PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly will please come to Order. In place of the invocation today, I ask all Senators and those watching the proceedings to observe a moment of silence in accordance with your beliefs and in honor of those lost during this pandemic. (Moment of silence observed) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Bennett, please lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Bennett)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Richard Millard from Blueroomstream seeks leave to video today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Tuesday, October 20th, 2021.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter.
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 CUNNINGHAM) 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, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 582, offered by Senator Belt and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Members. Senate Resolution 583, offered by Senator McConchie and all Members. Senate Resolution 584, offered by Senator Morrison and all Members. Senate Resolution 585, offered by Senator Crowe and all Members. Senate Resolutions 586, through 591, offered by Senator McClure and all Members. Senate Resolution 592, offered by Senator Connor and all Members. Senate Resolution 594, offered by Senator Pacione-Zayas and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 593, offered by Senator Villivalam and Senate Joint Resolution 36, offered by Senator Doris Turner. They are both substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 2945, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2946, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of Bill) Senate Bill 2947, offered by Senator Bailey. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 (Secretary reads title of Bill) Senate Bill 2948, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of Bill) Senate Bill 2949, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of Bill) Senate Bill 2950, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of Bill) 1st Reading of the Bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1020260 Governor's non-salaried Appointment To be a Member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Niketa Brar Appointment Message 1020261 Governor's salaried appointment To be a Member of the State Board of Elections, Tonya Genovese.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Messages 1010488, 1010505, 1010519, 1010520, 1010524, 1010525, 1010526, 1010527, 1010529, 1010530, 1010532, 1010537, 1010551, 1010552, 1010557, 1010558, 1010564, 1010565, 1010568, 1010586, 1010600, 1010601, 1010605 and 1010606 Do Recommend Consent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Would the Members of the Committee on Assignments, please assemble immediately in the President's Anteroom? The Members of the Committee on Assignments, please assemble immediately in the President's Anteroom. Senator Holmes in the Chair.
Senator Cunningham back in the Chair.
WCIA requests leave to record the proceedings today. Seeing no objection, leave is granted.
Senate Resolution 595, offered by Senator Villivalam and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Place that on the Resolutions Consent Calendar, please.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports that the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2778; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 302, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 370, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1769, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1976, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2791; refer to Health Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2431; refer to State Government Committee - Senate Resolutions 581 and 593, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 594; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 106; and Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Joint Resolution 34; Pursuant to House 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Senate Rule 3-8(b-1) the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 594. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, the Senate Democrats will caucus virtually for approximately one hour upon recess.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCLURE: Purpose of Announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your announcement. SENATOR McCLURE: The Senate Republicans will also be caucusing for the same amount of time in Leader McConchie's office.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Both caucuses will meet in the respective locations, the Senate will stand at recess till the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The Senate will come to Order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 596, offered by Senator Bennett and all Members. Senate Resolution 597, offered by Senator Connor and all 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Members. Senate Resolution 598, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolution 599, offered by Senator Pacione-Zayas and all Members. They're all celebration of life resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. Please place those Resolutions on the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, are there any Committee Reports?
Yes, Mr. President. Senator Villivalam, Chair of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 106 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Morrison, Chair of the Committee on Health, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2431 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Belt, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2778 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee of Executive, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 370, Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 1976 and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2791 Recommend Do Adopt. We have a corrected Committee Report for Senate -- Senate Committee on Executive Appointments. Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Messages 1010488, 1010491, 1010493, 1010494, 1010495, 1010499, 1010500, 1010505, 1010508, 1010509, 1010510, 1010511, 1010512, 1010513, 1010514, 1010515, 1010517, 1010519, 1010520, 1010524, 1010525, 1010526, 1010527, 1010529, 1010530, 1010532, 1010533, 1010534, 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 1010536, 1010537, 1010538, 1010541, 1010542, 1010543, 1010544, 1010551, 1010552, 1010553, 1010557, 1010558, 1010559, 1010560, 1010561, 1010564, 1010565, 1010566, 1010567, 1010568, 1010569, 1010575, 1010576, 1010578, 1010581, 1010582, 1010584, 1010585, 1010586, 1010587, 1010588, 1010589, 1010590, 1010593, 1010595, 1010596, 1010600, 1010601, 1010602, 1010605, and 1010606 Do Recommend Consent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House, by Mr. Hollman, 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 1040. 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 2 to Senate Bill 1040. Passed the House, as amended, October 26th, 2021. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Lee Milner, from Illinois Times seeks leave to take photos and Andrew Campbell, from WGEM seeks leave to video today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 State your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Republicans would like to caucus for twenty minutes in Room 309. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) That is always in order. The Senate will stand at ease for no more than twenty minutes for a -- will recess to the call of the Chair for no more than twenty minutes for the purpose of a Republican Caucus. Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The Senate will come to order. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Pursuant to Senate Rule 4-1(e), I move that Senators Aquino, Collins, Ellman, Hastings, Rose, Stewart, and Van Pelt be allowed to participate and vote remotely for today's Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senators Aquino, Collins, Ellman, Hastings, Rose, Stewart, Van Pelt be allowed to participate and vote remotely for the October 26th, 2021 Session Day pursuant to Senate Rule 4-1(e) all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries and Senators Aquino, Collins, Ellman, Hastings, Rose, Stewart, and Van Pelt are allowed to participate and vote remotely for the October 26th, 2021 Session Day. Senator Crowe, for what 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your point.
Members of the Senate -- Members of the Senate, I rise with a heavy heart this evening. There was a tragedy, in my district, this morning. A Pontoon Beach police officer lost his life in the line of duty. Officer Tyler Timmins succumbed to his injuries after being shot at a gas station on Route 111. His murder was senseless and it was irrational. Officer Timmins was 36 years old. He was a police officer in Madison County for 14 years, he served Roxana, Worden and the Hartford Police Departments. His wife, Linsey, also serves at the Southern Illinois University Department and he's going to be missed by his stepdaughter Khloe. Officer Timmins and Linsey were just married this September. The sacrifices of our law enforcement officers that they make in order to protect us when they put on their uniforms and respond to emergency calls every day cannot be understated. Our first responders deserve respect and appreciation. The Timmins family has suffered a significant loss. The members of the Pontoon Beach Police Department are mourning the loss of their colleague and I ask that you please keep his loved ones and the entire law enforcement community in Madison County and our State in your prayers. And at this time, I invite the Chamber to join me in a moment of silence for Officer Tyler Timmins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate, please rise for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate, on page 2 of your printed Calendar -- Senate Bills on 3rd Reading. Senator Murphy brings Senate Bill 145. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Senator Murphy. I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 145. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate. Senate Bill 145 eliminates some of the obstacles to get our physician assistants hired in Illinois. In particular, at a time when Illinois needs more health care professionals to treat COVID patients and patients in areas that are underserved. PAs are advanced practice providers on the frontlines. So this is an agreed bill, we've eliminated all the opposition from IDFPR and the State Medical Society. It passed out of the Licensed Activities Committee, unanimously, and really all it does is remove some technical language about filing the collaborative agreement. So I know of no opposition, I would ask for Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 145 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Moving now to Senators voting remotely. Senator Aquino. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021
Aquino votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Aquino votes Aye. Senator Collins.
Senator Collins votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Collins votes Aye. Senator Ellman.
Ellman votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Ellman votes Yes. Senator Hastings.
Senator Hastings votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hastings votes Yes. Senator Rose.
Rose votes Aye, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Stewart.
Stewart votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Stewart votes Yes. Senator Van Pelt. Senator Van Pelt. We're going to move back to Senator Hastings. Senator Hastings, if you can cast your vote again, we did not see you on the video feed. Senator Hastings.
Senator Hastings votes Yes. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hastings votes Yes.
Mr. President. I did not hear your confirmation of my vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rose, I apologize for that. Senator Rose. Senator Rose votes Yes.
Thank -- thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish. Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Senators voting in the affirmative, no Senators voting No. Senate Bill 145, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the -- in the Senate President's Anteroom. Committee on Assignments. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair on Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - House Bill 3490, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 370 and Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 2778. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate, we will now move to page 4 of your printed Calendar. To the Order of House Bills on 3rd Reading, towards the bottom of page 4 there is House Bill 1976, there's been a sponsorship change on that. It's been changed to Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, please. -- Senator Fine seeks leave 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 of the Body to return House Bill 1976 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1967 {sic}. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment is simply a technical cleanup to a bill that passed unanimously, in the spring Session. It changes a date for the Department of Insurance and it also puts in a -- that providers of accident and health insurance can also sell a certain line of insurance that we inadvertently took out. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine, do you move forward -- the amendment's adoption?
Yes, I move to adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021
House Bill 1976. (Secretary reads title of Bill) 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine, on House Bill 1976.
Thank you, Mr. President. As I previously explained that this is just a technical cleanup bill and I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1976 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? We will now move to Senators voting remotely. Senator Aquino.
Aquino votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Aquino votes Aye. Senator Collins.
Senator Collins votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Collins, could you please restate your vote.
Senator Collins votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Collins votes Yes. Senator Ellman.
Senator Ellman votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Senator Ellman votes Yes. Senator Hastings.
Senator Hastings votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hastings votes Yes. Senator Rose.
Rose votes Aye, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rose votes Aye. Senator Stewart.
Stewart votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Stewart votes Yes. Senator Van Pelt. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting President {sic}. House Bill 1976, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're remaining on House Bills on 3rd Reading. We will move to House Bill 220 that appears of {sic} page 3 of your printed Calendar. Understand we have paperwork, including a sponsors change. Check that, Senator Belt is the sponsor. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 220. (Secretary reads title of Bill) 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Cullerton -- Senator Cullerton, on your bill.
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Hello. Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 220 amends the Illinois Public Relations Act to establish statutory definition of a company officer with regard to firefighters. I would appreciate an Aye vote and I would be more than happy to explain it, if there are any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill… sorry we have a late light. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) He indicates he will yield, Senator Castro.
Senator Cullerton, I have some questions on Legislative Intent, if you… the first question I have, are Battalion Chiefs currently in the bargaining unit?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Cullerton.
Senator, I appreciate that question. That’s an excellent question. Yes, in some fire departments, however, the title or rank is not uniform throughout the fire service and is irrelevant in this bill. The bill further defines a company officer within the Illinois Public Relations Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro.
Does the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act currently have 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 a multipart test in place to determine supervisors?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Cullerton.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro.
House Bill 220 seek to remove any portion of that multipart test?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Cullerton.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro.
What does House Bill 220 do then?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Cullerton
House Bill 220 further defines that a company officer may oversee a single company, multiple companies, or an entire shift.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 220 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? We'll now turn to Senators voting remotely starting with Senator Aquino. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021
Senator Aquino votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Aquino votes Yes. Senator Collins.
Senator Collins votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Collins votes Yes. Senator Ellman.
Senator Ellman votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Ellman votes Yes. Senator Hastings.
Senator Hastings votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hastings votes Yes. Senator Rose.
Rose votes Aye, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rose votes Aye. Senator Stewart
Stewart votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Stewart votes Yes. Senator Van Pelt.
Van Pelt votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Van Pelt votes Yes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 55 Senators voting Aye, 3 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 220, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 3 of your printed Calendar, House Bills on 3rd Reading appears House Bill 370 -- brought by Senator Sims. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 370 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 370. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims, on Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims, on Floor Amendment No. 2.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 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.
3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 370. Senator Sims indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 370. (Secretary reads title of Bill) 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims.
Thank you, Mr. President. The amendments that we adopted, just a moment ago, include the Youth Health and Safety Act. The Youth Health and Safety Act encompasses a wide ranges -- wide ranging amount of issues but most importantly, it repeals the Parental Notice of Abortion, but also it creates the Youth Health and Safety working group which will allow for the establishment of working groups -- of a working group that will compile resources and identify resources available for young people, young parents, and parents to -- to make stronger familial communications but also to provide for services and necessary resources available for young people. I want to thank my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, for the robust discussion that we had in the Senate 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Executive Committee about this piece of legislation. This is a necessary proposal to move our State forward, to protect our young people, often those who cannot protect themselves. With that, Mr. President, I ask -- I ask for any questions and will ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) He indicates he will yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Sims, I -- I know you are a parent and I was wondering if you could give us an idea of what your definition of a parenting role is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims.
Senator, I think that a parent's role is to engage in the raising of their children and ensuring that they have the best -- best life possible. I would say this to you, Senator that I believe in - there's an African proverb that says that we don’t necessarily build on this world as much as we borrow it from our children. So I believe that my responsibility, as a parent, is to make a world that my children can continue to grow and thrive in.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Thank you, for that. Now, your bill, you mention this amendment and I would certainly support that amendment. Is there any possibility that you could move forward only on your amendment and reserve the portion of the bill that would repeal the Parental Notification Act?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims.
Senator Tracy, I -- I appreciate that request. However, what I would say to you is that one of the challenges that we have heard from opponents to -- to this -- to the repeal of the Parental Notification Act is that it destroys familial communications. What the working group does is invest in those supports to make sure and ensure that young people and their parents have the resources that they so desperately need, to make sure that we are -- we are providing the resources that they -- that they need. But the reason that this is called the Young -- the Youth Health and Safety Act is because one of the most detrimental laws that are currently on our books, impacting young women, is the… parental notice of… abortion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
And in committee, I think your concern with the Parental Notification Act had to do with the minute number of cases but the extreme cases where a child would be apprehensive about going to her parents or guardian and go through a court procedure, I believe that was correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Senator Sims.
No -- no Senator, I don’t think that was --that was what I said. But what I -- what I said was, we don’t know the total number of -- of young people who fail to go through the judicial bypass procedure because we just don’t know if they have taken that -- that -- that procedure or taken the -- taken the opportunity to try to go through that procedure that -- that was more specifically what I said, but also what I was -- what I'm concerned about and you mention that -- that I'm a parent. And I would say to all parents who are here, disassociate yourself from your relationship with your -- with your child because we are -- we are walking in the shoes of our relationship with our children, when in reality there are young people who do not have the very strong relationships, and I'm sure that all of us have in this -- in this Chamber with our -- with our young -- with our children, but those are not the young -- those are not the young people that we are trying to protect. We are trying to protect those who cannot stand up for themselves, those who cannot turn to a trusted adult and say, "I am in trouble. I need guidance." But also, that’s why we have the working group that allows for the establishment and the identification of those resources so that we know that that young person will have access to those resources. So that young person will have access, and more specifically, their parents will have access to those resources that will help them to make those decisions as a family. We cannot force -- we cannot force strong authentic familial communications but what we can do is create an environment where parents and their children can have those -- those conversations authentically and that’s what we're 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 doing with the Youth Health and Safety Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
Did you look at ways that we could improve the judicial bypass procedure as an alternative to just throwing out this complete Act that most parents in the State of Illinois support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims.
And Senator, I -- I again, I appreciate the question and this is one of the items we talked about in committee. If you are a young person and you are seeking to -- to utilize the judicial bypass, if you are a poor young person, if you are a young person who lives in a small town, if you are a young person who lives in a rural town, it is extremely difficult to get into -- to go and access during business hours the judicial bypass procedure. Now, all of us have been -- have become custom to debating in public, speaking in public, but think about a young person who is walking to the doors of a courthouse and going into a courthouse and asking one of the most difficult - engaging in one of the most difficult conversations period - and going and having to say that to a complete stranger and asking that complete stranger to have to -- to -- to delve into their personal lives. And, I would remind you that the judicial -- those judicial proceedings are confidential. So that young person, who is already terrified, has to go to the -- the -- the courthouse doors and try to get in and -- and have -- have this process play out. Then, they are -- they could often times, their met with someone who is on the other side of the 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 bench, who does not share their empathy, who is not empathetic and who is not looking for -- looking at what is in their best interest, but is more importantly, looking at their own self -- their own self-interest and their own politics. So what we are trying to do is create an environment where these young people have access to services, they have access to the -- the resources that will help them make sound decisions, and then, to have the counseling services, the mental health services, the resources necessary that would allow them to engage in those -- those discussions with their families, their partners, that will help them -- and help to make the right decision and a sound decision for them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
Thank you, Senator Sims. Given that, I think I'll just go to the bill because obviously…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
To the bill. We have a great deal of -- of distinction and disagreement of where we stand because certainly, we know from the statistics that there is a small number of girls that go through the judicial bypass. There are advocates, we know, there are resources just as you mention. All the resources that are out there, post abortion, there are also many resources to surround that child going through that judicial bypass procedure that exists now. For those of you in this Chamber that are non-parents, I would just say, you have to put yourselves in the position of a parent. None of us knows what it's like to be a parent until you 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 become one. It’s the most basic human relationship that we know of and it is a precious bond for lifetime, but most critical during a young girl, a minor's formative years. My office has received numerous complaints and -- and concerns about this bill and I suspect all of yours have as well. Today in Committee, because this bill was filed this morning, we still had thirteen hundred opponents and four hundred proponents that shows you right there that 3 to 1 people are in opposition across the State from this bill and they only had a couple of hours because here again, it is 8 o'clock in evening, and we're giving the citizens of Illinois, the parents of Illinois, this much time, to debate this bill. They don’t even know it's going on, but we do. And it's our job to try -- to not create more boundaries and barriers in the family unit. We have enough problems in this State without creating more wedges between children and their parents. And, in the last few years, in this Chamber, we've seen bills that allow or change the age of buying cigarettes to the age of 21. I don’t like cigarettes, whatsoever, I -- I don’t think any age should be allowed to buy them, however, we changed it to 21 because we didn’t think that person had the ability to know how to protect their health - to buy a package of cigarettes - we didn’t think they had that ability to protect their health. It's hard to understand -- hard to understand why when we recognize minors are still learning, growing, and developing the capacity to make mature decisions and exercise good judgment, we would repeal a law requiring parental notification for a minor to get an abortion. Every parent has the responsibility to provide a good and safe environment for their children. We know right now, as parents, that we've had to write notes for medication to be given to students, minors at school, 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 but yet we would take away the right to have a notification of a major medical procedure to a young girl. There's just no justification for taking away parental notification. A pregnant, fourteen-year-old girl doesn’t have the emotional maturity which would have -- which will have lifelong consequences and she needs physical and mental support, at the time, by her parents. And what about complications? Not every abortion is successful. Post operation complications happen. You send a fourteen-year-old girl home and her parents don’t know that she's had a major procedure. What's to happen to her when complications like, bleeding out occur and the parents don’t know that she's had this procedure? There's an instance of a young woman, her name is Tonya Reeves, from City of Chicago. She has -- she was 24, not a minor, but however, she had major complications from an abortion performed at a Planned Parenthood in the loop in Chicago. She had a perforated uterus and she died because the clinic did not share with the E.R. what had happened to her and she bled out. Her family was awarded two million dollars settlement because when she left that abortion clinic nobody told anybody what was wrong with her and they knew they could’ve saved her life, but this is the complications that sometimes happen. A fourteen-year-old girl, facing the same situation, she's not going to think she's going to die. She's not going to tell her parents right away, because we've already removed any thought of her process that her parents need to be informed. I think it's unconscionable that we would think her parents shouldn't know, so that they could help her with these post operation complications. We must not pass laws that cut parents out of this very important decision-making process. Repealing the Parent Notification of Abortion Act sends a clear message to 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 parents across the State of Illinois, you don’t matter in your child's life. Well, we as parents, myself as a parent, I want my children to know, I want my grandchildren to know that they matter in their lives and so do the parents I represent. They do matter and they have responsibilities and duties for their children. Every time we negate one of these and we create a barrier we're sending this message stronger and stronger and it does more harm than good, I can tell you. It is easier to understand, why when you look at the Governor's radical agenda that he's pushed through this legislative Veto Session, that it's just one more example of our Governor and this -- majority controlled Assembly, that they believe that they know what is best for our children, rather than the parents, and the grandparents, and the foster parents, and the guardians who raise them. The attack on parental rights is a constant thing of this administration and it's just one more example of the Governor's overreach into the lives and the homes of Illinois families. And this Body is allowing it to happen. And I stand strongly opposed to eliminating this Parental Notification and I urge my colleagues to join me. Join me in recognizing the rights of parents across this State, and vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, I rise to the bill and to the Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
Thank you. Today I rise in opposition to House Bill 370. Time and time again, this Governor has spit in the face -- faces 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 of the families of this State. He's shown his total and complete disregard for the rights of the -- of family unit and now -- now he's at it again but he's using this Body. I almost used the word minions when I was putting some notes together for this, but I don’t think we're minions of anybody. I think we are clear thinkers, and we're able to decide for ourselves, but this Body is being used to take away the rights of parents. The bill has an amendment added to it that has a task force that we all, everybody in here knows, it’s smoke and mirrors. That’s all it is. It's to make it look like it's okay to take a parent's rights away because the government is going to look at how parents should parent and then we're going to tell them, again, we're going to put a task force together that tells them how to do it? We've now asked -- a previously -- we've now been asked in the sponsor's presentation, to disassociate ourselves from our own children and our family issues and we're supposed to think about the vulnerable in our communities. But to come here and disassociate ourselves from -- from our family experiences, from the things that we've shared in our own lives, that we're supposed to bring here with us, we're supposed to disassociate ourselves from our own family experiences, on this bill? So, I want to speak to you, as a mother and as a grandmother and -- and I also, rather than disassociate ourselves from the issue, I'd like speak for the nearly fifty thousand, and it may be fifty thousand now, just a half an hour ago so it was forty-nine thousand plus, who put in witness slips in opposition of this bill. So I would say, that we're here tonight not to disassociate ourselves from our families or from the experiences that we bring here, but we're here to speak for them. They have elected us because we bring our shared experiences 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 here. And we're supposed to be speaking for those fifty thousand plus, that’s just the ones that could figure out how to do a witness slip. As a mother and a grandmother, I will not, and I cannot, silently stand by, as this Chamber seeks to tie the hands of parents, allowing children -- children to make decisions regarding their health without parental guidance. These are children, frequently, that are facing difficult circumstances and not considering the long-term consequences of their actions. I urge you to take -- I urge you to not take away their parental foundation at a time when a child may need their parent the most. And again, I keep saying child in this because we're not talking about adult women making this decision. We're talking about what, basically, could be little girls. I know some girl, actually in -- in my daughters Junior High, twelve years old, trying to make this decision. Thank God she had a family that she could -- that was notified by the school, so that they could help her along, maybe it's good to live in a rural community where we all know each other. Even if you disagree with me on this point, the fact remains that parental notice goes beyond just a basic support system. Think we've talked about this over the last few days in press conferences, maybe today in the -- in the committee, but it goes -- it goes beyond just the parental notification by removing parental notice laws, we're essentially paving the way for a system to protect predators and abusers while silencing the actual victims. Did you know that in 2018 Illinois ranked eleventh in the nation for the number of cases for human trafficking? And as of now, Illinois Parental Notification Law provides young girls, as a previous speaker talked about, provides young girls trafficked or abused a way to get help in what seems to them, a helpless 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 situation. However, if you strip this safeguard, the children will continue to be silenced, and we will be complicit in creating an environment that empowers predators, sex traffickers, and abusers. Eliminating the Parental Notice Law would be a tragic irreparable mistake. Taking away the right of mothers, like me, to support their daughters, to support their children, is criminal. As a mother, as a grandmother, I implore you to vote No on this bill. Protect our children, by protecting our families. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Bailey, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
May I speak to the bill, please? Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
Well, here we are again, seems to be a habit. I can't believe that we're here considering this egregious, dangerous, and life- threatening legislation. And I can't believe that some of you would have the audacity even to consider removing parental rights from a serious procedure, such as an abortion performed on a child. The parental notice, thankfully, saves around a thousand lives per year. But you know what, this is an issue that transcends abortion. It involves the rights of parents to protect their children from sexual predators and human traffickers. Approximately, one-third of abortions with minors involve a sex offender. Why would you not want a parent or a legal guardian to know this, so that they can -- so they are capable of stepping in and protecting their child? Why would you not want to help 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 identify these predators and get these dangerous people off the streets? Let me quote some poll statistics on this very issue. In March, the parents for the Protection of Girls Coalition did a poll of Illinois voters. They found that an overwhelming seventy- two percent of Illinois voters support parental rights of abortion. Even more so, seventy -- seventy-six percent of the people of color support parental rights for abortion and even fifty-five percent of those who indicated they were pro-choice support parental rights of abortion. So let me ask you, why -- why do you want to remove it? Do you think the government knows better than parents? I certainly want to understand what is going on with my children and be there to help them and I hope that you would too. I'm pro-life and I know that we may disagree on this, but let me ask you all to put aside any agenda or message that you may want to send to another state for passing pro-life legislation and let remind -- let me remind you that we are not here to compete with California or New York on who can be the most pro-abortion state. We are here to represent Illinoisans and the overwhelming majority of Illinoisans want to keep parental rights. I'm urging you to do what is right. I'm praying that you will safe -- I'm praying that you will put the safety of our children first, that you will not enable sexual predators and human traffickers, and that you will not remove the parent from this significant decision. We must support the Parental Notification Law as it is currently written and we must protect the fundamental rights of parents to protect their children. Please vote No, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021
Thank you, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
Thank you for allowing me to speak and thank you for allowing me to have all of your attention. This is something that is very passionate to me, I can say that notification to a family member is in the best interest of minors and the purpose of this Act is to protect minors. And I can tell you that, in fact, repealing parental notification allows older men to use abortion to conceal evidence of their sexual abuse of minor girls. And, I also could tell you that thirty-two percent of teen mothers fifteen to seventeen are impregnated by a man that’s twenty years -- older than twenty years, and that’s from the National Campaign for Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. And I could also tell you that girls deserve every safeguard against abuse that society can offer. I'm a mom, of a daughter, just like many of you, so that fact that we're debating this is -- it's very -- it's very passionate to me. As parents we're obligated to care for not only our children's physical health but their mental health as well. And I could keep talking more and more in depth the different issues that my fellow Senators brought up, but I just thinking about this, let's think about it this way, how many people have a teenager daughter or have had a teenage daughter, and their crying in their bedroom, and you know their crying, and you know they broke up with their boyfriend. And, they're sobbing in that room and you come to the door and check on them and you back out and you go to the door and check on them, they don’t want anything to 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 do with you at that moment, but then finally it's too late, and you go back in there and they might have a high fever or they might be septic, you don’t know because they haven’t told you their experience. And I think that’s what's so important that we need to be available for our children, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
Thank you. I'm a parent, a mother of four and I rise in opposition to House Bill 370. The sponsor said to support the elimination of parental notification to protect the children. He also said that the current Parent -- Parental Notification Act is the most detrimental law impacting young children. He said to disassociate yourself from your child. He also stated, in his opening, don’t worry, we're going to have a task force - a working group - an establishment who will give the child the support that they need -- not the parents. No matter who you are or what you believe, this bill is a travesty for the mental health of our children throughout the State. Leaving young girls alone to make this huge health and life decision without communication or support from their parents, and mental health professionals, is not just irresponsible, it's cruel. Parental consultation is usually in the best interest of the minor, since the capacity to become pregnant and the capacity for mature judgment concerning abortion are not necessarily related. A study published recently in the 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that nearly three quarters of women with a history of abortions surveyed, admitted that they experienced at least subtle forms of pressure to terminate their pregnancy. Repealing parental notification may make it easier for sexual predators to manipulate their victims into having abortions and to conceal their crimes. In fact, I'd like to share a story with you today. Dr. Brook Bello is the Founder and CEO of More Too Life, which is a group dedicated to ending human trafficking. Recently, Dr. Bello spoke to MPR about being a survivor of human trafficking and pre-teen rape. She was forced to have multiple abortions by her traffickers early in her teens, and today she's unable to bear children. Her traffickers were able to get away with it because they kept her in a state that didn't require parental notification for teen abortion. In the article, Dr. Bello said, "Had my parents been notified, my mother would’ve known what city I was in, she would’ve known what street I possibly had been near, and she could’ve contacted law enforcement." Dr. Bello's story could be, unfortunately, one of many, and if we repeal this law today, I fear that we may put young girls in danger of having to go through what Dr. Bello's has endured. Illinois is one of thirty-seven states that requires people under the age of eighteen to notify a parent before getting an abortion. This debate goes well beyond just whether we think abortion is acceptable or not. It’s a slap in the face to the thousands of parents around this State who want nothing more than to be the support system for their child. Government intervention is not the solution. A minor needs parental consent to go on a field trip, to get their ears pierced, and to undergo, virtually, any medical procedure. Did you know, that a minor has to get a 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 parental consent to get a vaccination? The fact that we're debating whether a parent simply needs to be notified if they undergo a major medical procedure that could have lifelong effects is frightening. This isn’t about abortion. This is about Illinois government thinking they know what's better for our children than the parents and guardians who raised them. It's about taking away notification with a vote that could affect girls for their entire lives. We're seeing more and more of this invasion of parental rights with this administration from controversial sex ed -- sex education bills in our schools to healthcare mandates. No matter what your political affiliation is and no matter what your abortion stance is, young children should not have to make these medical - - major medical decisions and emotional decisions alone without the support of people who are meant to care for them. There has to be a line. This is the line, protect it and protect our children, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Sims, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. Let me speak to a couple of the points I heard during debate. One, that people didn’t know about this bill. This bill has been out here since 2019. It’s a topic that has been talked about over and over again. That -- there was a contention that folks didn’t know about it, but yet there’ve been emails that have been going to our offices and communities. You can't have it both ways. Either you know about it or you didn’t so that's -- that’s number one. Number two, there was over and over again, there was the contention that young people, young women, fourteen and under, make up the bulk of the individuals who 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 are going to be -- who are -- who are covered - who are -- who are going to be -- who are getting abortions in Illinois, that’s just not the case. Young -- young people make up less than ten percent of the total number of abortions Statewide so let's -- let's make that very clear. Another -- another issue that came up was that parents don’t know where there's a complication related to the abortion. The parents have no way to be involved. Let's be very clear, the only decision when it relates to child -- to -- to pregnancy, the only decision that a parent has to be involved in, is required to be involved in, is if the child decides to have an abortion. If there is a C-section, a cesarean section is necessary, someone invoked my children, my wife had our children by cesarean section. One of them was via emergency cesarean section, but if a child, fifteen -- my wife who was an adult was able to make those decisions. But if a child were in that same circumstance to decide between the life of a child or her own, she wouldn’t have to tell her parent anything, so that’s another point. There was another point that said that this spits in the face of parents. That is -- that is so offensive that I can't even believe that the statement was made, but it was, so I'll address it. The discuss -- the discussion is about ensuring that young people have access to healthy family communications, and there was another statement made that, you know, that -- that I said, disassociate yourself from your children. That is not what I said. I said take a step back from your relationship with your own children to walk in the steps and walk in the shoes of young people who do not have healthy family relationships. That’s what I said. Let me also say, you know, there was this contention that the elimination of parental notification of abortion somehow aids human 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 traffickers. Experts in human trafficking says there is no link, that is a myth, in their words, not mine. It is a myth that there is a link between human trafficking and the parental notification of abortion, that’s a myth. There -- that is -- those are their words not mine. Then, there was contentions made that we are talking about -- we are not -- we're talking about consultation. We're not… what you are not talking about is consultation, you're talking about forcing -- you're talking about compulsory birth. You're talking about forcing someone into a condition where someone has the ability to determine if their child -- if their child has a -- has a baby or not. Not whether they take the baby to term, not whether or not they give the baby up for adoption, but only if they have to take the baby to term. Also, finally, again my -- my children were -- were brought into this debate, let me -- let me tell you about my children. I have two of the most amazing daughters God ever put on this green earth, and the day that both of them were born, I made a promise to God and all of man, that I would protect them with my very life. Some of you know about a situation, I was involved in a shooting in a shopping mall, and at that moment I proved to my children I would lay down my very life for them if it came to it. Now, you talk about those healthy familial communications. Let me talk about the communication that I've had with my daughters. Not just my daughters, but my daughter's friends, who feel comfortable enough talking to me, as a father and as a father figure, having a conversation with them and talking specifically about this bill. I asked them, what do you think about this bill? Those young women, to a person said to me, I have my own mind, let me use it. I think that is a very powerful statement. James Baldwin once 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021 said that, "Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they’ve never failed to imitate them." Let's set the example for them to imitate. Mr. President, I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 370 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? We will now move to Senators voting remotely starting with Senator Aquino.
Aquino votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Aquino votes Yes. Senator Collins.
Collins votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Collins votes Yes. Senator Ellman.
Ellman votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Ellman votes Yes. Senator Hastings. Senator Hastings. Senator Rose.
Rose votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rose votes No. Senator -- Senator Stewart.
Stewart votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Stewart votes No. Senator Van Pelt. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 64th Legislative Day 10/26/2021
Senator Van Pelt votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Van Pelt votes Yes. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 32 Senators voting Yea, 22 voting Nay, 0 Present. House Bill 370, having received the constitutional required majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we've completed our business for this evening, we're preparing to adjourn. We will be reconvening at 10:00 a.m., tomorrow, for further Floor action. Committees will meet tomorrow afternoon. The Executive Committee meeting that was posted for 10:00 a.m., will instead be moved to tomorrow -- tomorrow afternoon. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10:00 a.m. on the 27th Day of October, 2021. The Senate stands adjourned. 40