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 January 5th, 2022. Dear Mr. Secretary - Pursuant to Senate Rule 2-10, I am scheduling a perfunctory Session to convene on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022. Senator Don Harmon, Senate President. Resolutions. Senate Resolutions 670 to 672, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. Senate Resolutions 673 to 676, offered by Senator Crowe and all Members. Senate Resolutions 677 through 680, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. Senate Resolution 681, offered by Senator Rose and all Members. Senate Resolution 682, offered by President Harmon and all Members. Senate Resolution 683, offered by Senator Villivalam and all Members. Senate Resolutions 684 through 693, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. Senate Resolution 694, offered by Senator Pacione-Zayas and all Members. Senate Resolutions 695 through 697, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. Senate Resolution 699, offered by Senator Connor and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Members. Senate Resolution 700, offered by Senator Stadelman and all Members. And Senate Resolution 702, offered by President Harmon and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions and will be referred to the Consent Calendar. Senate Resolution 698, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel. And Senate Resolution 701, offered by President Harmon. Senate Joint Resolution 39, offered by Senator Crowe. And Senate Joint Resolution 40, offered by Senator Stewart. They are all substantive. Committee Reports. Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Message 1020261 Recommend -- Do Recommend Consent. Introduction of Senate Bills. Senate Bill 2974, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2975, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2976, offered by Senator Crowe. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2977, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2978, offered by Senator Villa. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2979, offered by Senator Belt. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Senate Bill 2980, offered by Senator Tracy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2981, offered by Senator DeWitte. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2982, offered by Senator Stoller. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2983, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2984, offered by Senator Fowler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2985, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2986, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2987, offered by Senator Murphy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2988, offered by Senator Sally Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2989, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2990, offered by Senator Gillespie. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2991, offered by Senator Martwick. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2992, offered by Senator Martwick. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2993, offered by Senator Johnson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2994, offered by Senator Johnson. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2995, offered by Senator Gillespie. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2996, offered by Senator Cunningham. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2997, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 2998, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3000, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3001, offered by Senator Gillespie. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3002, offered by Senator Glowiak (Hilton). (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3003, offered by… Excuse me. Senate Bill 3003, offered by Senator Curran. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3004, offered by Senator Belt. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3005, offered by Senator Stadelman. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3006, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3007, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3008, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3009, offered by Senator Holmes. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3010, offered by Senator Murphy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3011, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3012, offered by Senator Simmons. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3013, offered by Senator Sally Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3014, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3015, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3016, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3017, offered by Senator Doris Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3018, offered by Senator Doris Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3019, offered by Senator Doris Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3020, offered by Senator Connor. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3021, offered by Senator Johnson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3022, offered by Senator Tracy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3023, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Senate Bill 3024, offered by Senator Bush. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3025, offered by Senator Bush. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3026, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3027, offered by Senator Belt. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3028, offered by Senator Curran. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3029, offered by Senator Tracy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3030, offered by Senator Tracy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3031, offered by Senator Wilcox. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3032, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3033, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3034, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3035, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3036, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3037, offered by Senator Joyce. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3038, offered by Senator Peters. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3039, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3040, offered by Senator Bush. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3041, offered by Senator Fowler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3042, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3043, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3044, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills. Appointment Messages. Appointment Message 1020288 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Payton Ade Appointment Message 1020289 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Kane County, Diana Law Appointment Message 1020290 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Henderson County, Chad Long Appointment Message 1020291 Governor's non-salaried appointment 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Knox County, Chad Long Appointment Message 1020292 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Warren County, Chad Long Appointment Message 1020293 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Bureau County, Andrew Russell Appointment Message 1020294 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Putnam County, Andrew Russell Appointment Message 1020295 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Cass County, Eddie Carpenter Appointment Message 1020296 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Morgan County, Eddie Carpenter Appointment Message 1020297 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Pike County, Eddie Carpenter Appointment Message 1020298 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Scott 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 County, Eddie Carpenter Appointment Message 1020299 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Coles County, Kelly Finet Appointment Message 1020300 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Douglas County, Kelly Finet Appointment Message 1020301 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Piatt County, Kelly Finet Appointment Message 1020302 Governor's salaried appointment To be Chair (Chief Administrative and Executive Officer) of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, Kellye Keyes Appointment Message 1020303 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, John Hanlon Appointment Message 1020304 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, Philip Kinsey Appointment Message 1020305 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Lake County, Thomas Hood III 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Appointment Message 1020306 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Logan County, Robert Porter Appointment Message 1020307 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the State Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees, Mark Donavan Committee Reports. Senator Cunningham, (Vice) Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - Senate Bill 629; refer to Appropriations Committee - Senate Bill 2937; -- refer to Behavioral and Mental Health Committee - Senate Bills 2910 and 2945; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bills 54 {sic} 554, 2092, 2931, and 2942; refer to Education Committee - Senate Bill 569; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - Senate Bills 2238, 2940, and 2959; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Senate Bill 562; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bills 507, 639, 1785, 1900, 1915, 1907, 2038, 2478, 2480, 2935, and 2950; refer to Health Committee - Senate Bills 455 and 2962; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Bill 637; refer to Insurance Committee - Senate Bills 146, 1788, 2008, 2963, 2969, and 2970; refer to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bills 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 660, 2234, 2961; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Senate Bills 670, 675, 1930, 1990, 2243, and 2561; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bill 1778; refer to Pensions Committee - Senate Bill 2952; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bills 1792, 2132, 2154, 2242, 2247, 2456, 2490, 2951, 2968; refer 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 to State Government Committee - Senate Bills 1945, 2108, 2139, and Senate Resolution 99; refer Tourism and Hospitality Committee - Senate Bills 1973 and 2275; refer to Transportation Committee - Senate Bill -- Senate Bills 1802, 2013, and 2930; refer to Appropriations-Health Subcommittee - Senate Bills 1623, 2369, and 2967; refer to Appropriations-Higher Education Subcommittee - Senate Bill 92; refer to Appropriations-Human Services Subcommittee - Senate Bills 1787, 2009, 2233, 2335, and 2944; refer to Appropriations-Revenue and Finance Subcommittee - Senate Bill 589; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bills 586, 1633, 2535, House Bills 45, 716, 1953, 2985, 3138, and 3918. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, (Vice) Chair. There being no further business to come before this perfunctory Session, the Senate stands adjourned until January 5th, 2022, at 2 p.m., or to the call of the Senate President. 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. Dear Mr. Secretary - Pursuant to Senate Rule 2-10, I am scheduling a perfunctory Session to convene on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022. Don Harmon, Senate President. Committee Reports. Senator Cunningham, (Vice) Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1785, Committee Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1915, 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1953; refer to Health Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1633; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 586; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1930, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2243, and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2535; refer to Revenue Committee - Committee Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 2132; refer to State Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1945; refer to Behavioral and Mental Health Committee then to Appropriations- Education Subcommittee - Senate Bill 2943. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, (Vice) Chair. There being no further business to come before this perfunctory Session, the Senate stands adjourned until January 5th, 2022, at 2 p.m., or until the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned.
The regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? In place of the invocation today, I ask that all Senators and those watching the proceedings 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, would you please lead us?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Bennett)
Mr. -- Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of March 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 23rd and 24th, 2021.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved unless some Senators have additions or corrections to offer.
Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, continuing on the Order of Journals - Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Thursday, October 28th and Wednesday, December 15th, 2021.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journals just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no -- no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 703, offered by Senator Doris Turner and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
Resolutions Consent Calendar. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 1953 Recommend Do Adopt.
Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 2999, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3045, offered by Senator Cunningham. (Secretary reads title of bill) Going back to Senate Bill 2999, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3046, offered by Senator Martwick. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- Senate Bill 3047, offered by Senator Joyce. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3048, offered by Senator Joyce. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3049, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3050, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3051, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3052, offered by Senator Peters. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3053, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3054, offered by Senator Ellman. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3055, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3056, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3057, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3058, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3059, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3060, offered by Senator Bailey. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 3061, offered by Senator Sally Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1020308 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Carroll County, Dana Considine Appointment Message 1020309 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Lee County, Dana Considine 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Appointment Message 1020310 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, Carrie Ward Appointment Message 1020311 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the State Employees' Retirement System (Board of Trustees), Mark Donovan. Appointment Message 1020312 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a Member of the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, Steven Block Appointment Message 1020313 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Whiteside County, William H.T. Lee Appointment Message 1020314 Governor's salaried appointment To be a Commissioner of the Illinois Commerce Commission, Ann McCabe
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, Bailey, Barickman, Bryant, Bush, Collins, Curran, Ellman, Feigenholtz, Gillespie, Harris, Jones, Lightford, Plummer, Rose, Stewart, Stoller, Tracy, Villa, Wilcox be allowed to participate and vote remotely for today's Session. And that Senators Hastings, Muñoz and Doris Turner, each of whom 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 is physically present at the location of Session, be allowed to participate and vote remotely.
Is there any discussion? Senator McConchie, are you seeking recognition on this motion? SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President. Given the Senate Rule that requires a majority be present at the location, can we confirm the number of Members that are actually here, currently?
The Chair observes a quorum is physically present at the location of Session pursuant to Senate Rules 4-1(e) and 4-5. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you. Do we have a number?
Thank you, Senator McConchie. Are there any Members of your caucus at the physical location of Session? SENATOR McCONCHIE: I know of myself, here, currently.
Then I believe we are 32 which constitutes a quorum. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President.
Further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senators Aquino, Bailey, Barickman, Bryant, Bush, Collins, Curran, Ellman, Feigenholtz, Gillespie, Harris, Jones, Lightford, Plummer, Rose, Stewart, Stoller, Tracy, Villa and Wilcox be allowed to participate and vote remotely for the January 5th, 2022 Session. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 And that Senators Hastings, Muñoz and Doris Turner, each of whom is physically present at the location of Session, be allowed to participate and vote remotely for the January 5th, 2022 Session. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. In the opinion of the Chair, the motion carries, and Senators Aquino, Bailey, Barickman, Bryant, Bush, Collins, Curran, Ellman, Feigenholtz, Gillespie, Harris, Jones, Lightford, Plummer, Rose, Stewart, Stoller, Tracy, Villa and Wilcox are allowed to participate and vote remotely for the January 5th, 2022 Session. And that Senators Hastings, Muñoz and Doris Turner, each of whom is physically present at the location of Session, be allowed to participate and vote remotely for the January 5th, 2022 Session. Blueroomstream.com seeks leave to record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
Please proceed, Senator.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Good afternoon, everyone. I'd like to -- I would like to shout out McDonald's, for bringing us a meal with chocolate milk and cookies today. Last year, we worked together to ensure that restaurants will be able to provide children's meals with health -- healthy beverage options - sparkling water with no added natural or artificial sweeteners, milk, milk alternative, or juice. The health of our children is a responsibility that falls not just on their parents but on the community at large. It takes a village, right? I appreciate 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 McDonald's and all the other restaurants ready to adjust their beverage options in order to instill healthier eating habits in our kids. Among the top fifty restaurant chains that included beverages as a part of their children's meal in 2016, three- quarters includes sugary drinks. It is up to the individual to make healthy decisions, but it's also up to the restaurants to provide healthier options. Constant consumption of sugary drinks can take an immense toll on one's health. Frequently drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with dozens of health issues, including obesity, gain -- including gaining weight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, health disease, kidney disease, non- alcoholic liver -- liver disease, tooth decay and cavities, and gout. Diet soda isn't -- isn't much better and is actually linked to an increase of likelihood of gaining -- gaining weight. There is no significant nutrition link to -- linked to diet soda, so it contains artificial sweeteners and increases risk of diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other diseases already disproportionately affects children of color. We must do all we can to mitigate these risks. So, enjoy your chocolate milk and your -- and your cookies that was delivered to your offices today. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Senator. Senator Crowe, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
Proceed, Senator.
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Thank you. Last year, on December 10th, a catastrophic F3 tornado tore through an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, in my district. It caused a portion of the structure to collapse and it killed six workers. The victims of the deadly storm were Clayton Cope, 29 years old, of Alton; Larry Virden, 46 years old, of Collinsville; Austin McEwen, 26 years old of Edwardsville; Kevin Dickey, 62 years old of Carlyle; Deandre Morrow, 28, of St. Louis and Etheria Hebb, 34, of St. Louis. My heart is with their families and we will not forget their loved ones. I want to take a moment to recognize IEMA, the Madison County Emergency Management Agency, members of the Edwardsville fire and police departments, as well as Mayors Risavy and Pagano for their leadership and commitment to restoring stability and offering relief to the region following the tragic event. To all of the area EMS personnel, firefighters, first responders and law enforcement officers who responded to the call and worked to serve and to protect our community, your sacrifices and dedication to the people of our region will not be forgotten. Thank you for literally braving the storm and putting your life at risk to be the first boots on the ground on December 10th. The recovery efforts would not have been possible, without assistance from multiple teams of first responders, local organizations, union workers, city crews, small businesses and other volunteers who worked throughout the night for several days on end. We’re working together to recover and we will remember the six lives that were tragically lost. On behalf of the 56th District, I thank you all for your support and I ask for a moment of silence, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator. Would all Members rise to observe a 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 moment of silence? (Moment of silence observed) Senator Joyce, for what purpose do you rise? Please Senator, proceed with your point.
Members of the Senate, I rise with a heavy heart this afternoon. There was a tragedy in the 40th District that I represent. A longtime Bradley police officer lost her life in the line of duty. Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic succumbed to her injuries, after being shot in a hotel in Bradley, Illinois. Her death was senseless and it was irrational. Sergeant Rittmanic was 49 years old. She was a police officer in Kankakee County for 14 years, and served as a sergeant for seven of those years. She -- previously served as deputy with the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department. Her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey, was -- also suffered injuries investigating a noise complaint and is seriously wounded. Officer Bailey is 27 years old and has been with the Bradley Police Department for over three years. Our law enforcement officers put their uniforms on and show up for work every day, going above and beyond the call of duty, to help protect our communities. Sergeant Rittmanic gave her life, while protecting the citizens of Bradley, and Officer Bailey is fighting for his life. The Rittmanic family has suffered a significant loss, and the members of the Bradley Police Department are mourning the loss of their colleague. I ask that you keep Sergeant Rittmanic, Officer Bailey, their families, and all the Kankakee County public safety agencies in your thoughts and prayers, during this extremely difficult time. At this time, I'd invite the Chamber to join me in a moment of silence for Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and Officer Tyler Bailey. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
Please stand for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Supplemental Calendar No. 1, of the 102nd General Assembly dated Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 has been printed and distributed to the Members' desks. We'll turn that to final… Oh! Senator McClure, I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you. Senator McConchie told us you weren't here. SENATOR McCLURE: That's a…
What purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCLURE: Mr. President, a moment of personal privilege.
Please state your point. SENATOR McCLURE: Mr. President, a constituent of mine, Deirdre Silas was an investigator with DCFS, who is admired for the meticulous way she tracked her cases and performed her duties. She was well known for her positivity. For -- for Deirdre, working to help families, and especially children, was truly a calling. She joined DCFS last year, after working for the Department of Juvenile Justice and she was thirty-six years old and had a bright and very important career of service still ahead of her. She was dedicated to keeping the children and families of our State safe. Last night, she went to a home in Thayer, to check on the safety of the children who lived there. And she was brutally murdered in that home. This is a harsh reminder of the very real dangers faced by 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 DCFS workers across our State. I ask for a moment of silence to remember her and the Silas family. And, I ask that you keep her husband, young children, and entire family in your prayers. I also ask that you keep her coworkers at DCFS, in Springfield and around the State, in your prayers, as well.
Please stand to observe a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Returning to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, on the Supplemental Calendar No. 1, we have House Bill 1953, sponsored by Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1953 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1953. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Morrison.
Senator Morrison, on your amendment.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption and will discuss on 3rd.
Senator Morrison moves for the adoption of Floor amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1953. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 1953. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1953. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Morrison, on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1953, as amended, makes three technical changes which will be pertinent and effective for this election cycle and makes one clarification of definition. I'm happy to discuss it, if there are any questions.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1953 pass? All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? We're now going to turn to our Members participating remotely. It's a long list. Senator Aquino.
Aquino votes Aye.
Senator Aquino votes Aye. Senator Bailey.
Bailey votes No.
Bailey votes No. Senator Barickman. Senator Bryant.
24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Senator Bryant votes No.
Bryant votes No. Senator Bush. Senator Bush. Senator Collins.
Collins votes Yes.
Collins votes Aye. Senator Curran.
Senator Curran votes No.
Curran votes No. Senator Ellman.
Ellman votes Aye.
Senator Ellman votes Aye. Senator Feigenholtz.
Senator Feigenholtz votes Aye.
Feigenholtz votes Aye. Senator Gillespie.
Senator Gillespie votes Aye.
Gillespie votes Aye. Senator Harris.
Harris votes Aye.
Harris votes Aye. Senator Jones.
25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Senator Jones votes Aye.
Jones votes Aye. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford. Senator Plummer.
Plummer votes No.
Plummer votes No. Senator Rose.
Rose votes No.
Rose votes No. Senator Stewart.
Stewart votes No.
Stewart votes No. Senator Stoller.
Stoller votes No.
Stoller votes No. Senator Tracy.
Tracy votes No.
Tracy votes No. Senator Villa.
Villa votes Yes.
Villa votes Aye. Senator Wilcox.
26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Senator Wilcox votes No.
Wilcox votes No. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 39 voting Aye, 17 voting No, none voting Present. And House Bill 1953 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Johnson, for what purpose are you seeking recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
Please state your point.
I rise to recognize the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA for hosting their sixteenth annual Health for Humanity Yogathon. The sixteen-day event aims to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Health for Humanity Yogathon integrates simple yoga postures in ten steps that, along with easy breathing techniques, can provide immense health benefits to both the body and the mind. Each year, Hindus worldwide celebrate the January 14th as Makar Sankranti, a day that marks the change of the season as the sun enters the sign of Capricorn. This ushers in longer days, thus the festivities symbolizes sunshine and light and life. To mark this occasion, HSS has organized the Health for Humanity Yogathon from January 15th through January 30th. HSS initiated this health awareness project in 2006. And, since its inception, participants from forty-three states actively take part via various yoga centers, community organizations, schools and colleges, regardless of individual faiths or beliefs. Collectively, they have performed 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 more than four million of these Surya Namaskar Yajnas. Community leaders and many elected officials across the nation have appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and gain the benefits of an overall healthy lifestyle. This year, HFS invites community groups, yoga centers, students and individuals to learn and participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon. This program is open to people of all ages, abilities, gender, and races. Sending my best wishes for a successful event. The light in me, honors the light in you. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator. To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advice and Consent. Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointment set forth in Appointment Message 261 of the 102nd General Assembly.
Senator Murphy moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Messages just read. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed. On that is the Order of Executive Appointments. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1020261.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 appointment: To be a Member of the State Board of Elections, Tonya Genovese.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move that the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. Pursuant to Section 5/1A-4 of the Election Code, a two-thirds majority of 39 votes is required for confirmation. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? We'll now turn to those Members voting remotely. Senator Aquino.
Aquino votes Aye.
Aquino votes Aye. Senator Bailey.
Bailey votes Yes.
Bailey votes Aye. Senator Barickman. Senator Bryant. Senator Bryant. Senator Bush.
Senator Bush votes Yes.
Bush votes Aye. Senator Collins.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Senator Collins votes Aye.
Collins votes Aye. Senator Curran.
Senator Curran votes Aye.
Curran votes Aye. Senator Ellman.
Ellman votes Yes.
Ellman votes Aye. Senator Feigenholtz.
Feigenholtz votes Aye.
Feigenholtz votes Aye. Senator Gillespie.
Gillespie votes Aye.
Gillespie votes Aye. Senator Harris.
Harris votes Aye.
Harris votes Aye. Senator Jones.
Senator Jones votes Aye.
Jones votes Aye. Senator Lightford.
Lightford votes Aye. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
Senator Lightford votes Aye. Senator Plummer. Senator Plummer. Senator Rose.
Rose votes Aye.
Senator Rose votes Aye. Senator Stewart. Senator Stoller.
Stoller votes Yes.
Stroller votes Aye. Senator Tracy. Senator Villa.
Villa votes Aye.
Villa votes Aye. Senator Wilcox. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. A two- thirds majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Senator Koehler in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) We have two requests to take photos. One from the State Journal-Register, the other the Sun-Times Chicago. Without any objection, leave is granted. Senator Murphy, do you have something to say to the Senate?
Mr. President, I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 We were in limbo for all that time. Senator Murphy moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. And the Senate is now -- has arisen from Executive Session. We will stand at ease. (at ease) Senator Cunningham in the Chair. The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 704, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Resolutions Consent Calendar. We'll remain at ease. (at ease) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3138 and Senate Resolution 701. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) We're going to go to Supplemental Calendar No. 1. We're going to go to House Bill 3138. President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3138 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3138. Mr. President {sic}, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by President Harmon. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon, to explain your amendment. Is there any discussion? 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 KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 3138. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3138. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3138, as amended, is the judicial redistricting bill. We are redistricting various judicial boundaries to reflect population and demographic changes since the last time each of these districts were drawn. I'd like to outline the preliminary or the major highlights of the bill. First, in Cook County, one of the first counties to have subcircuits, we are redistricting those to reflect significant population shifts, as well as, increasing the number of subcircuits from fifteen to twenty, to better reflect the diversity within the county. In -- existing judicial sub --- circuits in Kane, McHenry, and Will County, we are redistricting to reflect population shifts. In Lake County, 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 we are increasing the number of subcircuits from six to twelve, to more accurately reflect the diversity and population changes in the county. And I want to particularly thank Senator Adriane Johnson for her tenacious advocacy to make sure that the African American community in Lake County will be better represented in the judiciary. We are making changes in the 17th circuit, consolidating four subcircuits into two, which would essentially, in the Rockford area, create a synthetic resident judge model. We are adopting the resident judge model in Champaign County, Peoria County, and Rock Island, to better ensure that judges are elected from across the circuit. In DuPage County, we are, for the first time, enacting judicial subcircuits in the State's second largest county. An effort, probably, long overdue. And we are making changes, as well, in Madison and Bond County in the 3rd Circuit and in the -- in Sangamon County. So -- be happy to try to answer any questions you might have, but ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Mr. President, will -- will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Sponsor indicates he'll yield. SENATOR McCLURE: Thank you, Mr. President. President Harmon, were the chief judges in all of these courthouses notified that this was taking place right now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, as I mentioned in committee, these conversations have been ongoing for quite some time. I believe that individual Members of the Senate, and presumably the House, have had conversations with not only local judges, as well as court administrators and their -- have relayed their input to -- to us here in Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Okay, so you're just presuming that they were notified. Okay. So, I guess on the public hearing aspect of this, I recall having a hearing over the Chicago map. But, you know, for example, Sangamon County, other places that you just talked about, why was there not a public hearing, at least for them as a group or individually?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, actually, in October we had a subject matter hearing, one of the subjects of which was sub-circuiting in counties over a hundred and fifty thousand. So, we did have a hearing on that back in October. And, at any time in the interim, any interested Member of the Senate certainly could have submitted subcircuit maps.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: But there was a separate hearing that was done with the proposed map for Chicago. And -- so people could look at and 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 therefore participate and comment, if they wished. That was not done for Sangamon County and other places, I just -- why was that not done for these other counties?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm -- I'm sorry Senator, there is no map for Chicago.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: President Harmon, for Cook County.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
…For that clarification, Senator, Cook County is much larger than simply Chicago, and we did have a hearing on that. That map has been circulated. Obviously, that is one of the larger and more complex maps. We did have a hearing today, where we took up the remainder, and now the bill is on the Floor ready to proceed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Another question I've got, President Harmon, is these -- I - - I've got the drawing, actually, I don't know if you can see -- oh, you can't see on the screen. But I -- I've got the drawing for -- and I do call it a drawing, because it looks like somebody took a crayon on this. We've got, along the Illinois River there's a green line here. It was obvious that that was drawn over multiple 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 times by this purple line, it's a very haphazardly done map. I guess, why wasn't the time taken to do this right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Senator, I have no idea what you are talking about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Mr. President, I would be happy to come over and show you exactly what I'm talking about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm not sure if we have the sorts of protocols in the Senate to approach the bench and submit -- evidence. I'd be happy to talk to you after the debate. Can you tell me even which subcircuit you're talking about?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Thank you, Mr. President. I'm in the area that really affects my district, in particular, Sangamon County area, then you go along the Illinois River you get -- so it's basically, actually along the Illinois River. There's a purple drawing here in between - it's very hard to, sort of describe it on this map because it's not very well labeled either, I have to say. But it's on the Illinois River, Mr. President, and it's -- it's south of 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Jacksonville and it's -- it's in the 50th Senate District, which is -- which is on the western portion of Illinois, in that area.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank - thank you, Mr. President. I'm looking at a map. I presume it is the map you're looking at. It appears to me that the Sangamon County map actually follows the Sangamon County borders. You -- you -- if you have a complaint about the Sangamon County boarders, I don't know where you'd take that up. Perhaps if you'd been here earlier, we could have talked about this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Perhaps, Mr. President, if you had been listening to what I just saying, I was talking about the Illinois River portion not the Sangamon County portion. And, so, the -- the -- what I'm speaking about is on the Illinois River. If you got the color version, it's a purple color, then there's a dark green -- color below that. And it's very obvious that the dark green was actually going a little bit east of the Illinois River portion of it, but then it looks like a child scribbled over that portion with a purple crayon. And that's sort of what we're looking at, and that's what I'm kind of talking about. It's right by the Illinois River, President Harmon, where the purple and green meet.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I believe that the county 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 in purple is Greene County. And I apologize for not having at the tip of my tongue the name of the county in which Jerseyville is resident. But, I think those are different counties within the circuit. Again, if you have a complaint about the county boundaries, I think your complaint department is elsewhere.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Well, thank you, Mr. President. I'm happy to inform you that Jerseyville is in a county called Jersey County. And the question was not about the border, the question was, this was drawn in such a, I guess, childish fashion that it was obviously done very quickly, I just -- the question I asked you was, why was this done so quickly? I mean, I can't even tell where the lines are. I mean, we -- we tried to have our staff look at the demographics in the Springfield area, for example, that again looks like a child drew -- drew it with a crayon and they couldn't -- our software would not compute in that area because it was drawn in such a poorly done way. So the question is, is not about the various borders, but, why was this done in such a rushed fashion? And, why was it not done right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Senator, if -- if we're talking about the same map, the purple line follows the county line. I -- I don't know what else to tell you except that's the county line. So, we didn't haphazardly put together the county lines. If you don't like the -- the computer program that generated it with a relative thick but easy to see 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 line, perhaps your own computer system would present it in a -- in a more pleasing fashion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Thank -- thank you, President Harmon. Mr. -- Mr. President, I'll speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) …bill. SENATOR McCLURE: You know, I don't think I need to talk a longtime about this. So, the chief judges were not notified. Cook County was given a hearing with the maps, other counties were not. I mean, anybody who looks at this map, with a functioning brain, will see what I'm talking about. And, unfortunately, we see pieces of the green that are drawn over by the -- by the purple map drawer, almost to correct an error. The same is true in the area of Springfield, but you can see it right by the Illinois River. I mean, it was done in such a quick way, it's just, you know, it just doesn't make any sense to rush this to this extent. I never got an answer to that question. I just got an explanation that some computer program did this or that. But the question about why this was done in such a rushed fashion, to where you can't even see the details of where the lines are in the map, begs the question to all of my colleagues here, how are they supposed to vote on this map, when you can't even tell the details as to where these districts are? And, in fact, the Springfield location was -- was done in such a bad way that our programming couldn't even find the demographics in that area, which I know is important to President 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Harmon and everyone else, to see what the demographics are for these districts. So, we don't even have enough information on this map, because it was done in such a poor way, to make a reasonable vote one way or the other. So I'm disappointed, as usual, that there's no transparency. I'm disappointed, as usual, that people that should have been involved, like the chief judges in each of these courthouses should have been involved, but were not. But, here we are again, you know. But, this is just, unfortunately, business as usual, which is going to change aspects of our courthouses across the State which is very significant and important. And, in my view, the people should have had more notification of this. And the counties outside Cook County should have had the opportunity to properly ask questions and be here and review these things in the same way that Cook County did -- the folks in Cook County did. Unfortunately, they were not. That's just a bad thing for our State. It's just not good for our government. So, just based on the fact that we don't have enough knowledge of these maps, because of how badly they were drafted, I -- I would urge a No vote. And the people that should have been involved and need to be involved in the process were not involved. And they should have been. And, so, therefore, I would urge my colleagues to vote No. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. Question for the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he will yield.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Thank you, Mr. President. President Harmon, when was the last time the Cook County judicial subcircuits were redrawn?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, they have never been redrawn, since initially being enacted in 1991.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Is there a deadline that subcircuits must be redrawn in the first week of January 2022?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
The General Assembly passed a law in a prior General Assembly instructing us to redistrict existing subcircuits. I'm afraid that because of the delay in the census data and the delay in -- fashioning other maps, as well as litigation, we are just now turning to this as what I trust is our last adventure in redistricting. So, we are attempting to comply with the law that we, ourselves, passed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
…Mr. President. So, the answer is no, because the statute only requires the subcircuits to be redrawn in 2022. President Harmon, why is there a rush to complete a subcircuits in the first day of 2022? 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Again Senator, we are behind schedule not ahead of schedule. The intent of the law had been for these subcircuits to be redrawn in advance of the 2022 elections. The reality is that, for the overwhelming majority of these subcircuits, we're delaying their effectiveness until the 2024 election. But, it is time for us to conclude our work on redistricting, it is a -- an immense undertaking, and we have devoted considerable staff and Member resources to doing that. We'd like to finish up that work and move back to the regular order of Senate business.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, you actually answered, President Harmon, my next question. Why the rush? Because some of these subcircuits are not going to be redrawn until the year 2022. So, again, I was curious why we were called here today to have to redraw the subcircuits that are not -- do not have to be drawn until the year 2024. Mr. President, my next question is, how many committee hearings do you have or did you have on the judicial subcircuits to collect input from the public?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Well, we -- we published maps beginning in December. We certainly took input from the public. We had another hearing 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 today, and a hearing -- subject matter hearings in October, followed by publications of maps beginning in December, and the hearing -- the last hearing was today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Mr. President, so the answer is that there was one hearing and it was for Cook County only. Was the public given at least seven days to participate in today's hearing on judicial subcircuits?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you. Senator, I need to correct you first of all, the hearing in October was not limited to Cook County subcircuits. It was subcircuits in counties of a population of a hundred and fifty thousand and more. And the hearing today was a subject matter hearing posted in accordance with our Rules.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you. Just to, again, to reiterate, at that time in October though, no maps were given for review. Mr. President, how many of the legal -- advocacy groups have been consulted on the new subcircuits?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
I -- I have no way of knowing how many legal advocacy groups 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 have been consulted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, the answer is no advocacy groups were consulted on the new subcircuits. Mr. -- President Harmon, how many of the chief judges of these circuits testified on their preferences?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. First of all Senator, your last statement was simply an incorrect characterization of what I said. I don't know how many legal advocacy groups were consulted, that does not conclude that none were consulted. I would say the same is true with judges and court administrators. I don't know how many were consulted. You cannot draw from that a conclusion that none were consulted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Our staff had said that no advocacy groups were -- testified or put on public record for this. Mr. President, how many of the -- how many court administrators for the judicial circuits affected have testified to the General Assembly on the proposed changes?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 I, again, Senator, I answered that in the last question. I don't know if any -- how many court administrators were consulted. I don't know if you consulted with your local court administrator. I don't know what to -- to answer for all the other Members of the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. Were any of the court experts consulted on how these changes would affect caseload of the circuits -- circuits redrawn?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Senator, maybe you could clarify for me what is a court expert?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
The -- okay, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Any attorney or public defenders or anyone consulted regarding the caseload.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm sorry, Senator, I am very confused by the question. For instance, in Cook County the -- the -- circuitwide, we have now -- we will have twenty subcircuits instead of fifteen subcircuits. All that does is change the way 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 judges are elected, to ensure that the judiciary reflects the diversity of the county. It doesn't change the workload of the judiciary in any way. The same would be true in any county where we're simply dividing it up into subcircuits for the purpose of election of judges. We're not parceling the judicial work itself into these subcircuits.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
…President. Why were these circuits chosen to be redrawn to create the subcircuits in the particular areas that were chosen?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Well, first of all, in five of the - four of the five counties where we're doing this -- this -- the metropolitan areas -- counties where we're doing subcircuits, four already have them and we're just redistricting them, like we redistrict legislative districts. DuPage County is the second largest county in the State and probably should have had judicial subcircuits long ago. So, that's the only new addition of subcircuits.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
The press release states, quote, The creation of new subcircuits in DuPage County, Sangamon and Madison counties will give minority communities a better opportunity to elect candidates of their choice and influence elections. All seven judicial subcircuits in DuPage County are primarily Caucasian. All three 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 subcircuits in the seventh, or excuse me, all three judicial subcircuits in the 7th circuit, which includes Sangamon, are predominately seventy percent Caucasian. And, then all four judicial subcircuits in the 3rd circuit, which includes Madison, are over seventy-six percent Caucasian. So, can you explain -- I understand your -- your reasoning, but it seems like these particular areas that were chosen are not necessarily reflective of your explanation. Could you explain that, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. With pleasure. If race were the predominate criteria we used to establish any of these subcircuits, we would likely have drawn them different. If you had followed recent litigation on redistricting, you would know that that is not a permissible way to redistrict -- to make race the predominate -- consideration. So, instead, we're trying to make sure communities of interest have influence and every voice can be heard. So, drawing subcircuits gives more power to communities that are even smaller in the entire circuit but have a louder voice in the subcircuit. And that can be -- it is not simply race, there are all sorts of other social and demographic categories.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Mr. President, I have two more questions and then I will defer. Mr. -- President Harmon, will the State be compensating the local counties on the increased expenses for new judges? For example, in Senator Turner's sources, when Lake County first 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 created subcircuits, the local courthouse had to build a new five- million-dollar wing to house the judges and their staff. How will this, the expenses of what's happening here today, be paid for? Is it by the State or is it locally?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you for that question, Senator. I want to emphasize that no new judgeships are being created by this bill. I want to repeat that, we are not creating any new judges in this legislation. We are reallocating the existing judgeships, so that they can be elected in a -- in a way that is more attentive to communities of interest. But, we are not creating any new judges. And, therefore, there is no cost associated with new judges.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
President Harmon, on page 372, of the bill, the -- said in this particular area there will be three new residential judges - - judgeships created after 2022 -- the -- so -- okay, thank -- thank you, sorry about that. So, again, we ask for your indulgence, since we are just going through this very large bill that we just received. So, thank you, for your indulgence. On this particular page, there are increases in judicial positions that are being added to the -- the circuit -- the subcircuit. I'm just, again, curious - the funding is coming from the State or from the local level? And then I will -- that will be my last question. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, let me -- let me help you I -- I think you're misreading it. So, we're not creating three new resident judges, we are reassigning three at-large judges who would otherwise be elected circuitwide. And, going forward, they will be elected in the -- in the city or the -- the subdistrict within the circuit. So, no new judges, just a re-characterization of an at-large judge to a resident judge.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, President Harmon, for your indulgence. I know we had a few questions. But, again, we just received a bill that is six hundred pages long and we're trying to very quickly go through it. So, again, we just want to make sure that we have asked the right questions. We want to know -- we wanted to know if there's any increase in cost, how it will be paid? All of these questions, I think, are pertinent questions to be asking here today. So, thank you, for your indulgence and -- I -- that is it, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? I understand that Senator Plummer has a question, on Zoom. Senator Plummer.
Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Mr. President, I guess my initial question would be, when -- when, approximately, was the decision made to draw the non-Cook County subcircuits? The -- the new ones?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Senator, can you clarify that question - which subcircuits you're referring to?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Cook County ones -- the non-Cook County subcircuits.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Some of those subcircuits, the decision was made in 2005, when we initially redistricted and created subcircuits in several counties. So, again, I'm -- I'm not sure what your question is, Senator Plummer, I -- I apologize. Maybe you could ask with reference to a specific.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Thank you. My question, Mr. President, I'll just ask it again was, when was the decision made to redraw the non-Cook County subcircuits?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 President Harmon.
So -- Senator, first of all, the law that the General Assembly passed a couple of years ago mandating redistricting of existing subcircuits following the 2021 census going into the 2022 election cycle, that decision was made when we passed that law. So, that applies to a significant number of the counties at issue in the bill today. We had a hearing in October, where we began -- conversations about redistrict -- or creating subcircuits in counties over a hundred and fifty thousand. And, like any legislative matter, you are well aware of the process, this thing is an iterative process where conversations happen, new ideas are shared, and it comes together in a bill that then goes to committee, that then is on the Floor. So, I -- I -- I without a more precise question, I'm not sure I can satisfy you with a more precise answer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Well, you're -- you're the sponsor of the bill and you were not present in -- right before Christmas, when we had the Joint House/Senate Redistricting Hearing on the Cook County subcircuits. In that hearing, it was raised by multiple Members, the issue of subcircuits in -- in -- outside of Cook County, whether or not that we would be seeing something, whether they're being redrawn, whether new ones were being created, what was happening. And, we were given no information right before Christmas, on this exact process that's unfolding before us tonight. And, so, as Members of the Redistricting Committee, if we were completely unaware of 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 this, if we had no information, I -- I think your -- your comments regarding, you know, meetings and hearings in October are -- are pretty irrelevant because there's been no information available to anybody about any of these new subcircuits or -- or the adjustments being made to existing subcircuits. So, when -- when was the decision made to -- to create these new subcircuits or redraw the existing subcircuits? Because it was relayed to us in December that it apparently wasn't going to be happening, or at least the Chairman of the House and Chairman of the Senate Redistricting Committees did not have the information at hand.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Senator, you are correct in that I was not at the hearing just before Christmas, so I can't comment on what transpired there. If I recall correctly, in our debate over the congressional redistricting, you were pressing me then too about a more linear timeline. And, as I -- as I told you then, this is a organic process, it does not -- it -- it does not conform to a -- the -- the sort of linear timeline you're seeking to have me explain. This -- this conversation began contemporaneously, with our larger conversations on redistricting. There were moments when it was more sharper in focus, including at that October hearing where we posted that we were inviting conversation about subcircuiting in counties of a significant size. So, again, I'm sorry that I can't answer your question to your satisfaction, but it's the best that I can do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer. 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
Mr. President, I guess a -- a question I have is, why -- why are some of these changes going into effect in some counties for the 2022 cycle versus the 2024 cycle in -- in other areas?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Again the goal had been to enact these for the 2022 cycle. The enormity of the process, particularly in the larger counties like Cook and DuPage, make it a -- a real challenge. And, so, in a -- in a -- a concession to reality, we have deferred effectiveness of those changes to 2024. There was a strong local preference in Madison County and in Lake County, as I understand it, to proceed in the 2022 election, and a reasonable belief that those changes could be accommodated without disrupting the election cycle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Well, earlier in your comments you suggested that the effective date was being delayed so that these local areas could adjust accordingly. A candidates -- potential candidates, other impacted organizations, and governmental groups would be able to prepare, so that this is done in a thoughtful, reasonable, seamless way, and -- and you kind of leaned on that delayed effective date as a real positive. So, I guess, I'm curious, why some areas are being treated differently than others? It seems like some areas, including my home county of Madison, is being disadvantaged here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, Senator, the goal had been to make these effective for the 2022 election. I know, having talked with the Clerk in Cook County, that it would be a logistical impossibility. And, so, accordingly, we deferred, in Cook County, to 2024. That same decision was made in each of the areas. And, my understanding is, that there's a belief in Madison County and in Lake County, that these changes can be accomplished and accommodated safely in advance of the 2022 election.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Well, I can't speak specifically to Lake County. But, I've actually, I'm going to guess unlike you, I've -- I've talked to judges in Madison County, I've talked to court officials in Madison County and they're highly uncomfortable with this process. And, so, I guess, if this is the information you -- you've received, who from Madison County has relayed to you that this is a good idea for the 2022 cycle in Madison County?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, perhaps we can talk afterwards and you can tell me who I should talk to in Madison County. But, the reports that I received suggest that Madison County is ready to proceed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer. 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
Well, that -- that would have been a reasonable process, Mr. President. But, I'm not the one jamming this through with an artificial deadline here. So, perhaps, you should heed your own advice and take a pause and communicate with the appropriate people. I'd be happy to give you a list of names. If I was the sponsor of a bill that was doing this sort of thing to Madison County, I would've reached out to Madison County on my own, or I would reach out to Senator Plummer to discuss this. But, you know, again, you're telling me that you've received this information from Madison County, so, instead of having the conversation after the vote, let's have the conversation now. Who -- what people, what judges, what -- what groups from Madison County have told you that they like this process for Madison County? Because my feedback is unanimously opposed to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is that a question, Senator Plummer?
I'll take it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you. Senator Plummer, I've been here all day. I've had a lot of free time. If you and your caucus had an interest in participating in the democrat -- democratic process we could have had some of those conversations. But, now the bill is on the Floor and we're going to call it for a vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer. 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
So -- so, this whole six hundred page bill is going to be hashed out in, what, twelve hours today? I -- I didn't hear an answer to my question. So, once again, as Senator representing a significant portion of Madison County, this legislation significantly impacts my county, I've received tremendous amounts of feedback from court officials, from judges, from all sorts of interested parties, my question to the Senate President, once again, is, who has he communicated with from Madison County?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Senator Plummer, I will tell you that the local representation, I believe, is in support of this, perhaps excluding you. I would also say that I have not heard from you, I have not heard from any elected officials or court officials in Madison County in opposition to this. You're the first one to reach out, and I appreciate you doing it, but all of the reports that I've gotten from interested parties were positive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Thank you. So, you -- you said that you've -- you've heard a lot of positive feedback. And, at the very beginning of your comments, you said that individual members -- you have not talked with any of the judges, you've not had conversations with a lot of the chief judges or maybe any of the chief judges, but local officials have -- individual Members of the Senate have had these conversations and brought this information back to you. So what 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 was the information that was relayed back to you from Madison County for the need, you know, that created the need for these changes? What -- what information -- what was the reasoning behind it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator. The information is now presented in the bill before us, that reflects the input we've received. I confess I -- as I mentioned in committee, and perhaps I'm a bit scarred having been the defendant in litigation, I can only imagine that we are, from the tone of the questions, preparing for litigation going forward. So I'm -- I'm sorry to be more measured than you might like me to be. But the bill before us reflects the input we've received and it's the question before the Senate tonight.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill, Senator Plummer?
No, not to the bill. So, I know Madison County quite well. I know the demographics. I know the communities. I know the villages. I know the -- the little burbs. I know the townships. I guess, could you explain to me, looking at this map right now, what -- what community of interest are we protecting or empowering through the way this map has been drawn specifically to Madison County?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Thank -- thank you, Senator. I -- I -- I don't mean to be argumentative, and I -- I hope that you're not argumentative either. The legislative process is this - we put ideas on paper using words and it's the bill that we are debating now. I stand behind it as the sponsor. Although, obviously, like any good legislative product, it has input from many people who know more about it than I do. I'm happy to stand behind this as the sponsor. I don't want to pretend to know more about Madison County than you do or more about Lake County than Senator Johnson does, or more about DuPage County than Senator Cullerton does. I'm the sponsor, but this is an amalgamation of work done by the Senate and it is before us for a vote. Why don't we move on to the vote?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
Well, we're not ready to move onto the vote yet, Mr. President, because everything that you, on your side likes to do seems to be very rushed. Here it is, once again, late in the evening and we're rushing through a six-hundred-and-some-odd-page bill that no one's had time to read. You know, I -- I -- I apologize that the -- the legislation was filed so late so that no one could review it. I apologize that we weren't able read maps that weren't presented to us. But you've given us a -- a -- a complete lack of information and now the information's dropped onto our laps, so I would suspect you would entertain a fair amount of questions, considering the significance that this will have on our local communities. So, I'm -- I'm glad that you stand behind the bill as the sponsor. I would hope that to be the case. But, you seem to struggle to articulate any detail about the legislation 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 - why it's needed, who told you it was needed, and what community of interest it's -- it's helping or it's empowering. So, this has a substantial impact on Madison County. I'm proud to represent Madison County. I've heard a tremendous amount of negative feedback in the short amount of time the -- the locals have --have had to review this legislation. So, you know, I -- I struggle to understand how you think that you can comfort us by -- by providing -- you know, no information. So -- so, I would ask, once again, who from Madison County has told you this was a good idea? Why is it being done to Madison County? What community of interest - I mean, that seems like an easy one to me - what community of interest are you empowering? That's -- that's a very reasonable question. That's the whole point of it, right? So what community of interest in Madison County does this -- do these changes protect or empower? It's -- it's a simple question. That's the whole point of the legislation, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Plummer, the bill -- the map, itself, has been available online since the beginning of the week. Number two, the bill is only three hundred and eighty-nine pages not six hundred, not a thousand - perhaps we should vote soon, before it becomes three thousand pages. Finally, it's 7:40 in the evening, a relatively early measure by Senate time. We know late, and this is not late. So, let's wrap up the debate, Mr. President, and let's move on to the vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
Hey, we could wrap up the debate as soon as we could get the President of the Senate to answer a question. So, which communities of interest in Madison County does -- do these changes empower or protect?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator, I think he has answered that already.
If -- if he did answer it, I apologize. Could you relay the answer to me?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would invoke Senate Rule 7-3(g), citing that "no Senator shall speak for more than five minutes on the same question without the consent of the Senate".
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer, would you like to sum up your remarks?
I'd like to ask the Senate President one more question and then I'd be happy to wrap up my remarks. My -- my final question would be considering…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator, please bring your remarks to a close. You've got a chance here to wrap up, please.
Senators {sic} McClure, Senator Tracy, myself, you know, I know we are all are -- are in and around Madison County. Senator Bryant's close, as well. I know we're all opposed to this. Is it 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 safe to assume that -- that Senator Crowe or another Member on the other side of the aisle has relayed their support for this and they've been the conduit of information this was a good idea because if that's the case I'd be happy to have conversation at the close of debate with -- with those Members. I'm -- I'm just trying to get answers for local folks here in Madison County. I don't know who to go to, if the sponsor won't answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Yes. Thank you for those comments, Senator. Further debate? Senator Sally Turner. And, we are going to put the five minute clock on.
Don't worry, it won't be five minutes. I did -- if -- if -- if I could ask a couple of questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he will yield.
Thank you, sir. Thank you for allowing me to speak on this. I just had a couple of questions, on a couple of pages. And, that is on Page 386 and I -- I just want to make sure that I understood this correctly - on 386 - in the new legislation where it says "except that the maximum number of associate judges authorized by {sic} (for) the 24th circuit shall be 3", and I understood you to say there is no additional judges. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Senator, I was consulting with counsel here, and I'm going to do my best to relay the answer. That is a change 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 7:39:40 that was made in an earlier piece of legislation, when we created the 24th circuit. And we -- we are ensuring that no judges are added and this is a request of the administrative offices of the court, who evidently had some input into the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
The last part that you said, I did not hear you. I am sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Harmon.
This change is being made in order to not create any new judges and being done at the request of the administrative offices of the courts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Alright. And then that -- that the 24th circuit is a new circuit. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, that -- that was created in May, not in this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Thank you. And just to follow up on then on the -- the next page, which is 387. It's -- it's pretty much the same question. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Just wanting to make sure that the maximum number of associate judges in the 20th circuit after December 5 shall be twelve - that's not additional judges. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator. Again, in -- in the May legislation when we were reorganizing some of the circuits, this is intended to clarify that as those judges are allocated accordingly in the -- in their new circuits that we are not creating new judgeships, inadvertently.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
I - thank you very much. I just want to make sure that there are no new judges, therefore, no new costs to the taxpayers. Thank you. That's all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Leader McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he will yield. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. We had a subject matter hearing earlier today that was based on a House Bill that has not yet arrived and then we have this amendment which was dropped, I don't know whether it's even been an hour or so yet. Can you comment in regards to the differences between this 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 bill and what it was that we discussed in Committee this morning?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator, for the question. The -- the bill is substantially identical to the House Bill we took subject matter testimony on. I understand that the -- the change of interest is simply in the order of elections in subcircuits in Lake County.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President. So, in this, there are some subcircuits that are drawn that are - maybe this isn't the right terminology, but - effective this year, for this election cycle 2022 and others for 2024. Can you discuss why some are being treated differently and maybe enumerate what those are?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, Senator, the default rule is that these changes go into effect for the 2024 election cycle. In Madison County and in Lake County there is a belief evidenced by the -- the delegations representing those counties that the local elected - election officials can, in fact, implement those changes for the 2022 election cycle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Thank you, Mr. President. For those circuits that don't go into effect until 2024, I'm curious, why it is that we're going ahead and passing it today with such little notice in regards, for example, the Will and McHenry maps - those aren't going into effect until 2024. They were first released this morning. I understand that -- that there's some question as to whether or not Lake has changed again or not and I'm actually confused about that. So, I'm just, in -- for the sake of transparency and so forth, I was wondering if you could comment and -- just in regards to why we're going ahead and just doing this now? I understand you indicate there is an urgency in regards to 2022, but the others that there's not. And, I'm just wondering why we don't embrace a process that would give greater transparency and thus have the public and perhaps local officials even the, you know, an even a greater ability to wait.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon.
For the love of God, Senator McConchie, haven't you had enough redistricting? I think we all have. We're -- we're at about the one-year mark, given the delay in the census and -- everything else that has transpired. We'd like to wrap up this process. We'd like to redeploy our staff to the -- the pressing issues of the day. We'd like to be done with redistricting. And so, the bill is ready, it is before us today, we'd like to pass it and move along to the regular order of Senate business.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 I find it unfortunate that we're going to rush these through with such little transparency, simply because, you know, we'd like to be done with it and -- rather than making sure that the public has a full and robust debate around things that they apparently wish to, you know, to be involved in. And, you know, I, for example, I spoke to the chief judge from Lake County who said she has had zero input in any way, shape, or form, in regards to these. I -- I -- I -- some of our Members have talked to other counties that are similarly affected, and those judges for those that are -- are for -- for later years, for the 2024 cycle, have similarly commented on it, the fact that they have not had input into that. In -- for the sake of time let me -- let me just go to the bill. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the question really is, why are we doing this today? Particularly, the 2024 portions of it. Why are we doing it at all? Is there a particular deadline? We -- we just heard from the Senate President is it's a matter of convenience so that we can have staff to work on other things, rather than have full transparency and a full robust process where the public can participate and -- and get involved, including members of the judiciary who are most affected by this. I could tell you, Ladies and Gentlemen, exactly what is going on here. This is partisan court packing. It is all about power and control. We have no statutory or constitutional requirement saying that we must redraw these subcircuits today. No pressing reason for us to do many of these things today. The 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 rush to do it is clear - to create -- new judicial circuits in some counties ahead of the 2022 election, so the majority can handpick the people's judges for them. This is about disenfranchising the people. One of the arguments that was made in committee today, in regards to creating subcircuits, is to provide diversity for our courts. And that would be great, if that is indeed the case. But I was -- was commenting a little bit ago, all of the subcircuits that have been drawn outside of Cook County still maintain majority white voting populations. In fact, there's not a single subcircuit outside of Cook County that is over twenty percent African American. Every judge that, at least, we've been able to reach in the last few hours have said that they know nothing about the redistricting effort until maps were suddenly drawn online and people called and asked them what their thoughts were about it. It's one thing to exhibit raw partisanship when you're creating legislative or congressional districts - both parties do it across the country - but, the people hate it. Wide majorities of the public oppose partisan gerrymandering of congressional and legislative districts and here we are going to do it for courts. I asked during committee, today, and the Senate President, you, confirmed that partisanship was used to help create these districts. Just a few months ago, when we passed the congressional and legislative maps, it was interesting to see the response from national observers who were looking at the result. And many of -- several of them opined that the partisan gerrymandering that was done in those cases were some of the most egregious examples of partisan gerrymandering in the country. Yet, even that isn't -- doesn't seem to be good enough. In what little analysis we've been able to do in the past few hours, the claim of 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 partisanship is definitely borne out in the results. Judicial district after judicial district has been drawn to maximize partisan gain and control of judicial seats. It's not enough that the voters are disenfranchised when they vote for us, representing them. No, now we have to disenfranchise them when they go and vote for their judges too. This is breaching of the judicial branch. A branch, more than any other, that should be above this type of abuse of power. Judges are -- should be neutral arbitrators of the law, not cronies for a political machine. This is nothing more than a power grab and another example of the corruption that exists in this State. We, on this side of the aisle, will continue to stand up for democracy. A Yes vote sends a clear message that those who vote Yes only have one thing in mind and that's power at all costs, even at the expense of democracy. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no further discussion, President Harmon, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Members of the Senate, for your patience during this robust debate. We are not doing this because it's convenient. We have been in a redistricting process for almost a year, we've had more than fifty hearings. My only wish is that there was more public interest in redistricting than we have seen. We have pushed and pulled and prodded and tried to get more people to participate. And, we've held countless hearings. We have a statutory obligation to redistrict judicial subcircuits. We're behind schedule, not ahead of schedule. I -- I don't think it's a typically Republican perspective to delay. I would also point out that subcircuits are a Republican initiative. 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Cook County subcircuits in 1991 were initially enacted with broad support from Republicans, because diversity in Cook County included Republicans. It was a partisan play when it was enacted to elect Republicans in suburban Cook County. In Lake County, in the maps we're passing today, there are six subcircuits with more than twenty percent Latino population. We are creating opportunities for a more diverse judiciary. I also want to put to rest one red herring - that this is somehow about court administration or burden. This is about how we elect our judges, how people have faith in the judges they elect. And, if you elect all the judges from a large, white county, you're going to get all large, white judges. Subcircuits create opportunities for other people. And, that's what we're doing here today. You can stick to the status quo, if you want. You can say we rushed it. You can say we -- we -- we should wait and wait and wait. We don't have the luxury of waiting. We need to finish our redistricting obligations and move on. This is a fair map that reflects the diversity of our State in each of these judicial -- circuits that we're attempting to improve. And, I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall House Bill 3138 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? We will now turn to the remote voters. Senator Aquino.
Aquino votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Aquino votes Yes. Senator Bailey.
70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 Bailey votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey votes No. Senator Barickman. Senator Bryant.
Senator Bryant votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant votes No. Senator Bush.
Senator Bush votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bush votes Yes. Senator Collins.
Senator Collins votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Collins votes Yes. Senator Curran. Senator Ellman.
Ellman votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ellman votes Yes. Senator Feigenholtz.
Feigenholtz votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Feigenholtz votes Yes. Senator Gillespie.
Gillespie votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Gillespie votes Yes. Senator Harris.
Senator Harris votes Yes. 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Harris votes Yes. Senator Jones.
Senator Jones votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Jones votes Yes. Senator Lightford - Leader Lightford.
Lightford votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader Lightford votes Aye.
Lightford votes Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer.
I think I'll vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Plummer votes No. Senator Rose.
Absolutely, not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose votes Aye.
No! That's a No!
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) I'm sorry.
Rose votes No. 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose votes No. Senator Stewart.
Stewart votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Stewart votes No. Senator Stoller.
Stoller votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Stoller votes No. Senator Tracy. Senator Villa.
Villa votes Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villa votes Yes. Senator Wilcox.
Senator Wilcox votes No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Wilcox votes No. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish?
Mr.… Tracy is a No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.
I just wanted to be sure I was recorded as a No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) I don't see you on the screen. Senator Tracy.
I -- just one moment. 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) It's…
I am here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy votes No.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 41 voting Yea, 16 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3138, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been printed and distributed. We will go to Senate Resolution 701. President Harmon, you're ready to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 701, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) President Harmon, to explain your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we recently lost a national treasure, with the death of Betty White. She is a product of my hometown of Oak Park and lived an incredible life, rich in her experience in the entertainment world, as well as advocating on behalf of animals and other good causes. I would like us to adopt this resolution naming what would have been her hundredth birthday, January 17th, as Betty White day in Illinois. And let me close with this - you can beat me up all you 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 want over redistricting, but so help me, if you beat me up over Betty White, there's going to be hell to pay. Vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 701 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 3062, offered by Senator Simmons. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Joint Resolution 41, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) On the Order of Resolutions, is Senate Joint Resolution 41. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 41. (Secretary reads SJR 41)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham moves to suspend the rules for the immediate -- for the purpose of immediate consideration of {sic} (and) adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 41. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Cunningham moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution No. 41. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We'll now proceed to 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 the Order of -- Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Thank you for your work today. I think we squeezed an entire session into one day. I'm sorry we've kept you here until 8 p.m. We are recessing to the call of the President. I think we can all plan on not being here together next week, as we deal with the -- the continued spike in the pandemic. Obviously, our experience here this week was very challenging because of COVID, but please standby for an announcement as to when we will be returning. We will be able to do committee work virtually next week, but you should not be planning to return to the Capitol next week. Thank you all very much. We'll see you on a Zoom call soon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) There being no further business to come before the Senate, pursuant to -- Senate Joint Resolution No. 41, the Senate stands adjourned until the call of the President. The Senate stands adjourned. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 68th Legislative Day 1/5/2022 77