PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 100th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Victor Angulo from Girard First Baptist Church in Girard, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Victor Angulo)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham, would you please lead us?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Blueroomstream.com and the Illinois Times each request to take videotapes or photographs of the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, November 7th, 2017.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 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 HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1079, offered by Senator Bertino-Tarrant and all Members. And Senate Resolutions 1081 through 1087, offered by Senator Althoff and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 1080, offered by Senator Lightford. Senate Resolution 1088, offered by Senator Murphy. And Senate Resolution 1089, offered by Senator Althoff. They are all substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Van Pelt, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- 456 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 2265, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. 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 695. 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 695. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 868, with House Amendments 1 and 2; and Senate Bill 1451, with House Amendment 2. Passed the House, as amended, November 7th, 2017. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Motion to Concur on House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1381 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson…
Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Republicans would ask for a -- a brief Senate caucus immediately, if -- if that works with your schedule. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson moves that the Senate recess for the purpose of a Senate Republican Caucus. Seeing no objection, the motion is granted. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please be at their desks? We will be turning shortly to substantive Floor action. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please be at their desks? 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 report immediately to the President's Anteroom? Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please report to the President's Anteroom? WCIA requests permission to audio- and videotape the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of -- or a -- for an introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm joined today by my Page for the Day, Evan Beilfuss. Evan is a senior at Normal Community West 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 High School. He is -- hopes to study -- or go pre-med. He's here today with his father, Jamie. And I just ask that you'd all -- would join me in welcoming them to the Illinois State Capitol. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Harmon back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
Thank you. I rise today and ask you to join me for a moment to recognize November as National Prematurity Awareness Month. According to the just-released March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, the health of babies in Illinois has taken a step backwards for the second year in a row. We can do better than this. The March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card is a public wake-up call, an urgent call to action on the health of our State's moms and babies. Please join me in supporting the youngest Illinoisans among us so that they may get the best start possible. I do have a report or a copy that supports what I just stated. If anyone would like a copy, I'd be happy to share that with them. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Senate Resolution 1080 and Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3452; refer to Local Government Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 695; refer to Revenue Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 868; refer to State Government Committee - Senate Resolution 578; refer to Veteran -- Veterans Affairs Committee - Senate Resolution 731; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 1663. Signed, Senator James Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1663. Signed, Senator James Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 1080 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Lightford moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 1080 may be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise? 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 578 can be heard today in the Senate State Government Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hastings moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 578 may be heard today 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 Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 731 can be heard today in the Senate Veterans (Affairs) Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Tom Cullerton moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Resolution 731 may be heard today in the Senate Veterans (Affairs) Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to be turning shortly to substantive Floor action. I'd ask that all Members of the Senate within the sound of my voice be at their desks. We'll be turning momentarily to substantive Senate Floor action. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, I, too, have a very special guest with me today. Her name is Bennie Harmony. She is a sophomore at Pleasant Plains High School, and for some unknown reason, at the age of fifteen, she has decided that the law fascinates her. So, again, she wanted to come today and see actually what lawmakers do. So if we could give her a nice welcome, round of applause, I'd be very appreciative.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Bush, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege. If I could get everyone's attention. This is one of those things that you never think you're going to be the one doing for someone. But when I came to this place five years ago, I was lucky enough to get a pretty fabulous legislative assistant. Sharon Wilson has been here forty-two and half years. Lucky for all of you, I'm not going to read the proclamation. Sharon has worked for a number of people in the House and the Senate. What's that number? Nineteen different people. Some of them are some pretty -- pretty amazing -- have -- she has some pretty amazing stories. Let's just go with that, and if -- if you haven't ever taken the time to talk to her, you should do that before she exits the building. But I just want to thank Sharon for the work that she's done here. I -- I don't know how I would've done my job without her. I was -- I requested Sharon, actually, when I -- when I came here, because I knew that she had been with Senator Susan Garrett. And I met 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Sharon. I knew she knew this place inside out and -- and would know how to help me get things done and it has just been such an honor for me. I wish you the very best and there's cake on the first floor. Please come and have a piece. I hear it's pretty good. And, gosh, I just don't know what else to say, other than I cannot thank you enough for the work that you have done with me, for me, and for the State of Illinois. You are a treasure.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Congratulations, Sharon. Senator Bush, do you have something to give to her?
And that's why you're in leadership. Anyway, I -- I would also like to introduce you to some people that are up here, if I could. Nick Meyer, my Chief of Staff. Ed Gallagher, who many of you know. He was with Senator Stadelman here. He's also in my district office. And -- and my husband, Andy Bush. We wouldn't miss being down here with Sharon today. But, anyway… And - I'm sorry - and Sharon's daughter and -- and her granddaughter, Jorgia are -- are here today too. So -- so, it's a proclamation Sharon. Again, I'm not going to read it. Thank you. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Bush. Did Sharon have to prepare her own proclamation?
Boy, you really can cue them, can't you? I'd like to really thank Natalia - I believe she's here somewhere. Yeah, I mean I couldn't have done this without her. She ordered the cake, she got flowers, she -- I mean, how does somebody else's LA do that for you? She is amazing. We're so fortunate here, we truly are, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 and -- I mean, to all of the LAs, thanks for what you do. But thank you, Natalia.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) If any of us Members can prepare our own proclamations, please report immediately to the President's Anteroom to teach the rest of us. Thank you, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're now going to turn to substantive Senate action. If you would please turn to page 5 on your printed Calendars. At the bottom of the page begins the Order of Motions in Writing to Override Total Vetoes of the Governor. First on that Calendar item is House Bill 688. Senator Cunningham, you have a motion. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 688 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 688 allows downstate and suburban firefighters who previously served as police officers to transfer their police service time and pension contributions to their firefighter pension fund. And it allows Chicago firefighters who previously worked for a downstate fire department to transfer their service time and contributions to the Chicago fund. Would appreciate the Chamber's support in this motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 688 pass, notwithstanding the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 veto of the Governor. 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 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 688, having received the required three- fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Turning to the top of page 6 on your printed Calendar. Continuing on the same Order is House Bill 732. Senator Castro. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move -- I move that House Bill 732 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Castro.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Castro, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is aimed at protecting the workers and occupants of commercial and industrial buildings. Neither the Illinois Chamber nor FIB {sic} nor the business communities are opposed to this bill and it has overwhelming support of the fire service and building safety experts. The bill clarifies exemption language in the thirty-year-old Roofing Industry Licensing Act to add a definition of "roof repair" consistent with that of the International Code of Conduct {sic}. This is not a new licensure. It is just clarifying an exemption in current law and forty other states do regulate the roofing industry, including our neighboring states of Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. I ask for an Aye vote. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Weaver, for what purpose do you rise?
Just to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Motion, Senator. Please proceed.
To the motion. Thank you very much. I'm going to be a No vote on this. And I appreciate what's -- you're trying to accomplish on it, but as just a business owner myself, I own buildings, the fact that my own employees who are trained in this, they cannot get up on that building to work, I think is a problem. It's taking away that right and it's just a continued cost to business in Illinois. So I encourage a No vote on this. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any further discussion? Senator Castro, do you need to close?
I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. The question is, shall House Bill 732 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. 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 40 voting Aye, 13 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 732, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to clarify that on House Bill 688, a couple of bills back, I unfortunately had to step off the Floor and my intention was to vote in the affirmative on that override. I would like the record to reflect that, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The record will reflect your intention. Continuing on the Order of Motions in Writing is House Bill 1797. Senator Trotter. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 1797 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Trotter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Trotter, on your motion.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1797 provides that if a -- for a period of twenty-five years, a regional port district has not been required to remit any amount owed under the contract with the CDB due to not reaching the required level of profit, then the port district is not required to remit any amount under the contract.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1797 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. All those in favor will 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 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 39 voting Aye, 8 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1797, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. We'll continue along on the same Order. We have House Bill 2462. Senator Biss. Senator Biss. With leave of the Body, we'll come back to House Bill 2462. House Bill 2778. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 2778 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2778 allows fire protection districts to annex, by ordinance, property taxes {sic} in -- into jurisdictions in which districts is providing coverage under the Emergency Telephone Systems {sic} (System) Act. House Bill 2778 stipulates that the method in which property owners must be notified, the procedure of a hearing regarding the ordinance, and to whom the district must provide a copy of the ordinance providing the hearing. Basically, this is a simple piece of legislation. And if you believe that you should be getting fire protection for free, then you wouldn't be voting Yes on this bill. But I believe all should share in the cost of getting fire protection. So I ask for a favorable vote. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2778 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. 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 50 voting Aye, 2 voting No, none voting Present. And having received the required three- fifths majority, House Bill 2778 is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?
For a purpose of correction on a vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) A point of personal privilege perhaps, Senator?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you.
I would like the record to reflect my intent to vote Yes on House Bill 732 and also the record to reflect I intended to vote Present on House Bill 688.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will reflect your intent. The Illinois Times requests permission to photograph the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Senator Bennett, for what purpose do you rise?
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Thank you, Mr. President. For the point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could direct your attention to the left side of the rear gallery - you might stand - I have some really -- some really great interns that we currently have from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. I'd like to welcome my interns for this semester, which are Austin Stadelman, Walter Lindwall, Sydney Stancik, Amelia Kelly, and Amal Amir. They are doing a great job for the good people of the 52nd District and not charging taxpayers a dime. So if you could please give them compensation with a warm round of applause.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator McCann, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point. SENATOR McCANN: Mr. President and Members of the -- of the Body, I would like you to direct your attention to the President's Gallery, right in the center. I have visiting members of the Spaulding Veterans Memorial Board of Directors. These folks are -- are veterans, members of the community, who came together to put together a 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 tremendous - a tremendous - memorial to the veterans of that area. Here we are in Veterans Week. We just had a ceremony downstairs. Obviously, many of us will be participating in many veterans' ceremonies around -- around the State. Here we have a group of veterans and their supporters who did a fantastic job in their community and I would like to introduce them. They are Larry Beck, Gary Moore, Jeremiah Williams, Larry Miller, Andy Larson, Janica Baird, Brent Baird, and we have PJ Staab up here also. And I would also like the Body to -- to take a look at this beautiful gift they presented me with. I participated in an honor ride about a month ago and they surprised me with this today and it will be hanging in my office for all of you to come and take a look at any time you wish. And so if you would join me in welcoming our guests to the State Capitol today. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate? And with that, we'll return to the order of business. We have, continuing on the Order of Motions in Writing to Override Total Vetoes, House Bill 2977. Senator Lightford. With leave of the Body, we'll return to that bill. House Bill 3143. Senator Hunter. House Bill 3298. Senator Manar. With leave of the Body, we'll return to that order. House Bill 3419. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 3419 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hastings, on your motion. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill prohibits the State from doing business with or investing in expatriated entities that incorporate in foreign tax havens in an effort to avoid paying State and federal corporate income taxes and requires the Illinois Investment Policy Board to identify expatriated entities so that retirement systems can engage in shareholder activism and divest from expatriated entities if the shareholder activism is unsuccessful. I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the -- to the motion, if I might, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the motion, Senator.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise in respectful opposition to the gentleman's motion. The companies that we are talking about were in compliance with the law and the only thing that we accomplish here is potentially lowering the rate of return on our investments. And I would think that anyone in this Chamber or in this General Assembly who has any idea of the condition of our finances would be wary of doing so. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? Senator Hastings, do you wish to close?
Like to mention the cooperation that was a part of this bill. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 I'm proud to say that IRMA and the Illinois Manufacturing {sic} (Manufacturers') Association both are proponents of this bill. I believe this bill levels the playing field among businesses that compete for State contracts and investments by prohibiting bidding or entering on the State contracts with State agencies if companies are operating outside of the -- the country and using foreign countries as tax havens. This is a great bill. We have bipartisan support from a numerous -- a bunch of groups to include the Retail Merchants Association and Manufacturers' Association. And I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall House Bill 3419 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. 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 39 voting Aye, 12 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 3419, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
With purposes of an apology, if I may, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Purposes of a what?
An apology.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose, on a point of personal privilege.
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 I want to apologize to Senator Jones. I inadvertently voted No on his bill and I wish to vote Yes and I would like the record to so reflect. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will so reflect your intention. Senator Jones, for a rebuttal.
You are forgiven, Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Turn -- still on page 6 of your printed Calendar, to the next order of business, Motions in Writing to Override Specific Recommendations of the Governor. We have Senator Collins' motion on House Bill 302. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 302 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Signed by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I wish to override the veto on House Bill 302. This bill requires insurers to evaluate policies in lapsed or terminated status since 2012 to determine if the policyholder died when the policy was still in force and, if so, whether death benefits have been paid. It also requires insurers with electronic searchable files to evaluate policies in lapsed or terminated status since 2000 to determine if the policyholder has died and death benefits 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 have been paid. And I am open for any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the Senator's motion, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the motion, Senator.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. There's a reason this bill was vetoed and that's because it's unconstitutional. What this bill does is takes a contract that was signed between an individual and a life insurance company and rewrites the contract and makes it retroactive. I mean, you -- you don't have to be much of an expert in law to see that's clearly the case. The insured didn't comply with a provision in the contract; that's why there wasn't a payout. State government's now coming in and saying, well, regardless of the contract that you agreed to, we're still going to make this happen. We don't get to do that. We don't get to do that. No one would suggest that if someone was driving a car and had a -- was insured and had an accident, that it's the insurance company's job to come to the -- look and see if anyone had an accident and then go to them and say, can we insure your car? You have to provide notice to the -- to the insurance company. And to this, we're going to say that for anything from 2000 forward, you don't really have to do that. Again, I -- I hope this does not pass. I would urge a No vote. Having said that, at some point, this will probably be ruled unconstitutional regardless. Thank you, Mr. President. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, I just want to -- I want to ask a little bit about the -- the -- the arrangement that we have with the contingency fee auditors. Can you tell me how that works or who is that -- who that is through?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
I have been asked to take this out of the record and I so will take it out of the record for consideration at a later point. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The -- please take the motion out of the record, Mr. Secretary. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we're going to turn back to the Order of Motions in Writing on Total Overrides -- or Overrides of Total Vetoes, rather. Senator Hunter, you're ready to proceed on House Bill 3143? Mr. Secretary, please read that motion.
I move that House Bill 3143 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Hunter. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter, on your motion.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This bill amends the State Prompt Payment Act by expanding the list of goods and services furnished to the State to include services concerning prevention, intervention, or treatment services and supports for youth provided by a vendor by virtue of a contractual agreement. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Hunter. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, will House Bill 3143 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. 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 37 voting Aye, 16 voting No, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 3143, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. We'll continue on that same Order. House Bill 3298. Senator Manar, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 3298 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, as it left both the 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 House and the Senate, would allow for substitute teachers to apply for a refund of their licensure application fee within eighteen months of issuance provided that they teach in a classroom as a substitute. I didn't know of any opposition when the bill left the House and the Senate. The Governor vetoed the bill and I would ask the Chamber to override his veto. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3298 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. 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 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 3298, having received the required three- fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Next on our agenda, House Bill 3649. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 3649 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill, as it left the Legislature, created the Debt Transparency Act, excuse me, and it would require each State agency to provide a report to the Comptroller identifying the current 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 State liabilities held at the agency with detail. Right now, those things are only reported once a year. This is, in my opinion, a transparency bill for State government. It's a good step to slightly in a greater degree open up the books of State government. And I would ask the Chamber to override the Governor's veto.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Manar. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3649 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. 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, 3 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 3649, having received the required three- fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please welcome to the Senate Floor the Comptroller of the State of Illinois, Susana Mendoza. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could ask all Members to be at their desks. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could please ask all Members to be at their desks. As is the tradition in the Senate the week of Veterans Day, we recognize those Members of the Senate who have served in the military for comments. President Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. As Senator Harmon mentioned, we have a -- a tradition here in the Senate that on Memorial Day and around the time of Veterans Day, we take some time to reflect on the service that veterans have given to our nation. And in our Senate, we have nine Senators who 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 have served in the military. My service was actually in the Illinois National Guard from 1970 to 1976 and from -- in the first year of that service, I actually was a full-time National Guardsman. We want to thank the men and women who have served our country. Veterans from every branch of the military are part of a -- really a brave group of patriots who defend the principles and values that define America. And we in the Illinois Senate offer our profound gratitude to them and I hope we all will set aside time this weekend to honor our veterans. And I would, at this time, like to invite others to share their -- their thanks and reflect on their own experience. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, President Cullerton. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, rise to honor and say thank you to our members in the Armed Forces who have served here in this Chamber and our entire State. Ladies and Gentlemen, we can never, ever repay them enough thank yous for what they're doing for our country, especially the men and women now that are serving in harm's way. You know, it's unfortunate that it's been, give or take, fifteen years plus that our men and women that are out there now fighting in the Middle East and other parts of the world. They didn't get drafted. They enlisted and they're doing this because they believe in our country and they actually believe in what they're doing. And some of 'em have been deployed. I met a gentleman who's been deployed eleven times already and it's like, wow! You know, truly amazing. Truly amazing what they do for us. And a lot of people don't realize and understand what the men and women do for this country and for their flag and it is our duty to 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 make sure we say thank you to all of them, because it's for them that we are free. And today our -- good friend of ours is going to be retiring, but I had asked him to do me a favor and come to the Chamber today, because this man, a World War II veteran, POW, what he did and his comrades did back in the day in World War II, we could never say thank you enough to Dick Lockhart, who's here in this Chamber, a great man. And you know what? Walks around - - I've never -- since I've been here, always has a smile on his face. You would never think that he was a World War II veteran. You would have never thought he was a POW. But, ladies and gentlemen, that is what a real hero is and we have to say thank you. And we can never say enough thank yous to them. Mr. Lockhart, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you've done for our country, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Your point.
Thanks, Mr. President. I -- I, too -- let's begin with, first of all, an echo and a -- a ditto on Senator Muñoz's remarks about Mr. Lockhart, who's up there, who's a -- a friend to many of us in this Chamber. I have spoke many times before here in this Chamber on some of my personal reflections on -- on Veterans Day or as we approach Veterans Day, but I'm going to, today, instead talk about one of our Members, who's not with us today. And I'll tell you, I've -- I've had the opportunity to get to know Bill Haine in my 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 few years here in the Senate. We serve on committees together. He is such an eloquent, opinionated Member of ours. And one of the things that I've always found best about him is his wisdom, which he shares so freely with us on Veterans Day and in his comments about the purpose of Veterans Day, some historical anecdotal comment that we all presume he opened up a -- or a -- a encyclopedia. I'm presuming he doesn't Google. Thank you. Senator Haine is not here in the building today, as far as I'm aware, but he's missed. And he's missed by I know many of you on that side of the aisle, but he's missed by some of us on this side of the aisle for days like this, when we can hear from him. So, to the Senator Haines of the world, to all those men and women who have served their country, their families have sacrificed along with them. Our veterans many times, oftentimes, go on to do great and wonderful things and we appreciate all of their service and all the service of those young, primarily young, men and women who are out there serving for us today. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Barickman. Senator Schimpf, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I, too, would like to just rise and thank our veterans. I don't have much to add to the very eloquent comments that have already been made. I do think that it's important that we note that all of our veterans do so 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 because they are volunteering. Nobody is -- nobody is -- has been drafted. And it's important, I think, in order to be able to say thank you, you have to understand why they are -- you know, why they are making the sacrifices they are. And it's really simple: Our veterans, our -- also our first responders, all believe that we, our family, our -- our communities, our State, and our country is still, even with the challenges that we face, it is still a place worth fighting and dying to save. And I think on -- on Veterans Day, we need to understand that, you know, they -- they do have a choice. But it's also not only important for us to recognize why they're making the sacrifices that they do, but also that something else comes -- comes -- a duty comes upon us. If we're going to truly be thankful for the sacrifices that we -- that they have made, we have a duty to make sure that our country is worthy of the sacrifices that they are making. You know -- you know, some of you have kids that are -- that are going to -- going to college. You know, sometimes it's not enough just to say thank you. You know, the parent that -- that -- that shells out a significant amount of money in college tuition, it's not enough to say thank you if you're the kid, but then not do the studying, not do what's necessary to appreciate the gift. So the other thing that we have to do in -- in -- in addition to acknowledging why they make the sacrifices, is we do have to commit ourselves to make sure that our country is worthy of their sacrifice. And the last thing I'll close with is, you know, there's a lot of times, you know, we feel frustrated with America; we feel frustrated about the challenges that our society faces. Well, one reason that I will always remain optimistic about the United States is because our best and brightest, our veterans and our first responders, do 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 decide on a daily basis that our country is worth fighting and dying -- dying to save. So, our veterans, not only do we owe them a debt of gratitude, but we owe them an obligation to make sure that we work hard to ensure that, this country, that we are truly deserving of their sacrifice. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point.
I, too, I -- I want to rise with my colleagues here on this day in this -- this week that we celebrate Veterans Day. It's so important that we not only focus and recognize our veterans on the day of Veterans Day, but we do it each and every day. My district -- I -- I -- I represent a district that per capita has one of the most concentrated populations of veterans, especially Vietnam veterans. And I want to take this opportunity to thank two of my favorite veterans: my grandfather, Frank Novotny, who was a veteran of the Korean War, and my other grandfather, Ray Anderson, who was a Captain in the Army in Vietnam and a veterinarian over in Vietnam. All of our veterans are so important to what we do here. We are able to -- to -- to do what we do here and have a debate about issues that are going to affect our State and our country, because of what they did. And I just -- I ask all of you, don't let this be the only day that we think about veterans and thank a veteran. So if I could, with the indulgence of the 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 President and the indulgence of the Body and the indulgence of the people in the gallery, I'm going to do something that's a little -- a little out of the ordinary. If you're not a veteran, I want you to just stand for a minute. If you're not a veteran, I want you to stand. I want everybody in this room to take a look around at the people that are still sitting. These are the people that have already stood up for their country and we owe them a debt of gratitude - today and every day. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Tom Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point.
First of all, Senator Anderson, I actually like that - sit down. I -- a lot of times when I speak, I -- I ask the veterans to stand at an event and have people give 'em a round of applause, but I like your take on it. That was actually very -- very cool. I served in the U.S. Army back in 1990, started in 1990, until 1993. Enjoyed my time. A lot of people didn't always say thank you. I think this country is moving towards that level of saying thank you and shaking hands of veterans. I know my kids do it all the time when they see 'em in parades, when they see 'em in the airport. Friends and family do it consistently. I don't wear the uniform anymore, but when I see somebody in the uniform, I thank 'em for their service. When I find out somebody is a veteran, I thank 'em for their service. We passed a lot of great bills and the members of the Veterans Affairs Committee this year worked 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 really hard to pass a lot of bills that are dealing with veteran suicide, and the fact is, is we still have veterans every day, twenty-plus veterans every day, killing themselves. Besides just saying thank you for your service, take time, tell them that there are services available for them. Tell them that there's opportunities available for them to get help if you see somebody struggling. As everybody has echoed beforehand, veterans signed away -- and for a small piece of time, they signed away their ability and their life to give for this country, to give for you. So if you have that opportunity to, please help them, and please enjoy this weekend. On Saturday, go stop by, whether your VFW is doing it, your local -- whatever is doing it, whoever is doing it, and I can tell you personally just from my American Legion Post, they like it when members of the government show up. They definitely like it, 'cause then they don't feel forgotten either. So I'd like to thank everybody for their comments earlier and happy Veterans Day everybody.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Cullerton. Our final speaker, Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point.
Mr. President, thank you very much. I get real intense, I know, on the Floor about certain things, but I just want to say one thing: Dick Lockhart, Bill Haine, whoo! You guys are giants, giants among regular old people. And if it wasn't for the lessons 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 that we learned from you and the lessons that we learned in Vietnam and -- and all throughout all these conflicts, young guys like me wouldn't be standing here today alive if we didn't learn from what you taught us. And for that, Mr. Lockhart -- I met you the first time -- I'll never forget the first time I met you. God bless you. I just want to say thank you for what you guys have done. I served in the proud 1st Infantry Division, where the motto is "There's no mission too difficult and there is no sacrifice too great." And in this Body, we have a lot contentious issues where we argue, you know, back and forth on certain topics, but the one thing that I am proud about is this, is that regardless of whatever a Texan says about how they -- proud they are about their State of Texas or Kansas or wherever else they're from because they're a veteran state, well, they don't compare to the State of Illinois. State of Illinois may have its issues, but the one thing that we have to be proud about today is that we are the most veteran friendly state in the entire country and that's our way of saying thank you to our men and women of our Armed Services, whether it's Terry's tax relief bill that we passed for our veterans to provide property tax relief, to making sure that people can get grants for their family members who are deployed if they can't make ends meet, to taking care of those Gold Star family members, or to starting a task force and really starting to look into helping those men and women who come home with mental illnesses. When people ask me, well, how do you thank a veteran, I tell 'em we write a law about it and we try to help 'em, and that's what other people around this country should do. So on Veterans Day, today's not a day to be somber; today's the day to be extremely excited about the men and women who have volunteered to serve our country. And 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 I want to say thanks as a veteran to this distinguished Body for you voting on all these great veteran bills that we bring forth in this Chamber, because if you can help one veteran, you've helped a lot of people. And with that, Mr. President, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak and to serve in this great State of Illinois, and as, in the Army, we would say, "Hooah". Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator, and to all of our speakers. Happy Veterans Day to all. That concludes our business for this portion of the day. We're going to be going to committees, which I will announce here, and then we are returning to the Floor for substantive action after committees. So please be available to return to the Floor after committees meet. The Committee on Veterans Affairs will meet at 2 p.m. today in Room 409. The Committee on Local Government will meet at 2:15 today in Room 400. The Committee on Revenue will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 212. The Executive Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 212. The Committee on State Government will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 409. And the Committee on Judiciary will meet at 3:30 p.m. in Room 400. That concludes our business for this portion of the day. Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please report to the President's Anteroom immediately? Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please report to the President's Anteroom? Ladies and Gentlemen, after committees, remember to return here to the Senate Floor, where we will take up substantive Senate action. (at ease) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 1910. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Inquiry of the Chair, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your inquiry.
Mr. President, who's the sponsor of the bill that's the subject of the report that was just read into the record?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) I've checked with the Parliamentarian. That would be Senator Rose.
Well, it's my understanding there was a motion made to strike that legislation from the Assignments report. Can you verify that information for me?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) We'll have to consult with the Chairman of the Executive Committee, but I -- I know -- or the -- of the Assignments Committee, but I know that you were present and made that motion.
Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss, for what purpose do you rise? 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
Mercifully, Mr. President, not with any parliamentary inquiries, but instead with two points of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your points.
I'd like to first introduce a constituent of mine who's visiting for the day, a woman by the name of Alisa Kaplan, who has become enormously engaged in questions of public policy over the course of the last year and has had a tremendous impact on the community of Evanston, where I live. I'd ask the Senate to join me in welcoming Alisa Kaplan to the Capitol.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ms. Kaplan, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Please stand. And your second point, Senator Biss.
My second introduction, I would just like to introduce the Chamber to a friend of mine in the gallery, Ra Joy, who is no longer a constituent, but used to be active in my district and is someone who I've gotten the chance to spend some time with recently and look forward to spending a lot more time with over the course of the next few months and is a -- a valued leader in the State of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Joy, please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning shortly to substantive action. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please be at their desks? We are turning to final action. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 1090 and 1091, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. They are both death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Jones, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 695 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Motion to Concur to House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 868 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Tom Cullerton, Chairperson of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Resolution 731 Be Adopted. Senator Landek, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Resolution 578 Be Adopted. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Resolution 1080 Be Adopted; Motions {sic} to Concur on House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1663 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 1910 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 3452 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. 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: House Bill -- excuse me, Senate Bill 403. Together with the following amendments which are attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 403. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 851, with House Amendment 3, and Senate Bill 1936, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, November 8th, 2017. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1252. We have received like Messages on House Bills 1262 and 4118. Passed the House, November 8th, 2017. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 House Bill 1252, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1262, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4118, offered by Senator Tracy. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are going to be turning shortly back to page 6 of your printed Calendar to the Order of Motions in Writing, Override of Total Vetoes of the Governor. I'd ask all Members within the sound of my voice to be at their desks, ready for final action. Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 2266, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen, we're turning to page 6 on your printed Calendar, returning to the Order of Motions in Writing to Override Total Vetoes of the Governor. Senator Lightford, are you ready to proceed with your motion on House Bill 2977. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move that House Bill 2977 do pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Signed by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Senator Lightford, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2977 states that beginning with the 2018-19 school year, public elementary schools shall offer at least one unit of instruction in cursive writing. Districts -- will be determined by local policy at what grade levels this will be implemented. The Governor vetoed the bill in its entirety and I wanted to just express to you the importance of young people having a signature. I mean, I know that we're moving into the era of technology, but signatures are required on everything - their social security card; it's required on your marriage license; it's required on your documentation to enter into any university, any school. One of the biggest criticisms about the Common Core is that they removed the requirements for cursive writing. I just was a principal for a day at one -- at one of my high schools in my district and I was looking over the shoulders of these high school students and they all had print signatures -- well, print - it wasn't their signature - and it looked terrible. It was absolutely embarrassing that I was in a high school and all of their writing looked like third grade through eighth grade level of -- of -- of writing. Cursive writing is important for marriage license, for insurance license, and if -- if young people don't have a signature, I mean, what are we -- what are we doing here in terms of -- of educate -- of educating our students? The bill picked up an additional ten votes in the House. They recognized the importance of cursive writing. I hope that we can do the same here in the Senate. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2977 pass, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. All 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 42 voting Aye, 12 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 2977, having received the required three-fifths majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the veto of the Governor. Continuing on the same Order, with leave of the Body, we're going to turn to House Bill 2462. Senator Biss indicates he's ready to proceed. Mr. Secretary… We'll hold on that moment -- for a moment, Mr. Secretary. …leave of the Body, we'll return to that Order in a bit. We're going to turn now to page 2 on your printed Calendar to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. First bill on that Order is House Bill 185. Senator Muñoz. House Bill 1059. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1059. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill just changes the effective date to immediate. That's what we intended when it passed unanimously out of the Senate back in the -- our regular Session. So I'd ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1059 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 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1059, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll turn back to the first bill on the Order, House Bill 185. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 185. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Currently, an eavesdropping exemption exists which allows law enforcement officers with prior State's Attorney's approval to eavesdrop for up to twenty-four hours in the investigation of certain offenses. The exemption is set to sunset January 1, 2018. The bill also extends the sunset for this exemption by two years, to January 1, 2020. I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 185 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 54 voting Aye, none voting 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 No, none voting Present. And House Bill 185, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll skip down on the page to House Bill 1279. House Bill 12… Thank you. On Senate Bill -- or I'm sorry, House Bill 1279, sponsored by Senator Martinez, there's a letter on file indicating that Senator Jones, as the chief cosponsor, is going to handle the bill on the Floor. Senator, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1279. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1279 makes technical corrections to the Physical Assistants Practice Acts {sic} (Physician Assistant Practice Act) to allow a service performed by physical {sic} assistants to be authorized by the Department of Health and Care {sic} (Healthcare) and Family Services for billing to Medicaid. I know of no opposition and look for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1279 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 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1279, having received the 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1281. Mr. Secretary, we have a letter on file also authorizing Senator Jones to carry the bill on behalf of Senator Martinez. Senator Jones, you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1281. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a very good bill. House Bill 1281 extends the sunset of the Nursing Home Administration {sic} (Administrators) Licensing and Disciplinary Act from January -- January 1 of 2018 to January 1 of 2028. I know of no opposition and look for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1281 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 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1281, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been distributed to the Members' desks. On Supplemental Calendar No. 1 is the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences. And on that Order, we'll start with Senate Bill 695. Senator Cunningham, 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 you've got a motion to concur. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 695. Signed by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cunningham, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that we concur with the House on their amendment to Senate Bill 695. This amendment significantly narrows the scope of the original bill and is designed to address a problem that came up as a result of a -- of a court ruling regarding succession of sheriff's board members, Cook County Sheriff's board members. I know of no opposition. Would appreciate the Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 695. 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 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 695, and the bill is declared passed. Continuing on the Order, Senate Bill 868. Senator Hutchinson, do you wish to proceed? Would you please read the lady's motion?
45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 868. Signed by Senator Hutchinson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hutchinson, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Body. House Floor Amendment No. 2 is a cleanup to the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act that was passed as a part of Senate Bill 9 and will replace the current Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act as of January 1st, 2018. There were a number of people who came together with the Treasurer's Office to try to work on this trailer piece of legislation. Passed nearly unanimously over in the House. I am happy to answer any questions and I'd ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 868. 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 55 Ayes, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 868 -- having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 868, and the bill is declared passed. Next on the Order is Senate Bill 1381. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1381. 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 Signed by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is the unemployment insurance agreement and it's -- it's agreed upon between businesses and labor leaders and the Governor's Office. I know of no opposition. And it just continues it on as is to 2020.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1381. 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 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1381, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 1663. Senator Clayborne. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1663. Signed by Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. 1663 allows a public community college district to accept thirty credit hours towards -- thirty 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 credit hours transferred by a student from a non-degree granting institution regulated by the Board of Higher Education if the student has completed a program in a specified thirty-six fields. I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion of the motion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1663. 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 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1663, and the bill is declared passed. While we're on the Order of Concurrences, we'll turn back to the regular Calendar, to page 3 of your printed Calendar, to the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences on Senate Bills. We have a motion by Senator Steans on Senate Bill 1322. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1322. Signed by Senator Steans.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This, as amended by the House, it makes changes to the Nurse Practice Act to grandfather in written collaborative agreements between 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 podiatric physicians and advanced practice registered -- nurses that have been placed before January 1st, 2018. It was an agreed- to bill. I don't know of any opponents and urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1322. All in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1322, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 1345. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn to page 5 of your printed Calendar. We're going to the Order of Specific -- House Bills. I'm sorry, we're turning to page 6. This is the Order of Motions in Writing to Override Specific Recommendations of the Governor. We have House Bill 302. Senator Collins, ready to proceed? Please read her motion, Mr. Secretary.
I move that House Bill 302 do pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. Signed by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. As I mentioned before, this is a motion to override the Governor's veto. Basically, the legislation requires insurers to 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 evaluate policies in lapsed or terminated status since 2012 to determine if the policyholder died when the policy was still in force and, if so, whether death benefits have been paid. It also requires insurers with electronic searchable files to evaluate policies in lapsed or terminated status since 2000 to determine if the policyholder has died and death benefits have been paid. I am -- let me just say before I open it up for questions, this bill basically -- this -- it's about life insurance policies where there is a death benefit due and owing. Nothing in this bill or in last year's legislation changes or impairs the contractual relationship between a life insurance company and the insured. I am open for questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just to follow up on a question that we started before it was taken out of the record. So if I could ask…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield for a question. Senator Syverson.
Thank you. Senator, we were talking initially about the -- about the Treasurer's Office and how they used the contingency fee auditors. Who are they -- who are they using on that and do you know how that business arrangement is? What their fees are?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
I do not know what their fees are, but let me just state for the record that starting with Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, every State Treasurer, Democratic or Republican, has utilized contract auditors. If the Governor's veto were accepted, Illinois would be the only state in the nation to completely prohibit these types of outside auditors and the audits. The reason we use outside auditors is because they have the capacity to ensure that the people who are due their moneys receive them. The use of the independent auditor allowed the Treasurer to reclaim five hundred and fifty million in benefits since 2011, which would've gone unclaimed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
So I guess the question is, did -- did the Treasurer's Office issue an RFP for this or are they just using the same -- the same program that they've had in place?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
I'm not sure on that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
So I guess the question would be, is if we -- if we're using the same company for all these years, then we've not had an opportunity to open it up for an RFP. So that means that minority contractors, women contractors, military-owned businesses have not 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 gotten the opportunity to bid on this contract. And, I guess, why wouldn't we want to -- especially in light of what we've been talking about the last few months here, about opening up and having open bid processes, why wouldn't we -- before we continue this contract, why we wouldn't open that -- this up for an RFP?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
So we did open it up for a RFP. The contract in 2015, Treasurer Frerichs issued an RFP for unclaimed property auditors. In response to competitive proposals, the Treasurer awarded contracts to Kelmar Associates, Audit Services U.S., Xerox State & Local Solutions, and Versus {sic} (Verus) Financial.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
Are they working on a -- and do they work on an hourly basis, like the other contracts, or are they working on a percentage basis contract?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
It is a percentage basis.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
I didn't hear what the -- excuse me, I didn't hear that.
They work on a percentage basis, but they only get the 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 percentage of those that are unclaimed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
That's -- well, that's true with most percentage things. The -- the -- I guess the issue is, is some of the other contracts we have with the -- these -- these companies are based on an hourly contract, which would net savings, a big savings to the taxpayers, as opposed to doing a -- a bidding contract. And so -- so -- see, one second… And so I guess that would be the -- that would be -- the question's why -- again, why it's not an hourly based fee versus a contractual fee, 'cause sounds like the fees that they're receiving are pretty substantial compared to what it would have been if they had been based on an hourly based contract.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
Based -- based on the chart by the Treasurer, they have indicated, and they have the data to back it up, that hourly, it would impose more of a -- a deficit for the taxpayer. The hourly rate would cost the State and the taxpayer more. This is based on the Treasurer Frerichs' study.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson. Senator Righter, are you seeking recognition on this measure.
I am.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter. 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if we could please just bring down the volume level a little bit so that the Members debating can see and hear each other. Senator Righter, I'm sorry, were you rising for a question or for -- to -- to the bill?
Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for recognizing me a second time on this. Senator Collins, some questions that Senator Syverson was asking and it was hard to hear a little bit - and thank you for that, Mr. President - prompted me to get back up. The auditors that the State Treasurer is hiring, are those -- is that audit firm or are those auditors brought in through a request for proposal? In other words, the formal process that we use to make sure that the State gets the best deal. Are those brought in through an RFP?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
Yes. If you were listening to my response to Senator Syverson, matter of fact, the RFP was initiated under Judy Baar Topinka and, yes, the Treasurer did facilitate or solicit through an RFP. As I mentioned before, in 2015, Treasurer Frerichs issued 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 a RFP for unclaimed property auditors. In response to competitive proposals, the Treasurer awarded contracts to Kelmar Associates, Audit Services U.S., Xerox State & Local Solutions, and Versus {sic} (Verus) Financial LLC.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Is that RFP that you're -- that you just described, is that in force now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cut you off.
You didn't. I paused and you did the right thing. In other words, the people who are working now, were they hired through that process?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
It is in operation now, yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Collins, to close.
Thank you. Let me just say, now this is very important for the -- our taxpayers and our families. Why this bill is so important, let me just say, are we going to side with the insurance industry or stand with the hardworking families and deserving men and women, who believed in us, who trusted in us to serve and protect their interests and not serve the interests and bottom 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 line of the insurance industry? This is a reasonable and rational piece of legislation that every paper in the State has endorsed. So I hope they take notice of those legislators who are turning their backs on their constituency, the citizens who voted for them, who gave them the opportunity to serve. And the media I am referring to is the Peoria Journal Star, the Freeport Journal Standard, the Rockford Register Star, and Belleville News- Democrat, the Quad Cities Online, the Effingham Daily News and Daily Herald, and the Chicago Tribune. The only thing we are changing with this legislation is the ability of the insurance company to hold on and cheat the beneficiaries of the money they are legally obligated to pay. This pay may be the difference between a young adult having the moneys to pursue a college education or not, or child getting the surgery that would determine their quality of life or not. This is more than just a question of advocating for consumers. This goes beyond politics and partisanship. This is about doing the right thing and not allowing a powerful and moneyed insurance industry distort our vision or deflate our voice. On behalf of those families and their departed loved ones, I urge a Aye -- Yea vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall House Bill 302 pass, notwithstanding the specific recommendations of the Governor. 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 38 voting Aye, 16 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 302, having received the required three-fifths constitutional majority, is declared passed, notwithstanding the specific 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017 recommendations of the Governor. We'll turn now to page 3 of your printed Calendar. On the Order of Secretary's Desk, Concurrences is Senate Bill 1345. Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter, we have a paperwork error with the assignment of sponsorship of the bill and the motion to you. So with leave, we're going to turn back to that tomorrow. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will the Committee on Assignments please assemble immediately in the President's Anteroom? Will the Committee on Assignments please report to the President's Anteroom? (at ease) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - House Bill 3223, Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 403, and House Bill 1764. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been distributed to the Members' desks. On that Calendar is one order of business, House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 1764. Senator Hutchinson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1764. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 100th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 81st Legislative Day 11/8/2017
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Continuing on that Order is House Bill 3223. Senator Link is the sponsor, but Senator Holmes has direction from the sponsor to advance the bill. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Senate Committee on Telecommunications will meet tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Room 12 {sic} 212 to take subject-matter testimony. That's the Senate Committee on Telecommunications meeting at 9 a.m. in Room 212 for subject-matter testimony. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11:30 a.m. on the 9th day of November 2017. The Senate stands adjourned. 58