Illinois House Floor Debate — April 9, 2008

"The House shall come to order. The Members shall be in their chairs. We ask the Members and our guests in the gallery to turn off laptop computers, cell phones and pagers and we ask the guests in the gallery to rise and join us for the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall have two invocations today. First, Dr. Cheryl Armstrong, who is the pastor of the Fresh Harvest Church in Woodstock, Illinois. Dr. Armstrong is the guest of Representative Jack Franks."

"We shall be also be led in prayer by Father Michael Pfleger who is with the Faith Community of Saint Sabina Church in Chicago, Illinois. Father Pfleger is the guest of Representative Arroyo, but I would like to point out that he spent his early years in the Illinois House District of Representative Michael Madigan. Father Pfleger."

"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Arroyo." Arroyo – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

"Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record show that Representatives Hamos and Washington are excused today."

"Mr. Bost."

"The Clerk shall take the record. There being 115 Members responding to the Attendance Roll Call, there is a quorum present. Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Bellock."

"State your point."

"Mr. Poe.”

"State your point."

"Mr. Brosnahan, did you wish to call House Bill 5082? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Mr. Brosnahan."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5082 is an initiative of Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart. This amends the Unified Code of Corrections by providing that if a person is found to be in possession of an item of contraband while serving a sentence in a county jail or pre-trial detention, the sentence imposed for the possession offense shall be served consecutively to whatever sentence is imposed for the 09500249.doc 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 offense in which the person is currently serving, regardless of the order of when the judgments are entered. The whole purpose of this legislation is to make the jails a safer place for the guards, the staff, as well as to make the jails a safer place for the inmates. We're trying to get contraband out of the jails. And I'd be happy to answer any questions. I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The Gentleman moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, ‘Shall this Bill pass?’ Those in favor signify by voting ‘yes’; those opposed by voting ‘no’. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative May, did you wish to vote? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, what is the status of House Bill 758? 758."

"Mr. Clerk, put that Bill on the Order of Second Reading. And again, Mr. Clerk, what is the status of the Bill?”

"Mr. Osterman."

"Mr. Speaker, I’d like to leave that Bill on Second for purposes of an Amendment. 09500249.doc 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

“Mr. Clerk, leave the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Brauer… Brauer. Mr. Durkin, did you wish to call House Bill 5513, 5513? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Mr. Clerk, put the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Froehlich, do you wish to call House Bill 4303? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year the Legislature learned about MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria resistant to many antibiotics. We passed two (2) Bills last year: one (1) by Representative Bellock, one (1) by Representative Flowers to establish MRSA prevention control programs for licensed hospitals and mental health facilities. This Bill would extend coverage to other state-operated residential facilities, such as our prisons. I have had a number of conversations with representatives of different state agencies. I've incorporated several of their suggestions into the Amendments and the purpose is really to require that the prevention and control procedures that we required 09500249.doc 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 last year for hospitals in this state. I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Representative Chapa LaVia."

"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor yields."

Chapa LaVia: "Representative Froehlich, why… why is the Department of Human Services, Public Health, Veterans… especially Veterans Affairs is one of my main issues… why are they opposed to the Bill?"

"I have not… I don't remember hearing from Veterans’ Affairs. I did hear from… we did talk to Department of Public Health, and I, actually, Mr. Holladay, at our… when we got it out of committee, said he was very satisfied that we incorporated several of his specific issues and addressed them in the Amendment."

"So, Veterans’ Affairs never came to you personally and told you that they were opposed to your Bill?”

"I… I have no record of that, Representative."

"Okay. How about Department of Human Services?"

"Yes, we had several conversations with DHS and we ended up reaching agreement on some issues, and we agreed to disagree on a couple of others."

"Okay. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This 09500249.doc 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Scully, did you wish to call House Bill 5286? You wish to take it Out of the record? For what purpose does Representative Gordon seek recognition?"

"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"State your point."

"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if I may have your attention, please and if the young people in the gallery may rise. There are five (5) chapters from the Ford-Iroquois FFA here and they are award-winning students. Myself, Representative Dugan, I know there are several other Representatives who represent these wonderful young people here in Springfield. They've heard about the work that we're doing and came down to watch us in action today. So, if we could welcome to Springfield, I know they sure would appreciate it."

"Mr. Fritchey, did you wish to call House Bill 5141? Fritchey."

"If it's possible to come back to that shortly, I'd appreciate it."

"Okay."

"Thank you."

"Thank you. Representative Howard, did you wish to call House Bill 4611? Representative Howard. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4611 amends the Deposit of State Moneys Act, to include securing up to 09500249.doc 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 10 percent of home loan mortgage financing as an eligible activity under the Our Own Home Program. It increases the amount of the loan that can be guaranteed… secured to 100 percent for FNMA limits from 50 percent. It directs the Illinois Housing Development Authority to establish and administer a program under which the state shall guarantee refinanced loans to homeowners that are either in foreclosure or at risk of being in foreclosure. The state's responsibility to guarantee the loan would cease after five (5) years if the homeowner is current on payments and has not gone more than thirty (30) days past due more than three (3) times during the first sixty (60) months of the refinancing. The state would continue to guarantee the loan for an additional thirty-six (36) months if, at the end of the five (5) years, the homeowner is not current on payments or has gone thirty (30) days past due more than three (3) times during the refinancing. This Bill is aimed at helping homeowners keep their homes out of foreclosure."

"The Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. There being no discussion, the question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Flowers, did you wish to call House Bill 4223? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4223 would require that there will be an external and internal review in regards to the appeal process regarding insurance. And I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in regards to the Bill."

"The Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. The Chair recognizes Representative Osmond."

"Sponsor yields."

"I'm sorry."

"We withdrew Amendment #2 and Amendment #3. The Bill is back to its original form."

"It is in its original form, yes."

"The rulemaking Amendment, yes, is there."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby 09500249.doc 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 declared passed. Mr. Meyer, do you wish to call House Bill 4402? What about 5013? Shall we come back to you later today, or do want to rest today? Mr. Meyer. Both Out of the record? Thank you. Mr. Brauer, do you wish to call House Bill 5536? Mr. Brauer."

"Mr. Clerk, read the Bill for a third time."

"The Gentleman has moved for the passage of the Bill. The question is, 'Shall this Bill?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? The Clerk shall the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 3 people voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Pihos. Pihos. Do you wish to call House Bill 5240? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Pihos."

"The Lady moves the passage of the Bill. The question is, why does Mr. Eddy seek recognition?"

"Sponsor yields."

"The question is 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'. Representative Nekritz."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to follow up on the prior questions. So, this… the time frame that you're setting doesn't just deal with adoptions it also deals with those who are having a child?"

"Okay. Because I'm having an issue with a local school… with a district in my area as well. Is… and it's my understanding that the School Management Alliance it not a hundred percent on board with the change that we're making now, is that correct?"

"And so… and… and the point of your legislation then is to make sure that it's bargained at the local level?" 09500249.doc 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Okay."

"And so this sets sort of a ceiling on that then, and then… and then from there it can be negotiated?"

"Very good. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' Those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed by voting 'no'. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Has Representative Jakobsson voted? The Clerk shall take the record. On this question, there are 115 people voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. For what purpose does Mr. Holbrook seek recognition?"

"For a point of personal privilege."

"State your point."

"We're joined today in gallery by the National Nurses Organization and many of them are from my area from Belleville, Granite City. They're right up here wearing the red. Would you like to give them a warm Springfield greeting."

"Representative Pihos, did you wish to move House Bill 5189, 5189? The Bill is on the Order of Second Reading."

"Thank you. Mr. Joyce, did you wish to call House Bill 5579, 5579? Representative Flowers… Representative Osmond, did you wish to do House Bill 4157, 4157? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"The Lady moves for the passage of the Bill. The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' And the Chair recognizes Mr. Franks."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor yields."

"Why do we need this law?"

"So, this Bill would allow the mayor to preside?"

"So, is… does this deal with a township that's contained, con…"

"…totally?"

"It makes you wonder why need the township if the city is running the meeting and providing the services. What possible services is the township providing in a place that… that it's inside… inside a municipality?"

"Okay. Well, I've missed… you know what I'm saying?"

"And I… I think Illinois has the most units of government than any state in the union, by far, and it makes me wonder should we have an Amendment to a Bill like this saying that if a township is contained completely within a municipality, that that township would then dissolve because there’d be no reason for the township if the municipality is providing all the services and also running all the meetings. Why are we paying additional taxes to a township that is not providing services?"

"But we could do that through a city, no problem and then the city could assume those services, correct?"

"It just seems that we're splitting hairs here and for some reason we're perpetuating a form of government that in 09500249.doc 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 this spec… particular instance is merely redundant. Would you agree?"

"But you would be, here. I guess, could you articulate what the township duties are when they… when the township is contained solely within a municipality? What exactly do they do? Are they cleaning the streets for instance? Is there a highway commissioner?"

"But does the highway commissioner have the ability to plow the roads in the township when the township is contained within a municipality?"

"All right. So, it's really the municipality who is doing it?"

"Would it be a better Bill that if you said that a township was contained totally within a municipality that all those things that the township used to do would go to the municipality and the township would dissolve?"

"Well, I'm a proponent of township government. I think we… I think it's necessary. But when I see a Bill…"

"Okay." 09500249.doc 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Well, to the Bill. I… I appreciate the Lady's answers, but I'm going to vote… respectfully, I'm going to vote ‘no’ on this. And I'd like people to listen to the debate on this. What we're asking is to perpetuate an additional layer of government and additional taxes that our citizens are paying for redundant services. And what we're asking to do here is to say that the mayor will preside when the township is completely within a municipality, which perhaps I think a much better Bill would be when this happens and the municipality has taken over all the functions of the township and is cleaning the roads, and doing everything like that, that it's time to get rid of township in those certain instances when the township is engulfed entirely by a municipality. So, respectfully, I'm going to vote ‘no’, and I think it’s… I think it's a question of good government, whether we should get rid of the redundancies and it would be a way to save taxpayers money." Speaker Madigan: "Representative Dugan. And Mr. Lyons in the Chair."

"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he will."

"Yes. Representative, I just wanted to check to make sure I understood this. So, this is like a regular city council or village board meeting that the mayor turns over 09500249.doc 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 the meeting to the township supervisor, is that what this is?"

"And I don't want to… just so I think… so we hold city council meetings and township meetings in your district, they're like the same meeting, more or less?"

"Yeah."

"Like combine the meetings?"

"Okay."

"Okay. So, that was my question. The township supervisor is not taking a vote…"

"…on any local village issue…"

"…only on township issues which she would be able to anyway, correct?"

"Thank you very much."

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Madison, Representative Beiser."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates she will."

"Representative, in my area we are coterminous and we have two (2) separate meetings, and I think Representative Dugan was asking this, but I'm not sure I understood if the answer… so I'm going to ask it in a different way. We have two different meetings. The township meets at 7:00, they do township business; the city council then convenes with the mayor presiding at 7:30. This would not impact that at all?"

"Okay. Thank you very much."

"Representative Osmond to close."

"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 4157 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 09500249.doc 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hannig. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 114 Members voting 'yes', 1 Member voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook on House Bill 5579. Representative Kevin Joyce. 5579, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Joyce."

"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5579 would add certain drugs to the list of covered drugs for multiple sclerosis. I know we had some discussions earlier with the Republican side of the aisle and we pulled the Bill Out of the record. I have not heard from the department or seen their language but my understanding is that it's the desire of the department to put some language in here that would limit the scope to just persons that are diagnosed with MS. I have no problem with that. And I have talked to Republican staff and I've agreed to let that Amendment go on in the Senate and then bring it back here for concurrence. I'd be happy to answer any questions. And I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."

"The Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage, Representative Bellock."

"Indicates he will." 09500249.doc 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Thank you."

"No one seeking further discussion, the question is, 'Should House Bill 5579 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted to wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Monique Davis. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Pritchard, on page 20 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4206. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Gentleman from DeKalb, Representative Bob Pritchard."

"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Debbie Graham."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will."

"Representative, this sounds like a good piece of legislation. Just a couple questions. Would this include places… I agree that people entering our courthouses, the people who work there should be safe and no harm should befall them, but if the courthouse doesn’t have a searching device like a scanner of some sort, would this Bill require them to obtain such things to find some hidden weapons that just may not be visible, such as a billy club?"

"So, my only concern would be, if there were not scanning devices, the officers would then be required to do some sort of search in order to fulfill this piece of legislation if there were not other devices to find out and it could create… 'cause everybody doesn’t keep up with the current laws. So, would this… enacting this piece of legislation, would it raise concerns of… and would the officers be consistent with everyone who came through the courthouse or would they be selective in searching individuals or should our legislation state that, at random or everyone?"

"So, saying…"

"My last point would be… 'cause you know, people who do intend to cause harm, they're very slick and cunning, and I'm sure it wouldn’t be something so visible that you would see it. You know, so, I think that the officers would, you know, require some sort of search, but I think that would work a little bit both ways. But I'm with you with the idea that we want the people working in those facilities to be safe and I am not questioning that intent. I think it's a 09500249.doc 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 good piece of legislation, but we know every time we try to do something good there's always some unintended consequences. And that was my only reasoning for the line of questioning."

"Thank you, Representative."

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Al Riley."

"Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he will"

"Representative, I'm just curious. This is a good Bill and I understand what it is you're trying to do to be sure that public safety and order is maintained in courthouses and so forth. But was this Bill intentionally limiting in its nature because you say billy… well, does that mean if someone walks in with a staff or a kubuton or nunchaku that they can get in and a person with a billy may not? I mean, so was… was it intentionally limited… limiting in its scope?"

"Okay. Thank you."

"The Chair recognizes the Lady from Grundy, Representative Careen Gordon."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he will."

"Representative Pritchard, is it illegal for someone to own a billy club, like in their house? Can they own it?"

"So, what this does then… and I'm actually looking at the actual text… if you have it on public property you're now violating this crime that you're creating. Is that right? You're committing the crime that you're creating? Or do you have to take it inside of the building? Like, for example, if someone just had it out here on the lawn, which is state property, and they had a billy club on them, would they be violating what you're doing?"

"So, it's just in the building. It's not on… even if it's the property… even if it's courthouse property, state property, county property, it's only inside the building."

"That's the problem." 09500249.doc 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"No. I understand that."

"Right."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure that we weren't having an intent problem. Thank you, Representative."

"The Gentleman from Knox, Representative Don Moffitt."

"Speaker yields."

"Representative Pritchard to close."

"The question is, 'Should House Bill 4206 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted to wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 23 of the Calendar, Representative Brandon Phelps has House Bill 4931. Representative Phelps, 4931? Out of the record. Representative Tryon, on page 22 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4766. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Mike Tryon."

"Is there any discussion on House Bill 4766? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 4766 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted to wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Black, on page 19 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4172. Representative Black? Bill, are you ready to roll? Yes, Mr. Black."

"Mr. Clerk."

"Okay. All right, Mr. Black."

"I'll take that Bill Out of the record for the moment."

"Representative Wait on page 27 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5954. Ron Wait, do you want to call the Bill? Out of the record. Representative Dave Winters on page 19 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4175. Dave Winters, do you… what's your pleasure on the Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Dave Winters."

Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 4175 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there’s 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional 09500249.doc 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Esther Golar on page 19 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 3653. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Esther Golar."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 3653, the Medical Malpractice Premium Assistance Fund Act. This Bill was actually originated from my community at St. Bernard Hospital looking at how they are trying to attract in underserved communities… in underserved communities to attract physicians, and for some reason or another over the years many of the hospitals in underserved communities cannot attract physicians. So, this Bill, basically, are issues that are related to malpractice coverage for physicians treating low-income patients, many of whom are uninsured. They continue to impact the ability the of our hospitals to attract and maintain physicians, given the liability physicians face for medical malpractice suits. I ask that you support today House Bill 3653. It will assist those physicians practicing in low-income areas in paying for the escalating costs of malpractice insurance. Additionally, the House Amendment #1 to this Bill provides for the Medical School Loan Repayment Act which will also encourage and support physicians who opt to practice in the inner city and other low-income areas, knowing their incomes will be less. It is off this amount in the repayment for those physicians that decide to come to the hospitals. They 09500249.doc 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 will sign up a contractual agreement in their application for two (2) to three (3) years, no more than five (5) years, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per year. This is a great Bill. And in… I had said it yesterday, in Representative Rose's area, I amended the Bill also to apply to rural areas with a population of less than twenty thousand (20,000). I'll be happy to answer any questions."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Rosemary Mulligan."

"She indicates she will."

"It would go to the loan."

"That is correct."

"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."

"Indicates she will."

"I amended it when?"

"No, I did not. Not yesterday. The Amendment was accepted yesterday, adopted in the House. Yes, if that’s you question."

"That’s correct. That's correct."

“Floor Amendment…”

"It has nothing to do with it."

"Not in the term of what the Bill is supposed to be for, but it is to attract because of the medical malpractice, Representative, physicians to the hospital. Right now, we're not the… these hospitals that are… have very low- income, underserved communities cannot attract because of the medical malpractice costs. So, this will attract them into these hospitals that are having those issues.”

"That's not the intent of the Bill, Representative."

"That's not the intent of the Bill.” 09500249.doc 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"That is correct."

"No. The Medical Malpractice Fund, Representative… There is a special fund that is already on the books that when these particular physicians are interested in this particular area to come into underserved communities, they fill out the paperwork and that… those moneys will be deducted from their school loans."

"Yes, but they fill out an application, Representative and if the application is accepted they will get the loan."

"No, no. I know that, Representative. They have to apply. It's an application process."

“That is correct.”

"Well, according to the information that I have, and I have seen the application, that the physician only has to fill out the paperwork and if it is approved based on the paperwork, that they will get the funding. Now, maybe I need to change the language in the Bill.”

"I appreciate that, Representative."

"Thank you."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage, Representative Patti Bellock."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative David Miller."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"She indicates she will."

"I may not have heard this in debate earlier. Does this Bill pertain… excuse me… pertain to just rural areas or it could be urban areas, too?"

"It is… was the original intent for the urban areas and Representative Rose sits on that committee and he asked that I look at the rural areas and I amended the Bill for the rural areas, also."

"Can you speak up just a touch?"

"It does both."

"It does both. So, there's no indication on where someone may sort… to locate. Now, are these areas of underserved or shortage areas, rather, are they dic… what are they dictated by, census count? I see here you've got, you know, a majority of residents at below 300 percent of poverty level. What could that mean? ‘Cause if… my concern is is that, for instance, in Chicago and communities that both you and I represent, if you take like my entire district, I would say the average may be higher than 300 percent, but there are certain communities that 09500249.doc 38  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 specifically, you know, have a lower income. So, what was your intention in terms of that?"

"Well, the intent of the Bill, as I talked to the different hospitals, mainly of course, St. Bernard Hospital, St. Anthony's and other hospitals of charity, that they were having issues in trying to attract the better physicians into those particular hospitals."

"I guess… I guess, just my concern, this is just a point of concern is the fact that, you know, you sort of want to make sure that practitioners practice in these underserved areas. So for instance, if an area includes, and I'll use my district as an example, Glenwood which is more affluent than Ford Heights, the… obviously, the goal is for practitioners to practice in Ford Heights which is a shortage area, but you don't want them to get the loan forgiveness incentive by practicing in Glenwood, where even though it's an adjacent community from transportation needs and others it's very difficult. I know that's probably not your intention but I just want to make sure that it is specifically targeted exactly where that community of need is. Other point, following up with a former speaker’s comments, as you envision this for a subject for appropria… subject to appropriation, a new practitioner would sign up to work in an underserved area with the commitment that that money during that period would already be in place, so it wouldn't be contingent on the possibility of funding. So for instance, if I sign up January 1, to work in an underserved area, is the intention that the funding would already be there, the commitment would be made to me that 09500249.doc 39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 they would repay the ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and then in the ensuing year if the funding was not… as our fiscal year is different, then if the funding is not there, then it's up to me whether I want to continue to practice there or go somewhere else. Is that what your… you intend?"

"That's correct."

"Okay. To the Bill. As Representative Bellock and Representative Black and others have mentioned, I think this is an excellent program. The Federal Government has done this. Usually, the incentive has been in Indian reservations, at least for initial dental practitioners in other underserved areas. And yet, we've had in the City of Chicago and downstate Illinois and other parts of our region that there have been terrific… horrendous shortage problems of people seeing health care… seeing health care providers. So, if this is a way in which we can help attract new practitioners, and part of the reason this is very important and I've said this time and time again, is that when I graduated from dental school in 1988 the average student loan that was about fifty to sixty thousand (50,000–60,000) today it's a hundred, a hundred and twenty (100,000–120,000) and it's not unheard of a student loan debt of being two hundred thousand (200,000) for those practitioners who wish to give and really treat people with their heart. So, to provide any type of incentive for any individual to practice in those areas that need and to give them a boost on their student loan is only good public policy and it meets the needs of the State of Illinois. I want to commend the Sponsor and urge a favorable vote." 09500249.doc 40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Representative Golar to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank all my colleagues for all of their encouraging words, and as I'm going through this process daily in regards to looking at the Bills and becoming more attuned to the language in the Bill, I'm sure that I will get better at it. However, I do appreciate all the… everything that has been said and if this Bill… and I'm sure that hopefully it will get passed out of the House today and it goes on to the Sponsor in the Senate, I will, in fact, take on the suggestions of Representative Black. And I urge an 'aye' vote today. Thank you."

"The question is, ‘Should House Bill 3653 pass?’ All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hannig, Rita, back row. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 114 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no', 1 Member voting ‘present’. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Representative Debbie Graham. For what reason do you rise, Ma'am?”

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed."

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'd like for you to help me acknowledge a group of young people who have come down for their lobby day here in Springfield. Bob Fuller has brought down the City Year Youth Group. It's an organization of young people that go out and volunteer and 09500249.doc 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 tutor and help with after school programs throughout the city and other parts of the state. Please join me in giving them a warm welcome. They're right here behind us. Stand up and give them a warm welcome."

"Representative Sandy Cole, for what reason do you seek recognition? Representative Beaubien, is this a joint effort?"

"Representative Sandy Cole."

Speaker Lyons: "The Journal will so reflect. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman… Representative Beaubien."

"The Journal will so reflect. Representative Chapin Rose, you have House Bill 5907. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Gentleman from Champaign, Representative Chapin Rose."

Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Debbie Graham."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"He indicates he will."

"Representative, can you explain to me again what this piece of legislation does?"

"So, you're saying that if you have an accident and… who's reviewing what the damages are? ‘Cause you don't necessarily know that when the accident takes place that you have damages that are, you know, less than five hundred dollars ($500).”

“Because some things can be hidden and you don't necessarily see it. So, how do we… how does this legislation help that?"

"So, what happens… just a… just a little bit of inquiry. So, what happens if there's an accident and based on what is seen at the scene of the accident that it appears that this accident is less than five hundred dollars ($500), but when the person goes to get it fixed and there wasn't a report done, then what happens?"

"Thank you, Representative."

"Representative Rose to close."

"The question is, ‘Should House Bill 5907 pass?’ All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there’s 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Cindy Soto for the purpose of announcement."

"Yes. Thank you… for a point of personal privilege. Thank you, Speaker. I'd like your attention. I'd like to recognize a high school here to my left. It's called Clemente High School and they’re in my district. Can we give them a round of applause?"

Speaker Lyons: "Welcome to Springfield. She has a second announcement, Mr. Clerk so…"

"A second announcement. And to my left, I'd like to recognize Northeastern University. Thank you for being here, everyone."

"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Bellock, for what purpose do you seek recognition?" 09500249.doc 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Please proceed, Representative."

"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Black, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Majority Leader Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker. I object to the Gentleman's Motion."

"Mr. Black."

"Gentleman from Jackson, Representative Bost on the Motion."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang on the Motion." 09500249.doc 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that some people believe this is an important issue, but we do have rules in this Body. The rules require, Mr. Speaker, that there be unanimous consent to discharge the Rules Committee. Representative Currie is within her rights to make her comment, which is she objects; therefore, we do not have unanimous consent. This is a rule of the Illinois House of Representatives. I would suggest we move on."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Black has made a Motion to Discharge House Bill 6318. Those in favor of the Motion Should vote 'yes'; those opposed should vote 'no'. The voting… the vot… there has been a request for a Roll Call vote. So, the Motion stands to discharge House Bill 6318. All those in favor vote 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Durkin, Franks. Representative Franks. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Motion, there are 50 'yeas', 64 'noes'. And the Motion fails. Chair recognizes Representative Black."

"For a point of personal privilege, the Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Rock Island, Representative Mike Boland."

"Thank… thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like the House to acknowledge and really congratulate, we have nineteen (19) students and their teachers from Blackhawk College, the 09500249.doc 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 adult education program and English as a secondary language are from eleven (11) countries. Welcome to Springfield."

"Welcome to Springfield. Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Connie Howard. For what reason do you rise, Representative?"

"I rise on a point of personal privilege."

"Please proceed, Representative."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, a group representing the Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Women are visiting us here in the Capitol. They're here to talk about with us health care, immigration issues, and violence against women. Please help me to welcome them to Springfield."

"Welcome to Springfield. Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Dave Winters. For what purpose do you rise, Representative?"

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lou Lang."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, first let me say, I don't think the Gentleman’s got such a bad Bill. Next, let me say, that his comments regarding the Democratic Party and the Gross Receipts Tax may be misplaced since that Bill lost on this House Floor 107 to 0. So, I think that was kind of an unfair comment. So despite the fact that I think the Gentleman may have a good Bill, this Bill is in the Rules Committee and we have rules in this chamber, Mr. Speaker. And the rules say that if someone wants to discharge the Rules Committee they need a unanimous vote and I object to the Gentleman's Motion."

"The question is, there's a Motion to Discharge House Bill 4916. And there’s been has been a request within their rights to a vote by… by a registered vote. So those who are in favor of the Motion vote 'yes'; those who are opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this, there are 53 Members voting 'yes', 59 Members voting 'no'. The Motion fails. Mr. Clerk, on page 27 of the Calendar, Representative Joyce has House Bill 6302. Ready to go, Mr. Joyce? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Kevin Joyce."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 6302 would require the Cook County assessor to reassess all properties in Cook County by October of 2008. All residential properties in Cook County by 2008. Many of you downstate colleagues, collar county colleagues were very supportive of us, that live in Cook County, last year in passing the 7 percent short-term solution. What has happened is many of these assessments, because they are done on a triannual basis, have been done three (3) years ago, two (2) years ago when the housing market and the value of homes was much higher than it is today. So people, in essence, are paying an unfair property tax based on a value of a home which is not there today. This is a start to continue the conversation to find a more 09500249.doc 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 permanent long-term solution for the property tax system in Cook County. I would be happy to answer any questions and appreciate an 'aye' vote."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Paul Froehlich."

"Yes. Would the Sponsor yield for a question."

"He indicates he will."

"Representative Joyce, I think the reason we have a triannual instead of an annual reassessment is the… just the sheer number of properties in this county. I think there's over a million (1,000,000) residential properties in Cook County. If… Since the assessor normally does a third of those a year, I'm just… can you explain how you think they'll be able to handle doing all of them in one (1) year."

"Well, they… they obviously would have to do twice as many as they normally will do and maybe more than that, but right now the group that is up right now for 2008, I believe is the north suburbs… I'm sorry… the southwest and south suburban suburbs. So, Chicago and the north suburbs would have to be reassessed as opposed to the 2005 value that was placed on them. Obviously, there's factoring that could be involved; there is a whole host of options. They could send more appraisers out on the street; they could send more surveyors out on the street and obviously, it will require extra work from the assessor’s office. But we're trying to capture a true value of properties today."

"Well, I mean, actually if they… if it were feasible for them to do it annually, then maybe what we ought to be 09500249.doc 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 doing is… is providing for annual assessments the way all the other counties do. I'm just… I'm just a little wary whether they have the capacity to… to do, you know, a million (1,000,000) in one (1) year. And people can already appeal their assessments each year. I mean, you're aware of people… homeowners already have the avenue to appeal not only with the assessor but with the county board of review. In my area, people are… that window’s open right now, but each year people who think their overassessed can appeal their assessment."

"That's… that's true. That's true. You do have that right to do that. But the owner… the ownership is put… I mean, the onerous (sic-onus) is put on the owner of the property, the resident. That is not what should be taking place and again, this is part of a bigger picture to hopefully get to an annual assessment like every other county in the state, hopefully get to a situation where it is not their responsibility of the owner of that property to go and say, guess what, Mr. Assessor, I am overtaxed. My value is not accurate according to your assessment. It should not be… have to be the responsibility and if we were doing this on an annual basis, if there are… is potential for other reforms, we still have to come up with a long-term solution. The 7 percent solution is not a permanent fix. When we first started it six (6) years ago seven (7) years ago now, or six (6)… six (6) years ago, we said… the assessor of Cook County said this is not a permanent fix. We need it for three (3) years to come up with a permanent fix. Then he spent the last three (3) years, up until this 09500249.doc 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 past year, trying to get an extension on that and approving a increase in the cap… on the cap.”

“Right.”

“And we are going to be in the same position a year and a half from now.”

“True.”

“This Body… and this… this will help make the assessor do the assessor’s job and not the Legislature do the assessor’s job."

"Well, I supported the 7 percent cap as well. I'm just wondering, I mean, I think I know what your intent is as far as helping people get an assessment that's accurate for today. But I mean do you think it's possible in parts of the county the new assessment might actually be higher than the current one at which would result in a property tax hike. In other words, there may be some neighborhoods where there's still some appreciation, even though homes are selling more slowly and if they get a reassessment this year instead of two (2) years from now that's higher than their current one, this could result in higher property taxes for some homeowners."

"Well, first… first of all, I don't think that's possible based on when the… the assessments were done. We were at an all-time high value in the communities in which I represent and probably many of the other people that are from Cook County represent. And we have seen drastic drops, a complete standstill in sales in the marketplace and I don't see how that's possible."

"Thank you." 09500249.doc 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative John Fritchey. Representative Fritchey. The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Lake, Representative Sullivan."

"Indicates he will."

"Nope, he's an opponent."

"I don't."

"That would mean that they have a hundred (100) doing it right now?"

"Well, I don't think they have a hundred (100) doing it right now, so I don't how it would be two hundred (200)."

Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Elaine Nekritz. Elaine?"

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Sponsor yields."

"Representative, this is for to reassess all the residential property?"

"That's correct." 09500249.doc 63  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"What… and… and assuming that there's been some market shift in both residential and commercial property, what does this do… I mean, it's all about… when we assess and then levy, it's all about your slice of the pie. It’s… this is… so this is not done in a vacuum, doesn't that change sort of the slice of the pie that residential pays versus commercial and I don't know what impact that has, but it seems to me that with only doing one (1) segment of it, it might throw the whole thing out… a little bit out of whack."

"Well, I mean, I'm looking to get fair and equitable for homeowners and residential properties and as far as what we have historically dealt with in the Legislature on this issue, the 7 percent dealt with residential properties and that's… that's who I'm going after with, you know, and with regard to the previous speaker talking about, you know, chasing businesses out and things like that, you know. I don't think it leads to that, you know, and his votes previously, he’s been supportive… has not been supportive of any kind of reform in Cook County property tax."

"So, let me… what… do you have any idea of what it would take in order to do the ent… all of it, I mean, how much more it would take to do all of the… all the business properties as well?"

"I… I'm not… I'm not opposed to that. I know that's something that the Chamber mentioned in committee, I'm not opposed to that, I'm not opposed to an Amendment like that. What I would like to see is see this conversation pushed forward so that we're not all sitting here two (2) years from now, a year and a half from now saying, oh my gosh, 09500249.doc 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 we're in big trouble. We need to extend the 7 percent because these people are falling off and let's get something that's fair and equitable. Let's make sure it's a true market value and that our taxes are based upon the true market value not something that was explosive three (3) years ago at the highest market in the history of communities like mine and now it's 10 to 15 to 20 percent lower."

"And I I… understand that. My concern is that… that because those prices have gone down and I don't… and it is again all about, you know, what's your slice of the pie if the commercial isn't included in that then it's still a skewed picture of what values are and what the relative values are in Cook County. Thank…"

"And I'm open to that."

"Okay. Thank you."

"The Gentleman from DuPage, Representative Bob Biggins."

Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Barbara Flynn Currie."

"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. I think just to clarify a reason for not including the businesses in this proposal is that many businesses are pretty sophisticated and they have lawyers and they do appeal. Many homeowners either don't know they have the opportunity, don't quite know how to do it. The expense of schlepping downtown and figuring out the rules of the game is such that it's really a burden on homeowners, whereas the business community, I think, has other options. So while the Bill might have been more inclusive than it is, I don't think 09500249.doc 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 that the business community is likely to be sufficiently harmed if we do pass, as I hope we will, House Bill 6302."

"The Gentleman from Williamson, Representative John Bradley." Bradley, J.: "…the Bill. To the Bill. I just want to commend the Sponsor, Representative Joyce, for his tireless efforts on behalf of taxpayers in his area and I think this is maybe not a perfect solution, but a step in the right direction. And I'm going to support this Bill wholeheartedly. And I wanted to thank Representative Joyce for bringing this in front of the Body."

"Representative Joyce to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I appreciate everybody's comments, concerns and again I would like to pass this Bill so that we can move this discussion forward so that we can make sure that we have fair and equitable tax… taxes in Cook County. And so that it does not become the burden of the Legislature every three (3) years to pass the perceived bailout or the 7 percent Bill every three (3) years and let… make sure the assessor of Cook County is responsible for doing fair and equitable assessments of residential homeowners. Thank you."

"The question is, 'Should House Bill 6302 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Pritchard, Sacia, Kieth Sommer? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 79 Members 09500249.doc 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 voting 'yes', 32 voting 'no', 2 voting 'present'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Gary Hannig in the Chair."

"Representative Howard, you're recognized on House Resolution 850."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues in the General Assembly, House of Representatives, House Resolution 850 urges the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee and the United States Postmaster General to honor the ‘Nisei’, who fought bravely against the Japanese during World War II, with a U.S. postage stamp in their honor. After being treated as enemies, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, ‘Nisei’ or second generation Japanese-Americans fought to prove their loyalties to this nation by entering the U.S. Army. The bravery of thousands of ‘Nisei’ is well-documented with such units as the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the military intelligence unit. Their acts of sacrifice and valor exhibited by these men are worthy of the greatest respect and must not be forgotten by future generations. I ask for your support."

Speaker Hannig: "Mr. Clerk, what's the status of the Resolution?"

"So, is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Resolution say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Arroyo, you have House Bill 4393. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Arroyo."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 4393 prohibits multiple sales of handguns to individuals within thirty (30) days prior. It also closes loopholes regulating transfers, not just sales of handguns. This Bill is only part of a three (3)-part effort to reduce handguns and violent crimes. I want to see antigun programs expanded in the schools, on the streets, but a significant percentage of handguns used in violent crimes have been part of a multiple sale. This would reduce the possibility of strawman purchases. This tactic is different than stopping the supply of handguns to terrorists is Iraq. Limiting the purchase of products in the name of public safety is not new. We have done… we have done it with liquor sales, wine shipments in House Bill 429. Representatives opposed to my Bill were happy to support House Bill 429, but… but it's the same thing. This Bill does not stop legal firearm dealers or legal firearm collectors. This Bill is not about rifles or shotguns. Handguns are used in over 75 percent of firearms of… homicides. These violent crimes are not just a big city problem, this happens in Rockford, Peoria, Danville, and in Mt. Vernon, and right here in Springfield. I feel strongly about stopping the violence. This is a statewide problem. The people of Illinois are looking to the General Assembly to do something about it. I need your support in passing this Bill today. I'm open for questions."

Speaker Hannig: "We're going to put this on the Order of Standard Debate, which means we'll have three (3) speakers 09500249.doc 69  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 on each side. Representative… Representative Reis, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"In… inherited is exempted."

"Yes, you can. This only affects if you're purchasing more than one (1) handgun a month."

"Well, we're trying to stop the flow of guns that coming into the city."

"Right… right. Well, it still reduces the amount of guns coming in. Right now, you can buy up to two or three hundred (200 or 300) and then all of a sudden lose them and then you could be selling them out of the back trunk of a 09500249.doc 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 car. And there's a lot of kids dying in the schools right now in our districts, in the City of Chicago… 20 percent of all handguns recovered are based on the straw purchasers."

"No. It's not."

"No… Yes, it is. I'm sorry. It's illegal to buy the handgun."

"The restriction says that you could only buy one (1) handgun every month. I mean, it still stop…"

"Well, we're trying to stop the amount of guns that are coming. Straw purchases, straw sales."

"I… I didn't hear your question. Somebody was talking in my ear. Could you repeat that, please?"

"I don't think so, no. Right now you could buy fifty (50), sixty (60) guns. If you buy one gun a month, I think that'll stop from buying fifty (50) or sixty (60) guns. I mean, that's the straw purchase we're talking about. It's not talking about hunting, it's not talking about rifles, it's not talking about anything else. A handgun."

"No. You could… you could… if you could buy a handgun in a show, you could by an antique gun, you could buy a collector's item, you could buy it. This is just regular handguns. If you get a certificate from a police officer, from State Police, that you go to an estate sale you could buy all these big, you know, sale guns you want."

"You can't… it can…"

"No, it's still one (1) hand a month. One (1) handgun a month, two (2) if you're married."

"Right. Right."

"Representative Osterman, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. There will be a number of issues brought before this Body this Session dealing with gun violence and it is an issue that always is divisive amongst geographic Members of our state. People need to understand that our state is going through an epidemic of gun violence and some people may say that that is your problem, but Ladies and Gentlemen, it is our problem."

"I'd ask for our visitors in the gallery please to refrain from any demonstrations while we debate these Bills. Representative Osterman."

"Thank you. Illinois children are dying and they’re dying in classroom, they’re dying in front of schools, 09500249.doc 73  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 they’re dying in the shelter of their homes and if we are able to do reasonable things that will protect them, we should do that. It does not have to be a divisive issue, it does not have to be a geographic issue or a political issue. It's a public health issue. What the Sponsor of this legislation is trying to do is come up with a measure that would try to prevent the overflow of guns to parts of our state. Problems that have affected Chicago are springing up throughout our state and if you haven't had those problems yet, then you're blessed. But there are suburban areas that are facing these issues now. What this Bill will do, if you look at the Bill, will simply say that someone cannot purchase more than one (1) handgun a month. Does not say rifle, shotgun, and for that matter, semiautomatic weapon. It says handguns. Tens of thousands of handguns are taken off the street each year. They are the choice weapons along with semiautomatic weapons to kill and maim Illinois residents and children. This also has a provision in it that says if you have to have more than one (1) gun, handgun in a month, that you have a mechanism by which to request from State Police the ability to do that. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a reasonable measure. These issues are ones that we have to look at together. And I stand in strong support."

"Representative Mike Bost."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Well, this is a Illinois law."

"I don't know what it does in Indiana."

"No. You could buy… you could buy both of those guns if they’re collectors. You go get a certificate from the State Police and they'll… you're able to buy it."

"Right…"

"Representative, this is the Illinois Legislature. I'm not concerned about what goes on in Ill… in Indiana. This Bill is only to Illinois."

"Absolutely."

"Well, that's a chance you have to take to go to Indiana and purchase a gun there and then bring it back here."

"Yes."

"Representative, how many guns does it take to protect your house?"

"What district… what district do you live in, Representative?"

"115th District. Okay."

"You're probably right, I don't know where that's at."

"Your request is acknowledged, Representative."

"Representative Graham, you have 5 minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I stand here today in strong support of 4393 and I stand here today disappointed in some of the remarks of my colleagues, who have made this piece of legislation a laughing matter. In the City of Chicago, the total is rising of the number of youth who have been cut down by gunfire. And every year… every day we come down here to the General Assembly and we support different parts of this state on a number of issues that just support downstate colleagues. And to come here and to say the issues that we have in our city is not important, I'm upset about that. I'm disappointed because when you had a problem with methamphetamine and all those other issues, you stream… you came here and you brought legislation and we adhered to what you wanted to do to protect your coll… your constituent base in downstate. We understand that we live in two (2) different parts of the state and I understand that you teach your children how to hunt and handle handguns. We don't have that same opportunity in the city. We face an epidemic that is growing so wildly that we're here asking you for your support. And to make fun and play games, games of trickery, when lives are at stake I'm very disappointed in that. I understand that you guys have your opinions on how you feel 09500249.doc 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 about handguns and I respect how you feel about them. This piece of legislation does not take away handguns from responsible handgun owners. It simply just does not do that. It is asking for you guys to help us to slow down the process of handguns making it into the City of Chicago and other parts of the state who are experiencing problems such as we're experiencing. Are you telling me to just go find some other solution? I'm here seeking a solution from this Body on this day to help us to stop senseless gun violence in the City of Chicago and to make light of that and to play games with that I'm just in disbelief this afternoon. Sometimes you can put down politics and hear our sensitive cry for help and answer that cry. I understand that you guys have a dis… a problem with this, but to make games out of it, I'm disappointed. So, I stand today in full support of my colleague’s Bill and I'm asking you guys to put aside some of the passions that you have for the ownership of handguns just to hear what we have to say. These people have come down here to hear us discuss a topic that is near and dear to their hearts. The youth in our city are falling rapidly and we're asking you for a sensitive, reasonable ear to hear what we have to say. I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Representative Winters."

"We've now had three (3) speak on each side, very well and so, the Chair will now recognize Representative Arroyo to close." 09500249.doc 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. I did not expect this convene everywhere… convince everyone to vote for this Bill. But we must remember that we act not just for our home district, but for the whole State of Illinois. This may be a har… a hard Bill to support of some, but our job is not about taking the easy way. This Bill may be an inconvenience for some, but it's import… it's important part of our work to stop senseless killings in our schools, in our… and in our neighborhoods. Our constituents are not opposed to these reasonable limits, 81 percent of Americans favor this limit. I get letters and e-mails about gun laws. Now, I have experience. I desire to be… to buy more than one (1) handgun per month, more than twelve (12) guns a month. This Bill will reduce the illegal traffic of handguns. It’s already has in… in other states. You may have other ways to reduce handgun violence. I want to hear about your ideas. I am also working on a program for schools and a program for parents and neighborhoods. No one… no one here has all the answers. Today this is a part of our… of my answer for me. I ask for an 'aye' vote. Thank you very much."

"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? Representative Rose, Riley, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Representative, do you request Postponed Consideration?”

“I do.” 09500249.doc 81  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

“So, Clerk, the Gentleman requests Postponed Consideration. And under the rules it's granted. Representative Ramey, are you seeking recognition? Are you… Okay. We're going to go to the Order of Second Reading. Representative Biggins, you have House Bill 4877. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Biggins."

"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Third Reading. Representative Collins, you have House Bill 1518. Out of the record. Representative Colvin, you have House Bill 5311. Shall we read that on Second? Second to Third, Representative? No. Out of the record. Representative Crespo on House Bill 5731. Out of the record. Representative Fortner on House Bill 5186. Out of the record. Representative Hoffman on House Bill 5157. Out of the record. Representative Jefferies on House Bill 09500249.doc 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 4513. Out of the record. Representative McCarthy on House Bill 4694. Out of the record. Representative McCarthy, how about House Bill 5200? 5200? Out of the record. Representative Reboletti on House Bill 5592. Shall we move that from Second to Third? Out of the record. Representative Stephens on House Bill 4625. Out of the record. Representative Turner on House Bill 4385. Out of the record. Representative Acevedo, you have House Bill 5125. Out of the record. Representative Beaubien on House Bill 4454. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Beaubien."

"There any discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Third Reading. Representative Berrios on House Bill 5687. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk. No, excuse me. Out of the record. Representative Biggins on House Bill 4699. Representative Biggins Shall we read this Bill? Out of the record. Representative Black on House Bill 4164. Representative Black, do you wish us to read this on Second? Okay. So, out of the record. Representative Crespo on House Bill 4470. Out of the record. Representative Dugan on House Bill 4921. Shall we Read this Bill on Second? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Third Reading. Representative Flowers on House Bill 5865. Out of the record. Representative Jefferson on House Bill 5611. Representative Jefferson. Out of the record. Representative Mendoza on House Bill 4943. Shall we read this on Second? Want to move it from Second to Third? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Mendoza, you're recognized on Amendment #2."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment #2 eliminates the fifty dollar ($50) application fee that would go to the 09500249.doc 84  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 application agent. I would ask for approval of the Amendment."

"Is there any discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Hello. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Floor Amendment #3 simply clarifies that this Bill is pertaining to only day and labor service agencies, as defined in the Labor Act, and does not apply to all private businesses. Would ask for your approval."

"On the Amendment, the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"It removes all opposition. Yes."

"Is there any further discussion? Then all in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Meyer, Jim Meyer, you have House Bill 4629. Out of the record. Representative McGuire on House Bill 4811. Excuse me, 4814. 09500249.doc 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 4814, Representative McGuire. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Third Reading. Representative Miller on House Bill 5213. Representative Miller? Representative Miller? Do you wish us to read this Bill on Second? Shall we read this Bill on Second? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"My mistake, Representative Miller. So, we'll have to hold the Bill on Second. Representative Mulligan on House Bill 5928. Out of the record. So, I didn't see you, Rosemary. Did you wish us to read that Bill? House Bill 5928. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Third Reading. Representative Munson on House Bill 5584. Representative Munson. Out of the record. Representative Osmond on House Bill 4207. Representative Osmond. Okay. So, we'll hold that, waiting for an Amendment. Out of the record. Representative Rita on House Bill 5308. Out of the record. Representative Rose on House Bill 5908. Representative Rose. Okay. Out of the record. 09500249.doc 86  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Representative Saviano on House Bill 4762. Out of the record. Representative Verschoore on House Bill 5399. You wish us to read the Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Verschoore, you're recognized on the Amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen. What this Amendment does, when I had it in committee I have a school district or two (2) school districts as one (1) a merge, Westmer/Aledo, and the smaller district population- wise was concerned that they would not have representation or there might not get their people elected to the school board and have representation because the way the law is now it's by… at… at-large and the Aledo School District is much larger. So, what this Amendment does is, it allows them to, for the election after the merger, they would elect three (3) from the… one (1)… three (3) from each district and one (1) at-large. After that election it would go back to the all at-large. The other thing it would do is make the Bill effective immediately. And I think that's all the Amendment does. And I'd ask for concurrence."

"The Gentleman moves for the adoption of the Amendment. And on that question, the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy." 09500249.doc 87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

Speaker Hannig: "All in favor of the Amendment say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments?"

"Third Reading. Representative Younge, you're recognized on House Bill 4935. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Out of the record. We're going to return to the Order of House Bills-Third Reading. We'll start at the begging of the alphabet with Representative Aceve… or sorry… Representative Bellock on House Bill 4869. Do you wish us to read that? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Bellock."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then 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. Okay. Did you get… did Representative Brady get recorded? Mr. Brady… Representative Brady is here in his seat. Mr. Clerk, could we… Okay. So, have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Beiser, you have House Bill 4692. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Beiser."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill cleans up a Bill that was passed and signed into law in August of ’07, which is about portability between pension funds. This deals with the IMRF and the downstate police. Basically, the wording was… there was some artic… there's wording problems with 09500249.doc 89  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 less than eight (8) years, we're changing it to up to eight (8) years. We're changing a effective date for the window from January 1 of '08, which of course, we've passed to January 1, ‘09. And the other part… the reason this caused some confusion because the words ‘less than eight (8) years’ and in a police vesting there were those that, previous to the change in the police… Downstate Police Act, weren't vested until ten (10) years, now they're vested after eight (8) years. So, this allows more people to access those pen… the IMRF, if they were in downstate police. Be happy to answer any questions."

"Is there any discussion? The Gentlemen from Bond, Representative Stephens."

"Yes. 46…"

"I apologize, Representative, you are right."

"I… I grabbed the wrong folder. I had the two (2) of them…"

"No. Because that one we… that I described, in error, has some more work to be done. Although, you know what, I did get my debate down for that, didn't I, a little bit."

"Okay."

"Yeah. Why don't we… Yeah. Why don't we do that."

"Thank you, Representative. I apologize to Members of the General Assembly."

"So, we'll give you 5 minutes and we can start over, Representative Beiser."

"First do over. 4692 is very easy. It's a… another prisoner notification Bill. It talks with notifying by certified mail. The Prisoner Review Board did notice a couple of changes and that's why we had the Amendments. Basically, talking to the fact that this only should be in cases of parole hearings, not for those changes where they would have a… talk as far as the… keeping them in for a longer period or their… like that. So, this only is for parole hearings and that was at the request of the Prisoner Review Board and it's by certified mail. So, I'd be happy to answer any questions about the correct Bill that we have before us."

"Is there any discussion? The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Molaro."

"I just want to state for the record that we should make it on the record that Representative Stephens caught that and it shows that he's paying attention and that a suitable copy be delivered to every member in his district to show that he's hard at work. That was a nice catch by you, Representative. You should be very proud of yourself."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. 09500249.doc 91  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Ford, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Boland, you have House Bill 5006. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Boland."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What House Bill 5006 does is provides that restrictions on the use of neighborhood vehicles don't prohibit them from crossing at an intersection with a highway, road, or street. Right now, it's just a road or street."

"The Gentlemen moves for the passage of House Bill 5006. Is there any discussion? Then 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? Representative May, Colvin, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Bradley, you have House Bill 5323. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Bradley." 09500249.doc 92  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Bradley, J.: "Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that would clarify a situation with the law to make sure it's clear that the prevailing wage would apply to demolition projects. There was an issue that came up and this would resolve that issue. Would ask for an 'aye' vote."

"This is on the Order of Short debate. Does anyone stand in response? The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Winters."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Any further discussion? The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."

"He indicates he'll yield."

"Representative Bradley to close." Bradley, J.: "Representative Black, I got an answer to your question. It's only… it's only on bid work; it's not on in- house work. So, the example of an in-house municipality that was doing tear downs would not be impacted by that. And if you want to stand up and announce your support of it based upon that I'll ask them to turn your button back on. I think this is a clarification. Obviously, the legislative process is not perfect, but we do have the opportunity, unlike some other professions, where when something doesn't 09500249.doc 99  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 go the way we think it ought to go that we can go back and fix it. And this is an attempt to fix a lack of clarity in the law and to provide clarity and make it clear that on bid projects where construction is involved that demolition would be covered under the prevailing wage. And I would ask for an 'aye' vote."

"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? Representative Schock, Meyer, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 91 voting 'yes', and 23 voting 'no'. And this Bill having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Brosnahan, you have House Bill 5059. Out of the record. Representative Burke, you have House Bill 5363. Out of the record. Representative Brady on House Bill 4252. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from McLean, Representative Brady."

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. And in response, the Gentleman from McHenry, Representative Franks."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Representative, I'm looking at the… our analysis and it indicates that the findings would have to be reported to the superintendent of the school district where the report is made. Correct?"

"Today, in the paper in McHenry County it came out that allegations that one of the local school superintendents had taken two (2) sixteen-year-old girls across the state line 09500249.doc 101  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 to Wisconsin to a hotel. They were found by police and according to the newspaper they were smoking marijuana, various states of undress and watching pornographic movies. Would it be better that the report would go possibly to a… maybe a regional superintendent of school? I'd be concerned where we have… where our superintendent could be the police officer… or could be the one policing when he also or she could also be the one under investigation."

"Oh, I think it's a good Bill."

"I just want to make sure that it works as we intended it 'cause often, as you know, when we write stuff we don't anticipate every option that might happen and this… I read about this last night and saw it today and… so think about it…"

"…and if it needs to be amended, we could do it in the Senate, but thank you."

"The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."

"Representatives Brady to close."

"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? Have all voted who wish? Representative Jefferies and Collins, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared 09500249.doc 104  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 passed. Representative D'Amico on House Bill 5093. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Cook, Representative D'Amico."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill is an initiative of the State Police. Basically, what it… it's tightening up a Bill that we had passed previously. If you call up and make a complaint against a police officer that you… they will be able to prosecute you if you are lying about the complaint. That's basically what the Bill does. I'll answer any questions."

"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? The Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Black."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Correct."

"Right. If they're out and out lying…"

"…trying to make something up. This was an initiative… basically, this first Bill was run. I had a constituent of mine that was a state trooper and somebody was calling up 09500249.doc 105  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 making these false complaints and you used to be able to do it anonymously and now this Bill you have to call up, you have to file an affidavit, it has to be legit and not… but one of the things that we did not include in there was if somebody was called up actually telling a lye."

"So that's why we're doing this."

"I don't understand. What are you…"

"The State Police."

"Yes."

"Though an internal investigation."

"That's correct."

"Right. They're just…"

"…just able to."

"Thank you."

"Representative Miller."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he'll yield."

"Just a quick follow-up question. This does not indicate any penalty for… it's still up to judicial discretion: A) whether to charge somebody with falsifying a statement, is that correct? Is that the…"

"That's correct. There is no penalty right now. It will be up to the state's attorney and the judge."

"And so you're not… but this simply… what does this sort of simply does? I mean what…"

"Basically, what it's trying to do… again, we passed a Bill last year. You used to be able to call up and make a complaint against a police officer anonymously. So basically if a state trooper pulled you over for a speeding ticket you might have been upset about that and you might of gone home and called up and made some type… made some story up about a state trooper."

"Right. Mmm mmm."

"We passed a Bill that you could no longer do that, but in doing that, there was no way for them to go after somebody if they were caught telling a lie about this state trooper. So now, if they are, they're at least able to go after them and prosecute them."

"Okay. And as far as what if… what if the complaint is justified against the state trooper, it still has no… no bearings and so…?" 09500249.doc 107  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Oh, no. There… Well, this… that’s a whole another issue.

"Okay."

"If the complaint you're making against the state trooper is actually true, that's something totally different."

"Okay. Something different… doesn’t affect… Okay."

"Yeah."

"Thanks for the clarity, Representative."

"The Lady from Will, Representative Kosel."

"I'm sorry I can't… I can't hear your question."

"Well, I don't think you'd be in trouble for having a different point of view. I mean, this is strictly targeted for people that are out and out lying…"

"…about something that happened with the police officer."

"Representative D'Amico to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just request an 'aye' vote."

"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? Representative Lyons, Mautino, Pihos, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Eddy, you have House Bill 4700. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Eddy."

"This is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? Then 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? Representative Patterson, Nekritz, Mautino, Howard, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Feigenholtz, you're recognized on House Bill 4745. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Speaker Hannig: "The Lady from Cook, Representative Feigenholtz."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4745 allows… it amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and currently brings us into compliance with a changed federal guideline from the DEA. I would be glad to answer any questions."

"This Bill is on Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? The Gentleman… In response? Okay. Then 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? Representative Cultra, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes', and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared 09500249.doc 110  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 passed. Representative Flider, you have House Bill 5142. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill. Excuse me, Mr. Clerk, that's out of the record. Representative Ford, you have House Bill 4613. Representative Ford. Out of the record. Representative Golar, on House Bill 4913. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Lady from Cook, Representative Golar."

"Mr. Speaker, would you please hold that Bill on Second, please?"

"Okay. So, Mr. Clerk, let's return this to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. And Representative Graham, you have House Bill 731. Do you wish us to read that Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Representative Graham."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 731 deals with if you have a minor in your home under the age of eighteen (18) and you own a handgun, it speaks to the way that we're suggesting that you store the handgun in a lockbox or a trigger lock. The current law states that if you have a child in your home under the age of fourteen (14) that you can store a gun in a house in a lockbox, in a trigger lock… with a trigger lock, or any other reasonable place. This Bill seeks to remove 'any other reasonable place'. I'll answer any questions at this time." 09500249.doc 111  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Why don't we put it on Standard Debate. And Representative Bost, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"Say it again?"

"We're saying under the age of eighteen (18)."

"My legislation proposes under the age of eighteen (18)."

"Yes."

"It says if you have a child in your home under the age of eighteen (18), they're asking you to store the gun in a lockbox or with a trigger lock."

"This piece of legislation exempts anyone… any child that has the permission of their parent to handle or deal with the handguns in their home. This piece of legislation does not take away that opportunity for families of, in 09500249.doc 112  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 particularly downstate, who have given their children permission to handle the handgun, this does not deal with that. It does not take away that opportunity."

"How do I what?"

"I… I didn't hear what you said."

"If something would happen or if something that would draw the policemen to your home, that would be, you know, the only way, I guess, it would be if something happened in your home and you had, you know, handgun in your home and a child under the age of eighteen (18), if something happened then you would bear the responsibility of that."

"Representative Bost, this is an attempt to prevent any of those tragedies from happening. This is an effort to present… prevent exactly what you're talking about."

"If you remember, Representative, if I may."

"If you remember, there was a sporadic number of accidental shootings that took place some time ago in 09500249.doc 113  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Stickney and some other parts of the state that this piece of legislation would have been very helpful, had it been in place. And…"

"Yeah."

"We're not doing that, Representative."

"This is… this is an honest attempt for law-abiding citizens who want to protect minors in their homes under the age of eighteen (18). This does not take away handguns out of anyone's home. It doesn't do any of that. It's just simply removing 'any other reasonable place' out of the law. That's all it does. That's all it does."

Speaker Hannig: "The Gentleman from Bond, Representative Stephens."

"She indicates she'll yield."

"I'm sorry, Representative. Can you restate your question?"

"Accidents happen all the time and I thought it was very responsible seeing that we've had a lot of tragedies in the area in which I live in, and I thought it was just the responsible thing to do, which was raise the age from fourteen (14) to eighteen (18). And again…"

"…as I stated with the last Representative, it does not take away the opportunity for those young people that have the permission of their parents to handle those handguns."

"I just thought it was the responsible thing to do." 09500249.doc 115  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Yes."

"A lot of things, Representative. We know that people under the age of eighteen (18) make irresponsible decisions, even adults do that. So, we just wanted to make sure that we just added some level of protection… of responsibility."

"You're an adult. I guess, you would fall under something a little different."

"But… but if…"

"Thank you."

Speaker Hannig: "You're request has been acknowledged, Representative, and will be honored at the appropriate time. Representative Colvin, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Real briefly, Representative, again, can you just tell us why you are proposing this Bill?"

"This piece of legislation is being presented to prevent tragedies from happening. There were a number of tragedies in particularly in Stickney where a young man left his gun exposed where his child was able to gain access to it and consequently had taken their own lives."

"So, the Representative, two (2) speakers ago, mentioned… yeah, he took issue with the fact that this Bill had a fine. And… and… well, thank you, Representative, first of all, for your explanation. Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. Two (2) speakers ago the Representative made issue… took issue with the fine that was accompanied with this Bill, the one thousand dollars ($1,000) and from our own personal perspective that the fine is inconsequential, it doesn't matter a whole lot. I look at this Bill as a very important public safety issue on a… and I won't say a crime, but a tragedy that happens… if it happens once a year it happens too many times and that's when someone gets ahold… some child in the house finds the gun of an adult, a totally responsible adult, who didn't bother to get a lock for the 09500249.doc 117  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 gun, probably well-intentioned to, never thought his son or daughter would find the gun and kills someone inadvertently. And it probably ruins two (2) lives in a situation like that. No crime has been committed. That's why I think the fine is inconsequential, other than the fact that it would compel individuals to get these locks. To make it mandatory makes sense the same way it makes sense that we pass laws in the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago for fire detectors in… in the home. The fire department doesn't knock down anybody's door and make sure that they have a fire detector in their homes, a smoke detector in their home. The whole purpose of passing laws to mandate it is to make people do responsible things. Still, all too often we see in the City of Chicago and around this state houses burn down and people lose their lives because they didn't have a working smoke detector in the home. I think this is a real commonsense, very low threshold idea to have a safety lock on a weapon when someone… when a gun is unattended by some adult in a home. I wouldn't even see a problem if the adult was there, they chose to take it off when they were in the home. But we all know that these incidents happen when a unattended gun is in the home and there's no adult there and some child finds it, starts playing with it and a tragedy ensues. This is just a commonsense law, I think, that will prevent those tragedies from happening. It's something everyone should be doing already, but the fact that they may not be doing it, I think that we should compel them through the force of law to use these public safety… these safety devices in an effort to save lives and prevent terrible 09500249.doc 118  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 tragedies from happening. I ask for an 'aye' vote. And I appreciate the Sponsor's support and I would ask that you add me to the Bill. Thank you."

"We've now had two (2) speak on each side. And the rules provide for one (1) additional speaker on each side. Representative Miller, you're recognized for 5 minutes."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates she'll yield."

"There was a question earlier in regards to why change it from fourteen (14) to eighteen (18). I wasn't clear on what the answer was. Can you repeat that?"

"I felt that it was the responsible thing to do to raise the age from fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) considering the number of deaths that have taken place recently and in times past. It was just the responsible thing to do."

"And in terms of the fine portion of this, there is no change in that or is there or…"

"There is a…"

"I'm sorry."

"I want to say, Representative, that there may not be a change in the fine."

"In terms of the process…"

"The fine is the same if there's no bodily injury…"

"Okay."

"…but if there's a…"

"On our analysis it said the individual… if the individual violates this provision, he or she is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Is that… so let's say a child brings a 09500249.doc 119  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 gun to high school 'cause that's really… you're covering those children that are in high school pretty much more or less. Is it the intention to… and someone makes a charge… I guess, the child shouldn't have a gun in school and so is it, I guess, the law enforcement, the school that charges this or how is this process being… goes through?"

"Well, I guess, Representative, if a child would gain access to his parent's… his or her parent's handgun without their permission and had taken the gun to school and praying that no accident happened, I guess the school would probably learn from another student that his classmate had the handgun. The school would then be required to call the police and they would make the appropriate arrest."

"And how would you know that the child brought a gun that was a… owned by the parent or the guardian versus one that they bought on the street? How would you know the difference? And also is the violation which this individual violates is the violation between the person owning the gun or the person bringing the gun to the school or to the…"

"Representative, it would be the person owning the handgun because it would be their responsibility to make sure that the handgun was locked and secure that that minor would not gain access to it."

"Well, how would they determine that the child purchased… could have purchased the gun off the street, as we know unfortunately, versus, you know, took something from a parent?"

"Once the authorities had gained access to the handgun then they would then at that time do a search to determine 09500249.doc 120  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 where the gun came from. If it was registered to the youth's parents or if it was just some stray gun off of the street and I guess putting that together with the story of what the young man is saying, if the young man is saying he got it out of his home, you know, the authorities would then have that opportunity to question the parents of that youth."

"Okay. To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. I support the Lady's Bill, House Bill 731. Recently, there was a story about a six-year-old bringing two (2) loaded guns to school and although this doesn't really apply to this particular legislation, something is wrong that a child is able to… able to locate two (2) weapons and then feel that they need to or can or able to bring them to school. I believe the reason why we should raise the age limit is just the sense of maturity. Now clearly, a six-year-old is going to do six –year-old type of things, as we all know, but between the ages of fourteen (14) and eighteen (18), you know, it's very volatile. Recently, my seatmate shared a video in which children of fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) years old were beating another child just because they wanted it to be on YouTube. And so when we've got this kind of immature behavior, I think only raising the age limit to securing a weapon because if one of those children had a weapon that child could have not just been hurt, but could have been killed. And so raising the age…"

"Representative, your time has expired. Would you bring your remarks to a close." 09500249.doc 121  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. By just raising the age at least a sense of maturity by the person. It doesn't elimate (sic-eliminate) anybody from obtaining a gun, or having a gun but this is one of those commonsense gun laws. I ask for a favorable vote."

"We've now had three (3) speak in support and two (2) in opposition. The rules provide for one (1) additional speaker in opposition. So, Representative Reboletti, would you like to speak in opposition for 5 minutes?"

"Indicates she'll yield."

"I don't know all the details to all the shootings that have taken place, Representative, so I can't answer that question." 09500249.doc 122  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"No Rep…"

"No, Representative."

"I totally disagree with you. There have been crimes of passion. Two (2) fifteen-year-olds, one shot another one over a boy. So no, it wasn't about gangs. All of them are not gang related…"

"…all of them are not drugs. All of them are not gang related and all of them are not drug related. No."

"That's… this piece of legislation is… that's what we're amending here. Yes."

"Representative, my main goal here, as my colleague Colvin mentioned, is that this is a piece of legislation for preventive measures to prevent any accidental shootings in a person's home. This does not take away the right for responsible gun owners who have taught their children how to handle a handgun and have given them permission to have a gun. This doesn't affect them at all. This affects 09500249.doc 123  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 families that don't have that liberal feeling that most people have… that some people have regarding handguns."

"No, Representative, I don't. No, because the law currently provides that it be locked up in the first place. Yes."

"Okay. We've had three (3) speak on each side. And the rules would provide that Representative Graham is recognized for 5 minutes to close." 09500249.doc 124  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. As you know ,we have a number of issues dealing with gun violence in the City of Chicago. And I've come down here after being elected by my constituent base to speak on their behalf and sometimes I don't think that my colleagues give us the attention that we ask for when it comes to coming here to find a solution to some of the problems in our districts. I think they're taken lightly and I don't think that you guys really take that into consideration. This piece of legislation is a preventative piece of legislation, much like having a smoke detector in your home. The authorities are not going to bombard your home if you haven't done it, but God forbid if an accident would take place and you have not properly stored you handgun. I would hope that nothing like that would happen. Also, this piece of legislation does not affect any gun owners who have given their children permission to handle the handguns. So, I urge an 'aye' vote from my colleagues today to support me with House Bill 731. Thank you."

"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? Representative Younge, Saviano, do you wish to be recorded? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. Representative, do you wish for Postponed Consideration? Okay. The Lady requests Postponed Consideration and under the Rules she's entitled to Postponed Consideration. Representative Miller, for what reason do you rise?" 09500249.doc 125  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"A point of personal privilege."

"State your point."

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, today up in the gallery I have a school in my… from my district, McKinley Junior High from South Holland, Illinois. Please welcome them. Stand up and welcome them."

"And Representative Riley, for what reason do you rise?"

"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"State your point."

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I'd like for you to recognize members from Rich Township who are here. The Rich Township Transportation Department which arguably is the finest in the state. Director Pat Peters is here, Tamila Harrington and James Mitchell up in the galleries. There they are right there."

"Representative Yarbrough, for what reason do you rise?"

"Point of personal privilege, please."

"State your point."

"Up in the gallery today visiting with us are students from Proviso East High School from my district. Would you please stand from the school-based health clinic. Give them a welcome this morning."

"And Representative Howard, for what reason do you rise?"

"A point of personal privilege. Mr. Speaker."

"State your point." 09500249.doc 126  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Today we have a number of groups including young people who are here to talk to us about health issues in our schools and in our communities. I'd like you to help me welcome the young people from Youth Pride Organization, YPC."

"Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 5350."

"Representative Acevedo."

"Thank you Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5350 makes a supplemental appropriations of three million dollars ($3,000,000) to the GRF, to ISBE for the Healthy Minds-Healthy Kids Program. The Healthy Kids-Healthy… Healthy Minds-Healthy Kids program is a an expanded vision program in the City of Chicago that’s been I believe of four (4) years ago it's been funded for the past four (4) years and the appropriation of 2008 it was vetoed out of the budget. And Ladies and Gentleman it's a remarkable program that helps students… between twenty-one (21,000) and twenty-three (23,000) thousand students a year to obtain a vision testing and if needed are given eyeglasses. I'll be happy to answer any questions."

Speaker Hannig: "And on that question, the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."

"He indicated he'll yield."

"Yes, this was, Representative." 09500249.doc 127  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Well, representative, during the Amendatory Veto it was vetoed out of the budget and this program, like I said, has been in existence for four (4) years now and we want to continue the program."

"No, Representative, I had no conversations whatsoever. I was told by ISBE that it wasn't… that they had just been told to remove it out of the budget."

"Yes."

"I was not given any explanation."

"Representative Acevedo to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. I ask for a favorable vote. Speaker… or just in a reply real quick to Representative Eddy. Representative, I reached out during the debate in the committee and I did said… I did say that it was a wonderful program that should be expanded throughout the State of Illinois and I'd would be more than happy to sit down with my counterparts and discuss a way where we could have more… add more funding to this program."

"The question is, 'Shall this Bill pass'? All in favor vote 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The voting is open. 09500249.doc 129  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Wait, Turner, Saviano, Cultra, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes' and 5 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Collins, for what reason do you rise?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."

"State your point."

"We have Orr High School in the gallery today. They're here and wanted to say hello."

"Welcome to Springfield. Representative Harris, you have House Bill 4788. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Harris."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This Bill addresses two issues for senior citizens regarding the senior freeze. The first is in response to the growing number of seniors who have family members moving back into their homes with them due to foreclosed mortgages or lost homes and this Bill clarifies that the senior freeze income limitation applies only to the senior and his or her spouse. And it also does an increase by five thousand dollars ($5,000) which is what we've done each year for the maximum senior income limitation. I'd be happy to answer any questions." 09500249.doc 130  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Is there any discussion? Then 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? Representative Black, Phelps, and Turner, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 115 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Holbrook, you have House Bill 4203. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

"Representative Holbrook."

"Thank you. House Bill 4203 as amended provides some increased penalties on this Scott (sic-Scott's) Law where we pull over in case of emergency, …conveys are on line, raises it to a Class A misdemeanor and allows for civil judgments in addition to it. I'd be glad to take any questions."

"Is there any discussion? Then question is, 'Shall this Bill…' Excuse me, Representative Molaro."

"Yes, Sponsor yield."

"Indicates he'll yield."

"I don't know what committee this went through, transportation or something? Scott's Law is the one where you have to move over…"

"Yes."

"…for the emergency vehicles? Okay."

"Absolutely, yes." 09500249.doc 131  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"And if you don’t… if you don't move over when you see these emergency vehicles…”

“Right.”

“…then you're given some kind of a ticket?"

"Right."

"Right?"

"Correct."

"Okay. So, what…"

"This doesn’t change in Scott’s Law with one excep… with two exceptions. It allows specifically in the language…"

"Wait…"

"…for civil are saying and raises it to a Class A misdemeanor."

"Okay. What becomes a Class A misdemeanor?"

"If there is death involved."

"Well, I guess what I'm getting at would be is I'm driving my car and I don't move over. Right?"

"Correct."

"Is that a Class A misdemeanor?"

"Only if there's… if you don't move over and if they’re marked and you don't move over and a death occurs because of that, then you could be… you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor."

"Okay. And a death occurs?"

"Yes, if death occurs."

"Okay. If someone’s injured, it's still just a traffic ticket?"

"Yes." 09500249.doc 132  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Probably. Okay. Hey, by the way, has… have we toned down the microphones here ‘cause I'm having a hard time hearing? Is it or is it just me?"

"It's you."

"I don't mind if you turn theirs down, but I want to hear my colleagues, at least."

"Yeah."

"Any further discussion? Then Representative Holbrook to close. Representative Holbrook, did you wish to close?"

"I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"Thank you. Then 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'; and 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received a Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed."

Speaker Turner: "Representative Turner in the Chair. Representative Howard, we have House Bill 4714. Just a minute, Representative. The Gentleman from McDonough, Representative Myers, for what reason do you rise?"

"State your point."

"Welcome to Springfield. On the Order of Third Readings, we have House Bill 4714. Representative Howard. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4714 allows an incarcerated individual to apply for medical assistance in advance of his or her discharge or relief from an institution. It also allows the recipient of medical assistance who becomes an inmate of a penal institution to maintain this assistance without a suspension or termination for up to thirty (30) days. The problem I'm trying to address is that a significant number of those who enter the Department of Corrections receive Medicaid prior to their incarceration and their Medicaid coverage is terminated upon entry into a correctional facility. Upon release the individual is required to reestablish his or her Medicaid eligibility by completing a new application. This process may take months and leads to an interruption in the ex- offender’s access to medications and other medical treatment. I ask for support."

"Seeing no questions. The question is, 'Shall the House pass House Bill 4714?' All those in favor should vote 'aye'; all those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 09500249.doc 134  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Mitchell, Saviano? The Clerk shall take the roll. On this question, there are 66 voting 'aye', 49 voting 'no' and 0 'presents'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Lyons in the Chair."

"Representative Jakobsson, on page 20 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4352. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Lady from Champaign, Representative Naomi Jakobsson."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4352 amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. It requires the landlord to provide twenty-four (24) hour notice to a tenant before entering the tenant’s premises except in the case of an emergency. It also sets reasonable entry times for nonemergency work between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and reasonable access times by the tenants, too. I urge an 'aye' vote."

"Is there anyone seeking recognition on 4352? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should 4352 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Hernandez. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 113 Members voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Mathias, on page 22 of the 09500249.doc 135  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Calendar, you have House Bill 4645. Out of the record. Representative Moffitt, on page 25 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5607. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Knox, Representative Don Moffitt."

"Is there any debate? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 5607 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there are 113 Members voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 24 of the Calendar Representative Bob Flider has House Bill 5142. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09500249.doc 136  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Macon, Representatives Bob Flider."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill would allow those who have taught… teachers who have taught out of state and took a leave of absence due to pregnancy to purchase up to three (3) years of that credit. The member would have to provide satisfactory evidence to the TRS board and those seeking to purchase this credit must pay the employee contribution and the employer’s contribution plus interest. I know of no opposition. This Bill was… the proponents are the Education Association and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. I ask for your 'aye' vote."

Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Rodger Eddy."

"Indicates he will."

"That's correct. In fact, currently, teachers that have taught out of state may purchase up to ten (10) years of service. But in this case what we're referring to would be for absences due to pregnancy.”

“For three (3) years of that credit."

"That's correct."

"Yes."

"Right. The actuarially assumed rate is eight and a half percent. So the person purchasing this credit would actually have to pay eight and a half percent interest, which has been determined to cover the cost of the state so there would be no cost to the pension system or the state." Eddy: Okay. So, does it change the rate of interest just for the out of state, is it eight and a half percent; in-state will it remain 6 percent?"

"Yes. Actually, it would actually be a higher cost of interest for those teachers who would purchase a credit based on this legislation."

"Chair recognizes the Gentle… the Lady from make… from Lake, Representative Karen May."

"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"

"Indicates he will."

"Yes. Representative, this is only for teachers?"

"Yes, this specific legislation would be only for those…" 09500249.doc 138  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Uh huh. Did you give any thought to fairness and equity and including it for state employees and others if it indeed is cost neutral?"

"Well, this legislation specifically was suggested by the Illinois Education Association and so it would apply only to the Teachers Retirement System. So, that was their interest."

“But, I guess, what's your interest?"

“Well, my interest was carrying a Bill that they had suggested and asked me to sponsor."

"Okay. Do you… would you at least be willing to go to the people who gave you the Bill and ask them if we could consider this?"

"Well, I think that it would be very important that they, you know, they had a specific intent in mind and I could tell you any time you’re dealing with pension legislation we want to make sure that we have an agreement. We have an agreement on this legislation. We know that there’d be no cost to the state or the pension systems. So this is a good Bill.”

“Uh huh.”

“To open it up, as your suggesting, I think would take a lot more dialogue and probably would be better off with another Bill."

"Uh huh. Well, you know, I really appreciate the fact that you made sure that there wasn't a cost to others, and that this will be cost neutral. I think that’s very important with our pension system. I just wanted to bring the other thought to your mind and see if, indeed, you would be open- 09500249.doc 139  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 minded to at least agree philosophical that other people should be included."

"I certainly think that that’s something we could discuss in another piece of legislation. Thank you."

"Okay. Okay. Another time. Okay. Thank you."

"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Vermilion, Representative Bill Black."

"She (sic-he) indicates she (sic-he) will." Black: Representative Flider, it's a little difficult to put an SERS pension provision in a TRS pension provision Bill, correct?"

"I would suggest that it would be a lot more complicated."

"Yes."

"Well, I think for the pension system, what we’re wanting to make sure of, is that when we pass the legislation we don't create any kind of a new benefit that is going to cause a new cost to the system. So, to the extent that the person who would be purchasing the credit would have to pay eight and a half percent interest, you 09500249.doc 140  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 know, I would suggest that that would cover the cost of the purchase of credits.”

"Representative, I think you make a very good point. In that, you know, with time, you know, and passage of time, all kinds of, you know, things occur, but I would just point that the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability did, in fact, provide an analysis, the fiscal impact note, the pension impact note, and in their analysis their final sentence was therefore the cost shall be minimal."

"That's correct."

"Well, Representative, the legislation actually does have a five-year sunset clause."

“Yes.”

"That's correct."

"Thank you."

"Representative Flider to close."

"Yes. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I ask for an 'aye' vote."

"The question is, 'Should House Bill 5142 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Yarbrough, Representative Younge. Representative Yarbrough. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there's 115 Members voting ‘yes’, 0 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is 09500249.doc 142  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 hereby declared passed. Representative Mautino, on page 26 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5650. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Gentleman from Bureau, Representative Frank Mautino."

"Thank you. House Bill 5650 is an initiative of the Illinois Optometric Association, supported jointly by the Department of Aging. And the Bill eliminates the word ‘child’ and expands coverage of the law to all victims of neglect and abuse. Currently, in their statute they are mandatory reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. This will basically require them to report all abuse and it will be placed into the Elder Abuse Act, as well. So, it just opens it up that they would have to… to report everyone. I know of no opposition. And appreciate an 'aye' vote."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 5650 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Phelps, Danny Reitz. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Durkin. For what reason do you rise, Sir?" 09500249.doc 143  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"The Journal will so reflect, Representative. Representative Pihos on the floor. Sandy, on page 27 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5981. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Lyons: "Chair recognizes the Lady from DuPage, Representative Pihos."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, ‘Should House Bill 5981 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Poe, on page 19 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4176. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Sangamon County, Representative Poe."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, ‘Should House Bill 4176 pass?’ All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Lang. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 112 Members voting 'yes', 3 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Reis, on page 19 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4132. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Gentleman from Jasper, Representative Reis." Reis: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4132 simply exempts small towns from doing annual audits. Many times the cost of the audits are more than the interest they pay on the loan. This is supported by the CPA Society as well as the Comptroller’s Office. Be happen to answer any questions. And ask for your 'aye' vote." 09500249.doc 145  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 4132 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there are 83 Members voting 'yes', 32 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Dan Reitz, you have House Bill 4605. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Randolph, Representative Reitz."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4605 deals with grasses. And it just extends the time barrier that they can sell those from twelve (12) months to fifteen (15) months. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 4605 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting ‘no’. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Lang, for what purpose do you seek recognition?"

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I inadvertently hit the wrong switch on House Bill 4132. I intended to vote 'aye'. If the record would reflect that, I'd appreciate it." 09500249.doc 146  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

“The Journal will so reflect, Representative. Representative Bob Rita, on page 24 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5307. Out of the record. Representative Smith, on page 26 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5732. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk.”

"The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Fulton, Representative Mike Smith."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen. This legislation pertains to the annual compliance audits that our regional superintendents do throughout the state for those counties that are governed by a regional superintendent, which is everyone but Cook. Recently, the… the state board, through the regional superintendents, attempted to… or are attempting to promulgate rules regarding a lot of services that schools do including media services. We're simply stating, with this legislation, that the regional superintendent could not do a compliance audit on those items that are not required in statute or anything that would be considered an unfunded mandate. This is an initiative of the Statewide School Management Alliance; I think it makes good sense. Schools are not trying to circumvent the rules or the law, but at the same time they should not be penalized for something that isn't in the law or within the rules, currently. I'd be happy to answer any questions, Mr. Speaker."

The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Roger Eddy." 09500249.doc 147  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"He indicates he will."

"Yeah, I think, Representative Eddy, I was a little fuzzy on my memory on that, but I believe the question was what was suggested maybe that we needed an Amendment that it would apply to federal mandates as well, or Federal Law, and it was determined that that is already covered under the existing language of the Bill."

"That's exactly right."

"That's right."

"That's correct. That's… that's the intent of the legislation."

"I think so. I think… I think we've actually found some schools that have been found not in compliance based on on… on the items that you mentioned."

"Representative Smith to close."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just ask for an 'aye' vote. I thank Representative Eddy for his comments. He said it much better than I did. It is commonsense legislation. And I'd ask for your support."

"The question is, 'Should House Bill 5732 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 24 of the Calendar, Representative Elaine Nekritz has House Bill 5251. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"Clerk (sic-Chair) recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Elaine Nekritz."

"Thank you, Speaker. This legislation amends a portion of the Public Aid Code dealing with health benefits for workers with disabilities. Currently, the program allows certain individuals with disabilities who are employed to continue to qualify for Medicaid, as long as their earnings stay below a certain level. But also under current law, a small number of these disabled workers who show medical improvement, would now be deemed ineligible, even though 09500249.doc 150  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 their improvement is due almost exclusively to their access to Medicaid benefits. The best way I can explain this is with an example. An individual with bipolar disorder, who is able to work because of medications purchased through the health benefits for workers with disabilities, risks losing those benefits if she shows medical improvement as a result of the consistent use of the medications. She would then go off the… be forced off the meds, her condition would decline, and she would like… then likely go back on Social Security and Medicaid and therefore, be on a never-ending roller coaster. The estimate is that this applies to fewer than fifteen (15) people statewide, but for those few citizens it could make all the difference. I ask for your support."

"Is there any discussion? The Chair recognizes the Gentleman from Cook, Representative Al Riley."

"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."

"Representative, why don't you hold on for one (1) second to see if there's any debate. I'll get right back to you. No one is seeking discussion? The question is, 'Should House Bill 5251 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. 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 Bill, there's 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Riley, for personal privilege, you're recognized." 09500249.doc 151  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And with apologies to Representative Nekritz, I just happened to have the button on at the time during her Bill testimony. There's a number of members from my Council of the Governments, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers, who are here today. And upstairs in the gallery, one of the trustees from the Village of Richton Park, Miss Sharon Kriha is there. Would you please stand? Give her a round of applause. Thank you for being here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."

"Welcome to Springfield. Clerk, on page 26 of the Calendar, Representative Jim Sacia has House Bill 5653. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Jim Sacia."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 5653 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Mitchell. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, 09500249.doc 152  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 there's 115 Members voting 'yes'; 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Representative Yarbrough, on page 20 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 4369. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Karen Yarbrough."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 4369, otherwise known as the Elimination of Poverty Bill, creates a new commission to develop a comprehensive strategy plan consistent with international human rights standards, and an initial goal of reducing extreme poverty by 50 percent by the year 2015. The commission must at least address the following: access to safe and decent affordable housing, access to adequate food and nutrition, access to affordable health care, education and training, transportation, affordable childcare, opportunities to engage in meaningful and substantive work that pays a living wage, and the availability of adequate income supports. The plan must include specific policy and fiscal recommendations and a time line for each stage of implementation for each recommendation. The potential impact must be measurable. The commission may review and comment and make recommendations about existing or proposed programs and policies. I'd be happy to answer any questions." 09500249.doc 153  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

Speaker Lyons: "Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 4369 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes'; those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Ford. Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this Bill, there are 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, on page 21 of the Calendar, Representative Ford has House Bill 4613. Representative? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."

"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Ford."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I want to introduce House Bill 4613. This Bill will help reduce the number of properties being quick claimed unwillingly by the property owner. And I just ask if anyone have any questions, I'm open for any discussion. I move to pass House Bill 4613."

"Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 'Should House Bill 4613 pass?' All those in favor signify by voting 'yes', those opposed vote 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Representative Ford, you want to vote for your Bill? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this issue, there's 115 Members voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. This Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On the Order of Second 09500249.doc 154  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 Readings, Representative Acevedo, on page 12 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5125. 5125. Out of the record. Representative Toni Berrios, on page 16 of the Calendar, on the Order of Second Reading, you have House Bill 5687. Out of the record. Representative Flowers, on page 17 of the Calendar, you have House Bill 5865. Do you wish to move that Bill to Third Reading? Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."

Speaker Lyons: "The Chair recognizes the Lady from Cook, Representative Flowers on the Amendment."

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Amendment #2 is a hospital Amendment and it clarifies that the reporting required under this Bill should be submitted in an aggregate form so as to not to disclose individual provider’s negotiated rates with the hospital. That's all it does. And I would move for its adoption, please."

"Any discussion? The question is, 'Shall the House adopt Amendment #2 to House Bill 5865?' All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Anything further, Mr. Clerk?"

"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions." 09500249.doc 155  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008

"You've heard the Agreed Resolutions, all those in favor of their adoption affirm by saying 'aye'; those opposed say 'no'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Clerk, committee schedule."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, listen up for a moment. The yellow sheet that was distributed has Session at 9:30 tomorrow, that's a mistake. Session tomorrow morning will be at 10:00. So, on the printed yellow sheets it says 9:30, we will be in Session at 10:00. Seeing no further business to come before the House, Representative Lang moves that the House, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, that the House stand adjourned 'til the hour of 10:00 tomorrow April 10, Thursday at the hour of 10 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying 'yes'; those opposed say 'no'. And the 09500249.doc 156  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 249th Legislative Day 4/9/2008 House does stand adjourned. Have a safe and enjoyable evening."