"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Tony Ashbrook of the Chapel Hill Christian Church in Fairview Heights. Mr. Ashbrook is the guest of Representative Ron Stephens. The guests in the gallery may wish to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance."
Reverend Ashbrook: "Let us pray. Heavenly Father, I come before You this day asking that, as we bow our heads and our hearts before You, that You will hear our prayer and the prayer of those that are within this room. First and foremost we recognize Your awesome power and almighty wisdom. And it is that power and wisdom that we call upon for guidance and direction, not only for today, but for each and every day as we strive to do Your will in all aspects of our lives. I pray today, dear Lord, that You will forgive us our sins and Your ultimate wisdom and direction will soften our hearts and be emblazoned upon our minds with each and every decision that is made. Only You, dear Lord, know our hearts and are the sole judge of our actions and our words. Please be that small still voice that guides and guards our hearts. Thank You for Your promise that if we would turn from our wicked ways that You will bless our land. I ask that Your will inspire us as a nation, seeking Your heart and therein that You will bless us as a humble nation as we stand before You as Your servants. Bless us this day, moment by moment, and allow us all to be bold to speak upon Your behalf, in Your honor and praise. And it is in Your name, dearest Lord, we pray. Amen."
Speaker Madigan: "We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Hamos." 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Speaker Madigan: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representative Morrow is excused today."
"Mr. Poe. Mr. Poe."
"Mr. Speaker, let the record show that all Republicans are present today."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There being 117 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. The Chair recognizes Representative Erwin for the purpose of an announcement. Ladies and Gentlemen, please give your attention to Representative Erwin."
"Thank you. I just wanted all of my colleagues to join me in wishing one of our very own freshman Legislators, I might add, Julie Hamos, a very happy birthday and ask you to join us in freshly baked scones from Dana's Bread, downtown. Julie, happy birthday."
"...Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Bolin: "Committee Reports. Representative Lauren Beth Gash, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on January 27th, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3051 and House Bill 3082. Representative Doug Scott, Chairperson from the Committee on Urban Revitalization, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on January 27th, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3188. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 Representative Phil Novak, Chairperson from the Committee on Environment and Energy, to which the following measures were referred, action taken on January 26th, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'do pass Short Debate' House Bill 3009. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules, to which the following legislative measures were referred, action taken on January 27th, reported the same back with the following recommendations: 'direct floor consideration' for House Bill 1544, referred to Second Reading, Short Debate; and Senate Bill 452, referred to Second Reading, Standard Debate."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Currie in the chamber? Representative Currie, on page 4 of the Calendar on the Order of Resolutions, there appears HR556. Representative Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. I move adoption of House Resolution 556. This Resolution sets up a bipartisan committee to deal with issues of the telecommunications rewrite, and I know of no opposition. The committee will have equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans and will be chaired... co-chaired by a Member from each side of the House aisle. So I'd be happy to answer your questions and would appreciate your support for the adoption of the Resolution."
"Mr. Parke. Mr. Terry Parke."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor of this Resolution take a question?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Thank you. Representative, you say you know of no opposition. Have you cleared this with our... with our side of the aisle?" 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000
"I believe that the Resolution came out of Executive Committee unanimously."
"And in that sense, one more time. What does this Bill do, other than set up a committee to review telecommunications?"
"It creates a special House committee composed of equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans to look at the issues involved in the Telecommunications Act rewrite."
"At... That's necessary because of July 1, 2001, the Act will expire."
"That is correct."
"Thank you very much."
Speaker Madigan: "The Lady moves for the adoption of the Resolution. Those in favor vote 'aye'; those opposed vote 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 117 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Resolution is adopted. On page 2 of the Calendar, there appears House Bills, Second Reading. House Bill 298, Representative Feigenholtz. The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 709, Representative Cowlishaw. Is Representative Cowlishaw in the chamber? Representative Cowlishaw. House Bill 2885, Mr. Poe. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"
"House Bill 2885, a Bill for an Act to amend the Civil Administrative Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 2909, Representative Julie Curry. The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 3054, Representative O'Brien. The 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. House Bill 3073, Mr. Stephens. Mr. Ron Stephens. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 3073, a Bill for an Act in relation to children. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 3119, Representative Coulson. Representative Coulson. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 3119, a Bill for an Act to amend the Good Samaritan Food Donor Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. House Bill 3176, Mr. McGuire. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"
"House Bill 3176, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Madigan: "Third Reading. House Bill 3205, Mr. Delgado. Mr. Delgado. On House Bill 3205, do you wish to call the Bill on the Order of Second Reading? Proceed? Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?"
"House Bill 3205, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Mr. Black."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Rather than address my inquiry of the Chair to the Sponsor, I would just, over the microphone, remind the Sponsor that he agreed to hold this Bill on Second Reading for..." 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000
"Sponsor..."
"...questions on a possible Amendment."
"The Sponsor indicates agreement, so the Bill shall be left on the Order of Second Reading. Now, Mr. Delgado, on your next Bill, 3315. Do you wish to move that to Third or to leave it on Second? This is concerned with the School Code. Leave it on Second Reading? Mr. Delgado."
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do request that we keep it on Second Reading at this time."
Speaker Madigan: "Okay. The Bill shall remain on the Order of Second Reading. On the Order of Senate Bills, Second Reading, there appears Senate Bill 23, Representative O'Brien. Is Representative O'Brien in the chamber? Representative O'Brien on 23. The Lady indicates she does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 851, Mr. Murphy. Is Mr. Murphy in the chamber? The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 1003. The Sponsor indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. And on Senate Bill 1046, Representative Andrea Moore. Representative Andrea Moore. Is the Lady in the chamber? On the Order of Consideration Postponed, there appears House Bill 474, Mr. McKeon. Is Mr. McKeon in the chamber? Do you wish to call the Bill? The Gentleman indicates he does not wish to call the Bill. House Bill 992, Representative Sharp. Representative Sharp, do you wish to call 992? The Lady indicates she does not wish to call the Bill. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
Clerk Bolin: "Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 522, offered by Representative Daniels; House Resolution 535, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell; House Resolution 536, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell; House Resolution 538, 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 offered by Representative Brady; House Resolution 539, offered by Representative Julie Curry; House Resolution 540, offered by Representative Reitz; House Resolution 541, offered by Representative Giglio; House Resolution 543, offered by Representative Joseph Lyons; House Resolution 545, offered by Representative Delgado; House Resolution 547, offered by Representative Tenhouse; House Resolution 548, offered by Representative Stephens; House Resolution 549, offered by Representative Stephens; House Resolution 550, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell; House Resolution 551, offered by Representative Howard; and House Resolution 554, offered by Representative Kenner."
"The Clerk has read the Agreed Resolutions. Representative Currie moves that the House 'do adopt' the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Motions is adopted and the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Is Representative Cowlishaw in the chamber? Representative Cowlishaw, did you wish to call your House Bill 709? The Lady indicates she does not wish to call her Bill. Is Representative Andrea Moore in the chamber? Representative Andrea Moore. The Chair is prepared to adjourn. Is there anything further to come before the Body? Is there anything further to come before the Body? There being nothing further, Mr. Clerk, is there an agreement... Is there an Adjournment Resolution, Mr. Clerk?"
Clerk Bolin: "Senate Joint Resolution #52, offered by Representative Barbara Flynn Currie. 'RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Thursday, January 27, 2000, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 1, 2000 at 12:00 o'clock noon; and the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Friday, January 28, 2000, in Perfunctory Session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Monday, January 31, 2000, in Perfunctory Session; and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, February 1, 2000, at 1:00 o'clock p.m.'"
"The Clerk has read the Adjournment Resolution. Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. Those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Currie moves that the House does stand adjourned until Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Those in favor say 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The House does stand adjourned until Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., providing perfunctory time for the Clerk. Mr. Black."
"Yes, Mr. Speaker, are we in... an inquiry of the Chair. Are we in Regular Session now or are we in Special Session?"
"This minute, we're nowhere, but..."
"I... suspicion's confirmed, I might add."
"With the Body here and with regard to the First and Second Special Sessions, the House's intent is to adjourn the Special Sessions today until Friday, January 28 in Perfunctory Session; then until Monday, January 31 in Perfunctory Session; then until Thursday, February 3 in Perfunctory Session. This is a schedule that mirrors that of the Senate. And with leave, we would proceed under that schedule. And with leave, for purpose of the Special Sessions, we would use the Attendance Roll Call of today's Regular Session..."
"Okay." 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000
"...for that purpose."
"The Adjournment Resolution you just read was for Regular Session, and we're to come back Tuesday?"
"Yes, 1:00 p.m."
"At 1:00 p.m. Thank you."
Speaker Madigan: "Representative Cowlishaw, did you wish to call your Bill? Representative Cowlishaw."
"Mr. Speaker, I have an inquiry of the Chair."
"State..."
"If this is an appropriate time or..."
"Sure. Why not?"
"Is this all right?"
"Sure."
"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I have been advised by the Illinois Commerce Commission that there is a change that has been made in the Federal Law. There has been a change in the Federal Law that has to do with fines imposed for violations of the Gas Pipeline Act. I'm not sure I have the title of the Act correct, but it applies to uses of gas pipelines. And the new Federal Law says that the fines for the various categories of violations of that Act, by states, must be at least equal to the amount stipulated in the new Federal Law. Our fines are not high enough to meet that requirement. My question, and by the way, if we don't meet that requirement, we stand, apparently, a fairly good chance of actually losing some federal funding that would otherwise be coming to Illinois. So my question to the Chair is, I understand that each of us is limited to only three Bills. Would a Bill like that be exempt from that requirement, because it would fall under the category, truly fall under the category of an emergency, so that someone who was willing to carry that Bill, it would not 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 count toward their three?"
Speaker Madigan: "The answer is 'no', but with something of that importance, why, we would work to find somebody who has not yet reached their cap."
"Thank you."
"Okay, thanks."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of House Bills. House Bill 3980, offered by Representative Lou Jones, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. House Bill 3981, offered by Representative Klingler, a Bill for an Act to create the Higher Education for Real Opportunities Act. House Bill 3982, offered by Representative Moore, a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Utilities Act. House Bill 3983, offered by Representative Curry, Representative Julie Curry, a Bill for an Act concerning taxes. House Bill 3984, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning roofers. House Bill 3985, offered by Representative Schmitz, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 3986, offered by Representative Schmitz, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 3987, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act making appropriations and reappropriations. House Bill 3988, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts in relation to cemeteries and burial services. House Bill 3989, offered by Representative Acevedo, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 3990, offered by Representative Moore, a Bill for an Act concerning roadways. House Bill 3991, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 3992, offered by Representative Wirsing, a Bill for an Act to amend the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 Illinois Vehicle Code. House Bill 3993, offered by Representative Wirsing, a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Community College Act. House Bill 3994, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act to amend the Metropolitan Civic Center Support Act. House Bill 3995, offered by Representative Beaubien, a Bill for an Act concerning cigarette taxes. House Bill 3996, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 3997, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 3998, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 3999, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4000, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4001, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4002, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4003, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4004, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4005, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4006, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4007, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4008, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4009, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4010, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4011, offered by 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4012, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4013, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4014, offered by Representative Woolard, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4015, offered by Representative Hartke, a Bill for an Act concerning the development of retail stores. House Bill 4016, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act. House Bill 4017, offered by Representative Giles, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 4018, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts in relation to ignition interlock devices. House Bill 4019, offered by Representative Flowers, a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Utilities Act. House Bill 4020, offered by Representative Cowlishaw, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. House Bill 4021, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act creating the Great Start Program. House Bill 4022, offered by Representative Bassi, a Bill for an Act to amend the Civil Administrative Code. House Bill 4023, offered by Representative Righter, Representative Dale Righter, a Bill for an Act to amend the State Prompt Payment Act. House Bill 4024, offered by Representative Brunsvold, a Bill for an Act to amend the Counties Code. House Bill 4025, offered by Representative Winkel, a Bill for an Act in relation to contributions to candidates, political committees and public officials. House Bill 4026, offered by Representative Cross, a Bill for an Act to amend the Property Tax Code. House Bill 4027, offered by 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 Representative John Jones, a Bill for an Act concerning oil field employment and environmental enhancement. House Bill 4028, offered by Representative Harris, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 4029, offered by Representative O'Connor, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 4030, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 4031, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 4032, offered by Representative O'Connor, a Bill for an Act to amend the Motor Fuel Tax Law. House Bill 4033, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Bill 4034, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act to amend the Credit Card Issuance Act. House Bill 4035, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Bill 4036, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act concerning taxation. House Bill 4037, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act to amend the Counties Code. House Bill 4038, offered by Representative Scott, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Municipal Code. House Bill 4039, offered by Representative Monique Davis, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. House Bill 4040, offered by Representative Kenner, a Bill for an Act in relation to state finance. House Bill 4041, offered by Representative Kenner, a Bill for an Act concerning audits. House Bill 4042, offered by Representative Kenner, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Bill 4043, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act to amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934. House Bill 4044, offered by Representative Hamos, a Bill for an 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 83rd Legislative Day January 27, 2000 Act concerning schools. House Bill 4045, offered by Representative Scully, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 4046, offered by Representative Scully, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 4047, offered by Representative Meyer, a Bill for an Act to amend the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act. House Bill 4048, offered by Representative Jim Meyer, a Bill for an Act to amend the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Bill 4049, offered by Representative Schoenberg, a Bill for an Act to amend the State Finance Act. House Bill 4050, offered by Representative Lawfer, a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code of 1961. House Bill 4051, offered by Representative Holbrook, a Bill for an Act to amend the Code of Civil Procedure. House Bill 4052, offered by Representative Osterman, a Bill for an Act to amend the Consumer Fraud... a Bill for an Act in relation to consumer fraud. House Bill 4053, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. First Reading of these House Bills. House Bill 4054, offered by Representative Mulligan, a Bill for an Act to amend the School Code. House Bill 4055, offered by Representative Granberg, a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Utilities Act in relation to... in relation to telecommunications regulation. Being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned. The House will reconvene in Perfunctory Session on Friday, January 28th." 14