PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The regular Session of the 100th General Assembly will please come to order. Will our -- will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Ronald Young, Impact Church St. Louis, Swanea {sic} (Swansea), Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Ronald Young)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Lisa Yuscius of Blueroomstream.com seeks permission to videotape. Permission granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017
Senate Resolutions {sic} 534, offered by Senator Murphy. And Senate Resolution 535, offered by Senator Righter. They are both substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Resolution Consent Calendar. {sic} Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Bush, Chairperson of the Committee on Government Reform, reports House Bill 2439 Do Pass. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Joint Resolutions 32, 37, and 39 Be Adopted; Motion to -- Motions to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1556 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1694 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 2953 and 3004 Do Pass; and House Joint Resolutions 40 and 42 Be Adopted. Senator Hastings, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 552, Senate Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 2021, and Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2185 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 1764 and 3803 Do Pass; House Bill 3817 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 786 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2641 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Harris, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, reports Senate Resolution 492 Be Adopted; and House Bill 2028 Do Pass. Senator Jones, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Motions to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2057 Recommend Do Adopt and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 1896 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Cullerton, Chairperson of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3261 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Van Pelt, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Resolution 493 Be Adopted. Senator Bertino-Tarrant, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bill 704 and House Bill 2977 Do Pass; and House Bill 3745 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Conservation, reports House Bill 3922 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3014 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Energy and Public Utilities, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3656 Recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Cunningham, Chairperson of the Committee on -- Telecommunications and -- Information Technology, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1381 and Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1451 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
I understand from our able doorkeepers that we have a special group of seventh grade students from Mokena up in the balcony beside {sic} the Republicans. They're from Senator Hastings' 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 district, but since he's not on the Floor here, I wanted to make sure that they were introduced and that we all congratulate them on passing their Constitution test.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Weaver, for what purpose do you rise?
Matter of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Yes, I'm fortunate to have two of my interns here. They're going to be working with me this summer. I have Joel Brown from Dunlap High School, currently at Washington U. He's studying political science. Also, Thomas Driscoll, who worked for me last summer, down at U of I studying computer engineering. And I'm not going to brag on 'em; I'll do that in September if they do a good job this summer. But these are just really great young men. It's going to be fun to have 'em around. So, could you please welcome them to Springfield? Thank…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. And I'm sure they'll do a good job. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For another introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 I'm joined on the Floor today by Allie Ciha. She is a junior at Indiana University, studying finance, and she's spending some time here with us today, shadowing me on the Floor and taking in the whole Springfield experience. So please join me in welcoming her to the State Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Connelly, for what purpose do you rise?
For a purpose of introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to introduce my Page for today, Hannah Estoll. She is a recent graduate of Naperville Central High School. She was a senior drum major and trumpet player on the band. She played at Carnegie Hall in 2015. She was selected and played in the -- in the Macy's Great American Marching Band this Thanksgiving in New York City. She will be attending North Central College next year to study early childhood education. She's accompanied by her father, Rob, who's behind me in the Republican side. How about a warm welcome for Hannah and her father?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. With leave of the Body, we'll go to page 49 of the printed Calendar, House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 159. Senator Hutchinson. Senator Hutchinson. House Bill 243. Senator Van Pelt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 House Bill 243. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 261. Senator Bennett. Senator Bennett. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 261. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 466. Senator Barickman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 466. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 821. Senator Althoff. Senator Althoff. House Bill 1797. Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter. House Bill 2461. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2461. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2527. Senator Stadelman. Senator Stadelman. House Bill 2568. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2568. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2647. Senator Tom Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2647. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2762. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2762. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2771. Senator Hutchinson. House Bill 2778. Senator Jones. House Bill 2907. Senator McGuire. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2907. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2950. Senator Van Pelt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2950. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3036. Senator Jones. House Bill 3368. Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3368. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3369. Senator Van Pelt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3369. (Secretary reads title of bill) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3437. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3437. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3502. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3502. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3539. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3539. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3656. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017
House Bill 3656. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Manar, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the amendment's adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3718. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3718. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3773. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval. House Bill 1797. Senator Trotter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1797. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) Going to page 49, top of the page. House Bill 123. Senator Link. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 123. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR TROTTER) 3rd Reading. Senator Link back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: On a point of personal privilege, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, sir. I actually -- I'm going to make two 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 introductions here and then ask you to greet my guests. First of all, to my immediate left here, I have Dylan Ross. Dylan is -- is ten years old and is in fifth grade in Barry, over in Pike County. His mother is Jennifer Ross, and she may or may not be in the gallery right now, I'm not sure. Many of you may know his mom, Jennifer. We work with her around -- here at the Capitol. Dylan really enjoys reading and I'm so pleased to hear that, because, as we all know, leaders are readers. Dylan enjoys basketball and soccer and golf, but, most importantly, he is an accomplished dancer. Just last year, he actually performed live on stage with one of our favorite performers, Mr. President, Justin Bieber. So, at the St. Louis concert, Dylan was invited to -- to dance on stage and he made us proud, sir. And then my second introduction, over in the press box, we all know Dave Dahl, who does a great job, and his son, Clifford Dahl, who -- who is -- they are my constituents as well, and Clifford has graced us with his presence once again here today. Clifford is a super senior at Chatham Glenwood and he is a Cardinals fan extraordinaire. And I have to -- to say that Clifford Dahl and Dylan Ross are two of my absolute favorite constituents, because they are high-quality human beings, Mr. President. So could we please welcome them to the Senate today? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to the Senate. Who was that dancer? Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017
I do have a new State Representative. She's been sworn in since January, but she's just now making her way over to the Senate, and I'd like for my colleagues on this side of the aisle to meet my new State Representative, Juliana Stratton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to the -- to the real place, the Senate. House Bill 821. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 821. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
To say hello. Also -- also to say that we're going to have a Senate {sic} Caucus upon recess for approximately thirty minutes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
I move to waive all posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 483 can be heard in State Government Committee today at 2:30 p.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) I think you had a -- a preceding announcement you'd rather make. What would that be?
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Yes, sir, I did. The Senate Republicans would also like to caucus, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Silverstein and Senator Althoff move that the Senate recess for the purposes of a caucus. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senate will come to order. Will all Members, Committee on Assignments, please come to the President's Anteroom immediately? All Members, Committee on Assignments, please come to the President's Anteroom immediately. Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Commerce and Economic Development Committee - Floor Amendment 1 and 2 to House Bill 1560; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 2723; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 213, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 370, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 760, and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2527; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3488; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1748; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 328, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2721, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3244; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 556, Floor Amendments 4 and 5 to House Bill 3449, House Bill 189, 2525, and 2622; refer to Labor Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2771; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 313; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Subcommittee on Special Issues - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1814; refer to Public Health Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2038, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2820; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1542; refer to State Government Committee - House Bill 3005, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1453, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3904, and Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 4011; refer to Transportation Committee - House Bill -- House Bills 2453, 2802, 3240, and Senate Joint Resolutions 35 and 36; re-refer from Education Committee to Assignments Committee - House Joint Resolution 24; Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 478, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 482, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1451, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1871, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Joint Resolution 37, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 173, House Joint Resolution 43, House Bill 3163, Senate Bill 483 and 484. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to State Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3005; and Be Approved for Consideration - House Joint Resolution 24. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Harmon in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make an introduction, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please make your introduction, Senator.
Thank you. Today I'm pleased to have a -- a Page that -- his name is Nick Bierman. He's a sophomore at Macomb High School -- or he just completed his sophomore year. Nick just recently achieved the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. He is also an honor student at Macomb High School. He is on the Scholastic Bowl team. He's also a baseball team member and he serves his community and church by being a server at St. Paul Catholic Church. Nick's father is the budget director at WIU and also a vice president there. His father, Matt, is one of the smartest guys I know as far as figures and the like, and I asked Nick if he's as smart as his dad and he wisely said, "No, not yet." So please join me in welcoming Nick Bierman to the Floor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Nick, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 1332 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 and House Bill 3244 can be heard tomorrow at 11 a.m. in the State Senate Insurance Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 1332 and House Bill 3244 can be heard tomorrow at 11 a.m. in the Senate Insurance Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3005 can be heard today at 3 p.m. in the State Senate -- Senate State Government Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3005 can be heard today at 3 p.m. in the Senate State Government Committee. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Stadelman, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bills 2453, 2802, 3240, Senate Joint Resolution 25, and SJR 36 can be heard today at 5:30 p.m. in the Senate Transportation Committee. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Stadelman moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 32, 37, 39, and House Joint Resolution 42… Let me repeat that. Senator Stadelman moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2453, House Bill 2802, House Bill 3240, Senate Joint Resolution 25, and Senate Joint Resolution 36 can be heard today at 5:30 p.m. in the Senate Transportation Committee. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Muñoz, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3488 can be heard Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3488 can be heard Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 1 -- House Bills 189, 2525, 2622, and 3001 could be heard today at 4 p.m. in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul moves to waive all notice and posting 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 requirements so that House Bills 189, 2525, 2622, and 3001 can be heard today at 4 p.m. in the Senate Judiciary Committee. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 481 can be heard tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in the Senate Public Health Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 481 can be heard tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in the Senate Public Health Committee. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 483 can be heard in State Government Committee today at 3 p.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Althoff moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 483 can be heard today at 3 p.m. in the Senate State Government Committee. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all -- all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 764. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 764. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 768, with House Amendment 2; Senate Bill 1544, with House Amendment 1; and Senate Bill 1811, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 24th, 2017. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're turning now to final action. This is Senate Bills 3rd Reading. If you would turn to page 25 of your printed Calendar, near the top of the page is Senate Bill 1381. Senator Cunningham seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1381 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1381. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham, on your amendment.
Move for the adoption of amendment. I'd like to explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Senator Cunningham moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1381. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 1381. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1381. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1381 amends the Public Utilities Act and it puts in place a regulatory framework to govern AT&T's modernization of telecommunications in their coverage area within the State of Illinois. The bill, as amended, includes a number of safeguards to ensure consumers are protected as the communications industry transitions from old -- old -- century- old networks to newer cutting-edge, Internet-based and wireless technology. This bill will help attract new investment in the State. Will help move modern communication systems forward. It's going to increase competition, but it keeps in place regulatory protections on both the State and federal level that will ensure no consumer loses reliable voice communication. I appreciate -- I would be happy to answer any questions. Would appreciate the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor briefly yield, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Senator, can you tell me what the position of the Illinois Attorney General's Office is on Senate Bill 1381?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham.
Thank you. The Attorney General's taken no position. I -- I will add that during the course of negotiations on this bill and through several committee hearings, they did offer a number of helpful suggestions that we adopted and incorporated in the amendment that we adopted today. But they are -- have taken no position or are in a neutral position on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, very briefly, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you. I rise in support of Senate Bill 1381. I think Senator Cunningham's approach - he's obviously taken into account 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 the views of many of the stakeholders - is the right approach. It's a balanced approach that moves us forward. I would urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Schimpf, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill -- to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Yes, I'd like to thank the bill's sponsor for his work. I'd also like to inform the Members that originally some of my stakeholders in my local counties were -- were opposed to this, but AT&T did come down to my district, met with the local stakeholders, and was able to -- to convince them that all of their concerns would be addressed. So I am in support of the bill and I thank the sponsor and would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thanks. A quick question of the sponsor, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Rose.
Thank you. Senator Cunningham, I -- I know you've put in an enormous amount of time in to making sure there are consumer protections in here. I -- I think we all represent parts of the 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 State that, you know, need to keep landlines while this transition moves forward. Could you please just briefly expound upon some of those protections that are in this version of the bill, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham.
Sure, I -- I'd love to. First, I want to seize on a -- a term you used, "landline". That -- that term has been used to somewhat confuse consumers about this bill. What this bill seeks to do is allow AT&T to phase out their hundred-year-old analog, copper-line phones. Okay? Less than ten percent of their coverage area presently gets their voice communications that way. So this will allow them to phase out, as they have in many other states. Most people in our State that have what we consider a landline phone are receiving that from their cable company; that's usually a fiber-optic wire. They will maintain that. I've had more than a few people call me, constituents, saying they're going to take away my -- my landline phone, and when I ask 'em a few questions, I find out that they're getting their phone services from their cable company. They will not be affected by this. Individuals that do have that old copper-line phone will, but the bill has a number of safeguards in place to ensure those individuals do not lose their voice communication. Just to go over a couple of -- of the things - and these, again, were many suggestions added -- that -- that we've added to the bill, based on suggestions from opponents: One, we've expanded the notifications. So people who use this technology will get four notices, separate from their bill, from AT&T. We've added a provision where, when they receive that notice, if they do want help from the ICC, all they need to 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 do is sign that notice and send it right back to the ICC. We've expanded the use of what's called the "UTAP Fund" that helps establish -- it helps low-income individuals get access to phone lines. We've expanded that to make sure they have access to broadband communication as well. Will -- that's something that'll happen for the first time because of this -- because of this bill. So those are just a -- a few of the safeguards we have in place. One more, we have a -- a safety net at the -- at the end of the process, where someone during the ICC process fails to raise their hand and ask for assistance, we have a safeguard at the end of the process that will ensure AT&T helps them find voice communication. So I think all those changes together make this a -- a sound bill and makes sure -- we help ensure that no one gets left behind.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
So I, too, wish to urge an Aye vote on this. I thank the sponsor for the work he's put in here to protect consumers, first and foremost, but also we need to keep in mind that by doing this, it will enable us to build out and expand even, you know, greater broadband and bandwidth coverage, particularly to the parts of the State that I serve, which right now do not have access to such bandwidth capability. And -- and the goal here is to, again, improve access to everybody and these safeguards that we just talked about are critically important to make sure that, as you 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 said, no one is left behind. So, with that, I appreciate your hard work on this and I look forward to voting for it. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Yes, I -- I would like to commend Senator Cunningham for his very broad work on this bill. You took into concerns many -- all the concerns that we -- were brought forward in the committee. We have to recognize that we need to modernize a system that serves all of Illinois. And today almost ninety percent of the households in AT&T's territory have already moved to technologies, as -- as the sponsor just mentioned, and it's important that we prepare for a new era, as Senator Rose said, so that we can attract businesses and all. But, most of all, we wanted to be sure we protected the lower-income, the senior citizens that are afraid of -- of losing what was termed "the landline". I think we've done a good discussion here of explaining that a landline is not your old- fashioned landline; that many people, as I said, ninety percent, are using this new technology with what appears to be a regular landline. And I think your -- your ability to expand the notices will reach out to those. And -- and we wanted to make sure that it's affordable to our senior citizens, and I think we've vetted that enough to realize that it will be affordable, that there'll 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 be options. And then also, that the senior citizens that have to avail themselves of security with the medical alert devices and the like, and -- and checking a pacemaker, we've tried to ensure that that capability is there as well to serve our senior citizens that have to have that. So, I -- I think this is a -- a good bill that we need to move forward and I appreciate the sponsor's work and -- and I very much support it. And likewise, if -- if we learn that there are some glitches, I -- I know we will address them as we go forward, because we want to make sure that everybody has the kind of telephone service that they need and require still in the State of Illinois. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Today, high-speed Internet and wireless networks are helping save lives, and that's why I believe that we need to update the State's communication law and attract more investment in these modern technologies. Every group of first responders is relying on high-speed Internet to help protect the public and improve their own safety. The power of these networks enables real-time information sharing that helps keep people safe. Think about those safety alerts that are sent to our personal devices. Think about firefighters sending real-time images from the field. Think about Next Generation 9-1-1 - citizens, first responders are going to 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 have real-time information coming to them and going to them. It's very, very important. Think about a domestic violence incident. With Next Generation 9-1-1, a woman under attack can send a text message to 9-1-1 responders and without her attacking {sic} knowing it, and police can be on the way to help. By updating the State's communication law, we can attract more investment in these much- needed technologies that are changing lives and, most importantly, saving Illinois residents' lives. Other states have took -- took this step and I believe it's time that Illinois does too. I strongly urge an Aye vote for this bill and I want to thank the sponsor for bringing it today. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Connelly, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll be very brief. I want to commend the sponsor for his work on this bill. He worked with all the stakeholders over many, many months and many, many committee meetings and the like, and I -- and I commend him for that. You know, oftentimes, at this time of the year especially, bills become -- very partisan very quickly, but this is an issue that is bipartisan in a -- in a very board sense, and -- and, frankly, Illinois should be at the forefront of these types of technologies. The University of Illinois is where the semiconductor's from. Bell Labs in Naperville is the home of all sorts of wireless technology 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 advances. So I commend the sponsor. I strongly urge an Aye vote to bringing the State further along in the twenty-first century. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield for a question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he'll yield. Senator Cunningham {sic}.
Senator Cunningham, one of my biggest concerns - and I -- and -- and I know that -- that it's been discussed; I was in the committee - is the landlines, the landlines when it comes to seniors who have machines already attached to them which gives them the alert to -- and these -- and these machines are actually -- you have to physically go there; it's connected to the phone. You got to hit that button in order to alert the -- the, you know, the fire department or police to come. How -- how is this going to change that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham.
So, I believe, Senator Martinez, you're referring to medical devices that use technology. Okay. Most manufacturers of those devices are adapting to the new technology and moving away from the old analog devices that relied on the older technology, but not all of them have. But -- and this is something that AT&T has 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 committed to work with. Remember, I -- I mentioned in passing that in order for AT&T to complete this transition, they have to get approval from both the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. AT&T has submitted in writing, in a petition form, to the FCC that they will not complete the transition until all those questions you've brought up have been answered.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez.
Let -- let me just say this, and this is my biggest concern, I have a ninety-seven-year-old uncle that -- that that machine is important to him, you know, and if he was to fall, he hits this red button, because it's nice and big that he can see it. On several occasions, you know, what I have been upset with AT&T about in the past is that, you know, even though -- if they're late on a payment, then they shut off the machine -- I mean they shut off the service. I mean 'cause you don't pay -- you didn't pay that service. So now what happens, you know, in cases like this, where I -- and I -- they haven't still figured out how many seniors out there depend on a machine like this. There's no education behind what they need to do now, especially a ninety-seven-year-old or any senior that has, you know, the -- some -- you know, some kind of -- of -- of debility -- disabled -- they're disabled to an extent where they don't hear well, but they can see and they can hit -- I'm just a little concerned that even though we're doing this whole -- you know, we're doing this rewrite and we're doing -- you know, we're modernizing our systems the way we should - I'm glad to -- to know that we're doing this - my biggest concern still 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 continues to be with the seniors, with the seniors who -- even though AT&T hasn't figured this out yet, you know, hasn't figured out how many seniors are -- actually have medical devices at home, and sometimes they'll shut it off for lack of payment, 'cause I've seen that happen, and without realizing that you're shutting off a system that they need in the apartment in case of an emergency.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham.
So this is where I think the notification process that's in place in this bill that we're mandating AT&T has to go through is really going to be important, because you're going to have four separate notifications to a senior citizen, like the one you mentioned, alerting them to this transition and telling them if they have concerns about that -- you're right, AT&T doesn't necessarily know whether or not they have a -- a device, but this would be an opportunity for them to notify AT&T of that, also an opportunity to notify the Illinois Commerce Commission that they have an issue like that. They'll be able to call -- there'll be a phone number in the notification to call both those entities. AT&T is committed to working with individuals when they call like that and certainly the ICC can intervene. But the -- the most important thing is that FCC backstop that we talked about. If the FCC is not satisfied, and AT&T has committed to this in writing, if they're not satisfied that the transition accounts for these type of issues, then the transition is not completed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if we could keep some of the side conversations down while the debate is going on. Senator 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Martinez. Shh…
Thank you. To the bill. You know, while I think this bill is a great idea, I think there's still work to be done when it comes to our seniors, especially those seniors that do not have cell phones. I know my ninety-seven-year-old uncle does not have a cell phone. He will never have a cell phone. But it's unfortunate that that's -- in a case like this, that they're actually getting rid of landlines, when landlines are very important. Even though -- and I'm hoping that they will do this in -- in -- you know, in everybody's different languages, because, you know, there's a lot of -- of our seniors that don't speak any English and they need this to be translated to them in a way that they can understand that the landlines are not going to be there anymore, you know, and what do they do. I think, you know, there is a real debate on this for me, you know, because I -- I'm -- I -- I deal with this on a daily basis when it comes to my uncle and I know of other seniors that are also having this problem by us - - you know, with the idea of removing these landlines, and especially with these medical devices, it concerns me. It really does concern me. I don't think they're ready for this yet. I don't think that, you know, there has been enough -- a good job done on behalf of trying to find out, you know, and maybe this will help them identify these seniors that do have these devices. I just think that we have to go slowly when it comes to that population, because they depend on that landline for their medical device because they don't have nothing else. And that's -- and I'm hoping that this is something that they really look at and that we stay focused on making sure that our seniors are -- are - 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 - are well educated on this new system and what's going on, because right now there has been no -- there's been no conversation out there. I -- I haven't seen any paperwork that this is what's -- only letters saying this is where we're going, and it concerns me. At least I know I can take care of my uncle, but what about those seniors that don't have someone like me taking care of them and that -- the fact that they're getting rid of the landline that they have no idea that they're going to be getting rid of it. So I'm a little concerned with this. I'm glad that we're modernizing, that we have to do this, but I still want to make sure that I'm on record saying we have to do a better job when it comes to our senior citizens. And I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Our final speaker is Senator Clayborne. Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
Speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
And I'll be very brief. I've sponsored this bill in the past, over many, many years, and we extended it, but this bill ensures every household has access to voice calling service. People will -- will have choice. Ninety-nine percent of -- of AT&T's households have either switched to the modern wired or wireless technology or have access to modern wireless -- wired landlines. This bill, obviously, has resulted from hard work with Senator Cunningham as -- and legislators, as well as the industry, to assure -- to ensure safeguards are in place to address some of the 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 issues that have been addressed regarding our constituents and addressing our business needs in this State. I also rise to ask for an Aye vote, for everybody to support this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Leader Clayborne. Senator Cunningham, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Members of the Senate, for those questions and comments. In closing, I just want to point out, this is one of those rare bills that we get to vote for here from time to time, where both -- almost every major business association in the State and organized labor are in support. And I think they're in support because both groups recognize that this IP transition is already happening. Consumers are making that transition; they're voting with their fee. It's happened in nineteen out of twenty-one states that AT&T -- provides service to and the state legislatures there have already approved similar legislation. So we need to join this transition, and by joining the transition, we won't fall behind these other states. We'll see economic growth in the telecommunications sector and we'll preserve high-paying union jobs that are prominent in that field. There is opposition to the bill, as we talked about. I think that we've gone a long way to address much of that opposition. I think it's possible for us to modernize telecommunications in Illinois while ensuring consumers, who have been slow to embrace some modern technology, are not left behind. And with that, I'll ask for the Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1381 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, 2 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1381, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to move down the page. Still on page 25. We have Senate Bill 1451. Senator Link. With leave of the Body, we'll return to that in a moment. With leave of the Body, we'll turn forward a… Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Nybo, are you seeking recognition? With leave of the Body, we'll move forward to page 28 on your printed Calendar. Near the bottom of the page is Senate Bill 1871. Senator McGuire, are you ready to proceed? Senator McGuire seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1871 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1871. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator McGuire.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire, on your amendment. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of -- of Amendment 3 and I'll be happy to explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1871. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator McGuire.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: …for the adoption of Amendment 4 and will be happy to explain it on 3rd, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1871. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 1871. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1871. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire, on the bill. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of -- of the Chamber. Senate Floor Amendment 3 becomes the bill and it standardizes the definition of rolling stock as used by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Senate -- I'm sorry, Amendment 4 exempts motor vehicles and trailers used at airports. There's been extensive work with all stakeholders to remove concerns about 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 the bill. I know of no objection. I appreciate the bipartisan support and I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1871 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1871, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. NPR Illinois requests permission to photograph the proceedings, as does WGN Radio. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. With leave of the Body, we'll turn to the bottom of page 29 on the printed Calendar. The last bill on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 2185. Senator Manar, are you ready to proceed? Senator Manar requests permission of the Body to recall Senate Bill 2185 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would ask for the adoption of the amendment. Be happy to take questions on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 2185. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 2185. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2185. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill has been a work in progress for -- for many, many months. It came to me from constituents living in Staunton. It would accomplish a couple of things that were -- were a result of what could only be described as a tragedy that occurred with a young man named Conor Vesper. So this bill would institute what I would like to describe and as the bill is titled Conor's Law and it would accomplish three things. Number one, it would direct the State Police to develop a training policy for their officers for the arrest and release of individuals that committed an offense under the DUI statute. More importantly, it would direct the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to develop a training policy for the arrest and release of individuals for the same offense under the DUI statute, and for that piece, we would ask that individuals under the age of twenty-one be addressed 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 as well in the policy. And third, it would codify what is currently State Police statute to hold a vehicle, with some exceptions, reasonable exceptions that are in law today, from an individual who was arrested for -- for DUI. And I know there's a lot of questions about this bill and I appreciate Chairman Hastings' work, as well as the feedback that we have received - the Vesper family and myself have received. Senator Haine is not with us today, but I would like the record to reflect that Senator Haine's work on this bill early on, through his experience as State's Attorney in Madison County, helped get us to the point to where we are today. So, with that, Mr. President, I'd be happy to take any questions about the substance of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
As the Chairman of Criminal Law, we've had an opportunity to hear a lot of different testimony. This bill was a -- an example of proponents actively advocating for their bill, the topic in which is very sensitive to families across Illinois. But to the family who actually spoke on this topic, I want to say thank you. The advocacy and the testimony is a testament to why we need this bill. This bill is extremely important. I think that it's a -- a great bill for Illinois and I want to thank those that -- that testified - you know who you are. And I just ask for its unanimous 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 passage today in the Senate. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Manar, would you like to close? Senator Manar. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if we could have your attention, please. Senator Manar, to close.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. If I -- if I could, I would like to read a letter. If I could have everybody's attention in the Chamber. Thank you. I would like to read a letter that I received in my office about a year ago on May the 9th from constituents Jack, Alice, and their daughter, Hannah Vesper. This is not lengthy, but I would like for you to listen to what was written to me. "Dear Senator Manar, On May 23rd, 2015, our twenty- year-old son, Conor, was arrested by a sheriff's deputy for DUI in Carlinville. Conor was taken into custody, processed, paid the fines and was released. Conor's blood alcohol level was .124, well above the legal limit of .08. However, Conor was allowed to leave the police station alone, still intoxicated, and allowed back into the community, clearly a risk to himself and others. Conor walked thirteen blocks to the house he was staying in. He took his roommate's car, because Conor's car was impounded, and drove home, still intoxicated. Conor was pursued by the Gillespie, Benld, Mt. Olive, and Staunton police departments because he crossed the line while driving through Gillespie; again, evidence that Conor was still intoxicated. We can only imagine how Conor felt when he finally arrived home, arrived home, with the police still in pursuit - distraught, concerned {sic} (cornered) and with no hope. This put Conor in an unimaginable position where Conor 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 felt there was no way out but to end his own life. Conor's passing has forever changed our lives." The letter goes on, but it ends with this, "Please help us change the current law so that this never happens to another family." So, I got a -- I got a thank you note from the Vespers along the way and I want to thank them for their work and their strength that was displayed in committee and for trying to do what they can to make sure that what happened to their son doesn't happen again. And Alice said to me at one point along the way, "if we just change one life and save one life after the death of Conor, then we will know that we have done our jobs." So with that, Mr. President, I would ask for an Aye vote so we can send this bill over to the House so it can continue. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Manar. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2185 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none {sic} (2) voting Present. And Senate Bill 2185, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Manar, for what purpose do you rise?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I would like to direct my colleagues to Jack and Alice Vesper and Lori Zenner, who are with us today to witness their Senate 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 passing Conor's Law, and I would like to once again thank them for showing strength and showing devotion to trying to make Illinois a better place and to turn a tragedy into something positive. Please recognize -- stand and recognize the Vesper family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate? With leave of the Body, we'll turn back to page 25 on our printed Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Near the middle of the page is Senate Bill 1451. Senator Link. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 1451 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, permission is -- leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1451. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1 {sic} (3), offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would just ask for its adoption and talk to it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1451. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Senator Link, on Amendment 4.
Thank you, Mr. President. The same, I would ask for its adoption and I will discuss it on 3rd -- 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1451. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment's adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 1451. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1451. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1451 creates the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, which requires local units of government to accommodate the construction and the collation {sic} (collocation) of small wireless communication equipment. Small cells are integral to the -- part of future 5G wireless network. The bill provides uniform regulation of the small wireless facilities, includes the permit fees, attachment rates. The bill is a result of negotiation between the wireless providers, the 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Municipal League, utilities, and included the sunset date of June 1st, 2021. I -- on this bill, I'd like to thank the Illinois Municipal League of -- Brad Cole and Patrick Hughes {sic} (Hayes), for spending hours on top of hours to come to a neutral stand on this bill. I'd also like to thank all the other people that were involved, that patiently waited until their turn to come into committee and discuss their problems that were resolved in amendment -- amended. I think this bill is ready for its time. I think this is ready for the future of technology in the State of Illinois. We have surrounding states doing the same thing of imposing this. I would ask Illinois to take the lead, get this done, pass it, so that we can get technology business here in the State of Illinois. I'll be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. Just to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I want to thank the Senator for his leadership on this. I know there were some concerns raised at the very beginning, but working through that with all the parties, you did a great job in getting this important legislation passed. As you mentioned, this is vital to expanding technology in this State, which is crucial for all of our businesses to expand. So this is an important piece of legislation. I think you met all the concerns that were raised and addressed the balance on these -- on this information and on 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 this bill. So I want to thank you for your patience and your time and working with all the parties and getting this done. So -- and I would urge our colleagues to support this -- this legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Schimpf, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I'd like to -- I'd like to commend the bill's sponsor. I know how much work he has put in on this. I do rise in opposition to the bill, however, because, although the Illinois Municipal League is neutral on this, there are a lot of municipalities in my district that are still adamantly opposed to this bill. I think this bill does seek to remedy a problem that is -- that is very real and that does exist, that it was taking too long for these permits to be issued; however, the bill goes well beyond just addressing the amount of time that it was taking to -- to grant the permits. It gives the telecoms extra powers that I don't believe were necessary to -- to remedy that situation. So, with respect to the sponsor and the hard work that he has put in, I would urge a -- a -- a No vote on this legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link, to close.
45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, this has been long hours of work of getting this done, but I -- I just want to reflect, I think a lot of these municipalities that may still be objecting are looking at the original bill and I may have even opposed the original bill. But by the time we negotiated this bill, I -- as I say, we went from strong opposition by the Illinois Municipal League to neutral. We went from strong opposition to the Farm Bureau, park districts, you name it, to all neutral, who understand that this is the wave of the future. This is technology, but we want uniformity throughout the State of Illinois. I think we have reached that level and I would ask for an affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1451 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 47 voting Aye, 8 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1451, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'd call your attention to the committee schedule for this afternoon and tomorrow. The Senate Committee on Higher Education will meet today at 4 p.m. in Room 212. The Senate Transportation Committee will meet today at 5:30 p.m. in Room 212. The Senate Criminal Law Committee will meet today at 5:30 p.m. in Room 400. The Senate Education Committee will meet tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in Room 212. And the Committee on Public Health will meet tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in Room 409. The Senate Labor Committee will meet tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. in Room 212. Senate Revenue Committee will meet tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Room 212. And the Senate Insurance Committee will meet tomorrow 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 at 11 a.m. in Room 400. And, finally, the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee will meet tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. in Room 400. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will all Members of the Committee on Assignments please assemble immediately in the President's Anteroom? The Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Senator Link in the Chair. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Insurance Committee - House Bill 2959 and Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1954; refer to Public Health Committee - House Bill 481. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) With leave of the Body, we'll turn to page 4 of the printed Calendar, Senate Bill 2021, 2nd Reading. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2021. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hastings, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd ask for the adoption. I'll discuss it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2959 can be heard tomorrow, May 25th, at 11 a.m. in the Senate Insurance Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe moves to waive all postings and -- all notices and posting requirements so that House Bill 2959 can be heard May 25th at 11 a.m. in the Senate Insurance Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notices and posting requirements are waived. I just want to remind, Judiciary today will be meeting at 4 p.m. in Room 400. All members of Executive Committee will meet in Room 212 at 3 p.m., or upon adjournment. There being no further business to come 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/24/2017 before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned till the hour of 12 noon, the 25th day of May 2017. The Senate stands adjourned. 49