded?"
Clerk Bolin: "Representative Novak is recorded voting in the affirmative."
"Remove him."
"Representative Capparelli."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Capparelli. Representative Capparelli. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber? Representative Capparelli is not in the Chamber. Mr. Clerk, how is he recorded?"
"Representative Capparelli is recorded voting in the affirmative."
"Remove him."
"Mr. Speaker, we have none further. We would like the vote declared."
Speaker Hannig: "I'm sorry, Representative Stephens. Did you 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 have another name for the Chair? I didn't hear the last one you said."
"No. We would just like you to declare the vote."
"Have you finished with you verification?"
"Mr. Speaker, we are done with the verification. There are 58 votes. Maybe the..."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Deering has returned to the Chamber. Return Representative Deering to the Roll Call."
"Are you sure that Representative Deering was a 'yes' vote."
"I think that Representative Deering was verified off at your request, Representative Stephens."
"Well, I was just confused by the nature of his vote."
"But the Gentleman did return to the Chamber, and so we returned him, as is the rule."
"Mr. Speaker, this isn't like you. In the name of fairness, honesty, and the American way. Come on, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Lang is recognized. For what reason do you rise, Representative Lang?"
"Oh, I was just about to tell you that Representative Giles and Representative Stroger were coming into the room. That's all, Sir."
"Mr. Clerk, Representative Stroger is returned to the Roll Call. And on this question there are 60 voting 'yes'; and 54 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Hartke is recognized. Representative Hartke is recognized."
"Mr. Speaker, the Democrats request a Caucus in Room 114, immediately."
"Representative Tenhouse." 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Mr. Speaker, we request a Caucus in Room 118."
"The House will stand in recess."
"The House will be in order. The Members will be in their seats. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 753."
"Senate Bill 753, a Bill for an Act in relation to negotiation of firefighter residency requirements. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Parke. Returning to the Order of Senate Bills Third Reading. Senate Bill 248. Is Representative Wojcik in the Chamber? The Lady's not in the Chamber. Senate Bill 341, Representative Biggert. Out of the record. Senate Bill 594, Representative Moffitt. Representative Moffitt. Out of the record. Senate Bill 681, Representative Biggins. Representative Biggins. Out of the record. Senate Bill 711, Representative Mulligan. Representative, do you wish to proceed on Third Reading?"
"There was a Committee Amendment on that Bill."
"Mr. Clerk, could you give us the status of the Amendments?"
"Amendment #1 was adopted in committee."
"Then it's ready to move. Right? Or do we have to adopt it again?"
"The Bill's on the Order of Third Reading today. We're prepared to pass the Bill if that's your intention."
"That's fine. If it's passed as amended, I'm just trying to get that straight. It was on Second yesterday after it come out of committee with the Amendment on it. It's on Third today. Correct?"
"It's on the Calendar on the Order of Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill." 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 711, a Bill for an Act concerning certain surgical procedures. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman (sic - Speaker). Just give me one minute."
"Representative Mulligan."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman (sic - Speaker), Members of the committee (sic - House). Senate Bill 711 has been amended in committee to pretty much mirror what House Bill 107 was when it went out of here, except that it changes the length of stay to the average length of stay, as currently reported by the Illinois Health Cost Containment Council, each year. That Amendment was at the request of a number of parties who said that they did not want a mandated stay in there. But we felt that it was fair because it still kept a threshold of a certain length of time where a doctor would be allowed to keep someone in the hospital without feeling that they should have it on a outpatient basis. I think what happens when you start amending things, is that people aren't happy with them no matter what you do, because they didn't ask for the Amendment to begin with, unless you gutted the Bill. And that wasn't what we intended to do. So, basically what we did is we took the Bill as it came over from the Senate, pretty much put it back in the shape as 107 was, which mandated length of stay by an average from a report that would change yearly, would also discuss several codes in that report, different types of procedures, and would also include all plans that were ...so, in other words, it would cover all women in Illinois. I would be prepared to answer questions, and ask for your favorable vote." 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady has moved for passage of Senate Bill 711. And on that question, Representative Parke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative Mulligan, with this Amendment that you're going to place on it, what is the attitude of the HMO Association and the Illinois Life Insurance Council? What is their position now? Is this make it... Is this for them? Will they still be opposed? Or, what do you think?"
"Frankly, Representative, I don't think the HMO's will be happy with any piece of legislation in this area unless it said nothing. They were more in favor of the way the Bill came out of the Senate because it didn't say very much any more. And, why the Life Insurance Council would discuss this, I've never understood. But HMO certainly have never voiced any great enthusiasm about passing any piece of HMO legislation."
"So your answer is, you really don't know specifically what their position would be with this Amendment?"
"In committee they never voiced, except... Well, I take that back. The HMO's did say they were not in favor of this. And several other people signed in for the Bill as it came over from the Senate, and never spoke in committee, except to turn in slips that they would be in favor of the Bill if it were not amended."
"But you've amended it now?"
"Correct."
"So, they're less likely to think that it would be helpful for managing the cost of health care, especially through managed care situations. Now, is this... can you explain a little more? Is this the actual enabling legislation to 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 allow what, to happen? And I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're going to do with this Bill. When you... If the Governor signs it into law, what will happen to the arena that deals with this issue?"
"What would happen, it would no longer be a normal ability of an HMO to require this type of surgery on an outpatient basis. Also, it would open that kind of a regulation to all insured policies in Illinois."
"So, current practices at some HMO's, or managed care systems have allowed mastectomies to be done on an outpatient basis. Is that correct?"
"Although they testified, originally, on this Bill that that was not the case, yes. Ann Vaughn, who is a Springfield resident, after listening to the testimony the first time we brought this Bill in the Veto Session, went back to her HMO, who then gave her a letter stating that all mastectomies in her policy, were considered as outpatient surgery until otherwise changed."
"So now, under your legislation, you just simply say, it's against the law in Illinois to have any mastectomies done. Now, are there different types of mastectomy that are excluded, or all kinds of mastectomies? I mean, I'm not real familiar with the term that... I mean, I understand there's a partial removal and there's a full removal. Does this mean a full removal, or is there degrees in which this would be allowed? Or, it just simply says, you can't do anything in an outpatient basis, it must be done in a hospital with a certain length of time?"
"First of all, even though it says there is a minimum coverage, it is always at the discretion of the doctor, in consultation with his patient, to do it on another basis. But it refers, and is always referred to a radical 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 mastectomy. The only thing that would change is, if you took a look at the Illinois Health Cost Containment Reports, there are 20 codes in there that break out different types or lengths of stay for different procedures. But this has never been meant to affect a lumpectomy, which on many instances is done on an outpatient basis, depending on what the results are."
"Okay. So, now I have a better understanding of the one procedure, is that a full radical mastectomy must be done in the hospital, which would require a certain number of days staying. Is those certain number of days no longer at the discretion of the Managed Care System? Will it exclusively be up to the attending physician, or the physicians who are consulting on this case, their decision on how long that patient stays? Is that part of what you're going to do here?"
"The only part of the decision that I would think would be left to them, which is still considerable, would be on the coverage of their policy that they sold originally. So, if their policy covers a certain cost, or a breakdown of costs, say 60-40, or 80-20, they would still have that control..."
"Representative, do you want to finish your answer?"
"But they would no longer be the ones that would determine the case on an individual basis of the state of the woman and her surgery, and how progressed, and if she needed to stay longer because it was more complicated, which is my understanding that in most instances is the case now, that a doctor has a certain amount of leeway. The only way they control that is by the doctor contracts and some pressure by the contractor peer pressure." 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Okay. Representative Tenhouse, for what reason do you seek recognition? The Gentleman from Adams, Representative Tenhouse."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I want to take a Point of Personal Privilege and welcome the Student Advisory Committee from Western Illinois. We have from Senator Donahue, Representative Myers, and my office so, they represent all of the high schools in the West Central Illinois area. We'd like to welcome them to the Illinois State Capitol."
Speaker Hannig: "Welcome to Springfield. Representative Schakowsky."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I rise in support of this legislation. I have to tell you, I am a little concerned about gaging the stay in a hospital to the statewide average, because as we've all seen, that it's gotten lower and lower. In part, because we've discovered that it is, in fact, a good idea to shorten hospital stays, and in part, because it costs so much to keep people in the hospital. And under our new health care environment, HMO's have been driving down those hospital stays, which I think resulted in the end, in having mastectomies done on an outpatient basis. So, the whole trend toward shortening the hospital stays, I think, is a problem. I'm afraid sometime we may have to come back and revisit this Bill, because the post mastectomy stay has, again, dropped down to, instead of the average of two and a half to three and half for a radical to a day, or less. Nonetheless, I think that this legislation does make clearly the point that we wanted to make, which is that for serious surgery, like a mastectomy, that we have to guarantee that women are allowed some recovery time in the 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 hospital. And I believe that this legislation is a good start. I know the Sponsor has worked hard in trying to take everybody's concerns into account, including the Senate, which unfortunately, did not choose to consider her legislation, which passed with bipartisan sponsorship out of the House. And so, we are left with amending the Senate version. And I think that this is a good beginning. And I would urge everyone to support the Bill."
"Representative Hughes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to the Bill."
"To the Bill."
"I raise concerns regarding this Bill from two standpoints. One is, it is singling out a single medical problem, which I think is not good for us to be doing. Secondly, the concept of the Legislature specifying, either specific days, or averages, I think is, again not good policy. The problem with averages is, it's requiring a minimum, but it also can be an incentive for a maximum. It's a double edged sword. What we ought to be doing here, and what other legislation, both that has passed and had failed, has attempted to do for all types of medical procedures, is to assure and strengthen the ability of physicians, in consultation with their patients, to determine what is appropriate treatment, either in or outpatient, or the length of stay. And to assure that those appropriate treatments, as determined by physicians and their patients, or where in dispute, quickly and appropriately resolved. This is piecemeal legislation. We ought to be looking at the big picture in resolving patient-physician relationships, and protecting those relationships in HMO context indemnity context, et cetera. Thank you." 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Representative John Turner." Turner, J.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will." Turner, J.: "Representative, what is the difference between Senate Bill 711 and House Bill 107 that previously passed?"
"The current difference would be that instead of a mandated 96 hours, which would still have been at the discretion of the physician, in consultation with their patient, it has now gone to an average, as the report from the Illinois Health Cost Containment Council that comes out, which the average has fluctuated down from three and a half days to two and a half days, between 1993 and 1995, and still remains somewhere around, between 3.3 and two and a half days for an average radical mastectomy with no complications." Turner, J.: "Was that in Senate Bill 711 when it came to the House? Or, was that provision provided in Committee Amendment #1?"
"That provision was amended in the committee in the House. It had been changed several times in the Senate to try and gain agreement before it came to the House, and was much lesser coverage than what it is now." Turner, J.: "My question is, is there not an Amendment on Senate Bill 711 that has been put on it after it was passed out of the Senate and brought to the House?"
"That's correct. There's House Amendment #1 that was put on in the Health Care Committee." Turner, J.: "All right. And as amended, then, do you know who the opponents are to the Bill?"
"Actually, the majority of the opponents for this Bill would probably be the same ones that were the opponents for 107. But, in the committee what they did is they signed in 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 in favor of Senate Bill 11 unamended, and the only one that testified was Mike Murphy from the HMO Association. And I think there was some indication that there were other people that normally, some business people, and some insurance people, that would not support it in this form." Turner, J.: "Did placing the Amendment on the Senate Bill cause some of the business and insurance lobbies to take their position from a proponent to that of an opponent? Did the Amendment cause that?"
"I'm sure the Amendment caused them to become an opponent." Turner, J.: "Okay. That's all the questions I had. Thank you."
"Representative Mulligan to close."
"As mentioned here, we are not in the business of doing health care piecemeal. Unfortunately, such situations as constituents bring to us seem to be more egregious or outstanding than others, as far as managing care at the expense of care rather than cost. Illinois, being a very insurance intensive lobby state, I'm sure at some point we will get together with them and negotiate a larger Bill. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be happening this year. Legislation that passed out of this House, previously, both for a Managed Care Bill of Rights, and other individual are going to a committee, subcommittee in the Senate to be addressed over the summer. In the meantime, women in Illinois are still being faced with having mastectomies on an outpatient basis. This is not acceptable to many of us, and we think that this piece of legislation is a good piece of legislation. It needs to be passed. And at some later date if we take and get everyone to the table to look at the whole health care issue we will come to a conclusion that may solve this problem for everyone. But in the 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 meantime, I would ask for a favorable vote on this Bill."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 106 voting 'yes', and 7 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 248."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 248, a Bill for an Act amending the Child Care Act of 1969. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Wojcik."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. Senate Bill 248 simply states that if you are operating a day care within your neighborhood, that the parent may bring a meal. Evidently, this has created an issue in the area that Senator Fitzgerald represents up in Arlington Heights, and there's a Jewish family that would rather bring Kosher food to the day care. And the law has stated that the day care provider had to provide the meals. Well the law still states that you must provide the meals, but you then also will have the option to bring your own. So, I ask for its favorable passage."
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady has moved for passage of Senate Bill 248. Is there any discussion? Okay. Representative Erwin is recognized."
"Thank you. I would greatly appreciate it if my colleagues join with me today in helping us celebrate Jack McGuire's, soon to be, birthday. It's actually Monday, but this was some breakfast and fruit delights that he brought for us to share. So let's give Jack a big round of 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 applause for another birthday."
"Representative Schakowsky."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, if the child does not bring a lunch and would like to have a Kosher lunch, that is still required to be provided?"
"It's permissive. If the parent wants to bring a Kosher meal to the day care, the parent may bring it."
"But if the parent doesn't, the day care still has to provide?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 500."
"Senate Bill 500, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Purchasing Act. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Fantin is recognized."
"Thank you. This Bill as amended ...the Amendment becomes the Bill. What this had done with the colleges, let me get this together. I'm sorry. The Bill originally would require any state agency expenditure for remodeling, renovation or construction of 30 thousand, now 5 thousand to be subject to the supervision of a licensed architect or engineer. And no payment shall be made unless a voucher or 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 invoice is accompanied by a written certificate such as a licensed architect or engineer, stating that the work was performed to appropriate standards. The Amendment changed it back to the $5 thousand. But, what this Bill actually does is, this had not been changed for probably about 20 years. And if a college had done any work over 5 thousand, they would have to have a architect or an engineer present and have them work on the project. Well, because of the money and the times have changed in the 20 years, $5 thousand does not even cover the cost of repairing sidewalks. So, it is quite foolish to have an architect or engineer there just to cover having a sidewalk repaired. So, what this does, any minor repairs would apply to refurbishing repair, maintenance projects, that are determined by the Illinois Capitol Development Board's Executive Director or its designated technical staff, as not being the practice of an architect as defined in Section 3 of the Illinois Architectural Practice Act nor the practice of Professional Engineering as defined in Section 3 of the Professional Engineering Practice Act, these are both of 1989, nor the Practice of Structural Engineering as defined in Section 5 of the Structural Engineering License Act of 1989. The Architects, the engineers have all agreed on this. There is no problem with this. And it's really just a clarification bringing things up to date in a 20 year old Bill. I ask for a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "The Lady has moved for passage of Senate Bill 500. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 569."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 569, a Bill for an Act amending the School Code..."
"Out of the record. Out of the record. Senate Bill 594, Representative Moffitt. Representative Moffitt, 594. Still out of the record. Senate Bill 599, Representative Lopez. Representative Edgar Lopez 599 (Sic- Senate Bill). Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. No, no, out of the record. Out of the record. Senate Bill 611, Representative Saviano. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 611, a Bill for an Act extending the Board of Speech, Language, Pathology and Audiology Act. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Saviano."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 611 is the Senate version of the extension of sunset for the Speech, Language, Pathology and Audiology Act. The identical version was passed out when we were considering House Bills was presented by Representative Burke at that time. And I would ask that we pass this out of the Chamber today. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 611. And on that question, Representative Deering is recognized." Deering:: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, I didn't get to hear your remarks as to what this Bill does, but looking at the board, I read this as to say, that we are going to extend the sunset for Lou 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Lang to speak. As we sure we want to do that?"
"No."
"Thank you. That's all I wanted to know."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 116 voting 'yes'; 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 694, Representative Saviano. Representative Saviano, 694. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 694, a Bill for an Act amending the Pharmacy Practice Act of 1987. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Saviano."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. What this, what this Bill does, is simply modify the definition of prescription to add any order for drugs or medical devices issued by a therapeutically certified optometrist. The Bill passed out of the Senate 57 to 0 and out of committee 23 to 0. And I would ask that we approve this Bill today. Thank you."
"Representative Erwin is recognized."
"Thank you, Speaker. I rise on a Point of Personal Privilege."
"State your point."
"I would appreciate it if my colleagues would help me and my State Senator, John Cullerton in welcoming the 6th grade class from St. Clements School in Lincoln Park, who is here today with Mr. Michael Shaw."
"Welcome to Springfield. And returning to Senate 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Bill 694, is there any discussion? Representative Stephens."
"Will the Gentleman yield for a question?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, this doesn't change the, the drugs that are currently allowed for an optometrist to prescribe? It just includes those limited drugs in the Pharmacy Practice Act. Is that right?"
"That's correct."
"Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there 115 voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 800. Representative Holbrook. Wait and Holbrook. Representative Wait."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 800, a Bill for an Act in relation to transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Wait. Out of the record. Representative Saviano. You have been doing pretty good today, Representative Saviano. How about Senate Bill 786. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. 786."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 786, a Bill for an Act amending the Dental Practice Act. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Saviano."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 786 is an initiative of the Illinois Dental Society, which would, which would provide that from now on fees will be set by rule, when considering fee increases or any other 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 matters regarding fees to the Illinois Dental Practice Act. There is no fee increase in this Bill. It's strictly a mechanism for fees to be set. And I would ask that it be approved. Thank you."
"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 818, Representative Meyer. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.
"Senate Bill 818, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Vehicle Code. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Meyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, if I could, on that last vote, I was trying to push my switch and had a problem with it. We'll have to get the electrician back here to look at it. I would have voted 'yes'. I would like the record to reflect that. Ladies and Gentleman of the House, Senate Bill 818 amends the Vehicle Code to provide that the Department of Transportation shall issue an annual, rather than a semi-annual, permit authorizing local authority to move oversized highway construction transportation, utility and maintenance equipment over roads under the jurisdiction of the department. It removes the provision that provides that only single trip permits shall be issued for moving vehicles, combinations of vehicles and loads with overweight gross loads not included in the fees categories. And it removes the reference to certain parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Regulations that shall not apply to certain intrastate carriers, drivers and vehicles. This does not contain any fees. It does not affect the fee structure in any way. It is language that has been agreed to both by IDOT and also the road carriers. I would appreciate a 'yes' vote."
"The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 818. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 857. Representative Saviano."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 857, a Bill for an Act to extend the Boards of the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act and the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act and the Committees of the Illinois Nursing Act, the Physician Assistance Act in concerning regulated professionals. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Saviano."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 857 is our omnibus Bill from the committee. It has a number of provisions in it. It extends the sunset date to January 1st the year 2008 for the Marriage of Family Therapy Licensing Act, the Nursing Act, the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act and the Physician Assistance Practice Act. It also amends the Acupuncture Practice Act to provide authority for the department to administer the Act and to bring it into conformance with other regulatory Acts. It also increases 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 two dental fees by $25.00 each to $75.00 for annual renewal of dental licenses. And I would ask that the Body approve this Bill. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 857. And on that question, Representative John Turner." Turner, J.: "Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." Turner, J.: "Skip, a couple of my colleagues have asked me to inquire. Does this Bill have a fee increase in it?"
"As I just stated, it does raise the dental fees from $50.00 a year to $75.00 a year." Turner, J.: "Thank you, that's all I had."
"Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 93 voting 'yes'; 23 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 858. Read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 858, a Bill for an Act extending the Podiatric Medical Licensing Board. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Saviano."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. Senate Bill 858, is the sunset, extends the sunset date for the Podiatrist Medical Practice Act to January 1st 2008. I also want to inform the Body, it does increase the disciplinary fines from $2,500 to $5 thousand. And there is also a schedule of self-imposed fee increases that were recommended to us by their association. And I would ask 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 for a favorable vote. Thank you."
"The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 858. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 89 voting 'yes'; and 27 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 902."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 902, a Bill for an Act concerning the Practice of Optometry. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Turner." Turner, J: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Senate Bill 902 allows optometrists to split fees with practitioners providing related professional services. It also allows optometrists to jointly own a corporation in combination with practitioners of medicine, podiatry and dentistry. I've also been asked to read into the record the legislative intent of Senate Bill 902 as follows: Senate Bill 902 amends the Optometric Practice Act and the Professional Service Corporation Act to allow optometrists to form professional service corporations with related professionals such as physicians. These professional service corporations are limited to related professionals with whom the optometrist practices in the corporation. Actual combined practice is required. A professional service corporation could not be formed between related professionals and optometrists without this practice relationship. I'd be glad to answer any questions."
"The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 902. And on that question, Representative Rutherford 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative Turner, what was the reason for the intent? I don't understand, what were we trying to accomplish there?" Turner, J.: "Illinois State Medical Society asked me to read that into the record. That's the only explanation I can give you, Representative."
"What does it mean? I mean, what is it, what does it effectively do, though?" Turner, J.: "It effectively, describes what the intent of the legislation is."
"Could you do it, like real simply tell us what it does?" Turner, J.: "Well, I don't think I can say it any more simply than what I indicated. And I think, for purpose of establishing a legislative intent, I should stick to the explicit language, instead, of trying to give it my own interpretation."
"Is there a fee increase in this?" Turner, J.: "No."
"None, whatsoever?" Turner, J.: "None, whatsoever."
"Thank you."
"Representative Tom Johnson." Johnson, Tom: "Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will." Johnson, Tom: "Representative, do you know, are there any other professional, licensed professional or professions in this state that we permit to do what you are asking this group be able to do, in terms of fee splitting?" 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Turner, J.: "Well I think, I can answer that question. But, I think, first of all, I should remind you that I did not ask you any questions on Senate Bill 8. To be a little bit more specific, yes we are adding in optometrists, so that they will be on the same playing field as doctors and podiatrists." Johnson, Tom: "So, doctors, currently, who have a medical practice can do fee splitting with their employees and their corporations?" Turner, J.: "No, I don't think, I don't think they can do fee splitting among themselves, not with their employees." Johnson, Tom: "But within their own corporation? And that's what this does. Right?" Turner, J.: "It adds, it adds the optometrist into the same section where this is allowed for physicians." Johnson, Tom: "Okay, but who can they split fees with? Because, I'm wondering in terms of my own law practice, for example. Wouldn't you like to be able to do fee splitting with your paralegals and some others? Are we setting a precedent here? Well, you won't like to share your fees with anybody. But, if they referred a big PI case to you, you would probably love that. Wouldn't you? As opposed to them referring it to somebody else." Turner, J.: "Well, I don't want to get to personal about this about what I might love or might not love. But, this is different than fee splitting among attorneys." Johnson, Tom: "Why?" Turner, J.: "Well, for an example, an attorney might bring in a case and then transfer the case over to another law office under some fee splitting arrangement... Johnson, Tom: "Well, we can do that. We can do referral fee." Turner, J.: " Well, that is not what this is. This is fee 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 splitting among the optometrists and, frankly, the opthalmologists, who incorporate together and form their business." Johnson, Tom: "Okay. But, what about the nurses and so on? Is that covered? Can they also receive some of these split fees?" Turner, J.: "I don't believe so." Johnson, Tom: "Well, do you know? What does it say?" Turner, J.: "No, they are not included." Johnson, Tom: "Okay. So, right now, currently, we are only permitting doctors and optometrists, as far as you know, in the way of licensed professionals in this state to be able to split fees with people within their own corporations?" Turner, J.: "Tom, I'm not sure what you're asking me. You're saying, 'Does this allow a shareholder, an employee to split the fee of an optometrist or an opthalmologist or a doctor?' No, this is a splitting of fee among the professionals, who are in the corporation together." Johnson, Tom: "Well, I don't think that's what it says. I think, that what it says, is that if I have a corporation, I can split fees with people within my corporation or my office, my employees, for example, who are medically related. But, I don't know that it defines that they have to be a fellow optometrist or an opthalmologist in that office. What I'm getting at, John, is that in our, and I will use our own legal profession, for example, which we prohibit, it is prohibited from splitting fees with employees in our offices. That's so that we don't send out solicitors, I'd presume to go generate business for us and we give them a cut of that pie. Now, all I'm saying is, within a medical office or an optometrist's office there are employees in that office, and what I'm getting at, are they entitled to 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 the split fees only a fellow licensed professional is going to be able to get a cut of that fee. Correct?" Turner, J.: "Only the licensed professional. I think, Representative, if you look at, and I don't know if you have the Bill or the analysis in front of you, if you look at the Bill, you will see that the language amending the statute is found, frankly, under the grounds for disciplinary action. And when they speak of disciplinary action, they are clearing talking about disciplining the licensed professional. Therefore, the fee splitting arrangement that is incorporated in the... "Speaker Hannig: "Representative Turner to finish answering the question." Turner, J.: "Well, that completely messed me up. But, just to follow up, Tom, it refers to the licensed professional. That is the part of the Act that we are amending and therefore the fee splitting would be between the licensed professional.
"Representative Stephens."
"First of all, I want to point out that Medical Professionals' fees compare in no way to the legal profession fees, except in the number of 0's behind the digit. Medical professionals have very few 0's behind the digit, whereas legal fees just go on and on and on. I want to know if Mr. Horseman and Mr. Morphew are in agreement on this legislation?" Turner, J.: "Yes."
"Well, that, you sold me, Representative."
" Representative Coulson."
"Would the speaker yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, yesterday I mentioned a concern that I 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 had, in that, medicare law and rules do not allow for fee splitting between professionals. Were you able to get an answer for that question?" Turner, J.: "Yes."
"And what is your answer, please." Turner, J.: "The answer is, if that federal law prohibits the splitting of medicare benefits or payments made, then this clearly would not override any federal law that does not allow the same."
"Are you aware then of why the federal law does not allow for fee splitting?" Turner, J.: "Am I aware? I'm not even aware that that's correct. I'm just assuming that you are correct when you state as much."
"To the Bill. I'm very concerned about the issue of opening up a Pandora's box here. Mostly for the patients that are involved. Physician or optometrist, who can then refer to a physician, who also owns the same business, is in a situation where they can refer for profit. And the issue really becomes is, will they start referring me and you for new glasses or new contacts when they may not really need them in order to make a bigger profit. And I'm very concerned about that issue in this Bill. I did address some of those concerns with the Representative before. And I would respectfully, urge a 'no' vote for that reason. Thank you very much."
"Representative Turner to close." Turner, J.: "Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Bill, frankly, is quite simple. It, I don't believe, has any opposition. It simply allows the optometrist and the opthalmologist to form a business together. Frankly, it's going to provide a better service for patients. And I don't think that 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 patients are at risk. I would ask everyone vote 'aye' on this. Thank you."
Speaker Hannig: "The question is, "Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 104 voting 'yes' and 12 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Winkel for what purpose do you rise?"
"I thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the previous vote on Senate Bill 711, I should have been recorded as a 'yes'. I'd ask the record so reflect."
Speaker Hannig: "The record will reflect your intentions, Representative. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 599."
"Senate Bill 599, a Bill for an Act in relation to consumer fraud committed against persons at least 65 years of age. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Lopez."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 599 amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practice Act. What it does it would allow the Attorney General, if a violation was committed against a person 65 years of age or older, the court may impose an additional Civil Penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each Amendment, for each violation. So, this is a pro-elderly Bill. Yet, we add an Amendment to it, and what the Amendment #1 did was, all it does was create an additional fund for the Attorney General's Office, is called the Attorney General Court Order Involuntary Compliance Payment Projects Fund. This is a Bill, a proposal by the Attorney General's Office. And I seek a favorable Roll Call." 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"The Gentleman has Moved for passage of Senate Bill 599. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 950, Representative Wood. Out of the record. Senate Bill 955, Representative Rutherford. Representative Rutherford. Out of the record. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 107. Representative Acevedo."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 107, a Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Acevedo."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly. This Bill is in response to the purpose of manufacture of Black Rino Bullets, which were claimed to be capable of piercing police body armor. This Bill, basically, changes the law to outlaw the use, possession, manufacture of armor piercing bullets. Current law covers only metal piercing bullets. This Bill passed 56 to 0 in the Senate. Also, this Bill is the same as the House Bill 1194, which passed out of here 116 to 0. And I ask for a favorable vote."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 107. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no. And this Bill, 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 236. Representative Schoenberg."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 236, a Bill for an Act amending the Medical Patient Rights Act. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Schoenberg."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 236 amends the Medical Patients Rights Act to make Illinois Law consistent with recently adopted federal regulations. These regulations prescribed narrow conditions under which informed consent of patients, who are in emergency life-threatening conditions may be waived to allow the use of potentially lifesaving experimental therapies. This Bill is supported by the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians, the Illinois Medical Society, Illinois Hospital and Health Systems Association, Jewish Federation Advocate Health Care, Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Association. I know of no opposition to this Bill. It has bipartisan support. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 236. Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 117 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill having received the Constitutional Majority is hereby declared passed. Representative Gash on Senate Bill 271. Representative Gash. Representative Gash, we are prepared to call the Bill 271, if you are ready. Okay. Out of the 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 record. Representative Biggert, did you wish to call 341? Okay. Out of the record. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 800."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 800, a Bill for an Act in relation to transportation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"The Gentleman from Boone, Representative Wait."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Senate Bill 800 is a Bill that deals with the bi-state transit authority down in the East St. Louis area. And if there is any detailed questions, Representative Holbrook would be happy to answer them. Basically, what it is, the Federal Government says, we have to have the rail safety and work with Missouri on this, and if we don't, it will cost us $8 million a year. I would be happy to answer any questions."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 800. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 93 voting 'yes'; and 22 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Lang on 963. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 963, a Bill for an Act amending the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. Senate Bill 963 would codify the departments current practice of notifying the General Assembly of road and bridge projects 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 that are planned in upcoming fiscal years, as well as, projects programmed to be done in two to five years. So, it would require IDOT to publish a five year highway improvement program each year. It has passed quite easily in the Senate. There was no opposition in committee, even IDOT was not opposed. And I would ask passage."
Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman has moved for passage of Senate Bill 963. Representative Kosel."
"Mr. Speaker, would you please record my vote, if my finger did function correctly, it would have been a 'no' vote on the previous vote. Thank you.
Speaker Hannig: "The journal will reflect your intentions. Representative Black."
"Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Yes, Representative, I, to the best of my knowledge, I get a one and five year plan every year from the Department of Transportation now. Why is this legislation necessary?"
"Well, this would codify that practice and in addition, it would require that the reports add information as to the number of years a particular project has been listed. And so we know these reports are for five years, but the question is, how long has a project lingered and not been completed? And this would be helpful for us in determining whether the projects are actually being done in a timely way and how long they are just sitting there. It would also give us the ability to determine if some projects are being favored over projects that have been on the list longer."
"And so, from your answer then, I take it, and I really don't know the answer to this, I take it then, that the 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 current practice of giving to Members of the General Assembly a one and five year plan, is actually not in law, it is just something that the department has done. Would that be a correct assumption?"
"That is my understanding."
"So, what you are doing is simply putting the practice into law and further, further, asking for additional information as part of your Bill?"
"That is correct."
"All right. And you say it got out of the Senate with nary a 'nay' vote?
"I'm not certain what the vote was in the Senate. It might have been unanimous. I don't have that information in front of me. But, I know it was substantial."
"Yes, it was unanimous..."
"Well, I think we ought to repeat that right here."
"Well, I'm not sure we've acted on a Senate Bill yet, that didn't come out unanimously. But, whatever, it appears to be a reasonable Bill. I see you are joined by as many Cosponsors on this Bill as I was on the Cook County Bill last night."
"You and I share the same respect in this Body, Sir."
"Yes, yes. Thank you, very much."
"Representative Parke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he will."
"Representative, you indicated that IDOT is in favor of this. Is this an administration Bill or what is the genesis of this Bill?"
"No, I did not say that IDOT was in favor. I said IDOT was not opposed. "Parke: "What's the genesis of this Bill?" 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Well, I got it from Senator Carroll. So, that's the genesis, as far as I'm concerned. I'm not sure."
"That's not good enough. Do you have any idea why the Bill was put in?" "Lang: "I'm not sure. I'm not at all sure, who came to him with this proposal. But, I think it's a good idea for us to not only know what's on their five year program, but how long projects have lingered. Perhaps, you have a project you would like done that's been on the list for four years, but some new project jumps ahead of you. You might wish to know that. And this would require that that be added to the report."
"Representative Lang, do you know if there is any additional cost to IDOT or to the taxpayers if this is passed?"
"As far as I know there is no additional cost."
"So, there is no fiscal statement been filed on it. And, as far as you know there isn't a cost."
"I have not seen one. And we know how state agencies are, Representative. If there was a cost, we would have heard from them."
"Okay. And now every year IDOT must make this report to the General Assembly?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Well, is it in your intent that each year, each Member of the General Assembly gets this kind of report in its entirety or only related to the Section that that Legislator has in the road projects?"
"Well, this would simply codify what IDOT is doing now. Each year IDOT is giving every Member of the General Assembly a copy of their report today, Representative."
"So, in your opinion, you think it will be a booklet that 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 will list all the projects."
"As we get now."
"Well, you know, I tend to think maybe this is a good idea. I think, I'll vote for it."
"Representative Stephens."
"Representative Lang, if I seek a verification on this...
"Yes, I will yield."
"If I seek a verification, can you assure me that you would offer Representative Black some protection should the discussion get out of hand? At least on our side of the aisle? How are we going to handle that?"
"Oh, sure I would be happy to protect Representative Black from your side of the aisle. Is that what you asked me?"
"Please, come over."
"Well, we'll talk about it after Session. I think, throughout the rest of this Session, I should remain right where I am, Sir."
"With that understanding and your assurance that Representative Black will at least be protected on our side of the aisle, I'm not going to seek a verification should this receive the requisite number of votes."
"I just don't want to see Representative Black hurt himself, that's all."
"I'm not sure we can guarantee that."
"Is there any further discussion? Representative Lang to close."
"Ask for 'aye' votes."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 question, there are 107 voting 'yes'; and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 35."
"Senate Bill 35, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 83."
"Senate Bill 83, a Bill for an Act concerning income tax checkoffs. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 39."
"Senate Bill 39, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Library System Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 999."
"Senate Bill 999, a Bill for an Act concerning community antenna television systems. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 14."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 14, a Bill for an Act amending the Cannabis Control Acts. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 1048."
"Senate Bill 1048, a Bill for an Act creating the Diabetes Self Management Training and Education Act. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 80. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 80..."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative Flowers, this Bill has a Mandate's request, so it cannot be moved to Third Reading. Clerk, read Senate Bill 591."
"Senate Bill 591, a Bill for an Act amending the Title Insurance Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of Senate Bill 789?"
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 789 is on the Order of Senate Bills - Third Reading."
"Return that Bill to Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 331."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 331... Senate Bill 331, a Bill for an Act amending the Family Practice Residency Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Monique Davis, has been Approved for Consideration."
"Representative Davis." Davis, M.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Floor Amendment #1 is a technical Amendment that was requested by Members of the committee that allows physicians, who for some reason, cannot fulfill their commitment to serve in under served areas. It gives them an opportunity to fill out a contract and to pay the sum that'll be needed. So, I just ask for a favorable vote." 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
Speaker Hannig: "And on that question, Representative Cross is recognized."
"Well, inquiry of the Clerk. Did this Amendment go through committee?"
"Mr. Clerk."
"The Amendment did not go through committee. It was referred to the Floor from the Rules Committee."
"Okay. Will the Sponsor yield?" Davis, M.: "Yes."
"Representative, so there's been no debate on this Amendment in committee?" Davis, M.: "Representative, in committee, I promised Representative Zickus that I would include in the Bill an opportunity for physicians to make arrangements with the department, if they could not fulfill the requests. So, that was the reason for the Amendment. It isn't any, you know, this Bill passed out of the Senate with absolutely no opposition. And in committee, the question was asked about physicians, who had emergencies. And when a physician had an emergency, in the past, the rules of the department were enough to take care of it. But, Zickus asked that it be spelled out in the Bill. So, that's what the Amendment is. She has looked at it."
"Representative, Zickus has signed off on the Amendment? Oh, Well, that is all I needed to know. Thank you." Davis, M.: "You are welcome, Representative."
"Is there any further discussion? All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 690."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 690, a Bill for an Act concerning certain financial institutions. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Out of the record. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 356."
"Senate Bill 356, a Bill for an Act concerning home repair and remodeling. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 13."
"Senate Bill 13, a Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 660."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 660, a Bill for an Act amending the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 709."
"Senate Bill 709, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendments #1, 2, and 3 were adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments. A Home Rule Note has been requested on the Bill, as amended."
Speaker Hannig: "So, that Bill will remain on Second Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 172."
"Senate Bill 172, a Bill for an Act in relation to 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 sex offenders. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "So, let's hold this Bill on Second Reading, Mr. Clerk. Representative Moore on Senate Bill 36. Do you want to move that Bill? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill, Senate Bill 36, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 46. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 46, a Bill for an Act in relation to property taxes. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Moffitt, did you wish to move Senate Bill 103? Representative Moore on Senate Bill 103. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Senate Bill 103."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 103, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Silva. Representative Silva on Senate Bill 124. Do you wish to move that Bill? No. Out of the record. Representative Moffitt on Senate Bill 157. From Second to Third. Okay, read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 157, a Bill for an Act concerning property taxes. Third Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Burke on Senate Bill 160. Representative Burke. Representative Moore, Andrea Moore on Senate Bill 162. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 162, a Bill for an Act concerning districts. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 469."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 469, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Scully on Senate Bill 172. Hold that Bill, Mr. Clerk. Representative Winters. Is the Gentleman in the Chamber on Senate Bill 200? Representative Daniels on Senate Bill 222. Does the Gentleman wish to move the Bill? Out of the record. Representative Stephens on Senate Bill 232. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 232, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 278, Representative Ronen. Representative Carol Ronen. Representative Carol Ronen on Senate Bill 278 from Second to Third. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 278, a Bill for an Act to amend the 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Code of Civil Procedure. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions Filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Steve Davis on 285. Representative Davis. Out of the record. Representative Noland. Representative Duane Noland on Senate Bill 304. Mr. Clerk, is there an Amendment pending on this Bill? Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #1 has been referred to the Rules Committee."
Speaker Hannig: "Out of the record. Representative Leitch on Senate Bill 320. Representative Leitch. Out of the record. Senate Bill 329, Representative Leitch. Out of the record. Representative Hassert on Senate Bill 347. No, out of the record. Representative Gash on Senate Bill 355. On Senate Bill 355, Representative Gash. On 355 from Second to Third. Out of the record. Representative Cross. Representative Cross on Senate Bill 363 from Second to Third."
"Why, of course."
"Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 363, a Bill for an Act to amend the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed. Several note requests have been made on the Bill. And the Notes have not been filed."
"So, we'll hold that Bill on Second Reading. On page three of the Calendar, on the Order of Third Reading, is Senate Bill 271. Representative Gash."
"Senate Bill 271, a Bill for an Act in relation to alternatives to dissection. Third Reading of this Senate Bill." 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 271, changed the Bill, so that the Bill now creates the Dissection Alternatives Act. It provides that a student can be excused, may be excused. This is a permissive Bill from performing a dissection, so long as they complete an alternative project. The alternative project should provide the student through means, other than dissection, with knowledge similar to that expected to be gained by the other students, who perform dissections. The alternative project should be consistent with any guidelines for alternative projects adopted by the State Board of Education. Again, I stress that this Bill is permissive. And I ask for your support. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"The Lady has moved for passage of Senate Bill 271. And on that question, Representative Cross is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Representative, is this about frogs?"
"To some extent, yes."
"To what extent is it not about frogs?"
"It's about other types of things like, worms and Dog Fish Sharks, Bull Frogs, white rats, fetal pigs, cats, potentially."
"Now, wait. You know, you may find this hard to believe, but we couldn't hear a thing you said earlier, when you were explaining the Bill. Can you tell us again what it does?"
"It provides that, it provides for the Dissection Alternatives Act, which would allow students to do something in the alternate to an actual dissection." 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"What would be an alternative? You mean, so if I'm in my chemistry class or biology class and I don't want to dissect the frog, I can dissect something else? Like I could dissect a cat instead of a frog?"
"I'm sorry can you say that again?"
"What are you suggesting? That if I don't want to dissect a frog, I can do something else?"
"There are many types of models. In many cases they're every bit as good. In fact, during the committee, we brought forth from Humane Pack several examples of what could be used, different models on computers and also physical models made of plastic. Different things like that, that may be more useful in many cases. This is a much cheaper alternative. But, again the Bill is permissive. This Bill is permissive."
"Well, let's say that I'm in that, I'm in a classroom and I don't want to, what do you do that, pit the frog in the back of the head and I want to do it on a computer, but we don't have computers in my school, what do I do?"
"You may want to ask the school, if they are interested in alternative project. But, this Bill does not require the school to do that."
"Do schools have the authority to do this now?"
"Excuse me."
"Does this apply... don't schools have the authority to do this right now to say, instead of dissecting that poor little frog, here's a computer program you can follow?"
"This Bill requires the State Board of Education to provide the school districts with some information about those alternative projects. I should stress the State Board is not opposed to this."
"This would also apply to community colleges. Is that 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 correct?"
"Excuse me."
"Would this apply to community colleges?"
"Yes, in fact, that is in the Bill."
"Would this apply to..."
"And, Representative Cross, may I just stress to you, that it is important for you to understand, that although we are kidding around at times on the Floor, this is a very important issue for a lot of people? We are talking about something that matters a lot to a lot of people."
"Where is our Attorney General on this Bill?"
"Your Attorney General on this Bill? I really don't know. I haven't talked to him directly. But, I would think that he would be enthusiastically in support of this."
"Representative, would this apply to universities, as well?"
"Yes, this applies, yes."
"What's the goal here? And I understand it's a real serious issue, if you tell me it is. The idea is that we don't want to, if I have an opposition to harming an animal, whether it's a frog or pig or a cat that there's a better way to do it. It that the idea?"
"It's not a question of a better way. It's a question of some people feel that there may be a better way. They may be uncomfortable doing that. And this allows school districts to get information from the State Board about how to provide alternative projects, should they decide to do that."
"What's it going to cost the State Board of the State of Illinois... I mean, let me ask you this. Is it possible for an administrator, a teacher, a school board, a school district to put together alternatives right now? If I'm on 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 the school board, can I say, well there've got to be better ways or alternatives to dissecting frogs? Why don't we ask around? Can they do that right now without going to the expense of having the school board do it or the State Board of Education doing it?"
"Representative Cross can you restate your question?"
"I guess, the concern, the crux of the concern, Representative, is the mandate under the State Board of Education."
"The State Board of Education has no opposition to this. And I believe they are now a proponent. So, I'm sure that, that couldn't be your concern."
"They may, they may not have an opposition, but it is a mandate, never the less. What prohibits..."
"This saves the school board ...this actually saves school boards significant amount of monies, should they decide to this at their ...with their own choice. They do not have to do this, but this would save them a tremendous amount of money."
"Representative, we have had a couple of ...and I'm just as serious as you are. What would keep the local school district...?"
"Representative Weaver."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now, that we're done with that, I just want to tell everybody the Sponsor has worked extremely hard on getting this Bill in an agreeable position with all the folks concerned. They actually got LRB to move as fast as I have ever seen them move in getting the Amendments prepared. It's a good Bill. It ought to pass with an overwhelming majority. Vote 'yes'."
Speaker Hannig: "Representative John Turner. Representative Turner." 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Turner, J.: "I would like to yield my time to Representative Cross."
"Yes, Representative Cross."
"Representative, just a couple of other questions. What would, what would keep a school district from finding those alternatives right now, without the expense and the burden of the State Board contacting them? Why can't I just do that right now?"
"Why can't you do that or why can't the school board do that?"
"Why can't my local school district do that right now, without the need of state legislation?"
"They can. They can and this helps them do that by providing them with information about those alternatives. That's a great question. Thank you for asking it."
"So, there is, So, I guess I'm questioning the need for this. Let me ask you another question..."
"There is a tremendous need for this. This will give the school districts information about those alternatives that they may not have now. That's a very big difference."
"So, let me just ask one other question. If I'm a veterinarian student at the U of I, can you hear me? Can I opt out and have alternatives through all my years in veterinarian school and not dissect a single animal?"
"This is permissive with respect to the schools."
"Can I under, conceivably, could I go through veterinarian school, in the State of Illinois, and never dissect an animal, under your Bill, permissive or not?"
"This applies to undergraduates in elementary and secondary schools."
"Alright, I am a pre-veterinarian student at the U of I. Is it possible that I would never dissect an animal? It 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 sounds like the answer is, yes."
"If the school made that decision, yes. And if you were here for the committee, you would have seen some very interesting computer displays of what actually can be done. More and more medical technology relating to this type of thing is being done anyway."
"Well, I would encourage all the Members on the Floor to dissect this Bill rather carefully before you vote. I think there are some major problems with it. Thank you."
"Representative Winters."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I believe, in my reading of the analysis that some of Representative Cross's questions dealing with veterinary medicine would not be dealt with in this Bill, because it only deals with undergraduate college education. So, any graduate course in veterinary medicine would certainly include dissection. Thank you."
"Representative Phelps."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I stand in favor of this proposal. Representative Gash worked hard in trying to get witnesses down at the Education Committee that travelled a pretty far distance to try to explain that there are many students that are moving through the university community that perhaps might be offended by working with real animal situations for demonstration purposes. And that since we do live in the technological society now that is advanced. We have a lot of resources that are available, that are alternatives. And I believe, that since it is permissive and the choice could be utilized in a cost effective manner. This is a good piece of legislation. We all should vote for it."
"Representative Gash to close." 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Thank you very much. Representative Cross, I also want to make you aware, although we are not dealing with graduate level courses at this point, we are talking about undergraduate and elementary and secondary education. You might be interested to know that dissection is not required as a prerequisite to get into medical or veterinary school. And once in those programs the trend is now away from requiring that very dissection that you are talking about in medical programs. Representative Cross, can I have your attention, please? Thank you. I want you to know something. I want you to know that the following medical schools in Illinois do not now require dissection in their curriculum. The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Rush Medical School and Southern Illinois University among many others. I urge your 'aye' vote, Representative Cross."
"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 96 voting 'yes' and 14 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 355."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 355, a Bill for an Act concerning vehicles. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading."
"Representative Brunsvold in the Chair. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill, or Senate Bill 366."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 366, a Bill for an Act concerning 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 children. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 374. Representative Moore, would you like that Bill moved? Yes."
"Senate Bill 374, a Bill for an Act concerning occupation and use taxes. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Roskam, 381 (Sic - Senate Bill). Clerk, read Senate Bill 381."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 381, a Bill for an Act in relation to court costs for frivolous law suits filed by prisoners. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. Representative Shirley Jones on Senate Bill 404. Representative Clayton on Senate Bill 433. Representative Clayton. Would you like the Bill moved, Madam?"
"Has there been an Amendment filed?"
"Mr. Clerk, has an Amendment been filed on this Bill?"
Clerk Rossi: "Floor Amendment #1 has been referred to the Rules Committee and has not been approved for consideration."
"Would you like this left on Second?"
"Yes, please."
"Okay. Thank you. Representative Kosel on 437 (Sic - Senate Bill). Representative Kosel. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 437, a Bill for an Act amending the 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Illinois Municipal Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Meyer on House Bill 465 (Sic - Senate Bill). He does not wish the Bill moved. Representative Parke on 476 (Sic - Senate Bill). Representative Parke. He does not wish the Bill moved. Mr. Fritchey. Mr. Fritchey. Mr. Wirsing on Senate Bill 529. Mr. Wirsing. Do you wish the Bill moved? Hold the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Biggins on Senate Bill 593. Mr. Biggins 593 (Sic - Senate Bill). Mr. Schoenberg, Senate Bill 595. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 595, a Bill for an Act amending the Real Estate License Act of 1983. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 603, Mr. Churchill. Mr. Brady on Senate Bill 659. Mr. Scully. Excuse me, Mr. Scully, there has been a new note request on that one, on that Bill. It will remain on Second. Mr. Deering. Representative Deering on Senate Bill 684. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 684, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 691, Representative Hughes. Would you like that Bill moved? Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 691, a Bill for an Act concerning cable television. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Mr. Cross, for what purpose do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just on behalf of Representative Turner, immediately upon adjournment, there will be a mushroom hunt in the Lincoln area in Atlanta. We are all going mushroom hunting up in Representative Turner's District. You are all invited. We are not looking for frogs. We are not doing any of that. But, we are going to go mushroom hunting. You are welcome too, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Mr. Cross. Right after I get done with my snipe hunt, I will be there. Mr. Morrow on Senate Bill 693. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 693, a Bill for an Act concerning the deposit of public funds. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. Mr. Poe. Representative Poe on Senate Bill 703. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 703, a Bill for an Act amending the Municipal Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. How about 713 (Sic - Senate Bill), Mr. McGuire? Senate Bill 713, Mr. McGuire. Would you like that Bill moved?"
"Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that Bill, yes."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. Mr. McGuire, is there an Amendment in Rules for that Bill?"
"Yes, there is. Is it out of Rules? Okay. Then we don't want to move it. I'm sorry."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Thank you, Mr. McGuire. Representative 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Cowlishaw on Senate Bill 720. Okay, thank you. Mr. Scully, 772 (Sic - Senate Bill). Would you like that Bill moved? Please, read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 772, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Vehicle Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Ryder, Senate Bill 777 or Mr. Biggins. Mr. Biggins, would you like that Bill moved? He does not wish the Bill moved. Mr. Hassert on 778 (Sic - Senate Bill). He does not wish the Bill moved. Mr. Winters. Mr. Winters. Senate Bill 780, Mr. Winters. Senate Bill 791, Mr. Winters. 794 (Sic - Senate Bill), Mr. Saviano. Senate Bill 804, Representative Andrea Moore. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 804, a Bill for an Act in relation to taxes. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendments #1 and #2 were adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 805, Mr. Biggins. Would you like that Bill moved? Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 805, a Bill for an Act concerning certain financial services. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendments #1 and #2 were adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. Mr. Parke, Senate Bill 827. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 827, a Bill for an Act amending the Criminal Code of 1961. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Motions have been filed. No Floor Amendments." 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
Speaker Brunsvold: "Third Reading. Senate Bill 856, Representative Andrea Moore. Does not want the Bill called. 859 (Sic - Senate Bill). Saviano's not here. Representative Parke, Senate Bill 862. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 894."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 894, a Bill for an Act amending the Flood Control Act of 1945. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read Senate Bill 843."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 843, a Bill for an Act amending the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, please read Senate Bill 690."
Clerk Rossi: "Senate Bill 690, a Bill for an Act concerning certain financial institutions. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 901, Mr. Deering. Would you like that Bill moved? Mr. Deering, 901 (Sic - Senate Bill). Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 901, a Bill for an Act amending the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill, Senate Bill 954?"
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 954 has been read a second time previously. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 offered by Representative Wait, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Wait. Representative Wait. Mr. Clerk, take that Bill out of the record. Senate Bill 1016. Mr. Daniels, want that Bill Moved? Senate Bill 1024. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 1024, a Bill for an Act concerning child support. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendments #1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 954."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 954, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Wait, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Wait on Floor Amendment #1."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentleman of the House. Floor Amendment #1, basically, is a Secretary of State Bill, which would do away with the Merit Advisory Board. Basically, the Audit Commission said that this Board is not needed. And this is a good government Bill to save money."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Any discussion on the Amendment? Seeing none, all in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it and the Amendment has been adopted. Any further Amendments?"
"No further Amendments."
"Third Reading. Senate Bill 1031, Mr. Turner. John Turner. He does not wish the Bill called. Mr. John Jones on Senate Bill 1094. Mr. Jones. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1094, a Bill for an Act to amend the 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Property Tax Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Ms. Lindner on 1099, Senate Bill 1099. She doesn't wish the Bill called. Mr. Brady. Mr. Brady on Senate Bill 1109. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 1109, a Bill for an Act to amend the Counties Code. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Clerk, what is the status of Senate Bill 999?"
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 999 is on the Order of House Bills - Third Reading."
"Please move that back to Second Reading, please."
Clerk Bolin: "Attention Members, the Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the Speaker's Conference Room."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Mr. Clerk, please read the Adjournment Resolution."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Joint Resolution #37 offered by Representative Curry." RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETIETH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, May 9, 1997, the Senate stands adjourned until Monday, May 12, 1997, at 3:00 o'clock p.m.; and when the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Monday, May 12, 1997, at 1:00 o'clock p.m."
Speaker Brunsvold: "The Clerk has read the Resolution. All in 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it and the Adjournment Resolution has been adopted. Mr. Woolard. Representative Woolard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce a group of young folks from the Carterville Junior High, where I reside. The kids from Carterville, Illinois."
"Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 531."
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Bill 531, a Bill for an Act concerning rent control. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Black. Mr. Black. Mr. Black, you are recognized for a Motion. Excuse me, Mr. Hartke."
"We've got a technical problem on this Senate Bill 531. One letter, it should be, (F) rather than an (R). So, let's move it back to Second or maybe leave it in Third and move it back to Second later. Leave it where it is. Leave it where it is."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Thank you, Mr. Hartke for the decisive remarks."
"Thank you. You are welcome."
"Mr. Black. Mr. Black, would you like to make a Motion?"
"Yes, thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Allowing Perfunctory time for the Clerk, I move we adjourn."
Speaker Brunsvold: "Yes, Mr. Black has made a Motion, leaving Perfunctory time for the Clerk, he has made a Motion, the House stand adjourned until Monday May 12th at the hour of 1:00 p.m. All in favor 'aye'; all opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House does stand adjourned."
Clerk Rossi: "The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Messages from the Senate. 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997
"Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has concurred with the House of Representatives in the passage of the following Bills: House Bill 981 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1123 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1177 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1216 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1219 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1315 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1375 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1619 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 1916 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 2232 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 2262 together with Senate Amendment #1. House Bill 473 together with Senate Amendment #1. Introduction - First Reading of Resolutions. House Joint Resolution 25, offered by Representative Ryder and House Resolution 151, offered by Representative Younge is assigned to the Rules Committee. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 149, offered by Representative Flowers, and House Resolution 150, offered by Representative John Jones. Rules Committee. Committee reports. Representative Currie, Chairman from the Committee on Rules, to which the following Amendments were referred, action taken on May 9, 1997, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'be adopted' House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 21, House Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 172, House Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 237, House Amendment #3 to Senate Bill 320, House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 348, House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 418, House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 545, House Amendment # 2 to Senate Bill 689, House Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 698. And to the Order of Senate Bills-Second Reading: Senate 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 57th Legislative Day May 9, 1997 Bill 549. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session stands adjourned." 86