"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Committee Reports. Representative Barbara Flynn Currie, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on April 12, 2016: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 2046, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 4445, Floor Amendment #3 to House Bill 4515, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 4683, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 4964, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 5619, Floor Amendment #2 to House Bill 5948, Floor Amendment #1 to House Bill 6030."
"The House will be in order. Members will be in their chairs. We shall be led in prayer today by Pastor John Vermeer, who is with Oak Glen United Reformed Church in Lansing. Pastor Vermeer is the guest of Representative Sims. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off cell phones and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Vermeer."
"Would you join with me in prayer, please? Heavenly Father, we hear in Your word the need to pray for our Leaders. Supplications, intersessions, prayers, thanksgiving to those in high position so that we might live godly and peaceful lives as You have so called us. We're grateful Father that You have granted unto us institu… institutions such as these for the common good and for the orderly development of society. Father, as we think about the Senators and the Representatives among us and who carry out the governing work here in this state, we realize that their work along with those who are with them in staff and other personnel, carry a weighty calling. They cover so much ground, 09900115.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 they cover so many aspects of life and they are called to so many different tasks along with the other general tasks that are theirs to carry out every day. And so we want to come this day, dear Father, grateful that we can come to You in the name of Christ who has all authority in Heaven and on Earth and we may come and ask that You will supply for them each and every one. We pray, Father, for Speaker Madigan that way. Also, for the President of the Senate, Cullerton. And also, Father, for if I consider the Representatives in our area, in the 34th District and the 17th Senatorial District, we pray, Father, for Representative Sims and also for Senator Trotter. We're thankful for their willingness to serve in the capacities to which You call them, but also for each and every one that is here today serving in the ways to which You've called them. Bless them to such an extent, Father, that they may know wisely the bounds of their work, but also to know the extent of their work so that they may carry out that work diligently, they may carry it out responsibly and they may do so, Father, for the welfare of those whom they govern. Father, as we ask these things, we pray that in this day as, again, much heavy work is before them, that You will support them and that they might rest upon You as they seek to carry out their work in justice and in order. May You hear us, Father. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
"Be led in the Pledge by Mr. Thapedi." Thapedi – 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." 09900115.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representatives Monique Davis, Jones, and Riley are excused today."
"Mr. Brown."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please let the record reflect that Representative Chad Hays is excused this afternoon."
"Mr. Clerk, please take the record. We have 114 Members answering the roll and we do have a quorum. The Chair recognizes Representative Hammond, for what reason do you rise? Is that lady next to you your Page for the day?"
"Well, I think maybe she could be my Page for the day, but I think she's got her hands full. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A moment of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Up… Joining us today on the east side of the gallery are seventh and eighth graders from St. Mary's School in Mount Sterling, Illinois and joining them also is their principal, Ann Williamson. And… could you please give them a warm welcome to Springfield."
Speaker Lang: "Welcome. We're happy you're here with us. Representative Ammons is recognized."
"Thank you, Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"I would like to take the time to introduce my Page for today. He's standing here across from us waving his hand. His name is Aaron Lyubansky and he is eighth grade in Montessori 09900115.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 School in… in Champaign but is going to high school next year. So we want to welcome you to the Capitol."
"Welcome. Glad you're here with us today. Mr. Phelps, for what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Go right ahead."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Hey, just on behalf of my co… cochair Senator Luechtefeld and I, in the Illinois Sportsmen’s Caucus want to personally invite each and every one of you tomorrow night 5:30 at the Wyndham Hotel which used to be the Hilton, 5:30's the reception, 6:30 dinner. I think we're going to have a good crowd and we'd love to have you."
"Thank you, Sir. Mr. Tryon is recognized. For what reason do you rise?"
"Mr. Speaker, I rise for a point of personal privilege."
"Go right ahead."
"Just want to remind everybody that tonight at the Strike’N Spare Bowling Alley is the third Annual Diabetes Caucus Fundraiser and… and as you… if you have participated in the past, you know how challenging it is. Standing next to me is the chair of Team Big Strike who just pointed out that they have new uniforms and that he's challenging my group for the best-dressed bowler, but… but I'm challenging him for the one that raises the most money. So we'll see what happens, but come and have fun and be our guest if… and watch, if you can't participate. So, thank you."
"Thank you. Is there food, Sir?"
"There will be hors d'oeuvres…" 09900115.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"If there's food, I know Moylan will be there."
"Moylan will be there. I think you're right."
"Representative Cloonen is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege."
"Go right ahead."
"I would like to welcome a group from Kankakee Community College. We have administrators and professors off to my right. Let's give them a hand… a round of applause."
"Thank you, Representative. I'm glad you're here with us today. Mr. Sandack, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please proceed."
"Thank you. I, too, have a Page for the day. Shadowing me and to my left is Elizabeth Hamilton. Elizabeth is a senior at Hinsdale Central. She is an accomplished musician. She plays the flute, the oboe, the bass clarinet, the guitar, and the piano. She'll be going to Fordham University next fall, studying journalism and I am proud to introduce her and I'm hoping we'll get a nice welcome for her and her dad, John, who is up there too. So let's give them both a nice Springfield welcome, please."
"Glad to have you here. Thank you all for being here. Mr. Clerk, House Resolution 1021. Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker and Members of the House. Today is the day of the year when the average full-time working woman earns as much as the average full-time working man earned during 2015. So, April 12 is a red-letter day for women workers in this country. This Resolution memorializes this 09900115.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 day as the date that women earning 79 cents for a dollar owned… earned by a man begins to catch up. The Resolution doesn't call upon us to do anything although I have a lot of good ideas if anyone's interested. It just memorializes the fact that it takes us a lot longer to earn what men earned last year and today is that date. I'd be happy to answer your questions. And I'd be grateful for your support for adoption of House Resolution 1021."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, please pay attention to the Chair. Those of you who have given your priority Bills to your Leader, we will begin to call the first priorities for Democrats and Republicans by alphabetical order. We're going to start with Bills on Second Reading. Now, you all know the alphabet, so please follow along for your name as we go along. Before we get to that, the Chair recognizes Leader Gordon-Booth."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A moment for personal privilege. With me today I have the Christ Lutheran Comets from Peoria, Illinois. Christ Lutheran captured their fourth national title. Christ Lutheran swept away through five opponents the weekend of March 18 and March 20 to win the National Championship of the Lutheran Basketball Association of America. Christ Lutheran is a Lutheran elementary school on Peoria's south side and has had an enrollment for over 123 years. On that team those players are Adam Miller, Josh Ivory, Kaveon Mack, Kalil Danige, Alexander Hangen, Brody Volroth, my step-son, Chancellor Booth, Isaac Butler, Sagan Watson, Joel Lombardi, Marshawn Toliver, and Cameron Sproggins. They 09900115.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 were coached by Mr. Terry Mooney Jr., Mr. John Volroth, Mr. Courtney Mack, and Mr. Terry Mooney Sr., who is also the principal. If you all could give them a warm, General Assembly congratulations to Christ Lutheran."
"Congratulations. Welcome to the Illinois House of Representatives. All right, we begin. Senate Bill 382, Mr. Acevedo. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 382, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this Senate Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4366, Mr. Beiser. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4366, a Bill for an Act concerning the Secretary of State. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Beiser, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Beiser on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Amendment is language suggested by the Secretary of State. It gets them on board and basically, what this does is it makes everyone eligible for a driver's license designation or identification card designation as a veteran."
"Mr. Sandack, can this wait till Third Reading or do you need…"
"Well, I… I have a question of the Sponsor real quickly."
"Please proceed."
"Representative, my notes and analysis says this was going to be held. Does your Amendment fix any objections?" 09900115.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"This Amendment… this is why we were going to hold it, for this Amendment."
"Thank you."
"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 6324, Mr. Anthony. Mr. Anthony. Out of the record. House Bill 6129, Representative Chapa LaVia. Chapa LaVia. Out of the record. House Bill 5882, Representative Conroy. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5882, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4614, Mr. Brown. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4614, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Brown, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Brown."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to adopt Floor Amendment #2 which reinserts language that was unintentionally stricken from the first draft. That language would read 'and shall at the same time file with the annual bond or bonds and the insurance policy or policies as and if required by this Act’."
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk." 09900115.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5598, Leader Currie. Leader Currie. Out of the record. House Bill 5924, Representative Fine. Out of the record. House Bill 5649, Mr. Bennett. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5649, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Returning to House Bill 5598, Leader Currie. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5598, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 166, Representative Flowers. Representative Flowers. Out of the record. House Bill 4250, Mr. Ford. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4250, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5756, Mr. Cabello. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5756, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 3760, Mr. Franks. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 3760, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5902, Mr. Guzzardi. Mr. Guzzardi. Out of the record. House Bill 6149, Mr. Frese. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6149, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Frese, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Frese."
"I move to adopt Amendment… Floor Amendment #2 which cleans up language from the original Bill. The fund has already been established. The wording in the Bill said that we needed to create that fund."
"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 6073, Mr. Greg Harris. Greg Harris. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6073, a Bill for an Act concerning health. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. A fiscal note and a state mandates note has been requested, but not filed at this time." 09900115.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Please hold the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Senate Bill 42, Representative Lilly. Representative Lilly. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 42, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. Floor Amendment #1 was adopted previously. No further Floor Amendments have been approved for consideration. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5018, Representative Hammond. Representative Hammond. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5018, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5527, Representative Manley. Representative Manley. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5527, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Manley, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Manley on the Amendment. Ladies and Gentlemen… Ladies and Gentlemen, please keep the noise down to a dull roar, please. Ooh, that was good. Representative Manley on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Amendment 2 is a technical Amendment. And I'd like to explain the Bill when it's on Third, if possible." 09900115.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"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 5915, Representative Mayfield. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5915, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5783, Representative Jimenez. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5783, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4528, Representative McAsey. Representative McAsey. Out of the record. House Bill 4259, Mr. Moylan. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4259, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 6037, Representative Reaves-Harris. Representative Reaves-Harris. Out of the record. House Bill 6031, Representative Scherer. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6031, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No 09900115.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4446, Representative Wheeler. Barbara Wheeler. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4446, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5668, Mr. Sims. Mr. Sims. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5668, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4536, Mr. Walsh. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4536, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Mr. Clerk, out of the record. House Bill 6021, Mr. Yingling. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6021, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5003, Representative Winger. God bless you, Representative. Representative Winger. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 5003, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5948, Mr. Zalewski. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5948, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Zalewski, has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Zalewski on the Amendment."
"Mr. Speaker, I wish to adopt Floor Amendment #2. It changes the hours requirement for the scaling and it changes the issue with respect to if the hygienist has to see the patient for an emergency."
"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. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're now proceeding to first priority Bills in alphabetical order that are on Third Reading, on Third Reading. The first Bill House Bill 4334, Mr. Andrade. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4334, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Andrade."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the House, this Bill the Secretary of State in October of 2015 stopped sending out notices to our constituents and our residents of Illinois. 09900115.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Since this year alone, our residents have paid over $5 million in late fees and if they… since they have not received their license plate registration. This Bill would give a temporary relief. There is a sunset on this Bill. Two sunsets that the Secretary of State once they start mailing and once in two years. This Bill will give relief to our constituents and our residents the ability for them to adjust to them not receiving license plate renewal notices. We are not a nanny state, but I think our citizens deserve the opportunity to adjust to them not receiving. We have many seniors, many low-income families that do not have access to a computer, do not have access to e-mail, and some of our senior citizens will never have any intention of applying for an e-mail to receive that notice through an e-mail. So, I ask for favorable consideration and to see if anyone has any questions or concerns that I may address on this Bill."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Jaime, I just want to make sure I understand something here. So with the Amendment that you added, the Secretary of State is supportive. Isn't that right?"
"Yes. They are supportive and other agencies that had some con… concerns are now on board, also."
"And all your Bill does is it lets people come in with a printout of the renewal and say… and it acts as an affirmative defense so that they maybe won't be fined?"
"So, what… what the Bill does is… yes, a printout does… it gives an ammir… affirmative defense. Let's say if the 09900115.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 municipality gives them a ticket within the first month. What this… What this Bill also does is allow the Secretary of State to not issue a late fee."
"But it doesn't mandate that they do. It just suggests that they shouldn't and it gives this affirmative defense which doesn't bind anyone. It just suggests that they should give relief."
"Correct."
"Okay. And… and last question. I… You know, I know there's been much consternation about this, but the stickers on everyone's license plate says when they expire, right?"
"Correct. So… but if… for the last 50 years… one of the issues is people… if you're watching the news at 5 p.m. then you receive notice that they're not going to mail a notice out. This is a temporary relief."
"I get it and I… and I'm supportive of it. I just… obviously, given our financial constraints everyone needs to be proactive in every respect and that means being alert to when your vehicle license plates expire."
"Correct. And this Bill will give them an opportunity to adjust. Well, here, this… this Bill can become moot if the… the fines over five million just get sent to the Secretary of State and they use the… the fines to pay the… the mailing."
"Well, I… I sure hope your Bill becomes moot very soon, but thank you. I appreciate it."
"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. On this question, there are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 09900115.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Senate Bill 1562, Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley. Out of the record. House Bill 3982, Representative Kelly Burke. Out of the record. House Bill 4360, Representative Cassidy. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4360, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 4360 is actually House Bill 494 from last year. It was passed with great bipartisan support. It reflects our changing attitude about the criminal justice system and about retribution and about reentry. The Governor issued an Amendatory Veto that, essentially, was stylistic in nature, but we were not able to act on it in time. So, this reflects the Amendatory Veto and… and encompasses the spirit of the Bill that we all passed together last year. I look forward to your questions and ask for your favorable support."
"Mr. Sandack. The Sponsor yields."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"That's why I said the Sponsor yields."
"I… I'm sorry."
"That's all right, Sir."
"Sometimes I like to hear two or three things from you."
"Sponsor yields."
"Thank you. Representative, I know we… we kind of vetted this in committee, but can you slowly kind of go through what this Bill does…"
"Absolutely." 09900115.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"…to… to allay some fears as to what it may not do?"
"Absolutely. First and foremost, what it does not do is require that anyone be employed by anyone without their choice. What it does do is permit people to attempt to seek employment in school systems in spite of certain criminal backgrounds; backgrounds that we have rethought our approaches to over recent years. In particular, drug offenses, allowing for enough time to show that changes have been made in… in people's behaviors and recognizing that we have a new attitude about prostitution and public indecency that recognizes that this… that frequently these are crimes of victimization, but again, there's a time frame involved."
"So there's a permissive component to this. In fact, it's entirely permissive."
"It is entirely permissive. Yes, Sir."
"And… and remind folks that may be paying attention. This is responsive to, I think, an Amendatory Veto or was it an outright Veto?"
"It… it is responsive to an Amendatory veto that did not make substantive changes. We just ran out of time."
"All right. And the idea here is…"
"And it completely encompasses the Amendatory Veto."
"And is it safe to say that this is consistent with the Governor's attempt to reduce the prison population, but that's part and parcel of making sure people can work…"
"Absolutely."
"…and not be in the system…"
"It is not only just about reducing the prison population. It is 100 percent about making sure that people 09900115.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 can become productive, working members of society and be engaged in their family's lives and their children's lives because in many cases, this is isn't even about employment. It's also about being able to volunteer in your kid's school."
"And… and again, this gives each location, locality, school board, et cetera, the parameters to make final decisions as they see fit."
"One hundred percent local control. This is not a mandate to hire. This is not a mandate to interview. This is an opportunity to apply."
"Thank you."
"Mr. Phillips."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"I just have one quick question. It's a great idea, but my question is, when we get done with all this, where will they find all these jobs in Illinois in 60 to 90 days? That's my question, Kelly?"
"I'm assuming that's a rhetorical question."
"It certainly is. Thank you."
"Now, that we're finished with rhetorical questions, Kelly Cassidy to close."
"Second verse same as the first. This was good… good law when we worked together in a… in a really wonderful, bipartisan way last year to pass it. It's good law today. We can get people opportunities to work. We can… we can recognize the change in our attitude towards the criminal justice system. And I ask you to vote 'yes'." 09900115.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"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 record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 64 voting 'yes', 47 voting 'no', 1 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4389, Mr. Andersson. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4389, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Andersson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4839… 4389 would establish Gold Star Family Day in Illinois. As I'm sure most, if not all, of you are aware, the fourth Su… Sunday in September is Gold Star Mothers’ Day. I had received a request from a constituent indicating that while she is a Gold Star mother there are many people and families who have lost servicemen who suffer. And she felt it would be appropriate to acknowledge not just the mother although the mother is terribly important, but the entire family. So, in honoring both the thought was we would establish the very next day after Gold Star Mothers’ Day as Gold Star Family Day. I'm happy to entertain any 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? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Please record yourselves. Please take the record. There are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby 09900115.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 declared passed. House Bill 4397, Mr. Costello. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4397, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Costello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body. House Bill 4397 extends the deadline for local education agencies to expend school energy efficiency grants that were awarded in 2014. It extends the deadline from 2016 until 2018. The Bill passed on leave out of committee. I know of no opposition. I ask you for your '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? Mr. Clerk, 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. House Bill 4344, Mr. Batinick. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4344, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Batinick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rolling off of Representative Andersson's Bill, this Bill was brought to me by a constituent of a fallen soldier. It's Heroes Way Designation Program Act. It's an additional way for the family members of those who have served for us and lost their lives to have roads named after them. I know of no opposition. It was unanimous in the Senate. I urge an 'aye' vote." 09900115.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"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. There are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 6163, Mr. Crespo. Mr. Crespo. Out of the record. House Bill 6006, Mr. D'Amico. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6006, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. D'Amico."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Basically, what House Bill 6006 does is it's an initiative of the Illinois Trucker's Association. It just requires you when there's a disabled vehicle on the road to move over one lane to make it a little safer."
"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 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4352, Representative Bellock. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4352, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bellock."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been supportive of this Bill. It doesn't sound like it's a big Bill, but to the parents of children with dyslexia this Bill is huge because 09900115.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 it sets forth the definition of dyslexia that the State Board of Education must incorporate in both general education and special education instead of requiring the State Board to adopt that incorporate in the international definition. So, this is a major movement for all the thousands of children in Illinois who are looking forward to just having the definition of dyslexia in statute. Thank you. I appreciate your…"
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Patti, what… what will be the effect of this Bill?"
"It’s really more just to have the definition. It's already passed. The definition has already passed the Rules Committee so this is really just to show support that it is now in statute."
"And then once you have this definition, will it lead to better instructions for those that are afflicted with this?"
"Absolutely. It gives more support to the families of children with dyslexia because we know from all the studies that they've done that the earlier you can get children screened, and they should be screened according to federal rules anyways. So, if you get a child screened in kindergarten, they can surpass anybody, but if that child has to wait ‘til fourth or fifth grade, they are so far behind they may never catch up."
"Patti, would you add me as a chief-co?"
"Absolutely."
"Thank you. I… I suffered from dyslexia as a child and I couldn't read." 09900115.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Really?"
"Yeah. I had trouble in first and second grades and I had to have tutors after school."
"Really?"
"Yeah. And if it wasn't for a Mrs. Croby, a retired teacher, I wouldn't be here today."
"That's amazing."
"So, she… she figured it out and it took me ‘til about fourth grade ‘til I could really figure… I still suffer from it a little bit. I… I invert numbers sometimes…”
“Oh, wow.”
“…but I… it's so critical for this Bill and I'm so glad you're bringing it forward. And I think if we catch it early, it will have… will help a lot of young people."
"Right. Thank you very much…”
"So, thank you."
“…Representative Franks. Thank you.”
"Representative Lilly."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the bil… to the Bill. I, too, would like to stand… excuse my voice, my colleagues, but this is a very important Bill. It really impacts the lives of so many individuals. I, too, was diagnosed with dyslexia in my graduate program and that is far too late to find out that you are challenged with learning. You have the ability to learn and be taught to learn the way it is for you with a fine definition, an international des… definition in our Educational Code. It is important that we identify with our young people where they are. Patti, thank you so much for bringing this to the forefront here in Illinois because each 09900115.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 of our youth are capable and willing to learn and can be gre… great citizens in Illinois and throughout our country when you have a definition of what their true concerns are. I 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? Mr. Clerk, 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. House Bill 4517, Mr. Davis. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4517, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4517 is an initiative of the Health Services and Facilities Review Board. It is proposing language that the board… repealed language pertaining to their relationship with the Center for Comprehensive Health Planning. Be more than happy to answer any 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? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4641, Leader Feigenholtz. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 4641, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Feigenholtz."
"Thank yo… thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill passed out of the Adoption Reform Committee unanimously. It’s an initiative of the Chicago Bar Association Adoption Law Subcommittee. It eliminates red tape and expense of foster care licensure for non… for private non-agency adoptions. I'm happy to answer any 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 6333, Representative Gabel. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6333, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill requires schools to ask parents for an asthma action plan. As you know, asthma is a disease that has increased tremendously for our school children. This is not a mandate. The kids… it’s just… asks the… asks the parents for a plan. If the parents don't give them a plan, they don't have one, but it really can help schools figure out what to do when a student has an asthma attack. There is no opposition to this Bill. And I'd appreciate an 'aye' vote."
"Mr. Sandack." 09900115.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield, please?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I was just going to ask you because my analysis says that Catholic Conference is opposing. Have they withdrawn their opposition?"
"I… I… they didn't say anything in committee. I don't have it on my… on my sheet. I don’t…"
"My… my analysis says the Catholic Conference of Illinois is opposed because this legis… legislation adds additional requirements and mandates on teachers.”
“No. There’s…”
“The Conference is opposed to unfunded mandates placed upon teachers…”
“There’s… there’s…
“…and schools."
"Yeah. There's no mandate on teachers at all. It… the schools just ask the parents if they want to provide an asthma plan. And they can if they want to and they don't have to if they don't.”
“Well, there…”
“Nobody talked to me from the Catholic Conference. I don't know."
"Yeah, okay. I'm just telling you my analysis…”
“Yeah. Yeah. I don’t know.”
“…shows that opposition and… but are you sure it's not a mandate?"
"It is not a mandate."
"It's a requirement on the schools. Whether someone follows or not is permissive, right?" 09900115.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"The schools are just… they're simply required to ask.”
“Okay.”
“That's the mandate, to ask the parents."
"Okay. Well, okay, so then it is a mandate. It may not be anything of large expense, but it certainly is a requirement which is a mandate, correct?"
"That they ask the parents.”
“Correct.”
“It's a requirement."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Representative Flowers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Lady yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, according to the second paragraph it says House Bill 6333 would change this by mandating that each school district in the state request…"
"Request an asthma action plan from the parent."
"Why is it… and so what if they… what if the parent choose not to give it?"
"Then… then there's nothing. They don't have to."
"So, why is it a mandate? What will happen if a school doesn’t do it?"
"Nothing."
"Okay. But yet, it’s a mandate. It's a mandate that is requested."
"For the school to request an asthma action plan."
"Okay. The Bill… in the third paragraph it says the Bill also provides other technical changes and mandates that school administration report to the State Board of Education 09900115.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 within three days after an auto-injector is used by a school professional and other things. What are the other mandates that's in this Bill that I don't see on the analysis?"
"It just asks them to report periodically if they used an epinephrine pen."
"Why? Because there's kid's…"
"Because they just… they just want to keep… they just want to know if… for the record, if actually that's happening or not."
"But it appears to me…"
"For public health, I believe."
"I know, but it appears to me that if there's a school nurse there because there has to be a place where this is kept and the child is observed. So it appears to me that the school would know that already."
"I think they just want… the state board wants to know if… how many times this happens just for statistical purposes for public health so we can say either the rate of asthma's going down, the rate of asthma's going up, the need for epinephrine pens is going up, the need is going down."
"But it… it appears to me that they can get that information from the doctor's office as opposed to the school…"
"Well, they can.”
"…because there's certain environments…"
"This is… this is if it happens… this is if it happens in the school."
"Pardon me?"
"This is if it happens in the school." 09900115.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Well, respectfully…"
"The doctor doesn't know. It's something…"
"…respectfully, I'm going to have to vote against this Bill because this is also, in my humble opinion, is a mandate on parenting and reporting about what the parent is doing because the schools should already have this information. It should already be available and I'm just kind of concerned and I don't have the Bill in front of me that it says the Bill also provides other technical changes and mandates so there's more than one or two mandates in this Bill. But thank you very much. I appreciate you. I'll be voting 'no'. Thank you."
“Yeah. It… it…”
"Mr. Breen."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor yields."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative, I just wanted to make sure we're clear about what we're doing here today ‘cause I did see the Catholic Conference's opposition. I haven't heard back from them in the last 30 seconds, but I mean, it does say that, as best I can tell, in (j-15) that every two years school personnel must complete an in-person or online training program on the management of asthma, the prevention of asthma symptoms, emergency response in the school setting, and that any communication… consultation with statewide, professional organizations with expertise in asthma management, State Board of Education has to make resource materials available. So, I mean, that’s… that is a new mandate, right?" 09900115.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"There was no opposition to that mandate. Asthma, as we’ve said, has been increasing in the schools. They are now allowed to give epinephrine shot. So, it's a way to make sure that the school personnel are trained and up to date on asthma treatment."
"And I am… I am informed by staff, at least, they’re… they're understanding is that the Catholic Conference did slip in committee opposed to the… to the Bill. So, that is… at least it’s been confirmed for us. But as well, I mean, you are adding to nonpublic schools the requirement of adopting all of these protocols and they may be lovely, but they're protocols that are being developed by the State Board of Education which really is charged with more significantly dealing with our public schools. So, there may be… the nonpublic schools may have different needs that the state board might not be best able to address."
"I'm not sure what your question is.”
“Well… well…”
“The state board has agreed to come up with a model asthma action plan that parents can use."
"Right, but we don't…"
"It's… it’s a simple plan. The idea is that we need to protect our children, that there are more and more children coming down with asthma in school. We need to know what their parents think. This is a Bill to protect the parents' rights so the parents can say this is what a… my… ourselves and our doctors want to do if my child has an asthma attack in the school." 09900115.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Right. I… I hear that. The problem is… and… and… first off, I mean, normally we’ve… we’ve been… we have been repeatedly lectured by our school officials about all of the mandates most of which are unfunded coming from Springfield on our schools and that's our public schools and they would be mandated here, but also now our nonpublic schools would be mandated and in (j-10) down towards the bottom of the text, if anyone's following along, each school district, charter school, and nonpublic school shall adopt an asthma episode emergency response protocol before January 1 of next year that includes all of the components of the state board's model protocol. And again, the state board is normally in charge of, I mean, as I understand it, their… their more expertise is dealing with public schools, less on the private school side. We have some very small private schools that… that may not have the capability of adopting whatever the state board decides to put in its model protocol which we're giving them carte blanche authority to draft with this Bill."
"Yeah. A model protocol is do you… do you give an epinephrine shot, do you call emergency. It's not a complicated protocol. The School Management is… is supporting this Bill. The state board’s supporting this Bill. It is not an overwhelming task to have. Schools should be prepared on what to do if the kid… child in their… in the classroom has an asthma attack."
"Right and… and to the Bill. I mean, look, it’s… it's great the School Management is in favor of this. I'm glad that our public schools have a caper… capacity for this. The problem is we have a lot of schools in this state that are nonpublic 09900115.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 that have special circumstances that may have their own way of dealing with this very serious issue and we don't know what this model protocol's going to say. We shouldn't mandate that every school in the state even the little… tiny, little private schools must adopt all of the State Board of Education's model protocols. So that… it's just not right and… and frankly, this… this topic deserves more of a study committee, recommendations or… or a mandate on the public schools, if at all. Certainly, not on our nonpublic schools who are vigorously opposed to the Bill. Please vote 'no'."
"Mr. Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I'm reading your Bill and on page 15, (j-15), to follow up the previous Legislator’s questioning, it says every two years school personnel who work with pupils ‘shall’ compete… complete an in-person or online training program. Can we define… 'cause I have not been able to find it within your legislation, what you mean by school personnel? And so, who is mandated by that Section of your Bill to complete this online program training or in-person training?"
"I read it the same way that you do. School personnel who work with pupils."
"So, obviously, the first line would be the teacher that the pupil is in their class? Would that be correct?"
"Yes."
"Would a gym teacher then also be that person?"
"If they work with pupils." 09900115.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"And so, what about the person that serves lunch in the cafeteria? Would that person also then because they're these pupils? How do you define 'work with'?"
"It… it’s not defined in this legislation."
"So, broadly then, it could be anybody working at the school because, technically, they work with these students."
"Yes. And the worst thing that would happen is that everybody in the school would be trained to deal with…”
“Okay.”
“…a child who has an asthma attack."
"I… I'm not questioning your intent here. I… I'm really not. We're just trying to get to the point of you're now asking, by your own words, every person in the school to take an online or in-person training."
"I… I'm not asking…"
"So, that is a mandate.”
“No. I’m…”
“You just said, yes, everybody that works with them."
"Yeah. I'm not sure. I am not sure."
"Well, you… you're not sure or just 30 seconds ago you were sure?"
"Representative, I'm reading the language as… as you are. It is not defined…”
“Okay. But legislative intent…”
“…personnel who work with…"
"…is your words and so we're trying to get to the point of is this a mandate or is this not a mandate? That's the crux of this, not your intent."
"Yeah, yeah." 09900115.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"It’s a not… it's a noble intent. Don't get me wrong here, but your words have meaning and we're trying to figure out who this is mandated to. So everybody."
"I mean, I would like to see school personnel who work with pupils."
"Okay. Thank you. To the Bill."
"I… I'm not going to say that cafeteria people work with pupils. I would say it would be classroom."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I… like I said, you just heard me, I don't question the Sponsor's intent. It's noble, but we now know that this is mandated on every school personnel whether you're a teacher, gym teacher, school cafeteria or a janitor is going to have to take an online training program. I think we need to work on this a little bit more to narrowly define who it is and once again, we do have personnel that are trained in this environment. And so, to take this to the next level and say everybody should be trained in this environment, there's some people that might not be comfortable with that, might not be comfortable with handling these situations. And what happens, God forbid, something happens and this person is not comfortable and something bad happens. Does someone get sued? So, let's think this through before we vote. Vote 'no'."
"Mr. Pritchard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor will be happy to yield."
"So, Representative, your Bill calls for an asthma treatment plan developed by the medical profession of the student. Is that correct?" 09900115.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Yes."
"So, what is the protocol that you also have in the Bill that the school is supposed… that the State Board of Education is supposed to adopt and give to the school? Is this duplicative?"
"They’re… the State Board is supposed to just provide a sample model for… for asthma… for the asthma action plan. And let me clarify for the record as well, that school personnel who work with pupils are our direct line staff that work with the pupils. It's people in the classroom. It is not the janitor. Thank you."
"So, is the statewide plan that the state board is supposed to develop in lieu of the doctor's plan, in addition to the doctor's plan or only if there isn't a doctor's plan?"
"It is a model that can be used. If the parent and the doctor do not develop a plan, there will not be a plan in that child's record."
"So it's not a double jeopardy, if you will.”
“No.”
“A double requirement."
"No."
"So, do we have this type of medical plan for other ailments besides asthma?"
"I'm not sure. I'm not sure, but asthma is the most common ailment that schools deal with all the time. In my experience, when we were setting up school health centers in schools the… the staff, the nurses at the school health center said they were able to reduce sending children to the emergency room for asthma from one a week to one a year. So asthma attacks 09900115.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 are very common in the schools and this can only help the schools address this issue."
"So, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not the first time we have required that staff have some knowledge of how to deal with an ailment. We do it now for diabetes because things like diabetes and also with asthma it can be a severe attack on that individual that threatens their life and immediate action is required. That's why it makes sense to have an action plan and for those teachers and staff that are dealing with a student to have some idea of how to react. Thank you for bringing this issue forward."
"Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, what’s the current state of the law with regard to an asthma protocol? Is there anything on the books right now?"
"No, there's not."
"So school districts are just supposed to wing it? Figure it out as they go? Hope that nothing goes wrong? Hopefully, someone's there that can take care of the student. 911's called. It's just random… randomly handled."
"Yeah. Currently, there is no set plan and… and staff just have to deal with it as it comes up."
"Okay. That's… I… I just can't believe what I'm hearing from the other side of the aisle and some of… of the people in opposition to this. We're talking about children's lives and we're talking about just having a plan in place so people are not expected to wing it. It's called basic preparation. 09900115.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 We do the same for fire drills, we do the same for active shooter situations, now, tornado drills, everything else. Why wouldn't we provide a very basic protocol? To the Bill. I don't understand what is so onerous about this that we can't just have a very basic protocol in place. These are children's lives. I don't have any children, but if I did, I'd sure want to know that the school had a plan rather than just winging it if an emergency happened. Please vote 'yes'."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I… I wanted to rise in support of this very important piece of legislation because I am a mother of a child who suffered with severe bronchitis and asthma. And one day my son, many of you have met him, called me from school because the nurse could not give him a treatment for a asthma outbreak that happened during school. And I ran to the school and I picked him up and I could not administer it in the school. I had to re… take him away from school and then fill out a paperwork that I didn't realize even existed in the school program at the time of this episode. So, I had to literally take my son, bring the machine, give him a treatment in the car on the way to the clinic because I didn't know what the procedure was and the school didn't realize how severe his bronchitis was. And so, it is a very important step for me, as a mother, but certainly, for all the other children who are suffering from a level of toxicity in the environment that… that literally lends to high levels of asthma and bronchitis. And this is a great Bill for us to support. I'm really surprised by the… the discussion today to not support this Bill, but I urge all 09900115.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 of my colleagues to think twice about what happens to children when the response time is too slow and the schools, unfortunately, may not know the condition of your child. And so, I stand in support of Representative Gabel. And I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Gabel to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleagues for making this issue a very real, real issue and explaining what happens to real children in these circumstances. I would appreciate an 'aye' vote. This is a Bill that will help to save children's lives. Thank you."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting is open. Have all voted… Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Please record yourselves, Members. Switches are just where they were 10 minutes ago. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there 76 voting 'yes', 33 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5683, Mr. Breen. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5683, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Breen."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a little bit of cleanup language in the Open Meetings Act. We have discovered that when you appeal after an Open Meetings Act violation you've either got an option to appeal to the Attorney General. We're trying to get everyone to go that way, but it turns out if a decision is not issued from the Attorney General's Office 09900115.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 within 60 days, which normally it isn't just due to caseload, a… an appellant can be left without a remedy. So this makes sure that the 60-day timeclock starts after the disposition by the Attorney General's Office, the non-binding decision, which is the standard way that the AG's Office deals with the issue. So, I'm glad to stand for any 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4576, Representative Harper. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4576, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Harper."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 4576 will create a Rare Disease Commission to support the study of rare diseases. It will be made up of 15 members and the Commission will issue a yearly report. Any questions?"
"Mr. Davis." Davis, W.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"The Sponsor would be happy to yield to you, Sir." Davis, W.: "Representative, I understand that this is your first Bill?"
"Yes, it is." Davis, W.: "Uh-oh. All right. So, the Rare Disease Commission. What's a rare disease?" 09900115.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"A rare disease is a disease that affects 1 in 10 people in Illinois, in which they require more medical treatment that we may be able to provide them, which is the reason why we need a Commission to be able to study some of the therapies and be able to advise the General Assembly on some of those therapies for folks with rare diseases." Davis, W.: "So, you mean to tell me that if it only affects 10 people, that's it, just 10 people, that that's the definition."
"No, a rare disease…" Davis, W.: "If it affects 11, it's not a rare one, only 10?"
"So, actually, to be more clear, a rare disease is one that impacts fewer than 200 thousand people." Davis, W.: "Oh, you went from 10 to 200 thousand. And I'm not trying to make light. I mean, diseases are serious; I understand that, but I'm just trying to get a handle on what constitutes a rare disease. So… so, originally, your math was a little off."
"Well, yeah. I probably misstated. What I was trying to say…" Davis, W.: "I mean, you don’t… you don't have any problems like counting to… I'm just asking 'cause you started with 10 and then you bounced to 200 thousand. So, I'm just trying to make you sure."
"Well, 1 in 10 Americans suffer from a rare disease." Davis, W.: "Americans?"
"That's probably what it was. Yes." Davis, W.: "Did you say Americans?"
"Yes." 09900115.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Davis, W.: "So, only in America is there rare disease? This doesn't include…"
"No, not only in America. Rare diseases are everywhere, but we're talking about America, we're talking about inside the State of Illinois, particularly. Oh… oh, stop." Davis, W.: "So, what you're doing is specific to America?"
"Of course." Davis, W.: "Or is it specific to Illinois because this is the… this is the Illinois General Assembly, right?"
"Of course." Davis, W.: "So, are you talking about Illinoisans or are you talking about anybody in America?"
"As it relates to this Bill, I'm talking about Illinoisans who are part of America." Davis, W.: "Oh, so it's not everybody in America per se. It's actually Illinoisans. And it's not just 10 people. It's as many 200 thousand people. So…"
"Yes or 1 in 10 Americans." Davis, W.: "So… so, does this Commission identify new things that could be considered rare diseases or is it just reflecting on what we think we know are already diagnosed rare conditions?"
"So, the Commission will provide recommendations on the use of innovative drugs and therapies, legislation that could improve the lives of patients with rare diseases and also the screening of newborns for the presence of genetic disorders." Davis, W.: "Oh, so it involves clinical trials?"
"Excuse me?" Davis, W.: "It involves clinical trials?"
"Does the Commission itself involve clinical trials?" 09900115.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Davis, W.: "Well, I mean…"
"It may involve the study of clin… clinical trials." Davis, W.: "Okay. So… so, will they… will they suggest clinical trials?"
"They will make recommendations and they will issue them in a yearly report. The…" Davis, W.: "Does… does your language offer any specificity because one of the challenges with clinical trials is that there are enough… not enough minorities that participate?”
“Got cha.” Davis, W.: “So, does that specify that that is one of things that they will look at to make sure that when we are examining clinical trials that they will be broad in their scope to make sure that they include minority participation?"
"It doesn’t say that specifically." Davis, W.: "Okay. Well, I think that's important."
"Okay." Davis, W.: "So, would you be willing to take this Bill out of the record to amend it to include that?"
"No." Davis, W.: "So, you don't want minorities to participate?"
"Yes, I do." Davis, W.: "But you don't want to take the Bill out to amend it for that purpose. Yes, no, maybe. And if I were you, I would not listen to your seatmate."
"The Commission might make that recommendation themselves. I do appreciate your accordance." 09900115.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Davis, W.: "I'm glad… I'm glad that you will consider that recommendation cause it's extremely, extremely important. Now, first Bill, where's your red jacket at?"
"I didn't know I was supposed to have one." Davis, W.: "Nobody told you?"
"No." Davis, W.: "Well, that's… that's extremely important that you have…"
"I would like a red jacket." Davis, W.: "Well, that's extremely important. Now, that might be a reason to actually pull the Bill out of the record so you can get a red jacket to do this again."
"Looks like I got one over there." Davis, W.: "Well, look, I don't want anyone taking off their clothes. This is not that kind of party."
"How about a red mouse?" Davis, W.: "A red mouse.”
“Yes.” Davis, W.: “Oh, my god. Well, maybe Margo will let you borrow her hair. I don’t know. That's what… you know, we're just trying to figure this out here. Just trying… just trying to figure this out. Okay, okay. I'll… I'll stop. Thank you very much for your indulgence, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen, her first Bill. Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Congratulations."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield for some real questions?"
"If they're real questions. Sponsor will yield." 09900115.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Thank you. Representative, the… the previous speaker, notwithstanding some of the jocularity, this is an important initiative you're bringing. And I noticed that in committee it was a split vote. And my analysis says that much of what your Commission does is already being done at the federal level. What distinguishes what you want to do from what is already being done?"
"Well, I believe that what distinguishes what's being done at a federal level is that we're going to be pa… paying particularly close attention to the people in Illinois, specifically. So, we're going to be encouraging research. We're going to be encouraging treatment and also more screening for rare disease for Illinoisans who suffer from things such as sickle cell anemia, Lou Gehrig's disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Huntington's disease among other rare diseases."
“I… I understand that… that, again, the propriety of what you wish to accomplish. I don't think there's anyone in this room that doesn't want to tackle some of these… all of the rare diseases head-on, but I'm asking you a serious question. How is it we're going to do something that's already not being done? Why duplicate efforts because your Commission will cost money, right? It will be an expenditure of state dollars. And so, I want to know what is being different… differently done because I… I think there's a rare disease Commission at the federal level."
"Well, if an Amendment is needed, I believe that we can do that in the Senate. We are trying to make deadlines here and again, I'd be… be willing to make any Amendments needed 09900115.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 to make sure that Illinois has a Rare Disease Commission for people in Illinois."
"Representative, I don't know if there's an Amendment. We're not under any deadline with Third Readings here. We're… we're just getting underway with Third Readings. And I'm looking at the analysis. The… the Department of Public Health opposed your Bill because it was duplicative because they don't think they can meet your deadlines in your Commission and because they think that there's other resources that need to be deployed in another direction, no disrespect to what you're trying to accomplish. So with the department not being onboard, I… I genuinely think you ought to pull this out of the record so that you can try and get all stakeholders on the same page because right now, as I see it, you're trying to duplicate efforts and we can't afford to duplicate efforts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Bellock."
"I'm sorry. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"So, Representative, our question in committee was… and I know I hate to do this on your first Bill… but we had concerns because IDPH was still definitely opposed. Do you remember what their concerns were?"
"I believe their concern was that they thought that they weren't the right agency to provide administrative support for the Commission."
"Right. I think that their point was… and that's the only thing why we were opposed… is because they said that 09900115.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 they do more what they consider population health such as, newborn screening, immunizations, smoking issues, obesity, things that affect everybody. And they said that they felt that the CDC and the major federal organizations are the ones that do all the screening because I think they said there was either 50 thousand or 70 thousand types of rare diseases. And that's why we were opposed to the Bill because they felt that they just couldn't get into that realm at all. Is that what you heard from them also?"
"I don't believe I heard that exactly."
"Thank you. Well, I just wanted to ask you that because, you know, I know it's your first Bill, but we have concerns about that because they were very definitely still opposed because they don't work in the realm of doing research on diseases at all as far as what they said that day in the committee. I thank you. And I know it's well-intentioned. We just have those concerns. Thank you."
"Representative Wallace."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I think that those concerns that have been rise… that have been brought up during this discussion do have some validity; however, I am very concerned with the fact that IDPH did not work with the Sponsor to hash out those particular concerns or issues that they may have. Again, we're talking about rare diseases and unfortunately, as the Sponsor stated in committee last week, why should individuals who suffer from rare diseases not have attention paid to their disease because it's an unpopular disease. I just don't think that that is quite logical. I think that perhaps we can work on making sure that we come to some 09900115.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 agreement with the IDPH as this moves over into the Senate. But it is extremely important for all of the Illinoisans who suffer from some form of a rare disease including things like sickle cell. I know the previous Representative mentioned minority participation and paying attention to the rare diseases that minorities may suffer from, that is indeed one. And so, we… I think, can come to some type of conclusion and some type of agreement, but I believe that it's important and very urgent for this Body to support this Bill and let's move it forward. I encourage an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Harper to close."
"I encourage your support for House Bill 4576. 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 73 voting 'yes', 40 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Congratulations, Representative. House Bill 6182, Representative Hernandez. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6182, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hernandez."
"Thank you, Members of the committee. I have before me House Bill 6182 which simply just creates the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund and allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resource to issue decals for Universal spa… special license plates. I did pass this Bill out of the House last year. This 09900115.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 is simply just abiding by the new Universal plate. I ask for your support."
"Those in favor of the Lady'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? Please record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, 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. House Bill 6083, Representative Bryant. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6083, a Bill for an Act concerning dis… disclosure of information. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bryant."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Molly Young was a 20-year-old woman found dead in her apartment in 2012. A criminal investigation ensued, but the cause of death was ruled undetermined. In the meantime, the family of Molly Young began requesting documentation regarding the investigation in order to determine if there was cause for action in civil court. After two long years, the family was able to get the case into civil court for wrongful death, but the judge hearing the case said he was sorry it looked like it was a very good case, but unfortunately, the statute of limitations had run out. The father in this case, Larry Young quit his job and changed his whole life to ensure that his daughter got justice. In southern Illinois, you will… you'll see signs, billboards everywhere asking for justice for Molly. This family received no justice when they got to civil court because the statute of limitations had run out, by no fault 09900115.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 of their own. The statute of limitations presently is two years. This Bill changes the statute of limitations from two years to five years giving the families or those who are interested parties the time to receive the documentation and the information that's needed to get… to get their case into court. When I started this Bill, we had two components to it. One was a FOIA component and the other was strictly the civil… civil portion. We've separated the two issues. And we've named this portion Molly's Law. The Young family, just like many families who have violent and unintentional death to a family member, deserve the right to have their cases heard in civil court. So, we've amended this… we've amended this potential law to be for cases of intentional and violent death so that families have the opportunity to get… to get a fair and just hearing. I would… Happy to answer questions. And I would ask you to give the Young family and any other families that fall into this category the opportunity to have their cases heard so that a judge and a jury can decide whether or not there is a wrongful death rather than just throwing it out because they haven't had the time to get it there. Thank you for your consideration. And I'll take your questions."
"Mr. Brady."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Rep… Representative, you made mention that you had two components to the Bill. The first one was a FOIA, against the Bill. Is that correct?"
"Yes. It… it's been taken out. And it is now House Bill 4715." 09900115.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Just out of my curiosity as a former coroner and some of the things that we’ve done to the Association as far as legislation and having reviews and the options for families to go to Circuit Court when they cannot get certain records, what… what type of records and problems were there in this particular case you're speaking of?"
"In… in this case, they FOIAed the information and local authorities just didn't turn the documentation over. And so, they had to fight through that. This Bill though, 6083, takes the FOIA component out for now and hopefully, we'll address those in a few days. But this Bill is strictly about whether or not in a case of a violent death a family member can have five years for the statute of limitations as opposed to the two years. It also has a component that allows for cold cases. So, that if a cold case drags on say 20 or 30 years and then at some point there are charges filed against someone at the final disposition of that case, a family has the opportunity for one year to file a wrongful death suit."
"Okay. We have on the books now FOIA response that has to be responded to that we're sending a FOIA to municipal governments or other investigating agencies, I believe it's 7 or 10 days they have to respond to the individuals. Are you saying at the time that this investigation was going on that municipality, law enforcement, investigative authority, statutory authority, those charged to… to investigate the manner of cause of death just blatantly did not respond to FOIA request?"
"I’m… I'm not going to say that they blatantly didn't respond, but from what I…" 09900115.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Take blatantly out of it."
"Right."
"Just didn't respond to FOIA requests?"
"They… they did not respond. In fact, initially, in the Molly Young case, this was determined to be a suicide. And later there was a coroner's inquest and the… it was determined that the death was undetermined. So, at this point, in criminal court no charges have been filed, so the family, at least in an attempt to get the information out, filed a case in civil court for wrongful death. But it… but it took so long to get the information that they needed, by the time they got it into civil court, the statute of limitations had expired. So they never got their day in court to even have the information heard."
"Okay. Thank you. And just an FYI for you, we passed legislation a couple years ago that would allow a circuit judge to intervene and impose to the investigative bodies a response that they would have to give the families during an investigation and actually go to the extent of bringing in an independent investigator, if that was necessary. So just an FYI for you. And I certainly will support your legislation."
"Thank you."
"Mr. Costello."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Body. Representative Bryant, thank you very much for taking on this Bill. This was truly a situation to where an unjust situation occurred. This family absolutely deserves justice. Raising the statute of limitations from two to five years is… hopefully something that will prevent this from happening in 09900115.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 the future. And Terri, thank you again for… for bringing this to everyone's attention. I recommend an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Mayfield."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"I just have two questions. The first one is actually in the language. It says results from violent intentional conduct."
"Yes."
"What… what is that?"
"We wanted to separate the idea that maybe there would be a litigation that involved chemical or equipment or something like that. So… so, this is very specific. We've narrowed the language to the… to the point that say there's a case where a boyfriend, you know, attacks a girlfriend, whatever it happened to be, this is specifically for violent and intentional. So… so, someone attacks you, specifically for the purpose of… of killing you."
"Okay. Okay. And… and then my second question, is this going to be retroactive to address cases such as the one in the example?"
"It is not retroactive."
"Okay. So, it's just going forward."
"Just going forward, yes."
"Thank you."
"Yes."
"Representative Bryant to close."
"Folks, one of the… one of the most important things that we do here, I believe, is to ensure justice for those people 09900115.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 that we represent. Many, many, many of our constituents do not get the opportunity to have their day in court because there are loopholes sometimes or they don't have the time to get there. This piece of legislation just gives what is right and what is just. Right now, it doesn't change the fact that some, you know, that for the reasons for getting there, it just give them just a little bit more time to… to make all of that happen. I urge a 'yes' vote on this to do what is right and what is just for the people of Illinois. 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? Please record yourselves. Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, 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. Chair recognizes Representative Flowers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to be recorded as voting 'yes'. My button didn't work. Thank you."
"The record will reflect your intention. Thank you, Representative. House Bill 4391, Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 6131, Representative Hurley. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6131, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hurley."
"Mr. Speaker, today I'm presenting House Bill 6131. And 6131 requires driver education teachers to instruct their students on what to do in the event of a traffic stop. And I am available for questions." 09900115.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"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. Mr. Clerk, 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. House Bill 4315, Mr. Butler. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4315, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Butler."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 40… 4315's very simple. It extends the Route 66 license plates to motorcycles. It's an initiative of the Route 66 Illinois Scenic Byway. Secretary of State supports. And I know of no opposition. I would support… I would hope 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 6074, Mr. Jackson. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6074, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Jackson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. House Bill 6074 is an initiative of the State Treasurer's Office. This legislation requires unclaimed property held by government entities to report it to the State Treasurer's 09900115.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Office after five years of being abandoned. Currently, all unclaimed property that is held by a state or local government entity is presumed abandoned and reported to the State Treasurer's Office after seven years of being unclaimed. This time frame is inconsistent with the reporting requirement for financial, business, and insurance companies who must report such property after five years of being dormant. The Treasurer's Office believes this legislation would help them in their goal of quickly assisting people in recovering their unclaimed property. I'd be happy to answer any question and would like… and would appreciate your support."
"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. There are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Mr. Leitch. For what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was so busy trying to become a cosponsor of House Bill 4315, I forgot to vote for it. So, I'd like to be recorded as an 'aye'. Thank you."
"So, you're now the cosponsor of a Bill you didn't vote for, Sir?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you."
"You've got that exactly."
"All right. Wanted to make sure…"
"Makes as much…" 09900115.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"…that was on the record. Mr. Brady, for what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Proceed, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, would you please join me and Representative Keith Sommer in welcoming from our district a senior student… nursing students from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington- Normal. I believe they're back up in the gallery, if they'd like to stand and give us a wave. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here."
"Welcome."
"Good luck on your upcoming graduation as you enter the field of health care. Thank you for being here."
"Thank you for joining us. Enjoy your day here in the Capitol. House Bill 4604, Mr. Cavaletto. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4604, a Bill for an Act concerning wildlife. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Cavaletto."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. 4604 amends the Wildlife Code and changes the name of the fee from 'Public Hunting Grounds for Pheasants' to 'Public Hunting Grounds for Game Birds'. This hunting season will begin on September the 1 and go to March 31 on state facilities. Asking for an 'aye' vote."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09900115.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Representative, I'm reading our analysis and it indicates that there's a sliding fee schedule starting at $25 for state residents and increasing $5 every third year until it reaches $50. Is that your understanding?"
"That's what I see, yes."
"Was it… what's the fee now?"
"This program would… is not started yet, so it's… I think the fee would be… I think it's 20… starts at $25 a bird."
"Now, is there… is there a different fee for nonstate residents?"
"I… I don't see that, no."
"Now, that's… that's one issue that I hear a lot about when… you know, when you go to Wisconsin or something an… when you’re… when you're there they charge you more for a nonstate fee. And I'm wondering why we're… if… if we're going to be imposing a fee, why the residents of the State of Illinois would pay the same as people who don't pay taxes in the state."
"Well, these will… these will be pen-raised birds of course: pheasants, quail, chukar. And I guess the fee for those birds will be the same to anybody who comes out of the state and…"
"Well, except… except our residents are paying taxes in the state and they're not."
"Well, and we could… we could look at the fee rates for that. I'm sure, but IDNR… IDNR would like to have all the revenue they could have." 09900115.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Yeah. Just like… well, I’ve had discussions with the prior IDNR folks, but not these about that… about the new… but with the new IDNR folks. And that's an issue that I always heard. So maybe that's something that can be looked at."
"Thank you."
"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 record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 108 voting 'yes', 3 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5539, Mr. Mitchell. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5539, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Mitchell." Mitchell, C.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. This Bill's basically just a cleanup Bill. It's an initiative of the Illinois Power Agency. And it does five basic things. They've been getting audit findings for years on these and are taking measures to make sure that they will no longer be doing so. First, right now the way the Illinois Power Agency Act is written, the agency must create a Resource Development Bureau; effectively, a bureau that would be used for crea… the creation of new power plants. We don't have any plans to do so. We would be changing this in this Bill from a 'shall' to a 'may'. So, it is removing a mandate. Secondly, it's consolidating a couple of reports. Right now, the agency's 09900115.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 required to report on the cost of benefits of renewable energy and then also required to submit an annual report dealing with information on the purchase of renewable energy resources. This would allow those two reports to be merged. Third, extends the deadline on what would be the combined annual report and that renewable energy report from December 1 to February 15, so they can include an audited financial statement which they presently cannot based on the timeline. Fourth, require the agency to include average quantities rather than total quantities. And fifth and finally, would allow the agency to use investment income from the previous year rather than trying to project for a year that is yet… for which they have yet to have the report in order to make a more accurate projection. Again, this is cleanup language. I know of no opposition. 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? Have all voted who wish? Please take your… please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 3 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5635, Mr. Fortner. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5635, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Fortner."
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. 5635 is actually a cleanup Bill. Back in 2010, in the 96th General Assembly, this Body unanimously approved and became law to allow psychiatrists to provide video testimony at all 09900115.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 hearings related to the Mental Health and Dis… and Disabilities Act. It also provided for the courts to enact rules. And the Supreme Court has recently, in fact, put rules in place for that action that we took back in the 96th General Assembly. However, we also found out that though it was held out that this was going to affect all of the actions of psychiatrists when… in dealing with this type of hearings that, in fact, it only applied to one Section the way it was drafted. It applied only to the Section having to do with admission, transfer and discharge, and so, it didn't apply to the Section on medication. All this does is make sure it applies to both Sections. I'll be happy to answer any 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? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. 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 5805, Representative Mussman. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5805, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Mussman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. This Bill would extend the statute of limitations for theft of property which includes both personal and real property exceeding $100 thousand and financial exploitation of an elderly and disabled person from three years to seven. We're 09900115.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 just keeping it in line with what is the statute for other similar crimes and creating parity with how long a bank would hold that money… those records for. I'm happy to answer any 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? Have all voted who wish? 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 4826, Mr. Harris. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4826, a Bill for an Act concerning aging. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4826 is an initiative of the Department of Aging. Currently, under the Adult Protective Services Act there is a requirement that an interagency fatality review team meet six times a year and the interagency consists of the Department of Aging, coroner, state's attorneys, local police departments, forensics units. Meeting six times a year has become a burden for two reasons. One, there are insufficient cases to review and two, just getting everyone together is hard to do. So this simply reduces the requirement from six times a year to quarterly, four times a year. And I ask for your support."
"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. Clerk, please 09900115.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 take the record. On this question, there are 76 voting 'yes', 37 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 6287, Representative Nekritz. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6287, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Nekritz, the floor is yours."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, I’ve… at times I've been accused of being a little… little hard boiled as a Legislator, sometimes I can even get a little scrambled for sure, but this is an excellent Bill. Thank you."
"Was that your close, Representative?"
"No, no, no, no, no. I'm not… I'm not done yet. So, just… I have a whole list of them here. So, this Bill does really two things. It extends the shelf life and the sale period for eggs from 30 days to 45 days for Grade A eggs and from 15 days to 30 days for Grade AA, which puts us in compliance with the regulations from the United States Department of Agriculture. It also establishes a program that really, I think, is really at the core of this Bill which is designed to reduce food waste which will allow a retailer to consolidate a car… a carton of eggs when one of the eggs gets broke… gets broken. Right now, under Illinois law the entire car… the entire dozen, two dozen, three dozen, whatever it is has to be disposed of. And this will allow an egg from the same producer and the same lot to be substituted for the broken egg. So, I… I don't want to go clucking on about the Bill. I'm happy to take questions."
"Wow. Mr. Davis." 09900115.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Davis, W.: "Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." Davis, W.: "So, Representative, what you were just saying about switching eggs from one carton to another. Can you say that three times fast?"
"Can I say it what?" Davis, W.: "Three times very quickly?"
"I'm sure I cannot." Davis, W.: "You cannot say that?"
"That will scramble the issue." Davis, W.: "It certainly would, wouldn't it? But I do have a more serious question. So, when I was briefed about this, my concern was… is that if a retailer can switch the eggs around because if he finds one that's cracked, eggs now have a shelf life. So, is there anything that would stop a retailer from taking an old egg and switching it into a carton? Because if it's at the retail level, the consumer doesn't know… doesn't understand that. They'll just pick up a carton and look to make sure the eggs aren't cracked. So, is there anything that would help with that? And I guess… I know it can be done now…"
"Right." Davis, W.: "…and I appreciate that, but since we're now talking about it that would have been my concern is trying to still protect the consumer."
"It's… it's a really great question, Representative and yes, what the… what the law allows is an… an egg from the same producer and the same lot. So, it has to have come from that… from that egg farm on the exact same day as part of the 09900115.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 exact same group of eggs to that retailer. So, that's… that's the only thing that can be consolidated." Davis, W.: "Well, is there any way, moving forward, with regard to this because, again, I get at the producer, if you will, level that they can switch these things around, but when you talk about retailers doing it…"
"No, that's… that's what the law allows retailers to do. It doesn't…" Davis, W.: "Okay. Oh."
"…it does make it… It’s left the producer; it’s at the retailer. They can only substitute… the retailer can only substitute an egg from that same producer and from the same lot of eggs." Davis, W.: "Right. I mean, I know that large stores… store chains will probably do what they're supposed to do. I'm more concerned about like corner store. Sometimes we have a lot of challenges with the product that corner-type neighborhood stores provide based on where they're located. Sometimes they sell outdated products because they know that the people in that neighborhood don't have access to transportation. They can't get to a… a full-service store that may be a little further away, so folks are just kind of left going to their neighborhood store. And sometimes that neighborhood store doesn't always have the best products."
"Well, Representative, I can only tell you that the… that that… that in 41 other states they do this and we would actually be one of only a small number of states that would have some regulation for the retailer and the… and the records that they have to keep with regard to that. So, you know, we 09900115.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 do… we do… we will have more stringent requirements than almost every other state that already allows this. But you know, I… there's… there's nothing in here just like there's nothing in… in law today to prevent a retailer from doing that. You know, if retailers are going to be bad actors, they'll… they're going to do that." Davis, W.: "But this essentially could be a good step in the right direction, if you will, correct?"
"I… I think so, yes, 'cause this… this will provide at least some regulation over that. And… and if there's… if there's a consumer that's damaged by the egg and they can go back and show that the retailer had done that inappropriately, then there will be… there… there is recourse for that. And we're not changing that." Davis, W.: "Okay. So, to your knowledge, is there an egg that's better for scrambling versus better for over easy versus Eggs Benedict? Is there any distinction there?"
"Actually, the answer… I've learned that the answer is yes. That the… that the fresher eggs are the… the ones that have more A's with them. And so, those are better for… for something like an over easy or an Eggs Benedict where you want to have a little bit higher quality product." Davis, W.: "I appreciate that. Thank you very much…"
"Certainly." Davis, W.: "…for your knowledge of eggs."
"You didn't really expect an answer to that one, did you? Mr. Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Of course." 09900115.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Representative Nekritz, you've been around long enough as much as I've. Remember the fight we had against the beer distributors and the wine?"
"The beer distributors…"
"And the wine folks."
"We've had so many…”
“I know.”
“…I can hardly recollect which one you might be referring to."
"No one ever likes to get in the middle of two friends and they eventually worked out their differences and came to a compromise Bill that we all supported. And in talking on both sides of the issue on this Bill, we kind of find ourselves in the same situation. I know the Farm Bureau is still strongly opposed to this. They would like to see some type of labeling go on to those cartons that have been comingled. What have you done in terms of trying to bring those two sides together because really they're friends of everybody in the chamber, both sides?"
"So, we've… we've actually made some, I think, significant compromises in this Bill not necessarily to get… that clearly don't satisfy the Farm Bureau, but they have moved in the direction of the Farm Bureau. We are the… only the second state to actually regulate how egg lot consolidation can occur. We are the only state to offer an opt-out if a producer does not want to have their eggs consolidated. They can do that. There are producers in this state that… that really want to be able to consolidate. So, we tried to be, you know, we… we, by doing this, we are 09900115.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 satisfying egg producers although clearly given the opposition of the Farm Bureau, there are some that… that's still opposed."
"Well, I guess…"
"And we… we would be the only state to require a retailer to keep egg consolidation records longer than 90 days. Again, small egg producers asked us to do this. So… so, I feel like we have… we have worked with the producers where there's a split in the egg producer community. And we've worked with some and others have not been willing to."
"Well, and with regards to all those things that are going to be regulated, one of the cur… concerns is, is the person in the supermarket doing this, you know, high school kids. Do they get Grade A Extra Large comingled with Grade A Extra Large? Is there… You know, who keeps track of those 90-days? Those are the concerns that I think Farm Bureau has."
"Well, some…"
"I'm just not sure our Bill's omelet yet?"
"Well, I think it is."
"Okay."
"I think it's… I think it's a… a well-cooked omelet here."
"A well-cooked. As long as it's got some ham in it."
"Right."
"I'm going to continue to listen to the debate here. We're reaching out to the Farm Bureau folks and maybe if there's some possibility of some changes over in the Senate should this pass. Thank you."
"Thank you." 09900115.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Mr. Harris." Harris, D.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question of the Sponsor?"
"Sponsor yields." Harris, D.: "Representative, I know you have a hard shell, so you'll… will be able to withstand this question. Did you hatch this idea on your own or did it come somewhere else?"
"No. This was brought to me by the… the retailers who are in a position of having to throw away eggs and decided that that was not a… a good environmental practice." Harris, D.: "Well… and… and with seriousness, why is the… as the previous speaker mentioned… apparently the Farm Bureau is still opposed to this Bill. Is that correct?"
"That… that is correct." Harris, D.: "And… may I ask why? What is their opposition?"
"They’ve… they would like to see some sort of labeling on a consolidated carton. And I… I think we feel that… that that is not necessary. We're not mixing eggs… mixing and matching eggs. I mean, it's just a matter of happenstance right now which egg ends up in a particular carton. We would still be taking again from the same producer and from the same lot and… and making sure so that… so that there's, you know, what… what you're getting is what… exactly what you thought you were buying from that particular producer and that particular lot." Harris, D.: "And they can track that… that individual egg. I mean, if one is broken, as an example, in a… in a carton, that can be taken out, removed and then another one is put in. Whichever one is put in that egg can somehow be tracked back to that some lot that same…" 09900115.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"That is… that is the obligation of the retailer under this law to keep track of that." Harris, D.: "Okay. Thank you. And then, you mentioned it and I may have missed it in your earlier comments, what's the situation with other states? How do they… how do they do it? What are we… are we on an outlier here or…"
"We… we are currently an outlier in not allowing the consolidation. Forty-one other states allow the consolidation and we would be the only the second state to have some sort of regulatory structure in place in order to keep track of that particular egg as it gets consolidated." Harris, D.: "So, that… so, technically that might make us a little bit better than some of those other 41 states."
"I… I think I… I would argue the same, yes." Harris, D.: "Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you, Speaker."
"Mr. Breen."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a wonderful Bill. It's already being done in 42 states. There's a training requirement. The Egg Board is in favor of this. We need to remember that Illinois egg farmers right now are sending our eggs to other states where they consolidate. So, this is no change really substantively to the regulations. And certainly with respect to the Farm Bureau, we all very much respect the organization, but what they're asking is for an additional mandate to be put on small retailers who are just trying to sell a dozen eggs instead of tossing out eleven eggs. Again, this is being done across the country. Our farmers are already sending eggs to other places where our… our Illinois eggs are consolidated in every other 09900115.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 state in the union or at least the 42 other states. And training requirements, this is a very good Bill and it had been alluded to earlier, you know, sometimes to make an omelet you do have to break a few eggs. This time I know there's a little bit of opposition, so we'll break those eggs gently and hopefully, we'll pass this Bill. Thank you."
"Representative Nekritz to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the spirited debate. This Bill is no yolk and I expect dozens of votes. Thank you."
"Those in favor of the Lady'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. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 91 voting 'yes', 22 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5538, Representative Jesiel. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5538, a Bill for an Act concerning domestic violence. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Jesiel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5538 provides for expanded training for law enforcement personnel in the area of domestic violence. Currently, law enforcement personnel are trained on the procedures and tactics of responding to domestic violence incidents and this legislation would provide training on the psychology of abuse and the dynamics of the relationship between the abuser and the victim so that the victim is not further harmed by a lack of understanding of these dynamics. It would apply to new recruits and also be 09900115.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 included in continuing educational training of law enforcement personnel every five years. It'll be developed and administered by the Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board in conjunction with specialists in domestic violence. I'd appreciate your support and 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, 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. House Bill 4394, Mr. Leitch. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4394, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Leitch."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that's simply a TIF extension for the City of Lincoln… or Lacon, I should say. All of the letters have been submitted. And I know of no opposition and would ask for your approval."
"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. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1380, Mr. Phelps. Out of the record. House Bill 4379, Mr. McSweeney. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 4379, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. McSweeney."
"House Bill 4379 would prohibit local government officials from spending money on entertainment expenses. It would also limit the expenses that are allowable for meals, travel, and also for a lodging. It would apply to non-Home Rule units of government including community colleges and school districts. This is meant to address many of the stories that have been put out by the Better Government Association. A lot of the newspapers heard in the state about some wasteful spending that's occurred in many school districts and other government units throughout the state. I would appreciate a 'yes' 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? Mr. Clerk, 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. House Bill 3618, Representative Soto. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 3618, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Soto."
"Sorry. Okay. House Bill 3618 amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act and Hospital Licensing. Requires the hospital to provide notice to patients… outpatient status to the patients and the patient designee. The patient receives onsite services from the hospital for more than 23 consecutive 09900115.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 hours. The onsite services received in the patient include hospital beds and meals and have been provided in the area of the hospital."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Yes."
"Sponsor yields."
"Thanks. Representative, I couldn't hear your… what you were trying to say. I'm not sure what the Bill does. Would you mind explaining a little more?"
"Okay. I'm looking… are looking at what I'm looking at?"
"Yeah. I'm looking at the…"
"Looking at the synopsis?"
"I am."
"Do you want me to read it or you…"
"Well, I'm just not sure what we're trying to fix here because what I'm understanding is you're trying to designate an outpatient status."
"Yes."
"Okay. Now, what's the benefit of having an outpatient stat… status?"
"Well, when it's an outpatient status, it's more convenient for the patients that go back to the hospital."
"How… how does that help them? I just don't understand."
"What… This came up because we had a lot of patients that would leave and then come… have to come back again. So they recommended one in my district to introduce this Bill."
"Okay. So, I… I'm reading the background and it says outpatient observation status is paid by Medicare Part B, 09900115.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 while inpatient hospital admissions are paid by Part A. So, Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in Part A but not Part B will be responsible for their entire hospital vi… bill, if they're class… if they're classified as an outpatient, correct?"
"Correct.”
“Now, would that harm the individuals that are outpatients? I'm concerned it's going to cost them more. I'm not sure 'cause I… in our analysis there's no proponents listed, there's no opponents listed. It indicates that it was in Rules Committee… and it was currently in Rules. And I'm just a little confused of who's for it, who's against it, and why. And maybe they've got better analysis than tha… than we do, but ours doesn't show me anything. Maybe… would you mind taking it out of the record…"
"Yes. Yes, I will."
"…for a few minutes because…"
"Yes, I will."
"Thank you."
"Okay. We're going to revisit."
"Mr. Clerk, please remove the Bill from the record. House Bill 5610, Mr. Moffitt. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5610, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Moffitt."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 5610 is an initiative of the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. They're a proponent along with the Illinois Fire Chiefs. What is… the… the purpose 09900115.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 of this is that if a municipal fire department is closed, that before it would be taken over by a fire protection district, the fire… the… the trustees of the fire district would have to approve it. In other words, they'd be taking on more responsibility. It can't just be dumped onto them. They might not have the equipment. They might not have the staff. They might not have the revenue. So, it… it's just to ma… make sure that it can't just automatically dump on another district like that. Would they have the right resources, et cetera? It prevents harmful really dumping of part of a municipal department. This would just require the trustees to approve it before it could become a part of their district. Not in any way does this prevent or slow down efforts of local governments wanting to consolidate, but only ensures that a safe, successful, and effective transition will take place. Would appreciate your vote. Be happy to entertain any questions."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Don, I… I see that there is one opp… one opponent to your Bill. It shows the Governor's Office being opposed. What… what is their opposition…"
"They hadn't mentioned that to me."
"They have not mentioned it to you?"
"No. I think they did the…"
"But it's in our analysis."
"On our analysis, there says no… no opponents. Not listed on my analysis." 09900115.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"All right. Have you had any conversation with the administration about the expense associated with what your Bill would do if…"
"There was a similar if not identical Bill last year and it was my understanding that it was… it passed unanimous in the House, by the way… the… the Governor wants to look at more consolidation. This isn't consolidation. This is of… of one… a municipal department, if it is shutdown, closed, you want to make sure that… that a district could accept it. It's simply giving them the right to vote before they're forced to take it."
"Well… and so, if… if… as the current law just right now if a municipal unit of government discontinues fire service, what happens?"
"I…"
"Said he can't hear me."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let's allow the Gentlemen to hear each other. Please proceed."
"Don, what happens now? Obviously, your Bill is not a law right now. If a town discontinues… a city… a municipal unit of government discontinues fire service now, what would be the process?"
"Well, if the municipality decided not to offer fire protection anymore, you'd have property that needed protection. And…"
"Well, I… I totally understand that, but I mean there's no requirement that a… that a unit of government or a fire protection district in proximity approve it, correct? And 09900115.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 they don't have to take on any new service, if they don't want to. Isn't that right?"
"They… they could have to pick it up even if the… even though they haven't given their approval. Why would we be afraid to find out who can take it, who can handle it, who can safely…"
"I'm not. Don, I'm just asking what the status quo is right now in the absence of your Bill. What happens now? And I want to be clear on… on… I want a clear answer. Are you telling me there's a mandate, a requirement, that an existing fire… an existing jurisdiction pick up service of a municipal unit of government that does not wish to continue with its fire service?"
"This prevents them from being required to assume responsibility. It's my understanding they are required to now."
"That… that's actually my question. So, that means you'd think right now there is a requirement that they accept service?"
"The area would have to be protected and someone would be forced… would have to assume it."
"Okay. Is there an example you can point to of that occurring."
"An example of what?"
"Of… of a municipality seeking assista… coming off its fire service, and an adjoining fire protection district assuming responsibility beyond its will or notwithstanding its desire to… to provide service?" 09900115.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"This is making it clear how it would be handled. The fire districts and the fire chiefs are saying this is needed to be sure there would be a smooth transition. You're saying is there… Can I name a municipality that has done this? I don't happen to have an example. There might be. I just…"
"I… I just wonder if this is a solution in search… search of a problem because I don't know what we're trying to fix, if we don't already have a problem. This looks like a preventative… non needed preventative measure, again, a solution in search of a problem."
"I disagree. It could happen. The fire districts are obviously very concerned. The fire chiefs are very concerned. You know, you have safety equipment all the time that you have, hope you never need it. This is just saying we need this spelled out rather than leave it in the lurch."
"Okay. I… I appreciate that. I was just wondering if there was an example of this ever happening and it doesn't sound like…"
"My…"
"…you have an example."
"…I wished you would have asked me that and I would have… would be happy to check it out. But it…"
"I… I’m not in the committee."
"I didn't anticipate that question."
"I’m… I'm sorry. I was just looking at the analysis…"
"Yeah."
"…and wondering why you didn't."
"But my analysis does not show the Governor's Office as being opposed. They did, I think, veto something similar if 09900115.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 not identical last year. I heard that the concern then was to not make it more complicated to consolidate."
"Well, I agree with that proposition for certain. Thank you."
"Representative Willis. Sponsor yields."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Don, we had quite a robust discussion, you and I, regarding this Bill in committee. And I think I sort of echo my colleague to my right about this that we're looking at a problem that's not really there that the problem was probably in when we put the consolidation Bill to a vote last year and we did not put in who would take over once a municipality chose to dissolve the fire department that we would actually be better served by going back to that, putting in as part of the consolidation or… or the referendum that would go to the voters saying straightly in that Bill… in that referendum who would take over and what the taxing rate would be for the members of the dissolved fire department itself. What you're dealing with now is just saying that everybody around them can say no and nobody is forced to say yes, which I support. Nobody should be forced to say yes, but I think we're putting the cart before the horse or doing it backwards, however you want to look at it, because we're leaving this area without any fire service, without anyone to take it over and we've already dissolved it. And I would strongly urge you to take this out of the record, go back to look at it to instead tweak it to the point where we go and say before you can dissolve, you need to have an agreement with a neighboring fire protection district to take over the service. And as part of the 09900115.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 referendum, actually put in there what the taxing rate would be to these homeowners and the services."
"Mr. Fortner."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, as I understand the Bill… and we had a lot of discussion about this in committee… the current process basically asks the State Fire Marshal to determine whether or not there is a district that would be able to take over a district that's seeking dissolution. Isn’t that correct?"
"Yes. That's… that's my understanding."
"But one of the things that is lacking in the Act is any direction from the districts. There's just nothing in the Act to provide the Fire Marshal with clear information about whether or not those districts are willing and able to do that. It simply tells the Fire Marshal you have to make that determination. The language of this Bill, for the benefit of those who have some questions about it, all it does is it just provides clear record to the State Fire Marshal so they can make the determination appropriately as to whether or not there is a district able to take on a district that seeks dissolution. For that reason, I would strongly urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Mr. Moffitt to close."
"Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I've just been informed that the Governor's Office is not opposed, just informed by staff. I would say to those of you that have concerns I'd be delighted to work with you. If there's some additional language we could put on in the Senate, I think 09900115.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Representative Willis's comment there might be something that would… logically could do in the Senate. But the Governor's Office is not opposed. Your fire chiefs, your fire districts want this legislation. It's simply pro… making sure that a problem doesn't develop. I will find out if the history, you know, if… if you want a specific example. But why wait 'til there's a problem to come up with a solution that we know is… would be provided by this Bill. You have… ride on a boat and they have lifejackets and you hope you never need them. This is simply the fire service saying we need this legislation to be sure there's continuous safe, effective protection. We don't have to try to solve it once the problem's there. I would urge 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? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 2 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4369, Mr. Pritchard. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4369, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Pritchard."
"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. A year ago we passed this legislation out of this chamber and it didn't get called in the Senate. So I am back proposing this legislation again this year. What it does is allows sanctioned boat racing to provide licenses to youths 9 to 16 years old, required 09900115.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 testing, supervision so that they can compete in instate racing competition. This is not pleasure boating. This is a sanctioned event. Also, that the… at the request of the Department of Natural Resources, we have required that they also… the event also carries insurance in case there is injury. Be happy to answer any 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? Have all voted who wish? 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. House Bill 4964, Representative Wallace. Please read the Bill. I understand you have a Floor Amendment, Representative? Do you wish to move the Bill back to Second Reading to adopt your Amendment?"
"Yes, please."
"Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill on Second Reading."
"House Bill 4964, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Wallace, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Wallace."
"This Amendment makes this a Bill… this Bill an agreed upon Bill. It changes the number of days that the publication from five days to three days."
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk." 09900115.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5711, Representative Sosnowski. Out of the record. House Bill 4449, Mr. Welch. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4449, a Bill for an Act concerning business organization. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Welch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 4449 is an initiative of the Secretary of State's Office. This Bill is very similar to House Bill 363 which passed this General Assembly last year. It was vetoed by the Governor. And all of the problematic language that the Governor was concerned about has been taken out. This Bill has no impact… it has no fiscal impact. It has no opponents. Again, it's an initiative of the Secretary of State. And I ask for approval."
"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. 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 6010, Mr. Stewart. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6010, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Stewart."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 6010 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. It provides that failure to complete and transmit the Uniform Citation to the clerk of the court in which the violation occurred within 48 09900115.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 hours of the arrest, so long as the Citation and Complaint form is transmitted within seven business days, shall not be the grounds… sole ground for dismissal of the case. This passed unanimously in committee. I know of no opposition. I would respectfully ask for your support."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"How often are the State Police not following the law now?"
"I don't know, Representative, if it's not that they're not following the law. I think that instances that come to my mind is… is that if someone receives a violation on a Friday night and it's a three-day weekend with a holiday, that 48 hours is simply exhausted and that's simply… in that period of time. That would be one that comes to mind."
"I'm just wondering why we're going from two days to a week? Why do they need so much time…"
"I…"
"…to transmit a citation?"
"Well, it doesn't mean that they have seven days. It just means that the sole grounds for dismissal of a case will be because they didn't transmit it within seven days, that's all."
"I understand what you're trying to do. I'm a little concerned though because we've had issues… and… and I'm a supporter of the State Police, but like I said, I had a lot… we've had issues where they… they weren't turning around FOID cards for a long time. And I just… if it's a question of 09900115.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 resources that's one thing, but I hate to continue to extend times for basically I guess it would be a public service for the individuals."
"I don't think this has any effect on the individual. I don't think this has any effect on the driver. It just simply sta… and again, this doesn't involve just the State Police. It invol… it would involve every law enforcement agency in Illinois."
"So, is it just the State… I'm sorry. Did you say it's just the State Police?"
"No, Representative. Every law enforcement agency in Illinois."
"Is there a standardized amount of time that one is required? Let's assume you get a citation for a speeding ticket. Okay. And then… so, right now, it's 48 hours if the arresting officer has to transmit it to the clerk, correct?"
"Correct."
"Is there any specific time frame thereafter when an individual would have an opportunity to respond to the citation? Because oftentimes if you get… you see on the back of a ticket, they say you have seven days or something to mail this in or to… or to fight it. Would this effect those time frames? Let's assume the arresting officer didn't turn in the documentation for six days. And then the individual did not receive something from the clerk until… I don't know… maybe the clerk's busy too and maybe it's two and a half, three weeks before the individual gets the citation. Would that individual then still have the same statutory time frame to respond or would it be an attenuated time frame based on 09900115.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 the ex… extra time that the arresting officer and the clerk may have used?"
"This would not affect anything in regards to the person receiving the citation. It just… it wouldn't affect any other time periods. It just simply means that the… the sole grounds for dismissal of a complaint is if it wasn't transmitted in that period of time. So, it wouldn't affect anything else from a motorist or a citizen. It wouldn't affect any of those other timelines."
"I'd just… I'd just like to know how often this is occurring? I understand the… the situation that you had talked about, a three-day weekend or something. I could certainly see that and I could see maybe saying this should be a business day. But I'm just… I'm just wondering if we're fixing something that's really not a big problem."
"Well, actually, this was a constituent request and it's because… the… the initiative was because there were violations that were being dismissed solely because they weren't transmitted in that period of time."
"Now, I'm going to listen to more of the debate. I just… I want to get convinced on the numbers…"
"Sure."
"…and I want to see how… how big this really is and whether it's necessary to change it from two to seven days 'cause that's… that's a pretty big jump."
"It just means that they have to transmit it within seven business days, that's all."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you." 09900115.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Mr. Drury."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, our… our analysis here says that what we're trying to change is a Supreme Court rule. That Supreme Court Rule 552 currently allows 48 hours to transmit it. Is that what this legislation is trying to do is change an Illinois Supreme Court Rule?"
"No."
"Where… what is the statutory provision that gives the 48 hours… that requires 48-hours' notice 'cause, again, our analysis says it's Supreme Court Rule 552."
"I… I don't know what your analysis says, Representative. I mean, it… it's simply changing the Illinois Vehicle Code in which the time that an officer has to transmit that violation."
"But do you know if… if there is a rule, a court rule, that requires 48-hour notice outside of the Vehicle Code? Is there a court rule that requires 48-hour notice, the transmission within 48 hours?"
"There certainly well may be, but I'm not certain… I don't have it in front of me."
"Okay. Is it… is it possible to find that out because if… if what we're doing is changing a Supreme Court rule, we're going to have a separation of powers issue?"
"This legislation is not intended to change any Supreme Court Rule. It just simply says that an officer has seven days… seven business days in which to transmit the violation. It doesn't affect any other timelines. It doesn't affect any 09900115.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 other, you know, points of law. It just simply says that will not be the sole grounds for dismissal."
"Right. And… and I appreciate that. I guess my… my concern is, if there is a Supreme Court Rule that… that requires it… and I haven't gone back to look at the rule… this statute might be meaningless because we can't… we can't change Supreme Court Rule by statute. So, I would think that before we run this Bill and vote on it, we would want to find out if there is a Supreme Court Rule that… that has a 48-hour notice like our… our analysis here shows."
"Well, there's certainly not any intent to change any Supreme Court Rule and I'm… you know, again, I'm aware of no opposition, you know, to the Bill. It passed unanimously in committee. And… and these are the first few questions that I've been entertained in regard to this, Representative."
“Yeah. I… I would ask that before we run this that… that you would at least go back and look at the Supreme Court Rules and see if our analysis has an error in it or if, in fact, what this statute is trying to do is… is change a Supreme Court Rule. Thank you."
"Representative Ammons."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, I'm still a little unclear on… the current requirement is that if I receive a ticket from State Police or they give me a speeding citation and they take it and hold my driver's license, I have a certain amount of time to go in to pay that fine. Is that correct?"
"Yes. This legislation does not affect any of that." 09900115.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"But if they only give me… I don't remember exactly how many days… Do you know how many days I have in order to pay that fine to get my driver's license back?"
"I do not. This legislation does not affect that."
"I think it only gives you a certain, literally, a certain amount of days within the first week of receiving that citation. So if you move their requirement from two days to seven days, that means I don't have my driver's license for an extended period of time. Is that right?"
"No."
"So, how do I get my driver's license back if they don't submit the citation to the court? How do I get my driver's license back if they don't submit the citation within the 48 hours and they take five days instead of two?"
"I don't think anybody's intentionally taking any time in which to transmit it."
"But… but that is the…"
"My… my example that came to my mind was that if Friday's a holiday and you receive a citation and Monday's a holiday, you've got… easily you've got more than 48 hours. And… and if the officer does not transmit that ticket, meaning he delivers it on Tuesday or she delivers it on Tuesday or delivers it on Wednesday, that's beyond the 48 hours. And so, thus, there are citations that are being dismissed solely because of that 48-hour requirement. This does not affect your driver's license or getting your driver's license or any of that period of time."
"So… and so, are you suggesting…" 09900115.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"And I don't see… I don't really seeing that being an issue."
"Are you suggesting in this Bill that the time frame that's being counted by the courts, of 48 hours, includes Saturday and Sunday?"
"Yes, it does. It says 48 hours. It doesn't say 48 business hours."
"I… I think I… I mean… To the Bill. To all the Representatives in this House, it is important that we really pay attention to this procedure. Because if I lose my driver's license because I didn't pay the fine, they don't give me an exception because it happened on Saturday or Sunday. I still have to follow the law according to the law. And I strongly believe that this change gives an exception to the authorities that really should not take place. They have a responsibility once they issue that citation to follow the law as the law exists. Because people lose their driver's license, they lose freedom of movement and they risk their potential of being pulled over for further provocation at a later time. We cannot change this particular requirement by the State Police because the State Police has a responsibility. If they don't want to have to submit to the 48 hours, then don't issue tickets on Friday through Sunday. I end. Thank you."
"Mr. Stewart to close."
"This Bill simply amends the time period. It doesn't affect anybody's driver's license. It doesn't affect the time period in which anybody gets their driver's license back. Most law enforcement agencies in Illinois don't take the driver's license because we have a sign and go law. In other 09900115.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 words, you sign the citation. You don't give up your driver's license. So, in most instances, this isn't going to take your driver's license. All it simply says is, is that the citation… the only reason that a citation can't be dismissed if it wasn't transmitted within that seven business day. That's all. I respectfully ask for your support."
"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 record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 88 voting 'yes', 19 voting 'no', 4 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Mr. Sandack. For what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Thank you. A quick point of personal privilege, please?"
"Please proceed, Sir."
"Up in the gallery, stand up, Sean, is my friend former Village Council member of Downers Grove, because it is always Downers Grove day here, and an Illinois banker now with the Banker's Association, Sean Durkin. Let's give him a warm welcome, please."
"Welcome to Springfield, Sir. House Bill 4688, Mr. Tryon. Mr. Tryon. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4688, a Bill for an Act concerning the environment. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Tryon."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. House Bill 4688 affects water supplies that add fluoride to their water supply. And it lowers the limit from 09900115.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 1. …from .7 to 1.2 to .7 milligrams per liter. This is basically cleanup language. The Federal EPA lowered the amount and then our Illinois Environmental Protection Agency adopted that amount and this adopt… this puts that in statute for the programs that are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health for public water supply. If there's any questions, I'd be glad to answer them, but it's really a Bill that we… it's cleanup language and we have to do it."
"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. Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, 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 4590, Representative Williams. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4590, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Williams."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill simply adds a few provisions to the Act that… provides information to adoptive parents, as well as, adoptees at the age of 18 providing them with very basic information about the circumstances of their birth and adoption. As you know, I'm an adoptee and this sort of information is so imperative for an adoptee to have. It provides for the information to be given to parents so they can share with their children as appropriate and when an adult adoptee reaches 18, they're provided this additional information. The current law already provides for information 09900115.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 on any number of topics. This just expands it to include the basic why, the circumstances behind someone's adoption. I'm happy to answer any 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? Have all voted who wish? Please take the record, Mr. Clerk. There are 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4336, Representative Willis. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4336, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that we passed with no opposition at all last year. It simply allows the libraries to put their taxing levy along with the same time that they do now; instead of going on fiscal years, it makes it do with everything else. We had no opposition to it all; there still is no opposition to it. Last year when it passed through here, unfortunately, the Senate needed to use the Bill for something else. So, I have to resubmit it and ask for an 'aye' 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5918, Mr. Thapedi. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 5918, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. But a balanced budget, pens… pension note, state debt note and state mandates note have been requested but not filed at this time."
"Please hold the Bill on the Order of Second Reading. Mr. Thapedi is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to these spurious notes that have been filed on the Bill, before these notes were even filed I filed a Motion to deem notes inapplicable. And I'd ask for a ruling on that Motion right now."
"We'll take them one at a time. With the first note, Mr. Clerk."
"The first note is a balanced budget note."
Speaker Lang: "Mr. Thapedi moves that the note be held inapplicable. The Chair recognizes Mr. Reis."
"Inquiry of the Chair."
"State your inquiry, Sir."
"How can you file notes inapplicable before the notes were filed? I understand that several notes were filed this afternoon."
"Well, it's irrelevant because he just made the Motion, correct?"
"That's why… my inquiry is?"
"I don't… the Clerk can tell us when the Motion was filed. The Chair recognizes Mr. Thapedi."
"Mr. Speaker, in light of all of the hubbub going on in the chamber, I'd like the… the Chair to enter and continue my Motion 'til tomorrow." 09900115.docx 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Well, I can't do that, but we'll take it out…"
"Well, I don't want to withdraw the Motion."
"It… your…"
"I certainly don't want to withdraw it…"
"Sir…"
"…but if I can enter and continue it until tomorrow, I'm happy to do that."
"So, you can remake your Motion tomorrow, Sir. We'll… it'll still be on your first priority list. You don't have to worry. You'll get to make your Motion."
"Well, it's a written Motion, so I don't want to withdraw a written Motion."
"This… this does not have to be a written Motion. According to the parliamentarian, you can make an oral Motion the next time we get to this Bill any time you wish."
"Fair enough. That's what I'll do, Mr. Speaker, if I may."
"Bill will be taken out of the record and the Motion is withdrawn at this time."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Thank you. House Bill 6324, Mr. Anthony. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1562, Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley, Senate Bill 1562. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk, on Third Reading. This has an Amendment. The Gentleman wishes to move the Bill back to the Order of Second Reading. Please read the Bill on Second Reading, Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 1562, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time on a previous 09900115.docx 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 day. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment #2, offered by… it has been approved for consideration."
"Mr. Bradley. Out of the record, Sir? Out of the record. Bill will remain on Second Reading. House Bill 6129, Representative Chapa LaVia, on the Order of Second Reading. Please read the Bill. Out of the record, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 6163 on the Order of Third Reading. Mr. Crespo, 6163. Out of the record. House Bill 166, Representative Flowers. Representative Flowers, House Bill 166. Out of the record. House Bill 4391, Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman. Please read the Bill, Mr. Clerk, on the Order of Third Reading."
"House Bill 4391, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Hoffman."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This would amend the Township Code to mirror the Municipal Code that indicate that township officials could not be… hold office if they'd been convicted of an infamous crime: bribery, perjury or other felony. The Attorney General's in support of it as well as the Better Government Association. I know of no opposition."
"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 record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, 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. On the Order of Second Reading, House Bill 4528, Representative McAsey. Representative McAsey. Out of 09900115.docx 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 the record. On the Order of Second Reading, House Bill 6037, Representative Reaves-Harris. Representative Reaves-Harris. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6037, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we've gone through everybody's first priority and we've done a lot of good work. We're moving on to people's second priority. First for Second Readings. House Bill 2825, Mr. Beiser. Out of the record. House Bill 4678, Representative Kelly Burke. Representative Burke. Do you wish to move the Bill to Third?" Burke, K.: "Yes, please."
"Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4678, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4371, Mr. Andersson. Out of the record. House Bill 5930, Mr. Breen. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5930, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 6302, Leader Durkin. Is someone handling? Should we move it? Please move the Bill, Mr. Clerk." 09900115.docx 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 6302, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 46… House Bill 5600, Representative Chapa LaVia. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5600, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
Speaker Lang: "Third Reading. House Resolution 967, Representative Cloonen."
"Is that Third… Third Reading, Sir?"
Speaker Lang: "This is a Resolution. Go right ahead, Representative."
"Yes. It's a Resolution asking that Career and Tech Ag Day be marked for February. And I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"Those in favor of the Resolution say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Resolution is adopted. House Bill 6057, Mr. Harris. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6057, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4630, Representative Ives. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4630, a Bill for an Act concerning government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 6030, Representative Conroy. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 6030, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1, offered by Representative Conroy, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Conroy on the Amendment."
"Speaker, the Amendment takes out the downstate fire and police from this Bill."
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 6041, Mr. Moffitt. Read the Bill, please."
"House Bill 6041, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 119, Representative Flowers. Representative Flowers. Want to move the Bill to Third? Out of the record. House Bill 1437, Mr. Franks. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1437, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5710, Mr. Sosnowski. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 5710, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4387, Mr. Wehrli. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4387, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4330, Representative Wheeler. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4330, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Representative Ammons, for what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you. The correct record on House Bill 4391 I intended to vote 'present' on that Bill."
"The rec… record will reflect your intentions."
"Tha…"
"Thank you. Senate Bill 1564, Representative Gabel. Please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 1564, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. This Bill was read a second time on a previous day. Amendment… Floor Amendment #1 was adopted previously. A state mandates note has been requested but not filed at this time." 09900115.docx 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Please hold that Bill on the Order of Second Reading. House Bill 4562, Representative Hernandez. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4562, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're now moving to Third Reading Roll Calls on second priority Bills. The first one is House Bill 4367, Representative Bellock. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4367, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Bellock."
"Oh. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This Bill, again, is regarding the dyslexia. And what it is, is it's just reissuing the Re Ad Committee which was extended one time and then they missed the extension the last time. So, it's a committee of advisory people from dyslexia that work with the schools so that the schools know what they're working in conjunction on the dyslexia issue. I appreciate your support."
"Those in favor of the Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, 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 5656, Representative Hammond. Please read the Bill." 09900115.docx 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"House Bill 5656, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Hammond."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5656 adds great- grandparents to the list of grandparent visitation rules reviewed by DCFS. It also requires DCFS to make reasonable efforts and accommodations to provide visitation privileges to noncustodial grandparents and great-grandparents separate and apart from any visitation provided for a parent. The visitation rights would termi…"
"Too much talking."
"The visitation rights would terminate once the child leaves the care of DCFS. I know of no opposition. And I 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? Please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Representative Bryant. For what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. For a point of personal privilege."
"Go right ahead."
"Sitting in the gallery behind me is a friend from Vergennes, Illinois, Marty Davis, who may have just… There he is. Marty is from my county and is here with the Bankers Association. And just want to tell him how much we appreciate them." 09900115.docx 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
Speaker Lang: "Thank you. Thank you for being here, Sir. Representative Lilly is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed."
"Good… good evening and good afternoon, everyone. It's Capitol Capers time. And today at 5 p.m., COWL creative team will be meeting in the closed conference room, 309 in the State Capitol Building. Today at 5 p.m., the creative team will be meeting in the closed Capitol room here in the Capitol. Please come and join us. Capitol Capers is the best ever this year. God bless you."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representative. Chair recognizes Representative Bellock. For what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like a point of personal privilege."
"Proceed."
"Thank you. I just wanted to remind everybody that tomorrow is Alzheimer's Day and everybody if they would wear purple that would be terrific. Thank you very much."
"House Bill 4395, Mr. Leitch. Mr. Leitch. Out of the record. House Bill 6299, Mr. Andrade. Out of the record. Senate Bill 26, Mr. Bradley. Please read the Bill. Out of the record, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 5229… excuse me… 5529, Mr. Crespo. Out of the record. House Bill 5771, Leader Currie. Leader Currie. Out of the record. House Bill 4423, Mr. Davis. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4423, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Davis." 09900115.docx 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. This is simply a TIF extension Bill for the City of Oak Forest, which is in my district, as well as, the other Sponsors that are listed there. All the letters have been submitted. So everything is ready to go pending your 'green' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Bellock."
"I'm sorry. It was a point of personal privilege. I'll wait 'til you're finished. Thank you."
"We'll get back to you. Put your light back on. Those in favor of this 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 record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 109 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Chair recognizes Representative Bellock for a point of personal privilege. Please proceed."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. There was a correction on that. Thursday is Alzheimer's Day. So we have one more day to get our purple. Thank you."
Speaker Lang: "Thank you, Representative. House Bill 5696, Representative Cassidy. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5696, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Cassidy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members of the House. House Bill 5696 is an initiative of the condominium law section of the Chicago Bar Association. It is cleanup language 09900115.docx 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 clarifying what is considered acceptable technological means for communications purposes among associations."
"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. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 113 voting 'yes', 1 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 1509 (sic-5009), Leader Feigenholtz. Representative Feigenholtz. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5009, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Feigenholtz."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a Bill that ties provisional licensure periods to the award of the licenses and not to the filing of the… the administrative rule. I'm happy to answer any questions for SMHRF."
"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. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 112 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5901, Mr. Guzzardi. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5901, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Guzzardi."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill is largely to bring Illinois into compliance with new federal statute that every 09900115.docx 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 student succeeds at, which requires local districts to report to parents the standardized tests that they give the students every year. This Bill goes on a little bit further than federal statute requiring those districts also to report that information to the State Board of Education. It came out of committee with bipartisan support. And I ask for the chamber's support as well. Thank you."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Well, you're right. It did come out with bipartisan support, but could you elaborate a little bit on what the Bill does because ISBE is against it and I think there's one more opponent as well."
"Sure."
"So, if you could address their opposition."
"Absolutely, yes."
"I'd be appreciative."
"Sure. So, what this Bill would do is it would require our local districts to report the standardized test that they give to every child every year. They would have to post this information for parents to have it. And they would also be reporting it to the State Board of Education, so that we could have broad statewide data about what's happening district to district. We could compare apples to apples, how different schools are testing. I think the state board's opposition is that they don't like having to collect more data." 09900115.docx 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"So, it's… it's… they object to receiving the data. They don't have to do anything else with it, just accept it, correct?"
"Correct."
"All right. Thank you, Will. I appreciate it."
"Thank you, Leader."
"Mr. Franks."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Mr. Sandack asked one of the questions I was going to ask, so thank you 'cause I didn't understand their objection. Can you tell me why the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association is opposed?"
"Their objection's actually been removed. We had the… the House Amendment 1 has been appended to this Bill. They no longer oppose this as amended."
"Okay. So, this is just really providing more information to those that are decision makers dealing with schools, correct?"
"Precisely. As a parent, in particular, as well."
"Okay. Now, is… this is done on an annual basis, correct?"
"That's right."
"Now, I know… I'm not sure… I don't know the answer to this. And I was just wondering because one of our colleagues had a Bill that he took out of the record dealing with different kinds of schools. Would charter schools have to also respond on an annual basis or is this… this just for public schools?" 09900115.docx 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"So, this is for school districts. So, the districts would report for each public school within the district what assessments those schools are doing."
"Is this an aggregate or are they… what do they break it down by schools?"
"By individual school."
"Okay. So, everyone would be required to do this, correct?"
"Every district, correct. Yes."
"I… I think it makes lots of sense. Thank you for bringing it forward."
"Thank you, Representative."
"Pritchard."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, did I hear you correctly that you said this was a bipartisan Bill?"
"We had votes from Members of both Parties in committee supporting the Bill. Yes, Sir. It wasn't unanimous, but we had Republicans and Democrats supporting it."
"So, our records show that there weren't any of this side of the aisle supporting that Bill."
"Oh, my recollection from committee is that, at the very least, Representative Leitch was voting with us, but if I'm incorrect about that, I apologize."
"Leitch was a 'no' vote or not voting."
"All right. Well…"
"So, it's not a bipartisan effort. That's all I wanted to clear the record. Thank you." 09900115.docx 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"My apologies, Representative."
"Mr. Guzzardi to close."
"Thank you, Members. I appreciate the debate. And I look forward to an 'aye' 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 record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 71 voting 'yes', 41 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Returning to House Bill 4395, Mr. Leitch. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4395, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Leitch."
"Speaker, this is simply another TIF extension Bill for the community of Bradford. I know of no objection."
"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? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 110 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5771, Leader Currie. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5771, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Leader Currie." 09900115.docx 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Thank you, Speaker, Members of the House. A few years ago the United States Supreme Court adopted the Miller decision which focused on the question of appropriate sentencing for people who were under the age of 18 when they committed a crime. Last year we codified Miller, going forward, for the criminal justice system in Illinois, but we made a couple of technical errors. This Bill fixes those errors. I'd be grateful for your support."
"Those in favor of the Lady'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? Please record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 54 voting 'yes', 58 voting 'no'. And the Lady asks for Postponed Consideration, Mr. Clerk. Chair recognizes Representative Ammons. For what reason do you rise?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A point of personal privilege, please."
"Please go ahead."
"First and foremost, I'm supposed to say something nice about Representative Franks, but I'm unable to right now. But I'll come back to Franks. But this per… point is to recognize the new athletic director for the University of Illinois, who's sitting in the gallery to my left, Mr. Josh Whitman who's going to bring victory for us, the University of Illinois athletics. So, we want to welcome him to our Assembly today. And we wanted to make sure if you want make us… a picture with our new director, I'm sure he'll come down and be happy to greet us. Thank you." 09900115.docx 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Welcome to the Illinois House chamber, Sir. We wish you a lot of luck. Chair recognizes Mr. Wheeler." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of personal privilege."
"Please proceed, Sir." Wheeler, K.: "I'd like to remind Members that today NFIB, Illinois Chamber and ABC members and business owners from around the state are meeting in Springfield today. I want to encourage Members to spend some time with those business leaders and welcome them to Springfield. Thank you."
"Thank you very much. And welcome to the Capitol. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 1140, offered by Representative Bradley. House Resolution 1141, offered by Representative Martwick. House Resolution 1142, offered by Representative Bellock. House Resolution 1146, offered by Representative Andersson. House Resolution 1147, offered by Representative Kelly Burke. House Resolution 1148, offered by Representative Bill Mitchell. House Resolution 1149, and House Resolution 1150, offered by Speaker Madigan."
"Leader Currie moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. House Bill 6130, on the Order of Second Reading, Representative Hurley. Out of the record. House Bill 4036, on the Order of Second Reading, Representative Lilly. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4036, a Bill for an Act concerning employment. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09900115.docx 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Third Reading. House Bill 5808, Representative Manley. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5808, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. And on the Order of Third Reading, House Bill 5660, Mr. Martwick. Mr. Martwick. Out of the record. Mr. Martwick, do you wish to move House Bill 5660? No running, Sir. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5660, a Bill for an Act concerning finance. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Martwick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 5660 is an initiative of the Chicago Bar Association. And it amends the Public Construction Bond Act. In the Public Construction Bond Act there is a gray area regarding notice of the… a claim on the surety bond. And what this does is this creates language that tightens that up and says that now the… the… no verified notice for a claim on a surety bond shall be deemed filed the day it is personally delivered or mailed. That is all this Bill does. I know of no opposition. I ask for a favorable 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? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. There are 113 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, 09900115.docx 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 is hereby declared passed. The Chair recognizes Mr. Crespo. For what reason do you rise, Sir?"
"Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 5771, I was recorded voting 'yes'; it should be a 'no'."
"The record will reflect your intention, Sir. House Bill 4377, Representative Mayfield. Out of the record. House Bill 1191, Representative McAsey. Out of the record. House Bill 4462, Representative Mussman. Read the Bill, please. I don't know what that means, Representative. That means you're not ready? Out of the record. House Bill 4658, Representative Nekritz. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4658, 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 are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5613, Mr. Sims. Mr. Sims. Out of the record. Oh, he… he's in the back. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5613, a Bill for an Act concerning the Law Enforcement Information Task Force Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4365, Mr. Welch. Out of the record. House Bill 887, Representative Williams. Representative Williams. Out of the record. House Bill 4501, Mr. Yingling. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4501, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed." 09900115.docx 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Third Reading. Moving to Third Reading Roll Calls. House Bill 4433, Mr. Turner. Leader Turner. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4433, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Turner."
"Thank you, Chair. Just one second, as I pull up my… House Bill 40…433 is an initiative of the Secretary of State's Office. And it allows widows or spouses to continue to keep their… their license plate of their deceased partner, if they apply for it and petition for it within 180 days. I'm trying to do this without the analysis in front of me. But I think that's the Bill. Ask for an 'aye' vote."
"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? 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. House Bill 4966, Representative Wallace. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4966, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Wallace."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a Bill that ensures that the children in our foster care system have quality foster homes to be in. It is supported by many. It has bipartisan support. And I'm encouraging an 'aye' vote."
"Those in favor of the Lady's Bill will vote 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? 09900115.docx 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, 114 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 6252, Representative Willis. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 6252, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Representative Willis."
"Thank you, Mr. Leader. This Bill is simply for District 89 which is in my… my district. And it allows… it allows them to withdraw from a special ed co-op. They have already attempted through… to withdraw from this co-op two times which is part of the charter of the co-op. They've been a member of this co-op for over 50 years, but they have found that they need and the value that they’ve been getting out of this special ed co-op has decreased significantly in the recent year. Currently, it costs them over $50 thousand per student by being a member of this co-op and they feel that they can do it much more economically, more efficiently and still offer the same high standard of services to their students if they do it in-house. So, I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you. And I'm willing to take…"
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Kathy, can you explain exactly how this co-op got into being and why it requires legislation from one party to withdraw?" 09900115.docx 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"This co-op was put into effect, like I said, over 50 years ago. It's approximately… it's nine different school districts that are members of it. And part of the charter requires that all of the other members agree to anybody withdrawing. They have tried that. And none of the other members are in agreement to allow these guys to come out."
"So, essen… so, essentially the state is being asked to intervene between a pri… between a legislatively created agreement, which said everyone has to agree or the status quo remains."
"Correct."
"And I… I suspect this is because one school district thinks they're not getting the benefit of the bargain?"
"Yes. Well, what happened is when this co-op was first put in, there were a lot more students in my… in District 89 that were members of it. Now, they have actually reduced and they actually only have 53 students that are in there. So there actually only less than… about 10 percent of the students that are a part of it, but they feel that they’re paying a bulk of the share to educate the rest of the students."
"So, two more questions. What is the net effect? So, once… assuming your Bill passes the House and the Senate and it’s signed, what becomes of this co-op then?"
"It will still continue without District 89 as a member of it."
"And it would then require… same rules would apply, right?"
"Yes, it would." 09900115.docx 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"I mean, anyone else that wants to withdraw would have to get everyone's concurrence or someone has to bring a Bill to do it again?"
"Yes, it would."
"Okay. And lastly, my analysis shows that the opponents… I don't know if this has been rectified or not… were ISBE, the Illinois… IEA and IFT. That's a… a unique combination of opposition."
"Yes, it is."
"Why… why are they opposed?"
"ISB was opposed because they were concerned that it wasn't going through proper channels. And we assured them and we showed proof that they had. IFT was concerned ab… if any of their teachers were going to lose the position. What we have… we have an unwritten agreement that the superintendent from 89 has stated that he would certainly look at any… if any of the teachers lose their position at PAEC that he would put them on top priority to hire them directly into 89 himself without them losing any of their tenure."
"Has that unwritten agreement taken off the opposition?"
"They haven't withdrawn their opposition, but they're very satisfied with it."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Mr. Pritchard."
"Mr. Speaker, would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, what's the fiscal impact on the remaining six school districts?"
"I'm sorry?" 09900115.docx 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"What is the fiscal impact upon the remaining six school districts of this one school district withdrawing?"
"I don't know on the remaining schools. But my school district would save $2.2 million."
"Yours is the district that is pulling out?"
"My district is District 89."
"So, apparently, the costs are… are spread other than on a per pupil basis?"
"Yes."
"'Cause you said you only had 52 students or something like that."
"We have 52 students and the cost right now this year for educating each of those students is $50 thousand. And so, they feel that they could save quite significant… they would save 2.2 million by doing it in-house with their own staff, special ed staff, same services, quality. And we know, at this point, inclusion is much more preferred as to having special schools that we send students with special needs."
"So, will this cooperative be able to continue minus this one district?"
"I feel that they could. I… I truly feel that they could. They also would be given one-year lead time. So this would not be going into effect this September. They would have an entire year to reevaluate their finances. So it would not go in effect until Sep… August or September of 2017."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, this is not a unique request that we have before us. In my district, the special ed cooperative dissolved almost a decade ago. And the students are now in their own district and it's more 09900115.docx 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 mainstreaming type of education which is preferred in most cases. So, I would suggest that this does not deteriorate the quality of education for these students. And if it saves the school district some funding, more power to them."
"Mr. Reis."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, as the prior speaker just said this isn't unique in coming to the General Assembly to try to do this. But the other six schools, how are they compare in terms of enrollment, not kids in the co-op, but enrollments of their total schools?"
"I honestly do not know. I know that the children that are in the co-op, my school district, school District 89, only is 10 percent of the students that are at the… the special ed school… the special co-op school."
"At this point in time, how does that compare over, say, the last 15 years of the life of the co-op?"
"The… I honestly don't know. I do know that at one point they were… they did have more students though they have been declining the number of students over the last five years for sure. Last year they had, I believe, like 55 students and now they're down to 53 students. Part of that is the educational trend to in-house students more and more."
"Well, have they gone to the board of that co-op and say that we should pay less money because we have less students?"
"That's not an option for them. The way that the charter was written, all of their federal special ed funds go direct to the co-op. And so that's part of the problem." 09900115.docx 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Well, I… I guess I rise in opposition of the… the Sponsor's Bill because co-ops are formed for a reason to better utilize resources. I realize now that this particular school may have a declining amount of students that are enrolled in the co- op, but five years from now, six years from now they may have 15 percent or 20 percent of the co-op. And the purpose of the co-op is to help spread out these costs so that everyone benefits especially the students. And I think that if they're going to save $2.2 million that means that co-op's going to take in $2.2 million less. And that may cause them not to be able cash flow which was the purpose of the co-ops all along."
"Mr. Brown."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please excuse Representative Cabello for the remainder of the afternoon."
"Thank you, Sir. Representative Willis to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I would like to say is when I was asked to carry this Bill two years ago, I made sure that this school district went through proper channels. I wanted to make sure that they attempted to take care of it themselves. They went through these channels. Unfortunately, they were not able to withdraw and get an agreement. Right now, when we're facing a very tight budget and the budget that keeps reducing and reducing money that we're giving to our local schools, we need to look at any way we… possible to save money but still keep quality education. This Bill does that. It brings the special ed need students back to their district, mainstreams them as much as possible and saves our school district $2.2 million. I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you." 09900115.docx 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Those in favor of the Lady'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? Please record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 78 voting 'yes', 31 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5949, Mr. Zalewski. Mr. Zalewski. Out of the record. House Bill 5894, on the Order of Second Reading, Representative Hammond. Representative Hammond. Out of the record. House Bill 4318, Mr. Moffitt. Mr. Moffitt. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4318, a Bill for an Act concerning State Government. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. On the Order of Second Reading several Bills. House Bill 6013, Representative Cassidy. Representative Cassidy. Out of the record. House Bill 3199, Representative Chapa LaVia. Read the Bill, please."
"House Bill 3199, a Bill for an Act concerning education. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 1290, Leader Currie. Out of the record. House Bill 6308, Representative Fine. Please read the Bill. Out of the record, Mr. Clerk. House Bill 4240, Representative Flowers. Out of the record. House Bill 1334, Mr. Franks. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 1334, a Bill for an Act concerning public employee benefits, which may be al… also be referred to as 09900115.docx 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 the Retirement Means Retirement Act. Second Reading of this House Bill. Amendment #1 was adopted in committee. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 4361, Representative Nekritz. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 4361, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. House Bill 5566, Mr. Sims. Out of the record. House Bill 5567, Mr. Sims. Out of the record. House Bill 4648, Mr. Welch. Mr. Welch. Out of the record. House Bill 1052, Mr. Yingling. Out of the record. Mr. Yingling is found in the back of the hall. Please read his Bill."
"House Bill 1052, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendments 1 and 2 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Yingling."
"Mr. Yingling."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This just… this was a vehicle Bill and the Amendment becomes the Bill."
"Maybe you should tell us what it does, Sir?"
"This is a localized issue in my district. It provides for the transfer of road systems."
"Mr. Brown, are you speaking on this Bill? I'll be right back to you, Sir. Those in favor of the Amen… Mr. Sandack."
"Just another question of the Sponsor, if that'd be okay?" 09900115.docx 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Please go ahead."
"Sam, for purposes of making a record, what exactly is your Amendment doing?"
"Sure. So, it provides… it provides a mechanism for a local transfer of roadways from a private entity to a public body."
"Thank you."
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Yingling."
"Mr. Yingling."
"Floor Amendment #2 makes some changes that the committee wanted to see. It further outlines what public body roads would be transferred to."
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'… excuse me. Mr. Sullivan has asked to be recognized on the Amendment."
"Sorry. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Representative, in reading these, and I… I apologize for not getting to this quick enough, you're trying to transfer private property to a public entity. And the second part allows you to transfer to this public entity being a highway commissioner. Does the highway commissioner have to accept the property?"
"The answer is yes."
"Okay. So, if they have to accept the property, that means then, they potentially are going to have to makes sure 09900115.docx 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 that these roads come up to township or county highway standards. Is that correct?"
"No, that is not correct. In Amendment #1 it provides… it provides a mechanism where they… they are exempt from having to bring them up to certain standards."
"Okay. My fear and… and hopefully that… and I'll read through it some more… this is on Second Reading. And… and maybe we could talk about it after this, is that you have a private entity, a private community that has not put the investment into their roads and now they want to give them to somebody else. And so, now they're going to have to be upgraded, maintained by somebody else even though they didn't put the investment in. And so, now that burden, in essence, monetarily is transferred to everybody else for the failure of one community. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
"I… I do understand. And I'm… and since this is on Second, I'd be happy to talk…"
"Cool."
"…to you offline…"
"All right."
"…and extend some more…"
"Thank you."
"Yeah."
"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. The Chair recognizes Mr. Brown." 09900115.docx 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please excuse Representative Batinick for the remainder of the afternoon."
"Thank you, Sir. We shall do so. Some Third Reading Roll Calls. House Bill 5720, Mr. Andrade. Mr. Andrade. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5720, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Andrade."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Bill 57… creates a commission that would mandate the State Board of Education to establish a Task Force on Computer Science Education. The 13- member panel shall consist of individuals appointed by the four Legislative Leaders and members of various stakeholder groups. The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be re… reimbursed for travel and other expenses. The commission shall meet initially at the call of the State Superintendent of Education. If the State Superintendent of Education doesn't call, then it doesn't happen."
"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? Please record yourselves. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 100 voting 'yes', 7 voting 'no’. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 5723, Mr. Davis. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5723, a Bill for an Act concerning transportation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Davis." 09900115.docx 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Davis, W.: "Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Last year or the last half of… earlier in Session, we passed a Bill that many of us voted on that allowed for what is called 'sign and drive' which allows for certain offenses that instead of having to surrender your license you could sign the citation… be given that citation but you'd be allowed to keep your license. You still would have to show up for court or whatever the citation dictated for you to do. I was faced with a constituent issue who got pulled over and wound up not having proof of their insurance in the vehicle. The constituent who apparently was rather astute felt that his offense of not having proof of his insurance should be considered a 'sign and drive' type of offense. Unfortunately, the local officer didn't interpret it that way. So when he reached out to my office and… and we talked about it, I inquired and what happened was that because driving without proof of insurance is considered a business offense, even though the fine is still $500, it's still… it's considered a business offense; therefore, it does not qualify for 'sign and drive'. So, what I am trying to do here is allow for proof of insurance with… driving without proof of insurance to be considered an offense that someone can 'sign and drive'. I don't consider this to be soft on crime. Someone still has to… they can be cite… cited. They still have to do everything that citation requires. And in most cases, if the officer will just issue a citation anyway, you show up to court… local court or whatever that is, you show that you have proof of insurance at the time of the citation and usually that ticket is thrown out. So this just allows for 09900115.docx 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 this offense to be considered a petty offense instead of a business offense so that 'sign and drive' is applicable. Be more than happy to answer any questions."
"Mr. Sandack."
"A question of the Sponsor, please?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Will, I was looking at the statute an… and I heard you clearly and I think everything you said makes sense. What I can't see in the statute is what defines a 'business offense' under existing law versus the change you're making, which I understands makes a first offense a petty offense." Davis, W.: "Well, let me just say that I guess the offense in and of itself is classified as a 'business offense'. And I believe…"
"Where would I find that?" Davis, W.: "…I believe that has something to do with the potential fine that could be associated with it. I believe that's why… why it's considered a business offense. So, again, right now it's just classified as a 'business offense'. This simply moves it so that it can be classified as a petty offense. It doesn't change or reduce the fines that are associated with it, but the fine associated with it does allow it for it to be classified as a ‘petty offense’ versus a 'business offense'."
"So, a petty offense under the changes you made… making would require a fine in excess of 500 but less than a thousand dollars. That's petty." Davis, W.: "I believe so." 09900115.docx 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Okay. And just to make sure I'm understanding your illustration well, someone that doesn't have insurance… proof of insurance is different than someone who doesn't have insurance." Davis, W.: "In my opinion, yes. And I'm specifically…"
"And that's a distinction that matters, right?" Davis, W.: "Yeah, it is, very much so."
"Okay. 'Cause if you still had your card on, you come in and show it, that's different than st… you never have it, which is a pretty big deal." Davis, W.: "Which is a huge deal. Absolutely."
"Thank you." Davis, W.: "Thank you."
"Appreciate the answers."
"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 record yourselves, Members. Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 64 voting 'yes', 45 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4013, Representative Feigenholtz. Out of the record. House Bill 335, Mr. Hoffman. Out of the record. House Bill 5576, Representative Nekritz. Out of the record. House Bill 6013, Representative Cassidy, on Second Reading. Out of the record. House Bill 5949 on Third Reading, Mr. Zalewski. Please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5949, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this House Bill."
"Mr. Zalewski." 09900115.docx 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Body knows, we did a locking cap device pilot program last year. In an effort to keep the spirit of the program alive and… and maintain its viability while we sort through the budget, I'm asking for an extension of the program. Know that this is subject to appropriation only, so the department is not forced to pay for this. It's not a continuing approp. It's not an automatic approp. It's just designed to strictly allows for the department to have the flexibility it needs to administer to the program, if and when it ever gets the appropriation from the Comptroller's Office. I'd 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? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 111 voting 'yes', 0 voting 'no'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, House Bill 5619, Representative Gabel. And the Sponsor has requested we move this Bill back to the Order of Second Reading. Would you please read the Bill?"
"House Bill 5619, a Bill for an Act concerning courts. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #2, offered by Representative Gabel, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to adopt a technical Amendment which changes all the other times on this Bill that says 40 day… 40 days… 40 hours to 24 hours. Twenty- four…" 09900115.docx 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"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 5894, Representative Hammond. Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"House Bill 5894, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Second Reading of this House Bill. No Committee Amendments. No Floor Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Mr. Clerk, Senate Bill 2046. Please read the Bill. Mr. Clerk, please put the Bill on the Order of Second Reading and read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2046, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. The Bill was read for a second time on a previous day. No Committee Amendments. Floor Amendment #1 is offered by Representative Currie."
"Leader Currie on the Amendment."
"Thank you, Speaker. I'd like to adopt the Amendment and then debate the Bill on Third Reading, if I might."
"Mr. Sandack."
"I… I ordinarily wouldn't object, but it would be nice to know exactly just a preview of what the Amendment is."
"Leader, do you mind indulging Mr. Sandack?"
"Sure. The Amendment would… would make some changes in the Bill that came to us from the Senate. It would drop a couple of programs. I don't believe that there are very major additions in the Amendment. And we can discuss the whole Bill on Third Reading." 09900115.docx 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Those in favor of the Amendment say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. The Amendment is adopted. Mr. Clerk."
"No further Amendments. No Motions are filed."
"Third Reading. Please read the Bill on the Order of Third Reading."
"Senate Bill 2046, a Bill for an Act concerning appropriations. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Currie."
"Thank you, Speaker, and Members of the House. Much of this… this legislation we have seen before. In fact, the bulk of it was approved by the House of Representatives before we… we left for our spring break. Some items were a little different, changed in the Senate. And what you have before you, is an effort to see to it that finally we can help fund our state universities, our community colleges, tuition help for low-income college kids, social service agencies, begin to make good on the bills that are owed people who provide mental health and other services to our constituents. It is a shame, it is a disgrace that we have not yet funded these programs. And I know that there is concern that there may not be enough money to fund everything in this Bill. The reality, Speaker and Members of this House, is that there is not enough in the kitty to fund all that we are trying to fund today. The Comptroller has a very significant backlog, but the programs that are the subject of Senate Bill 2046 are programs that don't even have a chance to be funded. There isn't a chance that these social service agencies can do anything but close their doors unless and until there is an appropriation 09900115.docx 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 to give the Comptroller the opportunity to fund them. So the idea that there isn't enough money to go around may not be wrong, but it doesn't apply only to these appropriations. It applies to everything we are doing in State Government today. My understanding is that for services for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, we already owe close to 86 million in unpaid dollars. And you may say, well, wait, this is putting the cart before the horse, but let me read to you a letter from our State Department on Aging to one of the many providers of services… of services that they are asking our agencies to continue to offer. The department will begin paying all invoices in full upon notification of a signed budget. And then it goes on to say, we understand the hardship all providers are under at this time and we'll do everything we can to ensure payments are sent to the Comptroller's Office in a timely manner. Well, let me ask you, Members of this chamber, is that not the worst hoax you've heard all year? Here are our state agencies depending on providers that they know they cannot pay. It is a shame; it is a di… a disgrace. And it seems to me the only responsible thing for us to do is to see that these programs are not left on the cutting room floor that these programs have a chance to go through the door and get some of their bills paid. There are state universities that are on the brink. There are many universities that have fronted tuition support for their low- income college students and those universities, private as well as public, have to make cuts in other areas in order to meet that need. It is shameful for this State Government to depend on fragile, vulnerable populations because we can't 09900115.docx 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 seem to get the job done. I would urge your 'aye' votes on Senate Bill 2046. This is a down payment on what we need to do to see to it that our… our needy populations have a least a chance at having their needs met. I urge your 'aye' votes. And I'm happy to answer any questions."
"Mr. Sandack."
"Thank you. Will the Majority Leader yield for a few questions?"
"Of course, Sir."
"Thank you. Representative Currie, how much is the down payment that you mentioned… how much is it… of it would… would be in 2046?"
"I believe it's something like $3.8 9 billion, some of which is other state funds, some of which is General Revenue."
"You anticipated my next inquiry. Do you… could you break down what is GRF of that roughly $3.9 billion?"
"Yeah. If the… the number of GRF is 3.1 billion, other state funds 3.9. I'm sorry. All funds together 3.9, so it's about 800 thousand of the…"
"In other state funds."
"…eight hundred million of other state funds."
"So, the… the balance or the large portion of what you wish to appropriate comes from GRF?"
"That is exactly right."
"And you mention that not all of this Bill would be funded because there simply isn't the money. Wi…"
"We understand there is a backlog in the Comptroller's Office because you know what, Representative, there isn't enough money." 09900115.docx 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"I… I agree. And there is a backlog. The backlog… Do you know what the backlog is presently as we are standing here debating this Bill today?"
"I don't have today's numbers. I've seen large numbers reported in the press, but I do not have numbers today. Maybe you'd like to enlighten us."
"I… I don't. I was actually inquiring. I think it's something like $7 billion, but I don't know. It's an astronomically high number of unpaid bills. You'd agree with that, yes?"
"I absolutely agree with that. My point with this Bill is to say to it that these programs… these vulnerable populations ought to have a chance at funding as those other bills are waiting to be paid. Those are the ones that… for which there's already either a court order, a continuing appropriation or another kind of appropriation. These are programs that are equally important to the citizens of Illinois and the people who receive these services should have a shot at getting the bill paid."
"I… well, you earlier said in your opening statement and in response to a question that not all the… not all… not everything could be appropriated and funded. Which of these programs would actually get money and which ones wouldn't?"
"I… I would think that the Comptroller would be looking to these as the Comptroller's looking at everything else. And let me just say, given how many contracts our state agencies have signed with providers, and I just read you what they're… information they're sending providers, some of that 7 billion is actually… or 8, whatever the number is… a lot of that 09900115.docx 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 reflect services that are being performed by these agencies without us having coffered an appropriation."
"Well, let me try the question…"
"So, the money is building…"
"Right."
"…but there's been no appropriation."
"Well, I'm just trying to find out what you believe is ascertainable, who gets paid in your Bill. And I thought… I think you're telling me it's for the Comptroller to decide."
"With… with everything else that is currently being sent to the Comptroller's Office, it’s a determination the Comptroller will make, on the basis of emergencies…"
"So…"
"…on the basis of the difficulties that an agency faces."
"So, Leader, let me… let me ask it this way, Leader. Which bills should the Comptroller not pay going forward if your Bill is… becomes law?"
"Represen… Representative, maybe everybody will get some payment if this Bill becomes…"
"Well, how's that going to happen?"
"Maybe that's already happening. But who's getting paid…"
"Everyone's going to get payment?"
"…who's getting paid in full today? Not clear to me that anybody is."
"Well, how… you… you've already admitted there isn't any money for this appropriation. We don't have 3.9…"
"There isn't any money for the money that is already either by court order, by consent decree or by appropriation, been approved. There isn't enough." 09900115.docx 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Is… isn't it just true though that if this Bill becomes law all we're doing is adding to the stack of unpaid bills?"
"All it…"
"Isn't that the net effect of your law, your Bill?"
"No, not at all. The net effect of this law would be to say that these programs have a shot at state funding just as those other programs have today."
"But that necessarily mean someone else doesn't get paid, doesn't it?"
"That's already true, Representative."
"This is not a… a zero sum game."
"That's…"
"There's only so many dollars."
"That's already… that's already true."
"Yeah. So…"
"It's already a zero sum thing."
"So, by… by… best by logic. Extending logic that means it is already true. Then if we pass this Bill we just raise the level of unpaid bills."
"And do you think that people…"
"We continue to stack new unpaid bills on top of other unpaid bills."
"So, show me a better solution, the solution we had today wherein providers are treating people with serious mental illness without the prospect of ever getting paid."
"Well, I was hoping…"
"Although the departments will write to them and say as soon as there's an appropriation we are going to rush your bill to the Comptroller for payment. I think that what we're 09900115.docx 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 engaged in is a massive hoax for those programs that are covered by court order, by con… by consent decrees, by continuing appropriations and by… by deliberate appropriations of this Assembly. I think it's time for us to fess up and I think it's time for us to stop the shame and disgrace of leaving these fragile, vulnerable populations without the opportunity to put the first foot through the door."
"Leader, I will… I will accept the hoax proposition that I agree with you. We… we have been perpetrating a hoax, but I would suggest, Leader, passing this Appropriation Bill without a… without a funding mechanism of any kind or sort, just doubles down on the hoax. And it raises expectations of people when we know there's no reasonable chance that they're going to get anything. All it does is raise the stakes of the hoax and make it profoundly more unfair because we're just adding unpaid bills to a larger stack of unpaid bills. That's the net effect of your Bill. Why don't we start working on a funding mechanism rather than continuing to pu… to pretend this does any good. Aren't we raising people's expectations without a reasonable basis for them to believe they're going to get paid?"
"But every state agency is entering into contracts with these service providers. I read you what they said. I'll read it again. Yeah. We understand the hardship all providers are under at this time… this is a direct quote… …and we'll do everything we can to ensure payments are sent to the Comptroller's Office in a timely manner." 09900115.docx 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Have you had any conversations with the Comptroller about what this Bill would do if passed to her operations and her, frankly, ability to manage what she's managing now?"
"I've not had any direct conversations. Perhaps, you'll have one of those conversations for us."
"Well, I'm not sponsoring the Bill. But I would think, given what it is you're proposing, that a conversation with the Comptroller seems to make sense because I… I think she's having some real operational difficulties doing what she's doing right now. And to add 3.9 billion in additional expenditures might make the job even more difficult and challenging."
"From what I understand, there are other Appropriations Bills out there that also don't seem to do the funding job. I wonder if the Leaders in the House and Senate on the Minority Party side have had those conversations with the Comptroller."
"Well, I was hoping the conversations were happening today with the Governor and the Leaders that maybe made this Bill unnecessary and a different route, preferable, that's what I was actually hoping for, Leader. And obviously, that's not the case because you're presenting this Bill without a funding source, so obviously we're continuing with the hoax. I'm going to use your word because I think you're right. This is a hoax. Is there any appropriation, any department, any unit of Illinois government that we know will not be paid out of this semi-appropriation… this so-called appropriation? Who gets paid and who doesn't. That's… that's just for the Comptroller?" 09900115.docx 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Representative, I've an… I've answered that question several times."
"So, when we list all these units of government, all these departments, all these agencies, and identify them as being within the scope of 2046, it may be well true that they get nothing, right?"
"And that may be true of all the other promises that we have made during this fiscal year… the fiscal year that's coming to an end without a state budget."
"Well, I'm hoping that's not going to be the case. I just don't know why we're continuing to propound this hoax. I think your Bill does nothing than… other than continue to use your term, Leader, the hoax."
"What my Bill does is to give these programs a shot at an opportunity to stay alive."
"To the… to the Bill, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your indulgence. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a hoax. I agree with the Majority Leader. This is… this is shameful. This is embarrassing. This does nothing other than raise expectations of people, make promises that cannot be kept, adding $3.9 billion of appropriations without a funding source is not budgeting. It's really more of the same. We ought to be spending our time… and I was hopeful that there was a meeting today that we would be using our time in a far more productive manner. This is not productive. It's more of the same. Vote 'no'. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." 09900115.docx 140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"So, Representative, we've had a lot of different Bills bouncing around in regard to this, anywhere from, you know, 3.7 to 3.9. Can you tell me how this Bill is different from the Bill that we sent over on March 3? House Bill 2990 was voted out of this chamber, sent over there. How does this Bill change from that Bill?"
"I believe that some programs were added. It's a different Bill as you know. And the Senate, in its version, added some things. Under my Amendment, some of the things were… were pared back. So, this is a slightly larger Bill than what we sent the Senate, but it isn't hugely different."
"So, we… we sent them something; they added to it and now, we're adding to it again. Is that a fair assessment of the situation?"
"Yeah. So, for example, there were some senior citizen real estate tax deferral program payments…"
"Okay."
"…and I don't know if this happened to you, but we've had people in my office in Chicago who've had notices from their banks…"
"Right."
"…that their properties may find themselves soon in foreclosure because the State Department of Revenue is unable to pay their property taxes through the Senior Deferral Program."
"Yes. I do know the program."
"That's a pretty important consequence. And I would hope, that if Bill becomes law, that the Comptroller would say it's pretty important to fund that program." 09900115.docx 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Sure. Well, I mean, it takes 2.1 years before someone can actually take their property, so we do have a little time there. So… but overall, the… the gist is we've had three Bills that have added on each other various programs just taken out and added, but the net effect is we've gone from a dollar amount to a dollar amount higher three times."
"There've been several different versions. You're right about that."
"Okay. But net effect is we've… we've increased every time."
"Yeah. Yet many things came out of the version the Senate passed us."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Mr. Wheeler." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields." Wheeler, K.: "Leader Currie, just reviewing the Bill, does this Bill spend General Revenue Fund moneys?"
"General Revenue money? Is that what you asked?" Wheeler, K.: "Yes, it is."
"Yes, it does." Wheeler, K.: "Thank you. Have we adopted a revenue estimate for what our General Revenue funds will be for this year?"
"I'm sorry. State the question again, please?" Wheeler, K.: "Have we yet adopted a revenue estimate for the funds to be available for this fiscal year?"
"There has not yet been one, but remember, money is being spent high, wide and handsomely. You heard an earlier question about how much the backlog in the State Comptroller's Office 09900115.docx 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 is. So, apparently government is spending money without that resolution and it's been happening since July 1. Today is April 12. Apparently, State Government spends without the resolution you so devoutly desire to be available." Wheeler, K.: "Yes. I devoutly desire that because the Illinois State Constitution refers to it in Article VIII Section 2 Paragraph (b) referring directly to the line that says that appropriations for a fiscal yeal… year shall not exceed the funds estimated to be by the General Assembly to be available during that year. So, I just refer back to the… to the Leader and request that this Body do its job, step 1 of a budget, to adopt a revenue estimate so we can be honest with the Illinois taxpayer."
"But remind… let me remind you that right before that it says the Governor shall present a balanced budget. I, myself, am still waiting almost 10 months into the fiscal year." Wheeler, K.: "You… that's fine. However, our job as the General Assembly is to do what Section… or Paragraph (b) says which is to make those appropriations for all public funds by the state based on a revenue estimate that we don't exceed.”
“Yeah.” Wheeler, K.: “To the Bill. Taxpayers really deserve some honesty and straight talk from this Body. This is another unconstitutional appropriation for which we should all be voting 'no'. It is a massive hoax, as the Leader suggests, but the really… the hoax is on the Illinois taxpayer."
"Mr. Brady."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will… will the Sponsor yield?" 09900115.docx 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"Sponsor yields."
"Leader… Leader, I'm… I'm somewhat perplexed here and I… I want to make sure I'm following your line of thinking. You’re… you're standing before the Illinois House of Representatives, the people of Illinois and you're proposing legislation that in your own words, if I have you quoted correctly, is a Bill that is slightly larger in spending than anything that has come out of this chamber yet. Is that correct? This is slightly larger than any Bill that's come out."
"I don't believe that. Remember, we… remember that we passed in May a budget that funded all of State Government. That budget was also approved by the State Senate and much of it, not all of it, much of it was vetoed by the Governor. So, I wouldn't… I would be very surprised if your statement is accurate."
"Well, that's certainly open to interpretation. I would… I would guess that many of those that are waiting for appropriations of some kind from the State of Illinois would agree with my… my statement being accurate. And I'd also like to ask that if this is a slightly larger amount of money in this Bill then has come out of here before, can you… can you point to me to something that has come out of this Legislature in the last 10 months, roughly, during this budget impasse that has appropriated dollars and is paying out?"
"But no the problem as you know is that well though we adopted a budget, the Governor vetoed… he didn't veto the elementary and secondary budget, the one that I was proud to vote for and I think you didn't… but in any case he did veto 09900115.docx 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 everything else. So, the Legislature did approve full spending for the entire fiscal year."
"Even… even knowing that it was going to be vetoed by the Governor."
"I didn't know the Governor would veto funding for State Government. I thought he understood that to govern is to govern and that that would mean making sure agencies and missions are met."
"And… and what… what would you think, pray tell, that the Governor would think of this slightly larger Bill that has come out of our particular House of Representatives in this Bill, slightly larger spending per… projection, what… what do you think the Governor will probably do with that?"
"It's hard for me to imagine what this Governor would do. But if I were this Governor, I would be ashamed, I would understand the disgrace that people are piling upon the State of Illinois, the Legislature and the Governor. I would, if I were the Governor, see to it that these fragile, vulnerable populations have an opportunity to get the bills paid."
"And you don't care how that happens, do you?"
"Of course I do."
"Well, then how do… how do you fund it, Leader?"
"Well, I believe…"
"How do you fund it?"
"Representative, the Governor, I believe, has said that revenue needs to be on the table. I agree with his assessment." 09900115.docx 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"And… and when you don't have enough money to fund it, you just send out a Bill with a slightly larger amount in it to deal with the problem."
"My point is that these fragile populations, people in need, that they should not have their agencies shut the door in their faces and we cannot… we cannot in human decency shut our door in their faces either."
"To the Bill, Mr. Speaker. So, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, apparently the answer is not negotiating, not sitting down, not trying to do the will of the people of Illinois, but the answer is send out a slightly larger spending Bill from this chamber with no funding mechanism. That is a great, great message to send to the people that are depending on us and in your own words and words that I've used before, play another cruel hoax on the people of Illinois. I'm not going to be part of that hoax, Leader and I ask that you don't either. And I ask the rest of us to get together and with all of both sides of our Leadership, get something that we can agree upon with the numerous… numerous pieces of legislation and funding to follow legislation that has been presented in a variety of different manners. That's what the people want. And I believe… I believe that's all what we should be working for. Thank you."
"Mr. Kay."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor will yield."
"Leader, we, from time to time, have had conversation on the floor and never been too productive and I hope today would be somewhat better than we've had in the past. So, let me just 09900115.docx 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 begin by asking you this question. Do you think people like to hear the truth?"
"I don't know quite the relevance of that question to Senate Bill 2046."
"Well, I'm working up to it. And if you could, just yes or no. Do you think people… Let me… let me rephrase it. You're an attorney. Does good government start by telling the truth?"
"Sure."
"Very good. Thank you. So, if I was to ask you, and we're telling the truth now, if I was to ask you that your side of the aisle had sufficient numbers of people to do anything they wanted, would that be true or false?"
"It's a totally irrelevant question. Would you like to talk about…"
"Well, I'm working… well, it may be…"
"Would you like to talk to the Bill?"
"Ma'am, would you let me ask the questions and you just answer them, please?"
"I can't speak for the caucus."
"Well, I… I think it's fair enough. I've answered your questions before. I… I guess, to rephrase, is it fair enough… since we're telling the truth… is it fair enough to tell people that we want to pass a piecemeal budget that we can't pay for and call the truth?"
"Rep… Representative, we passed a full budget… full funding for the State of Illinois for all programs in May."
"Well, it was missing one key element and that's called revenue. One key element, that's called revenue. Do you remember, Leader, I mentioned to you one other time that if 09900115.docx 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 you set three or four businessmen down in the backroom here for about two days you'd have this done if you bought them lunch and a couple cups of coffee. That's about how hard this is to do. But this isn't business, this is pure politics. Is that not true?"
"Definitely wrong."
"Really?"
"And perhaps I'll read to you again what our state agencies are telling the providers of services. We understand the hardship all providers are under at this time and we'll do everything we can to ensure payments are sent to the Comptroller's Office in a timely manner."
"Yeah."
"It sounds to me as if your agencies…"
"Yeah. I…"
"…the Governor's agencies support my Bill."
"Yeah. I… I've heard you several times this afternoon very gratuitously mention the Comptroller. And I… I would suppose that's because she's up for election this fall and what she can and cannot do."
"I…"
"I'm not sure you know what she can do."
"I… I…"
"I asked you that the last time about how and what order she… Well, you know, I'm just… I'm just saying, here we go again. No answers, good questions. You… you don't know what the Comptroller has authority to do. You don't elect priority she has to put things in. And I don't think you’ve bothered to ask her since our last debate, have you, true or false?" 09900115.docx 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"I mentioned the Comptroller because your state agencies mentioned the Comptroller."
"Would this be true or false…"
"It wasn't my idea."
"…you have a line… you have a line item in this particular spending Bill of five… it looks like 5,400,000 for IT infrastructure agreement with Michigan. Is that absolutely necessary?"
"Yeah. This is… this is an… you… you may remember that the Governor supported a consent decree under which we are paying Medicaid providers. In order for us to pay them, we have to pay the contractual arrangement we currently have with the State of Michigan which is doing our billing."
"Well, here… here's my point. The State of Kentucky gave Illinois the same system that we're paying $5,400,000 for… for no money. And it would have taken two days for a programmer to have made that work in the State of Illinois, but for some reason, we determined that an intergovernmental agreement with Michigan was better. Is that not right?"
"My understanding is that 90 percent of the funding for that contract comes from the Federal Government."
"All right. Fair enough. Not…"
"And we do not… do they have the…"
"We could have got it free."
"…the Internet technology able to do it ourselves."
"Representative, we could’ve had it free. We have it free. Do you know that…"
"That's wrong." 09900115.docx 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016
"It is not wrong. And it's not going to be too long before that comes out and it's public and it's going to be quite embarrassing. So, let me ask you this. I asked you before and you said you can get the job done or we can get the job done. You can, over on your side of the aisle, get the job done. Is that not correct?"
"Wrong."
"That's curious. You have 71 Members; you have a Supermajority in the Senate. You certainly could put something better or at least forward that you have done a little bit poorly in the past and I would say put something better than you've done before when you have a Supermajority. Is that not true?"
"Wrong."
"So, have you ever heard of the term 'a caterpillar in a ring of fire'? Ever heard…"
"No."
"…that term before?"
"Nope."
"Huh. Well, you wouldn't know how long a caterpillar survives in a ring of fire, would you?"
"Nope."
"That's where your state is, Representative. You don't know how long we're going to survive, do you? Nope. To the Bill. This is pretty incredible, Mr. Speaker. And I guess it's nothing that we should not expect because it's total irres… irresponsibility fiscally and if… if you would, politically. Now, this political theater that we've gone through has been shown at every theater in the Illinois… in Illinois for at 09900115.docx 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 least a year. And for some reason, we continue to think that these reruns are going to play. Well, I'll tell you, in my district they don't play and they know who's to blame. And they don't blame the Comptroller and they don't blame the Governor. They blame the people who can run this place. Those people they blame. And it's time to wake up and do our job. You have the numbers. You have all the great ideas. You ran the state in the ground, pull it up, but don't tell me that you don't start with telling the truth. Don't tell me that this is true. This is the biggest bunch of baloney. And don't tell me that we had to buy… pay $5 million for a program that was given to Governor Quinn free. That's simple nonsense. And that's what we go through every day here. Frankly, the Leadership in the State of Illinois needs to change and it needs to change darn quick. This place is going to implode and from what I see nobody really cares. Well, I'm going to tell you a lot of good people care and I care. And we're starting to tell the truth throughout the district. And I'll tell you this. There are people that are working side by side that side of the aisle and this side of the aisle and they're doing it in the Senate. And there's going to be a lot of surprised people when they see responsible information and budgets come out. And it's going to be very embarrassing to the people who like to play politics. Vote 'no'."
"Mr. Walsh."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Majority Leader yield?"
"Of course."
"Representative, I've got a letter here from the U.S. EPA and it's some… it's an issue in my district that I've been 09900115.docx 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 getting phone calls on about the storage… leaking storage… underground storage tanks. Now, would this Bill fix some of those issues?"
"Pardon me?"
"The LUST Fund. Would…"
"Yes."
"This is in there, 63 million?"
"Sixty-three million dollars for LUST Fund."
"So… so, the letter I've received is basically telling us that if we don't come up with a plan… if the Comptroller's Office does not come up with a plan, that they're going to start pulling the fed funding for this."
"That is accurate."
"So… Would you say that's an emergency?"
"I would say that that is an emergency."
"Well, you know, I heard this piecemeal talk on how we're doing this budget plan. Would you happen to say if, you know, we passed a plan in… in May but since then would we be piecemealing our budget together since then?"
"We've been forced to do that. I, myself, would be very happy could we meet together, could we come to an understanding. I believe everybody in this chamber understands that we have unmet responsibilities to large portions of our citizens: college students, state universities, the mentally ill, disabled seniors, and people who want to clean up the environment and don't want federal funding pulled for the LUST Fund."
"And… I… I completely agree with you. And that's why my belief is that we need to pass this Bill to give these people 09900115.docx 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 a certainty that they will be paid. Is the money there right now? No, but we can talk about that, correct?"
"Correct."
"One other aspect and this is, is AFSCME back pay in this Bill?"
"It is."
"And is that due to a recent court decision that we have to appropriate that for them to get paid?"
"The court said that they couldn't be paid unless we appropriate the money."
"All right. Well, thank you. Appreciate it."
"Representative McDermed. Representative McDermed." McDermed: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"I'm wondering if you know what the definition of a budget is, Leader?"
"Yes. And we can talk about it after Session. You're welcome to join me in my office and we'll go over the A, Bs and Cs of state budgeting."
"I think I've proposed drinks on more than one occasion. It's interesting that Merriam-Webster… To the Bill. Merriam- Webster defines a budget as an official statement from our government about how much it plans to spend… how much it plans to spend during a particular period of time and how it will pay. To the Bill. I think we here in Illinois do… we work overtime on figuring out how much to spend and here, at least in the Illinois House, we've completely abdicated our constitutional responsibility to say how we're going to spay… to pay for it. To quote the Sponsor here, this Bill is a shot 09900115.docx 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 at getting some money to some of the folks here that are listed in Bill 2046. I want to go on the record now and every time I hear the word budget spoken on this floor when what we really had last spring were 22 spending bel… spending Bills. We had no budget. We had 22 separate spending plans. Talk about piecemeal. Let's tell the truth. Let's tell everybody in the state they're never was a budget; there still isn't a budget; we're still piecemeal spending; and if you think that you're going to get some money, take your ticket to stand in line in front of the Comptroller and that's the truth."
"Mr. Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Sponsor yields."
"Just a few seconds ago I heard somebody mention back pay was added to this Bill. Can you… do you recall how the back pay issue happened?"
"I believe it was part of a contract negotiation between the Governor and the state workers two years ago… three or four years ago."
"Right. Back in 2011 I believe."
"I… I think that is right."
"So, it's my understanding that this Body, which I was not a part of at that time, underfunded that line item. Is that fair to say?"
"I think it was more complicated, but at… at the end of the day, not all the money was there. There was a commitment to try to find the money going forward and what the Supreme Court held very recently is that without an actual spending Bill, the money was not due and owing to these state workers. 09900115.docx 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Some of the back pay had been appropriated, so for some classes of workers back pay is no longer an issue. But there still is a group for whom it is an issue and this measure seeks to see to it that they are made whole."
"What did… what did we do in 2012 to make sure the back pay was appropriated?"
"My recollection is that the case was pending at that time. We did, as I say, fund some of the back pay for some classes of workers but not all of them."
"Some of those were naturally funded because they didn't fill positions. There was extra money in the personnel item, so it wasn't an action of the state to actually fund those things. They were just lucky to have enough in that line item."
"Because there was money available in the line item, right."
"In… in 2013, what did we do to help fund back pay for state employees?"
"The case was still pending and we did not do anything at that time."
"We did nothing. In 2014, I had a Bill… After… after the ruling, I had a Bill to pay state employees. I was not allowed a hearing in the… in committee. I was not allowed to discuss it on the floor. In fact, Representative Scherer had the same Bill. She was not given a hearing. I worked hard to get… to help get 70 cosponsors, Republicans and Democrats, on that Bill and we still couldn't get a hearing. Then just last… about a month ago, we passed a Bill to fund back pay, which was supported by the Majority, high Majority, Supermajority 09900115.docx 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 of people in this Body, both Republicans and Democrats. And now, you're going to throw this into here as a big lump sum, a big hodgepodge of nonsense, to… to try to throw people under the political bus and say that we don't support these things. I still have a back pay Bill. I'm working with Representative Brandon Phelps on another back pay Bill to actually pay these things that are owed. These are not new promises being made. These are old promises that were made back in 2011, right? We're not talking about making new promises. We're talking about putting this in line to be paid as an old debt. So you're mixing old debts with new promises that don't have the funding."
"This is old debt and the responsible vote on Senate Bill 2046 is 'yes'."
"I would… I would actually argue the opposite because the reality here is you, nobody on that side has tried to compromise with us and we are willing to compromise. I stand here ready and willing to compromise. Nobody has talked to me, right? So, you guys are not willing to compromise with us. So, the other reality is you guys have a Supermajority. Can you negotiate with the two or three people on your side of the aisle in your own Party to come up with an agreement to get us past this? If you're not willing to work with us, work within your own Party to get it done. We need something. Can you work within your own Party to get something done?"
"We need a bipartisan solution to a bipartisan problem. I stand ready to participate in whatever negotiations, whatever conversations it will take to get us off the dime 09900115.docx 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 and behave responsibly to all of the people of Illinois whose programs are on the chopping block."
"So… so, to find a bar… bipartisan solution, you are not talking to the other side. Is that… that ho… that's how we come up with a bipartisan solution?"
"I think many people are. I think there's been many conversations and I hope those conversations will continue. There is no solution unless it is a bipartisan solution."
"Where's the compromise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
"Mr. Franks."
"To the Bill. I wasn't going to talk, but I keep hearing… I wasn't going to. You probably wished I wasn't going to. But I kept hearing about the Supermajority and how this side can do whatever they want. I want to be clear that I didn't become a State Rep to be part of the destruction of the State of Illinois. I don't think anybody in this room got elected so we can manage the destruction and the decimation and the demolition of our social service agencies and our universities. I don't think any of us signed up for that. But let's not pretend that we don't have our own free will. And I keep hearing from the other side talking about this Supermajority so you can hide behind it so you don't have to take any responsibility. We are all in this together. And let me remind you that we are a coequal branch of government. We are not voiceless victims with no say on what happens here. We are the Illinois General Assembly. It falls upon us to do the right thing. We need to quit playing political games. Please quit pointing fingers. We are all collectively at fault. I watched when my colleagues inexplicably voted 16 09900115.docx 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 times against property tax relief that would help in their own districts. I watched when the entire side… the other side voted against an education funding Bill that the Governor then signed and call it his proudest moment. Remember that we have a voice too and it's up to us to lead to get out of the quagmire that we found ourself in. The Governor keeps talking about how he wants to spend more money on education. I bet you everybody here agrees with him, every one of us. So let's figure out how we can do that. Why don't we stop the sniping because there's no difference in the Governor's idea to spend more money on education that isn't funded than the Lady's Bill here that isn't funded? She's trying to give the Governor some tools in order to pick and choose what he'd like to spend. I understand that. I also understand my friends on the other side of the aisle reluctance because of the revenue estimate, but can we please, please just do our job. I… I promise you that the elections will take care of themselves. But we have an obligation to work together to get this done, so can we please drop the rhetoric. If you're going to talk about additional revenues, let's talk about closing corporate loopholes. Let's… I went… I got… I think we all got a publication last week that I spent the weekend going through, a tax primer for Illinois Legislators. I don't know if you saw, for instance, but our lottery money fell over $200 million last year on what we bring to the bottom line. And if we did it like some of the other states, I think we're leaving a minimum of $300 million on the table and up to a billion dollars on the table. We've got Bills that we have not discussed that would close corporate lop… loopholes that 09900115.docx 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 would bring another $2 billion. So, can we quit the fighting and get to the real work of the General Assembly? Let's take our own responsibility. Let's go forward, please. The people are counting on us to do our jobs. If we don't do our job, I am concerned that our whole state will implode and we will never recover from it."
"Leader Durkin."
"I'm prepared to stop the rhetoric. I really am. This is kind of like deja vu all over again. The last time we had this Bill up I think my comments were pretty animated. They felt pretty strong about it. But just remember, folks, in a few days we're going to make… on Monday we're going to make our annual investment into the State of Illinois through the Department of Revenue. And it's a substantial investment for taxpayers and our businesses, but they want to see a return off that investment. That return means that we are going to stop the nonsense, the rhetoric and I'm sorry this vote right here that we're going to take is not a responsible vote. It's not a solution to the problems. So, when people throughout the State of Illinois right now are clamoring for us to do something, they want a return off of their investment that they are about to make. Thank God we can keep them here. We hope we can keep them here and they don't flee the state. But we can do it by stopping votes like this, continuing down this path. Let's be honest with you, folks. You've got enough ammunition to work with over the next six months after… how we've… this Session has gone. Having votes like this does not move the ball forward, but as I said earlier, I'm ready to stop the heated rhetoric. And I am very pleased that the 09900115.docx 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Sponsor has indicated that it will take a bipartisan solution to get this problem done. Take your vote today. I… my guess is that what's going to happen is that the vote will go down Party lines. That is not what the public wants anymore. They want us to find solutions in a collaborative manner. I am going to do that. I will stop the rhetoric. I hope that you can as well. I think we can slow down with these gotcha votes that we've been seeing for many, many months so we can get to the business at hand. So, Representative Currie, thank you for your remarks stating that it is going to require a bipartisan solution. This caucus is prepared to work in a bipartisan solution to ensure that your priorities will be discussed and will be met, but you have to come and meet with us with our priorities as well. That is how we get out of this. We are sensitive to human services. We are sensitive to higher ed and also K through 12 education, but we have to do it in a responsible way. I'm not going to go down the road like I did a few weeks ago about this type of Bill, but the fact is this is… this does not get the job done. Let's get through this vote, get it over with. But why don't we all make a collective agreement that we're prepared to bring this impasse to an end on behalf of everyone in the State of Illinois. Thank you."
"Speaker Madigan to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Almost one year ago, after Governor Rauner presented his fiscal year 2016 budget proposal that was billions of dollars out of balance, House and Senate Democrats passed spending plans for the current fiscal year. These plans laid 09900115.docx 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 out Democrats priorities including more money for elementary and high schools and preventing the dangerous cuts that the Governor had proposed with his budget. Cuts, such as zeroing out funding for services for children with autism, cutting funding for breast cancer screenings for nearly 15 thousand women, cutting funding for child abuse prevention and cutting services for victims of sexual assault. With the exception of the budget for elementary and secondary education, a budget that House and Senate Republicans voted against, the Governor vetoed the spending plans, rejecting funding for the state's most vital programs serving countless families across the state including funding for sexual assault victims, medical care for the elderly, breast cancer screenings, homelessness prevention and mental health services. The Governor chose to veto this critical funding even though the State Constitution provides that he may reduce or veto any item in an Appropriations Bill. We know that the Governor understands this provision because he used his line item Veto power to remove specific items in a Capital Bill while allowing other parts of the Bill to become law. It is regrettable that the Governor did not extend the same consideration to vital state programs that helped sexual assault victims, the elderly, potential cancer victims. Since the Governor's Vetoes, numerous Bills and Amendments have been brought to the floor of this chamber as renewed statements of the priorities of House Democrats. With few exceptions, the Governor and his people in this chamber, have rejected those funding plans. Even in the case of 911 services, motor fuel tax revenue for municipalities and appropriations from federal funds, it took 09900115.docx 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 a great deal of time and effort to convince the Governor to move off of his personal agenda. The Governor's objections to House Democratic budget priorities are based on his insistence that the General Assembly first pass his personal agenda, which is targeted at diminishing the wages and the standard of living of the middle class and other struggling families. It's true that we need to do more to create good paying jobs with good wages in Illinois and improve our economic condition, but progress will not be made by targeting the wages and the standard of living of the middle class and others who are already struggling. So, we have had and we will continue to have our differences, but differences with Governors is not new to me, nor is it something that has prevented me from working with Governors of both political Parties for the good of the people of Illinois in passing state budgets. Over 30 years, I have worked with six Governors from both political Parties, twice as many Republicans as Democrats. We didn’t always agree on the issues. We didn’t always agree on the best approach to passing a state budget. I had differences of opinion with all of the Governors that I have worked with, including Governors of my own Party. And let me repeat that, including Governors of my own Party. Many of you will recall the very strong differences that I had with former Governor Rod Blagojevich; however, we found a way to compromise. My record over the years is one of compromise, regardless of the Governor or his political Party, to pass a budget that does not withhold the services that the people of Illinois depend upon. It is my openness to compromise, that I stated more than a year ago, and why I continue to believe 09900115.docx 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 that to solve the state budget deficit, we must take a balanced approach. The spending plans approved by the Legislature almost a year ago took that approach cutting hundreds of millions of dollars without decimating the vital services that Illinois residents, children, and the elderly depend upon. Like the Governor's own budget, ours was not fully in balance, but we publicly acknowledged that and we have been prepared to address that. Over the last 13 months compromise has been very difficult to achieve. Never before has the state gone this long without a budget. Every other Governor that I have worked with has negotiated with the General Assembly in good faith to help the people of Illinois and to ensure that the people of our state did not needlessly suffer. The fact is the current budget crisis was completely avoidable. While this crisis was avoidable, Governor Rauner has refused to put an end to the crisis. Some of his remarks in recent years clearly indicate that this has been his plan from the very beginning. At the Tazewell County Republican Party's Lincoln Day dinner, March 2013, Governor Rauner said, and I quote, 'Even if Democrats got a major majority against us, you know what, they can't stop us. They won't stop me if I want to dramatically spend less. You need the Legislature if you want to spend more. If you want to spend less, they can't stop me and I apologize, you may have to go through a little rough times. If we have to do what Ronald Reagan did with the air traffic controllers, if we sort of have to do a do-over and shut things down for a little while, like universities and social service providers, that's what we're going to do.' My view of the important role of State 09900115.docx 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Government which I have argued stands in stark contrast with Governor Rauner's view of the role of State Government as shown through his comments, has not changed since I first took office. State Government has a vital role to play in working to provide needed services for those who need them the most. You will even find that the few times that Governor Rauner has set aside his personal agenda, that hurts middle- class families, we have been able to compromise to move our state forward. That is why I will continue to make my top priority a budget that takes a balanced approach to prevent the most critical state services from being decimated by personal political agendas. I support the passage of Senate Bill 2046 and critical funding for needed services that would be provided to the people of the State of Illinois. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recommend an 'aye' vote."
"Those who support the Lady'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. Clerk, please take the record. On this question, there are 65 voting 'yes', 42 voting 'no', 3 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, committee announcements."
"The following committees will meet immediately upon adjournment. Judiciary-Civil and Judiciary-Criminal will meet in Room 114. Agriculture & Conservation will meet in Room D- 1. Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education will meet in Room C-1. Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges will meet in Room 118. Tollway Oversight will meet in Room 122-B. 09900115.docx 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Cities & Villages will meet in Room 115. And Financial Institutions will meet in Room 413."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have not adjourned. I don't know what all the moving is. Representative Nekritz is recognized."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a quick announcement about the Judiciary Committees. Tonight is subject matter only. So, if you have a Bill before the Judiciary-Civil Committee, we will see you at 8:30 tomorrow morning. And if I'm speaking for Representative… for Chairman Sims, if you have a Bill before the Criminal Committee, it will be at 9:30 tomorrow morning. So, it's subject matter only tonight. Thank you."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, an announcement. Substantive Amendments on all pending Bills must be filed before the close of business on Friday. Any Amendments… substantive Amendments on pending Bills must be filed by the close of business Friday. And now, leaving perfunctory time for the Clerk, Leader Currie moves that the House stand adjourned until Wednesday, April 13 at the hour of 12 noon. Those in favor say 'yes'; opposed 'no'. The 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned."
"House Perfunctory Session will come to order. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 1143, offered by Representative Bellock. House Resolution 1144, offered by Representative Phelps. House Resolution 1145, offered by Representative Bellock. These are referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 27… 2173, offered by Representative Franks, a Bill for an Act concerning the Secretary of State. Senate 09900115.docx 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 Bill 2204, offered by Representative Hernandez, a Bill for an Act concerning education. Senate Bill 2241, offered by Representative Hoffman, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 2255, offered by Representative Beiser, a Bill for an Act concerning local government. Senate Bill 2286, offered by Representative Breen, a Bill for an Act concerning human rights. Senate Bill 2303, offered by Representative Harris, Greg, a Bill for an Act concerning business. Senate Bill 2332, offered by Representative Nekritz, a Bill for an Act concerning public aid. Senate Bill 2342, offered by Representative Meier, a Bill for an Act concerning fish. Senate Bill 2345, offered by Representative Anthony, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2354, offered by Representative Martwick, a Bill for an Act concerning civil law. Senate Bill 2414, offered by Representative Bellock, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 2415, offered by Representative Brady, a Bill for an Act concerning health. Senate Bill 2601, offered by Representative Harper, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 2782, offered by Representative Mayfield, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 2861, offered by Representative Harris, David, a Bill for an Act concerning military justice. Representative… Senate Bill 2864, offered by Representative Riley, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. Senate Bill 2872, offered by Representative Sims, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2889, offered by Representative Fortner, a Bill for an Act concerning revenue. Senate Bill 2897, offered by Representative Butler, a Bill for an Act concerning State 09900115.docx 166 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 115th Legislative Day 4/12/2016 government. Senate Bill 2907, offered by Representative Wallace, a Bill for an Act concerning criminal law. Senate Bill 2936, offered by Representative Butler, a Bill for an Act concerning State government. First Reading of these Senate Bills. There being no further business, the House Perfunctory Session will stand adjourned." 09900115.docx 167