PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? In place of our invocation, the Senate will observe a moment of silence in respect for those lost during the pandemic. (Moment of silence observed) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Crowe will lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Crowe)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. James Carder with Blueroomstream seeks leave to video the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 856, offered by Senator Morrison and all Members. Senate Resolution 857, offered by Senator Collins and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Members. Senate Resolutions 858 and 859, offered by Senator Anderson, and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 860, offered by Senator Stoller. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Messages 1010609, 1020001, 1020003, 1020004, 1020005, 1020006, 1020007, 1020008, 1020013, 1020014, 1020015, 1020016, 1020018, 1020021, 1020022, 1020023, 1020024, 1020029, and 1020031 Do Recommend Consent. Senator Martwick, Chair of the Committee on Pensions, reports Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 3778, and Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3954 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Holmes, Chair of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Bill 3120 Do Pass, as Amended. Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3146 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1020339 Governor's salaried appointment 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 To be the Director and Chair of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Dorothy Abreu. Appointment Message 1020340 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Effingham County, Elizabeth Nohren. Appointment Message 1020341 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Fayette County, Elizabeth Nohren. Appointment Message 1020342 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Montgomery County, Elizabeth Nohren. Appointment Message 1020343 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Shelby County, Elizabeth Nohren. Appointment Message 1020344 Governor's non-salaried appointment To be a member of Tri-County River Valley Development Authority, Dawn Jeffries.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Bill 3488 can be heard at 4:30 p.m. in the Senate Revenue Committee, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senator Hunter moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Bill 3488 can be heard at 4:30 p.m. today in the Senate Revenue Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 861, offered by Senator Martwick, and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Madam President, the Senate Democrats will caucus in the Senate President's office for approximately thirty minutes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator McClure. SENATOR McCLURE: Madam President, the Senate Republicans will caucus in Leader McConchie's office for approximately thirty minutes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The Senate Democratic caucus and the Senate Republican caucus will caucus for approximately thirty minutes. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The Senate will come to Order. Gray TV requests permission 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 to record and video. Seeing no objections, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 4177, offered by Senator Castro. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) If everyone could please come to the Senate Floor, we're going to be going through 2nd Readings. Members, please come to the Senate Floor. We will start on page 2, we're going to 2nd Readings. If you have a bill you want to move to 3rd, please be ready. Top of the page, Senate Bill 62. Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 62. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Have there been any Floor amendments?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 586. Senator Morrison. Senate Bill 1571. Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1571. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2975. Senator Feigenholtz. Senate Bill 2981. Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2981. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3024. Senator Bush. Senate Bill 3025. Senator Bush. We're going to go back to Senate Bill 3024. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3024. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bush, to explain your amendment.
I would ask that we adopt the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 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 Senate Bill 3025. Senator Bush. Senate Bill 3070. Senator Doris Turner. Senator Turner. Senator Turner, on Senate Bill 3070. Senate Bill 3093. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 3145. Senator Muñoz. Senate Bill 3146. Senator Villanueva. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3146. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Labor adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Have there been any Floor amendments for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villanueva, to explain your amendment.
Wonderful, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Floor amendment is a product of good faith and negotiations with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses and it brings them to neutral while basically lowering penalties and thresholds for businesses under twenty-five employees because 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 we wanted to make sure that we protected our small businesses.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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. Senate Bill 3179. Senator Bennett. Senate Bill 3184. Senator Belt. Senate Bill 3211. Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3211. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3471. Senator Villivalam. Senate Bill 3477. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 3626. Senator Bush. We're going to turn the page to page 3 at the top of the page Senate Bill 3645. Senator Lightford. Leader Lightford. Senate Bill 3683. Senator Joyce. Senate Bill 3695. Senator Collins. Senate Bill 3732. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3732. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Safety adopted Amendment No. 1. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3775. Senator Aquino. Senate Bill 3778. Senator Belt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3778. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Pensions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment 4, offered by Senator Belt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) And your discussion? I'm sorry -- Senator Belt, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Committee Amendment 1, provides that an investigator for the Department of Revenue, investigator for the Illinois Gaming Board, or Arson Investigation…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator, excuse me just one second. And Floor Amendment No. 4, would you like to move it for adoption? 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
I would and -- I'm sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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 -- Senate Bill 3787. Senator Connor. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3787. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3808. Leader Lightford. Senate Bill 3851. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 3856. Senator Bennett. Senate Bill 3865. Senator Simmons. Senator Simmons. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3865. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Rights adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Simmons, on your amendment.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Thank, thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Hold one second please. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Simmons.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Simmons, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, the amendment simply clarifies that this legislation will not have any substance of impact on any legislation, State or federal level.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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. Senate Bill 3866. Senator Hastings. Senate Bill 3894. Senator Muñoz. Senate Bill 3900. Leader Lightford. Senate Bill 3902. Leader Lightford. Senate Bill 3905. Senator Connor. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3905. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3983. Senator Sims. Senate Bill -- turn to the top of the page -- page 4. Senate Bill 4013. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4013. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 4014. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4014. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 4015. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4015. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 4016. Senator Jones. Senate Bill 4017. Senator Jones. Let's -- with leave of the Body, we'll go back to Senate Bill 4017. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Senate Bill 4017. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 4018. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4018. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we’ll go back to Senate Bill 4016. Senator Jones. Senator Jones, on Senate Bill 4016. Senator Jones, on Senate Bill 4016. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4016. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Members we're going to Senate Bills 3rd Readings. So, if you have a bill please come to the Floor and please come to the Floor anyway. Members of the Senate please come to the Floor. We're going to 3rd Readings. We're going to start on page 4 with Senate Bill 180. Senator Peters. Mr. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 180. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Peters, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is to create a task force about legislative accessibility and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 180 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 180, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 675. Senator Villivalam. Senate Bill 705. Senator Holmes. Senate Bill 8 -- with leave of the Body, we'll skip down to Senate Bill 1016. Senator Holmes. Senate Bill 1097. Senator Murphy. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 1097. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Murphy seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1097 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1097. Mr. Secretary -- out of the record. Senate Bill 1099. Senate Bill -- with leave of the Body we'll go down to Senate Bill 2154. Senator Tracy. Senator Tracy, on Senate Bill -- go down to Senate Bill 2912. Senator Johnson. Senator Johnson on 20 -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senator Johnson seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 2912 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 2912. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Johnson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, to explain your amendment.
Yes, I would like to adopt it and explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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 Senate Bill 2912. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2912. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, to explain your bill.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. So, Senate Bill 2912 is an initiative of Lake County government, and it is no longer required, as amended, to no longer require the superintendent of Public Works 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 in a county setting to have an engineering degree or be a professional certified engineer. And the amendment was to add that for the Public Works Department, that at least one person in the Public Works Department is a certified registered professional engineer or hold an engineering degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Senate Bill 2912 will create parody between municipalities and counties for the superintendent of Public Works. So right now, for municipalities, the superintendent or director of Public Works does not need to be a registered professional engineer, and we have no known oppositions. And I will pause for any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator DeWitte. SENATOR DeWITTE: Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) She indicates she'll yield. SENATOR DeWITTE: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senator, thank you for your work on this bill. I know it's been a laborious process. I understand there are still members of the engineering community who have concerns about this legislation. Could you please tell us a little bit about their concerns, what their issues might be?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson.
Sure. Thank you, Senator. Actually, in committee they no longer have concerns, but initially they were concerned with the addition of at least one person in the Public Works Department,-- 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 it should have a -- shall have a professional engineering degree or be a licensed professional engineer. And so they requested -- their concern was that it should be someone to have a license -- they should be a licensed professional engineer. And so, when this moves to the House, if we're successful here, then we are open to discussion and as a result of that, they removed their opposition and they are now neutral on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator DeWitte. SENATOR DeWITTE: Thank you, Senator, for that response. I look forward -- to the bill, Mr. President. Thank you. I look forward to continuing to work on this legislation in the House and I hope we all have your commitment that we will continue to find ways to make sure the engineering community is okay with this legislation. I think their concern remains, that anyone who holds this position in any municipality should in fact be a licensed engineer. Again, I look forward to this bill coming back from the House with their concerns addressed and for the time being, would be willing to support this bill pending that continued negotiation. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Bush.
Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I just want to thank Senator Johnson for bringing this forward. I know you have done a tremendous amount of work on it. This is really a parody issue. Our municipalities, currently, are allowed this practice. We just believe the counties should be allowed the same practice. So, thank you so much. I obviously represent Lake 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 County, also where the bill came from. I would urge an Aye vote. Thank you, for bringing it forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Johnson, to close.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. So, as Senator Bush just mentioned, this is about parody. Currently, as I mentioned, municipalities are not required to have Public Works directors -- are not required to have a registered -- be a registered professional engineers or hold a degree in engineering. And so, I ask for your Aye votes. And as I mentioned, the engineering associations, they are now at neutral, and I ask for Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2912 pass? All those in favor vote will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, on that there are 39 voting Yea, 10 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2912, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Go to Senate Bill 2952. Senator Van Pelt. Senate Bill 2962. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 2962 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading the Senate Bill 2962. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Morrison, to explain your amendment. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
I'd like to adopt Amendment No. 1, and discuss on 3rd Reading, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment has been 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 Senate Bill 2962. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2962. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Morrison, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2962 sets the resource allowance and monthly maintenance allowance for the spouse of a person receiving Medicaid funded long term care in an institutionalized setting at the maximum amount allowed under federal law, subject to approval of a state plan amendment. The amendment simply facilitates implementation by HFS. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senate Bill 2962 pass. All those in favor will say Aye -- vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Yea. none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2962, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2963. Senator Syverson. Senator Syverson, on 2963. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2963. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation is closing a gap. for individuals that -- employees that may be off on disability or leave, and if an employer changes carriers for group employee life insurance, that it does not impact those individuals. That they remain covered. So, this is a protection bill for consumers. Most carriers already do this. This will just require that all carriers follow the same rule so citizens are protected when an employer makes a change in a group life plan. Know of no opposition and I appreciate the help on the other side in crafting this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2963 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2963, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to turn the page now to page number 6. We're going to go to Senate Bill 2973. Senator Cunningham. Senate Bill 2977. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2977. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Morrison, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill amends -- excuse me, updates the definition of abuse, that it must be reported by a hospital under the Hospital Licensing Act. It also makes a change to clarify that no patient may abuse another patient in the hospital. Happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2977 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2977, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We'll go to Senate Bill 2989, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senate Bill 2989. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, to explain your bill.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2989 amends the Chicago Teachers Article of the Illinois Pension Code, by allowing members to establish up to two years of service credit for time spent at a private school recognized by ISBE. Additionally, Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2989, updates the payment required for establishing the credit. I know of no opposition and I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2989 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2989, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We'll go to Senate Bill 2990. Senator Gillespie. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2990. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Gillespie, to explain your bill. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Thank you. Senate Bill 2999 {sic} (2990) is a bill for an extension of a TIF in a town in my district, Palatine. Contrary to popular belief, I am not anti-all TIFs. This one is an example of doing it the right way. They've gotten -- worked with all of their taxing bodies throughout the process, have signed agreements that the -- stipulate clearly what's going to happen with surplus and what the repercussions are if anything is violated in the agreement, it gives a cause of action. So, it's really an example of doing it the right way and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing -- I'm sorry. Senator DeWitte. SENATOR DeWITTE: Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Sponsor indicates she'll yield. SENATOR DeWITTE: Thank you. Senator, what reason does the City of Palatine give you for requiring this extension?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Gillespie.
They have one more piece of work that needs to be done on infrastructure, due to some flooding issues in the area. It's going to be a two-year piece of work in progress and so they got the agreement of everybody to get the extension in order to fix that issue.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senator DeWitte. SENATOR DeWITTE: Thank you. So, this would be one of those reasons why a municipality could potentially require extension of a TIF that may already be in existence?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Gillespie.
Yes, to further the work that was part of the original intent, yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator DeWitte. No further discussion. Senator Gillespie, to close.
Thank you. Once again, I would just urge an Aye vote, for this as a great example of how to do a TIF with all taxing bodies in agreement. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2990 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2990, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Go to Senate Bill 2991. Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2991. (Secretary reads title of bill) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Martwick, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 2991 codifies a practice related to how the State University Retirement System recovers overpayments. It's largely technical in nature. Be happy to answer any questions. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2991 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 2991, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3006. Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3006. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3006 amends the Collateral Recovery Act by making a number of administrative changes. Some of those include the bill extending the amount of time the Illinois Commerce Commission has to respond to permanent 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 applications that require administrative hearing, it allows independent contractors working in the collateral recovery industry to work for more than one company, it also allows the ICC to accept electronic payments for fees and to electronically communicate renewal notices. It's an initiative of the Illinois Commerce Commission. I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3006 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3006, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3007. Senator Villivalam. Mr. -- Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3007 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3007. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, to explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 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 Senate Bill 3007. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3007. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3007 is an initiative of the Office of the Secretary of State. Makes various changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code, amongst them, the bill provides that the Secretary of State has discretionary authority to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of any person that has committed an out of state offense, similar to the Illinois prohibition on the unlawful use of a license, if the person held on an Illinois driver's license or identification card at the time of the offense. I know of no opposition and I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3007 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yes, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Bill 3007, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3017. Senator Doris Turner. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Turner seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3017 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3017. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner, to explain your amendment.
The Floor amendment amends the definition of the designated shortage area.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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 Senate Bill 3017. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3017. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner, on your bill. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Senate Bill 3017 expands the Underserved Physicians Workforce Act, so that an addition to doctors, physician's assistants and advanced practice nurses can qualify for loan repayment if they practice in an underserved area for at least two years. It also allows healthcare providers, employed by privately owned hospitals, and rural health clinics, to also qualify for the loan repayment program as long as they take Medicaid, Medicare, the States Children's Health Insurance Program, private insurance and self-pay. Healthcare providers, who work for government owned and hospital owned facilities, already qualify under the current program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3017 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3017, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3019. Senator Doris Turner. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3019. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner, on your bill.
Senate Bill 3019 is an initiative of the Department of 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Agriculture. I don’t know that most people will remember, but during the 2021 Illinois State Fair, a convicted sex offender was discovered to be working a children's ride. And while it was currently prohibited from operating, managing, or being employed by or associated with any county fair, there was a loophole that did not include state fairs. So, this bill will close that loophole.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3019 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3019, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3023. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3023 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3023. Mr. Secretary, any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Morrison, on your amendment.
I'd like to please adopt the amendment and discuss on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the questions is, shall -- all those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, any further Floor 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3023. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3023. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Morrison, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill seeks to allow sexual assault survivors to access healthcare services free of charge for a hundred and eighty days and currently its ninety days, after they've had their initial forensic visit. It also allows those victims to opt out of billing their private insurance, should notification of this claim to the policy holder present a danger to the victim. This bill was, and is, supported by the Illinois Attorney General's Office, the Hospital Association, and the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians. This creates safety for victims who have already been traumatized. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3023 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Bill 3023, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3027. Senator Belt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3027. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Belt, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3027, as amended, provides a five-hundred-dollar income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel, who are a member of, or work for, or on behalf of a Fire Department or Fire Protection district for at least nine months of the taxable year and do not receive more than ten-thousand dollars for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Mr. President, we thought we had a finished bill, but we're close. Illinois Department of Revenue, they have several small issues, so, what I'm asking for is for the bill to be voted out of the Senate and continued to be worked on in the House and brought back on concurrence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3027 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3027, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3036. Senator Hastings. Senate 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Bill 3045. Senator Cunningham. Senate Bill 3050. Senator Castro. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3050. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the -- 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Castro, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3050, amends the Park District Code, to provide its specific contracts related to materials, supplies or work involving an expenditure in excess of thirty-thousand dollars, rather than twenty-five thousand dollars, or a lower amount if required by a board policy. Must be a competitive bid. We made a change, last year, that would increase the bid limit amount for a forest preserve and conservation districts from twenty-five to thirty-thousand. So, we're just getting -- adding the park districts into it. I know of no opposition and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3050 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3050, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3065. Senator Joyce. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senate Bill 3065. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Joyce, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3065, extends a sunset date, exempting coal and aggregated exploration mining, off highway hauling, processing, maintenance, and reclamation equipment from the used tax, the service used tax, and the service occupational tax, and the retailer's occupational tax. It moves the sunset from July 1st, of 2023, to July 1st, 2028. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3065 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 39 voting Yea, 7 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3065, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3069. Senator Murphy. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3069. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Murphy, on your bill.
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 President. Senate Bill 3069, enables homeowner's associations the right to file one joint tax appeal. It gives them the same authority that we currently allow condominium associations. I know of no opposition, I would for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Any discussion? Senator Wilcox. Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3069 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 31 {sic} (51) voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3069, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Just to correct that, I indicated 51 voted Aye. We'll go to Senate Bill 3070. I'm sorry, Senator Wilcox, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To correct the record, I intended to vote Yes on Senate Bill 3065.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The record will so reflect that. We're going to the top of page 7, Senate Bill 3082. Senator Stadelman. Senate Bill 3083. Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Martwick seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3083 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3083. Mr. Secretary, any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Martwick.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senator Martwick, on your amendment.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt Floor Amendment No. 1 and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Martwick.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Martwick, on your Floor amendment.
Yes. I move to adopt Floor Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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 Senate Bill 3083. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3083. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Martwick, on your bill. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 3083, allows courts to appoint parenting coordinators in dissolution of marriage or parenting cases to assist the court in resolving conflicts and facilitate decision making between parents. That bill sets out the situations which the coordinators can or cannot recommend action in a process for court review of these recommendations. It is an initiative of the Illinois State Bar Association and there is no opposition. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3083 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 8 -- 3083, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3092. Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3092. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3092 provides that various signatures may be in either paper or electronic format and removes the provision requiring the Office of the Comptroller to create an electronic form for crematories to file annual reports. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 I know of no opposition and I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3092 pass… Senator Villivalam.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to pull that. Senate Bill 3092, cause I think we have an amendment that we need to get in place. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Out of the record. Senate Bill 3097. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3097. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hunter, on your bill.
I believe I have a Floor amendment that I need to adopt, Mr. President. No?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) One moment please, Senator. Yes, Floor Amendment 1 was already adopted, Senator, so go ahead,
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3097 provides that after filing a petition to obtain a tax deed, the owner of the certificate of purchase must notify the clerk of the circuit court, rather than the county clerk. This is a bill of the Clerk 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 of the Circuit Court of Cook County. I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3097 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3097, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3106. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 3127. Senator Anderson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3127. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Anderson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3127 has been something that I've been working on for a few years now and what it does is -- it sounds simple, but it adds emergency dispatchers to the classification of first responder. When we think of first responders, we think of law enforcement, we think of firemen, but nobody really thinks of the dispatchers. And I can tell you, as professional firefighter, when I first started on the job, I had to spend some time in the dispatch center watching what dispatchers do. And I'm telling you right now, you couldn’t pay me enough money to do what they do. Multitasking in that job is an understatement. These people are the first ones to hear what's 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 going on the other end of that line and not only, never get credit for it, but they deal with a lot of PTSD, a lot of mental issues that people don't think about. And for me, law enforcement, we as firefighters, we see a lot of bad stuff. And for emergency dispatchers, I think it's almost worst for them because they don’t get to see it so they have to use their imagination to fill in the blanks of what they're hearing and I think sometimes that’s worse. So, with this designation comes some EAP benefits, things like that, so I would ask everybody for their Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3127 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3127, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3144. Senator Villivalam. Oh - - I'm sorry. My glasses have to be fixed. Senator Villanueva. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3144. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villanueva, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I need my prescription changed. Senate Bill 3144 is basically the same language as a 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 previous bill that we passed last year, with the only changes being new sunset dates for the task force. I ask for the support and an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3144 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 35 voting Yea, 16 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3144, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3157. Senator Bennett. Senate Bill 3161. My glasses are back. Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3161. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I recently got an updated prescription as well. As amended, Senate Bill 3161, amends the Child Labor Law to allow child performers to work until 10 p.m. without a waiver and gives the Department of Labor more discretion in allowing or denying waivers for children to work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Labor, supported by the AFL-CIO, and the industry. I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Is there any discussion? Senator Bennett.
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Sponsor indicates he will yield.
Senator, I would like to hear more about this new prescription. If their bifocals or progressives, probably progressives would be my guess, with you, but assuming that you read the bill correctly I have no other questions, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam, to close.
Thank you. My ideology is probably progressive, my eye prescription is probably bifocals though. So, thank you, Senator and I would ask everyone for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) See no further discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3161 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 39 voting Yea, 11 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3161, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We are going to Senate Bill 3166. Senator Johnson seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3166 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3166. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Johnson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, on your amendment.
I move that we adopt the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Johnson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, nurses… oh -- I'm sorry. I move to adopt this one and explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3166. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3166. 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Nurses are our heroes in the frontline heroes in the healthcare arena, and this bill is intended to provide some assistance to nurses who may be struggling and possibly dealing with addictions. So, it establishes and it provides that hospitals, establishments, or facilities organized or licensed under various acts, shall make sure nurses are aware of various employee assistance programs or other programs similar to this, so that they can get assistance. I know of no known opposition and I ask for Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Simmons.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to commend the sponsor on this legislation. Often times we take for granted that nurses and frontline healthcare workers don't, themselves, need these types of services. So, I'm deeply appreciative of this bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3166 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3166, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3172. Senator Feigenholtz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3172. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Feigenholtz, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a simple bill that continues the intergovernmental agency agreement between the Department of Health and Family Services, DCFS, the Board of Education, so that we can continue to work on kids who have serious mental illness and emotional disturbances and get them into residential services as quickly as possible. I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3172 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3172, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3177. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Senate Bill 3177. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3177 amends the Pension Act. It would allow Chicago firefighters and paramedics to withdraw their contribution from the pension fund, or move it to another pension fund, should they change over to a different department. This actually cleans up some unintentional consequences of the bill we passed last year that passed some -- that changed some age requirements. It's important to note that this is not a benefit enhancement, it just ensures that Chicago firefighters and paramedics have the same portability with their pension funds and pension contributions, that other firefighters have. I know of no opposition, would be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3177 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3177, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3178. Senator Bennett. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senate Bill 3178. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bennett, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. 3178 would simply codify an Executive Order, which I know everybody would be for. It creates the River of Illinois Coordinating Council Act. It's an initiative of the Prairie Research Institute, the University of Illinois, and it adds the Illinois State Waters Survey as a voting member to the council. It has no opposition and was unanimous in committee. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3178 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3178, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3187. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3187. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Holmes, on your bill.
47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Thank you so much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3187 amends the Counties Code. It provides that an electronic or physical image of the recorders stamp does satisfy the signature requirement for record keeping instruments and the Act would be effective immediately. Basically, this is an initiative of the Illinois Association of County Clerks, because there was some confusion as to whether the -- it sort of resolved the issues that arise if it said that the recording is not legal since it's not written and a signature stamp was not used on the document. Simply clarification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3187 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3187, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to turn the page to page 8. We're going to go to the top of the page. Senate Bill 3197. Senator Doris Turner seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3197 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3197. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2 {sic} (1), offered by Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner, on your amendment.
48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 The amendment adds caseworkers from the -- I would ask that it be adopted and I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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 Senate Bill 3197. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3197. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner, on your bill.
Senate Bill 3197, actually removes vesting requirements for an employee to receive an occupational death benefit in the State Employee Group Insurance Plan, if he or she dies or is injured in a line of duty. And under the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act, if a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, his or her spouse and children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive health insurance benefits. And this bill will extend the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act to include DCFS workers providing benefits to the survivors of social workers killed in the line of duty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3197 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3197, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3215. Senator Bennett. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3215. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bennett, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This was brought -- 3215, is an initiative of my local mental health board, it validates certain tax levies for community health boards that are created after January 1st, 1994, but before the effective date of this Act. It also clarifies that these levies are subject to PTELL if their establishing unit local patrol is also subject to PTELL. It's pretty technical. There's no opponents, but what we should do -- but what it's intended to do is make sure that the property tax levies that were intended to go to mental health boards, actually go where they can make the most positive change. So, I'd ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3215 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 3215, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3467. Senator Johnson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3467. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3467, as amended, creates the Park District and Public Utility Liability Act. And this prohibits land lease agreements that require a park district, forest preserve district, or conservation district, or other local public entities with recreation departments and facilities that’s leasing from public utilities, to assume all liability, indemnify the public utility, waive subrogation rates, or hold the public utility harmless for all liabilities for personal and property damage caused by negligence of the lesser republic utility or its agents. And this is an initiative of several park districts and forest preserve conservation districts in my district. And I know of no known opposition and I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy.
Thank you, Mr. President. May I speak to the bill, please? 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Bill.
Certainly. Thank you, Senator Johnson. I know you’ve worked this bill to try to address all the opponents and in fact you did very successfully remove the opposition of the Energy Association and I gave that a lot of thought. And my concern is that, what we will find is, the Energy Association will just not do work or have lines and the like, within a park district and then that takes away the opportunity to use the easements that they provide, to do trails and the various specific things that we need in parks that have just accommodated so well. So, my fear is that by going this path, we will instead, not encourage more development of trails and the like within parks, and that we will see less involvement of Energy Associations within those parks. And that will be a negative effect, a negative consequence. And, so for that reason, I don’t think I can support the bill and I just wanted to explain why. But I do appreciate, you've really, really tried to work in appeasing and I don’t see that it would really benefit park districts in the end. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, to close.
Yes. Thank you, Senator Tracy. And I just want to comment on that. I know a number of park districts and forest preserve districts, this is an initiative, and what is happening it is costing park districts three times the amount for insurance. Park districts have risk management companies and they mitigate risk all the time, and I understand your concerns, but I feel like park 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 districts should not, forest preserve districts, conservation districts should not take on full liability and for that reason I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) And the question is, shall Senate Bill 3467 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 42 voting Yea, 9 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 3467, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Holmes in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) We're going to go on to Senate Bill 3474. Senator Koehler. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3474. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. This requires a school district to provide information and material about the Achievement (Achieving a) and Better Life Experience program, which is called ABLE, by providing necessary information to the parent or guardian of a student at the student's annual individualized educational program review meeting. Two, to require the Office of Secretary -- of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 material to the State Board of Election, and three, provide that the State Board distribute the information materials to school districts. Appreciate an Aye vote. Happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The question is, ope -- is there any discussion. Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3474 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, 0 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3474, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3490. Senator Villa. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3490. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Villa.
Thank you, Madam President. LGBTQ older adults, living with HIV, continue to face unique challenges as they are many of which -- and many of which are due to lack of affirming resources and services available. Senate Bill 3490 will assist the LGBTQ plus older adult community, by doing three things. First, it will create a Commission on LGBTQ Aging adults in Illinois. Second, the Director of Aging, from the Department of Aging, will designate an LGBTQ Plus Older Adult Advocate. And lastly, the bill requires the providers funded by, or that contract with the Department on Aging, to complete LGBTQ plus older adult awareness and competency 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 training to combat discrimination. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. Maybe I -- I guess a couple quick questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Question of the sponsor. She indicates she will yield.
Thank you. Part of the concerns I have with this is setting up I guess a special program to deal with one population that is moving into the -- these aging programs, and that's -- we don’t do that for other specialty groups, whether it's, you know, seniors that have neuromuscular diseases, or seniors that have cancer, or seniors with different ages that have -- may have trouble accessing programs that are looking for unique programs. We don’t have task forces or special advocates that are setting up for those programs. If our goal is to be treating all people the same and having equality, then I guess the question is, is there a problem with these programs? Are there State programs that are discriminating against this one population? And if so, what are we doing instead of a task force, what are we doing to go after, either not to fund those programs, or hold those programs accountable that are discriminating against one aging population versus any other?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Villa.
Thank you for the question. So, we know that folks who are 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 LGBTQ plus and people with living -- with HIV face unique challenges as they age because of these affirming -- the lack of affirming resources and because of the stigmata ion -- the stigma that’s associated with this. I agree with you, that we do need to make sure to protect all seniors as their aging and this is one additional group that needs specialized advocacy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Syverson.
I guess I didn’t -- again -- I guess that goes back to my question and its talking about lack of services of individuals that these services are supposed to be available for everyone and if they're not accessing those services or if they're being denied those services or if they're being treated different from a stigma, with a stigma that they have, we need to be calling those groups out and dealing with them, as opposed to again, creating a special advocate and a special program for one. Because then others are going to come in and say where's our special advocate and now we're creating silos, instead of treating all individuals who are aging equally and the same, we're creating something that is different. And frankly, not dealing with the problem. Which goes to my next concern, is again, we're creating another task force, one-hundred and seventy task forces and boards and legislative commissions, we have in healthcare alone. And we're adding many more this year. You know, task forces are great for lobbyists and for not resolving things, because they can meet for months and months. And the private sector doesn’t do task forces, they see a problem and they fix it. I think we -- if there's a problem, I don’t know why we're just not going out there and addressing it and why we think 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 we have to create yet another task force to deal with an issue. If there's discrimination going on, why we're not just dealing with that, why we're not just dealing with that discrimination. So, what do you see the goal of this task force being done that can't already be done by any of these agencies addressing this discrimination problem going on?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Villa.
So, the Illinois Council on Aging already exists. I definitely agree that we need to make sure that all seniors are protected in the State of Illinois. So, the Council already exists for the broad aging community. So, in addition to creating the three-year Commission on LGBTQ Aging, this bill expands representation of members, on the council of Aging. And in regards to specific discrimination issues, those are obviously issues that are taken up individually as they do arise.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Syverson.
Just one more quick question. It does create a brand-new Commission in addition to adding members to the aging -- agency - - aging program. So, it does create the new Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging. So, am I missing something or does this, in fact, create a new program in addition to adding to an existing one?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Villa.
The Department of Aging actually wants this task force to 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 happen. It provides many -- there's a long list here of things that this task force would accomplish and I can read just a few of them. There's a need for studying LGBTQ plus older adults and their caregivers and services and systems that support them. They need to examine the impact of state and local laws policies and regulations on LGBTQ plus older adults. We need to examine best practices for reducing isolation, preventing abuse and exploitation, promoting independence and self-determination and strengthening caregiving. I mean, the list goes on and on.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Syverson.
Thank you. I guess I won't belabor the point. I think the point you just raised, are again the reason why if those questions need to be answered, you know, why the agency doesn’t just go out and get those answers, as opposed to setting up a year's long task force, which normally task force means nothing gets done for a long time. Which is why, you know, in the private sector, if there's information they need they go out and get it and get it resolved and get it done so we can start helping people right away. As opposed to a contracted, long term, yet one more task force that this is creating. So, again I appreciate what you're trying to do, my concern is that, at a time when we're trying to be more inclusive and we're trying to treat people the same, we separate them now by creating more and more of these silos and have special programs for special groups and yet we talk about equality. I would prefer, that we just treat -- these programs treat everybody the same and we don’t create these silos. I know there are some other groups that had some concerns with these as well, but I 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 appreciate the opportunity to share my concerns about this program. Thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Senator Villa, would you like to close?
Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Excuse me… I missed that. That must've been a late hand going up. Senator Simmons.
Good? Okay. Thank you, Madam President. I just want to commend the sponsor for getting up and doing something about a systemic issue that impacts so many LGBTQ seniors all across the State of Illinois but especially in the district I represent. So again, I just want to commend you for taking action and getting something done on this issue. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Villa, would you like to close?
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. There's one direction that we're all heading in, that’s aging, right? And as we live our lives we walk through and prepare for as we get older. People who are living with HIV, AIDS, our population that are near and dear to my heart, people who are LGBT plus. Again, I consider myself an ally and as the population is aging, I've heard stories of folks going back in the closet. Not wanting to talk about their status as they go into these new and unknown spaces. With the passing of this bill, Illinois will become a leader in advocating for equity 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 and affirming care for LGBTQ plus older adults and older adults living with HIV. I want to thank Equality Illinois, AARP, and the Pride Action Team for bringing awareness to this issue. I thank you all for allowing me to speak and I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3490 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 37 Ayes, 9 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3490, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 3495. He wishes to proceed. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3495 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3495. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Oh. Senator Koehler, on your amendment.
Yes I seek -- move to adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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?
60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 3rd Reading. On 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 3495. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3495. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President, the Members of the Senate. This provides that the fire department or fire protection district may authorize a fire chief, assistant chief, deputy chief's vehicle for the fire department or protection district, for use, and they may use oscillating lights when only responding to a bonafide emergency. This grows out of a situation in my district where it was kind of unclear as to who had the authority to grant permission to use oscillating lights. This clears it up. I'd be happy to answer any questions and appreciate support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3495 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, 0 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3495, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3497. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Senate Bill 3497. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Murphy, to your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. 3497, really exempts the income requirement in order for unincorporated areas, libraries that serve unincorporated residents, to waive the fee for library services. This is permissive. It doesn’t mandate that they waive the fee but it allows them to waive the fee. So, I know of no opposition, I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3497 pass. All those in favor will -- oh… Senator Wilcox.
Thank you, Madam President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) She indicates she'll yield.
If this is permissive in allowing them to waive the fees, is there anything in statute today preventing library districts from doing exactly the same thing?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Madam Chair. There is and that's why we have to 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 pass this legislation to make it permissive. Because current statute, we passed the all kids -- Cards for Kids Act, last session, and it tied -- it made it permissive, but it tied income requirements. This bill removes the income requirements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Wilcox.
Thank you, nothing further.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3497 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3497, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, on 360 -- 3609. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3609 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3609. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
To adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 3rd Reading. On 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3609. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. First of all, my thanks to the Transportation Committee for your indulgence on this. My special thanks to Senator Dale Fowler. We have worked this out in a good partnership. We got off to a little rough start, which is my fault. But Floor Amendment No. 3 was a suggestion of the Secretary of State's Office as a how to do this This is a rebate of twenty-five dollars for any vehicle that is purchased that involves a vehicle that's manufactured in Illinois. This also extends to motorcycles, which we have none that are manufactured here right now, but we can always hope. It also cleans up some delinquent vehicle dealer transfer fees, or it lowers those fees at the request of the auto dealers. I think this is a good bill. I think this promotes the car industry here in Illinois and I'd appreciate support. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Fowler. 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) To the bill.
I'd just like to congratulate the sponsor for bringing this bill forward. I really appreciate your work on this. It's been an honor to be able to work with you on this legislation to entice more people to buy vehicles in the State of Illinois. So, thank you for your work on this, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3609 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3609, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Will the Committee on Assignments please come to the President's Anteroom? The Committee on Assignments. (at ease) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Commerce Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3838; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3093, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3663, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3709; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1405, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1486, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1571, Floor Amendment 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 1 to Senate Bill 3789; refer to Health Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3775; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2535; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1411; Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3914, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2981, Floor Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 3617, and Senate Bill 829. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair. Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 829. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) We are going back to 3rd Reading, on the bottom of page 8. We're going to start with Senate Bill 3617. Senator Fine, do you wish to proceed? Senator Fine seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3617 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3617. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Fine, to your amendment.
Yes. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Fine, to your amendment.
Yes. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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?
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Fine, to your amendment.
Yes. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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 HOLMES) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3617. She indicates she wants to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senate Bill 3617. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill addresses the shortage in the mental and behavioral health workforce. Currently, there are fourteen behavioral healthcare professionals for every ten- thousand people in Illinois. The waiting lists are long, but the crisis cannot wait. This bill is known as the (Ensuring a More) Qualified, Competent, and Diverse Community Behavioral Health Workforce Act. It does a number of things to grow the behavioral health workforce. It cuts the red tape for professionals in good standing wanting to re-enter the workforce. It streamlines the process for professionals in good standing outside of Illinois to get licensed in our State, and it provides a tax credit for employers who hire workers in recovery for substance use disorders or mental illness. It also creates the Advisory Council on Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorders Impacts on Employment Opportunities within Minority Communities. The goal is to increase the pipeline and diversity of the behavioral health workforce.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The sponsor indicates she will yield. 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Thank you. I had some questions about this in committee, those have been resolved. And I want to thank the sponsor for all of the hard work in this past year. Multitude of committees were held in order to find the best solutions to the issues that we face in mental health and so I applaud you for your hard work and I would encourage a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3617 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, 0 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3617, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Still on page 8 of your printed Calendar. We're going down to Senate Bill 3625. Senator Bush, do you wish to proceed? She indicates she does. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3625. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Bush.
Thank you very much, Madam President, and Members of the Senate. This is the bill that I pulled from the record last week, so that I could check on some of the questions that were raised by Members on the other side of the aisle. Want you to know that I 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 did do a thorough investigation following up on those things, and I do believe, you know, that the bill is ready to be moved. So, Senate Bill 3625 extends the sunset date of the Design-Build Procurement Act from July 21, 2022, to July 21, 2027. I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
They could -- question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) She indicates she'll yield.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator, if you could -- first of all, we're having a little difficulty hearing you, so if I could ask that you speak, if you're going to continue with your mask -- yea, so we can hear you. I understand that you presented this bill previously, I wasn't actually on the Floor that day, but I understand there were some questions raised of you about the clout issues that exist at the CDB. Could you share for the Body what it is that you suggested, I think, in your opening that you have found out since -- since that time?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Bush.
So, some issues were raised, actually, when you were not here, by Senator Rose. And Senator Rose brought up a couple of things. First of all, you know, that there were references to Special Master Noelle Brennan's recent report. The report inferred that 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 there may have been issues with the hiring process during 2020. Just last week, the Attorney General's Office submitted a motion to file a reply to special master's filing and in that motion made it very clear that the AG's Office does not believe Special Master Brennan's investigation uncovered any evidence of patronage impacting our hiring sequence. Senator Rose also raised a question about an issue that happened in a county, that I was unaware of, and the response that I got back is that the CBD -- excuse me, the Capital Development Board was unaware. But the design-build they -- goes through several levels of approval, a selection committee comprised of CBD {sic} and user agency, Capital Development Board, itself, and the Chief Procurement Officer, Art Turner. The policy -- excuse me, Procurement Policy Board can also be involved to some extent. Contractors who believe they've been wrongfully denied a contract have a right to submit a bid -- excuse me, a protest on the bid.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Barickman.
Okay. So, I want to -- I guess I want to ask some questions that go beyond what you suggest is, maybe, I heard the Attorney General's filing, and actually go to the complaint, or the filing that was made by the special master, who I think you referred to as Noelle Brennan. Now for context, I guess I just want to be clear. The State of Illinois is subject to a Shakman decree, also known as the Rutan ruling, that predates -- that goes back a long time. And that decree says that the hiring decisions of the State should be made based on the merit of the applicants and not based on their politics. And that's something for which I think there 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 is broad based support around the State, that, in fact, the people who work for us ought to have an equal shot at employment and it oughta not just be about politics. Now the Governor -- the Governor's position on this is that he evidently thinks this monitoring should go away. And what I think my colleague Senator Rose raised earlier, at least to my understanding, is concerns that the report -- the filing by Ms. Brennan suggests that, in fact, maybe the Shakman decree should continue, the oversight should continue, but very specifically, that there's a problem at the CDB. And that's what I want, from our side of the aisle, that’s the issue that we’re raising with your legislation that I really wanna understand your perspective on. So let me just offer to you what I found in the filing made by Ms. Brennan. That it was not some limited instance that related to an individual in a county or some paperwork issues, but in fact, Ms. Brennan said that the hiring process violated several personal code -- personnel code provisions. That the investigation she performed found that two of four people had been hired that had been previously fired by the State. Some of these people had ties to Governor Blagojevich, that some -- that another person hired by the CDB did not meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which they are hired. Her filing went into great detail about how the Agency, and I think we're talking about CDB, failed to properly expand its candidate pool, favored some candidates over others, and even, after being notified a candidate was fired from their previous State position. As if, the CDB created a process that enabled certain candidates to attain employment at the exclusion of others, or at least that's what’s implied. She went on that this was not merely paperwork errors. She disagreed with the 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Administration's response to this. Which, I think, is what you're evidencing in the debate here is, Attorney General Raoul's filing. The -- the person charged with oversight here disagrees with that. And she -- I am quoting her, she says, you know, and she's an independent person charged with monitoring whether the State is actually complying with the Shakman decree, here's what she says in her filing, "the violations were not merely ministerial paperwork problems, rather the violations substantively impacted the competitive nature of the selection process and ultimately favored the selected candidates." Again, and I think this is the question for you, Senator, why does it appear that the CDB is transparently violating the oversight law that is designed to give people of this State a fair shot at employment? What and -- and what can we -- why can't we fix that here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Bush. If there was a question as to the bill.
So, I'm happy to respond with a couple of things. First of all, I'm going to read you a statement that I requested, an explanation from the Governor's Office. This is from Ann Spillane, the State believes that it's met all objectives of the 1972 Shakman Consent Decree, in the decade since it's been put in place and the continuation of the decree is both costly and beyond its original scope. And at this point the plaintiffs cannot point to a single violation of the law in multiple administrations. By the plaintiff's own admission, much of the focus now, is on aspects of State hiring that are not covered by the decree. Even the plaintiffs, now say, they support the State's motion to end the Shakman decree. Their position, is just, that they would delay 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 the end until April, so they can require a few more steps and continue a few additional months of monitoring. But it'll cost over a million dollars for just the last eighteen months. An ongoing cost of over a hundred-thousand per month. We believe it's our duty to focus State resources on hiring needed employees, not paying for attorney's fees. The Administration identified a procedural mistake by CBD -- excuse me, CDB. CBD would be an oil. C -- excuse me, CDB in filing a position and flagged that mistake for the special master. As we have done throughout this case, the State has provided the special master with the information and access the staff requests. The special master has now reviewed CDB's hiring for months and has not brought any evidence of misconduct or patronage to the States attention. In fact, as she meets with State employees to discuss procedural mistakes at CDB, she is not even asking about political patronage. Throughout this case, the State has adopted as many of the special master's recommendations as possible, into our practices. We look forward to any new suggestions she makes into taking any helpful meaningful steps to ensure that HR personnel learn from any mistakes and in void similar mistakes -- avoid -- excuse me, similar mistakes in the future. I'd like to say to you, Senator, I wish you had called me. I've spoken to Senator Rose, we had a conversation, because she -- he -- excuse me, you know a Rose sometimes that’s a woman, anyway, Senator Rose, is the one that I had the conversations with, so certainly, I did reach out to him. Abby from the department called his office, they did answer their phone, although he did not return their phone call, to get further information. So, I would suggest this sounds like a little bit of a political issue to me, and I'm going to further suggest that, not suggest, in the 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 conversation I had with Senator Rose, what he brought to me, and this wasn’t on the Floor, a private conversation, so, if you want to speak to it, it's fine, he said this is the old way of doing things, this is patronage, that's what happens with design-build. That's why it’s a problem. And, I want to make sure to indicate, that yesterday, you, Senator Barickman, you, Senator Rose, voted for a bill in the Transportation Committee, and I was really pretty shocked when I heard it, because I thought -- I thought this was your objection. Senate Bill 2981 is an infrastructure design- build procurement system. You voted Yes. So, if your problem really is, with design-build, and a procurement system that works that way, there should be an objection to that too, in my humble opinion. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Barickman, to the bill.
You know, I would actually like to follow up. Look, Senator, contrary to everything that you just said, the objections that I, very clearly, articulated to you were with regard to the special master's oversight of the State's compliance with the Shakman decree and her filing that says the C -- the Capital Development Board, is ripe with the political cronyism, for which the Shakman decree is meant to eliminate. This has nothing to do with whatever your conversations with Senator Rose may or may not have been, but my analysis here of the situation at hand. Which is your legislation extends a sunset period for the CDB. And what I'd like to understand, you've articulated, evidently, the Administration's position on Shakman, they clearly dispute the special masters finding. I've heard the Administration's 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 response, I'm reading very clearly the finding by the special master, which is that the Capital Development Board, in fact, created a process that eliminated the non-favored candidates from applying and qualifying for the job. Which to me suggests like, whether it's under the Pritzker Administration or any administration, that looks like the politics of the past which the Shakman decree is meant to eliminate and one which I think there's broad base support for in the State. And so rather than asking - - I didn't ask you what the Administration's opinion was on these things, I'm asking for your opinion. Right? Do you think that further oversight is necessary because of the troubling findings that we -- we've had at the CDB or at least that the special master has found at the C -- Capital Development Board?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Bush.
Thank you. I'm clearly not an attorney, but I will tell you that I felt my questions were answered and this is merely extending a sunset date for design-build.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Barickman.
One more try though. Do you feel that the oversight, including of the Capital Development Board, is warranted given the findings of Ms. Brennan's report?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Bush.
Again, I can give you my opinion, but I'm not an attorney. I 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 can tell you I believe in oversight. I believe that we should be always making sure that we are overseeing and making sure there are ethical procedures. But I believe that this is merely extending a date for which design-build may be used.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Barickman.
To the bill, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) To the bill. SENATOR BARICKMAN: 3 Look, the issue here is a continued practice of favoring political activists and selecting those individuals for, what should not be, jobs with the State -- with the State of Illinois, that simply return political favors. The -- the objection that exists here is the apparent unwillingness to acknowledge that these practices continue to exist and that’s why we've raised the objections. We think -- this side of the aisle, we think that those individuals who apply for jobs at the State of Illinois, or elsewhere, for that matter, should not be subjected to a hiring system that merely preferences the politics of the candidate. That's politics of the past for which I think the public is long fed up with. And so, we've raised this concern here. We would hope that this concern is acknowledged by the other side of the aisle and as a result of that, I'd encourage a No vote. I'd encourage the sponsor to pull this. Let's work on how we might address this issue, but let's at least acknowledge that it's a problem that exists here in Illinois. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 There is further discussion. Go ahead, Senator Bush though.
There discussion?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Rose.
Thank you. So, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) To the bill.
First of all, let's clarify a private conversation, which is hilarious that it's been in here. But, the point of the bill wasn’t that somehow design-build is wrong. There's absolutely nothing wrong with design-build. Design-builds used all over the country. In fact, as you noted, me and everybody else voted for it in Transportation Committee last night. That wasn’t the point. Design-build is not subject to patronage. Hey we're going to hire design-build, no design-build is not a person. Design-build is a concept. So, when I said patronage, Senator Bush, I was talking about the people being hired at CDB to make the decisions about what contracts to give out. That's what I was talking about, Senator Bush. Now you're right. I did not call back the Department because I read Ann Spillane's defense and that's what it is. She's the attorney for the Governor. That’s okay. She's entitled to her position and the Governor is entitled to his position. The point of the conversation though is that the federal court monitor says there's a problem. Now look, when I was a prosecutor a long time ago, many years before Scott Bennett ever showed up in the Champaign State's Attorney's Office. When I was a prosecutor, I 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 always looked for something, who was the independent third party to tell me the truth. In the, he said, she said, where's the neighbor down the street that can say what actually happened? We got him saying one thing and her saying another. That's what happens in court. You have a litigant, in this case, the Governor's Office, with a position, and you have another litigant. So, where's the independent third party? And in this case, the court has said we don’t trust anybody, so we're going to go hire someone to be that independent third party, to tell us who's telling the truth. And in this case, that independent third party, who is hired by the federal court, not as an attorney for the Governor of this State, or any Governor, has said there's a problem in this agency. And my point from the beginning, last week, which by the way, I was very pleasant and polite last week, I wasn’t up and down, you know, shouting. I just said, guys, before you vote for this, you might want to look at this, because if the people that are named in this complaint are in charge of spending these dollars, these taxpayer dollars, we should all be worried about it, that’s all. Now here's a happy medium, if the Governor wants to send us some kind of letter or something, that says these people named in here -- we don't know who they are because its sealed, but if these people named are not in charge of making design-build decisions, fine, great. Because there's nothing inherently wrong with design-build, to the contrary, of Senator Bush's summation of a conversation that apparently she didn’t pay attention to. So, bottom line, if the Governor would like to assert, in some sort of written memorandum, that these people are not in charge of spending these dollars, we all go about our business. It'll be unanimous folks, unanimous. But until I know, damn good and well, that the 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 people who are named in an independent court monitor suit aren’t spending the taxpayer's money, I'm not voting for this bill. Do whatever the hell you guys want to do, but don’t drag my name into it like that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Senator Bush, would you like to close?
Thank you very much, Madam President. Thank you, Senator Barickman for your remarks. This is merely extending a sunset for design-build and that’s it. That's all that we're doing here. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3625 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 36 Ayes, 16 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3625, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving on to the very bottom of page 8, we've got Senate Bill 3629. Senator Murphy, do you wish to proceed? She does not. Moving on to Senate Bill 3650. Senator Martwick, on 3650. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3650. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Martwick. 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 3650 clarifies existing law by expressly providing a ten-year statute of limitations for an equitable mortgage or equitable lien against real estate or a claim for subrogation to a prior mortgage or an action to foreclose any equitable mortgage, equitable lien against real estate or subrogor's mortgage. This is an initiative of the Illinois Land Title Association. There are no opponents, I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3650 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye, Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 3650, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we are going to the middle of page 9. Senate Bill 3667. Senator Stadelman, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Mr. Secretary -- Senator Stadelman seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3667 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3667. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Stadelman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Stadelman.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the amendment be adopted. 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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 HOLMES) 3rd Reading. Senator Stadelman. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3667. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Stadelman.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3667 make it easier and safer for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to file court orders of protection. The legislation basically does two things, it allows victims to file orders of protection online instead of physically having to go to the court house, and the largest counties in the State will have to have the option of holding a hearing remotely on the order of protection request. When survivors are needing protection, they often hesitate to file orders of protection because of the trauma it can stir up and fears of being stopped by their abuser. This legislation will offer victims of domestic violence and sexual assault greater accessibility to the court system and protection to the victims. 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3667 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3667, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
The Senate Democrats will caucus for approximately five minutes in the President's Office upon recess.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The Senate Democrats will caucus for five minutes in the President's Office. Ladies and Gentlemen, listen up, we've got committees this afternoon. We will have Executive Committee in Room 212 upon recess, State Government also upon recess in room 409, Licensed Activities in Room 400, Financial Institutions at 4:30 p.m. in Room 409, Insurance in Room 212, and Revenue at 4:30 p.m. in Room 400. After the Senate Democratic caucus we will go straight to committees. The Senate will stand in recess till the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senate Resolution 862, offered by Senator Bennett. It is substantive.
Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Bills 3720 Do Pass, as Amended, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 829, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 932, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1405, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1486, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1571, Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3460, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3789 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Landek, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1411, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3597, Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3626, Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3908, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3939 Recommend Do Adopt, and Senate Resolution 710 Be Adopted. Senator Jones, Chair of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2243, Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2535, Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2535, Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2535, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 4014, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 4016 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Harris, Chair of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2969 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Connor, Chair of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3787, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3971 Recommend Do Adopt. 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Senator Hunter, Chair of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bill 3488 Do Pass, as Amended, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1143, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2173, and Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3882 Recommend Do Adopt.
Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 4178, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1780. We have received like Messages on House Bills 3949, 4160, 4161, 4173, 4242, 4260, 4333, 4369, 4388, 4452, 4593, and 4646. Passed the House, February, 23rd, 2022. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary. House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1780, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3949, offered by Senator Muñoz. 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4160, offered by Senator Joyce. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4161, offered by Senator Joyce. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4242, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4260, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4333, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4388, offered by Senator Villanueva. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4452, offered by Senator Johnson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4593, offered by Senator McConchie. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4646, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
Mr. Secretary, Messages from the Governor.
Mr. President, I have a letter from Governor Pritzker withdrawing Appointment Message 1010518. The Appointment of J. Thomas Willis as Member (State Panel) of the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
Mr. Secretary, please journalize the withdrawal letter and 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 that the letter was received while the Senate was in Session before the expiration of the appointees 60th Session Day, thus the appointee has not received the Advice and Consent of the Senate. 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.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve -- I move the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in Appointment Message 504, 518, 562, 595, and 609 of the 101st General Assembly.
Senator Murphy, could we revisit your motion and confirm that Message 518 remains within the Resolution to resolve into Executive Session? SENATOR MURPHY: Messaa So, perhaps, I misread my numbers here. Appointment Message 504, 562, 595, 609 of the 101st General Assembly.
Thank you, Senator Murphy. 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, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Mr. Secretary, what is the status of Appointment Message 1010518, J. Thomas Willis, as a Member (State Panel) of the Illinois Labor Relations Board?
Appointment Message 1010518 has been withdrawn, Mr. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 President.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCLURE: Thank you, Mr. President. Pursuant to Senate Rule 7-17 subparagraph (d), I move to suspend Rule 10-1 subparagraph (c-5) for Appointment Message 1010562, to allow the previous vote to be reconsidered under Senate Rule 7-15.
Senator McClure moves to suspend the Senate Rule 10-1(d), for the purpose of moving to reconsider the vote taken on Appointment Message 1010562. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator McClure, to your motion. SENATOR McCLURE: Pursuant to Senate Rule 7-15 -- sorry, Mr. President. Pursuant to Senate Rule 7-15, I move to reconsider the vote, for Appointment Message 1010562.
Having voted on the prevailing side, Senator McClure moves to reconsider the vote by which Appointment Message 1010562 was rejected. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. Appointment Message 1010562 will be printed on the Calendar for consideration. Mr. Secretary, please also place Appointment Message 1010609 on the Calendar. Supplemental Calendar No. 1, dated February 23, 2022, has been printed and distributed to the Members. On that Calendar are Appointment Messages 562 and 609. Mr. Secretary, please read 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Appointment Message 1010562.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be the Chairman {sic} (Member) of the Illinois Racing Board, Daniel Beiser.
Senator Murphy
President, I move that the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion, Senator McClure? SENATOR McCLURE: Thank you, Mr. President. To the appointment.
The appointment, Senator. SENATOR McCLURE: Thank you. Since this was brought up yesterday, I believe the entire Senate has received a memorandum from this appointment, and at this time, based upon the supplemental information provided, I do now believe that Representative Beiser has demonstrated that he does have reasonable knowledge of horse breeding and therefore I am voting Yes for him today. And I encourage everyone to vote Yes for him. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Thank you, Senator. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, 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? Have all voted who wish? 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, none voting Nay, and none -- and 4 -- none voting Present. And majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1010609.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Commissioner of the Executive Ethics Commission, Walter P. Turner.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move that the Senate consent to the nomination.
Is there any discussion? Seeing none, 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? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, no Nays, and No -- none voting Present. And majority of the Senators elected concurring by our record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, let's turn to page 12 of the original Calendar, the regular printed Calendar. On the Order of Executive Appointments. We have Appointment Message 1010504. Mr. Secretary, please read the appointment message.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Lester Bovia.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move that the Senate consent to the nomination.
Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1010595.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the State Board of Health, Julie A. Pryde.
Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Plummer, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would just like to bring to the Body's attention some information that came to me and some Members of our side, since this nomination came through the committee for Julie Pryde, who is going to potentially be appointed to the State Board of Health. There are some concerns about Ms. Pryde. I've not been able to talk to her personally. I would ask, maybe, if we could pull this back and we could have some conversation with Ms. Pryde. A few things I'd like to bring to everyone's attention is -- and perhaps there's clarifying points to this, but she seems to have acted in a fairly overzealous manner in her time in her current duty. We've learned that the legislature has had to pass numerous pieces of legislation to correct errors she has made. She has shut down church potlucks, she has shut down farmer's markets in Champaign County, her own State Rep had to pass legislation so they could have farmer's markets in Champaign County. The Mohammed Lions Club fish fry was shut down by her. The American Legion Boys Baseball team was shut down because they were selling precooked hot dogs. She went around to businesses in Champaign County filing cease and desist orders, even though her office has absolutely no power to do so. She is trying to determine whether or not restaurants in Champaign County, their kitchen capabilities match the food that their offering on their menu, which seems again a bit overzealous. There's also concerns about some incompetence. Her office apparently returned to work at Rantoul Foods, numerous known COVID positive people, in a workplace that has hundreds of employees and she failed to notify multiple doctor's offices after they had been exposed to COVID and then we 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 had patients coming and going through these offices. There were a lot of warnings, a lot of assistance offered to her, a lot of media around these issues that did not seem to catch her attention. I'll wrap this up here pretty quickly. Being overzealous is concerning, but maybe you can get a pass on that, being incompetent is a little bit more concerning. But she also seems to be a bit dangerous. During the depths of the pandemic, she shut down church food pantry's that were offering food to the homeless and folks that had lost their jobs in, you know, some of their most vulnerable moments of life. And then and I'm not going to get into this because it might be a bit beneath the dignity of this Body, but there's reams of paper of questionable expenses that her office has conducted buying anonymous gas cards, making contributions to other organizations, purchasing inappropriate memorabilia to hand out and to display in public events,, and the very last thing I'd highlight, and this is probably the thing that concerns me the most, as folks know, I've introduced some ethics legislation, and we all know that we have a reputation here that we'd like to fix and we are working to fix it, but after receiving some significant State contracts, she put members of legislatures families on her payroll and her organization in Champaign County. So, my concern here is, we've done a great job in Executive Appointments. We've worked closely together. I don't rise as the spokesperson on this committee very often to object to someone, but this is a person that I think could reflect poorly on this Body. And I ask for a No vote or I ask that you withdraw the nomination so that we can investigate these concerns a little bit more deeply. Thank you.
93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? Senator Bennett, is the last person seeking recognition.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm a little surprised to hear my colleague's accusations with bare little evidence. Especially since I'm from Champaign County. I know that one of my colleagues on this side of the aisle has had a long running political fight with this administrator in particular. Their differences tend to skew on the political side. I don’t see that person making new accusations today, although after what we've seen today, he might come from above and yell. I don’t know where his presence might come from, so keep an eye out Joe, wherever he might be. But let me tell you what I do know about the nominee we have today. Julie Pryde is the administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. And we talk a lot about unsung heroes in our society and there's been lots of them that have stepped up to the plate over the last few challenging years. Certainly first responders, certainly public teachers, but think about in your own districts the workers of the public health district. And if the worst thing you can say about them, is that their overzealous, with the problems that we have in public health facing us these days. This seems like a nominee that we should be voting for. But don’t just take my word for it. She has received numerous awards over the last few years including the 2021 Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers in Illinois, and in that nomination, the administrators that nominated her for the University of Illinois, which she is a graduate, the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the U of I, and I mean, you want to talk about -- if we're going to talk about incompetence and I see I've 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 lost your interest, but in the nomination the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor wrote, we strongly believe that the choices Ms. Pryde and her team made and her careful, thoughtful implementation of mitigation protocols, testing and vaccination programs and constant public real-time information about the status of the virus in our county, dramatically reduced hospitalizations and loss of life in our community. The only word we can find that adequately describes Ms Secretary. Pryde's efforts to protect every member of our community this year is heroic. And the only word that our university can choose to express our appreciation is grateful. There's a hundred and two counties in this State. I don’t know how many public health districts there are, but I will tell you statistically, I was so incredibly proud that Julie Pryde leading the Public Health District in the community that I live. Our vaccination clinics ran excellently, and people could reach her any time that they wanted to, for -- with real-time information. She helped me put together numerous panel discussions on zoom with epidemiologist and facts, not demigods on social media that have done their own research, but in fact people that have spent years studying these issues. Answering questions like what kind of mask should I wear, is it safe for me to go to the grocery store. Instead of administering by fear, like so much of what we saw over in the pandemic, she was leading with science and facts. That is exactly the type of person I want to see on our State Public Health Board. I'm proudly going to vote Yes for Julie Pryde and I would ask my colleagues to do the same. Thank you.
The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 86th Legislative Day 2/23/2022 voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 38 Ayes, 14 Nays, none voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by our record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
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. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, I guess it’s a point of personal privilege. I realize that you said that Senator Bennett would be the last speaker, but I did have my light on for that last vote, and had some things that I wanted to say. But, unfortunately the vote was already taken. So, to those who asked me to speak on this, I was not recognized and I want to let you know that I was not recognized.
Thank you, Senator. I'm sorry, I must've had the papers over the cover. I did look for your light after introducing Senator Bennett, because I thought you had intended to speak, but when your light wasn’t on we moved to the vote. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until noon on the 24th day of February, 2022. The Senate stands adjourned. 96