PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The regular Session of the 101st General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Curt Fleck, Civil Servant Ministries, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Curt Fleck)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Lisa Yuscius, Blueroomstream, requests permission to video. Leave is granted. Gabrielle Franklin, WCIA, requests permission to video and audiotape Session. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of January 9th, February 6th -- I'm sorry, February 5th, 6th, 13th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 27th, and March 5th, 2019.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of October 30th and November 4th and 6th, 2019.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Communication from the Secretary of State, please.
Madam President, I have a letter dated November 12th, 2019. Dear Mr. Anderson - This office is forwarding herewith a copy of a Notification of Vacancy from the Democratic Legislative Committee for the 40th Legislative District, declaring the existence of a vacancy in the Office of State Senator for the 40th Legislative District, as a result of the resignation of Senator Toi W. Hutchinson, effective on November 3rd, 2019. Also enclosed is a -- is a Certificate of Appointment to Fill the Vacancy in the Office of State Senator for Patrick J. Joyce, who was appointed to fill the vacancy in the Office of State Senator in the 40th Legislative District for the remainder of the term. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Yours truly, Jesse White, Secretary of State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 770 through 779, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. Senate Resolutions 781 through 794, offered by Senator Harmon and all Members. Senate Resolution 795, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. Senate Resolution 796, offered by Senators Brady, Barickman and all Members. Senate Resolution 798, offered by Senator Tracy and all Members. Senate Resolutions 799 through 802, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. And Senate Resolutions 803 and 804, offered by Senator Rose and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 780, offered by Senator Manar {sic} (Martinez). And Senate Resolution 797, offered by Senator Hunter. They are both substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019
Senate Bill 2299, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate -- Senate Bill 2300, offered by Senator McConchie. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2301, offered by Senator McConchie. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2302, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1010397 Governor's salaried appointment To be a Member of the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board, Patricia Sullivan Appointment Message 1010398 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Employment Security Advisory Board, Rick Terven Appointment Message 1010399 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Quality Care Board, Jae Jin Pak Appointment Message 1010400 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board, Jill Kastner
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I request a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. If you would join me in welcoming a -- a -- a few special guests that I have here with me today on the Floor. I have some young students, two recent graduates from the University of Illinois and University -- excuse me, Illinois Institute of Technology, as well as a current student participating in Student Government at the Illinois Institute of Technology. I have Tommy Tarnowski, Katja Berthold, and Michael Pod… Oh, I'm going to say this… Podsiadly. I -- I -- was that close? It was close. All right. So they are here to witness their democracy in action. So if you'd please join me in giving them a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly and congratulations on your graduation. Senator Weaver, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you, Ma'am. I'm honored to have with me today a young man from Princeton, Illinois, Jayden Tiemann. He was a three-time {sic} winner of the Full Orchestra category for the National Young 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Composers Challenge. He will -- his piece that he put together will be played by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on April 19th, 2020. At fifteen years old, that's pretty impressive. We're proud of you. His composition is called the -- "The Sailor's Tale". And he is a homeschooled child. He enjoys being a ref for Princeton youth soccer as well as photographer and computer coding. And he wants to be a film composer someday, like John Williams was for Star Wars. It's really important to recognize that this young man is the first person in the State of Illinois that has won this Young Composers title, and that is a national title. I'd ask you to welcome his parents. Tim and Renee are standing up here. And also congratulate this young man on a great performance. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your Calendars to page 3 on the Order of Senate Resolutions. Page 3. We will begin with Senate Resolution 749. Senator Fine. On Senate Resolution 749, the lady indicates she wishes to proceed, Mr. Secretary. Please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 749, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Fine, on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people, killing at least fifty-six hundred teens every year. Many of the crashes are caused by drowsy driving. About one hundred thousand accidents a year are a result 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 of driver fatigue. This resolution creates awareness around the signs and dangers of drowsy driving. November 3rd through 10th was declared Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in Illinois. And with the holiday season coming up and icy roads that we've had in the past couple days, this is a very important resolution all year long, but especially now when conditions might not be optimal for driving.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 749 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Please turn your Calendar to the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading on the top of page 3, please. House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Jones, on House Bill 1268. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed, Mr. Secretary. Please read the bill.
House Bill 1268. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Please turn your Calendars to page 2, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Recall on Senate Bill 533. Senator Manar, do you wish to proceed? The gentleman indicates he does. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary. Senator Manar seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 533 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 533. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Manar, on Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to adopt the amendment and I'd be happy to debate the bill on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 533. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 533. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill is quite simple. It has received quite a bit of attention since it was approved by the State Government Committee back in May, likely because of the time change that happened last Sunday. But it's pretty simple. It 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 would make daylight savings {sic} (saving) time the year-round standard time for the State. Would require, of course, a change in federal law or an exemption from Congress, neither of which exist today. But this came to me from a group of students that made a presentation in Senator Landek's committee last May, made a compelling case on why the arbitrary nature of changing time twice a year doesn't make sense anymore in our society. I appreciate the many conversations I've had with my colleagues on the bill on both sides of the aisle. I'm happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thanks, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCONCHIE: To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR McCONCHIE: I want to thank Senator Manar. We had a great discussion back in the spring. I -- it was a really great experience to have those kids come in, ask them some, what I thought were difficult questions. They had well researched the topic. And I know that there are a number of clocks I cannot reach in my house, due to my disability, and I have yet to convince my seventeen-year-old daughter to change all of those yet. So I -- I'm still, in my house, not quite sure what time it is. I do hope that we're able to make some progress on this and happy to support the legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
I -- I understand the not wanting to change the clocks and, quite frankly, I'm good with not wanting to change them, but if we're going to not change them, what we need to do is go to our standard time and not daylight savings {sic} time. The reason being is, there's been a lot of medical studies on this and it says, over time, daylight savings {sic} time eliminates bright morning light that's crucial to synchronizing your biological clock, possibly putting people at an increased risk of heart attack, strokes, and other harmful effects of sleep deprivation. We lose an average of fifteen to twenty minutes of sleep when we do daylight savings {sic} time. But we also have to understand that this one-hour transition, it may not seem like a big deal, but what they say is for the entire year -- for eight months of the year, our biological clocks are out of alignment with what they're supposed to be with the amount of light, so we're talking about the structure that is a part of our brain. We really need the maximum amount of daylight to be functioning. So, impacting brain function, which impacts energy, alertness, the amount of accidents there are when we change the time. So I understand your students not wanting to change the time, but what we need to do, if we're going to do that, is go and stay on standard time and not have daylight savings {sic} time at all. That is what the medical 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 experts think is the best way to handle it. So I would urge a No vote, unless you want to make an amendment on your bill having us change back to the standard time, which we should be dealing with. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise?
Question to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Anderson.
Senator Manar, as a professional firefighter, I want to know, how are people now going to know when to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Manar.
So I have learned with this bill that because we haven't talked about this literally in decades, there has been points along the way where people pose questions to me that I have to figure out a good answer for. This one, I don't know. I don't know. I -- I would say that perhaps firefighters and organizations around the State, either those in large cities that have full-time or in volunteer places, like a good portion of my district and your district, would take it upon themselves to make sure that individuals still knew the importance of changing the batteries in their smoke alarms, not associated so much with the time change twice a year. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Anderson.
Thank you, Senator, for that answer. And I -- I actually -- I'm in strong support of this bill and thanks for bringing it up.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. First, to the previous speaker, this last year we passed legislation…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator, are you speaking to the bill?
Oh, to the bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
This last year we did pass legislation implementing the ten- year smoke alarm, batterly -- batterly -- batterless -- less {sic} smoke alarms for ten years. So it becomes less of an issue. But my question is, if -- if this is passed just by -- by the State only, just some logistics on how does that work with border communities? And so, for those of us along the Wisconsin border, when you have a -- an event or a meeting, is that meeting at 8 o'clock or is it 9 o'clock, or is it 7 o'clock? And what kind of -- it ought to be changed. I certainly support the idea of changing it. It should be done on a national basis. But -- but do you -- do you foresee that being some real problems with so much of the 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 population being on the -- on the border communities when it comes to scheduling appointments or meetings, even simple things like health care? You know, a large portion of southern Illinois goes to St. Louis for their health care, and then what time are those appointments for? Is it 9 o'clock or is it 8 o'clock? Is it Illinois time or Missouri time? Do you see where that can be kind of a -- where that can raise a concern? And what are your thoughts on that? And then, obviously, if there's a -- if there's a way to encourage Congress to do this on a national basis, that would make the most amount of sense.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise? You didn't indicate you had a question, Senator Syverson. You said, "To the bill". Would you like to ask the sponsor a question? Would you like for the sponsor to yield for a question, Senator Syverson? The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Manar.
Thank you, Madam President. So, Senator, as I stated in my opening remarks, this is not being proposed so that we would be an island among ourselves in terms of how time is recognized. This contemplates us joining other states that have acted on the exact same measure in terms of moving the clocks forward one more time and stopping. But the only way it would change for Illinois by itself is what Arizona has done, and Congress has given them an exemption from federal law. This doesn't seek that. This just says one of two things should happen: There should be a national change, or if Congress were to begin to give states exemptions, that obviously would be a different conversation here on this Floor. So this doesn't say we should ignore federal law. It 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 doesn't say that we should be on a different clock with our border states. Of course, Indiana is a totally separate issue with the time zone difference. But this is just putting Illinois one step closer to doing what many states are in the process of doing right now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Chairman {sic}. A brief comment and a brief question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates he'll yield. Senator Oberweis.
The -- the -- the comment, first of all, regarding Senator Anderson's comment, we could decide to change batteries once a year on Thanksgiving, or for those who have the longer life batteries, so -- so much the better. And I would also point out to Senator Syverson that we have in Indiana -- actually Indiana has two time zones, so we already have that -- that question. My question, Senator Manar, is, would passing this bill have any effect at all, or is this just kind of an advisory piece of legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Manar.
No, it's a change in the law. So it would change the -- the law in the State, but, of course, it doesn't supersede what the United States Congress sets in federal law. So the law would be effectively changed if this bill got to the Governor's desk, which 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 I think is a big "if", because this is a new topic and this is the first time we've talked about it on the Senate Floor, at least to my knowledge. But, again, the only two ways that it can change in Illinois ultimately, even with this bill becoming law, is either Congress give us an exemption as a state or Congress implements a uniform standard, presumably different than what we have today nationwide. So -- so I think the answer to your question, it's a little bit in between. It's not advisory. It's changing the law, but it requires more action on the federal government's part in order for it to substantively change how we recognize time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Oberweis.
Yeah. Thank you, Senator. And I hope this -- this isn't a negative towards the bill, but I urge a Yes vote on the bill. I support it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes, for a second time.
Thank you for your indulgence, Madam President. I've never done this, asked to speak for a second time, and I was elected in 2006. So thank you. I want to clear up that point when you talk about how -- how this impacts. So "while the {sic} (many) sleep experts believe that doing away with time changes is a good idea, the U.S. federal government isn't considering any such move. However, many states are taking action. Since 2015, several states have passed daylight savings {sic} time exemption laws", which means a lot of states have reverted to not having daylight savings {sic} time too. I think at this point, this is a pretty 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 controversial issue. I would love to see this have further research and not pass in this Chamber at this time. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) You're welcome, Senator. Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Manar, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate the debate on the bill. I would remind my colleagues, to the previous speaker's remarks, that this is the first step. In terms of passage, this is a Senate bill in the Senate, so this bill still has significant work ahead of it. There's two ways to do this: either the way that the previous speaker articulated or the way that's in this bill as it's presented today. And I want to close by going back to what the five students - Andrew DeNeve, Tyler Behme, Travis Osborn, Tristen Burns, and Tucker Green - brought to me, which is the thrust of the bill - the arbitrary nature of changing time twice a year has significant impact on health and significant impact on productivity. And forcing the question and the debate, which is ongoing, I would hope, in the General Assembly if this bill passes this Chamber, is exactly what the students intended - was to have the debate and to share ideas about how to move forward, if -- if at all. So today I'm asking for this Chamber to advance this measure to the House so that we can continue this debate. And I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 533 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 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 44 voting Yea, 2 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. Senate Bill 533, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 767. Mr. Secretary. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 7-6-7? The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Please read the bill. Senator Murphy seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 767 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 7-6-7. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy, on Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Madam President. I wish to adopt and I'll explain on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 767. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 767. (Secretary reads title of bill) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 767 is a bill that would require IDOT conduct a traffic study any time there is a pedestrian death on an IDOT-controlled road. So we seem to have an inordinate amount of pedestrians that are being killed and this bill would require that they conduct a study. IDOT had a couple issues on the wording, so we agreed that they're going to change "traffic study" to safe -- "safety audit" and they'll work on that in the House. But other than that, I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote. But I'm happy to entertain any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Madam President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you very much, Madam President. Senator Murphy, one of the great things about Illinois is its diversity in many, many ways, and one of those is the amount of traffic that travels on State highways. And I suspect there's a sizable difference between the amount of traffic that travels on State highways in your district as opposed to mine. And I'm -- want to ask you, do you think it's a wise use of public resources to perform a traffic 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 study or -- I'm not -- I don't -- safety audit - I'm not sure, something audit that you mentioned a little bit earlier on a State highway on which there is very little traffic and there may have been a fatality, but it was kind of a freak accident? I mean, do we really want to require IDOT to go in there when there are six cars a day that travel on that road over a -- a twelve-hour period?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
I'd like to suggest that one death is too many. Since 2017, there are thirty-two pedestrian deaths. And even if there is low traffic, there should be some kind of study or an analysis, and that's what IDOT is willing to do, a safety report analysis, anytime. And, yes, I think it's imperative and it's a really good use of their time to determine why pedestrians are being killed on a road. The safety report will then show if it were driver error, someone was texting, if, you know, a pedestrian ran out in the middle of the road, and the report would be concluded, and it would be concluded very quickly. But we would know what the cause is. I just had another death about ten days ago in Des Plaines, with a pedestrian crossing the road. That's the second one at the same crossing. There's another crossing in Des Plaines on Miner Street, two deaths on that. How many more people have to die before IDOT decides to look at their roads, look at the safety of those roads? And this study -- conducting a study would determine that analysis so that changes can be made to prevent pedestrian deaths. So, yes, Senator, even if it's one death, I think that's too many.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Righter. No further discussion, Senator Murphy, to 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 close.
The language from "traffic study" will be changed to "safety review audit" in the House. And I would ask all the Members -- we have to protect our pedestrians. Thank you. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) You're welcome. You're welcome. The question is, shall Senate Bill 767 pass. All those in favor would 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 -- 49 voting Yea, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 767, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 805, offered by Senator Syverson and all Members. It is a death resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar. Will the members on the Committee of {sic} (on) Assignments please report to the President's Anteroom immediately? Members on the Committee of {sic} (on) Assignments, please report to the Anteroom. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you very much, Madam President. For purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Please state your announcement, Senator.
Thank you very much, Madam President. Just before -- people start packing up their things in anticipation of moving back to their offices, the Senate Republicans will have a caucus in Leader Brady's office for thirty minutes, immediately upon adjournment. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senate Republicans will caucus for thirty minutes upon adjournment. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an -- an announcement, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your announcement, Senator.
I -- I did see Senator Van Pelt on the Floor. I don't know where she is, but we'd like to wish her happy birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Happy birthday, Senator Van Pelt. Senator Hunter in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Leader Lightford in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3888 and House Bill 3904; refer to Human Services Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 391 and Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1797; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2957; refer to Public Health Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 115, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1711, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1909, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 49; refer to Revenue Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1042; refer to State Government Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1200; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Resolution 251, Senate Resolution 687, Senate Resolution 797, and House Bill 3426. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 668, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2455, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 616. Signed, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chairperson. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 668; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3426. Signed, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chairperson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, I would move to waive all notice and posting 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 requirements so that Motion to Concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1-1-5, Motion to Concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1-7-1-1, and Motion to Concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1-9-0-9 can be heard today at 2 p.m. in the Senate Public Health Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thanks, Senator, and happy birthday.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Van Pelt moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Motion to Concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1-1-5, Motion to Concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1-7-1-1, and Motion to Concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1909 can be heard today at 2 p.m. in the Senate Public Health Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 1 p.m. on the 13th day of November 2019. The Senate stands adjourned.
Pursuant to the directive of the Senate President, the regular Session of the Senate is now in perfunctory Session. Communication from the President. Letter dated November 12th, 2019. Dear Mr. Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 2-10, I am scheduling a perfunctory Session to convene on November 12th, 2019. Sincerely, John J. Cullerton, Senate President. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Committee Reports. Senator Bertino-Tarrant, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Resolution 466 Be Adopted. Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bill 1297 Do Pass. Senator Van Pelt, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Joint Resolution 49 Be Adopted, as Amended; Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1711 and Motion to -- Concur to House -- with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1909 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 597 Do Pass. Senator McGuire, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports House Bills 744 and 745 Do Pass. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Motion to Concur on House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1597 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Morrison, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 391 and Motion to Concur on House -- House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1797 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 392 Do Pass. Resolutions. Senate Resolution 806, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. And Senate Resolution 807, offered by Senator McConchie and all Members. They are both death resolutions and will be referred to the Consent Calendar. Introduction of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 2303, offered by Senator Fowler. (Secretary reads title of bill) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 63rd Legislative Day 11/12/2019 Senate Bill 2304, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) And Senate Bill 2305, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills. There being no further business to come before this perfunctory Session, pursuant to the directive of the Senate President, the Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, November 13th, 2019, at the hour of 1 p.m., or until the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. 25