"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor Shaun Lewis who is the Director of Civil Servant Ministries, serving the political Leaders of Illinois. Pastor Lewis is the guest of Representative Morrison. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting laptops, turn off all cell phones and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Lewis."
"If you would bow with me in prayer. Father in Heaven, we know, from Romans 13, that You established the institution of government. It exists to promote and to uphold a just standard of conduct in society. Thank You for this and thank You for establishing government here in Illinois. Though ours isn’t perfect, I'm often reminded when I step back that Illinois certainly isn’t a bad place to live. There's much that happens in this chamber that is good and praise-worthy. Thank You for the work of our Representatives. Thank You for the work of our staff members who support them. I pray that they would to You for grace and for the wisdom to lead. Bless the work that they do this day. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Speaker Lang: "We will be led in the Pledge today by Representative Butler."
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Currie." 09900019.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Mautino and Soto are excused today."
"Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On the Republican side of the aisle, we have no excused absences today. Thank you."
"Happy to hear that. Please take the record, Mr. Clerk. There are 115 Members present. We do have a quorum and prepared to do the work of the people. The Chair recognizes Representative Bourne."
"A point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. Today I would like to welcome a group up in the gallery. It's a school group from St. Peter's Lutheran Church from Prarie… St. Peter's Lutheran School from Prairie Town in Madison County. They're here to visit the Capitol and meet with their Legislators. So, welcome."
"Thank you. Welcome. Thanks for joining us today. Representative Moylan is recognized."
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Proceed, Sir."
"I would like to introduce Holly Bleeden from the great City of Des Plaines. She is Page for the day."
"Welcome. Thank you. Representative Tabares."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on the point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"We have some very, very special guests today, in the gallery, from my district. I'd like to ask the students from 09900019.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 Kelly High School to please rise. They’re in the gallery. I want to give them a warm welcome. They are the AP Government Class from Kelly High School. So, I just want to welcome them to Springfield. Enjoy the rest of your day. Thank you for coming."
"Happy to have you here with us. Thank you. Representative Mayfield."
"I'd like everyone to join me in wishing Leader Al Riley a happy birthday today."
"We will all retire to Mr. Riley's desk for cake. Representative Phillips."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"I drafted this note. I felt a personal calling about a month ago to bring House Resolution 173 to the House of Representatives asking Illinoisans to stand with Israel. It's most appropriate, at this time, to honor Benjamin Netanyahu who spoke in Washington yesterday. It is a well-known fact that Israel has and continues to be our strongest and longest and closest ally in the Middle Eastern region. Their enemies are our enemies. I'd like to read from Genesis 12:1, if you… if I may. All right. The Lord said to Abram, Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. And here's the part I want you to really listen to. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse. So, folks, I think that says it all, 09900019.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 but with everything going on in our world and right here at home, I'd like to see this House come together to show the people of Israel that the people of this great State of Illinois stand with them in their struggle. We hope that the war gives to restraint and tolerance and that in the most significant time that Israel's time as a nation comes where their ability to live free and safe is brought to pass. And through our support and word, we hope blessings on our own House will be equally bestowed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you, Sir. Representative Manley."
"Good afternoon. I rise on a point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"How are you?"
"I'm lovely. Thank you."
"Good, good. It's nice to see you. You know, sometimes when we're in Springfield we miss our families, right? So, I am lucky today to point up to the back of the gallery, a class from Crestwood, Illinois, Nathan Hale School, and my cousin, Dina Dombroski and her son, Matthew Dombroski, and with his entire class, Mrs. Loxas' class. We welcome you to Springfield and thank you for coming down and… and being here with me. Appreciate it."
"Welcome. Happy you're here with us. Mr. Leitch is recognized."
"Personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"I'd like to introduce, from Lowpoint-Washburn, my Page, Dalton McCarson, and his mother's in the gallery, Sandy. Welcome to Springfield." 09900019.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Thank you, Sir. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
"Committee Reports. Representative Kelly Cassidy, Chairperson from the Committee on Juvenile Justice & System- Involved Youth reports the following committee action taken on March 03, 2015: recommends be adopted House Resolution 138. Representative Beiser, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges reports the following committee action taken on March 03, 2015: recommends be adopted House Joint Resolution 9 and House Joint Resolution 21; recommends be adopted as amended House Joint Resolution 29. Representative DeLuca, Chairperson from the Committee on Cities & Villages reports the following committee action taken on March 03, 2015: do pass as amended Short Debate for House Bill 245. Representative Hernandez, Chairperson from the Committee on Consumer Protection reports the following committee action taken on March 03, 2015: do pass as amended Standard Debate for House Bill 133. Representative Sims, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Criminal reports the following committee action taken on March 03, 2015: do pass Short Debate for House Bill 1418; and recommends be adopted House Resolution 134 and House Resolution 163. Representative Mayfield, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: Licensing Oversight reports the following committee action taken on March 04, 2015: do pass Short Debate for House Bill 306, House Bill 1378. Representative Gabel, Chairperson from the Committee on Human Services reports the following committee action taken on March 04, 2015: do pass Short Debate for House Bill for 1530; recommends be adopted House Joint Resolution 09900019.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 26, House Resolution 144, and House Resolution 148. Representative Nekritz, Chairperson from the Committee on Judiciary - Civil reports the following committee action taken on March 04, 2015: do pass as… do pass Short Debate House Bill 248, House Bill 488, and House Bill 1531. Representative Golar, Chairperson from the Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies reports the following committee action taken on March 04, 2015: do pass Short Debate for House Bill 115, House Bill 118, House Bill 127, and House Bill 1509; and recommends be adopted House Resolution 152. Representative D'Amico, Chairperson from the Committee on Transportation: Vehicles & Safety reports the following committee action taken on March 04, 2015: do pass Short Debate for House Bill 1459, House Bill 1516, and House Bill 1560; and do pass as amended Short Debate for House Bill 377."
"Mr. Clerk, Adjournment Resolution. Members, page 2 of the Calendar, under the Order of House Bills-Second Reading… there appears House Bill 175, Mr. McSweeney. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 175, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #3, offered by Representative McSweeney, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. McSweeney."
"Mr. Speaker, Amendment #3 simply adds a two year limit to the change in the Open Meetings Act. I'd appreciate approval of the Amendment." 09900019.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 198, Representative Gabel. Out of the record. House Bill 422, Mr. Morrison. Out of the record. House Bill 1336, Representative Fine. Please read the Bill. No running, Representative."
"House Bill 1336, a Bill for an Act concerning liquor. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1361, Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner. Out of the record. Page 3 of the Calendar, Members, House Bills-Third Reading. House Bill 123, Mr. Walsh. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 123, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Walsh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 123 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is an agreed Bill with the aggregate producers. Basically, what it does is raise the bond for reclamation of vacated mines from 5 thousand to 10 thousand. And I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"There being no questions, those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves, Members. Have all voted who wish? Breen, Davis, Mitchell, Nekritz, Stewart, Tryon. Mr. Breen, Mr. Stewart. 09900019.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 Please take the record. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 130, Mr. Walsh. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 130, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Walsh."
"Thank you, again. And House Bill 130 is an initiative of the U.S.S. Illinois Commissioning Committee. Basically, what this Bill does is create a specialty plate for the U.S.S. Illinois. This is a new submarine that's being commissioned by the U.S. Navy that will be commissioned out of Groton, Connecticut in June of this year. And all the moneys that are raised through this specialty plate are for the crew and members through the Illinois Commissioning Committee. Be happy to answer any questions and appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Franks. Please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 219, Mr. Verschoore. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 219, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Verschoore."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that I had on the floor the other day and there was some question about it, so I met with a couple of the Representatives who had 09900019.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 questions. I think I satisfied one of the Representatives. The other Representative, I'm not sure. But what the Bill does is it's a… fire districts and one district approaches another district and asks them to join if it's for… to consolidate it, make it a bigger district, to have more equipment, or cover an area faster. But when the district that asked the other district to join it, they do not vote. It's the district that's coming in that votes. And there is a hearing before they… informational hearing where people, if they have concerns, can vent those concerns and so then the district coming in is the only one that votes. There was a question on who voted. It's just the district coming in. So, I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Mr. Yingling."
"Yeah. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative, just to be clear, this does not allow a dual referendum. Is that correct?"
"It doesn't… I can't hear… what was the… doesn't…"
"This Bill does not allow for a dual referendum. Is that correct?"
"It's just the referendum… it's a front-door referendum for the district coming in, but not for the whole district."
"And I know you and I have had conversations about this, but I think it's important for the chamber to realize that this Bill does not allow for a dual referendum which means that you only have one district voting to determine the outcome of two separate, independent districts. On top of 09900019.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 this, a lot of these fire boards are not even popularly elected. So, you have… so, you completely remove the ability of the taxpayers to exercise their right to vote on a referendum. I know I'm a Sponsor of this Bill, but unfortunately, I can no longer sponsor this Bill. This is not a good government Bill and this runs roughshod over… over some of the taxpayers in a contingent… in the neighboring fire district. To the Bill. I think that… I think this… I understand the concept of this legislation, but it definitely needs more work. This Bill does not allow for a dual referendum which is absolutely a must, considering that many of these boards are not elected. I urge a 'no' vote. And I will be removing myself as a Sponsor. Thank you."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I'm reading the Bill and I was concerned with my friend's comments, the previous speaker. I want to ask a couple of specifics on this Bill. Do you take into effect, when you're looking at a consolidation, the different…"
"Mr. Franks, could I ask you to withhold for a second. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have some Bills to get through today. Could we hold it down to a dull roar? Please, if you need to talk, move yourselves to the rear of the chamber. Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that. The previous speaker indicated he had some concerns because this was not requiring everyone who would become part of the new 09900019.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 organization to vote. It would just be those that would be… become part of the existing one, correct?"
"Correct."
"Okay. So, when we're looking at this, are you taking into account the assets of each of the existing districts, the liabilities of each of the existing districts, or the tax rates of each of the existing districts?"
"Representative Franks, the judge always looks at all that stuff before they ever put the referendum out for a vote."
"But I understand there's such a low threshold to get on the… to get a referendum here. You only have one percent of the voters. Typically, it's seven percent."
"That's a… that's just to file, but they still have to go before the judge."
"I'm sorry. I didn't understand that. I didn't hear that."
"It only takes one percent to file, but they still have to go before the judge."
"When you say 'before the judge', what do you mean by that?"
"There's a hearing."
"When would they…"
"Wait… wait a second."
"Yeah."
"There's four things that they have to do. The have to… the court has to find that they will receive equal or greater benefit, will not cause the territory remaining in the district to be noncontiguous, will not cause serious injury to the district from which the transfer is made, and 09900019.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 if the trustees of the district to which the transfer is sought have not filed a written refusal to accept the territory."
"So, this would not necessarily be a referendum, per se. You wouldn't have people voting. So, I'm not sure I understand how this is set up. Are you telling me that one percent of the voters would have to sign a petition saying that we wish to get rid of our old board and become part of a new one, number one? Is that correct?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"And once one percent signs it, there would then not be a vote… there would not be a referendum, but instead a judge would look at four criteria. Is that what you're saying?"
"That's the way… that's the way the law is now."
"Yeah. I was unaware of that."
"Then if the judge finds… then it goes to the referendum."
"Okay. So, I'm trying to understand the procedure here. So, if the judge then says these four criteria are met, then it can go to referenda?"
"Yes."
"Okay. That's what I didn't understand, Pat. I just didn't know how that worked. So, you get one percent of the people, it goes to a judge, and then the judge can then place it on a referenda."
"Yes."
"All right. So, what are you trying to change now with this legislation if you say we already have to go through these procedural safeguards?" 09900019.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"The way it is now it just goes to one group for the transfer and this way it will go to the whole group… the group that's seeking to come in."
"I'm sorry. I didn't hear the answer."
"Now, only the group that's seeking transfer are the ones that are allowed to vote."
"Oh, I see. So, previously, the existing and the one seeking transfer would be allowed to vote and you're seeking to change the law so it would only be those that were seeking to transfer would be able to vote?"
"No… it's the entire district that's going to be… that's being asked to come in that the whole district could vote. Wait… wait one minute, Jack."
"Okay. On radio they would call this dead time. Mr. Speaker, perhaps you have a sponsor, like a commercial message you'd like to make at this time."
"Jack, the district lets… divide it up into A and B. And B asks A to come into the district, a portion of A. The way it is now, only the portion of A that asked to come in would vote. This changes it so all of A would come in… would have to vote to come in. Before… before that portion could… just a small portion could leave."
"So, you're telling me that this is more inclusive instead of less inclusive. Is that your idea on this Bill is to make it be more inclusive?"
"Be more inclusive."
"Okay. Because the previous speaker, I think, understood this to be less inclusive, but you're telling us that the way 09900019.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 it's drafted, it would be more inclusive so more people can vote."
"More people in the district that's asked to come in, the way I understand it."
"And what about the existing one? Would the existing one be able to vote? That's what I want to know."
"No, the existing one is the one that asked those to come in and the previous speaker said that he didn't like… that it wasn't good government because there was people that would initiate this that weren't elected people, but they are appointed by people that are elected, the way I understand it, whether it's a county or a city municipality or whatever."
"Okay. I just want to make sure I understand. I'm a bit confused. So, right now, we have a situation where if people… if two groups, A and B…"
"Right."
"…wish to consolidate…"
"Well, there could be… there could be like two districts in A and if like A1 wanted to go in, they could go in just by themselves now. It wouldn’t be the whole A District if you… I guess… a lack of a way of better explaining it."
"So, the people who would be affected would have the ability to vote?"
"Right."
"Okay. Now, right now, is it laid out that the people who would be affected would not be able to vote? Are you trying to change the law to allow those that would be affected to be able to vote?"
"Could you repeat that again?" 09900019.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"I'm trying to figure out what problem this Bill is trying to fix. Is there an ability right now for those that would be affected by a proposed consolidation to be able to all weigh in, all the voters weigh in or are some excluded presently?"
"There's no vote on all of it. It's just the portion that's coming in. The people that initiated this, they will not vote. It's just the portion that's coming in."
"So, the ones who initiate it are not going to vote?"
"The group that initiates it will not vote."
"So, who will vote under this scenario?"
"Okay. Retraction, Jack."
"Okay."
"This thing is so confusing. Okay. Okay. There's A1 in A and B is where they want to go into."
"Okay."
"A1 has initiated this. The way the law reads now, only A1 would be able to vote; where if we changed the law, the other part of A, all the people, A1 and A would be able to vote."
"Okay. That helps a lot. So, what you're saying is this is more inclusive, more people will be able to weigh in on the structure of their fire protection districts as opposed to as it is now where only a limited amount of people can vote, correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure I understood it."
"Thank you."
"Thank you." 09900019.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Ladies and Gentlemen, there are still six people wishing to speak on a Bill that's on Short Debate. Mr. Sandack has waived off his right to speak, someone else has, but Mr. Sullivan does want to speak. Mr. Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, this makes disconnection and annexations more transparent. Think of it this way. If you live in a fire protection district and you had a really nice subdivision that had a lot of EAV and they wanted to go into another fire district, in the past, they could vote themselves to go to that fire district; therefore, hurting the existing district. What this Bill does is say if you want to go, the entire district votes for it, so you cannot cherry pick the good EAV portions of the district to put them in another one. So, the net effect, should this pass into law, is more transparency, more say of the existing district whether they want to lose EAV or not lose EAV. That's what this Bill does, only. The rest of the discussion was existing law on the one percent, the judicial problems and all the different things that go on. This is about transparency, not less transparency. Thank you."
"Mr. Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. We've had some excellent discussion on that… on this Bill. I think it's great because fire protection is so important to all of us, but let's… let's be real clear here. Two different districts exist today. District A would like to annex part of District B. They're separate districts. They've paid for their equipment separately. They've levied separately. Now, one portion of B 09900019.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 is being looked at by District A and maybe the folks in there want to go with A and that… right now they alone decided. However, all of B helped pay for their equipment, so why wouldn't the stakeholders, in this case, the entire district, get to make the decision? You don't want to have your taxes go to build up assets for emergency services only to be gone away without you having any say. The other thing is, as one portion of a district is annexed by another you've got to take a couple other things into account. If I'd had a fire station and equipment, what's that going to do to response time for the remainder of District B? It could easily be a negative impact. It could negatively impact insurance costs by taking away a certain portion of District B. This is a good government Bill. It's a good public safety Bill. It's a good transparency Bill. It lets the people decide and it doesn't let a small portion come in and take away the good assets of another district. It's an excellent Bill and deserves a 'yes' vote. Thank you."
"The last speaker on this Bill is Mr. Kay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Okay. A lot of my questions, Pat, have been cleared up, but I'm curious. Now that this is more inclusive, I'm assuming or… maybe I'm assuming wrongly that there is an economic advantage to do this. Is that correct?"
"That's the way it's explained to me, Representative. It's just like Representative Moffitt said and like Representative Sullivan. When you bring more equipment, so to speak, like maybe the B doesn't have a hook and ladder truck 09900019.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 or they don't have a pumper truck or whatever, the other one does and it's just advantageous to get that in there because every minute of response time magnifies a fire twice, double. So, this would be not only consolidating equipment, saving money for the combined district, but it just makes sense."
"Yeah. And my second… my second question would be, since it's all inclusive, I'm assuming then that if District B who becomes comingled with A has a certain amount of liabilities, then everyone gets to vote on the liabilities that may be picked up within that combined district. Is that correct?"
"The way I understand it, yeah."
"Thank you. Okay, thank you, Representative."
"Thank you. The Chair would like to thank those who turned their lights off. Mr. Verschoore to close."
"I would like an 'aye' vote, please."
"Those in favor of the Gentleman's Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Pritchard. Please take the record, Mr. Clerk. On this question, there 108 voting 'yes', 5 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 220, Mr. Moffitt. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 220, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 220 is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts and what it is for is to help them decide, the district, if they… 09900019.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 if they're in a problem situation of adequate revenue for their rescue portion of their response team. This is one that… they are impacted by lots of laws and policy and regulations that are set by the State and Federal Government. Costs of that equipment keeps going up and they keep having to deal with more regulations and cost. This will give them the tools they need to be able to provide adequate equipment. I would just remind you that if you… as you travel the State of Illinois and your constituents travel the response that you will receive will be for whatever rescue units are along that portion of highway. Hope you never need any of their response, but unfortunately, every now and then a response is needed. You may have the best response there is in your home district, but as you travel, you're going to depend on the rest of this. What this calls for is that by referendum, front-door referendum, that the levy for rescue can be raised from .05 to .10 only if the voters say they want to do that. In this time when we're having decreased state revenue, decreased ability to help our emergency services, this says that the local unit… the local voters… the local residents can decide what they need and how to better fund it. So, we did this last year. Representative Leitch sponsored a Bill that… for ambulance services. This isn't for ambulance. This is for rescue. Two different categories of response. So, I'd appreciate your vote. Thank you."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record, Mr. Clerk. On this question, there are 69 voting 09900019.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 'yes', 44 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 228, Mr. Franks. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 228, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that we passed overwhelmingly last year and then it didn’t come back from the Senate in an appropriate form. What this would do… this came out of our consolidation committee which would… and what we decided was to place a moratorium on the creation of any new units of local governments for four years. We need to do this in our efforts to try to consolidate and reduce government, but this would be a temporary moratorium on the state creating any additional taxing bodies. I'd be happy to answer any questions."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill, please. I stand in strong support of Representative Franks' good Bill. We can't stop the bleeding in Illinois until we at least bandage it. And this is a bandage initiative. We have more units of local government than any state in the country. At least we could stop putting new units of government into play. And so, I commend the Sponsor on a thoughtful first step and look forward to working with him and all Members of this General Assembly in actually reducing the number of local units of government. Thank you, Representative Franks. I urge a 'yes' vote." 09900019.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record. There are 111 voting 'yes', 2 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 330, Mr. Hoffman. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 330, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This Bill, House Bill 330, is designed to address the issue of copper theft that is running rampant throughout the State of Illinois. It would bring experts to the table and is modeled after the Metro East Task Force that made recommendations on how to track the stolen copper, how to make sure that it is alleviated, and the individuals who steal it are prosecuted. I ask for a favorable vote and I know of no opposition."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative Hoffman, it's a task force, right?"
"Yes."
"Okay. That's all I wanted to know. Thank you."
"Thank you for the very insightful question."
"That's it, Sir? Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Crespo, Meier, Phillips, Sommer. Mr. Phillips. Please 09900019.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 335, Mr. Hoffman. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill…"
"Out of the record, Mr. Clerk. Excuse me. House Bill 1285, Speaker Madigan, Leader Currie. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1285, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. This is a vehicle Bill, a shell Bill. It has no substantive language. We intend for this to become the focus of negotiations over potential changes in the unemployment insurance system; negotiations that would involve all comers, all stakeholders. There is no reason to vote anything but 'yes' as the Bill does nothing and anything that it might do in the future would have to come back to each and every one of us for a vote. I urge your support."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Leader yield for a few questions?"
"Leader yields."
"Representative, why are we doing this now? I obviously heard you loud and clear. Why the timing? Why are we passing a shell Bill, a vehicle Bill now?"
"Because we want to make sure we're ready, we’re poised to take action should there be negotiations which bear fruit." 09900019.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"And do I have it… am I understanding that we’re only using this for unemployment insurance on an agreed Bill basis?"
"That is our plan."
"Well, is that plan your representation and something we can…"
"Take it to the bank."
"…rely upon?"
"But besides that, remember this is not the end of the story. Anything that became substantive about this Bill would have to come back to this chamber for a vote."
"Right, but we could always do that on any Bill, too. We don't usually do that. This is a unique process…"
"Yeah."
"…passing an empty Bill."
"Except this one can't very well go to the Governor as is."
"Gosh, I hope not. You wouldn't want that either, right?"
"No."
"Thank you."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Franks, Harris. Please take the record. On this question, there are 65 voting 'yes', 48 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1345, Mr. Welch. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1345, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill." 09900019.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Mr. Welch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 1345 is an initiative of the Secretary of State's Office. This Bill requires a minimum of eight hours of pre-licensing education by an owner, principal, corporate officer, director, or member or partner of a limited liability company or a limited liability partnership of the applicant for a remittance agent license. It also provides that the education program course curriculum instruction must be approved by the Secretary of the State. One other important note, this proposal will require any applicant for a new or used vehicle dealer's license to provide a statement as to whether within 10 years an applicant has been convicted of a forcible felony. I ask for your approval."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative Welch, help me out. What is a remittance agent license?"
"You would ask me a technical question, wouldn’t you?"
"Isn't that the very basis of what we're doing? I don’t think it's that technical. I really don't know what it is."
"Well, it is an individual licensed by the Secretary of State that engages in the accepting of money from members of the public for remittance to the State of Illinois."
"I'm sorry. For what?"
"You want me to read that again?"
"No, no. Just… accepting money for what? What do the remittance agents do?" 09900019.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Accepting money from members of the public…"
"Okay. And so now…"
"…for remittance to the state."
"Got it. And now there's an education requirement being prescribed by your Bill?"
"That's correct."
"And it's eight hours minimum required before you can be a remittance agent pursuant to license issued by the State of Illinois."
"That is correct."
"Thank you, Chris. One more question. What other states do this? Are there any examples of good or best practices undertaken by other states that have a remittent license process?"
"That's a fair question. One second."
"I only ask fair questions, Chris."
"Representative, I'm actually… I'm not sure if other states do it or not. As you know, Representative, Secretary of State White, his office continually leads the way."
"Well, I like that. And so, what good public policy is going to follow because of this new leading-of-the-way, trailblazing initiative of our good Secretary?"
"Well, I think anytime you can provide pre-licensing education for people that's going to be collecting money that's due to the state, a state that needs as much revenue as we possibly can, I think that's good public policy. Wouldn't you agree, Representative?"
"I appreciate those comments. Thank you very much, Representative." 09900019.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Thank you. I ask for an…"
"Mr. Guzzardi."
"Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Representative Welch, a quick question for you. Does this Bill add a new requirement or a new, I should say, prohibition that people applying for these positions may not have committed forcible felonies? Is that new and not previously existing in the statute?"
"That is new and it is going to be going forward and not retroactive."
"Okay. Thank you, Representative."
"You're welcome."
"Mr. Batinick."
"Mr. Speaker, will the Sponsor yield?"
"Gentleman yields."
"Has there been a cost analysis done on what it will cost the private sector for this law?"
"The answer to your question, Representative, is I don't believe so, but if you read the Bill in its entirety the cost is minimal."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Mr. Welch to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Cabello, Franks, Sosnowski. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 88 voting 'yes', 24 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the 09900019.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Mr. Riley. Happy birthday, Sir."
"Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I just want to make a change to the record. On House Bill 228, I'd like to be recorded as voting 'no'."
"The record will reflect your intentions. House Bill 1363, Representative Fine. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1363, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Fine."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill brings the Park District Code into conformity with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. It will allow park districts to participate in joint recreational programs with any other park districts, city, forest preserve districts, school districts, et cetera. The current Code says that these have to be contiguous and this expands those opportunities."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Acevedo, Hernandez, Martwick. Mr. Martwick. Please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. On page 5 of the Calendar, under Motions in Writing, Ladies and Gentlemen, there are various Motions to Table. We'll take these one at a time and quickly. House Bill… We'll do them all at once. Ladies and Gentlemen, on the following Bills: House Bill 2550, Phelps; House Bill 2794, Brown; House Bill 3124, Pritchard; House Bill 3195, Chapa 09900019.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 LaVia; House Resolution 140, Brown. Each of these Sponsors has moved to table their Bill or Resolution. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And all of those Motions are adopted. Mr. Turner in the Chair."
"On page 3 of the Calendar, we have House Bill 1319, Representative Lang. Mr. Clerk."
"House Bill 1319, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Lang."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, today, under the law, landlords are supposed to provide payment to each tenant every 12 months on the interest earned on their security deposit. But there are many where their security deposit interest is like 12 cents or 15 cents. This is burdening landlords, particularly landlords in low-income housing or in not-for-profit housing. All this Bill says is they don't have to pay it until it becomes over $5 or unless the tenants termin… tenancy terminates. I ask your support."
"The question is, 'Shall House Bill 1319 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On a count of 106 voting 'yes', 7 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present', House Bill 1319, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 227, offered by Representative Bellock and House Resolution 228, offered by Speaker Madigan." 09900019.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015
"Leader Currie moves that the House adopt the Agreed Resolutions. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Resolutions are adopted. Representative Mayfield, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"I had an issue with my switch. I'd like the record to reflect that I intended to vote 'yes' on House Bill 1345."
Speaker Turner: "The record will reflect your request. Representative Zalewski, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please proceed, Sir."
"I actually have some village officials from Justice, in my home district, here today. Richard Sparr, Kris Wasowicz, Rick Symonds, and Matthew Zarebczan. They're from the Village of Justice. They're up here in the chamber. They're here on behalf of the Local Distributive Fund. We’re going to have a robust discussion about that money here in the next few months and when we have mayors come down and explain exactly why it’s important to them and why they… we need to be respectful of that fund, I think they should be acknowledged for that effort. And I just want to welcome them to Springfield."
Speaker Turner: "Welcome to Springfield. Thank you, Representative. Representative Demmer, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Representative."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to welcome a couple of guests we have in the gallery today. Aaron Fox, Tim Broos, 09900019.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 19th Legislative Day 3/4/2015 and Andy McFarlane are down today supporting the Dixon Family Y.M.C.A. So, welcome to the Capitol."
"Thank you and welcome to your Capitol. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees for this afternoon have been canceled. The Small Business Committee scheduled for 1:00 in Room 122 has been canceled and the Energy Committee scheduled for 3:30 in Room 122 has also been canceled. The following committees will meet today at 1:00. Elementary & Secondary Education: Charter Schools will meet in Room C-1, Business & Occupational Licenses will meet in Room D-1, Labor & Commerce will meet in Room 114, State Government Administration will meet in Room 118, and Tourism & Conventions will meet in Room 115. At 3:30, Appropriations: General Services Committee will meet in Room 118 and Appropriations: Public Safety Committee will meet in Room 114."
"And now, allowing perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House adjourn until Thursday, March 5 at the hour of 12 noon. All in favor say 'aye'; all opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House is adjourned." 09900019.docx 30