PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? The invocation today will be given by Reverend James Sporleder from Hillside Church of Faith, Effingham, Illinois.
REVEREND JAMES SPORLEDER: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Johnson, will you please lead us in the pledge?
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Lisa Yuscius from Blueroomstream seeks leave to video and photograph the proceedings for video stream. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, March 23rd, 2023.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Senate Resolution 151, offered by Senator Pacione-Zayas. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 2555, offered by President Harmon, an Act concerning appropriations. 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 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 1213. We have received like Messages on House Bills 1236, 1268, 1273, 1286, 1291, 1294, 1297, 1363, 1409, 1434, 1465, 1496, 1497, 1541, 1555, 1557, 1561, 1565, 1566, 1581, 1602, 1612, 1626, 1628, 1635, 1636, 2040, 2057, 2072, 2077, 2094, 2098, 2104, 2123, 2131, 2147, 2188, 2189, 2207, 2217, 2224, 2233, 2258, 2278 {sic} 2878, 3149, 3162 and 3551. Passed the House, March 23rd, 2023. John W Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1156, offered by Senator Tracy, an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1213, offered by Senator Sally Turner, an Act concerning education. House Bill 1236, offered by Senator Stadelman, an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1268, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 offered by Senator Johnson, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1273, offered by Senator Erica Harriss, an Act concerning education. House Bill 1286, offered by Senator Villanueva, an Act concerning health. House Bill 1291, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel, an Act concerning education. House Bill 1294, offered by Senator Erica Harriss {sic} Pacione-Zayas, an Act concerning courts. House Bill 1297, offered by Senator Erica Harriss, an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 1363, offered by Senator Villa, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1434, offered by Senator Fowler, an Act concerning courts. House Bill 1465, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1496, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 1497, offered by Senator Cervantes, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1541, offered by Senator Hunter, an Act concerning utilities. House Bill 1555, offered by Senator Halpin, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 1557, offered by Senator Villa, an Act concerning liquor. House Bill 1561, offered by Senator Johnson, an Act concerning education. House Bill 1565, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel, an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 1581, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 1602, offered by Senator Castro, an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1612, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning State government. House Bill 1626, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning local government. House Bill 1628, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 2057, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 2072, offered by Senator Fine, an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 2077, offered by Senator McClure, an Act 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 concerning regulation. House Bill 2094, offered by Senator Lewis, an Act concerning business. House Bill 2098, offered by Senator Preston, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 2104, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning education. House Bill 2123, offered by Senator Edly-Allen, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 2131, offered by Senator Simmons, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 2147, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 2188, offered by Senator Joyce, an Act concerning the fraud. House Bill 2189, offered by Senator Murphy, an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 2224, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 2301, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning government. House Bill 2308, offered by Senator Ellman, an Act concerning safety. House Bill 2477, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 2878, offered by Senator Doris Turner, an Act concerning finance. House Bill 3087, offered by Senator Doris Turner, an Act concerning animals. House Bill 3133, offered by Senator Villanueva, an Act concerning local government. House Bill 3149, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 3162, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning public employee benefits. House Bill 3311, offered by Senator Bennett, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 3551, offered by Senator Belt, an Act concerning finance. House Bill 2207, offered by Senator Cervantes, an Act concerning regulation. 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Ladies and Gentlemen, please come to the Floor. We will be moving on to Senate Bills 2nd Reading. The Members can please come to the Floor, so we can take up action on 2nd Reading. Patrick 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Keck from SJ-R seeks to record an audio and take photos. Seeing - - seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Good morning, Mr. President. It's nice to see you today, sir. Is this your first day in the Chair? Oh, okay. It's not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose, it's not my first day in the Chair, not my first day in the Senate, but thank you for asking.
I am excited to see the Gio tracker and the Hoff are next to you. Which means we must be getting ready to get started. So, what is our itinerary? It is now 10:30. We are half -- half an hour past start time here. When are we going to get going? We got the two -- we got the two guys that know what's going on, the tracker and the Hoffmeister. When will we start, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose, as I said earlier, I hope you were paying attention, that we are waiting for folks to go on to 2nds. We actually have already started today. We've read in some House bills. We're waiting on some more Members to go into Senate Bill 2nd Reading and then into the good old 3rd Readings of the Senate. So, we hope to get you on the road very soon. Senator Rose.
I have a parliamentarian inquiry. I clearly see a room full of Senators ready to work. I see far more than what is required to -- to begin our business today. Will we be getting, in the next half hour or an hour, I mean, what like -- oh, there's the President. Okay, good. Never mind. Thank you. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Thank you for the delay. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 152, offered by Senator Halpin. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) On page 2 of the Calendar, the Order of 2nd -- of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 125, Ventura. Senate Bill 125, Ventura. 2nd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 125, an Act concerning transportation, 2nd Reading of the bill. The Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. On the bottom of page 3, Senate Bill 1495, Harris. Senate Bill 1495, Harris. Moving -- moving back on the page of page 3. Senate Bill 1438, Ventura. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senator Bill 1438, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the Bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1463, Peters. Senate Bill 1463, Peters. Senate Bill 1495, Harris, 1495. Moving on to page 4, Senate 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Bill 1499, Villa. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1499, an Act Concerning animals, 2nd Reading of the bill. The Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety -- excuse me. Never mind. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1508, Cunningham. Senate Bill 1509, Cunningham. Senate Bill 1699, Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1699, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Have there been any -- any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1715, Glowiak Hilton. Senate Bill 1782, Koehler. Senate Bill 1915, Martwick. Senate Bill 1915, Martwick. Senate Bill 1933, Ellman. 1933, Ellman. Senate Bill 1935, Ellman. Senate Bill 1987, Morrison. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1987, an Act concerning criminal law, 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator -- Senator Morrison, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and discuss on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 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 AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2152, Cunningham, 2152. We are going to go back to -- in – in -- the top of the page -- to page 7 to 2132, Doris Turner, 2132. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2132, an Act concerning education, 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2214, Castro. Senate Bill 2214, Castro. Senate Bill 2226, Joyce. Senate Bill 2226, Joyce. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2226, an Act concerning State government, 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Joyce.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Joyce, on your amendment?
I'd like to adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 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 AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2260, Peters. Senate Bill 2260. Would you like to move the bill? Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senator Bill 2260, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee -- Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety adopted Amendment No.2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2285, Villivalam. Senate Bill 2285, Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Senate Bill 2285, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Moving back to -- on page 5 of the Calendar. Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1782, Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1782, an Act concerning employment. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Moving to the bottom of page 7. Senate Bill 2227, Holmes. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2227, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No.1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
Thank you -- thank you so much, Mr. President. I would ask for its adoption and I will explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 there any -- any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. We'll be moving to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, final action. For all the Members come to the Floor. We have final action on 3rd Reading. On the top of page 10, we have Senate Bill 49. Senator Fine, on Senate Bill 49. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 49, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 49, as amended, creates requirements for higher education institutes regarding providing official transcripts to current or former students who request them if they owe a debt to the school. The situations under this bill will impact students transferring schools, completing a job application and an application for State or federal aid, or joining the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard. And the Attorney General's Office intends to keep working on this in the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The Sponsor indicates she would yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Fine, were there -- is there opposition to your bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Like I said, the Attorney General's office plans to continue working on this legislation in the House to eliminate that opposition because there is some concern.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Thank you. And so, I believe Western Illinois University and Eastern Illinois University are in opposition. And -- and the reason is, is the cost to them that it's a problem that they face. And allowing the free transcripts without any repercussions is costly to the universities. So, that was why I cannot support this bill, because I do not know how it will be resolved, if at all, in the House. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Fine, would you like to close?
Thank you. Yes, the intention of this legislation is to allow for students to receive their transcripts, so that they can apply for a job or apply to be a member of our U.S. military forces so that they can repay that debt. I ask for an Aye vote. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 49 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 37 Ayes, 10 Nays, 0 voting Present. Having received the constitutional majority, Senate Bill 49, is declared passed. Senate Bill 57, Fine. Senate Bill 57. Mr. -- Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 57, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation amends the community Behavioral Health Care Professionals Loan Repayment Program by raising the amounts entitled to different health care professionals, depending on the scope of practice that they pursue. I know of no opposition to the legislation, and I would appreciate your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is -- is Senate Bill 57 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 -- on that vote, there are 53 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay. Having -- sorry. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 57, is declared passed. Senate Bill 58, Fine. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Senate Bill 58, an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation has to do with a single use disposable foodware, and it requires State agencies to track the amount of disposable plastics that they use. So, we, as a government agency and Body can be responsible for setting the stage for allowing a reduction in single use plastics. I ask for your Aye vote, and I know of no opposition to the legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion -- is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 58 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, 2 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 58, is declared passed. Senate Bill 74, Peters. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 74, an Act concerning revenue. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters, on your bill.
This is a task force for property tax payments for working people. Ask for an Aye vote. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator -- Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator McClure.
Thank you, Senator. Who makes up the task force?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
It would -- it would have a series of stakeholders from Cook County government, mayors, advocates that are directly impacted. I think there's a few other folks. And again, this would only impact Cook County.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
Are any GOP folks allowed to make appointments on this committee?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
It is one -- I mean, there's a possibility that could happen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
So, I guess in the leadership, does the Speaker of the House 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 get to make an appointment? Does the President of the Senate get to make an appointment? And if so, does the -- the Minority Leader in the House and the Minority Leader in the Senate get to make appointments?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
The President and the Speaker do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill. Senator McClure.
I know that it's hard to believe, but there are republicans in Cook County. I think this task force should be bipartisan. I don't know why it has to be partisan. And for that reason alone, I'm going to vote No. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Senator Peters, would you like to close?
Vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Seeing no further discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 74 pass. All those in favor of 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 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 are 37 Ayes, 17 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 74, is declared passed. Senate Bill 86, Fine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 86, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator by -- Senator Fine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation is known as the "Know Before You Owe Act". And what this does is it protects cosigners for student loans. If you cosign a student loan right now, you get very little information if that loan is being repaid right now. What this will do is this will change it. So, if you cosign on to a loan, you will know if that student is not paying their debt. And so, it does not fall into your lap. I know of no opposition and would appreciate your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question -- the question is, shall Senate Bill 86 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 vote, there are 55 Yeas, 0 Nays. Having -- having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 86, is declared passed. Senate Bill 285, Koehler. Senate Bill 285, Koehler. Senate Bill 323, Castro. 323, Castro. Moving to the top of page 25 in the printed Calendar. Senate Bill 724, Feigenholtz. Senate Bill 724, Feigenholtz. Moving to -- I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Senator Bill 724, an Act concerning health. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Feigenholtz, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 724 is a transformation initiative that has been launched by Governor Pritzker in response to the youth mental health crisis in Illinois. It's a comprehensive plan that follows the blueprint that was unveiled last month in the hopes of getting many, many agencies out of their silos to integrate and collaborate to solve this enormous problem. I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Steven -- Syverson, for what purposes, you ask -- do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill. Senator Syverson.
Well, there's still a lot of questions and concerns regarding what's going to happen with this. Clearly, the current system is not working and I think we owe it to them to move this model forward and see what the next step is going to look like. There may be concerns going forward, but I think the intended goal and some of the steps they're planning on doing, if in fact it can work, would make sense. So, I would ask our Members to support this to allow it to keep moving forward. And then we can -- we can 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 judge it as the as they start to implement the program. So, I appreciate the sponsors leadership on that. So, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Feigenholtz, would you like -- would you like to close? Senator Feigenholtz.
Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the comments of the previous speaker who is the only person in this Chamber who has - - who's been in Springfield longer than I, and has seen the efforts that have fallen flat to resolve this problem. And as I said in committee, I'm more hopeful now than I ever have been. And I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 724 pass. All those in favor of, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 724, is declared passed. On the bottom of page 26, we have Senate Bill 759, Morrison. Senate Bill. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 759, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison, on your bill.
Mr. President, this bill allows podiatrists to administer vaccines to patients 18 years or older upon the completion of 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 appropriate training and will include vaccinations for tetanus, COVID, and influenza.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 759 pass. All those in favor of, 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. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 759, is declared passed. Moving to page 38, at the top of page 38. Senate Bill 1065, Rose. 1065, Rose. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1065, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose, on your bill.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Last year, the Illinois National Guard walked -- closed its operations in the City of Lawrenceville at the Lawrenceville Armory. They have been a proud part of our State's history for -- for over a century. The City of Lawrenceville has now asked to have that building transferred to them for a community center, that will first, help youth with youth recreation, senior programming is also envisioned, as well as just general overall community use. As envisioned, the National Guard has asked that we do this because this this facility must be removed from the State's property rolls. And we're trying to make some lemonade out of lemons here for the City of Lawrenceville. To 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 be clear, the Mayor, David Courtney, has written a letter of support of this. And importantly, they're making a commitment to keep this facility as hallowed ground, given the historic importance this building played in the history of the State of Illinois. So, with that, I -- I ask for a favorable vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Mr. President. An inquiry. Yesterday, Senator Rose was using Senator Anderson's microphone. Today, it looks like on the board the sponsor of this bill is Senator Anderson. And yet, Senator Rose, once again, is overstepping his bounds. Is there an inquiry on who the actual sponsor of this legislation is?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson, thank you for your inquiry. On the printed Calendar, it was Rose. We made some adjustments, and you'll see the change. Any -- any -- is there any further discussion? Senator Anderson.
I just -- I want to thank Senator Rose for carrying my legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Rose, would you like to close?
Thank you. For once, I can't be blamed for whatever the glitch was, but this is an important bill. It's an important bill for the Illinois National Guard to remove this facility from its 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 books. But it's also important, very important, to the City of Lawrenceville that we're able to transform this facility into a community building to serve youth, seniors and the rest of the community. So please, if you wouldn't mind extending the common courtesy here as to respect the decision here of this city that would like to have this village -- this facility transferred to them. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1065 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 Ayes, 0 Nays, having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1065, is declared passed. Moving to page 44, towards the middle of page 44, we have Senate Bill 1360, Fowler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1360, an Act concerning agriculture. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fowler, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored today to rise and bring to you Senate Bill 1360. This bill aims to improve access to nutritious foods in rural food deserts. I'm sure some of you can relate. Well-stocked grocery stores can be hard to find in parts of our State, especially in southern Illinois, due to the rural nature of our region. This bill creates a program where the Illinois Department of Agriculture establishes and operates 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 projects and strategies focusing -- focusing on the distribution of fresh and nutritious food while providing education in food preparation and nutrition in food deserts. The issue is -- this issue is one that hits local low-income communities the hardest, especially across the 59th District that I represent, and has -- has been exacerbated by record high inflation. I believe it is our duty as State legislators to provide and promote access to State resources, like the Department of AG to serve as a tool, in this case for food deserts across our State. It's important that we address these issues so residents can find and don't have to drive hours to the nearest supermarket to find nutritious foods. Working to create opportunity, hope and access to issues such as food access to some of our most underprivileged citizens and communities in Illinois has been a top priority for me for many years. I've been honored to be appointed by our Lieutenant Governor to serve as the co-chair of the Illinois Commission on Poverty, Elimination and Economic Security, as well as being appointed by Deputy Governor Manar to serve as -- as a member of the recent Illinois grocery initiative. While the Governor has committed 20 million dollars for a study to be held to help eliminate food deserts throughout our State. As Chairman of my own 21-year-old foundation that serves less fortunate children with new shoes and clothes, we created a program over four years ago that helps fund -- that helps feed the hungry and providing food across southern Illinois, as well as other parts of the State, especially helping support our most vulnerable populations, our youth, our elderly, our citizens with disabilities, and our veterans. I'm honored to be able to present this legislation today as we continue to work together to create and eliminate, to create access and eliminate our food 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 deserts throughout the State of Illinois. I graciously ask for a Yes vote. Thank you so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator -- Senator Doris Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. President, I'm sorry. I am pleased to rise to support this legislation because, as Senator Fowler spoke, he talked about -- he talked about the food deserts in his district. And I would say that this is an issue that encompasses all of Illinois because I have some of those same issues in my district as well. And I also want to give him a shout out because I had the opportunity to visit his district last weekend and see his charity, Heaven's Kitchen, in full display. They provide -- provided an opportunity to feed about two-hundred people and also to -- as a fundraiser, to help support an ongoing activity down there that will provide that support long after last weekend. The other thing is, I -- I -- as I was talking to people there, they also talked about how great Heaven's Kitchen is about feeding at least two-hundred people every week. So, this is an opportunity for him to put into display, on a statewide basis, all of the great things that he's doing through his charity in his district.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator Simmons. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Senator, how is food desert defined in this legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) A question, or to -- to -- a question to the sponsor. Okay. Senator Fowler.
Repeat the question, please. I'm sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Simmons.
Absolutely. Senator, thank you for bringing forward this legislation. I was asking how is food desert defined in this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fowler.
Is it -- it's defined, as, you know, some of the most impoverished areas of southern Illinois. It's -- it's based on the economy of the different areas of the entire State. Obviously, I'm working with some other colleagues on both, on both sides of the aisle, to help eliminate this initiative, especially with the Illinois grocery initiative that we're working with. So, it's an honor to be able to be a part of it. But it's -- it's based on the impoverished levels of the State of Illinois, throughout the district or throughout the State. Excuse me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1360 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, 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1360 is declared passed. Senate Bill 1416, excuse me, 1460, Rezin. Senate Bill 1460, Rezin. Senate Bill 1478, Gillespie. Senate Bill 1478. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1478, an Act concerning children. 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Gillespie, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1478 moves Illinois into the community of forty-three other states that provide legal representation to children in abuse and neglect proceedings. Under our current system, the one person at the center of a child welfare case is the one person who is not represented by their own counsel. This bill will create a commission to design the program for a statewide rollout over the course of a three-year phase in, and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1478 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 -- on that -- on that question, there are 52 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1478, is declared passed. Senator Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to be recorded as voting Aye on Senate Bill 1478.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The record will reflect your intention. On the top of page 45, Senate Bill 1485, Lewis. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1485, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lewis, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1485 was an initiative of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. It changes the days in which the board may be adjusted from forty to one ninety-seven. So, it occurs outside the election cycle. I know of no opposition and request an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1485 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 0 Nays, having received the required constitutional -- having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1485 is declared passed. Senate Bill 1497, Villa. Senate Bill 1497, Villa. Senate Bill 1534, Bennett. 1534, Bennett. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senator Bill 1534, an Act concerning revenue. 3rd Reading of 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bennett, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. This amends the property tax code. Requires that if a veteran with a surviving spouse dies with an application for a veteran's homestead exemption is being reviewed, the review of that application will continue in any subsequent approval granted to the veteran would carry over to the surviving spouse as long as the spouse meets the specified requirements as usual. So, nothing changed there as well. The IML is opposed. Along with that, the County Assessment Officers Association to slip in a witness slip in favor. And the bottom line is this is helping our veterans. And, I do ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1534 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the -- the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1534 is declared passed. Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. We were having technical difficulties here. I wish to be recorded as a Yes, on my own bill, 1485.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 The record will so reflect. Continuing on to Senate Bill 1543, Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1543, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Cunningham, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1543 amends the Illinois Police Training Act. It creates a statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator. This Coordinator would be charged with implementing program of mental health support and education for law enforcement officers and our State. That's something that's obviously very important, as we've seen an uptick recently and death by suicide experienced by law enforcement officers in our State. We hope that this will help put programing in effect and coordinate programing between the state and local law enforcement. I ask for the Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1543 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? One last time, on the have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1453 excuse me, 1543 is declared passed. Moving on to Senate Bill 1552, Doris Turner. Senate Bill 1552, Doris Turner. Senate Bill 1558, Murphy. 1558 Murphy. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Senate Bill 1558, an Act concerning education, 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good to see you. So, Senate Bill 1558 amends the Board of Higher Ed Act and it requires the Board beginning with the '26-27 school year, to develop a program for study for credit, that incorporates training and experience necessary for direct service providers so that we can feed a pipeline in for direct service providers where we have such a lack of employees. So, this was on the Agreed Bill List in committee. I'm not aware of any opposition. Happy to answer any questions. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1558 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1558, is declared passed. Moving on to Senate Bill 1570, Lightford. 1570. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1570, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator -- Leader Lightford, on your bill. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1570 creates the Municipal Design-build Authorization Act. It provides several contracts municipalities can enter into scope and performance criteria for the design-build out contracts. It does a couple of things. I know of no opponents, but the West Central Municipal Conference and the Illinois Municipal League are all in favor of this new procedure they're creating. It's a two- phase procedure for selection of contracts, and in those contracts, it would allow for municipalities to contract with the design firm and builder to jointly create the project. The law sets out specific criteria for selecting a design-build contractor, and it has specific procedures for awarding contracts and requirements of reports and evaluation of contracts. If the total cost of the project is estimated to be less than 12-million dollars, then the municipality can use a single selection process. It also defines several other relative terms in the Act, and I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1570 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 42 Ayes, 11 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1570 is declared passed. Moving to Senate Bill 1611, Joyce. 1611, Joyce. 1611. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1611, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Joyce, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1611 creates the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act, which provides a state employee shall be granted leave for his or her state employment for firefighting training. Happy to…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1611 pass. All those in favor of will vote Aye. Those Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1611, is declared passed. Moving down to Senate Bill 1673, Fine. 1673. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1673, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation is an initiative of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. It would allow them to impose fines for violations of its watershed management ordinance. I know of no opposition, and I ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Is there any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator McClure.
Thank you, Mr. President. These -- these fines are these -- is this a new ability to fine or is this something that's just changing the fine amounts?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator -- Senator Fine.
Thank you. This is a new ability, but this is something that other water -- water reclamation districts can already do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
Thank you. Can you please describe, I mean, what are -- what are these? What's the maximum fine? What's the minimum fine?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
It ranges from one hundred dollars to - one thousand dollars. And before that fine is made, there is a hearing procedure that needs to be underway.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Is that fine per day? Is that a total fine? Is it per month? How does the fine -- how do the fines work?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
I believe it is per day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure, do you have further questions?
To the bill -- to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator McClure.
Thank you, Mr. President. I encourage a No vote for these brand-new fines which can be added on every day and be excessive. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Fine, would you like to close?
Thank you, Mr. President. This is another tool in the tool shed, in order to protect our watershed. And I would appreciate your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1673 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 Ayes, 17 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1673, 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 is declared passed. Moving to page 46, Senate Bill 1748, Halpin. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1748, an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill does two things: first, when a person is injured and brings a personal injury suit, most often they have their own treating physician, or their own independent expert testify as to their condition. The defendant, the one alleged to have caused the injury, has the right to hire and have their own person examined or have their -- have that person examined by their own physician. This bill simply gives the injured person the right to record that examination for use in the litigation. Right now, they don't have that right under the law. The second thing this bill does is lower the age at which a spouse or next of kin is given preference in scheduling for trial. Right now, in wrongful death cases, spouses or next of kin have preference or priority in scheduling trial if they are 70 years of age or older. This lowers that age to 67. I would reluctantly answer any questions and ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR AQUINO) 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Sponsor indicates he’ll yield, Senator Tracy.
Senator Halpin, what opposition is this -- is there to this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator -- Senator Halpin.
I believe the Illinois Defense Counsel, or -- which are a group of attorneys, association of attorneys for defendants, those usually insurance companies are there folks that represent the -- the people that have been sued by the injured plaintiffs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
What about the Illinois Medical Association?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin.
The Medical Society had initially expressed some concern. I think they were worried about patient rights, like HIPAA privacy violations. I did explain to them that the bill actually protects the patients right. It is the patient's decision as to whether or not this examination would be recorded.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Thank you for that. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill. Senator Tracy. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
I think it's very clear that the doctor patient relationship could greatly be infringed. I see on the one hand how a person might want someone with them, but if you think about bringing perhaps an attorney into the room when a patient is being examined, I think it really does erode what is -- should be the -- the true relationship between patient and physician. And this is a major change. And for that, I will not support the bill and encourage others that believe that there is some things that just cross the line, to do likewise. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Senator McClure.
Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield, Senator McClure.
So, so just trying to take a look at this bill. So, if a medical examination is required of a plaintiff, then a person is allowed to go with them to actually videotape the examination. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
What are the rules for the person who video -- who's supposed 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 to be recording this? Can it be any -- any profession? Can it be a friend? Are there any stipulations whatsoever?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin.
It is the patient's right and the patient's decision and the patient's choice as to how that would occur.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
It -- okay, so no stipulation as to who that can be. Is that person allowed to speak during this -- during the medical examination?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin.
So, my understanding is that -- that --- that would not be necessary or -- or advised. The examination would to my understanding would occur as it normally would. And it is important to -- to recognize that this is not a traditional patient doctor relationship. This doctor is not the plaintiff's doctor. It is the doctor that the person, the plaintiff, has alleged to have injured them is choosing to examine them for that defendant's purpose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
So, there's just -- but just to be clear, in the -- in the legislation, it does not prevent whomever is in that room to video, it doesn't prevent them from asking questions, directing the doctor 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 to do certain things, pointing out additional things. There is no stipulation at all as far as what they are or aren't allowed to say.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin.
It -- it does not expressly prevent that. But I want to add that these type of recordings of examinations already occur in -- in practice right now. The only difference is that the plaintiff often has to argue and advocate for this right to have this happen. So, what this bill does, is puts in statute that that plaintiff, the patient that is most intimately affected, is the one that gets to decide. And that's what we're trying to do here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator McClure.
Thank you. I think there are just problems with this. I mean, you're -- you're in these types of proceedings. You are trying to get a medical examination that's independent. And if you've got a third party in the room who can point things out, try to persuade a doctor to do certain things a different way, try to point out - - that leads to, potentially, evidence in a trial or whatever it's going to be used for, that's going to be tainted. And this is not helpful to the process, in my view, because of the fact that there are not constraints on what the person can do or can't do and who 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 the person is when they walk into that room. We want independent medical examinations that are truly independent. This, in my opinion, damages that, and it's not helpful for these cases. So based upon that, I do ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Halpin, to close.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to point out that the existing law gives the plaintiff the right to have their attorney or any other person already present at this physical or mental examination. That part is already in statute. It is the plaintiff's right. All this bill does is add to the plaintiff's right the ability to have an individual of their choosing to record that medical examination. I would strongly ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1748 pass. All those in favor of, 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 Ayes, 16 Nays, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1748, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1834, Sims. 1834, Sims. 1850, Sims. 1850. Moving to page 47, Senate Bill 1883, Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1883, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Holmes, on your bill. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1883 is an initiative of the Humane Society. And it really, it's -- we've made it a Class B misdemeanor for any person to allow any member of the public, except for certain exempted people, to come in contact with a bear or non-human primate. Any law enforcement or peace officer may enforce the provision and the Attorney General or State's Attorney may bring an action to enforce the provision, or for an injunction to retrain any actual or threatened violation. This is just an initiative and a further going of where we were with prohibiting elephants in circuses. Our proponents include the Humane Society, along with Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoo. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator McClure.
Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator McClure.
Thank you, Senator. My understanding is the Farm Bureau is not opposed to this. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Holmes.
The Farm Bureau is not opposed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 And then -- and then, how about the county fairs? The county do they -- the county fairs, are they…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator -- Leader Holmes.
The county fairs are not listed as opponents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1883 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 43 Ayes, 9 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate bill 1883, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1924, Halpin, 1924. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1924, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1924 contains some administrative changes for our regional offices of Education. The first is to bring them in parity with the sick time provisions of the IMRF. The second is to bring salary parity among all regional 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 school superintendents. The third is eliminating the antiquated prohibition on a regional superintendent of schools having an outside profession. And lastly, removing the publication requirement for the Regional Office of Education's Institute Fund. I am not aware of any opposition. I think it's important that on the salary parity issue, no GRF funds are involved, and the total overall cost is about a hundred-thousand dollars. I would answer questions with trepidation and ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1924 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 Ayes, 5 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1924, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1997, Edly-Allen. Senate Bill 1997, Edly-Allen. Senate Bill 2014, Simmons. 2014, Simmons. Mr. Secretary, please read the Bill.
Senate Bill 2014, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Simmons, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. SB 2014 requires that the Department of Transportation create a policy which ensures the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on roadways in Illinois. The policy shall provide that improvements are made during routine maintenance within one-thousand feet of any maintenance work that 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 is done to any non-highway state roads within the municipality. And those improvements will include typical infrastructure improvements that are good for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, such as, including high visibility signage, crosswalk improvements, curb bump outs, barrier protected bike lanes and bus shelters. As a -- as a lifelong cyclist, this is legislation that I'm certainly really excited to move and Senator Feigenholtz is very excited to join me in moving forward these important infrastructure improvements. We both actually represent districts where there have been a number of fatalities just in the last year of those that have been on bikes, including two toddlers in my own district back in Chicago. And so, I've brought forth this legislation in honor of Raphael Cardenas and Lily Shambrook, who were both two and three years old, who were on the back of their bikes and biking just last summer. And so, I would ask for everybody to support this legislation today in honor of all of those that we have lost to traffic violence in the last year in the State of Illinois. Thank you so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2014 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2014, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2034, Villa. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2034, an Act concerning employment. 3rd Reading 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2034 is the Child (Extended)Bereavement Leave Act, and it's referred to as Zachary's Parent Protection Act. It provides extended bereavement leave to employees who have lost their child to suicide or homicide for up to twelve weeks of unpaid for larger businesses with two-hundred and fifty plus workers and six weeks unpaid leave for small businesses with less than two-hundred and fifty. I would be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Villa, within the definition of child extended bereavement, what instances are included?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
For the purpose of this legislation, it's suicide and homicide.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
So, a child's death related to a car accident, a bike accident, you know, situations where -- Senator Simmons just testified where two children were killed riding bikes. Children dying of cancer or other terminal illness, those are not included within bereavement?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
There is existing leave under the Family Bereavement Act. We wanted to tailor this to provide extended leave, especially for those during traumatic instances.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
But aren't the situations that I described where you lose a child every bit as traumatic as -- as those of suicide or homicide?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
So, suicide survivors experience stigma. They have a lot of shame and blame avoidance. This is a bill that was introduced by a constituent of Representative West who went through this situation. And that is why we are focusing on the -- the families who have experienced parents who have experienced death by suicide or homicide.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 And I appreciate that, but what about if you lose a child to a fentanyl -- fentanyl overdose? Isn't that likewise traumatic and stigmatized?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
Senator Tracy, I'd be more than happy to work with you to amend this in the future to -- to add that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Thank you. And -- and to the bill, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator Tracy.
I absolutely have empathy for the Senator's bill and the family member that came to testify in committee. I lost a brother to suicide and it is extremely traumatic. I don't know that it's stigmatized our family particularly. I know that we suffered greatly. My ninety-five-year-old mother has suffered for thirty plus years, but the reality is, parents that lose any child suffer extremely significantly for years throughout their life, actually. And I -- I just don't think this is proper legislation to single out one form of bereavement. And, you know, I think it's -- it's just not legislation that is ready to go forward. And so, I oppose it. And I'd ask others to think about where we want to go with this type of legislation. I mean, certainly it singles out a huge loss, certainly a bereavement. But is it necessary to single it out ahead of all these others that are every bit as significant 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 and take place in people's lives every day? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Plummer.
I -- I know this is a sensitive topic and I'm sure the concept comes from a good place. I think Senator Tracy asked some -- some good questions and made some great points. I've -- I've got a question, several actually. This doesn't really cover all employees though. So, some employees might have a traumatic experience where a child dies by homicide or suicide and they get this benefit. But some employees who suffer the same fate, whose child suffers the same fate, deals with the same stigma, you know, traumatic experiences. They don't get the benefit. Why is that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
So, I'm confused as to who wouldn't. So, this is to for -- for employees that have -- employers who have two-hundred and fifty or more employees is divided from more than fifty and less than two-fifty. This -- this was -- this bill has been negotiated with Representative West for two years. It passed the House. We didn't have time to take it up at the end of last Session, which is why it's starting here. They came up with those numbers. And again, in the future, if you'd like to work on amending it, I would be more 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 than happy to do that with you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
I mean, what I'd like to do is I'd like to see this Body start passing legislation that's fully vetted before we pass it. So, we don't pass stuff that's half done and then we've got to go back and amendment -- amend it, you know, ten times. But my -- my question again is, why do some employees get the benefit but not all employees get the benefit? That -- that's my question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
We've been working on this bill. Rep. West has been working on it for two years and then we had an opportunity, in committee, as well. We did bring back an amendment to address some of the issues. So, I do think that that is called a committee process.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
I appreciate that Senator, but you're the sponsor, so I'm - - I'm asking you not what Representative West did. I'm not asking you what the House did. Your names on the bill. So, my question is this -- a parent that has a child that dies by suicide or dies by homicide, undoubtedly that's a horrific event. To -- to Senator Tracy's point, someone that has a child that dies of any manner, that's a horrible, horrible experience. I wouldn't wish on anybody. My question to you, though, is this legislation says if you have a child that dies by homicide or suicide, some of you get this 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 benefit, but some of you don't. So, as the sponsor of the legislation, my question to you is, why do some employees get this benefit and why do some employees not get this benefit.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa.
I believe this is a great starting point to address the issue that families experience. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages ten to thirty-four. This is a great start and I look forward to your support on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
Well, if this is the great start, why are we passing the bill? Because it sounds like we're at the beginning, not the end. So, let me go into detail because maybe you're not familiar with your legislation. It -- it says here, employee does not mean an employee who is amongst the highest paid ten percent of employees. I don't know if that's ten percent at the company or ten percent in the industry or ten percent in that field or ten percent in the State. I don't know what that ten percent means, but the way that I'm reading that is, if you're the eighty-ninth percentile and you have a child that dies by homicide or suicide, you get this benefit. But if you -- if you make a little bit more money and you're the ninety-first percentile and you have a child that dies by homicide or you have a child that dies by suicide, tough luck. Suck it up. Why do some people get this benefit and why do some people not get this benefit?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Senator Villa.
Senator, I would be happy to pause while staff gets you a copy of the amendment so you can review it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer, further questions? Senator Villa. Senator Villa.
Sorry. There we go. Thank you, Mr. President. We removed that. That was part of the bill process. Your side of the aisle requested for us to remove that and we did.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
Reviewing. We -- we don't seem to have a copy of that Senator Villa. So, if that is the case, that -- that checks one of our three boxes. I -- and I would thank you for that because that's progress. But at the end of the day, we are still putting different employees into different buckets. And I think any death like this, and I think no matter what size of a company you work for, the death of a child should be treated equally. And so, while -- like I said at the beginning of my comments, this comes from a good place, I would hope that we could take a pause here and treat all Illinois employees the same as they go through such a horrible experience. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Leader Hunter.
To the bill, Mr. President. 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I'd like to commend the sponsor for putting this bill together and working with other organizations. As the Senator indicated, they've been working on this bill for at least two years. And I think it's just totally unfair to beat up the sponsor because she left out something that you're interested and concerned with. This happens all the time. That's why we have a process where you sit down and you make folks aware of what your issues are and you try to correct it, or amend the bill, to include your people. Not -- I thought I heard the Senator indicate that she's willing to work with the Senator to address her issues, but I don't think she should hold this bill. I think she should pass it, and perhaps amend it in the House, Mr. President. I just think it's unfair to beat up on her like that. I'm going to support this bill and I ask everyone else to do so. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Further discussion. President Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, President Harmon.
Thank you, Senator Villa, for your sponsorship of this important bill. I recognize that the -- the gravity of the subject matter is one that should probably caution us against being too political. But I just want to point out to the Body, we all -- we very often exempt small businesses from certain mandates that 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 larger businesses can afford, and we often do so at the request of pro-business Members of the Senate. So, I would just like to note for the record, the call to treat all employees the same in this context, because it could be applied in a lot of other contexts. So, let's -- let's recognize that we do make accommodations to different businesses of different sizes for very rational and thoughtful reasons. It should not be politicized in this circumstance. But just be careful if you are demanding it in this context, it might come back as a reminder in another context. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Further discussion? Senator Stadelman.
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
The woman who motivated this piece of legislation and her organization is from the Rockford area and I had long conversations with her and just the pain that she felt not having time off when she lost her son to suicide. That was a painful discussion to listen to her and the pain that she went through. If those Members are concerned with this legislation, work with the sponsor to expand it, and expand the categories, expand the number of employees that could take advantage of this legislation. This is what's on the table right now. This is a good piece of legislation. Thank you to the sponsor for bringing it forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Seeing -- seeing no further discussion, Senator Villa, to 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 close.
There are -- there are often times with pieces of legislation that we have to bring and speak to, and -- and they provide help to our constituents. And the best that we can try to do is lift those pieces of legislation up and use the words that our constituents are -- are suffering through in order to represent. I urge an Aye vote on behalf of Zachary's parents, but also on behalf of everyone's constituents who -- whose parents have -- have experienced this kind of trauma and loss. I urge an Aye vote, Mr. President. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2034 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 44 Ayes, 6 Nays. Having received the constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2034, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2059, Belt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2059, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Belt, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll get myself together. 20 -- Senate Bill 2059 extends the repeal of Veterinary Medicine and -- and Surgery Practice -- the Surgery Practice Act of twenty, well, 2004 to 2029, defines various telehealth related services and 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 establishes provisions on the practice of telehealth for veterinary purposes. Mr. President, I -- I know of no opposition to the bill, and I ask for Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2059 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the -- the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2059, is declared passed. Senate -- moving to page 48, Senate Bill 2192, Villivalam. 2192. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2192, an Act concerning finance. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2192, as amended, amends the Illinois Procurement Code, I should say, to require IDOT, the CDB, and the Tollway to provide a written explanation to contractors who fail to receive a contract with the same agency for the same services after four consecutive bids. This legislation is intended to provide more substantive and productive feedback to small businesses that are seeking to do business with those entities. I know of no opposition. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2192 pass. All those in 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 favor of, vote Aye. All those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the constitutional majority -- constitutional required majority, the Senate Bill 2192, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2197, Villa. Senate Bill 2197. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2197, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2197 amends the Unified Code of Corrections to provide that the Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsman shall act as ombudsman for the and secure the rights of youth committed to county operated juvenile detention facilities, in addition to youth committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the ombudsman has proven to be an important partner in protecting Illinois youth. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2197 pass? All those in favor vote Aye. Those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2197, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2243, 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Leader Lightford. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2243, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Almost forty percent of Illinois students lack basic literacy skills, according to the nation's report card. Students who can't read by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Today's students, who struggle to read, are tomorrow's adults. Adults who desperately need literacy to sign a lease agreement, fill out a job application, manage their own health care, support their children's education, and participate in democracy. While our low literacy rates are inexcusable, they are not unusual. We're about average, nationally. While most other states have taken action to improve their literacy rates, Illinois has largely been on the sidelines, until now. Two and a half years ago, we included literacy in early drafts of the Black Caucus' education pillar, but removed that component when we realized stakeholders needed to have more discussions. We worked on a bill last year that still needed more discussion, and ISBE agreed to leave that work and held its first literacy summit this past October. The Agency has continued to meet with stakeholders and has agreed to lead in the development of a comprehensive literacy plan. Senate Bill 2243 requires the State Board of Education to develop that comprehensive State literacy plan by January 31st of 2024. We know that this is complex and that this work will take 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 time, but we need to balance that with the tremendous urgency to improve literacy outcomes for our students. The proponents of this bill, who have all been working in this space, is the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition, the Latino Policy Forum, the Legal Council for Health Justice, Illinois Association of College Teacher Education Programs, Teach Plus, Illinois Reading League and the IACTE. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator McConchie.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Leader Lightford for bringing this forward. I did not realize, until this bill came before the Education Committee, that ISBE does not have a statewide literacy plan. Given the fact that we all know that that -- this is a core function of education, I want to thank Leader Lightford for bringing this forward and hope that we're able to really upgrade what it is that our schools are doing in this State and this core aspect of what they're doing. So, I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Well, I just wanted to thank the…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 To the bill.
And it's important legislation. As a father of six children, I can tell you that this is what keeps me up at night, along with my wife. Literacy for our children could be the greatest challenge to our State moving forward Senator, or it could be the greatest thing that I've ever done here, and I hope to be here for a while doing things for our State. But nothing is more important than literacy for our children, as far as I'm concerned, and the people that sent me down here. So, I want to thank you very much for this important legislation. And I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator Lewis.
Leader Lightford, greatly appreciate your efforts in this space, but I would like to bring up, being married to an educator, our teachers are struggling, our administrators are struggling, our curriculum directors are struggling. Due to the pandemic, they are behind. We are being -- evidence is showing that the pandemic has caused a one if not two-year delay in testing related to math, science, reading, which I appreciate this bill, but I caution this Body and other Bodies that we do not become curriculum directors as legislators. They are trying to help our kids. I'm going to vote Yes on this bill, but I hope our curriculum directives are at 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 a minimum, because our schools and teachers need it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator DeWitte.
Thank you, Mr. President. Leader Lightford, thank you for this legislation. I intend to support it. Quick question, as many of you know, we have a new director at ISBE, former superintendent Tony Sanders, from Elgin. I'd be curious to know if there's been any interaction with our new ISBE director on this initiative?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. Actually, Senator Dewitte, we have had a conversation around this area and a couple other areas that I believed, at the time of our discussion, that the State just did not have a plan. You know, it just -- we look bad, as you know, ranked low in the country on this particular issue. He said that he would be moving forward on this issue. He would oversee the process and make sure that as a State, we do walk away with a well written literacy plan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator DeWitte.
Thank you, Leader, and thank you, Mr. President. I urge you 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Belt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator Belt.
Mr. President, I want to thank Leader Lightford for bringing this legislation forward. In my former life as a probation officer, and running aftercare, which is juvenile parole for the State, if you can't read, and you can't read at grade level by the time you're -- you're in third grade, you have a greater probability of dropping out of high school. If you drop out of high school, you have a greater probability of having police contact. Based on third grade scores, reading scores, prisons are being built. The projection are being built. I just think it's time for us to have a plan. We do everything else decent. If it's -- if its teacher related, support staff, we have to put our students first. And if they can't read, then that impacts math. What are you going to do with a word problem, right? What are you going to do with science? What are you going to do with civics? What are you going to do? And so, it's time for us to address it. It's time for us to be bold about it. It's time for us to be deliberate, and it's time for us to be intentional. You're going to pay for it one way or the other. You're either going to pay for it on the back end or you're going to pay for it on the front end. Let's be proactive. Thank you for the legislation. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Pacione-Zayas, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator Pacione-Zayas.
Leader Lightford, I'd like to thank you for introducing this legislation because it is going to equip our State with a framework that is based on the research that is taking into consideration multilingual learners, children with delays, and disabilities. It's really important, that as a State Board of Education, we have a table to lay out all the options, evaluate them, and you know, to the point that was made earlier, State Board of Education does not dictate curriculum, but does create a framework and standards. And I appreciate you leveraging that tool for the children of Illinois. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Loughran Cappel, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill, Senator.
I, too, would like to commend Leader Lightford on this bill. As a former special education teacher who taught children how to read, I think this has been lacking, is a framework, a guide and 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 guidepost for us to bring to our districts. Many districts are doing things that are right, that are correct. Many districts might be missing pieces. As Leader Lightford and I have discussed, she and I have discussed, we feel like there have been piecemealing together what we want to do with literacy. This puts us on the right track. I am strongly supportive of this and I also ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any -- excuse me. Any further discussion? Seeing none. Leader Lightford, would you like to close? Leader Lightford.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, and to all my colleagues who spoke on this very important piece of legislation. You know, you've got to be able to learn how to read. And just being here for two and a half decades, I feel like generations of kids have been pushed through the school system, unable to read. We have to do better in the State. And to Senator Lewis's point, including educator buy in, that's the reason why we didn't move it last year for that particular reason. We wanted to develop a comprehensive plan that would include educators and those who have to do the implementation. We could pass a whole lot of bills out of the Chamber, but the implementation is the most critical component and we want to make sure that this does not fall through the cracks. We're definitely looking to create a comprehensive literacy plan that will ensure that all student needs are met, including English language -- English language learners. And most of the conversations have been centered around EL students and other special education students, as well. So, this education initiative is to put the State of Illinois on good footing, help to educate 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 all our children, and do it in a comprehensive way that we're all working together. Thank you for the discussion. I encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2243 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. All those -- excuse me. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2243, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2264, Peters. Senate Bill 2264, Peters. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2264, an Act concerning public employee benefits. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters, on your bill.
This is a pro-veteran military bill. I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2264 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2264, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2356, McClure. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Senate Bill 2356, an Act concerning revenue. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McClure, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill amends the property tax code to set the property tax assessment process for wastewater treatment facilities to be the same process currently in statute for regional water treatment facilities. We have an amendment that the Department of Revenue wanted, which we were happy to work with them on. With that amendment, there are no opponents to this legislation, and this was on the Agreed Bill List in Committee. So, I would just encourage an Aye vote, but I would also be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2356 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2356, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2368, Koehler. Senate Bill 2371, Peters. Senate Bill 2371, Peters. Senate Bill 2374, Lightford. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2374, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford, on your bill. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2374 will create the Computer Science Equity Act to elevate opportunities for students to develop or enhance their computer science skills. This bill would create a competitive grant program, subject to appropriation, that would be administered by ISBE. This Public Act, we had a Public Act already that required with the beginning of the 23-24 school year, that all high schools would provide an opportunity for every student to take at least one computer science course. So, the new computer science equity program would give schools the critical support they need to provide this universal access to computer science. Funds under the grant may be used to ensure that students have access to computer science coursework that is aligned to State standards. It would train and retrain educators by providing professional development opportunities, supply material and equipment for the classrooms, and improve recruitment and serving of underrepresented students in the field of computer science. For example, students of colors, girls, rural students. And as it relates to accompanying the appropriation, ISBE's budget already recommended the three-million for the program. I don't know that I needed to make it subject to appropriation, because the funds are available. Just wanted to make sure that caveat was there. I'd be happy to answer questions, but I just want this Body to know that during my research over the last few years, I recognized that there was high school students that did not meet our school flagship's requirements around computer science. And so, even if your child performed a 4.0, graduated top of their class, they were not acceptable into the University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana, because they did not 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 have a computer literacy course offered to them at their high school. We have to fix that. We have to ensure that all of our high schools have the adequacy provided for all students, no matter what. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2374 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? One more time. Have all voted who wish? All right. Take the record. On that question, there are 41 Ayes, 7 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2374, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2391, Pacione-Zayas. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2391, an Act concerning education. 3rd reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2391 strengthens and expands sustainable community school's model. This bill extends the definition of sustainable community schools with the following changes: it will take effect 2024-2025 school year, it expands the definition to include non-public schools, it expands the definition to include federal funding as community schools are able to participate in grant processes to capture funding, it clarifies the definition of trauma informed intervention, it adds a community school coordinator to the staff required to secure a 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 grant that mirrors the federal requirements, and it expands the definition of wraparound services. I urge an Aye vote, and I'm happy to entertain question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2391 pass. All those -- all those in favor, vote Aye. Those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2391, is declared passed. Moving to page 49 on our printed Calendar, we have Senate Bill 2406, Doris Turner. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2406, an Act concerning state government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Turner, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2406 makes multiple changes to the State Comptroller Act: including removing requirements to automatically dissolve funds that have been inactive for 18 months, increases the State credit card limit to $1,000, makes it permissible for the Comptroller to issue checks under five-dollars, allows the Comptroller to purchase a building in fiscal year '24 and fiscal year '25, and removes duplicate language pertaining to State employees and the county they live in.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2406 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Nays. Having received the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2406, is declared passed. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like the record to reflect my intent on SB 2374 was to vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) It will be so reflected. Moving to Senate Bill 2417, Halpin. Senate Bill 2426, Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senator Bill 2426, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2426 would allow an exonerated person, who is eligible for the existing grant program for exonerated persons, to pass unused program benefits onto a dependent, spouse, or child. This is an initiative of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. I know of no opposition. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2426 pass. All those in 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 favor, vote Aye. All those 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 Ayes, 6 Nays. Having received the required -- the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 2426, is declared passed. Leader Lightford, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) With leave of the Body, we will return to page 6. We are going back to page 6. Senate Bill 1977, Senator Aquino. Senator Aquino, indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senator Bill 1977, an Act concerning civil law. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator {sic} (Secretary), have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, with leave of the Body, we will turn to the Order of Secretary's Desk Resolutions. Senate Resolution 84. Senate Resolution 84, Senator Fine. The lady indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 84, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Fine, on your resolution. 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution marks the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel. Israel and Illinois have long been partners, forging partnerships and collaborations with dozens of Illinois universities, non-governmental organizations -- organizations and businesses. I'd appreciate your support for the resolution of the anniversary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 84 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 89, Senator McConchie, on Senate Resolution 89. Senator McConchie indicates he'd like to have his resolution read. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 89, offered by Senator McConchie.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McConchie, on your resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. This is simply a resolution that honors my wife's home country of Bulgaria. In regards to their 20th anniversary of having joined NATO, the 80th anniversary of them rescuing Bulgarian Jews during World War II, the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and that country, and the 145th anniversary of their existence. The Bulgarian community has many great ways in which they have contributed to the State of Illinois, and I would ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 89 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
I just want to say how nice it was to see you again, in the Chair, Madam President. I'm -- I'm very excited. I was worried that on your reading bill, I thought that I'd missed the vote and I was very concerned. But I went up. I know. I was there. So great bill, Madam President. I was very excited and so happy to see you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you very much, Senator Rose. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 153, offered by Senator Morrison and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Resolution Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Senate Bills 1st Reading.
Senate Bill 2554, offered by Senator Sims, an Act concerning appropriations. 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) We will now proceed to the Order of Consent Calendar, celebration of life resolutions. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolutions on the Consent Calendar?
72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 3/24/2023 No objections filed, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? The question is, seeing none. The question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. You're going to love me for this. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until noon on the 28th day of March, 2023. The Senate stands adjourned. 73