FATHER GEORGE NELLIKUNNEL: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Johnson, please lead us in the Pledge.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Lisa Useless -- Yuscius seeks leave to photograph, videotape the proceedings. Is there objection? Seeing none, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 16th, 2023.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Koehler.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Koehler moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. I'm calling all Members, at the sound of my voice, to please come to the Floor. 3rd Readings. Final Action. Please come to the Floor. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Senator Holmes, Chair of the Committee on Local Government, reports Motion to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1570 Recommend Do Adopt and House Bill 476 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman, what purpose do you rise.
Madam President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please state your announcement, Senator.
I'd like to announce, everybody, that I am joined today by two fabulous young women, Jade and Adison Greenman. They have helped me considerably over these last few weeks as I've stayed at the campground. They are part of the family that owns the campground. Hardworking, joyful, fun and sometimes a little bit sarcastic and snarky, but just a joy to be with and I'd like all of you to join me in welcoming them to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Welcome to the Senate. WCIA seeks leave to film, the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing none, leave is granted. Senator Holmes, in the Chair. Senator Edly-Allen what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) State your purpose. State your introduction.
Thank you. Madam President, I'd like to introduce two amazing 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 young women from my district. They -- They've -- I've been mentoring them to introduce them into the world of government and they just finished up their first year at college. I have Claire Daley Jacobson and Lily Bassett with me, and I'd like to ask the Chamber to give them a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Welcome to the Senate, all right. On the Order of 2nd Readings, House Bill 3590, Senator Anderson. Senator Anderson, in the Chamber? 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3590, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're getting ready to go to 3rd Reading. We will skip the Calendar -- Calendar and go directly to 3rd Readings. Be prepared to present your bill. Thank you. WCIA seeks leave to record video and audio for TV and broadcast air. Is there any objections? Seeing none. Leave is granted. House Bill 2nd Reading, page 15. House Bill 878, Johnson. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 878, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Final action. We will be moving through the Calendar to pick up 3rd Reading's final action. House Bill 0300 Belt. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 300, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt, present your bill, please.
Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. House Bill 300 establishes the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, as the agency responsible for adjusting the teacher minimum salary to be on par with the annual increases in inflation. The intent of House Bill 300 is really about this, right here, its -- it's -- it looks to adjust the minimum teacher salary to inflation and it assigns a specific agency, which is COGFA, to monitor the CPI on those salaries. That's all the bill does. I'll -- stop and I'll answer any questions if necessary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall House Bill 0300 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Yes, 1 No. House Bill having… House Bill 300, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 6. House Bill 1015, Sims -- Sims. House Bill 1109, Gillespie. House Bill 1133, Belt. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1133, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt, please present your bill.
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Thank you, again, Madam President -- President. House Bill 1133 is an initiative brought forth by the Southwest Illinois Community College, SWIC. It looks to align community colleges with school boards. It -- it also looks to give, let me pull it up. It also looks to give the secretary if the secretary is a board member, if the secretary is not a board member, then they may receive compensation at a rate determined by the board. It also allows for language that requires the chair and the vice chair to be members of the board, which they're currently not. And it also specifies, which is also in law right now, the first part specifying that if a community college district chooses to abolish its working cash fund upon -- upon the adoption of a resolution, they must direct the transfer to that fund, to the operating funds, at the close of the, then, current fiscal year. That is current law. It also looks to establish new working cash fund over -- over a referendum. It looks to give them the power to do that. Again, it's about flexibility for the community colleges and I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Bennett.
Thank you, Mr {sic} Mrs. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) He say he will.
Thank you. Senator, thank you very much for bringing this bill regarding community colleges. Community colleges, of course, an important part of the education system in the State of Illinois. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Thousands of students, thousands of students go every year. And I appreciate the opportunity to talk about this for just a moment. Can you talk to me for a moment? When you said the current -- the current situation has referendum or basically working cash where it's like a savings -- a savings plan that goes back and forth in -- in the current situation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Senator Bennett what it -- what this bill does, it, in -- in a sense, it -- it allows or it's asking to allow community colleges to create working cash funds. Right now, they -- they have to go on a referendum to be able to do that. They're really looking to align Community Colleges Codes, align them with the Illinois School Codes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bennett.
So, the working cash fund is -- is one of the funds for community colleges and K-12, you mentioned. But the working cash fund, is -- is basically a savings fund, where it can go -- the money in there to go from one to another education to maintenance operations All those different accounts, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bennett. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
So, what I am curious about here, you talk about the working cash fund. Right now, in current law, if the working cash is zeroed out, the -- the school has to have a voter referendum. So, all the residents around in that district have the opportunity to vote Yes or No. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bennett.
So, Senator, I -- I thank you for the -- for the information there. What I'm sensing then, is that, what we're - happening here is, right now, voters have the ability, are given the right to vote yes or no if working cash is zeroed out. But, with this bill voters no longer have or will have the ability to vote for that referendum or against it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Senator -- Senator Bennett. The current law requires for working cash funds to be created, a referendum.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bennett.
Thank you. Thank you. So, with the new bill that we're talking about, the bill will take away - will remove the ability 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 for voters in the district to vote for or against the case in which the school wants to reimagine or recreate their working cash. In other words, if they zero it out, if they want to get it going again, right now, they have to have a referendum. But with this bill, if they have to go back and get more funds in the working cash, they no longer have to have a voter referendum and that -- what that does for me, that scares them a little bit because the check and balance that was in this -- that is in this situation before this bill is no longer in place. The check and balance of voter involvement, voter referendum, voter involvement with the vote for deciding for this community college, whether or not it gets passed or not, is gone. It's no longer there. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
I -- I -- I wouldn't agree with that assessment, Senator Bennett. Currently, community college -- community colleges have board of trustees who constituents put in office, not much unlike board members in school boards in public school districts. Those board members then or those board of trustees then have the right, as given to them, by the citizens who elected them to govern the day-to-day operations of the community college. The other thing I would say Senator Bennett, is library boards have the right to create work and cash funds. Park districts, right now, have the right to create working cash funds. The Illinois Municipal Code, right now gives cities, municipalities with -- with under 500 inhabitants, 500,000 inhabitants the right to create working cash funds. So, what this legislation is asking to do or requesting to do, is not unique. We have ample examples of entities that create 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 working cash funds.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bennett.
Thank you. Senator, I appreciate information regarding what you're saying. A couple of things, if I may. What I'm concerned about is that you talk about the election, the candidates, the -- the board of trustees are there to make decisions. As State Representatives, we have 2-year terms, for State Senate Districts or State Senators we have either 2-year terms or 4-year terms. The Community College Board Members, in which I was one for 19 years at Parkland College, we were basically elected every six years. In other words, six years is longer than anybody as either a State Senator or a State Representative will serve as and that does concern me and also, if we go back to the original Illinois Community College Act of 1960 something or other, this idea of a referendum was part of the original language, which was to be part of the check and balance between the schools and the voters that basically paid taxes every year for property tax, etcetera for the schools. And so, these two things together do concern me. I do have another question, if I may? The -- the question…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please proceed with your question, Senator Bennett.
Thank you, Madam President. One -- one question, if I may, Senator. When the - if this vote does -- does pass and they do remove the voter referendum, is there any limit -- is there any limit by which they can put on this working cash or is any limit that you know of? 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Senator, they would have to -- it would mimic the School Code and so that means that they would at least have to equal .05 percent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bennett.
Thank you. Senator, I'm not sure of .05 percent means? I know in the K-12 school district, if they have working cash and it's gone, they can only raise it up to the limit that was there before. I mean, it's -- it's in statute in terms of the amount that can have. So, it's a limited amount. Working cash is one of the smallest amounts of -- of money in any of the accounts for K- 12, but with every -- everything I've been able to look at and I've talked to a number of board or community colleges no one could give me what the actual dollar amount is. Now, it could be a total amount of the overall assessed value of the community college, which you're talking millions of dollars, millions of dollars for the cost of the assessed value when you talk about the entire district. But, for this, I -- I've not been able to have an answer on what that really means.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
I didn't realize. I gave the answer, Madam President, that I have here, today.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 To the bill, Ma'am.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill, sir.
Again, community colleges are an important part of what we have in our education system in Illinois. Community Colleges was part of the Illinois Community College Act that was created back in the 60s, where every piece of ground in the State of Illinois has at least representation of a community college throughout the State of Illinois. When we talk about working cash, it's a very important part. Right now, it's a savings account, savings fund, so to speak, that goes back and forth. But right now, if it zeros out, there is a referendum, by the voters, to approve them bringing money back into that working cash. And as far as I can tell, I'm not aware of any limit that they can ask for in that. So, I'm asking for a No vote on this. I don't think we want to remove the voter right, or the voter ability to vote on this, take to remove a referendum from statute for community college in which it was put in there as part of the very beginning for check and balance. And I would vote that we do not approve this, check and balance is important to maintain, and I do ask for a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Rezin, what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
Thank you. Well, I commend my colleague for his bills and 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 usually we try to work together on a few bills in Education. Unfortunately, this bill gives us pause on this side. We are all supporters and I love my community colleges in -- in our district and around the State, but when we look at the details in this bill, our concern is about transparency and accountability. This bill will allow community colleges or it -- let's just say any taxing body, I mean, but will allow the community college to bond out for working cash to pay bills without voter approval. Now, in -- in theory, they would have to pay that amount back in 12 months. If they didn't, they would have to go back to the voters and say you know what, we need to borrow more money because of all of these different scenarios maybe coming out of the pandemic and our student population is down. But yet, that process is being sidestepped in this bill, because now, in this bill, the community colleges can borrow money for their working cash, spend the money, and then the Board can decide to potentially, because they don't have to pay it back in 12 months, borrow more money to pay bills and potentially raise property taxes in order to pay for it. That's why we are asking for a No vote on this side, because we're concerned about the accountability and the transparency component that is built in to school funding to protect the taxpayers and at least allow the taxpayers a public hearing to know what's going on with their tax dollars. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Any further questions? Senator -- Senator McClure.
Thank you, Madam President. Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) He thinks -- He says yes. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Senator Belt, and I apologize because it's kind of loud in the Chamber right now and maybe I didn't get the -- the answer to this. But I think Senator Bennett asked you if there was a limit to the amount that can be put into the working cash fund. What -- what is the limit?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Senator McClure, this legislation looks to align the -- the college board system, community college board system with that of the Illinois School Code. And so, whatever it is, in the Illinois School Code, would be that -- of - for that. That's all it's looking to do, to perfectly align the community college system with that of the Illinois School Code.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Any further questions?
Yes. But there was in the back and forth, there was a discussion about 0.05 percent, and that was the limit. I'm just trying to get clarification as to what the limit is. And if it's 0.05 percent, 0.05 percent of what?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
It says, if -- if - the working cash -- amounts transferred to -- amounts transferred and to be reimbursed in the working cash fund at least equal to 0.05 percent of the then current value -- of the then current value. We don't know what that is, but it's 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 0.05 percent, of the then current value. This…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Go ahead. Please proceed, Senator Belt.
And that's from the Illinois School Code.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure, any further questions?
I'll speak to the bill. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you. To the bill.
Thank -- Thank you very much. So, the School Code is not applicable to this and so, I do appreciate the clarification, but that's not applicable to this piece of legislation. Here we have voters being taken out of the equation and there are no limits on this -- this fund. Why would we want to take away the power of our voters to -- to determine what is best for their community colleges? This does not make any sense. I don't know why we're taking away this power and causing, all of us, to potentially have to pay more in property taxes and without public notice. So, in my view, this is a bad piece of legislation. I appreciate Senator Belt answering my questions. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Sally Turner.
Thank you, Madam President. Question to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) He seeks your answer. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Senator Belt. And, I also, appreciate my community colleges, which I have four in my district, but something I just as a former County Clerk, I'm thinking about the education fund. So, what's the maximum rate on the education fund for a community college?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Senator, I have no idea.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Turner.
Well, the reason I say that is, I believe that this would be a way that a community college could ask for additional funds under the working cash and apply that to the bills that are coming from the Education Fund, and therefore, exceeding what their maximum rate for the Education Fund and that's not what the State of Illinois designed them to do. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
So, I agree with Senator Bennett and what he was saying earlier. I -- I just don't think that this is what it's designed to do, and also Property Tax Limitation law is something that many of those counties had voted in and their intention was to always make sure that a referendum was done in order to express their will. So, thank you, Madam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Since there's no further discussion. Senator Belt, to close.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Again, the overall purpose of this bill is to align the board of trustees working cash fund with what is currently, the School Code. The Illinois Community College Trustee Association's top concern, was in -- the introduced language in the House, regarding none board members filling in the secretary position. Those concerns were addressed, in the House, in relative to -- HFA No. 1. As I said before, we have entities, we have State entities, right now that exist -- that create their own working -- that -- that have the ability to create their working cash fund; State library boards, park districts, Illinois - the -- the Municipal Code spells it out. We also have board of trustees, who, the citizens put in place, to help govern the community college boards. Beyond that, nothing stops the citizens from attending the board meetings, to ask those pivotal questions. This really is about -- as -- as I said -- stated before, aligning to the School Code. This is about allowing the flexibility, allowing greater efficiency when it comes to -- cash on hand and projects that need attention right away. I don't -- this is not about circumventing or -- or referendums or anything like that. It's about giving those colleges the flexibility that we already give public school districts. And for that, I would -- would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 1133 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Shall all vote to wish?{sic} (Have all voted who wish?) Take the record. On that question, there 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 are 36 Yes, 20 No. House Bill 1133, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 7, House Bill 1363. Senator Fine. Oops, sorry, Senator Villa -- seek leave to the Body to return House Bill 1363 in the Order of 2nd Reading, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1363. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Villa.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa, please present -- please present your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and speak to it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1363, an Act -- an -- an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa. Present your bill, please.
Thank you, Madam President. HB 1363 ensures that gender 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 related violence will be proximate cause of the injuries. The -- the bill provides that an employer may be liable for the actions of an employer, employee or its agent if either was directly performing their employment duties, and during the course of those duties were the proximate cause of the injuries. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for employer liability for gender related violence and establishes a 4-year statute of limitation to bring the claim forward under gender related violence. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Villa, to close.
I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 1363 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Ayes, 0 No's and 9 voting Present. House -- 0 voting Present. House Bill 1363, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1364, Senator Fine seeks leave to the Body to return House Bill 1364 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1364. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Fine, please explain your bill.
18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Thank you, Madam Chair. Okay. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Fine.
Thank you. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor 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 HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1364, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Fine.
Thank you, Madam President. HB 1364 creates the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Workgroup (Act) by the Department of Human Services 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Division of Mental Health. It will review existing information about the first year of the 9-8-8 call center operations in Illinois at the State and county level and use that data in progress around the federal measures to make sure we have success in the program with cost projections and best practice standards. The bill also changes the term "responder" to "mobile crisis response team members", to make sure people can discriminate between a mobile crisis responder and an EMT. The bill also repeals the Mental Health Working Group. I know of no opposition and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall House Bill 1364 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 1364, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Capitol News Illinois seeks photograph. Seeing no objections, leave is granted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) House Bill 1581 -- Senator -- Senator Loughran Cappel. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1581, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Loughran Cappel, please present your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill allows the Secretary of State to issue United States Submarine Veteran license plates 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 to residents of the State who served in the United States Navy as a submariner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? The question shall -- the question is, shall House Bill 1581 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted to wish?{sic} (Have all voted who wish?) Take the record on -- on that question -- on that question, there are 56 Yes, 0 No's. The bill (having) received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The bottom of page 7, House Bill 2054, Senator Johnson. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2054, an Act concerning the Department of Juvenile Justice. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2054 is an initiative of the Department of Juvenile Justice to address staffing shortage. And, what it would do is, expand eligibility for employment for DJJ employees by removing the requirement for them to have a bachelor's degree and replacing it with the requirement that potential employees must have 2 years of experience providing direct care to youth and high -- and a high school diploma, or a bachelor's degree. Additionally, House Bill 2054 would allow DJJ to continue to provide aid to a child after discharge for up to 12 months. I know of no opposition, and I encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Is there any discussion? Senator DeWitte.
Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Madam President. Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) She seeks yes.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator Johnson, thank you very much for your thorough explanation of this legislation in committee yesterday. Just one question that arose in our conversations, this morning, regarding will there be a precedence established between minors currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice versus people seeking these additional services once they have left oversight by the Department of Juvenile Justice? Will a priority be established to serve existing residents prior to people seeking additional services once they've left?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Johnson.
Thank you, Senator. That's a great question and yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator DeWitte, any further questions?
Yes, Madam President. That's a yes that existing residents will be given precedence?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Johnson.
Sorry, I -- I understood the question that the current 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 residents would be given priority in terms of the extended services, which includes vocational rehabilitative housing and residential support programs. Is that what you're referring?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator DeWitte.
Thank you. That answers my question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Are there any further questions? Senator -- Senator Bryant.
Thank you, Madam President. Question on the sponsor, please. I'm -- I'm not sure that that did answer the question, for me. So, you have juveniles that are already receiving -- already receiving services, on the street. This allows for those who are getting out of juvenile custody, DJJ, to now get those same services, right? The same services that those are on the street are going to be taking advantage of.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Johnson.
Thank you, Senator. So, yes, the current, youth in care, will receive services, and so this will allow DJJ to, as I stated, provide aid. And, so, additional services, to children in their care, who are discharged for up to 12 months. And, so, the current, youth in care, will continue to get the services that they provide. But this is just to provide that transitional support to prevent homelessness and I know that is a top priority for all of us here. And so, yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senator Bryant.
Yes. So, I know that -- that -- in -- what I heard from committee and what I'm hearing now is I believe, there's no extra money, there's no extra staffing being brought in, but we're adding additional individuals who are going to receive services. So, for that matter, you would have to cram some folks in who have not been getting those services into an already stressed system to receive the same services. That's what I believe will happen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Johnson.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator. So, the - I started off by saying that this bill is to address a staffing shortage. I am confident with the passage of House Bill 2054, we will have the staffing, the capacity to address your concerns.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Bryant, further questions?
Uh, no. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
I appreciate that additional staffing is the goal. I'm not sure that that would -- I would like to see that happen before we move new individuals into that -- into that world. So, although I applaud your efforts, I would -- I wish that these were separated so I could take a vote on each portion of this and then vote Yes for what you're trying to do with juveniles later, but since 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 they're both together, I would urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Johnson, to close.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. And Senator, I certainly understand your concern, but we have to entrust that the agency is going to do a thorough job in terms of how they're going to manage the workload and how they're going to care for the youth in care. Because as I mentioned before, this is critically important to address the staffing shortage in the Department of Juvenile Justice, as well as to provide the additional supports that youth require when they transition to again ensure that we are working to prevent homelessness, making sure that these youth receive mental health counseling and vocational training so that they can be successful adults when they transition from the system. So, with that, I encourage an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2054 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Shall all -- Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 46 Ayes, 9 Nays. House Bill 2054, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. At the top of page 9, Senate -- House Bill 2269, Senator Ellman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2269, an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman, please present your bill. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2269 amends the Electronic Wills and Remote Witnesses Act and changes the title to Electronic Wills, Electronic Estate Planning Documents, and Remote Witnesses Act. The bill creates an Electronic Nontestamentary Estate Planning Documents Article that requires the legal recognition of nontestamentary electronic estates like trusts, life insurance policies, or a power of appointment when these documents are electronically signed, witnessed, or notarized by people in separate locations, but able to communicate in real time, as if, they were in the same location. It also makes conforming changes to the Probate Act of 1975. I know of no opponents, and I urge an I vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 2269 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 2269, (having) received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 9, House Bill 2317, Morrison. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2317, an Act concerning fish. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Morrison, please present your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill lowers the fee for annual resident and nonresident fishing licenses for those 26 or 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 older who haven't bought a resident license in the past ten years. A resident would pay only $5 for an annual license and nonresidents would pay $10. We're trying to encourage people to get outside, enjoy the sport of fishing. There's nothing to be flummoxed about with this. It's very straightforward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Morrison, to close?
I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2317 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 2317, having received the required constitutional amendment -- majority, is declared passed. Let's go to House Bill 2392, Lightford. Out of the record. Flipping the page, to page 10, House Bill 2539, Villa. Senator Villa. Out of the record. House Bill 2579, DeWitte. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2579, an Act concerning revenue. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator DeWitte, please present your bill, sir.
Thank you, Madam Chairman -- Madam President, excuse me. House Bill 2579 is an initiative of the Department of Revenue that amends the Retailers Occupation Tax Act and the Civil Administration Code of the Illinois Department of Revenue Law to 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 provide taxpayers who have not filed returns from an existing business cannot register a new business with the Department until those returns are filed, or until it is determined that the taxpayer is not obligated to file those returns. House Bill 2579 has no known opposition. It passed out of the House, unanimously. Passed out of the Senate Revenue Committee, on an Agreed Bills list. I'd be happy to answer any questions and respectfully request an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any question? Seeing none. Senator DeWitte, to close. The question is, shall House Bill 2579 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 2579, (having) received the required constitutional majority is declared passed. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
With leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 11. Up at the top of the page is House Bill 2858, Senator Tracy. Nope. We're going to go to House Bill 2898, Senator Villanueva. We're going to go to House Bill 3017, Senator Villivalam. Senator Villivalam, on House Bill… Nope. We're going to go to page 12, at the top of the page is House Bill 3095, Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes, on House Bill 3095.
Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3095.
28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3095 to the Order 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3095. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Holmes.
Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
I would be happy to explain that amendment when I address the bill.
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.
3rd Reading. Now, on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 3095. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3095, an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Holmes, on your bill.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. House Bill 3095 defines limestone residual materials, and it adds that the portion of a mine used for that placement of limestone residual materials 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 generated from the treatment of drinking water by a municipal utility is not considered a pollution control facility. It requires the Pollution Control Board to adopt rules for the placement of the limestone residual material in a limestone mine to be consistent with regulations for the Underground Injection Control program. I will say this is a bill I have worked on with Aurora for probably close to ten years and I'm very happy to report at this time we have everybody in agreement and the Illinois EPA has remained now neutral on the bill. I would ask for an Aye vote.
Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 3095 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 55 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3095, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to House Bill 3296, Senator Ellman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3296, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Ellman, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3296 is an agreed bill between the Credit Union League and IDFPR on regulatory fees that are charged in order to maintain the oversight and examination of credit unions. And I urge an Aye vote.
30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Is there any discussion? Senator McClure.
Questions for the sponsor.
Indicates she will yield.
Thank you, Senator. So, this has a significant fee increase, is that correct?
Senator Ellman.
Well, it has a fee increase certainly, and it has been agreed. So, significance can be a matter of interpretation.
Senator McClure.
Well, I guess what's the what's the fee increase?
Senator Ellman.
The -- the cap that the credit unions may pay to the Illinois Department of Financial -- to the IDFPR goes from $141,875 to $210,000 for the larger credit unions based on assets.
Senator McClure.
Thank you, to the bill.
To the bill. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
So, this is a fee increase, for that reason, based upon what we're dealing with in our State right now. I'm opposed to this bill, and, I urge a No vote.
Seeing no further discussion? Senator Ellman, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a reminder that of all of the credit unions that are chartered here in Illinois, this fee increase will affect only the biggest nine. And again, it is agreed between the league and the agency. I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
So, the question is, shall House Bill 3296 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Oppose, 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 40 voting Yea, 17 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3296, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to House Bill 3345, Senator Preston. Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the front room. The Committee on Assignments will please meet in the front room. Senator Hunter, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - Motion to Concur with House 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1701; refer to Executive Committee - House Bill -- House Bills 219 and 297, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1286, Floor Amendment 5 to House Bill 1342, Committee Amendment 5 to House Bill 1497, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 2450, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2826, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 3093, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3326, Committee Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 3643, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 183, Motion to Concur with House Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1782, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1886, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1999, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2017, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2192; refer to License Activities Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendments 2 and 4 to Senate Bill 1250, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1716 and Senate Joint Resolution 38; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3566, Motion to Concur with House Amendments 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 724, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1803, and House Joint Resolution 13; refer to the Special Committee on Pensions - Floor Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 2352, Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1233, and Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1630; Be Approved for Consideration - House Joint Resolutions 15, 17, 22, Senate Joint Resolutions 29, 28, 31, 39 and 4. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b- 1), the following amendments will remain and the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1155. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senator Castro, what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of a motion, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) State your motion.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 297, House Bill 218, House Bill 219, House Bill 351, House Bill 1595, House Bill 2509, House Bill 2518, House Bill 2847, House Bill 3326, House Bill 3643 can be heard at 1 p.m. today in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 218, 219, 351, 1595, 2509, 2518, 2847, 3326, 3643 and House Bill 297 can be heard at 1:00 today in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Joyce, what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of a motion, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please state your motion.
Thank you. I move that -- to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2829, House Joint Resolution 6, Senate Resolution 278, Senate {sic} House Joint Resolution 13 can be heard at 1 p.m. today in the Senate State Government Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senator Joyce moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2829, House Joint Resolution 6, Senate Resolution 278 can be heard at 1:00 today in the Senate State Government Committee. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Glowiak Hilton, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Chair, for a motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please state your motion.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 38 can be heard at 1 p.m. in the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Glowiak Hilton moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that Senate Joint Resolution 38 can be heard at 1:00 today in the Senate Licensing Activities Committee. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senator Resolution 305, offered by Senator Napoleon Harris and all Members, and Senate Resolution 306, offered by Senator Lightford and all Members. They are both celebration of life resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Mr. Secretary, Consent Calendar. Back on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 2392, Lightford. Mr. Secretary, read 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 the bill.
House Bill 2392, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Lightford, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. This is an initiative of the IEA, currently, in Illinois there's seventeen teachers who serve on the National Education Association's National Council and there's one for each congressional district. And there are two districts that are now currently to -- refusing to allow those teachers to take time off to serve on the National Council. We're hoping that with this bill and amendment, that issue can be resolved. And what this bill does, it provides that any teacher who is a member of a statewide association representing teachers and is elected to represent that association may spend up to 10 days during a school term doing federal advocacy work. The amendment also provides that no deduction of wages may be made for such an absence and that the statewide association must reimburse the school district for the cost of the needed substitute teacher. We believe we covered all aspects and I encourage an Aye vote and be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion, Senator McConchie?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Leader Lightford in bringing this forward. I know that, you know, these elected Members have responsibilities that they need to be able to complete, and I appreciate the fact that IEA and -- and the unions are going to be paying for this time that -- that away, as well as helping ensure some continuity of -- of teaching opportunities. And I appreciated them speaking publicly about their commitment to do that, and so, I do encourage, an Aye vote Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Lightford, to close.
I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2392 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed -- 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 56 Yes, 0 No. House Bill 2392, (having) received the required constitutional majority is declared passed. Continuing on 3rd Reading is House Bill 2396, Lightford. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Mr. Secretary, House Bill 2396 seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2396 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2396. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Lightford, please explain your bill. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this is a bill initiative that we've worked on for… I would love to adopt the amendment and share my excitement on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussions? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Lightford, please explain your bill.
Move to adopt, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor 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 HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2396, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Lightford, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. Again, the excitement of full- 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 day kindergarten, ladies and gentlemen! This is an initiative that I've worked on with Illinois Federation of Teachers for a long time. There's so much support for this from the IEA, The Latino Policy Forum, Stand for Children, Advance Illinois, Start Early, Illinois Head Start Association, Illinois Action for Children, Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children, The Illinois PTA Carol Robertson Center for Learning, Teach Plus, and the Council for a Strong America. Everyone understands the importance of starting our kids young through early childhood supports and preschool and ensuring that they are ready for a full- day of kindergarten. So, this bill will allow the option of full- day kindergarten to begin with the '27-'28 school year. We put enough time in there for school districts to prepare. We've also provided school districts with certain barriers and difficulties that may happen for an extension of two additional years, if needed to allow for more implementation. A Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force is created to collect data regarding the current status of full-day kindergarten in Illinois and advise on the issuance of waivers for full-day kindergarten and make any recommendation that informs the planning and implementation of the requirement to the State Board of Education. I know that State Representative Canty really worked hard on this being her first bill, and I'd be happy to answer questions of Members.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator McConchie?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Leader Lightford, also on this, and your willingness to be able to work with me in a particular situation, in my district. For those of people who are maybe unaware, this affects according to ISBE, 6 districts in the State, all of which are in the suburban area. We did all of them except for one are Tiers 3 and 4 districts, which should well be able to afford this. There was one district that had a difficult time affording it because they're a Tier 2 district and simply did not have the infrastructure. They did not have enough classrooms to do this. So, one of the amendments that we adopted is providing them the ability to make sure that they're going to be able to deal with that. So, thank you very much. With that, I do encourage an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Leader Lightford, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. Full-day kindergarten is essential for all children across the State, regardless if they're in Tier 1 that needs the most adequacy or Tier 4 that are beyond adequacy. I believe we covered that with this legislation. I want to thank all of my colleagues who also helped out Senator Loughran Cappel, Senator Adrian Johnson, and Senator Pacione-Zayas. I'd be happy to ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2396 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 1 No. House Bill 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 2396, (having) received the required constitutional majority is declared passed. Senator Preston, on 2345 -- 3345 Senator Preston. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill -- 3345, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Preston, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3345 requires the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice with an Illinois ID (Identification Card) upon receipt of the individual's birth certificate, social security card, photograph, proof of residency upon discharge, an application which must be submitted 60 days prior to the individual's scheduled release. The Department is required to assist the individual in obtaining a certified copy of their birth certificate and duplicate social security card. If for any reason an individual does not receive an ID, the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice must provide information to the individual on how to obtain at least 45 days prior to discharge.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. To -- To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
I'd like to commend Senator for answering the questions that I had on this issue. This is something that the Department of Corrections is already doing, but it will expedite those who are being released to have that in their hands when they walk out the door. And as somebody who generally supports the budget for Department of Corrections, this shifts the cost over to the Secretary of State's Office instead of the Department of Corrections. So, for that reason, I support your bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Preston, to close.
Thank you, Senator, for supporting my bill. You know, this is a very important matter. So many people who are returning citizens, many of which are coming back to my district and districts all across this State, have to face a number of barriers. A large number of those folks have long said that having a simple ID is something that has really stopped their growth and development and -- and -- and their return back to our communities to be productive members of society. This is an important bill and I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 3345 pass. All those in favor say -- vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. There being 57 voting Aye, 0 voting No. House Bill 3345, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3428, Glowiak Hilton. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
House Bill 3428, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Glowiak Hilton, read your bill. Explain your bill, rather. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. This bill requires a Naloxone or Narcan to be kept in the schools. House Bill 3428, as amended, requires all school districts, public schools, charter schools and nonpublic schools to maintain a supply of an opioid antagonist. This medication is used to reverse an opioid overdose in a secure location. We worked with the pharmacists on this to make sure that they were neutral. What we did was make certain that schools, if they can make a reasonable effort to obtain the medicine, then they are within the requirements. We -- We are losing a number of our children to opioid overdoses. We just had our -- our fentanyl awareness last week. We've had a number of overdoses in schools as well. The fentanyl crisis is claiming a growing number of our kids in urban, suburban, and rural schools. These drug deaths of aged 10 to 14 have more than tripled from 2019 to 2020. Kids go from breathing to not breathing in seconds. What this does is this will save a life. Naloxone saves lives in an instant. They're very simple to use. Comes in a little package, requires almost no training. All you do is you peel it open, you put it in somebody's nose and you spray it. It is a simple, easy way to instantly save a life and we should have this in every single school in our State. Many other states are doing this as well, and it's something that has happened because of the more vigorous and dangerous drugs that 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 people are ingesting these days. So, since that indication that the data shows that between 2010 and 2019, we had 500 U.S. teenagers die from overdoses. We've gone from that to in 2021, 1140 more teens have died. The National Association of School Nurses is so alarmed by that trend that they advise every school nationwide to develop this policy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Sally Turner, what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill
I just want to thank Senator Glowiak Hilton for bringing this to our -- our attention because this is something that's - this fentanyl epidemic, the poison of fentanyl is out of control, in Illinois and, as well as, in the United States and anything that we can do to combat that is greatly appreciated. And I look forward to more discussion that this Body will have in order to wrap our heads around this whole issue and get something done about it. So, that's a great effort to start with. So, thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Glowiak Hilton, to close.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the support. It's a relatively low cost. These devices last for a number of years in -- in the medicine cabinet and it's something that we can do to 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 save… If we can save just a few kids in -- in the schools with this, it is so worth it for us to -- to maintain this in our schools and it's really an important issue. We've seen it over and over in our schools and really think that if you can save a life in an instant, without waiting for medical personnel to come, I think it's worth it. I really would appreciate support on this vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 3428 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 57 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 3428, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up -- is House Bill 3436, Anderson, please… Senator Anderson seeks the Body -- seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3436 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3436. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Anderson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Anderson, is there any discussion? Senator Anderson, explain.
Madam Chair, I would like to withdraw Amendment 3 and adopt Amendment 5.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by Senator Anderson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Anderson, is there any discussion? Senator Anderson.
I would like to adopt the amendment. I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Is there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3436, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Anderson, please explain the bill.
Thank you, Madam Chair. So, apologize for the confusion this has been a work in progress, and I think this is the first bill that I've had 5 amendments on, but a… The bill is pretty simple, we are creating a license plate decal for "Thank a Line Worker" by the IBEW. All the -- all the money raised is going to go back into SOS. There's no opposition on this. It's been heavily negotiated. I would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Is there any discussion? The question is, shall House Bill 3436 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 to wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Yes, 0 No -- Nays. House Bill 33 -- 3436, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hastings, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For the record, I'd like to be recorded as a Yes vote on House Bill 3436. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Record will reflect your intentions, sir. House Bill 3508, Fine. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3508, an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Mr. -- Senator Fine, sorry, please present your -- please -- please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. What this legislation does is it allows the Illinois EPA to create a take-back program for firefighting foam that contains PFAS.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall House Bill 3538 {sic} 3508 pass. All those in favor say… Senator Murphy, what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
I just rise to ask for support on this bill. There's been a huge proliferation of the foams that could be potentially causing cancer and we really need to protect people. So, I'd ask for support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Fine, to close.
Thank you and thank you, Senator Murphy. I do realize we are flummoxed about this huge proliferation of chemicals we are seeing in our supply. And I ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 3508 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, No. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 3508, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3600, Loughran Cappel. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3600, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Loughran Cappel, please explain your bill.
As amended, this makes various changes to the School Code to clarify and clean up provisions that pertain to the teacher 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 shortage issues and provide flexibility to schools. The bill extends the short-term substitute teacher license by five years. Allows school districts to adopt a policy to waive tuition costs for non-resident pupils of the district employees. Extends the sunset date to allow ECE credential legal of 5 to teach in preschool for all programs. Decrease the length of preparation for alternate teacher licensure from 2 to 1 year and clarifies that nonpublic schools must also check the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender (Youth) Database for employment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any question, Senator Murphy?
No, no, none.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 3600 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, 1 Nay. House Bill 3600, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3690, Villivalam. Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3690 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3690. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam, please explain.
49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Thank you, Madam President. I wish to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd's.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3690, as amended, reforms current Institute…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please explain your amendment. Is there any discussion? All those in favor 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 HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3690, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam, please explain your bill.
All right. We're going to get it right this time. House Bill 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 3690, as amended, reforms current institute and in-service training requirements for schoolteachers and staff by consolidating current trainings into 7 new categories. Ensuring non-licensed educators take part in -- in trainings relevant to their occupation and moving trainings from once every 2 years to every 5 years. This legislation was a product of several working group meetings and negotiations between the Associations and IFT, IEA and others, Representative Mussman, in the House. And will provide some relief while ensuring that we continue to provide inclusive training to all of our educational professionals. I know of no opposition. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall House Bill 3690 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes -- the vote voting is open. Have all voted to wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 3690, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3892, Turner. Doris Turner. House Bill 3957, Koehler. With leave of the Body, we'll return to House Bill 2862, Peters. Mr. Secretary. Senator Peters seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3957 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 30 -- 2862. Mr. Secretary, are there any -- any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Peters?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Peters, please explain your amendment.
51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Madam President, I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor 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 HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2862, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Peters, please explain your bill.
Thank you so much. This is a bill that just helps temp workers have more rights and came after extensive negotiations. I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Peters, to close. The question is, shall House Bill 2862 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, 3 Nays. House Bill 2862, having received the required constitutional amendment{sic} (majority) is declared passed. House Bill. Let's go to House Bill 3017, Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3017, an Act concerning State government. 3rd 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam, please discuss your bill. Explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3017, requires the Office of Business Permits and Regulatory Assistance under DCEO to improve interagency coordination on permanent{sic} (permit) issuance, establishing and establishing an online portal detailing permit status and schedules for State projects over 20 million. We worked out language with the Department to make this implementable. I know of no opposition, and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Villivalam, to close. The question is, shall House Bill 3017 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes and 0 Nays. House Bill 3017, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Villanueva, House Bill 2898. Senator Villanueva. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2898, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villanueva, please explain the bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2898 requires for- profit, post-secondary institutions that have been found of 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 committing unfair, misleading, or deceptive practices to repay MAP funds if the institution received MAP funds -- MAP funds to ISAP. And I'm open for questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussions. Senator Villanueva, to close?
I'm a little flummoxed at the volumes of institutions that proliferate this amount of problems with these MAP grants, but I'm glad that we're able to pass such a great bill and thank you. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2898 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? On that question, there are 50… Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 1 Nays. House Bill 2898, having received the required constitutional amendment{sic} (majority) is declared passed. On page 9, House Bill 2365, Villa. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2365, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. The social work profession is one founded upon and guided by ethical principles and standards which help guide our practice and fundamentally protect the people that we serve. I say our and we, because as many of you know, I 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 was a school social worker for 15 years prior to running for office. The ASWB released data showing that the clinical exam was biased against people of color, older adults, and people with disabilities. Specifically, this data shows that first time pass rates for the LCSW in Illinois include: white individuals pass at 82.5 percent, Asian individuals pass at 70 percent, Hispanic individuals pass at 59.6 percent, and black individuals pass at 42.4 percent. As a sponsor, I have heard from countless social work graduates and professionals in the field, who are fully competent, having completed a master's degree and intense clinical supervision hours, but have been barred from filling our mental health needs in Illinois, because of a test that's failing them. As a way to address these disparities, House Bill 2365, keeps the current path of licensing which is obtaining a graduation -- a master's from an accredited social work school, 3000 hours of supervision from an LCSW, and passing the ASWB exam. This bill opens a second path, this alternate path is the same which is receiving your master's degree, 3000 hours of supervision from an LCSW, having taken the test and failed it, in the last 5 years or moving forward after this bill goes into effect. Taking the test and failing it, and an additional 3000 hours of supervision from an LCSW or any other appropriate disciplines as defined in rules. For current LCSW, this legislation changes nothing but for the next generation of social workers looking to join the workforce, this alternate path creates an opportunity for Illinois to bring in social workers from all backgrounds to reflect the diverse communities they are trying to serve. We have worked diligently to hear the concerns of opposition and with this proposal, ASWB is now neutral on this legislation. While we recognize and hear the 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 fear of the unknown, we are confident in this bill and also want to raise the very real harm in our State by not acting as our constituents deserve a -- a diverse social work workforce to address the critical mental health crisis. This bill is only one step towards that, but one in which we can't afford to wait. I would be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator McClure.
Thank you. Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) She indicates she will… She, will yield.
Thank you. So, Senator, my recollection is that there's 50 states all require this test. The only workaround is in, right now the State of Minnesota, where it's just a few exceptions where they cannot have to take this test. Is that accurate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senate Villa.
Minnesota, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico have taken steps to address the bias test, similar to what we are trying to accomplish here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure.
But for like Minnesota, it's not everyone gets to not take the test. It's just for specific -- a small list of -- of possibilities. Is that correct? 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa?
That is correct. The ASWB test is only available in English. This is for folks who are Spanish speakers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure.
I'll speak to the bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
And that makes sense. So, this is a -- this is a test -- that 50 states are using, 50 states, liberal states, Republican states, you know, purple states. Everyone else is using this and this is going to make this test no longer a requirement at a time when we've got a lot of issues with DCFS, with -- with social workers and social workers are really, really important. And I know we do have a shortage right now at DCFS and other places, but we want to make sure that the people filling those positions are qualified to be in those positions, so we don't have to read any more headlines like we've been reading recently about some of the kids in our State, what's been happening and unfortunately, right now, as the Senator said, people have to go through 3000 hours where they're working and then they take a test. This eliminates the need to take the test and says that they have to work another 3000 hours with supervision. But we've got no way to independently verify whether or not they're being properly supervised. Whether that 3000 hours is being done in the right way. The only way, right 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 now nationwide for this independent verification, is this test. And with the issues that we're facing right now, we need to ensure that our social workers, who are extremely important, and I thank the Senator for her work as a social worker, we need to make sure that they're qualified to -- to do this, because it's important work, it's lifesaving work sometimes, and it's really important to the families of this State. So to take away this test, which is the only way to independently verify whether a person is qualified to do this, is a mistake. Again, I appreciate what the Senator is trying to address, but we need to do this in a very responsible way. Again, the model that we're using here, this 3000 additional hours, they're already getting 3000 hours. So, if you're doing it the wrong way, it's not going to be a helpful 3000 hours. And no other state is doing it this way and our State is -- has received national headlines lately for issues with our social workers. So, there's a problem, certainly, we need to ensure to fill these positions but we need to have an independent way to verify that these folks are qualified to do this important work. Unfortunately, this strips away the qualification, and for that reason, I thank the Senator not only for her work, but her passion on this topic, but for that reason, I urge a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa, to close. Sorry, Senator Hastings, what purpose do you rise? Senator Villa, to close.
The Social Work Code of Ethics, requires us, as social workers, to act. And that we can only live out our values if we are truly willing to address the difficult and very real inequities within our profession. Illinois is home to many prominent social 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 workers, including the mother of social work, Jane Addams. Many more include Ida B. Wells and Sir George Williams. Those who worked to set the foundation for the social work we see today. We are setting the precedent for social work, as these leaders have done so in the past, and Illinois continues to be a pioneer for that progress within the social work profession. We have seen the disparities, we have the data, and as legislators it is incumbent that we act. I urge and Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2365 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? On that -- Take the record. On that question, there are 33 Ayes, 19 No's. House Bill 2365, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3957, Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3957, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Mr. -- Mr. -- Senator Koehler, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill creates the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, which prohibits manufacturers or wholesale drug distributors from engaging in price gouging of essential off patient and generic drugs. There is an amendment that we adopted yesterday which helped take CMS out of it. It says that the Director of the Health and Human Health and Family Services must notify the Attorney General's office of any price 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 gouging of essential off patent or generic drugs under Medicaid. Additionally, it changed the word "shall" to "may". It says the Attorney General may then request information from the manufacturer or wholesale distributor. The reason that this is important is that, you know, sometimes we see that when supply and demand kind of goes awry and all of sudden prices are -- are jacked up because -- just because folks can do it, that it becomes really unfair, and people say, "Well, there ought to be a law that prohibits that." Well, this is -- this is that law. And I know there was some discussion about whether the Attorney General's Office could handle this. I talked to the Attorney General yesterday, on this bill. He's going to work with us to make sure that we can get this done and I'd be happy to answer any questions and I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any questions? Senator Koehler, to close?
Yes, I just ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, has can -- The question is, shall House Bill 3957 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 52 Ayes, 2 Nays. House Bill 3957, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After committees, the Senate will reconvene for further Floor Action. The Senate stands in recess. Please go to committee. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES) 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 308, offered by Senator McClure and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 307, offered by Senator Halpin. It is congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Glowiak Hilton, Chair of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports Motions to Concur - House Amendment 2 -- House Amendment 2 and 4 to Senate Bill 1250, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1716 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2059 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Motions to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 183; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 380; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 761; House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1670; House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill -- excuse me, House Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1782; House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1875; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1886; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1999; House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2017; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2034; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2192; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2227 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2228 Recommend Do Adopt. House Bills 218, 219, 297, 351, 1595, 2447, 2509, 2518 and 2847 Do Pass. House Bills 1286, 1497, 3326 and 3643 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Do Pass, as Amended. House Joint Resolution 20 Be Adopted; Senate Amendment 5 to House Bill 1342; Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 2450 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2826 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Joyce, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Resolutions 193 and 278 Be Adopted; Motions to Concur - House Amendment 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 724; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 836 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 2829 Do Pass; House Joint Resolution 6 and 13 Be Adopted and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3856 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Sims, Chair the Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety, reports Motions to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1499; House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2197 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2260 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 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 concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following entitled, to wit: Senate Bill 58, together with the following amendment, which is attached in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 58. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 684 with House Amendment 3, Senate Bill 1235 with House Amendment 2, Senate Bill 1352 with House Amendment 1, Senate Bill 1555 with House Amendment 1, Senate Bill 1629 with House Amendment 1, Senate Bill 1710 with House Amendment 3, Senate Bill 1754 with House Amendment 2 and Senate Bill 1872 with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as Amended, May 17th, 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill, of the following title, and the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 301 Passed the House, May 17th, 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of 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 adopted the following Joint Resolution and the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution -- House Joint Resolution 10 offered by Senator Joyce, adopted by the House April 26th, 2023. We have received like Message on House Joint Resolutions 11 and 12, offered by Senator Joyce, adopted by the House April 18th, 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. They are all substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 301, offered by President Harmon, an Act concerning education. 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) ANTV{sic} (WAND TV) and WGEM seeks leave to photograph/videotape the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objections. Leave is granted. Members, please come to the Floor. We are in the process of doing 2nd and 3rd Readings. Members, Members, please come to the Floor. Supplemental Calendar has been printed and we'll start running on 2nd Readings. House Bill 218, Harmon. House Bill 219, Harmon. House Bill 297, Peters. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 House Bill 351, Harmon. House Bill 476, Belt. House Bill 1286, Villanueva. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1286, an Act concerning health. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1497, Belt. House Bill 1595, Cunningham. House Bill 2447, Loughran Cappel. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2447, an Act concerning State government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2509, Harmon. House Bill 2518, Cunningham. House Bill 2829, Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2829, an Act concerning human rights. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2847, Fine. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2847, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3326, Feigenholtz. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 House Bill 3326, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3643, Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3643, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 476, Belt. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 476, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1497, Belt. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 House Bill 1497, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Oh, oh, retract that.
Executive Committee adopted Amendment No. 5.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Brendon Moore, Lee Newspapers, seeks leave to record the proceedings and photograph. Seeing no objections, leave is granted. House Bill 218, Harmon. 2nd Reading. Harmon, 218. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 218, an Act concerning -- concerning civil law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 219, Harmon. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 219, an Act concerning civil law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 351, Harmon. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 House Bill 351, an Act concerning elections. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2509, Harmon. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2509, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. On page 15 of the Calendar, House Bills 2nd Readings, 1076 (HB), Plummer. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1076, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3590, Anderson. Out of the record. The bottom of page 6, House Bill 1342, Villivalam. Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1342 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1342. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam, explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd wish to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Is there any discussion? All those in favor 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 HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1342, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam, explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 1342, as amended, is a comprehensive public transit package which includes provisions that address safety, transparency, eliminating transit barriers and moving towards a greener future. We put forward a process for safety to ensure our employees and other commuters, if they are subjected to assault, battery or acts of public indecency. There is a process for suspending those riders. There's also a process for suspended riders to appeal such decisions. This legislation would also require more transparency and reporting as it relates to staffing levels, service reliability, and safety incidents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Villivalam, to close. Oh! Senator DeWitte, question?
Thank you, Madam President. To… (the bill).
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 To the bill.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this legislation. It's a big piece there's a lot of moving parts. But after conversations with the RTA this afternoon, I believe the biggest piece of this piece of legislation, aside from the assistance to challenge riders, is the fact that it gives the RTA along with Metro Pace and CTA, a little more breathing room with regards to their fare ratio requirements, as the statute spells out. It extends it for an additional 2 years. I think it's very important to allow our mass transit agencies to get back up to speed, to continue to build their ridership. I rise in support and urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you. Senator McClure.
Questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) He indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Do the reports and studies apply to downstate transit districts?
So, currently the studies that are included in this legislation are specifically for the RTA region.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Any further questions, Senator McClure?
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. So, is there anything in 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 this that involves downstate transit districts?
The public safety portion of the legislation. As you know that there's been many stories over the last few years as it relates to our employees that -- that work in public transit and other commuters that have had challenging situations as it relates to their safety. So, this legislation does apply to all public transit, all 56, I believe, public transit agencies in the State of Illinois that -- that aspect.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure.
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. Thank you for that response. Does this apply to the Metro East?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam.
We'll -- we'll confirm again, but this -- this applies to the local public transit agencies in the State of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure. Senator Villivalam, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for the questions. I'll just say one, I'm more than happy to work with folks as we move forward to address challenges across our public transit system in the State of Illinois, all throughout Illinois. And two, I think, this legislation -- I appreciate the support from my colleagues. This will take us a step in the right direction as it relates to restoring confidence in our commuters and our residents 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 to use public transit but ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 1342 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 the question, there is 50 Ayes, 5 No's. House Bill 1342, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2217, on page 8. Correction, 2217, Senator Ellman. Mr. Secretary. I'm sorry. Senator Ellman seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2217 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2217. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Ellman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman -- Ellman. Explain your -- your amendment.
I move to adopt and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Is there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2217. an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman.
Thank you, Madam President. HB 2217, as amended, aims at reducing the threat rate on poses to renters of property. The amendment creates a time frame for when a tenant may terminate a lease under the Act due to high concentrations of radon gas in a dwelling unit. Furthermore, HB 2217 requires disclosures and providing tenants with various documents to ensure they know the risks of radon and the legal recourse they have if dangerous levels are found. The bill allows a tenant to divide the cost of mitigation into equal parts, which may be deducted from their monthly rent, but only allows such mitigation measures to be taken with the expressed consent of the landlord. Likewise, if the installation was done without consent or improperly, the landlord may withhold a portion of a security deposit if one was used as payment for any corrective measures that needed to be taken. Lastly, the bill prohibits home rule units to act contrary to the Act, and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion, Senator Tracy?
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
I -- I applaud the sponsor, Senator Ellman, for very vigorously working to get this bill forward and also to amending 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 it. However, there is still an opponent, which is the Small Landlords Association. We talk in this Chamber about the lack of housing across the State of Illinois, and many small landlords provide that housing. It's vital to Illinois, COVID pandemic was especially hard on small landlords. They weren't able to evict. Many tenants thought that they would be erased from paying rent because of COVID, and that was not true. They were just abated from being evicted. So, because the small landlords are still opposed, I think that should give us reason to wait for this bill to move forward. We need housing and we need small landlords, and this is a mandate on them that they're not willing to take on, and I would like to support them, and I would urge a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any further discussion, Senator Syverson?
Thank you. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) He yields for questions. She yields a question. Senator Syverson.
Thank you. Senator, in the language of the bill, line 6, it would be Section 5. It states in their finding period, the General Assembly finds that radon is the leading cause of death in private homes. What -- where is that information coming from that this is the leading cause of death in homes?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman.
73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Yes, thank you. Thank you, Senator Syverson. The findings Section was removed from the amendment with the amendment -- with the adoption of the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Syverson.
Okay. Thank you. So that -- that portion of the text that section 5 is no longer in the in the final amendment?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman.
Is this? Oh, there we go. Yes, that is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Syverson.
Okay. Thank you. When we saw that on there, because when we looked at the National Safety Council and the National Institute of Health, EPA and the Center of Disease it listed that, it -- it showed that it wasn't remotely close to the leading cause of death. So, I'm not sure where that came from. But I appreciate the fact that at least we took that that language out of the that part of it out of the bill. So, thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you. Is there any further questions, Senator Curran? Leader Curran.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill. 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Senator, I recall a time, a couple of years ago, where Senator Plummer, on his first bill, managed to secure President Cullerton as -- as his first chief co-sponsor and we were all impressed. But I -- I think as I stand here today and I look at that board, I am more impressed with the work you've done on this bill. I will be voting in favor. Thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Joyce, what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
So, I rise in support of this legislation. I want to thank Senator Ellman for bringing this forward. A few years back, my sister-in-law had succumbed to lung cancer and, you know, she had never smoked a day in her life. We found out that her house was heavy in radon. This is a measure that saves lives and I applaud the sponsor for and -- and the Realtors and the advocates for working together to get the Realtors to neutral. It's unfortunate that we still have some opposition, but this is a measure that will save lives, and ultimately, I think - I applaud the sponsor for bringing forward and I ask for support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ellman, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. And I'd like to comment, too, on my co-sponsor. Thank you, for your leadership in this measure, as 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 well. I really appreciate it. And thank you, Senator Joyce. This is a measure that will save lives and I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2217 pass. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 Ayes, 7 Nays. House Bill 2217, (having) received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Page 9 at the bottom, it's a recall, House Bill 2450, Villivalam. Villivalam. Villivalam. House Bill -- House Bill 2450. Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill… Out of the record. House Bill 2450 is on 3rd Reading. House Bill 2856 -- on page 11, Senator Glowiak Hilton. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2856, an Act concerning health. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Glowiak Hilton, please present your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2856 removes the option to include a deceased military members veteran status from the Vital Records Act. Rep. Swanson had a constituent whose spouse died from a heart attack, due in part from exposure to Agent Orange and because of the way the statute is currently written, she was not eligible for the survivor benefits and other rights because there was no place, on the form, to explain that an Agent Orange was a contributing factor to his death. So, these changes will 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 make it possible to explain contributing factors so that surviving spouses do not experience this issue.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Wilcox. Senator Harriss, E. Harriss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please, please proceed.
Sure, to the bill. I'd like to thank the sponsor for bringing this forward. I think it's an excellent bill that will help our military families and would encourage everyone to get on board with a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Glowiak Hilton, to close.
Thank you. I appreciate the support and I really think this is important to -- to honor our veterans and allow their spouses to be able to receive those death benefits. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2856 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 56 Ayes, 0 Nays. House Bill 2856, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're skipping ahead to page 14. House -- House Bill 3779, Senator Ventura. Mr. Secretary. read the bill.
House Bill 3779, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill. 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ventura.
Is there an amendment I'd like to adopt?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) It was adopted, Senator, please proceed with your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mrs. President. Madam President. Senate Bill{sic} (House Bill) 17 -- 3779, as amended, is a page and line amendment. This is a very simple bill. It allows the - to end the sentence whoever is eligible for home confinement or other confinement outside of the Department of Corrections facility for that Department of Corrections to provide a three-day notice to the State's Attorney or Sheriff and using electronic notification as opposed to the 15-day mail notification. And I asked for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any question, Senator McClure?
Question -- questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) She indicates that she'll yield.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator. So, this really applies to people that have been sentenced to the Department of Corrections, but they've been in the county jail for longer or as long as their sentence is. And so therefore, these are people they may be sent to the Department of Corrections just -- just sort of be processed and they're called turnarounds. So, the notification is not what 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 I think some people are reading into this bill. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ventura.
Yes, that's correct. These are for the Class 3 and 4 nonviolent offenders that come out of the Section 5-8-6 that are required to be housed outside of the penitentiary system.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure.
And have the Sheriffs taken a position on this legislation?
Yes, they're neutral on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ventura, to close.
I just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 3779 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 45 Ayes, 11 Nays. House Bill 3779, (having) received the required constitutional majority is declared passed. Same page 14, House Bill 3856, Johnson. Out of the record. House Bill 3892, Doris Turner. Mr. 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3892, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Turner. Please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3892 allows the Illinois Housing Development Authority to develop a program that provides incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening. The bill requires IHDA to consult with the University of Illinois on the program to work with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to facilitate the distribution of produce from the garden and requires the Affordable Housing facility provide all necessary tools for the garden. The purpose of this bill is to incentivize gardening products for human consumption in areas that may lack fresh produce and in populations that may not be able to afford fresh produce. Community gardens specifically -- Thank you. Community gardens specifically can save a household between $75 and $380 in food costs. And finally, gardening can also reduce stress and help physical and mental health. And I just want to repeat that the bill does not require IHDA to create a gardening incentive program. It merely allows them to do so.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Turner, to close.
I would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senator Plummer, do you have a question?
Yes, Madam President. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) She indicates she'll yield.
Thank you. So, I -- Senator Turner, thank you for -- for bringing this. I spent some time reading this and I'm frankly trying to understand what we're trying to accomplish here. Can you walk me through from a funding standpoint where this funding would go? Who would financially benefit, I guess, from this program? I'm not speaking to the actual urban or suburban farming portion. I mean, the actual funding for the program.
Question, could you be a little bit more specific?
Sure. Thank you. So -- so, this just seems like something only government could create. It says that the Illinois Housing Development Authority may develop a program that incentivizes for the development of affordable housing projects that incorporate these gardening programs. However, it says that the developers have to provide the land, the buildings, and the tools and the resources to farm. And I don't think developers are really farmers. But then it says that the University of Illinois shall be consulted. So now we got IHDA involved, now we got the University of Illinois involved regarding best practices in urban gardening and farming, it goes into those details. And then, we got to get DCEO involved because in DCEO has to help create a distribution network. I don't think DCEO creates distribution networks to link 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 these gardens with businesses to facilitate the sale. I -- I'm sure the intent is good here, but we're spending a whole lot of money and we're -- we're getting all these various agencies and units of government involved, and then we've got the developers doing the farming. I'm trying to understand where the moneys going?
I think that you're making this into a much bigger issue than it really is. These -- these types of projects happen all the time. I know I was on the Springfield City Council and in Springfield when we had affordable housing projects that had vacant land that was attached to it, they were used to create urban gardens and that would be basically what would happen in these situations.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Plummer.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
So, the sponsor just highlighted my -- my point here. This -- this type of farming and gardening goes on all the time. You provide an example here, in Sangamon County, of that taking place where you had affordable housing that had vacant ground and that was utilized for this purpose. That is not what this bill does. What this bill does is it financially incentivizes developers to start farming and then it's got the University of Illinois, IHDA, DCEO and all these other State organizations that have plenty of other good things to be doing looped into this program. And it's 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 -- it's never going to result in anything because ultimately it depends on the developers who want to get out of these affordable housing projects, when -- when -- when they can to provide everything necessary to continue farming in perpetuity. When those developers don't do that, this whole thing collapses. So, I'm -- I'm sure the intent is good. But this is bureaucracy, on top of bureaucracy, on top of bureaucracy and it will harm our ability in areas of affordable housing to actually accomplish what you're trying to accomplish because of all the red tape and all the government involvement. I'm all for urban and suburban farming, but we've got to do it in a way that we can actually end up getting vegetables and fruit at the end of the day. And this bill makes sure that that will never happen. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Are there any further questions? Hearing none, Senator -- Senator Castro.
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
Well, I understand that the previous speaker is a little confused about what the bill does. As I've talked about and I serving on the Illinois Housing Development Authority prior to my arrival to the General Assembly. I recognize the value in creating these urban gardens, actually in Elgin, one of the homes that received Illinois Housing Development Tax Credit created an urban garden and a senior building. Which helped not only the seniors eat healthy meals, but also was used as a project to keep them 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 active. This is a very important issue, and I recognize if someone wants to mock it thinking it's bureaucracy. Actually, there's a real problem with food deserts in our State. Maybe he's not concerned about it, but in the end, this is a good bill. I ask all my colleagues to support it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Turner, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Senator Castro, for your comments. And you're absolutely right, this is a very good bill that provides a lot of benefit to communities as well as those individuals who are living in those affordable housing projects. It provides them with fresh fruits and vegetables. It also takes some areas that may be blighted and put something active there that really changes the nature of those neighborhoods, and it also provides for socialization for people who are living in those areas. So, there's a lot of benefit and I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 3892 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 42 Ayes, 11 Nays. House Bill 3892, (having) received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 10, House Bill 2531, N. Harris. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2531, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill. 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Harris, please explain your bill.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 2531 requires IDOT to establish and commence the pre- qualification process to enter into a public private agreement within 6 months of the effective date, which is January 1, of 2024. And the statue also requires the Department to add in the global freight cargo transfer development, as stated in the goals of the airport. This is a measure that's been going on for around 30 years to get to this point to create economic development, jobs and infrastructure to the Southland of Chicago. It's something that studies have been done from the FAA -- from the FAA, IDOT and many others to show that Illinois can handle a third airport which would be predominantly cargo, and I seek its favorable support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you. Is there any discussion, Senator Hastings.
To the bill, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
Madam President, Members of the Senate to -- to the bill. I just want to make sure that I caveat Senator Harris's statement just in terms of timing. As a member of the suburban delegation, the South Suburban Airport discussion has been going on since as far back as 1967. We can go all the way back to Richard J. Daley, the former Mayor of Chicago, who proposed Peotone as an alternative site to the Chicago airports. Studies have been conducted from 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 1967 to 1970, 1985 to 1987. There was an establishment of an Illinois Airport System Plan Policy Commission in '86, there was an environmental assessment in 1998, which was a Tier 1 and Tier 2 or in 2002, we -- we approved an FAA approved study which stated that it was environmentally feasible location. We've invested 75 million dollars in the purchase of property. We invested 162 million dollars for road infrastructure improvement, to make this a reality, and most recently in 2014, we purchased another piece of land which makes this an economically viable site for a cargo airport. Give the south suburbs an opportunity to succeed. Give the opportunity to south suburbs who have had probably one of the most growing economic environments in the last 30 years. Give us a chance to succeed. We have warehouses going up. We have commercial businesses going up. We have residential homes going, -- going up. Give us an opportunity to succeed. This airport, whether it's cargo, whether it's whatever it may be in the future. This is the future of the City of Chicago and the definitely the future of the south suburbs. And I strongly urge an Aye vote. Thank you, Madam President, for the time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you. Further questions, Senator Belt.
Thank you, Madam President. I have a question to the speaker.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) He indicates he'll yield.
Leader Harris, I have MidAmerica airport in my district, would the onboarding of this project impact my airport?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senator Harris.
No. But to answer it more directly, Senator Belt, the way the formula is for airports and the way that monies are calculated is they get funding from the State -- from the federal government funds that states based on the number of flights in and out of airports. And if no flights are let out, then no money is calculated. If the airport gets up and running and people decide that they want to invest and build an airport here, the federal government will reassess that formula and send more money to accommodate the new usage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Belt.
Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Ventura.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
I rise in opposition of this bill. I have been contacted by Openlands, Sierra Club, as well as, some of the airports. Including legislative updates from the Will County Board and the Will County Farm Bureau, all asking to oppose this bill. There are no major airfreight carriers on record supporting the need for the Peotone Airport. A 10,000-foot runway and corresponding infrastructure could cost $2 million. The local government is asking for us to 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 not approve this, as it will cause more transportation issues, in our area, impacting our environment, as well, as our labor. And, I ask for a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Harris.
Thank you, Madam President. For far too long, the Southland has been deemed a place where there is no economic opportunity, no development, and no care from the State of Illinois. This is an opportunity for IDOT and the State of Illinois to say the Southland is open for business. I say let's land the plane and pass this measure to see if there is an opportunity for the Southland to grow. This is the Southland Renaissance and I approve this message.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Further questions, Senator Stadelman.
Thank you, Madam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Please proceed, Senator Stadelman.
I guess, I get too close? I certainly understand the sponsors motivation and appreciates his efforts on this issue. He's looking at an opportunity for his district, but I guess I would have to respectfully disagree that this has no impact on the rest of the State and that the other airports across the State. So far, the State of Illinois has spent, as was mentioned, hundreds of millions of dollars a lot of land acquisition, road improvements, and there's been no interest from airlines. In fact, IDOT has held 2 similar requests for information back in 2014 and 2017, and they 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 -- they produced no results. In the meantime, that's money that could have been used invested in airports in East Saint Louis, Peoria, Bloomington, Champagne, Springfield, DuPage County and the Rockford Airport. This legislation talks specifically about trying to attract cargo service. But O'Hare, Midway, and Rockford already provide that service in northern Illinois. In fact, O'Hare has undergone a major expansion, of its capacity cargo service. Rockford is one of the fastest growing cargo airports in the country, it's the 14th busiest airport when it comes to cargo service. It has plenty of room to expand. It could use additional State dollars to continue this growth along with the other airports. The City of Chicago opposes this legislation, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill, and groups that are concerned about the environmental impact have been fighting this project for decades. Let's invest in airports that we already have. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
I was running for office, in 2006, for the Senate, and at that point, my district, had a very large portion of Will County. One of the first things, that I was hearing about, as I was representing Will County or about to represent Will County, was how important the Peotone Airport was. And I have seen legislators for the past 16 years, 17 years, trying to get this airport and 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 make this a viable bill. However, the one thing I have to say to is let's take a look at what Will County has done in those years. Will County has become a major, major transportation hub, and I think the airport only enhances that. I would ask everybody to support this airport. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you. Senator Joyce.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) To the bill.
I want to echo what my south suburban colleagues have said on the South Suburban Airport. This has been a generational discussion. I talked to members of the community in the Southland, I also talked to the Will County Farm Bureau, who opposes this. This is a piece of legislation that requests people to put their money where their mouth is and come forward. That's what this bill does. The Southland deserves to have that conversation. If no one comes forward, so be it. But I'll bet they come. And -- and I urge and Aye vote. I urge on us to support one of our most challenged areas in the State of Illinois and support the Southland. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Anderson.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say, I rise in support, of helping Senator Harris, land this plane.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Leader Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm not as creative as Senator Anderson, but I did want to acknowledge the sponsor of the bill. His tenacity and his resilience, as I do recall, Senator Halvorson having a bill and Senator Hutchinson having a bill. And I just know that every Member of the south suburban area that represents have all been on one accord with the need for this third airport. So, I rise in support of Senator Harris. I support what it is you're trying to bring to your area. I hope that it brings a lot of good paying jobs. I hope it creates an opportunity to expand in ways to help you guys receive everything that you need out in the Southland. And I'm hoping that we could use this measure here to get real serious about transportation needs and -- and the environment needs and jobs and economics and all of that is one big comprehensive package. But until we do so, it will be a delight to finally see this become a reality for the Southland Hub. I -- I encourage Members to vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Harris, to close.
Finally. Thank you, Madam President. First and foremost, I would like to thank all the speakers that spoke for and against the bill, because this is a conversation that we needed to have here in this Chamber. Some of the things I would like to just tighten up, so to speak, as it relates to the environmental issues. There have been numerous studies from the EPA that has already approved the site and determined that there are no significant environmental issues dealing with the site. That is a fact. 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Secondly, the South Suburban Airport would be a carbon neutral airport, the first of its kind here in the United States. And because of its location, the many distribution and logistics centers that's in the south suburban region would greatly benefit due to reduced truck trafficking, which will help -- which will help our roads that we travel on each and every day. For the last 30 years, there's been doubters about what can and cannot happen in the south suburban region. For those reasons, the FAA, the EPA and IDOT have all concluded that Illinois can handle a third airport. Today, is now the day, if you believe in economic development, if you believe in the revitalization of the Southland, and if you believe in giving Illinois an opportunity to create more jobs for the working-class people of Illinois, let's land the plane and vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The question is, shall House Bill 2531 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 33 Ayes, 20 Nays. House Bill 30-- 2531, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Turner, seeking recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to reflect a No vote on House Bill 3892 as that was my intention. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) It will be so reported. Senator Rezin, what purpose do you rise?
Hello. Thank you, I would like to be recorded as a Yes on 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Senate Bill 3957 and a Yes on Senate Bill 2365. I'm sorry, I'd like to be recorded as a No on Senate Bill 2365.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) The record will so reflect. Page 12, House Bill 3249, Villa. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Senator Villa seeks leave of the Body to return the House Bill 3249 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is House Bill 3249. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Villa.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa, please explain.
I wish to adopt and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 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 HUNTER) 3rd Reading. Now, in (on) Order of the 3rd Reading, House Bill 3249. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3249, an Act concerning employment. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villa. 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023
Thank you, Madam President. HB 3249 provides that a full- time law enforcement officer, correctional or correctional probation officer or firefighter who suffered a catastrophic injury or was killed in the line of duty cannot change their coverage under an insurance plan covered by the State Employee Group Insurance Act unless it is open enrollment or following a qualifying event such as a marriage, divorce, having children, changing jobs or retirement. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Is there any discussion? Senator Villa, to close.
I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) the question is shall House Bill 3249 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 and 0 Nays. The bill having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. And 2 voting Present for House Bill 3249. (President Harmon, in Chair)
On page 14 of your printed Calendar, we have House Bill 3856, Senator Johnson. Senator Johnson seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 380 -- 3856 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on 2nd Reading, is House Bill 3856. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Johnson.
Senator Johnson, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
Senator Johnson moves to adopt Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3856. All in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment has been adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Now on 3rd Reading, House Bill 3856. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3856, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Johnson.
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3856 is the annual Budgeting for Results Cleanup Bill, and the bill closes dormant fund accounts that were never used and takes care of other technical changes. I know of no opposition, and I encourage Aye vote.
Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 The question is, shall House Bill 3856 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3856, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body will turn back to page 13, we have House Bill 3698, Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3698, an Act concerning health. 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 389 -- 3698, subject to appropriation, requires the Department of Human Services to create the Cultural Empowerment Committee Program{sic} (Cultural Empowerment Program), which makes grants-in-aid to one or more community providers to provide outreach, engagement, training and support the faith-based organizations serving communities that are underserved by mental and behavioral health resource. This program will begin -- is required to begin operation no later than July 1, 2024. I know of no opposition, and I would ask for an Aye vote.
Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 3698 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Aye, 1 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3698, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm seeking for the record to reflect my intention to vote Aye on House Bill 3856, please.
The record will reflect your intention. Thank you, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate. We're going to attempt to return to the Supplemental Calendar, No. 1. We have a couple of bills still on the order of 2nd Reading. Senator Cunningham in the Chambers. Senator Cunningham. We'll come back to that in a moment. Senator Cunningham, were on the Order of 2nd Reading, would you like to advance House Bill 1595? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1595, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Still on the same Order, House Bill 2518, Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2518, an Act concerning revenue. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, returning to the top of the Supplemental Calendar House Bill 297, Senator Peters. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 52nd Legislative Day 5/17/2023 House Bill 297, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're approaching the end of our legislative day. Committees are posted for tomorrow morning, beginning at 8 a.m. I also, please, an important announcement. I have consulted with the President of the Senate and the Secretary of the Senate and if anyone tomorrow, on our staff or on our -- in the Senate shows up in comfortable shoes, you will not be denied admission to the Senate Chamber. There being no further business to come before the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 19th -- 18th day… on the 18th day of May 2023, the Senate stands adjourned. 98