PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? The invocation today will be given by Father George Pyle from St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Springfield, Illinois. Father Pyle.
(Prayer led by Father George Pyle)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Thank you, Father. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Glowiak Hilton, will you please lead us?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Glowiak Hilton)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Brian Crowdson from Blueroomstream seeks leave to video today's proceedings. So, seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, January 4th, 2023.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter.
Mr. 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 CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
Senator Resolutions 1377 and 1378, offered by Senator Sims and all Members. They are both celebration of life resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Stadelman, Chair of the Committee on Local Government, reports Motion to Concur - House Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1794 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports House Bills 2542 and 5107 Do Pass; and House Bill 3878 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 4254, offered by Senator Sims. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed. On that Calendar are House Bills on 2nd Reading. So, we will move to the Order of 2nd Reading. Appearing on the Supplemental Calendar is House Bill 3878 from Senator Pacione-Zayas. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 House Bill 3878. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Next, we have, House Bill 5107. Senator Peters. Senator Peters, on House Bill 5107. Senator Hunter, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) On Supplemental Calendar No. 2 -- No. 1, House Bill 2542, Cunningham. Do you wish to proceed?
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2542. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Senator Cunningham, back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Senate Bills 1st Reading.
Senate Bill 4255, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill -- 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are still on Supplemental Calendar No. 1, Secretary -- Secretary's Desk, concurrence motions. On that Calendar, Senator Murphy brings Senate Bill 1794. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1794. Signed by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Murphy, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to approve the motion and approve on 2nd -- or 3rd. This is concurrence. Okay, I got it. Little rusty. Mr. President, I move to concur with the amendment from the House, and I'll discuss the whole bill in its entirety. Oh, I can do it all now. So, this will seem very familiar to people. This is probably the fifth time we've seen this bill in the Chamber, because it's gone back and forth. What it simply does is it requires an audit of ComEd for local municipalities. We've negotiated everything. There is no opposition. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1794. The voting is open. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Nay. We'll hold on for a moment to make sure the system is ready to tally a vote. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're prepared to call the roll. Can everyone check their screen and ensure there is a voting box present? If not, please raise your hand. Okay. Okay, then the question is, shall the Senate concur with House Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1794. 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, and 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1794, and the bill is declared passed. Senator Holmes, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to proceed to some Floor action here, on page 3, top third of the page. We're going to start with House Bills on 3rd Reading. House Bill 5542, Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5542. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Cunningham.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 5542, makes various changes to the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation, at their request. Illinois Joining Forces is a public-private non-profit that was created to raise funds for veterans' groups. This bill 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 basically allows the board to be reconstituted to allow non- government members onto the board to make it more open and collaborative. I know of no opposition to this legislation. Would appreciate the Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? I'm sorry, I missed that. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. As I am a board member of IJF, I will be voting Present. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Ope! -- Senator Wilcox.
For the same reason mentioned, that a member of the board. I will be voting Present as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Now, seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5542 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 voting Present. House Bill 5542, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Madam President, I hit the wrong button. I was supposed to have been voting for House Bill 2542, but instead, I hit the speak 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 button. I apologize.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The record will reflect your intentions, Senator. Senator Cunningham, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ben Szalinski from The Daily Line seeks leave to take photographs and audio of today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are going to move back to Supplemental Calendar No. 1, House Bills on 2nd Reading. Where Senator Peters brings House Bill 5107. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5107. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Would the Members of the Committee on Assignments please meet in the front room immediately? Committee on Assignments. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 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 House Bill 3968, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4245, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 5061, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5069; refer 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 268; refer to State Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2369. Be Approved for Consideration - House Bills 45, 5188 and 5285. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair. Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 45. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator (Loughran) Cappel, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Move -- I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that HB 2369 can be heard at 3 o'clock today in the Senate State Government Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator (Loughran) Cappel moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2369 can be heard at 3 p.m. today in the Senate State Government Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Dave Dahl, from WTAX, seeks leave to photograph today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Jeremy Gorner, from the Chicago Tribune, seeks leave to record, audio, and video of today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'm now going to read the committee schedule for this afternoon. Please, pay attention. State, Government, will meet at 3 o'clock in Room 409. Executive, will 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 meet at 3:30 in Room 212 and Revenue, will meet at 4:30 in Room 400. The Senate will stand at recess. Okay, I'm going to call out the committee schedule one more time, just so we're sure everyone has heard it. State Government, 3 o'clock in Room 409. Executive, at 3:30 in Room 212 and Revenue, at 4:30 in Room 400. We will return for Floor action after those committee hearings have completed. The Senate will stand at recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Landek, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports House Bill 2369 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 45, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3968, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4245, and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 5061 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hunter, Chair of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 268 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 4256, offered by Senator Fine. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will be moving to final action on -- on bills momentarily. If you can hear my voice and are not in the Chamber, please come to the Senate Chamber immediately, so we can move on to final action on bills. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are now going to take up House Bills on 3rd Reading. We're going to start in the middle of page 2, on your printed Calendar, where Senator Holmes brings House Bill 4245. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4245 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4245. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
I would like to just pass the amendment. I'll explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4245. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4245. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Holmes, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4245, as amended, extends the repeal date of provisions of the Illinois Plumbing Licensing Law, regulating irrigation contractors by five years to January 1st, 2029, from January 1st, 2024. The amendment adds grounds for disciplinary action for inspection licensed plumbers if they do not ensure the inspection provision of this Act has been met. The amendment also increases the civil penalty from five- thousand to ten-thousand. This actual penalty was asked to be put in here by the plumbers, against their selves, to make sure they adhere to the Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4245 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 -- have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Senators voting Yea, 5 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 4245, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. Mawa Iqbal from WBEZ, seeks leave of the Body to take audio recordings of this evening's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Chris Webb and Cole Henke of WCIA Channel 3, seek leave of the Body to record, video, and audio of this evening's proceeding. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to move back towards the top of page 2 on your Calendar, where appears House Bill 268 from Senator Feigenholtz. Senator Feigenholtz seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 268 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 20 -- 2-6-8. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Feigenholtz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Feigenholtz, on your amendment.
Thank you. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Now, on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 268. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 268. (Secretary reads title of bill) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Feigenholtz, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 268 is enabling legislation that allows businesses and local government work together to form a tourism improvement district. This is another lever to help regions of the State bring precious dollars, so that they can attract more visitors that are local to their region. There is no opposition to the bill. IML is neutral. This is an initiative of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and it is supported also by the hotel and lodging industry. I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) She indicates she will yield, Senator Tracy.
Senator, first, I commend you very much for making a very vague bill much better. But I wanted to ask, if you have a group of hotels and motels in a -- in an area, that want to form or create this new fee -- transaction fee, and you have a twenty-room boutique hotel and a two-hundred room regular hotel, and the boutique motel does not vote to be in the district, what happens then?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Senator Feigenholtz.
Senator Tracy, I really appreciate the question. This is a unique model, in that, the folks - the hotels that you speak about are likely already in discussion, big and small. And, should the smaller hotel, or one of the larger hotels, choose not to be in, that is known up front. The process would then -- at -- there's a public hearing and if you read through the bill, you'll see that there's a certain number of days you have to post notice for these public hearings. And that is typically the time when, if that little hotel is in, they're carved out.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
So, the boutique hotel could opt out, even if fifty-one percent of the group votes to create a district. Now, I -- I guess what the next question is, would they benefit, then, from the funds that are generated?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Feigenholtz.
If there -- if, actually, if they're still in close proximity, they likely would benefit.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
And the group that decides how the funds are going to be used, is a creature of -- a creation of the hotel owners. Is that correct, as well? 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Feigenholtz.
Yes, along with the Visitors' Bureaus and people in the region.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
Thank you, that does answer my questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker {sic}. Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) She indicates she will yield. Senator Bryant.
Am I on now? Okay. Okay, so the money is collected at the - - at that hotel, right? And then it goes, where, to the Department of Revenue or to the tourism? Who -- who is the entity that gets the money?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Feigenholtz.
The money goes to the local government unit, whether it's a township, a county or a municipality, and then it goes to the entity, the Visitors' Bureau.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Senator Bryant.
Okay, so the collecting agency is local. It's not going to come to Revenue and then go back to them. Okay, so in that sense then, that's how the guarantee is there that it actually stays - the money stays in the district that collects it. It's not going to go -- I'm going -- it's not going to go to Chicago and then it doesn't come back to Carbondale.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Feigenholtz.
There is an annual report that has to be filed with DCEO, like an accounting of the spending and it is also going to be presented at the public hearing, what they plan on getting, what they plan on spending it on. And they're likely -- the whole plan is likely going to be in place with similar goals.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Bryant.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Feigenholtz, do you wish to close?
I just want to thank our amazing staff for the work they did on this. Natalie, who does -- I can name -- I can name her and she has no right to speak, but she did a great job and I want to thank her for her patience. This was not an easy bill to -- to draft, so I'd appreciate your support, as would the visitors and hotels for 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 and pray for the tourists to come and sleep in our hotels. I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 268 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 48 Senators voting affirmative, 6 voting No, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, House Bill 268, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're now going to move to page 3 of your printed Calendar. In the middle of that page, under the Order of Bills on Postponed Consideration, is House Bill 9, from Senator Fine. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary -- Senator seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill -- House Bill 9 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 9. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine, on your amendment.
Yes, the amendment is a simple date change and I'd like to adopt the amendment, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration? 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 9. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 9. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine, on House Bill 9.
Thank you, Mr. President. HB 9 aligns the State's birth certificate law with the policies of the federal government. It allows a person to self-attest for gender marker corrections on their birth certificates, so they are consistent with their passports, driver's license and social security cards. I ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Sponsor indicates she will yield, Senator Tracy.
Senator Fine, I believe we had quite a bit of discussion on this bill previously, but if I recall, there are no limit - number of limitations as to how often a person could change their -- their 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 birth certificate, under this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
That is correct. And, this is currently done in twelve other states and there have been no reports of fraud.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
And I think we also had discussion that, under Illinois law, there are certain preferences given to women businesses, or well, women businesses, for instance. And, that could be perhaps that a person could actually do this. There's nothing that would prevent someone from doing that, under this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
Usually, when you apply as a woman owned business, you do self-attest and your birth certificate is not checked.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
But yet, a person who is a male could identify then as a female. And, there would be no way to question them filling out a minority business report, even if it is not required on that. I mean, there -- there would be, surely, I mean that would be the reason that they would suddenly become from male to female and then get a new birth certificate, and that would be enough to allow them to fill out a report, as a female, for that purpose only. And 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 that's my question, is I don't see anything under your bill that would prevent that from happening.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
There are other aspects of the Criminal Code, and if you attested yourself as a female, if you're a male, just trying to get a women owned business, that would be fraud and that would be criminal.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
That is correct. But there is nothing in your bill, that would prevent someone from doing a change of their birth certificate numerous times, as many times as they like. There is no medical requirement or affidavit needed to say, yes, indeed, this person is now a male or a female. And that's what I'm asking again, is, there's nothing to prevent a person from switching identities, at will, for any purpose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
No offense to the Senator, but I think that's a very offensive remark to the trans community, because if you are trans and you are changing your birth certificate, that's because you believe that's who you are. And these are the people that we are defending with this bill. What this bill does, is it aligns your birth certificate with the sex that is listed on your passport, your social security card and your driver's license. So, it aligns 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Illinois law with federal law.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
And I absolutely understand your genuine intent, but as lawmakers, we know there are people who take the laws that we make and use them for their own personal purposes, good and bad. And yes, you would achieve good purposes. But we also have to consider the bad purposes that would happen under this. We've talked before about insurance law. Females often get a better rate of insurance because we're better drivers. But, nothing in this bill as I read it, prevents someone who wants better insurance rates to just suddenly change their identity on their birth certificate and -- and change it back later when the rates go down. I'm -- I'm just trying to point out flaws that can happen. And that's what we have to do in our bills. We have to consider the unintended consequences that sometimes happen. We see them happen all the time and then we correct them. And so, I'm just trying to point out flaws in this bill before we pass it and then have to say, oh yeah, we did make a mistake.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Are you speaking to the bill, Senator Tracy, or is there a question there?
That is a good question, Mr. President. I -- I think I asked a question at the beginning, is that I believe when we spoke earlier about this bill, we did point out that females get better rates on their car insurance because they're better drivers. Isn't that correct, Senator Fine? 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
Auto insurance rate practices are unrelated to this bill. The auto insurance industry has their own standards for, if and when, they use gender to calculate insurance rates. And they are unrelated to the gender designation on a birth certificate. Auto information is self-reported and or confirmed by the marker on an individual's driver's license, and that is already self-attest.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.
Thank you. I would like to speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
I think, we had a long debate and pointed out many of the flaws. As I said earlier, the Senator has genuine intent to help a small, not a small, but a group of people that need this for themselves. But there's flaws and it's our job, as legislators to point out the flaws that -- this -- this could be scammed, used for ill gain, for purposes that's not intended. And they are the unintended consequences that can happen. And it's our job to make this bill better and to prevent those flaws. For instance, what about a medical authorization or affidavit or something to indicate that this person is genuinely using this for transgender purposes? What about limiting the number of times? Because, as we said, there's nothing that limits them from changing it one day, one week, three times a year, four times a year. And, things like that 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 would make this bill better. And so, at this point, I don't see why we should support it until we fix the flaws. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) She indicates she will yield. Senator Sally Turner.
Thank you. I just had some questions, just about the -- the language that I didn't see. Who would provide the affidavit for this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
I'm sorry, I'm confused by the question. The affidavit to self-attest?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.
That's correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
It would be the individual.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.
23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 So, the individual would create their own affidavit, but we don't have any wording as to what exactly they would say in the affidavit?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
It is a self-attestation. So, when you would go to change the sex on your birth certificate, it would be you attesting to that is the sex that you believe you are.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.
Thank you. And then, so, to follow that up, so I'm speaking with the county clerk hat. So, with that affidavit, does that remain, that document itself, remain with that new birth certificate? Is that a recorded document that remains with that document or follows it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
Yeah, because it is now a legal document. The birth certificate would be your legal document.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.
Does the affidavit, itself, remain as a recorded document within the -- either -- that's another question I have later on, if this is filed with the Department of Vital Records or is this filed with the Office of the County Clerk, in which the individual 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 was born? So, I'm kind of curious of where that affidavit would - - would go.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
It's with the register of vital records.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.
And so, after that attestation is done, and the affidavit is filed with the Department of Vital Records, then does the Department of Vital Records then send out to the county clerk the new birth certificate and ask that the old birth certificate be destroyed? Or how does that process work?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
This would be your new birth certificate of record. I believe the old birth certificate would be eliminated and this would be your birth certificate of record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Turner.
I thank you for answering those questions. It's just something that I didn't see in the processes. And, so, that's of course, questions that will happen later on. So, thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Bryant, for what 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker {sic}. Question of the -- sorry, forgot where I was. It's late. So, I was born in Indiana. If I wanted to change my birth certificate, I couldn't?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine. I'm sorry, let's go back to Senator Bryant for a further question.
So, it's -- it sounds to me like you can get your birth certificate changed if you live in Illinois -- if you're from Illinois, right? Because you have to go to your original birth certificate to have it changed. I was born in Indiana, so I can't get my birth certificate changed, right? So, only if you were born in Illinois are you going to get the advantages of this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
That is correct. And if I can add too, you have been able to change the -- the sex on your birth certificate in Illinois since the 1950's. The only thing that is changing in this bill is its self-attestation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Bryant.
So, using the scenarios that Senator -- that -- that, two other Senators mentioned. That was good, huh? Two other Senators mentioned -- some individuals could have advantages that other Illinoisans would not be able to have, right? So, let's say you're 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 applying for a, you know, a loan for a women owned business. If you were born in Illinois, then you could say you're a woman, right? But, hey, I'm -- it's -- I'm not born here, so I'm -- I'm going to be at a disadvantage, if I were going to do that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
There are twelve other states that allow for this. So, you would also have this advantage if you're in California, Colorado, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York State, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State or New York City.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Bryant.
That did not include Indiana, but thank you for your answers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) She indicates she will yield. Senator Anderson.
Senator Fine, how does this affect, since we are changing the birth certificate and it's, as you said, self-attestation, is that the correct… so, that means only the person changing has - it has to be their word. So, how does this affect the way we jail?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
So, can you explain your question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson.
Sure, so, if I were to change my birth certificate to female, and there's nothing else that's needed to counter what I am identifying as, I commit a felony and I am sent to prison, do I go to the female prison?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
Because you've been able to change the sex on your birth certificate since 1952, I would assume that there is already a policy in place with the Department of Corrections. The only difference, right now, is how you are able to change your sex on your birth certificate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson.
Senator, but you just said that this has been on the books since the 50's, but the difference is, is a doctor or a prison system can no longer change that because it's self-attestation. So, it has to by their word - the doctor cannot say anything else from now on, according to what you just described to Senator Bryant.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 It is to my understanding that DOC has a very in-depth procedure for how to place each individual person.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson.
That is currently without this bill. You just said that the difference now is self-attestation, which means, it doesn't matter what DCO or -- or DOC says, it doesn't matter what a doctor says, it is completely on the person and how they identify. Those were your words. So, if that is true, then any male identifying as a female is now going to the female prison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
The self-attestation will not change the procedure that they have in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson.
So, what is the point of changing the current law?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
Consistency. It allows - it aligns State law with what is in place in federal law.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson.
So, will you say on the record for legislative intent, that 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 it is not the intent of this legislation to allow any male identifying as a female, or vice versa, to allow in that gender prison that they identify as?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Fine.
It is not my intention to influence the Department of Corrections on the procedures that they have in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Anderson. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Fine to close.
Thank you. Although this sounds like a simple procedure, the meaning behind this legislation sends a strong message that the people of Illinois support our family, friends and neighbors in the trans community. We have witnessed extreme attacks against this community throughout our country, legislatively, emotionally and physically. In Illinois, with this legislation, we are stating that everyone is welcome here. I would appreciate your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 9 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. There are 36 Senators voting Yes, 17 No, 0 voting Present. Having received the constitutionally required majority, House Bill 9 is declared passed. The Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the front room. The Committee on Assignments, please assemble. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Senator Cunningham, back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 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 House Bill 240, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5188, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5285; Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 3878 and Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 5061.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Executive Committee will meet at 10 o'clock this evening. Members of the Executive Committee will meet at 10 o'clock, in Room 212. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Supplemental Calendar No. 2 has been distributed. On that Calendar, there appears a House bill on 2nd Reading. House Bill 2369, Senator Wilcox. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill -- House Bill 2369. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill, the Committee on State Government adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Now on Supplemental Calendar No. 2, we will go to House Bills on 3rd Reading. Starting with House Bill 45 from President Harmon. Senator Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 45 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 40 -- 45. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 45. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 45. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 President Harmon, on House Bill 45.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, as you may recall, after the redistricting of the judicial circuits and subcircuits in 2022, we passed House Bill 350 in April of last year. It made some clarifying changes to implement the intent of the Judicial Districting and Redistricting Act. I would point out two things, whether you were for the bill or against it when we passed it the first time, by the way, it is in the House but was not acted upon before adjournment, but whether you were for the bill or against the bill, we are ensuring that all of the -- the circuits retain the number of associate judges following the federal census. There is one addition to the bill since we considered it in April, we are resolving some confusion over how election authorities verify mail ballots. We are clarifying that you can use a comparison to the signature on the original voter registration card held by the voting authority or by the signature on the ballot application. Happy to try to answer any questions you may have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. Oh, I'm sorry, late light. Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Indicates he will. Senator McClure.
Thank you, first of all, President Harmon, I do appreciate that, which I talked about the last time that we had a similar 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 bill up, that issues that I'm dealing with -- with my judges and my district, as is Senator Rose and others, you know, the issues and problems that they have, they've been alleviated. So, I do appreciate that. I think -- there's still a big part of the bill that is concerning to me, is the bill involving the verification of voter signatures. So, can you please explain how that changes the current process of reviewing signatures, and how it's going to change with the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, and I apologize. I still think we're getting used to the -- the ambiance in the room. I - I couldn't hear you, in part because of the acoustics and in part because of the conversation. Could you -- could I ask you to repeat that question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McClure.
To start with the compliments. Okay -- okay, all right. So, the changes to the way in which a voter's signature is verified, can you please explain what current law is and how this bill will change that process?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon.
Thank you, thank you, Mr. President. Senator, thank you for the question. We are not acting completely independently. We are picking up following litigation resulting from this election cycle 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 and essentially implementing the direction from the court. The -- the law today, as I understand it, may have been somewhat unclear, but suggested that the only thing you could look to was the original voting record on file at the election authority. As -- as you know, signatures do change over time. This gives them the ability to look at either the -- the -- original signature on file, or the -- the signature on the mail-in ballot application.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McClure.
So, when a person registers to vote, they have to provide, I don't know, two forms of identification and provide their signature and we're sure that -- that -- that's the person that's registering. Now, to request -- request a mail-in ballot, those same protections are not there. So, I guess, how can we be sure that the person that's putting the signature on the mail-in ballot, if it's different from the original registration signature, how can we verify that that's the same person?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Obviously, the -- the mailing address is of import and that needs to be current. That's how the ballot is transmitted back and forth. I'd also point out that, nothing precludes the election judge from evaluating both signatures on the original voting ID card or the voting registration card and the mail application.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator McClure. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
Okay. Thank you, President Harmon. I'll speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
So again, I'll repeat, there are things in this bill that are good for judges across the State because of the fact that we were going to lose some judges and it was going to create judicial chaos, but that has been alleviated. And I do appreciate President Harmon, the bill for that purpose. But I cannot get past the issues with verifying signatures. And, what we had was a race, in which, that involved Representative Mazzochi and the court ruled upon the way, in which, the local jurisdiction was verifying signatures. They were looking at the signatures on the request for the through -- for the voting by mail ballot to authenticate the signatures at the time that the vote was cast. The problem with that, is that we've got no way to verify that the person that was requesting the Vote by Mail ballot is the same person who registered. And, as President Harmon said, the courts have made a couple of rulings. And the first ruling was by the circuit -- circuit court. And here's a quote from them. This is not from the Republicans or the Democrats, this is -- this is from the court, "Use of the (using a) Vote by Mail ballot application to qualify signatures on the Vote by Mail ballot itself 'would be an obvious way to commit ballot fraud'." Now, as President Harmon said, the appellate court has looked at this, but the appellate court did not -- did not make any rulings on the merits of the case. In fact, they specifically noted in their decision, "We note that we do not make any judgment as to whether the trial court correctly concluded 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 mail-in ballot signatures must be verified only against the voter's registration record. We express no opinion on the merits of this issue." So, the only court opinion that is relevant to this case that was a ruling, says that this is going to allow for not just any voter fraud, but obvious voter fraud. So, for that reason, I do encourage a No vote, but I do appreciate President Harmon's efforts to -- to take care of some of the concerns and issues that we have in our districts with our judges.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. For the President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Turner.
First of all, I want to apologize that I haven't been over to speak with you yet, but I intended to do so. So, I'm sorry for your loss. But I just wanted to capitalize on pretty much what Senator McClure said, and we thank you for that portion of it. And the other thing I wanted to ask is maybe you'd like to work with me together to -- to see if we can do something about voter ID, and I would really appreciate any efforts that -- that you could do with that, as well, because I think the majority of our constituents are interested in that. So, thank you so much. That's all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Speaking to the bill, okay. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. President Harmon, do you wish to close? 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I appreciate the commentary. I would adopt Senator McClure's closing argument as my closing statement. A circuit court ruled and an appellate court invited the General Assembly to fulfill its obligations to provide clarity to the law. And that is exactly what we're doing today. We are adopting a practice used in many jurisdictions already. I am not aware of any such phantom voter fraud that people are imagining and I would like to make sure we do the right thing by the people we represent. I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 45 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 measure, there are 39 Senators voting Yes, 16 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 45, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Purpose of a motion, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your motion.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so House Bill 1688 can be heard at 10:00 p.m. today in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 requirements so that House Bill 1688 can be heard today in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To correct the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) State your point.
I -- I would like to be recorded as voting Yes on HB 45.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The record will reflect your intention. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Again, we are going to go to the top of page 3. House Bills on 3rd Reading where Senator Mattson has brought House Bill 5061. Senator Mattson seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5061 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5061. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Mattson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson, on your amendment.
I would like to adopt the amendment and explain it on the 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Mattson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson, on Floor Amendment No. 3.
Again, I would like to adopt the amendment and cover it on the 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd -- 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5061. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5061. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. As amended, House Bill 5061 is a time sensitive trailer bill to legislation unanimously passed by the Senate last year. This 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 trailer, and the overall bill, authorizes communities in my district and in surrounding legislative districts to address a looming drinking water shortage in the southwest suburbs. The Illinois State Water Survey has determined that a deep well aquifer that provides drinking water to Joliet and surrounding municipalities will fail beginning 2030. Partnering with the City of Chicago to access water from Lake Michigan, the newly authorized Regional Water Commission will obtain drinking water from Chicago Water Department, roughly, a sixty-eight-mile pipeline -- through a sixty-eight. The original legislation allowed Joliet and other affected communities to join together in a new regional water commission to solve this looming drinking water shortage. The bill provides -- the bill before you today amends the enabling -- statute under the Grand Prairie Water Commission, was established to allow utilization of modern construction, procurement, financial and management practices. Some of the highlights do include: it allows water supply contract renewals with the City of Chicago, authorizes the use of design-build and construction manager at risk project delivery methods, allows for NBE, DBE, and WBE contracting requirements and preferences, authorizes new water commission to accept the assignments of contracts for members and municipalities, it also allows for new water commission to reimburse cost -- advance one or more of its members and makes technical changes to enable modern financial -- practices -- processes. All right. This legislation is important to addressing the drinking waters of the southwest suburban region before anticipated failure of our deep well aquifer in 2030. I respectfully ask for your favorable consideration of House Bill 5061. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. Question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Rezin.
I'm -- I'm sorry, Senator Mattson, I did not understand that. Can you reread all of that, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rezin. Senator Rezin, to the bill.
In all seriousness, this is a good bill. This is an example of communities working together to solve a problem, very complex problem. As the Senator said, the aquifer is going to be going dry in about ten years. The communities along, in this particular area, have put their committees together, have worked to see what best practices are to solve this problem, reached out to other states, other communities. I think that this is a good example of what we need to do to address this problem. So, this -- we've passed this bill before. There's -- this is just a small technical change in the particular bill. So, we ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Hunter.
Senator Mattson, are you trying to take our water in Chicago, and -- and -- and use it in your area?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
Okay, we -- we all need water, right? And there's plenty of it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter.
Did I hear you mention something about diversity goals? Did you talk to the Black Caucus about -- before you use diversity? I don't understand what's going on here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
There -- there is no opposition to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Mattson, I'm sorry, we had a late light. Senator Fowler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Fowler.
Yes, Senator. I'm just curious if this waterline will be big 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 enough to accommodate the eastern milk snake.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
I'll have to get back to you on that one, because I'm not too sure what that is, actually.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Ope! I'm sorry. Senator Fowler, did you have an additional question?
Would you be able to get back to me on that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
Senator, we really do hope there's no snakes in the water lines.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Any -- Senator Fowler? No. Is there any further discussion? Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Two -- two quick questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Martwick.
Senator Mattson, just out of curiosity, is -- is this the first bill that you're passing in your legislative career?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Yes, it is my first and only bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Martwick.
You answered my second question. Good luck.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator Jones, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
I have to echo, like Senator Hunter said, you know, he's going to be stealing water from the City of Chicago. I like to urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator McClure.
I was leaning towards voting for this bill, but I think I heard you say that you don't want the milk snakes to come to your area, something like that. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
I'm not too sure of that yet. We haven't figured out where -- where the milk snakes are.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 Senator McClure.
Oh, that's a big deal, because according to our friend Scott Bennett, the milk snakes make all the boys go to the yard. What - - what's that line? Oh, yeah -- yeah, the milk snakes bring all the boys to the yard. So that's -- I think you want all the boys to your yard, don't you?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Mattson.
That's what we got. It's -- it's, yes -- yes. Milk snakes for everybody, we'll put them in the pipe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Mattson, to close on House Bill 5061.
Good -- good, I'm just asking for an Aye vote and all the support and I thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 5061 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote No. The vote is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, 54 Senators voting Yes, 1 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5061, having received a constitutional majority, is declared passed. Congratulations, Senator. Committee on Assignments will meet immediately in the front room. The Committee on Assignments please assemble immediately. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1015. Together with the following amendment which is attached, to the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1015. Passed the House, as amended, January 5th, 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. On House Bill 5061, I would like to be recorded as a Yes. I was experimenting with the Y and the N, because, did you know, Senator Anderson just informed us that they will work for a Y and an N if you just -- but if they do not work on S or P. And I really don't like snakes. And I was just so overcome. I messed up. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The record will reflect your intentions. Senator Cunningham, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 119th Legislative Day 1/5/2023 reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4412. Signed, Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen, we are preparing to adjourn. Just a reminder to all Members of the Executive Committee, as well as any Members that have a bill pending in front of that committee, we ask you to please proceed to Room 212, so the committee can begin on time. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 8 a.m. on the 6th day of January, 2023. The Senate stands adjourned. 48