PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 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 all those lost during this pandemic. Please rise for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Bennett. Excuse me, Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Lizzie Seils from Gray T.V. seeks to film. Leave is granted. And James Carder, Blueroomstream.com requests permission to video. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate Resolutions 863, offered by Senator Crowe and all Members. Senate Resolution 864, offered by Senator Martwick and all Members. Senate Resolution 865, offered by Senator DeWitte and all Members. Senate Resolution 866, offered by Senator Rezin and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Madam President. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Joyce, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 705 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3184 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Glowiak Hilton, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3838 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hastings, Chair of the Committee on Energy and Public Utilities, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3613, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3790, and Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3866 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Bush, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Conservation, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3073, Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3633, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3905 Recommend Do Adopt; and Senate Joint Resolution 44 Be Adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 the first time, please.
Senate Bill 4179, offered by Senator Anderson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 4180, offered by Senator Bryant. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 48 -- 4181, offered by Senator Tracy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 4182, offered by Senator Barickman. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 4183, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 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 a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4158. Passed the House, February 23rd {sic} (24th), 2022. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4158, an Act concerning -- offered by Senator Feigenholtz. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4173, offered by Senator Landek. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the Bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam Chair -- Madam President. I'm sorry. The Senate Democrats will caucus virtually at 1:15.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter requests a Senate Democrat caucus for about 15 minutes beginning at 1:15, Senate Dem caucus at 1:15. Thank you. Senate Democrats will caucus virtually at 1:15. We will recess to the call of the Chair. Thank you. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. We will be moving 2nds. Please come to the Floor for Floor action. Immediately following, we're going to go to the Order of 3rd Readings. Please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 867, offered by Senator Fowler. It is substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 I have a Committee Report correction, on February 23rd, 2022, the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments inadvertently omitted Appointment Message 1020028 from its report to the Senate. Appointment Message 1020028 is reported to the Senate with a recommendation of Do Recommend Consent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
I have a corrected Message from the House, from earlier today. 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 a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4158. Passed the House, February 24th, 2022. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your attention to the Calendar on page 2, the top of page 2, beginning with Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Beginning with Senator Morrison, on Senate Bill 586. Out of the record. President Harmon, on Senate Bill 29… now on Senate Bill 2940, we do have a change in sponsorship to Senator Koehler, from President Harmon to Senator Koehler. Senator Koehler on Senate Bill 2940. It's on 2nd Reading, would you like to… The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2940. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Feigenholtz, on Senate Bill 2975. Senator Feigenholtz. Out of the record. Senator Bush, on Senate Bill 3025. Out of the record. Senator Turner, Doris Turner, on Senate Bill 3070. Out of the record. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3093. Senator Murphy. Out of the record. Senator Bush, on Senate Bill 3120, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3120. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee {sic} (Committee on Labor adopted Amendment No. 3) or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Muñoz, on Senate Bill 3145. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. Senator Bennett, on Senate Bill 3179. Out of the record. Senator Belt, on Senate Bill 3184. Please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3184. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Belt. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Belt, on Floor Amendment No. 1.
Madam President, I would like to adopt and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Villivalam, on Senate Bill 3471. Out of the record. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3477. Out of the record. Senator Connor, on Senate Bill 3488. please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3488. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Bush, on Senate Bill 3626. Please read -- read the lady's bill. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
Senate Bill 3626. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush, on Floor Amendment No. 3.
I apologize, Ms. President. I ask that we move them at the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator Bush. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, will return to Senate Bill 3645. Senator Joyce, on Senate Bill 3683. Senator Joyce. Out of the record. Senator Collins, on Senate Bill 3695. Please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3695. (Secretary reads title of bill) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) There been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Villa, on Senate Bill 3720. Please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3720. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Executive adopted Amendments 1 and 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration.
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, on the top of page 3, please turn your Calendars to the top of page 3. Beginning with Senator Aquino, on Senate Bill 3775. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we will return to Senate Bill 3808. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3851. Out of the record. Senator Bennett, on Senate Bill 3856. Senator Bennett. Out of the record. Senator Hastings, on Senate Bill 3866. Out of the record. Senator Muñoz, on Senate Bill 3894. Out of the record. Senator Lightford, on Senate Bill 30 -- okay, skip that one, okay. With leave of Body, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 we will return to Senate Bill 3900 and Senate Bill 3902. Senator Sims, on Senate Bill 3983. Senator Sims. Out of the record. President Harmon, on Senate Bill 4011. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we will return to the Order, on page 2. Senate Bill 3179, Senator Bennett. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the Bill.
Senate Bill 3179. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Bennett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bennett.
I would move for its adoption and discuss on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. They Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 We'll go to page 2. Senate Bill 3645, Leader Lightford. Mr. Secretary, please -- Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3645. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. And turn the page, and we'll go to Senate Bill 3808, Leader Lightford. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3808. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3900, Leader Lightford. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Leader, you wanted to not move that one? Okay, that one's out of the record. Senate Bill 3902, Leader Lightford. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. SECRETARY ANDERSON: Senate Bill 3902. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Leader Lightford, back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen, please come to the Committee on -- 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Anteroom for Committee on Assignments. Ladies and Gentlemen, please come to the Anteroom for Committee on Assignments. Senate will stand at recess. Senator Koehler, in the Chair. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Leader Lightford, back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1015, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1915, Committee Amendment 3 and Committee Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2316, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3629, and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3848; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3082, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3792, and Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 4028. Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3917, and Senate Bill 702. Signed Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair. Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Floor, excuse me -- refer to State Government Committee, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 702. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Committees meeting this afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, a point of an announcement. Committees will meet this afternoon. Executive at 3:30 in Room 212, and State Government at 3:30 in 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Room 409. Committee meetings will include remote participation, witnesses and Members may participate in person, or virtually via zoom. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. We are on the Order of 3rd Readings. We need Senate Members to come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. 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 4626. We have received like Messages on House Bills 4682, 4739, 4741, 4933, 4993. Passed the House, February 24th, 2022. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Beginning with Senator Villa, on page 6. On the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Villa, on Senate Bill 3651. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3651. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villa.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Senate Bill 3651 provides that when 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Illinois Municipal Retirement Funds assesses additional employer contributions for certain earning increases, IMRF shall exclude reportable earnings increases resulting from periods that the member was paid through Workers Comp. SB 3651 is an initiative of the IMRF, I know of no opposition and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there discussion? Is there discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3651 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3651, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Villa, on Senate Bill 3652. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3652. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villa.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3652, requires that a participating employer of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund that has created an early retirement incentive program, by ordinance or resolution, must include language specifying that a person who retires onto the early retirement incentive program shall lose those incentives if he or she accepts employment with any IMRF employer. Senate Bill 3652, is an initiative by the IMRF 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 and there is no known opposition. I request an Aye vote, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3652 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3652, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the top of page 7, please turn your Calendars to the top of page 7. Beginning with Senator Holmes, on Senate Bill 3737. Senator Holmes, on Senate Bill 3737. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3737. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much, Madam President, for your patience. Senate Bill 3737, allows the Kendall County Board, with the approval of the presiding judge in Kendall County, to charge an additional filing fee of thirty dollars or less on civil and criminal cases filed with the court. The purpose of the fee is to raise money to build an additional court house facility. There has been unprecedented growth in Kendall County which has led to this. Kendall County, from 2000 to 2020, has grown a 141 percent. For 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 ten years they were the fastest growing county in the country. They are now still the fastest growing county in the State. So, this is definitely necessary. The fee is up to judicial discretion if somebody is of a lower income and unable to pay the fee, the judge can waive the fee. This is something that we've also done in Kane County and I would ask for support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Tracy.
Thank you, Madam President. Would the speaker yield for a - - will the sponsor yield for a question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she will yield, Senator Tracy.
Senator Holmes, this is a up to thirty dollar per case on civil and criminal law cases. It is an increase in fees, but it has to be approved by the local county board is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes.
It is the county board and also the Chief Judge.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Thank you, that’s all of my questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Seeing no further discussion. Senator Holmes, to close. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
I would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3737 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 27 voting Yea, 12 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3737, have not receiving the required constitutional majority -- failed to receive the required constitutional majority, is declared failed. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, may I move Senate Bill 3737, to Postponed Consideration?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Yes ma'am, Postponed Consideration, on Senate Bill 3737, is requested by Senator Holmes. 3762, Senate Bill, Senator Hastings. Gentlemen indicates he wishes to proceed, please read bill.
Senate Bill 3762. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Madam President, Members of the Senate. Thank you very much. Senate Bill 3762, provides clarity to the MIA/POW Scholarship eligibility and applicability. The bill clarifies that in order to be eligible a legally adopted dependent must be under the age of 18 at the time of the adoption, or court ordered guardianship, 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 and that a step-child must be under the age of 18 at the time of marriage. The bill also changes the eligibility language from the time quote, "after leaving" to quote, "after entering" service to allow dependents of service members who are -- concluded their military service in Illinois and still reside in Illinois at the time of application, to be eligible for the program sooner. The bill also adds clarity to what the scholarship funds can be used for to include summer terms, removes language stating an exception of a multipurpose building fee, or similar fees by supplies and materials. And finally, it renames the bill to be the Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents {sic} (Educational Opportunity Grant Act) Scholarship. It's an initiative of the IDVA. I want to say, thank you very much to Senator Wilcox and the Members of the Veterans Affairs Committee. This bill is a great piece of legislation that helps out family members who have had the unfortunate circumstance of having a disabled veteran, a MIA, or POW in their family, and it'll definitely help the future of Illinois. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3762 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, 0 voting Nays, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3762, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Belt, on Senate Bill 3778. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate Bill 3778. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Belt.
Thank you, Madam -- thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3778, would allow investigators with the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Illinois Gaming Board, the Secretary of State, and the arson investigators to transfer up to five years of service credit from the following pensions systems to SERS alternative formula. IMRF if the employee was employed…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Excuse -- excuse me, Senator Belt. Ladies and Gentleman, can you please lower your voices. We are on the Order of 3rd Reading and would all love to hear the sponsor. Thank you very much. Senator Belt.
Thank you again, Madam President. To continue, IMRF if the employee was employed to perform a police duty, or was a county correction officer. Cook County Pension Fund if employed as a court service officer or downstate firefighter, Article 4 - Pension. (40 ILCS5/Illinois Pension Code). Madam President, I know of no opposition to the bill and I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3778 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3778, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Connor, on Senate Bill 3787. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Senator Connor, seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3787 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 3787. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Connor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Connor.
Madam President, I'd ask leave to adopt the Floor amendment and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Absolutely. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3787. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3787. (Secretary reads title of bill) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Connor.
Thank you very much, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 3787, is an initiative of IDPFR. In order to amend the Illinois Credit Union Act to make some changes in terms of which 3rd parties can provide reports on examinations for IDPFR. And it also makes technical changes to the election and appointment of officials. Since the adoption of the Floor amendment, I am aware of no opposition, and I'd ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3787 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3787, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Morrison, on Senate Bill 3789. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Please read the bill. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3789 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3789. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Morrison, on Floor Amendment No. 1, please. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
Madam President, I would ask the amendment to be adopted and discussed on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3789. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3789. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Morrison.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3789 creates the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act, which mandates local government units, except for municipalities, counties and schools, to form a committee once every ten years to evaluate efficiencies, accountability, and possible consolidation with another governmental unit. The bill, additionally, requires schools to have an open meeting on their current annual shared services and physical efficiency report. Happy to answer questions
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Thank you, Senator. Senator Cunningham, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question regarding legislative intent?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she will. Senator Cunningham.
Senator Morrison, is it the intent of this legislation to include school districts?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Morrison.
Senator Cunningham, no. It is the intent to exclude school districts from the new Act, but to require that school districts provide an open meeting with a public comment period on their currently required annual shared services and fiscal efficiency report.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she will yield, Senator. Senator Tracy.
Senator Morrison, we talked about this in committee. And, I wanted to ask further, your intent is that this bill will apply to all local government entities, besides the ones that you have 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 exempted like counties and, I think, municipalities, but it will apply to every other type of local entity, such as a cemetery district, a drainage district, any type of local entity that meets regardless of whether they're -- what size they are, how much their budget is and regardless if they're basically governed by a totally volunteer board. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Morrison.
Senator Tracy, it's my intention this bill would apply to any taxing body besides those expressly excluded.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
And I also think I mentioned to you that I've received many calls, and many of my colleagues have received much correspondence, and calls from small entities, local government entities, that are struggling with even filling out the new statement of economic interest that we have put on them, that requests of them information about assets, and debts, and the like, and the definitions weren’t given to them. And they're in a fluster because they have so many mandates on them. So, what I'm -- I'm asking is - is would you consider making your bill so that it might exempt certain entities that don’t deal with a large budget that -- have -- so many taxpayers in them, a smaller amount. Now, before you answer, I do want to stress I understand your intent is to protect taxpayers, these are taxing bodies, but would you consider that consideration of exempting the most small volunteer run groups? 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Morrison.
No, I would not, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
To the bill then, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
I think the intent of this bill is -- is good, but I think we have found that even with the federal ARPA funds that were available and the DCEO grants through the federal Covid funding that was made available. Small entities, small fire protection districts, could not even pay for staff to fill out the paperwork that was involved, and they left money on the table. And, for me, that as a legislator, knowing their needs are great, it was heartbreaking. We even attempted to send staff around to help them try to fill out the paperwork. So what I find, with something like this, has a good intent. But the unintended consequences are it's a mandate that’s going to be difficult for the most small of the small volunteer groups. And in committee, we mentioned, say - example of township governments. The township governments, I represent, those people are volunteers. They are not paid. Certainly, in larger counties - Senator Morrison related she had come from township government. I know! And -- and I think Lake County, their townships are much larger and they have a staff, they have a budget, and they can handle these. Their township 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 officials are paid. These people are volunteers, and if we keep putting mandates like this on them, and as I referenced, the statement of economic interest is a huge burden that they're finding. Their ability to get people to serve is hindered greatly, and we're going to find that we're going to have a great gap in operational services that these entities are supposed to provide because they're not going to have anybody there to do the work of it. And so, with that -- that -- that is why I can't support this bill unless we look at it in a more reasonable way, not to make it as a mandate across the board or get to the root of what we're trying to do. I mean the -- the taxpayers need to be served in a transparent manner, but this also carries with it a huge mandate and concerns that I -- I think will be troubling and negative in an impact. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to speak to the bill, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The bill, Senator.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentleman, and to the sponsor. I get the intent and I hope that this progresses in the House. That there can be some limit put on the dollar amount of the districts involved here. This is a huge unfunded mandate. Let me give an example. In Metcalf, Illinois, which is a little tiny town of less than two hundred people, they have a cemetery district. The 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 cemetery district's entire levy is six thousand dollars. That doesn’t even pay to mow it. It surely doesn’t pay for any upkeep or maintenance on the plots, the gravestones, it doesn’t even pay to mow it. Who's going to combine with them? No one, literally no one. So, I get the intent, and I support the intent, but as this goes forward, I just sure hope somebody puts some kind of limit in the House and says okay we're not going to mess with a six-thousand-dollar cemetery district. They don’t have enough money to mow -- mow the ground already. And now they're going to have to do a study, really? You know what their studies going to be? There's no study. They're going to say - you know what, you want it, you guys have it. Because that’s where this is all headed, it's all headed. They're just going to walk away. Forget it. We've had enough. We've had enough. So, you know, I've got a lot of these tiny townships exactly who you're trying consolidate. But, at the end of day, somebodies got to mow the damn grass in the cemetery. And that’s what it comes down too. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Morrison, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. This -- this onerous responsibility or mandate is something that, once every ten years, a taxing body is called upon to do with members of its own public. Three meetings, a series of three meetings, which could be fifteen minutes, there is no requirement. This could be a handwritten report that is submitted at the end of those three meetings and delivered to the county board. This is vague and should not be so onerous, but if you have such a tiny - tiny municipality that is 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 struggling, maybe it will -- this will give it an opportunity to consider efficiencies and partnering with others. This does not and it's specially does not ask for consolidation. That is something that every local government should have the opportunity to discuss with its own taxpayers. While you might have some small bodies of government who are concerned and feel burdened by having to make and report to the public. I believe that taxpayers and voters, in those areas, will be relieved and glad to know that there is a light being shined upon those entities that it pays for. I ask for a considerable -- for consideration on this bill. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3789 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 41 voting Yea, 8 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3789, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your announcement, Senator.
Thank you. Tomorrow is actually Senator Castro's birthday and since we're hopefully going to be on the road, we have a cake for Senator Castro, in the back. So, I would like everybody to wish her a very happy birthday. And anybody who would like a piece of cake, we've got an enormous cake back there. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Happy birthday, Senator. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 3790. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3790 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 3790. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler, on your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that we adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin. Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now, on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3790. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3790. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler, on your bill. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. The amendment just amended the timeline on this. But this establishes a Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force. The task force must investigate options for recycling and other end of life methods for renewable generation components and energy storage devices. The EPA must then provide technical and administrative support to the task force and report its findings to the General Assembly by July 1st, of 2025. Let me just share with you a statistic that if by 2030, the United States is expected to see as much as one million total tons of solar panel waste. What's even more alarming is by 2050 that amount is supposed to be 10 million tons of solar panel waste. So, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use solar energy. It just means that we have to have a plan for recycling these products. Be happy to answer any questions, I'd appreciate support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3790 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3790, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Castro, on Senate Bill 3792. Out of the record. Senator Fine, on Senate Bill 3819. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3819. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Madam President. Last year we passed legislation to have Medicaid cover pediatric palliative and hospice care. This legislation says private insurance will offer that same coverage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3819 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3819, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on Senate Bill 3832. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 3838. Gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3838 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that we adopt the amendment. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3838. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3838. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. I'm so glad that this bill finally came together, and I want to thank the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Stewardship Alliance, and others for negotiating on this. What this does is it provides Farmers' Market's fees shall not exceed seventy-five dollars for egg Farmers Market permits, and a hundred seventy-five dollars for those that cover meat, poultry, and other frozen grown foods. This, in my county, represents a fee decrease. And the reason this is important is because we were pricing some of the small farmers and producers out of business for being able to sell their wares at Farmers' Markets. What it does, in addition, it says that after three years there's going to be a cap on which counties can raise 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 that fee of no greater than ten percent, and there also has to be a public hearing on that. So, this represents a fee decrease to help out some of the farmers and some of the people that participate in Farmers' Markets. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3838 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3838, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of a motion, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please proceed, Senator.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Bill 2316 and Senate Bill 3796 can be heard at 3:30 in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Bill 2316 and Senate Bill 3796 can be heard at 3:30 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and all the notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senate Bill 3845, Senator Johnson. Senator Johnson, on Senate Bill 3845. Senator Johnson seeks leave of the Body to return 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate Bill 3845 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 3845. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Johnson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Johnson.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3845. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3845 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Johnson.
Thank you, Madam Chair. We know that during the pandemic many kids have fallen behind, and due to having to pivot to remote 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 --remote learning, and prior to the pandemic several kids were already left behind. Therefore, Senate Bill 3845, as amended, provides that on or before December 15th, 2023, the Gender Equity Advisory Committee shall submit recommendations regarding how school districts and ISBE can better support historically disadvantaged males, to ensure educational equity. This is an initiative of one of my constituents from Waukegan, Ms. Dawn Johnson and several concerned parents. I know of no known opposition. And I would ask for Aye votes, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3845 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 49 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3845, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Villivalam, on Senate Bill 3848. Senator Villivalam, on Senate Bill 3848. Out of the record. Senator Simmons, on Senate Bill 3865. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3865. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Simmons, on Senate Bill 3865.
Thank you very much, Madam President. This piece of 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 legislation comes directly from constituents in my district. It would strike the word alien from all State statutes. The underlying amendment clarifies that this legislation will have no substance of impact on any other legislation of the State or federal level. I know of no opposition at this time, and I would ask -- I would respectfully ask for an Aye vote, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3865 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 42 voting Yea, 5 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3865, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Fine, on Senate Bill 3882. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, she seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3882 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3882. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Fine, on Floor Amendment No. 2, please.
Thank you, I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments -- amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3882. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3882. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Fine, can you raise your mic up just a little bit so we can hear you? Thank you, Senator Fine.
Thank you. This bill creates the Recovery and Mental Health Tax Credit Act. It provides a tax credit for companies that hire individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder or a mental illness. It also creates an Advisory Council on Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders Impacts on Employment Opportunities within Minority Communities.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3882 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3882, having received the 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 3889, Senator Loughran Cappel. The lady indicates she's ready to proceed, Mr. President. She seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3889 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 3889. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Loughran Cappel, on your amendment.
I move to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3889. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3889. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Loughran Cappel.
38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 So, this bill, as amended, requires that the Illinois Children Mental Health Partnership provides recommendations on emergency residential placements for children with severe mental and behavioral disorders to the General Assembly. The partnerships involves agencies in the underlining bill and has - that have been established since 2003. But this expands it, and keeps the purpose of helping come up with recommendations on how to more effectively meet the emergency and residential placement needs of these children. The report will go to the Governor and the General Assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3889 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3889, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Now on the Order of page 8, top of page 8, is 3rd Readings. Will -- Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For a personal privilege, I guess. I missed the vote on 3882. My button slipped and I wish to be recorded as an Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intention, Senator.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Cunningham, on Senate Bill 3903. Senator Cunningham. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 3903. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Cunningham.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3903 amends the Public Utilities Act. It requires alternative retail electric suppliers, which are also commonly referred to as ARES, to commit resources to pro consumer practices including independent audits and certain training policies. This will help the ICC take corrective action when an ARES receives repeated customer and consumer complaints. I do want alert the Body we are likely to see this bill back on concurrence from the House. The advocates for the bill, the Illinois Competitive Energy Association, are working with the Attorney General on some agreed language to take care of some definition issues that will make it easier for ICC to enforce. I know of no other opposition to the bill. I would appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3903 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 voting Yea, 0 voting 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3903, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Rezin, I may have missed your light. What purpose do you rise, Senator?
Yes, a point of personal privilege, please. Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your privilege point, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to be -- I would like to be recorded as a Yes on Senate Bill 3762, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intention, Senator. Senator Connor, on Senate Bill 3905. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill. Senator Connor seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3905 to the Order of 2nd Reading, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3905. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Connor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Connor.
Madam President, I would ask to adopt - move to adopt the Floor amendment and talk about it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3905. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3905. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Connor.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 3905 amends the Illinois Municipal Code and creates the Municipal Water and Wastewater Funding Study Committee. Basically, this committee's job is to figure out if there need to be changes in how grants are allocated here in Illinois, in order to better make sure that there is equity in -- in how those grants are distributed. At this time, there are ongoing negotiations. I expect those to continue on the side of the House, but I would ask for an Aye vote, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3905 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 voting 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3905, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Fine, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) State your privilege point, Senator.
I would like the record to reflect that I intended to vote Yes on SB 3787.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intention. Ladies and Gentlemen just the point of announcement. If you're correcting the record for your intention on a vote, it's not personal privilege. Please rise and say that you would like to correct the record. The proper procedure is to rise to say that you would like to correct the record, thank you. Senate Bill 3907, Senator Turner. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please -- please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3907. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Turner, on your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3907, would allow short term substitute teachers to teach up to 15 consecutive days for any one licensed teacher under contract in a school district. 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 The current law only allows for 5 days. Additionally, if a teacher is absent for longer than 6 days, a school district could hire a person holding a short-term teaching license, if it is during a period of time, in which, the Governor has declared a public health emergency. And this is a short-term fix to the teacher's shortage that has been exacerbated through the pandemic and it will be phased out June 30th of 2023.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Sure, thank you, Madam President. Question for the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she will yield, Senator Rezin.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator Turner. I believe that this was one of the bills that was -- and correct me if I'm wrong, that was before Education Committee last week where we had about twenty- three bills go through committee and most of the bills were going to be held on 2nds with an amendment and according to our records this was one of those bills with an agreement to bring the bill back to committee. Is that -- is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Turner.
It was one of the bills that I said that we were still in ongoing conversation about the bill. But we continued those conversations and the concern that is - we have - was removed 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 during those conversations.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion?
Yes, thank you. So again, and I appreciate the conversations, and we were just trying to keep up because, as you all know, it was a very long Education Committee, three hours, over twenty bills, really large bills that we're dealing not only with teacher shortage, but, you know, opening up the evidence-based funding model, changing teacher tenure, but the - all of the bills including this bill, there was an agreement to come back with an amendment to -- to the committee. And, I just want to make sure, again, and I -- it's not that I am saying that your incorrect. So, it sounds like you negotiated with ISBE. They removed any kind of opposition that they did have. Before the remaining bills in this committee, we have commitments on all of the other bills that were going through Education, that the amendments will be added in committee. That we're - you're coming back, as your negotiating, to committee, with the agreements so we can ask questions. Because, I think it's fair to say, and not on your bill Senator Turner, but just in most of the bills in Education in general, that passed that week, most of those bills were not really debated. I mean, the agreement was we're still in negotiation. We all had time deadlines, I understand that but for the remaining bills that are out there I do hope to see and - not your bill and thank you for negotiating it - I do hope to see those bills back in committee, so we can ask and fully vet the remaining bills. Thank you, Madam President. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Thank Senator. Further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Turner, to close.
Thank you, Senator Rezin, for allowing the opportunity for me to explain that we did have those conversations and we - everybody is good with the bill now. And I appreciate your support and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3907 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3907, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4682, offered by Senator Wilcox. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4626, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4739, offered by Senator Doris Turner. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4741, offered by Senator Connor. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4933, offered by Senator Pacione-Zayas. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 4993, offered by Senator Villivalam. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills. 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. We will be adjourning to - recessing to the call of the Chair. Committee of Assignments -- Committees that I made announcement earlier which was Executive in 212 at 3:30 and State Government in Room 409 at 3:30. We will return to the Floor for further Floor action. We will return to the Floor. The Senate stands at recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senate will now come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Landek, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 702, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3082, Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3792, and Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 4028 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Bill 2316 and 3796 Do Pass as Amended. Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1015, Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1915, Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3629, Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3848 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
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, 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4292. We have received like messages on House Bills 4735, 4736, 5047, 5048, 5254, 5287, 5408, 5464, 5538, 5575, and 5576 Passed the House, February 24th, 2022. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4292, offered by Senator Martwick. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4369, offered by Senator Simmons. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5047, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5048, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5254, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5408, offered by Senator Bennett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5464, offered by Senator Bennett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5576, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please come to the Senate 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Floor for 3rd bills, excuse me, 3rd bills - Senate Bills on 3rd Reading. I couldn’t get it, right. Senate Bills on 3rd Reading, please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action, thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 8. 3rd Readings. On page 8, we will begin with the next item listed which is Senate Bill 3910 from where we left off. Senate Bill 3910, Senator Fine. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Ladies and Gentlemen. We are on the Order of 3rd Reading. Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3910. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Madam President. This legislation will allow Illinois to comply with the federal No Surprises Act. It requires certain information to be printed on your insurance card, like your deductible, your out-of-pocket maximum, and a phone number or website for in-network providers. It will also give you the regulatory entity that you need to contact for insurance questions and complaints. I know of no oppositions and I would appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3910 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 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 question, there are 53 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3910, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Loughran Cappel, on Senate Bill 3914. Out of the record. Senator Glowiak Hilton, on Senate Bill 3917. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator seeks leave. Senator Glowiak Hilton seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3917 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 3917. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Glowiak Hilton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Glowiak Hilton, on your amendment.
Yes, I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Yes, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3917. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3917. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3917, creates the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity or MICRO Program. This is similar to the program recently adopted in the Reimagine Electric {sic} (Reimagining Energy and) Vehicles, REV Illinois Act, that we passed. It provides financial incentives to eligible semiconductor manufactures and chip manufactures to grow the semiconductor industry in Illinois. Chip shortages are well known to everybody around the world, as a result, there are shortages of vehicles, tech products like iPads and laptops, even appliances anything that electronics run. So, this is happening daily. We have shortages. Most chip production occurs overseas. The MICRO Act incentivizes manufactures to reshore in Illinois. Reshoring reduces lead times, produces higher quality products, and helps maintain the industrial capability required for national independence from overseas manufacturing. Right here in Illinois we have outstanding tech schools, skilled labor, water, and the necessary reliable and efficient energy to produce microchips. Let's revitalize manufacturing, reshore chip manufacturing, and put people back to work in really good paying jobs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3917 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 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3917, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Fine, on Senate Bill 3925. Senator Fine seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3925 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3925. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Fine, on your amendment.
Thank you, I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3925. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3925. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Fine.
Thank you. The goal of this legislation is to recruit and retrain -- retain human service professionals to work for community-based human service providers. Subject to appropriation, the program shall provide loan repayment assistance for eligible professionals practicing in a community-based human services agency that contracts or is grant funded by a State agency.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3925 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3925, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will skip past a few bills and arrive at Senate Bill 3954. With leave of the Body, we will return to those items. For now Senate Bill 3954, Senator Syverson. Out of the record. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3971. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3971. Please read the lady's bill. Senator Murphy seeks leave of the Body, to return Senate Bill 3971 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3971. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Madam President. As amended - so I think I just need to adopt the amendment and then I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3971. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3971 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen. Senate Bill 3971, as amended, would change some of the reporting requirements for chartered banks, savings banks, credit unions and the Illinois Credit Union would be included in this, as well. And it simply just states how they would provide notice to a customer on a third-party commercial carrier where a delivery charge is prepaid or they make it via email to customers who have consented to electronic delivery. This is just notification when they have 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 received court orders. The bill allows banks and credit unions to implement their own record retention polices as long as they are consistent with federal regulations. So, I don’t know of any opposition and I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3971 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 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3971, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President, I rise for the point of correction of the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
I would like to be recorded as a Yes vote on Senate Bill 3925, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your attention. With leave of the Body, we will return to Senate Bill 3930. 3930 on page 8. Senator Sims. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3930. (Secretary reads title of bill) 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3930 expands the (Illinois) Home Grown Business Opportunity Act to include notices of funding -- funding opportunities to small businesses and municipalities along the border -- border of Illinois. I know of no opposition, and would ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3930 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 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3930, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sims, on Senate Bill 3932. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3932. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3932, amends the Missing Persons Identification Act to require a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that have not been 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 identified within 72 hours to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the location of those remains and a failure to identify those remains. Answer any questions, Madam President. I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. Senator Wilcox, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
So, to the sponsor, in committee we had a number of questions. It was very apparent that there was one instance in Illinois that drove a lot of this and even during the committee testimony the concern was over the lack of resources, in concern, in trying to locate a missing person. It didn’t seem to necessarily be in the identification process once the body was found. The challenge with the way this is written, we have coroners who can often be in a position to have almost positive identification, but they're waiting for dental records, waiting for DNA records. That seventy- two-hour window is going to pass and they'll be required to notify the FBI. Our fear is that the FBI is going to start looking to Illinois and say, oh, this is just another notice of an unidentified body that likely will be solved in another few days. And that the FBI may just end up with a file that -- ope, here's a notification from Illinois. Wish that there - the chance for still potential changes, as we talked about. Bodies that are picked up on a Friday or a Thursday and dental offices aren’t open 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 till the following Monday or Tuesday. That seventy-two-hour window is going get run through pretty quick and a notice to the FBI. When the reality is, identification is going to be made. So, understand where your concerns were, just think that maybe some changes to the bill could be made. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) And further discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall -- Senator Sims, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. To -- to the previous speaker, thank you for -- for that. But let me clarify that the - this -- the -- this legislation was not just driven by one instance, but there -- it's driven my multiple instances. While, Mr. Jelani Day, who's the subject of this instance, half - where -- where he was -- he was one of the -- he was one of the driving forces behind the creation of this legislation. He was not the only. There are other instances. The names -- and the names go on and on. Kierra Coles, who was another young lady who went missing, who lived -- who was in my district. She's a postal worker, who is missing. So, what we are talking about is not just about the process, we're talking about providing resources to make sure that individuals who are missing are identified. So, thank you for that point and thank you for the opportunity to clarify, Madam President. I appreciate a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3932 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 43 voting Yea, 4 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3932, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sims, on Senate Bill 3936. Gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3936. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3936, as amended, creates within the -- the School Code the -- the Student Confidential Reporting Act. Which requires the Illinois State Police, Department of Human Services, the Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Board of Education and the DCFS to work collaboratively to establish a hotline for receiving reports and other information from the public regarding potential self-harm and/or potential criminal acts directed to school students or school employees or schools across the State of Illinois. I know of no opposition. Would ask for a favorable roll call or answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Question for the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Before that can - Ladies and Gentleman, please. We are in 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 the middle of 3rd Readings and were on a debate right now. Can you take your conversations off the Floor, please -- please? Senator Sims, he yields - he will answer a question, Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator Sims, how does Section 25, which is the disclosure of information in courts, of the bill fit in with the Illinois Supreme Court Rules that regulate discovery in criminal cases?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank you, Senator Rezin. What -- as, I'm sure you understand that there is a separation of powers between the Legislative and Judicial Branches, and that issue would be -- would be subject to a judicial discretion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Rezin.
Thank you -- thank you, Senator Sims. I ask for a Yes vote on - and thank you for clarifying that issue - and I ask for a Yes vote, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senators. Is there any further discussion? Senator Sims, to close. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3936 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3936, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 passed. Senator Sims, on Senate Bill 3938. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3938. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3938, amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act. It is a technical cleanup to remove outdated language from the Act. I know of no opposition. Will answer any questions, ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3938 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3938, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to correct the record that on Senate Bill 3936, I was not able to get to my switch in time to vote Yes, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your attention, Senator. Senate Bill 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 3939. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3939 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3939. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. I would like adopt the amendment and debate it on - and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 3939. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3939. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sims.
Thank you, Madam President. As amended, Senate Bill 3939 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 establishes a cyber security liaison program within the Department of Innovation and Technology. The amendment that we just adopted removed school districts from -- from the legislation, or do it so that it removes any opposition. So at -- with this point, there is no opposition on the bill. I know of no opposition -- I know of no opposition. Answer any questions, ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3939 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 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3939, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3972. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Senator Murphy seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3972 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3972. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? SECRETARY ANDERSON: Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3972, Ladies and Gentlemen, amends the School Code and it requires the State Board of Education and the Department of Human Services to jointly establish and administer the Community Care {sic} (Career) 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Connections Program. What this is - is a pipeline for DSP workers, high school students interested in that subject…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy, just on the amendment.
Oh, I'm so sorry, just, I'd like to pass and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator.
More thoroughly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 3972. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3972 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Madam President. Just to pick up, so we'll -- 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 have students that are interested in working in a DSP environment, and -- and so often needed in our nursing homes and some of the most vulnerable people that need services will create this pipeline from high school to working. And we'll provide them with the high school credits that they need to go on. And then, further certifications and degrees should they choose. So, I know of no opposition. And I would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
No, I just want to say that this bill became for -- before Education and we ask for an Aye vote, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? The question is, shall Senate Bill 3972 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 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3972, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Please turn your Calendars to top of page 9. Ladies and Gentlemen, we will proceed with Senate Bill 3986, on the top of page 9. Senator Pacione- Zayas. Senator Pacione-Zayas. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3986. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pacione-Zayas.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3986 seeks to establish guard rails in the State assessment system, so that we can prohibit the imposition of standardized tests in kindergarten through 2nd grade. It allows for diagnostic and screening purposes. It allows for locally designed tests. It allows for the for the -- kindergarten individual development survey, but it puts these guard rails in place so that we do not have it contribute to the State accountability system.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Yep, I have a question for the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she will yield, Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Madam President. I have a question for the sponsor. Senator, I know that this bill, in committee, we had a little confusion in Education in that very long committee we talked about. And so, we weren’t able to ask questions on your -- on your bill. So, my first question is -- is ISBE currently considering changes to assessments? And should ISBE -- should ISBE hands be tied on the assessments in these early grades before the review is complete?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pacione-Zayas. 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
My understanding is that the Illinois State Board of Education is undertaking a process to seek input from stakeholders to potentially revise the State assessment system and to align. As far as the early years, if they wanted to put any type of, for example, the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, if they wanted to extend it into first and second grade, they could amend the underlying statute established in School Code.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Rezin.
Thank you - thank you, Senator. Why is it that, excuse me, for one minute? Thank you again, Senator. I guess our -- our concern is why are we -- why are we taking the -- the metrics out of the data that we're collecting from K - pre-k through 3 - 3rd grade?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pacione-Zayas.
There are currently no metrics in pre-k through 2nd. There is an observational tool, which is the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, that is not a part of the accountability system at the State Board of Education. We know that the feds do not mandate standardized tests in the early years, so this would definitely be -- along those lines and because child development is so fluid in those early years, it calls into question the value and the validity of standardized tests during those years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Rezin. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
Thank you -- thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I have questions to the sponsor, if she will yield, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she will yield, Senator. Senator Tracy.
Senator Pacione-Zayas, I was wondering is this a major deviation from what we currently do?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pacione-Zayas.
Can you explain what we currently do? What your referencing, I guess.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
That’s why I'm asking the question. I'm not sure why you brought the bill, because is it a deviation from what -- what is the current practice?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pacione-Zayas.
So, the current practice, the federal government mandates that we administered standardized assessments through the Every Student Succeeds Act, 3rd grade and beyond. And while we are 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 taking feedback from stakeholders, what we're trying to do is ensure that the early years are protected because standardized tests are not valid in those early years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Certainly that makes sense. But what I'm wondering is -- is, we've had a heavy investment, as we should, in Pre-K starting with Head Start, years ago. Now we have a heavy investment in -- in Pre-K and going forward and -- and we're worried about, on the one end, right to read. And I'm wondering, if any assessments are being made of these children from Pre-K through 3rd to determine which ones may need more help with performance. That they can't read. That, all of the above, that helps somehow quantify where we need to influence that child, so that they can perform at their best.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Pacione-Zayas.
Understood. That’s why the bill allows for commercially or locally designed and administered assessments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
That’s good to hear. So, what you're telling me is that we're going back to, or going to, a local control model so that each school district, each Pre-K program can administer as they are to help that child to be the best they can be.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Pacione-Zayas.
Precisely. Locally designed, commercially designed, but at the local level. It's just that -- per -- the K through 2 we do not want to be included in the entire assessment system as it relates to school designations, teacher evaluation, because child development is so fluid during those years. And, like I said before, it calls into question the value and validity of those assessments to be determined if a school is performing well or if an educator is -- is evaluated at a particular level.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Tracy.
Thank you. That certainly helps quantify and -- and clarify our concerns, because as -- as we said in committee, it -- it - a lot was going on that day. And too much information, but we needed more information about your bill, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Pacione-Zayas, to close.
Thank you. I think, especially, after the past two years that we've had. It has really called into question, in general, the purpose of standardized tests. The investments that we make and if it is appropriate to move forward and specifically, what this bill is trying to do is ensure that we safe guide -- safe guard the earlier years and make sure that we put forth our resources, energy and attention to support holistic child development. And so far, the research has not been able to 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 demonstrate that standardized tests are the pathway to do that in an accountability system. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall Senate Bill 3986 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say 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, 2 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3986, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bush, on Senate Bill 4006. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Bush seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 4006 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 4006, 40-0-6. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush.
Thank you, Madam President. I ask that we adopt the amendment and I will explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further Floor amendments reported. 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 40-0-6. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 4006. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush.
Thank you again, Madam President. Thank you, Members of the Senate. As amended, Senate Bill 4006, requires the Department of Human Services to submit a report to the General Assembly regarding access to applied behavioral analysis therapy for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We did negotiate with the Department. There is no opposition of the bill. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4-0-0-6 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4006, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jones, on Senate Bill 4013. Gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4013. 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 4013 amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to extend the Professional Counselors and Clinical Professional Counselors Licensing Practicing Act. I know of no opposition. Looking for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Bush, oh, okay. Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4013 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4013 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jones, on Senate Bill 4014. The gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. He seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 4014 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is the Senate Bill 4014. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jones.
Yes, I move for its adoption and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 4014. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 4014. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is another sunset -- legislation. Senate Bill 4014, instead, amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to extend the sunset of Wholesale Drug Distribution Licensing Act until January 1st, 2028. Know of no opposition, look for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4014 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 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4014, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Jones, on Senate Bill 4016 . We're going to skip over 15? Yes. Senate Bill 4016. Senator Jones seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 4016 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 4016. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jones.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. I move for its adoption and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. Pacione-Zayas your light is lit, is that for discussion on the amendment? Okay. All those in -- all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 4016. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill?
Senate Bill 4016. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jones. 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate. Senate Bill 4016 amends the Regulatory Sunset Act of the Naprapathic Practice Act until January 1st, of 2028. I know of no opposition and look for a favorable roll call. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4016 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4016, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Pacione-Zayas, for what purpose do you rise?
Correction of the record. Just wanted to have my vote reflect as a Yes for Senate Bill 4013 and the one that we just did.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Thank you, Senator. Senate Bill 4017. Senate Bill 4017. Senator Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentlemen's bill.
Senate Bill 4017. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate. Senate Bill 4017, amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to extend the sunset for Funeral Directors and Embalming (Embalmers) Licensing Code until January 1st, of 2028. Once again, I know of no opposition and appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4017 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4017, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cunningham, on Senate Bill 4044. Gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Please, read the bill.
Senate Bill 4044. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Cunningham.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm sorry, as I, give me just a minute to shuffle my paperwork here. Thank you. Senate Bill 4044, amends the Horse Racing Act. It makes a number of technical changes, on behalf of the Illinois Racing Board. Among those changes are provisions to make it easier to distribute funds to backstretch workers, a provision to combine duties of board employees and, some language to streamline the way tracks remit entry fees to the State. I know of no opposition would appreciate 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 the Chambers support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4044 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 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4044, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martwick, on Senate Bill 4053. Please, read the gentlemen's bill. SECRETARY ANDERSON: Senate Bill 4053. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Martwick.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 4053, amends the Chicago Police and Chicago Firefighters Article(s) of the Illinois Pension Code by providing a minimum widow's annuity shall be no less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. So under current law, the -- minimum widow's annuity is 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Currently, just for your reference, the federal poverty level for a single person is about 13,500 dollars, so the minimum annuity currently is, 16,987 dollars. This would raise it to a whopping 20,000 dollars and -- it is for about 325 very -- very advanced seniors who received a benefit - widows or a survivor's annuity - back in a time when the benefit was quite austere. So, they 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 receive half of what their -- their spouse would’ve received with no COLA. So many of these people have been receiving the COLA - receiving an annuity that has been locked in for last 20, 30 years and it just keeps falling less and less and less. And so this would raise it to 150 percent. I know of no opposition, to the bill. I'd be happy to answer any questions. And I ask for Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 4053 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 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 4053, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will return to Senate Bill 3908, top of page 8. Senate Bill 39-0-8, Senator Turner. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. She seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 3908 to Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 3908. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Turner.
I'd like to move to adopt the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments considered for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 3908, Senator Turner. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 3908. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Turner.
As amended, Senate Bill 3908 reconfigures the Illinois National Resource Advisory Board by adding qualifications to the various appointees of the 13 appointed members at least 2 shall represent hunting and fishing interests, 2 shall represent natural area protection interest, 2 shall represent urban conservation interest, 1 shall represent parks and recreation interest, 1 shall represent outdoor power sport usage interest, 1 shall be a member of a statewide association of trappers and representing trapping interest, 1 shall represent forester interest and the remaining 3 shall be residents of the State. This -- Senate Bill 3908 is an initiative of the Department of Natural Resources. Just for a little history, this Board was created 24 years ago. And, I think, we can all agree that the diversity of the State and the diversity 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 of the State's interests have changed, significantly, over that period. So what this bill does, is recognizes that, and then allows others who will -- who have interests in this area to be a part of this Board. The other thing that it does, is that it shortens terms from 6 to 3 years. Which I think will also allow for a lot more diverse voices around the table to provide input and advice to -- to the Department. The amendment that was added, there was some interest from trappers and Trapper Association, and ABATE to have a seat at the table. And so, the amendment that we just adopted provides that opportunity.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator S. Turner, for what purpose do you rise?
I'd like to ask the sponsor a question. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she'll yield.
Thank you. Senator Turner we talked a little bit about this in committee and I just want to follow up on something that I know concerns both of us. And that is, will this new council, will it help to make changes to historic sites that are desperately needing our tender loving care?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
Thank you -- thank you for your question. As we discussed, in committee, you and I sponsor the -- the Turner/Turner bill. 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 That -- that actually gives more of that, yeah. Senate Bill 3108. That gives some of that authority to the -- the museum and that’s a whole another board that we'll be looking at that and that bill has passed out of the Senate and is over in the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator S. Turner.
If I could continue, Senator. I -- I guess -- I just want to be certain that - and -- and I realize that you - we did that bill together, which I'm appreciative of, that 3108. But I -- I want to make sure that that new entity, if you will, will take care of those historic sites. Because if they don’t, then this - - this proportion of DNR, this committee, needs to make sure that they have some representation on there that they help protect historic sites. And I guess that's -- that's all I -- what I was getting at.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
No, I appreciate that. And I believe that the bill that -- that we passed together will take care of your concerns.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator S. Turner.
I think that is probably all I needed and I appreciate your answers to your questions. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Stoller, for what purpose do you rise? 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
Yeah. Thank you, Madam President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill please, Senator.
Yep. Thank you, Senator, for this bill. We've had quite a bit of discussion in committee on it, and I appreciate your work on it. In particular, you’ve brought a number of amendments and tried to get this bill better from its initial stated purpose of abolishing the Advisory Board to where it is now. And, so I sincerely appreciate your work on that. That said, I do have number of concerns about this bill. The more and more that we got into it, it seemed that this bill was not as much about modernization of the Advisory Board, which needs to be done, but almost more about the Department of -- Natural Resources. And then also, the Governor's Office being inconvenienced by the Advisory Board. And, as a couple of examples, this bill changes the current practice of quarterly meetings, to only requiring one meeting per year. The bill also allows the Governor to remove and replace all current Board members. It specifies that various groups, as you enumerated, that various groups are to be represented on the Board, but it gives the Governor the power to choose who will be representing those groups. They do not -- they do not to get to choose their own representation. It also changes the scope of issues that may be considered by the Board. And under this bill, the Director would have, as an example, the ability to change the hunting season. The Board would no longer be able to weigh in on grant decisions or personal structure at the Department. So, it reduces accountability and oversight. The 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 purpose of an advisory board is to get input, lots of input. Especially, opposing viewpoints that we don’t want any advisory board to be just an echo chamber. Where we, you know, the -- the members are just agreeing and nodding their heads. We want to hear from all sides, but I believe, this bill does the opposite. It allows the Governor to gut the current Board, assemble a group of handpicked members, to a Board that may only meet once a year. And even then, only weigh in on a more limited number of issues. And while it's important that we modernize it, I think that there may be another intent here and that’s what I'm primarily concerned about. That it may be more about control, and control of who's on the Board and the topics that may be considered by that Board. I -- I just don’t think that that’s the way democracy is supposed to work and I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion. Senator Bailey, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. May I inquire of the sponsor?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Bailey.
Thank you, Senator. I just have one question, well two questions, I guess. Do you know who the current chair of this Advisory Board is and whether or not that chair will be able to keep their position for the remainder of their term?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 I apologize. I don’t know who the chair is, but all of the terms expire in September. And there is an opportunity for anyone who is currently on the Board to be reappointed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bailey.
The current term, I'm told, expires in February. Will they be -- if this bill becomes law, does everyone get to keep their terms, especially the chair, through February of '23?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer to -- I don’t have an answer for you. However, I will say that everyone who is currently on the Board, will have an opportunity to be reappointed to the Board.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bailey. Senator -- Senator Turner. Who's having a conversation here? Senator.
Okay. They will, they -- they will have an opportunity to be reappointed and everyone will continue to serve until those appointments are made.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bailey.
So, I want to clarify. The current members sitting on this Board will fill out their terms, when they expire, and then potentially, next year or when their terms expire then this bill 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 will -- this law will go into place, is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
That seems to be the -- the understanding. Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bailey.
Our side has concern that the law states that everything will end in August of -- of 2022, this year, when the current terms actually don’t expire until February of '23. And that’s what -- that’s a concern that we have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
Okay. It says -- it says "all newly appointed members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified." So, until -- until new members are seated then the current members will continue to serve.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bailey.
So, to clarify. It's -- when this bill becomes law, and immediately, if there are replacements, all current members could be removed and replaced?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
Incumbent members. "The term of office of each member of the 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Board is abolished on August 1st, 2022. Incumbent members holding a position on the Board on August 1st, 2022 may be reappointed."
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bailey.
That’s -- thank you, that’s what I was trying to get at. And, I would appreciate a consideration of -- of the bill to allow all current members to finish their terms. So, may I speak to the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The bill, Senator.
The Advisory Board has, certainly, been around for twenty- four, twenty-five years. To require, DNR to listen to many different voices, as they make decisions vital to protecting our natural resources. This provides accountability. It provides diversity of thought and it's a - promotes healthy decision making. This bill strikes language requiring Board input on several impactful processes. Add Board member qualification, promising ABATE or whoever else, a seat is a false promise of accountability and transparency. If the Governor and DNR leadership really want accountability and input, as they claim that this bill does, it - - it appears to me that this fails in doing that. If there needs to be changes to modernize DNR, then let's get interest groups together. Let's set down and let's let all the voices be heard. Not just offer appointments to a Board where they actually won't be heard. The bill, that's being introduced, has been fast tracked in a matter of three weeks. And I don’t believe that it serves the agent - an agency, as important as IDNR, well. People's way 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 of life depends on the kind of decisions that DNR makes. If we want to do this right away, why not pull the bill and let's have stakeholders have a say in this, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. First, some questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Bryant.
Thank you. Senator Turner, this -- so this bill totally abolishes the present Board. It does totally abolish them. I believe the previous speaker talked about the dates that that happens. It actually shortens the length of time for each of those members by six months. And allows the Governor to then totally reconstitute the Board. So I'm just wondering, first, if you're aware that this happened very early in the Governor's tenure at - - at Governor Pritzker's tenure, as Governor with the Tollway Board. When he totally abolished the Tollway Board and then reappointed the individuals that he wanted. Now we have all kinds of problems with the Tollway Board. Are you aware of that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
Senator Bryant, no, I am not. And so, I can't -- I can't speak to that because I am not aware of that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Bryant.
Thank you. Of the thirteen members of the Board presently, on the first page of the present bill, on line 10, a portion that is struck from this bill says, that one -- one of the thirteen of this, is one of whom, of those thirteen persons, shall be a senior citizen age 60 or over. It doesn’t look that -- look to me like that requirement is still there. Can you tell me why a senior citizen was struck from the panel?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
I -- I don’t want to use the -- the terminology that a senior citizen was struck from the panel, since I am a senior myself. But I will say that it allows for three members, if you want to use the term at-large, to be appointed and I'm -- I'm sure that one of those could, in fact, be a senior.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bryant.
Thank you. I think you'll agree though that it is struck through that the requirement for a senior is there and I'm glad that you mentioned that they’ll be three citizens -- citizens of Illinois on the Board. I noticed that of the other members though, there's no qualification that those other ten members be citizens of Illinois. Is it your intention that those would be citizens of Illinois?
They were listed -- they were listed by there… 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner.
I'm sorry. When they were listed, they were simply listed by the category, so.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bryant.
Madam President, I'm going to go to the bill for the sake of time, cause I have tons of questions and it just might be easier if I just…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you. So, a couple other things that I noticed in here, and I -- I can mention them by line and page. There are several places in the bill where things are struck. For instance, on page 5, line 12, there is a passage that's struck - that has to do with Natural Resources Advisory Board might also recommend to the Director of Natural Resources any reduction or increase of seasons, and bag or possession limits or the closure of any season when research and inventory data indicates the need for fee and -- and such changes. This is a real problem, for those of us who hunt or fish, when there's an Advisory Board that will not be able to make recommendations any longer. When the Director of IDNR can make those changes without the advice and consent of citizens of Illinois. I would also go to -- also page 5, in line 23, which again, talks about migratory bird hunting. So, for those who duck and goose hunt, this would allow for the Director, my 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 understanding, would allow for the Director to limit duck and goose hunting seasons without any input. For those who goose and duck hunt, which I do, it's very controversial every year where they're going to have the lines for -- for particular, like, it's probably not every year, I know it just came up a couple of years ago, where you're, where the different regions are for duck hunting. It doesn’t look like the Advisory Board would be able to get involved in that. I think they're going to be some duck and goose hunters and other migratory birds that are going to be very angry about this. In addition, for those of you who are listening, might remember, that just two years ago spring turkey season permits were -- were not allowed to be used in IDNR parks. That caused a lot of problems. The only reason they were only cancelled in IDNR parks was because the IDNR Director could only control those IDNR parks. I believe that had she been able to go further than that there would’ve been additional problems for turkey hunting. So, there are a whole lot of problems that I see with this bill. If you are a hunter or fisherman in this -- in this State. I'm -- I'm actually asking that before this bill goes over to the House, that citizens make their wishes known both to the sponsor, here in the Senate, to IDNR, and to the Governor's Office. This is not a good idea to totally wipe out the -- the Advisory -- the Advisory Board as it is presently constituted and allow a Governor who made appointments to a Board that is having the problems of the tollway that we're seeing, actually today. I would also, point to the fact, that this a Board that's being totally wiped out, where the Governors going to make appointments, and we still don’t have resolution to the PRB Board. So, when we don’t -- when we don’t have answers for those, we don’t know what the Governors going to 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 do. In particular, some of the appointments that he's made to that Board. So, I would strongly recommend a No vote on -- on this bill until some questions are answered in regard to migratory hunting, in regard to seasons for -- for many of the decisions that'll be made by this Board. So again, I recommend a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator D. Turner, to close.
I -- I am standing today, on -- to offer Senate Bill 3908 that’s speaks to the Illinois Natural Resources Advisory Board. That’s the only Board I'm standing to speak on, that’s the only Board that I'm prepared to defend. And I would rather that it not get conflated and put in a mixed bag with all these other Boards that have absolutely nothing to do with this Board. Having said that, the last speaker mentioned some things that are marked out of the legislation, but - there - I have found one that is not marked out. It's actually placed in another -- in another location. So on page 4, it says "the Board may recommend to the Director of Natural Resources any reductions or increases of seasons and bag or possession limits or the closure of any season when research and inventory data indicate the need for those changes." So, those things are still included in the bill and the Board still has the opportunity to weigh in on those things. Again, I don’t want to restate the things that I've already stated, but I believe that after twenty-four years, that it is wise to revisit a lot of things, and I think an Advisory Board is one of them because there is a lot of changes that have happened in our State and a lot of interests that have come about in the last twenty-four years. I would also say, that while this board is 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 advisory, DNR as well as myself, have taken great pains and a lot of opportunity to talk to all of the different interests. And when -- when two interest groups that utilize these parks and utilize these facilities came forward and said that they would like to be a part of the Board that - and they were not initially apart of that. They were included. So, I think that that speaks to the nature of the fact that DNR is taking this forward very seriously and wants to make sure that all voices are included. Any I would ask for a vote in the affirmative, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3908 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 voting Yea, 14 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3908, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Muñoz, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Now I'll be going to Supplemental Calendar No. 1. It's been distributed. Senate Bill 3737, postpones. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3737. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3737 allows 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 the Kendall County Board with the approval of the presiding judge in Kendall County to charge an additional filing fee of thirty dollars or less in civil and criminal cases filed with the court. The purpose of the fee is to raise money to build additional courthouse facilities. The second floor of the Kendall County Courthouse was built as a shell, but never completed. Due to population growth, Kendall County Courthouse needs to be expanded to meet the demand for additional judicial facilities and to provide for a quicker resolution of court cases. Kendall County's population was the fastest growing county in the United States from 2000 to 2010, and is the fastest growing county in Illinois from 2010 to 2020. Having grown its population by 141 percent since 2000. So the bill will allow the county to adopt a fee of up to thirty dollars on civil and criminal cases. The General Assembly approved an identical fee for Will and Kane Counties, in the past. Importantly, to note, is that court officials are allowed to waive the fee for lower income individuals. Currently, Kendall County Judges waive approximately a hundred and thirty thousand dollars in fees annually to prevent a severe impact on individuals without means. I would appreciate an Aye vote. The expected revenue from this is approximately a hundred and fifty thousand and it's going to be used as part a bonding effort to fund the courthouse expansion. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there an opponent that wants to speak on the bill? There being none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 3737 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 34 voting 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Aye, 10 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3737, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Page 3 of the Calendar, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 62, Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 62. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Martwick.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate. Senate Bill 62 makes a revision to the unclaimed property laws of the State of Illinois that are administered by the State Treasurer as it relates to debit cards, payroll debit cards, that are -- are paid through a recurring automatic clearing house credit. This is an agreement between the proponents of the bill, which is MasterCard and the Illinois State Treasurer's Office. I know of no opposition. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? There being none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 62 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 62, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 675, Senator Villivalam. Out of the record. Senate Bill 705, Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary. Oh, Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate Bill 705 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 705. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 705, as amended, changes two definitions under the Animal Welfare Act. It, as amended, provides that the term "dog dealer" does not apply to persons who sell dogs at retail and provides that the term "daycare operator" does not apply to grooming facilities or training facilities where dogs and cats are held for less than 12 hours. Quite simply, all this does is add a few clarifying definitions. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion, on the amendment? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 705. (Secretary reads title of bill) 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Holmes.
The amendment that I described is, exactly, all the bill is. I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? There being none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 705 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 45 voting Aye, 8 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 705, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 829. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary. Oh, correction. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 829 to Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 8-2-9. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Morrison, on your amendment.
I'd like the Body to adopt it and discuss on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion on the amendment? There being none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill?
Senate Bill 829. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Morrison, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 829 sets forth the process by which persons with qualifying visual and print disabilities can receive and mark their ballet electronically and without the need for assistance. And under this bill, the ballet will still need to be printed, sealed in an envelope, and signed with an ink signature before being returned. Happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Any discussion? Senator S. Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, just to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) The bill, Senator.
I'd like to thank Senator Morrison for bringing this on behalf 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 of the State Board of Elections and for people with disabilities. The return process, I want to reassure our Members, that it still is hard copy and is not electronic and I -- I think it's a great bill. So, thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Thank you. Senator, do you wish to close.
Appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 8-2-9 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 8-2-9, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 932, Senator Castro. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1016, Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary. Correction. Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1016 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1016. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Holmes Oh, I'm sorry. 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion on the amendment? There being none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1016. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Holmes.
Thank you. This bill, it allows the chairperson, who also serves in the capacity as the commissioner on a water commission, shall be a resident of the home county. Basically, what this is doing, is it's adding a 7th District within the DuPage Water Commission and it allows for two additional commissioners to represent any and all territories outside of DuPage County. Once passed, the DuPage Water Commission authorizes the communities of Montgomery, Oswego and Yorkville, can proceed with approving the necessary agreements to finance, engineer and construct a connection to Lake Michigan. And the process is expected to take 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 about five years and be completed in advance of 2030, which is when they are expecting to have some serious water issues in those counties.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? There being none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1016 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1016, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll be going back to Senate Bill 1015. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary. Senator Hastings seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1015 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1015. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask that we adopt the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Any discussion on the amendment? Senator Rose, for what purpose do. Okay. No further 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? 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1015. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 amends the counties and election codes to address a recent Illinois Appellate Court decision that limited the authority of the county executives under the county executive form of government. The bill affects only counties under the county executive form of government. The bill provides that in counties other than Champaign County, it is the power of the county executive to declare, appoint, and fill vacancies in elected county wide officers in county board districts. In Champaign County, the power to declare, appoint, and fill vacancies in countywide officers and county board members would rest with the county board speaker or board chair. The appointment, in either circumstance, would be subject to the advice and consent of the county board. It clarifies that the county executive's authority over personnel and appointment matters, he or she oversees. It codifies the roll of county board speaker or board chair under the county executive form of government and the bill codifies provisions related to how 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 county board meetings are conducted as consent -- such as consent agendas. Mr. President, I'd be happy to answer any questions
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Sponsor indicates he will yield.
So, why are we treating citizens differently, depending on which county they live in, exactly?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings.
I'm sorry. I didn’t understand. It sounded like mumbles. I don’t know if I can hear it out of your -- your microphone, my friend, I apologize.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Rose.
Well, let me enunciate. Why are we treating citizens differently, depending on what county they live in?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings.
Senator, I believe that this law is codifying a recent Appellate Court decision in the Fourth District.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Rose.
No, it's not. In fact, it's doing the opposite. It's overturning the Fourth District's Appellate Court decision, as to Will County, just not Champaign County. So again, the question that you didn’t answer, is why are we treating citizens differently depending on which county they live in? That’s the question, simple. What's -- what the answer?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings.
Senator, I believe that we've gotten into case law debates over the course of our career here in the Senate. And I advise and recommend for you to read the Fourth District Court's opinion as to Champaign County. I will say, in regards to Will County, Will County has operated in -- since 1988 regarding the county executive filing vacancies and offices, or countywide officers. And therefore, wants to restir -- restore that long standing custom and practice.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Rose.
I did read that case, which I am sure, no doubt, you did as well. And you would know that the court overturned Will County. The way they've been doing it all those years. And now you're correcting it, for Will County. And the question is, why aren’t you up holding the Champaign County Executives position, as well? Because she too, wanted that authority. So, for the third time, Senator. And I know you can hear me and I know I'm enunciating 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 for you, as you talk to your counsel. The question is, what's the difference between a citizen in Champaign and a citizen in Will? That’s the only question. Why can't we get what you're going to get?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings.
I believe the difference between Champaign County and Will County is exactly that. One is in Champaign County and one is in Will County, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hastings. Rose.
Yeah, okay. Well, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) To the bill, Senator.
I -- I love this place. I mean, it really is just sort of amazing, the longer you’re -- you're here, the tone, the tenor, just gets worse. People ask a simple question. What's the difference? And instead of getting an answer, you get made fun of. I mean, come on, people. Are we adults or are we still in kindergarten? Senator went to law school, just like I went to law school, just like Bennett did in the middle. The answer is, the citizens in this State -- the citizens in this State shouldn’t be treated differently depending on what county they stayed in. So, folks, if we're going to treat people equally, let's treat them equally. You know if the rules going to be one way, then make it a rule for everybody or if the rules going to be the other way, 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 then make it the rule for everybody. The truth is, at this point, I don’t care one way, whether you make it one way or the other. But I do care that it's the same depending on where you live. I mean, there was like a point in time when this was just common sense that you grew up with. That everybody should be - hey, the rule of Will County is this, should be the same in Champaign County. Guys, stop. I mean this is nonsense. Yesterday, I didn’t even want to get up and talk. Until I got belittled by one of the Senators over there for just warning you guys that there was a problem with a bill. I was being nice the first time. You, stop the - stop the BS, okay. If someone asks a question, do your best to answer it. Do your best to answer it. You can read the court case, I read the court case. The fact is, the court case overruled Will County and you don’t like it. And that’s fine. I would join you in making the rule applicable to the whole county, to the whole State. I would join you, Senator Hastings. Treat everybody the same. Yes! I will vote Yes. Treat everybody the same. I'll cosponsor it. There's an idea, bipartisanship, cooperation, but if you're not going to do it, it's fine, but stop with the belittling BS. Okay. Look what's going on across the street, in the House, this week. And we can't even have a debate? I can't ask a reasonable question? Which is why did you choose to treat the constituents that I represent differently than the constituents that you represent. That’s not unfair. That’s not a got you. It's just a question. I'm elected, same as you are. If you're going to treat the people that way in Will County, treat them that way in Champaign. If you want to do it the Champaign way, I don’t care, but make it the same. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senator Hastings, to close.
Mr. President, I respect the previous speaker's feelings as towards this bill. As prior in -- in prior arguments that we've had on this Floor in regards to pieces of public policy, we've -- we've differed on the way we've interpreted, whether that be federal statute as it results to the airline industries, we've -- we've differed on varies opinions and as two lawyers I think were entitled to have two difference -- two different sets of opinions. This bill codifies what Champaign County litigated over and what was appealed to in the Fourth District Court. It codifies, exactly, what was decided in that court opinion. This bill also codifies, what I -- what I would consider a longstanding custom and practice that has been practiced in Will County. So, in my view, respectfully speaking to the previous speaker, is that this bill not only codifies what wants -- what's wanted in his county as to what was litigated over, but it also solves a problem that’s in my district, as well, which is a longstanding practice of government since 1988. Mr. President, I ask for an Aye vote. And understanding that we may have discourse in this Chamber. I'm happy to see that the discourse that was here yesterday, isn’t the discourse that we're having today on this bill. And I want to say thank you very much, to the previous speaker, for his commentary. And by no means is there any disrespect. None. But I will say this, as we move forward into that middle or end of April, whatever you want to consider it, I hope that this decorum will continue, so that we can have a very helpful robust debate that isn’t disrespectful, but respectful. Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for an Aye vote. 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1015 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 voting Aye, 14 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1015, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Back to page 4 of the Calendar. Senate Bill 1099. Senator Collins. Senator Collins seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1099 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1099. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for the adoption of the amendment to discuss on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 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 MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate Bill 1099. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1099, as amended, creates the Legal Consumer Funding Act (Consumer Legal Funding Act) which governs litigation, financing agreements into -- in Illinois. The bill requires all entities that contract using consumer legal funding agreements to be licensed in this State. It provides contractual limitation and prohibitions. It also gives the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation authority to adopt rules concerning consumer legal funding transactions and gives the Department enforcement authority. I'm open to any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Sponsor indicates she will yield.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, I guess to begin, what is the purpose of this legislation as it relates to these consumer legal funding companies? You're creating a new license. What's the purpose for doing so?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Collins.
The purpose is to provide a means for individuals who are -- have damages or personal injuries to be able to go to court and receive the remission that’s due.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
Okay, to clarify on that response. You responded as to the purpose of the funding companies. Which, I understand, already exists in Illinois. My question is, what is the purpose of this new -- this new license?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
To regulate the industry. To regulate it and also to put in protections -- consumer protections, as they relate to the interest rate cap on what they're actually able to - fee put on the -- the plaintiff.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
Isn’t this industry, though, already regulated under the Consumer Installment Loan Act?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
It's regulated on the CILA, but it doesn’t belong on the CILA and that’s why this legislation is going forward. 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
CILA provides for certain regulations. Is, by your response, you disagree with the regulations that exist under CILA and how those may apply to this industry?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
You would be under CILA if you were described as, what we call, a traditional loan and this is not what we would call a traditional loan. The characteristics of this consumer financial lending is completely different.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
So, you then believe that this type of loan should have a different and it, apparently by the bill, you believe that this type of loan should have higher caps on the interest rates that regulate those - these types of loans.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
I don’t believe they should be higher caps. I believe there should be capped at - what we pass in the PLPA, the Predatory Lending Practice Act, which set it at thirty-six percent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 How -- how do you reconcile the change in law that occurred over the last year or two that regulates an entire lending industry and caps certain interest rates that certain loans may charge? And your move through this new license to create a much higher interest rate that would regulate that industry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
Senator Barickman, I think you misunderstand the legislation. This interest rate will still remain thirty-six percent annually. There is no increase above what we put in law under the PLPA and that’s why you have this bill before you today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
Let's try it this way. Loans provided under the Consumer Installment Loan Act, pursuant to a law that I believe you co- sponsored, may not exceed nine percent. Your legislation here takes one of the lenders that currently falls under that Regulatory Act and places them under a new Act that instead of limiting them to nine percent interest, instead, allows them to charge eighteen percent interest on a compounded basis, semi-annually. And what I'm asking is, how you reconcile the advocacy that was made by you and many, for those limited interest rates just a year or two ago and are now trying to carve out an exception to them, for a certain industry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Collins.
112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Again, Senator Barickman. I think you're reading the legislation incorrectly. For one reason, I would never stand here in this Chamber and to -- or deny or damage or destroy anything that I was a sponsor on before. The fee charged by a consumer legal funding company to the consumer shall be calculated as not more than eighteen percent of the funded amount assessed on the outset of every six months. Which means it's thirty-six percent annually. The legislation that I put in place, last session, stopping all predatory lending in this State, compounding is not permitted in this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Barickman.
Just to the bill, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) To the bill, Senator.
I just want to be clear. I understand what I see in the legislation very transparently and I believe there's, in fact, a debate about this in committee. Certain participants from the industry that is proposed to be regulated by this, testified in or provided testimony that, in fact, as a result of the caps on interest rates, put into law just a year or two ago. Their industry was unable to achieve the profits that they used to attain. And so, their lobbying and advocating for a new classification, a new regulatory scheme with a different set of rules. And what I'm simply pointing out in the -- the discussion here, is that when many people said, just a year or two ago, that these -- that capping these interest rates was going to have an impact on the 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 loans available. Especially, to some low-income people in this State. What we heard in response to that is no, no, no, that’s not the case. This is Exhibit A to why we thought those regulations were going to have some unintended consequences. And I'm simply pointing out the hypocrisy that exists for those who said let's put those caps in place then, but who are now saying, let's remove those caps just for this one industry. Now, I -- I agree that this industry here can provide an important service in assuring that legal services can be available to all people, right? And I'd love to negotiate with you on what that regulatory scheme may look like. I know those -- those negotiations have been a part of this legislation. I'd simply encourage the sponsor to continue to negotiate on this. If it moves to the House, I would like to see those negotiations continue. I think there can be a better outcome here and in the absence of that, I'd simply encourage a No vote in the Body. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) No further speaker. Senator Collins, to close.
Yes, to close. Again, let me state the reason you have this bill before you is because I negotiated with the group to ensure that the cap is thirty-six percent annually. You keep going back to the fact, that it's above thirty-six cap. It is not. And what's hypocritical here, is that when I had my Predatory Lending Prevention Act that put in place the thirty-six percent interest, you weren’t concerned by the consumers then. You voted, No. So I find it very hypocritical, on your part, to all of sudden to stand up and debate a bill and you say that your being consumer friendly, or your concerned about the rate cap. So, I ask for an 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1099 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 Aye, 15 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1099, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1143. Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1143 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1143. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I will explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 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 MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1143. 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. The -- the bill increases the maximum amount of credit allowed for instructional materials and supplies purchased by teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aids in public or private Illinois schools, to three hundred for taxable years beginning on or after January 1st of 2023. In current law, the maximum credit allowed is two-fifty. I think we all know teachers who provide materials out of their pocket for their students. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? There being none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1143 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1143, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1405. Senator McConchie seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1405 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1405. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator McConchie .
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Leader McConchie, on your Floor amendment. 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to pass it and discuss it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 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 MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. On the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1405. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Leader McConchie. SENATOR McCONCHIE: Thank you, Mr. President. We all have seen the attempt to respond to COVID during the pandemic. And one of the things that happened during that, was we had a lot of patients either in the hospitals or in long term care facilities who are often left alone with the inability to visit loved ones, sometimes for prolong periods of time. This language is been negotiated with the Hospital Association, as well as, with the long-term care facilities, to guarantee, -- it's not a guarantee, but it is a strong encouragement, if you will, that a bias that anytime it is possible, it is safe to do so, that people that are in these 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 facilities will be allowed at least one visitor within normal hours and under normal parameters, as long as, they meet all of the standards that are established by the healthcare facility. Whether it be testing or wearing a PPE and so forth. I would say that all of our long-term care facilities are in favor of this legislation and believe it'll help really to address the mental health situation of people who are in these facilities, either under an emergency proclamation or during a continuation of this pandemic or another one like it in the future. So, I would encourage an Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? There being none. The question is shall Senate Bill 1405 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1405, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we'll be going back to Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Final time. Senate Bill 2979 -- 75, Senator Feigenholtz. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2975. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentleman, just have been informed by our Chief of Staff, we're only going to be doing 2nd bills -- 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 2nd Reading going to 3rds, nothing else. So if you don’t have any bills to move, you -- you can leave the Chamber. No -- no 3rd and we will be coming in at 9:30 tomorrow morning for final action. Senate Bill 3025. Senator Bush. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3070, D. -- Senator D. Turner. Indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3070 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3093, Senator Murphy. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3093 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3471, Senator Villivalam. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3477, Senator Murphy. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3775, Senator Aquino. Out of the record. 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Senate Bill 3851, Senator Murphy. Indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill. 3851 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3856, Senator Bennett. Senator Bennett. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3866, Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 3866. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUNOZ) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Castro.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Castro. Can you withdraw? Senator Castro.
I would like to withdraw the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Castro wants to withdraw the amendment. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator -- Senator Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Harris.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt Floor Amendment 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 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 MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. President Harmon, on 4011. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 4011. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. President Harmon, in the Chair.
With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to page 2 of the printed Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 3145, Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3145. 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 87th Legislative Day 2/24/2022 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to page 3 of the printed Calendar. Senate Bill 3894, Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3894. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9:30 a.m. on the 25th day of February, 2022. The Senate stands adjourned. 122