"The hour of 11:00 having arrived, the House will be in order. Members will be in their seats. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, to turn off all cell phones and pagers, and to rise for the invocation and for the Pledge of Allegiance. We shall be led in prayer today by Sister Anselma who is with the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George in Alton, Illinois. Sister Anselma is the guest of Representative Beiser."
"Let us quiet our minds and hearts as we draw close to God. Heavenly Father, as we come before You today, we ask that Your love be present, that Your wisdom known, that Your goodness be instilled in the hearts of each person here. We pray that You will draw attention today to those who are most in need; the sick, the poor, the neglected, the vulnerable and those without jobs. Strengthen the minds and hearts of the men and women here today. May Your truth and charity be the guiding force behind each decision and may the fruit of their work return to Your glory, Amen."
"Representative Senger, will you lead us in the Pledge?" Senger – 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."
Speaker Hannig: "Roll Call for Attendance. Representative Currie." 09600012.doc 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Hamos is excused today."
"And Representative Bost."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let the record reflect that Representative Sacia is excused today."
"Mr. Clerk, take the record. There are 115 Members answering the Roll Call, a quorum is present. Representative Eddy, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"State your point."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, if I could have your attention for a sec… second. If you could help me welcome a group from Crawford County, Illinois, if I could have the group stand. They're visiting the Capitol today, a group that takes on leadership projects in east Central Illinois and they're here to kind of observe the General Assembly in the process, so, welcome."
"Mr. Clerk, read the Committee Reports."
Clerk Mahoney: "Committee Reports. Representative Soto, Chairperson from the Committee on Appropriations-Higher Education, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 11, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' is House Bill 278. Representative Dugan, Chairperson from the Committee on Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 11, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 09600012.doc 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 'be adopted' is House Resolution 7. Representative McAuliffe, Chairperson from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 10, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 22. Representative Arroyo, Chairperson from the Committee on Infrastructure, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 10, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 208. Representative Verschoore, Chairperson from the Committee on Counties & Townships, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 11, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 61, House Bill 211, and House Bill 347. Representative Howard, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary II - Criminal Law, to which the following measure/s was/were referred, action taken on February 11, 2009, reported the same back with the following recommendation/s: 'do pass Short Debate' is House Bill 10, House Bill 192, House Bill 282; 'do pass as amended Short Debate' House Bill 164, House Bill 224. Referred to the House Committee on Rules is House Resolution 65, offered by Representative Ford. House Resolution 66, offered by Representative Rose. House Resolution 68, offered by Representative Senger. House Resolution 69, offered by Representative Ford. House Joint Resolution 10, offered by Representative May. Introduction of House Bills First-Reading. House Bill 1027, offered by 09600012.doc 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. First Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Riley, you're recognized for a presentation."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, point of personal privilege."
"Proceed."
"First of all, I'd like to a… thank Representative Hatcher for the violet valentines. That's really sweet and I do keep up with Dale Junior. Second of all, I'd like to present in the spirit of Black History Month our person in Black History for today, if I could just have your indulgence. This is somewhat personal to me because I have… a… I guess, a personal affinity to this person. I certainly studied some of their works when I was in graduate school. And today I'm going to talk about Doctor David Blackwell. David Blackwell may not mean anything to a… to some of you, but if you know something about statistical quality control, the assessment of market volatility, or game theory, then you know may about the works of Doctor David Blackwell. Doctor David Blackwell is generally acknowledged to be one of the finest statisticians and mathematicians that America has produced. Doctor Blackwell was born April 24, 1919, in Centralia, Illinois. His family exuded the ethic of working harder and a little faster than average person. Now, Blackwell did not attend segregated schools in Centralia, which he later said was very fortunate experience for him. But while acknowledging some of the racism in southern Illinois at that time, he stated that, 'I had no sense of being 09600012.doc 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 discriminated against.' As a youth he found algebra and trigonometry easy and useful, but it wasn’t very exciting. Geometry really turned him on and he said the most interesting thing that he could remember from calculus was Newton's method for solving equations and that was the only thing in calculus I really liked. The rest of it looked like stuff that was useful for engineers in finding things like moments of inertia and volumes and so forth. But in his junior year he took an elementary analysis course and really fell in love with mathematics. He said that that was the first time that he knew that serious math was for him and it became clear that no… not only was it just few simple things that he liked, he liked the entire body of work and wanted to be part of it. He said the whole subject was just beautiful. And so at the ripe old age of 16 he entered the University of Illinois at Champaign, Urbana, and in 19… at 1935, in 1938, in just three years he received his bachelor's degree in mathematics. He received his master's degree in mathematics in 1939 and at the ripe old age of 22 he received his Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Illinois. Doctor Blackwell was appointed a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton for about a year and at that time member of the Institute were automatically officially made visiting fellows of Princeton University and so that would include Blackwell. The problem was it really created a stir at Princeton. They had never had a black student, let alone a black faculty fellow at the university. Some of you may remember Paul Robeson tried to get into Princeton 09600012.doc 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 University and was rejected and of course made his fame at Rutgers University. The President of Princeton wrote the Director of the Institute and said that the Institute was abusing the University's hospitality by admitting a black. But at the Institute he mad… met the great John von Neumann. John von Neumann was so impressed with his erudition that he started telling his fellow about his… about his work. Had he stayed at Princeton, some of you may remember the a… the movie A Beautiful Mind where the Nobel Prize winner John Nash attended. Had Blackwell stayed at Princeton he might have tutored John Nash and been with great statisticians like John Stuckey and Frank Anscombe. After Princeton, Blackwell had instructorships at Southern University and Clark… Clark University. He then joined Howard University in 1944, achieving the rank of full professor and chairman in just three years. He then continued his research with the seminal articles and a… books, one of which was The Theory of Games and Statistical Decisions that I used to study under and advanced statistics and also an article called the Entropy of Functions of a… solid… the Finite State Markov Chains. He wrote about 80 papers in his academic career and some of his scholarly organizations and awards were being president of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, Vice President of the American Statistical Association, the International Statistical Institute, the American Mathematical Society and he's the Honorary Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. In 1965 he became the first African American named to the National Academy of Sciences and he won the 09600012.doc 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 von Neumann Theory Prize of the Operations Research Society in 1979. He's also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Now, Doctor Blackwell is still living and he lives in Berkley, California, where he's a Professor of Emeritus merit of statistics and mathematics at Berkeley. In an interview he was once asked the question of the area's in which you've worked which do you think are the most significant? And he replied, 'I've worked in so many area's I'm sort of a dilettante, basically I'm not interested in doing research and I never have been. I'm interested in understanding, which is a quiet different thing'. So he mentored a lot of us and I'm so proud to have studied under Doctor Blackwell. One of the things that I'm going to do because its in the works right now is to have a House Resolution honoring Doctor Blackwell, a great American and a… a great Illinoian and when this comes up next week I'd like for all of you to a… sign a cover letter so we can send it to Doctor Blackwell in California. A great African American, a great American and remember the things he did were not just part of Black History but part of American History. Thank you for your attention."
"Representative Winters, you have a Bill on page 3 of the Calendar under Third Reading. Do you wish us to read that Bill? So Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 353."
"House Bill 353, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"The Gentleman from Winnebago, Representative Winters." 09600012.doc 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 353 is a Bill that we passed unanimously last year but did not go any place in the Senate. It allows new school buses to be signed with a sign that instead of saying to call of erratic driving, put it instead to comment on my driving. It's a neutral language. It would allow… public driver who sees a school bus driver who is doing something exemplary or something that is dangerous. Either one to contact the school district. It does not have any cost impact to the school districts because it is only looking forward asking that decals be placed on new buses after the effective date of the legislation. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"This is on the Order of Short Debate. Does anyone stand in response? The Gentleman from Crawford, Representative Eddy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I just want to make sure of one item in the Bill. I believe that this does not require the… the current signage to be replaced, that this would take place only when you're putting new signs on new buses or the decal that you already have in compliance wears out and you're going to put a separate one on, you change."
"You're… you're correct."
"Okay. Just wanted to make that distinction, because with that this really doesn't cause an additional cost it's just… clarifies the intent. And that is if… if people want to call and say, hey, the driver did something good. They can say that as well as reporting erratic driving." 09600012.doc 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"Right. It's simply neutral language instead of a derogatory language. The current decal implies that the bus drivers are not good drivers."
"Right. Just wanted to get that intent on the record. Thank you."
"The Gentleman from Cook, Representative Lang."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I'm trying to understand your Bill. This amends a Bill that I sponsored last year that became law and I am trying to figure out what it is you're trying to do and why?"
"If you remember, I talked to you last year, Lou, about some of the problems. One of the school bus drivers in my district came and said it implies that he is a bad driver. I asked if you would amend your Bill and you said, 'no, but why don't you put a new Bill out there'. And that's what we did. And if you would like to be a cosponsor I'd be happy to have you on."
"And so, instead of saying to report erratic driving or whatever, we're saying to make any comment on my driving."
"Yes."
"But the phone number would still be there."
"Exactly."
"And the bus would still have some kind of number on it. So when somebody called that they could say bus number 18 drove past me. He… they could say he's a really bad driver or he avoided an accident, that he deserves a commendation." 09600012.doc 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"Correct. It contains everything except it basically substitutes for erratic driving just to comment on my driving."
"All right. I'll support your Bill."
"Thank you."
"Representative Winters to close."
"I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote. 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? Repre… Representative Acevedo, 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. We're going to go to the Order of House Bills-Second Reading. We're going just proceed down the list. If you'd like to move your Bill from Second to Third let us know and we'll read the Bill. So, we're going to start with House Bill 5, Representative Franks. Do you wish us to read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 5, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed. Second Reading of this House Bill."
"Third Reading. Representative Franks on House Bill 6. Out of the record. Representative Chapa LaVia on House Bill 14. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09600012.doc 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"House Bill 14, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Tryon on House Bill 35. Representative Tryon. Out of the record. Representative Moffitt. Out of the record. Representative Arroyo on House Bill 43. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 43, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Brady on House Bill 47. Representative Brady, shall we read this Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 47, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Brady, excuse me did you wish us to move 47 back?"
"Yeah, I'd like to hold that Bill, please."
"You want to hold 47?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"So, Mr. Clerk, return House Bill 47 to the Order of Second Reading at the request of the Sponsor. And now on House Bill 49, Representative Brady. You have 49 and 50. You have a series here, 49. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 49, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed." 09600012.doc 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. And on House Bill 50 Representative Brady. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 50, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. And Representative Schmitz on House Bill 52. Okay. He's right there. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 52, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Currie on House Bill 59. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 59, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Lyons on House Bill 68. Representative Lyons, do you wish us to read the Bill? Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 68, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Colvin, on House Bill 70. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
" House Bill 70, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative D'Amico, on House Bill 71. Out of the record. 72. Out of the record. 09600012.doc 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Representative Cole, on House Bill 77. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 77, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Ford on House Bill 155. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 155, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 156."
"House Bill 156, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. On page 3 of the Calendar at the top of the page. Representative Leitch, you have House Bill 204. Representative Leitch. House Bill 204. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 204, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Rose, you have House Bill 228. Read the Bill."
"House Bill 228, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed." 09600012.doc 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 236."
"House Bill 236, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Tracy on House Bill 237. Do you wish us to read it from Second, move it from Second to Third? Out of the record. Representative Coulson, you have House Bill 286. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 286, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
Speaker Hannig: "Third Reading. Representative Fritchey on House Bill 288. Representative Fritchey, do you wish us to read 288? Out of the record. Representative Fortner on House Bill 325. Mr. Clerk, read the Bill."
"House Bill 325, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Lang on House Bill 344. Read the Bill, Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 344, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Amendments. No Motions filed. Second Reading of this House Bill."
"Third Reading. On the Order of Resolutions on the bottom of… on the bottom of page 3, Representative 09600012.doc 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Pihos has House Joint Resolution 1. Representative Pihos. You're recognized to present the Bill, Representative."
"Thank you. House Joint Resolution 1 simply continues the special education funding task force that was put in place by the 95th General Assembly. Unfortunately, they were not organized and the appointments were not made in the 95th General Assembly in a timely manner. They are now currently meeting. So we want to reissue those appointments and their report is now currently due August 1, 2009. So I will be happy to answer any question or I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall the House Joint Resolution be adopted?' 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 Bost and Hatcher, do you wish to be recorded? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are, 115 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Reis, you're recognized on House Joint Resolution 4."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Joint Resolution 4 renames the Teacher of the Year to the Willard Carl Widerburg Illinois Teacher of the Year. In honor the… Illinois first teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year. This same Bill passed last year, nearly unanimously. I ask for your support."
"Any discussion? Representative Eddy."
"Mr. Chair, will the Sponsor yield very briefly?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 09600012.doc 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"Representative, you announced in committee, I think, something very important that the Body should know regarding the Teacher of the Year Award. Recently in your district, last years teacher of the year, Joe Fatherly, was named national teacher of the year in Illinois. Isn't that correct?"
"That's correct, Representative and he was the one that…"
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, Illinois is now home to the National Teacher of the Year. So, I think this Resolution appropriate and it is appropriate to congratulate Representative Reis for… for the fact that in his district the National Teacher of the Year resides."
"Any further discussion? Then all in favor of the Gentleman's Resolution say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The Resolution is adopted. Representative Fritchey, you are recognized on House Resolution 11."
"Thank you, Speaker. Last year this Body created the Family-Law task force, which was looking at the… revisions, a comprehensive revisions to the Marriage and Dissolution to Marriage Act. This Resolution simply extends the deadline for them to file the report to the end of this year. There is no objection to this and I request an 'aye' vote."
"Is there any discussion? Then the question… is there any discussion? Then the question is, 'Shall House Resolution 11 be adopted?' 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 09600012.doc 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 voting 'yes' and 0 voting 'no'. And the Resolution is adopted. Representative Soto, you're recognized on House Resolution 20. You're recognized to present the Bill… the Resolution, Representative. Okay. You want to take it out of the record. Out of the record. Representative Nekritz. Mr. Clerk, read the Agreed Resolutions."
"On the Order of Agreed Resolutions is House Resolution 67 offered by Representative Jefferson."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. Mr. Clerk, read the Adjournment Resolution."
"Senate Joint Resolution 18 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the two Houses adjourn on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, they stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 12:00 noon."
"Representative Currie moves for the adoption of the Adjournment Resolution. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Adjournment Resolution is adopted. Can I have your attention, please, for just a few moments? Could I have your attention? Representative Pritchard would like to have a moment of silence. Representative Pritchard, you're recognized for that purpose."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, this Saturday, February 14, is the one-year point since the shooting that took place at Northern 09600012.doc 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Illinois University in DeKalb. It is one year ago that 200 students assembled just as they normally had at the beginning of a school day in a large auditorium in Cole Hall for an oceanography class. At about 3:00 that day a former graduate student dressed in black entered from a door that led directly to the stage in front of that classroom where he stood and opened fire on a crowd of students with a shot gun and three hand guns. He didn't care that he was in a gun free zone. He didn't know the victims. It was probably a random act of violence. In the end, a total of 5 people were kill and 21 were wounded by that gunman. Mr. Speaker, by colleagues, NIU, my community remembers Catalina Garcia of Cicero, Julianna Gehant of Meriden (sic-Mendota), Ryanne Mace of Carpentersville, Gayle Dubowski of Carol Stream, and Daniel Parmenter of Elmhurst. We cannot forget their faith, how they touched our lives, their dreams,that included teaching and counseling, their service to our country, the campus, and the community. Northern Illinois University will not be defined by this tragedy or the actions of a gunman that stole five lives. That's why on this special week we are asking people to not do random acts of violence, but rather random acts of kindness, Huskie acts of kindness. The project embraces the attitude of NIU and the local community. It is a better representation of our students, our campus, our community, of who we are and what we want to be known for. The community is gathering a list of these acts and posting them around the campus. We need to continue healing from this incident, to share out learning 09600012.doc 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 with other campuses, to see that the Illinois Campus Security Act is implemented on all college and university campuses and to provide funding for satellite phones that will not shut down in an emergency when everyone wants to use their cell phone or text message. We must also remodel Cole Hall and create a fitting memorial for these students. The building still remains closed, as it did in February 14, 2008. Students continue to be taught by temporary spaces in the year later. NIU has a plan, but it needs State of Illinois help to remodel. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, let us pause for a moment of silence to remember all of these… those that suffered under this terrible tragedy, especially the families of five individuals who lost their lives. And let us never forget how fragile and extraordinary the gift of human life truly is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, let us leave here to do Huskie acts of kindness. And on this birthday of Abraham Lincoln let us remember his words at Gettysburg, 'It is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work. It is rather for us to be here, dedicated to a great task remaining before us.' Thank you."
"Representative Rose for what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, if I may while everyone is standing. My… Illinois lost two National Guardsmen Saturday in Afghanistan. If I may have the… if I may have the Body's attention. Illinois lost two National Guardsmen Saturday in Afghanistan. One of them, 1st Lieutenant Jared Southworth 09600012.doc 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 was from Oakland, that I represent. Jared was 26 years old, was a standout athlete at Oakland High School. Reports are that his license plate was 'SLUGGER' and he was a graduate of Lake Land College, Eastern Illinois University. He was part of their ROTC program there and actually after graduation came back and helped liaison between the National Guard and the cadets and that program. By all accounts Lieutenant Southworth was an outstanding individual that gave of his time freely to his community and certainly his country. Lieutenant Southworth was a member of the Oakland Christian Church and leaves behind a wife, a mother and a father, and four children. So Mr. Speaker, if I could ask for a moment of silence. Thank you, our prayers are with you, Lieutenant."
Speaker Hannig: "Mr. Clerk, you're recognized for an announcement."
"We'd like to ask Members to leave their cell phones in their desks when they leave today. They'll be switching those out on Friday and they'll transfer all of your information. Just leave them, if you could, in your desk when you leave today and then on Friday we'll have it ready for you when you return next week. So, please do not take them with you."
"Are there any other announcements before we adjourn? Then allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Representative Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, at the hour of 12 noon. All in favor say 'aye'; opposed 'nay'. The 'ayes' have it. The motion is adopted. And the House stands adjourned." 09600012.doc 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009
"The House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction and reading of House Bills-First Reading. House Bill 1006, offered by Representative Crespo, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1007, offered by Representative Crespo, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 1008, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1009, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1010, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning dental practice. House Bill 1011, offered by Representative Ford, a Bill for an Act concerning housing. House Bill 1012, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 1013, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning state buildings. House Bill 1014, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1015, offered by Representative Saviano, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1016, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1017, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1018, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1019, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1020, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1021, offered by Representative 09600012.doc 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1022, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1023, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1024, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1025, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1026, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning Open Meetings Act by changing Section 1.02. House Bill 1027, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1028, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act making appropriations. House Bill 1029, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1030, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1031, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1032, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1033, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 1034, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1035, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1036, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1037, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act 09600012.doc 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 concerning transportation. House Bill 1038, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1039, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 1040, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 1041, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1042, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1043, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1044, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1045, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1046, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1047, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1048, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1049, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1050, offered by Representative May, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1051, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1052, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1053, offered by Representative Riley, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 1054, offered by Representative Dugan, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 1055, offered by 09600012.doc 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Representative Dugan, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1056, offered by Representative Dugan, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1057, offered by Representative Dugan, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1058, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning pest control. House Bill 1059, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1060, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1061, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 1062, offered by Representative Phelps, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1063, offered by Representative Phelps, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 1064, offered by Representative Bost, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 1065, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1066, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 1067, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1068, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 1069, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1070, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1071, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1072, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for 09600012.doc 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1073, offered by Representative Lang, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1074, offered by Representative Howard, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1075, offered by Representative Froehlich, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1076, offered by Representative Schmitz, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1077, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1078, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1079, offered by Representative Eddy, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1080, offered by Representative Ryg, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1081, offered by Representative Ryg, a Bill for an Act in relation to health. House Bill 1082, offered by Representative Gordon, Careen, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 1083, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1084, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1085, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1086, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1087, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. House Bill 1088, offered by Representative Reitz, a Bill for an Act concerning safety. House Bill 1089, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning 09600012.doc 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 local government. House Bill 1090, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 1091, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1092, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1093, offered by Representative Verschoore, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1094, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1095, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. House Bill 1096, offered by Representative Brosnahan, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1097, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1098, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning government. House Bill 1099, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1100, offered by Representative Rita, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1101, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1102, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1103, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1104, offered by Representative McCarthy, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1105, offered by Representative Reboletti, a Bill for an Act concerning 09600012.doc 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 criminal law. House Bill 1106, offered by Representative Eddy, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1107, offered by Representative Eddy, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1108, offered by Representative Eddy, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1109, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. House Bill 1110, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1111, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 1112, offered by Representative Tracy, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1113, offered by Representative Boland, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 1114, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1115, offered by Representative Osmond, a Bill for an Act concerning insurance. House Bill 1116, offered by Representative Durkin, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1117, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1118, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1119, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1120, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning conservation. House Bill 1121, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1122, offered by Representative Chapa LaVia, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. And 09600012.doc 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 House Bill 1123, offered by Representative Mendoza, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue.
Clerk Bolin: "House Bill 1124, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1125, offered by Representative Miller, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. House Bill 1126, offered by Representative Collins, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 1127, offered by Representative Collins, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1128, offered by Representative Collins, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 1129, offered by Representative Collins, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. House Bill 1130, offered by Representative Myers, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1131, offered by Representative Myers, a Bill for an Act concerning elections. House Bill 1132, offered by Representative Jakobsson, a Bill for an Act concerning families and children. House Bill 1133, offered by Representative Jakobsson, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1134, offered by Representative Jakobsson, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1135, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1136, offered by Representative Watson, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1137, offered by Representative Watson, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1138, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act concerning environmental safety. House Bill 1139, offered by Representative McAuliffe, a Bill for an Act concerning 09600012.doc 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 public employee benefits. House Bill 1140, offered by Representative McAuliffe, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1141, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1142, offered by Representative Tryon, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 1143, offered by Representative Coulson, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1144, offered by Representative Davis, William, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1145, offered by Representative Ramey, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. House Bill 1146, offered by Representative Ramey, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. House Bill 1147, offered by Representative Ramey, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1148, offered by Representative Joyce, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1149, offered by Representative Mendoza, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1150, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1151, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1152, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1153, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1154, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1155, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1156, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act 09600012.doc 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 concerning regulation. House Bill 1157, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1158, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 1159, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning gaming. House Bill 1160, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1161, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1162, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1163, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1164, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1165, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1166, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1167, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. House Bill 1168, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning health. House Bill 1169, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 1170, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning business. House Bill 1171, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1172, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1173, offered by Representative Hatcher, a Bill for an Act concerning 09600012.doc 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 appropriation bills. House Bill 1174, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1175, offered by Representative Burke, a Bill for an Act concerning professional regulation. House Bill 1176, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1177, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1178, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1179, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1180, offered by Representative Zalewski, a Bill for an Act in relation to public employee benefits. House Bill 1181, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1182, offered by Representative Beaubien, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1183, offered by Representative Mautino, a Bill for an Act concerning bowling centers. House Bill 1184, offered by Representative Dugan, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1185, offered by Representative Moffitt, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1186, offered by Representative Coladipietro, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1187, offered by Representative Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1188, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1189, offered by Representative 09600012.doc 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1190, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1191, offered by Representative Lyons, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1192, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1193, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1194, offered by Representative Smith, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1195, offered by Representative Yarbrough, a Bill for an Act concerning vacant and abandoned property. House Bill 1196, offered by Representative Yarbrough, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 1197, offered by Representative Black, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1198, offered by Representative Turner, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. House Bill 1199, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act concerning education. House Bill 1200, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1201, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. House Bill 1202, offered by Representative Hannig, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1203, offered by Representative Flider, a Bill for an Act concerning government. This has been the First Reading of these House Bills. First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #14, by Representative Boland. 09600012.doc 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article V of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 2 as follows: ARTICLE V THE EXECUTIVE SECTION 2. TERMS (a) These elected officers of the Executive Branch shall hold office for four years beginning on the second Monday of January after their election and, except in the case of the Lieutenant Governor, until their successors are qualified. They shall be elected at the general election in 1978 and every four years thereafter. (b) A person may not be elected to more than two terms as Governor. An otherwise eligible person who has served as Acting Governor or who has filled a vacancy in the office of Governor as provided in Section 6 of this Article is not disqualified from being elected to two terms as Governor. This subsection does not limit the number of terms to which a person may be elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor. This subsection applies to each person elected to the office of Governor after the person elected to the office of Governor at the 2006 general election. Schedule 09600012.doc 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act and applies beginning with the person elected Governor immediately after the person elected Governor in 2006. This has been the First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #14. First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #15, offered by Representative Boland. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Article VII of the Illinois Constitution by changing Section 3 as follows: ARTICLE VII LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECTION 3. COUNTY BOARDS (a) A county board shall be elected in each county. The number of members of the county board shall be fixed by ordinance in each county within limitations provided by law; provided that if the number of a county's board members exceeds 17, then that county's number of members may be reduced to 17 upon approval at a county-wide referendum initiated by petition of the county's voters as provided by law. 09600012.doc 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 (b) The General Assembly by law shall provide methods available to all counties for the election of county board members. No county, other than Cook County, may change its method of electing board members except as approved by county-wide referendum. (c) Members of the Cook County Board shall be elected from two districts, Chicago and that part of Cook County outside Chicago, unless (1) a different method of election is approved by a majority of votes cast in each of the two districts in a county-wide referendum or (2) the Cook County Board by ordinance divides the county into single member districts from which members of the County Board resident in each district are elected. If a different method of election is adopted pursuant to option (1) the method of election may thereafter be altered only pursuant to option (2) or by county-wide referendum. A different method of election may be adopted pursuant to option (2) only once and the method of election may thereafter be altered only by county-wide referendum. Schedule This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. This has been the First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #15. First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #16, offered Representative Brosnahan. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE 09600012.doc 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Sections 2 and 3 of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE COMPOSITION (a) One Senator shall be elected from each Legislative District. Immediately following each decennial redistricting, the Senate, by resolution, shall divide the Legislative Districts as equally as possible into three groups. Senators from one group shall be elected for terms of four years, four years and two years; Senators from the second group, for terms of four years, two years and four years; and Senators from the third group, for terms of two years, four years and four years. The Legislative Districts in each group shall be distributed substantially equally over the State. (b) In 2012 and every two years thereafter one Representative shall be elected from each Representative District for a term of two years. (c) To be eligible to serve as a member of the General Assembly, a person must be a United States citizen, at least 21 years old, and for the two years preceding his election or appointment a resident of the district which he is to represent. In the general election following a redistricting, a candidate for the General Assembly may be 09600012.doc 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 elected from any district which contains a part of the district in which he resided at the time of the redistricting and reelected if a resident of the new district he represents for 18 months prior to reelection. (d) Within thirty days after a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled by appointment as provided by law. If the vacancy is in a Senatorial office with more than twenty-eight months remaining in the term, the appointed Senator shall serve until the next general election, at which time a Senator shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy is in a Representative office or in any other Senatorial office, the appointment shall be for the remainder of the term. An appointee to fill a vacancy shall be a member of the same political party as the person he succeeds. (e) No member of the General Assembly shall receive compensation as a public officer or employee from any other governmental entity for time during which he is in attendance as a member of the General Assembly. No member of the General Assembly during the term for which he was elected or appointed shall be appointed to a public office which shall have been created or the compensation for which shall have been increased by the General Assembly during that term. SECTION 3. LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING (a) Legislative Districts shall be compact, be contiguous, be substantially equal in population, reflect minority voting strengths, and consider political boundaries. Representative Districts shall be compact, be contiguous, 09600012.doc 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 be substantially equal in population, reflect minority voting strengths, and consider political boundaries. A Representative District need not be entirely within a single Legislative District. (b) In the year following each Federal decennial census year, the Senate, by resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected, shall redistrict the Legislative Districts, and the House of Representatives, by resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected, shall redistrict the Representative Districts. An adopted redistricting resolution shall be filed with the Secretary of State by the presiding officer of the house that adopted the resolution. Each house shall file an adopted resolution not later than June 30. (c) A Legislative District Redistricting Commission shall be constituted by April 1 of the year following each Federal decennial census year. The Commission shall consist of four members, no more than two of whom shall be members of the same political party. The President and Minority Leader of the Senate shall each appoint two persons to the Commission. The members shall be certified to the Secretary of State by the appointing authorities. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled within five days by the authority that made the original appointment. A Chairman and Vice Chairman shall be chosen by a majority of all members of the Commission. The Commission may hold public hearings and collect information regarding the redistricting of Legislative Districts. 09600012.doc 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 If the Senate has failed to file a redistricting resolution with the Secretary of State by June 30, the Commission, by resolution adopted by record vote of at least three Commissioners, shall redistrict the Legislative Districts. Not later than July 31, the Commission shall file an adopted resolution with the Secretary of State. If the Commission fails to file an adopted resolution by July 31, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and a Supreme Court Judge selected by the Supreme Court Judges from a political party other than the political party of the Chief Justice shall jointly appoint one person to act as Special Master to redistrict the Legislative Districts, who may not be the same person appointed Special Master under subsection (d). The Special Master shall be appointed and certified to the Secretary of State not later than August 10. The Special Master shall file a redistricting map of the Legislative Districts with the Secretary of State not later than September 5. (d) A Representative District Redistricting Commission shall be constituted by April 1 of the year following each Federal decennial census year. The Commission shall consist of four members, no more than two of whom shall be members of the same political party. The Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint two persons to the Commission. The members shall be certified to the Secretary of State by the appointing authorities. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled within five days by the authority that made 09600012.doc 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 the original appointment. A Chairman and Vice Chairman shall be chosen by a majority of all members of the Commission. The Commission may hold public hearings and collect information regarding the redistricting of Representative Districts. If the House of Representatives has failed to file a redistricting resolution with the Secretary of State by June 30, the Commission, by resolution adopted by record vote of at least three Commissioners, shall redistrict the Representative Districts. Not later than July 31, the Commission shall file an adopted resolution with the Secretary of State. If the Commission fails to file an adopted resolution by July 31, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and a Supreme Court Judge selected by the Supreme Court Judges from a political party other than the political party of the Chief Justice shall jointly appoint one person to act as Special Master to redistrict the Representative Districts, who may not be the same person appointed Special Master under subsection (c). The Special Master shall be appointed and certified to the Secretary of State not later than August 10. The Special Master shall file a redistricting map of the Representative Districts with the Secretary of State not later than September 5. (e) A redistricting resolution or redistricting map filed with the Secretary of State shall be presumed valid, shall have the force and effect of law and shall be published promptly by the Secretary of State. 09600012.doc 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over actions concerning redistricting the House and Senate, which shall be initiated in the name of the People of the State by the Attorney General. The State Board of Elections shall proceed, as soon as all the returns are received but no later than 31 days after the election, to canvass the votes given for and against this Constitutional Amendment, as shown by the abstracts of votes cast. If this Constitutional Amendment is approved by either three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election, then the State Board of Elections shall declare the adoption of this Constitutional Amendment and it shall, upon declaration of its adoption, take effect and become a part of the Constitution of this State. This Schedule supersedes and applies notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, and no other requirements, including without limitation proclamation of the results of the vote or notice by publication, are necessary for its effectiveness. Schedule This Constitutional Amendment applies to redistricting beginning in 2011 and to the election of members of the General Assembly beginning in 2012. This has been the First Reading of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment #16."
"House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 17. RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE 09600012.doc 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Article IV and Section 1 of Article XIV of the Illinois Constitution as follows: ARTICLE IV THE LEGISLATURE SECTION 1. LEGISLATURE - POWER AND STRUCTURE The legislative power is vested in a General Assembly consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, elected by the electors from 59 Senatorial Districts and 119 Representative Districts. SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE COMPOSITION (a) One Senator shall be elected from each Senatorial District. Immediately following each decennial redistricting, the General Assembly by law shall divide the Senatorial Districts as equally as possible into three groups. Senators from one group shall be elected for terms of four years, four years and two years; Senators from the second group, for terms of four years, two years and four years; and Senators from the third group, for terms of two years, four years and four years. The Senatorial Districts in each group shall be distributed substantially equally over the State. (b) One Representative shall be elected from each Representative District for a term of two years. (c) To be eligible to serve as a member of the General Assembly, a person must be a United States citizen, at 09600012.doc 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 least 21 years old, and for the two years preceding his election or appointment a resident of the district which he is to represent. In the general election following a redistricting, a candidate for the General Assembly may be elected from any district which contains a part of the district in which he resided at the time of the redistricting and reelected if a resident of the new district he represents for 18 months prior to reelection. (d) Within thirty days after a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled by appointment as provided by law. If the vacancy is in a Senatorial office with more than twenty-eight months remaining in the term, the appointed Senator shall serve until the next general election, at which time a Senator shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy is in a Representative office or in any other Senatorial office, the appointment shall be for the remainder of the term. An appointee to fill a vacancy shall be a member of the same political party as the person he succeeds. (e) No member of the General Assembly shall receive compensation as a public officer or employee from any other governmental entity for time during which he is in attendance as a member of the General Assembly. No member of the General Assembly during the term for which he was elected or appointed shall be appointed to a public office which shall have been created or the compensation for which shall have been increased by the General Assembly during that term. SECTION 3. LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING 09600012.doc 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 (a) Senatorial Districts shall be compact, contiguous and substantially equal in population. Representative Districts shall be compact, contiguous, and substantially equal in population. A Representative District need not be entirely within a single Senatorial District. (b) By April 15 of the year following each Federal decennial census year, the State Board of Elections, by a record vote of a majority of the total number of members authorized by law as provided in Section 5 of Article III, shall designate a computer program for redistricting the Senate and House of Representatives that meets the requirements of this Section. The designation shall include detailed specifications of the computer program. Any computer program designated by the State Board of Elections under this Section shall embody the following standards and criteria, as defined by Common Law, in this order of priority: (1) contiguity; (2) substantial equality of population; (3) compactness; (4) minimization of the number of districts that cross county or municipal boundaries; and (5) a fair reflection of minority voting strength. Any computer program designated by the State Board of Elections under this Section shall not consider the following data: (1) residency of incumbent legislators; (2) political affiliations of registered voters; (3) previous election results; and 09600012.doc 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 (4) demographic information not required to be used by this Section or by the United States Constitution or federal law. Except as specified in this Section, the computer program shall produce districts in a random manner. The Senate, by resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected, may by June 15 of that year designate a different computer program for redistricting the Senate. The House of Representatives, by a resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected, may by June 15 of that year designate a different computer program for redistricting the House of Representatives. (c) In the year following each Federal decennial census year, (i) the Senate, by resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected, shall redistrict the Senatorial Districts and (ii) the House of Representatives, by resolution adopted by a record vote of three-fifths of the members elected, shall redistrict the Representative Districts. Each adopted redistricting resolution shall be filed with the Secretary of State by the presiding officer of the house that adopted the resolution. (d) If a Senatorial or Representative redistricting resolution is not adopted and effective by June 15 of that year, the State Board of Elections, as soon thereafter as is practicable, shall produce a Senatorial or Representative redistricting plan, or both as the case may be, through the use of the computer program designated by 09600012.doc 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 the affected chamber, if it made a designation under subsection (b), or else through the use of the computer program designated by the State Board of Elections under that subsection. The State Board of Elections shall file the redistricting plan with the Secretary of State. (e) A redistricting plan, adopted by redistricting resolution or produced by the State Board of Elections, that is filed with the Secretary of State shall be presumed valid, shall have the same force and effect as a law , and shall be published promptly by the Secretary of State. (f) The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over actions concerning redistricting the House and Senate. ARTICLE XIV CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION SECTION 1. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (a) Whenever three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly so direct, the question of whether a Constitutional Convention should be called shall be submitted to the electors at the general election next occurring at least six months after such legislative direction. (b) If the question of whether a Convention should be called is not submitted during any twenty-year period, the Secretary of State shall submit such question at the general election in the twentieth year following the last submission. (c) The vote on whether to call a Convention shall be on a separate ballot. A Convention shall be called if approved 09600012.doc 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 by three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election. (d) The General Assembly, at the session following approval by the electors, by law shall provide for the Convention and for the election of two delegates from each Senatorial District; designate the time and place of the Convention's first meeting which shall be within three months after the election of delegates; fix and provide for the pay of delegates and officers; and provide for expenses necessarily incurred by the Convention. (e) To be eligible to be a delegate a person must meet the same eligibility requirements as a member of the General Assembly. Vacancies shall be filled as provided by law. (f) The Convention shall prepare such revision of or amendments to the Constitution as it deems necessary. Any proposed revision or amendments approved by a majority of the delegates elected shall be submitted to the electors in such manner as the Convention determines, at an election designated or called by the Convention occurring not less than two nor more than six months after the Convention's adjournment. Any revision or amendments proposed by the Convention shall be published with explanations, as the Convention provides, at least one month preceding the election. (g) The vote on the proposed revision or amendments shall be on a separate ballot. Any proposed revision or amendments shall become effective, as the Convention provides, if approved by a majority of those voting on the question. 09600012.doc 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 12th Legislative Day 2/11/2009 This Constitutional Amendment takes effect beginning with redistricting in 2011 and applies to the election of members of the General Assembly in 2012 and thereafter. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09600012.doc 48