PASTOR KEITH THOMAS: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Members, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Johnson, please lead us in the Pledge.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) WGEM and Blueroomstream seek leave to video stream the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Friday, May 19th, 2023, and Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. WAND TV also seeks leave to record video. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
Senate Resolution 328, offered by Senator Fowler and all Members. Senate Resolution 329, offered by Senator Anderson and all Members. And Senate Resolution 330, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Resolution Consent Calendar. Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President, I'm directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 25, offered by Senator Rose and adopted by the House, April 25th, 2023. We have received a like Message on House Joint Resolution 31, offered by Senator Murphy and adopted by the House, on May 18th, 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. They are substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1030244, Governor's salaried appointment, to be a Member of the State Board of Elections, Jennifer Ballard Croft. Appointment Message 1030245, Governor's salaried appointment, to be a Member of the State Board of Elections, Jack Vrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Assignments will meet in the Senate back room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Will the Senate please come to order? Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Cunningham, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 423, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1508, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1561, Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1963, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1199, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2949, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3445, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 424 and House Bill 2300; refer to State Government Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to Senate Bill 89, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2395, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3222 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3857. Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Resolutions 180, 211, 224, 226, 233, 270, 307, 309, 318, 322, Senate Joint Resolution 17, and 37, House Joint Resolutions 5, 8, 31, 33, and 34. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3- 8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments. Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1587. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Joyce, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3 -- 3-2-2-2 can be heard at 2:30 p.m. today in the Senate State Government Committee. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Joyce moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 3222 can be heard at 2:30 p.m. today in the Senate State Government Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement.
The Senate Democrats will caucus upon recess in the Senate President's Office for approximately 1 hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 331, offered by Senator Halpin. It is congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After caucuses -- caucuses, committees of the Senate will reconvene for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. Please everyone, get to committees, Caucus. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senate will come back to Order. Members, if we can make sure we're coming to the Floor we have final actions to take up this afternoon. Members at the sound of my voice, please make your way 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 to the Floor for final action. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 333, offered by Senator Castro, Murphy, and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 332, offered by Senator Stadelman. It is congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Joyce, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports Motions to Concur - House Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to Senate Bill 89 and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2395, and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3857 Recommend Do Adopt; Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 424, Motion to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 423, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1508, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1561 and House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1963, Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 1199 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2949 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Johnson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your announcement. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I rise to recognize some of the amazing champions of the 30th District. It is my pleasure to congratulate the students of Stevenson High School on their recent victory in becoming Division C Science Olympiad National Champions for the first time in history. Yes, and I would like to recognize the team, staff, and the entire District 125 on this great accomplishment. I want to personally thank them for their tenacity and fortitude demonstrated and I am so proud of them. So please join me in congratulating the Stevenson High School Science Olympiad team. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Congratulations. If Members can please come to the Senate Floor, we'll be shortly moving on to the Supplemental Calendar No. 1 and working on Senate Bill Concurrences. So, those folks that find themselves and their bills on Supplemental Calendar No. 1 prepare yourselves for final action. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 334, offered by Senator Peters. It is congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been distributed. On Supplemental Calendar No. 1, we will be on Senate Bills Concurrences. Senate Bill 89, Glowiak Hilton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill -- read the motion.
I move to concur with the House, in the adoption of their Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to Senate Bill 89. Signed by, Senator Glowiak Hilton. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Glowiak Hilton, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I do move to concur with the House. This deletes all becomes the bill. This is a bill that is a fiscal year '24 sunset extension omnibus bill. It extends multiple sunsets. One is extends the exemption from the Illinois Stretch Energy Code. It's -- oh, there's a water rate study involved in here, design build for certain public projects, sports wagering, which extends the prohibition on betting on State College's sports teams, that's July 1st, 2024. And that is allowing wagering not in by students because it's only going to be in brick and mortar, so it won't be online. Also, bars and restaurants will continue the practice of delivering and allowing carryout mixed drinks. Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act Sunset is extended, and the Circuit Court Clerk Fees will be the sunset will be at extended on those and I'm hoping for support and wondered if there are any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion -- for discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President -- excuse me, to the concurrence. I want to thank Senator Glowiak, there was a little bit of confusion in Committee this afternoon. We did have that confusion 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 clarified with regards to where athletic directors for all of our State Universities stood on this particular issue. That issue has been resolved; this amendment does solve their concern. And just for everybody on our side of the aisle, I would urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Glowiak Hilton, to close.
Thank you. I appreciate the questions in committee today. It made some clarifications for all of us, and I appreciate the kind words on the other side of the aisle. I hope to get support on this bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate concur in House Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to Senate Bill 89. 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 -- on that question, there are 54 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to Senate Bill 89 and the bill, is declared passed. Moving on -- onto the calendar, Senate Bill 423, Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House, in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 423. Signed by, Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Cunningham, on your motion.
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 4-2 -- 423. You may recall when I presented the bill on the Floor a few weeks ago, this is a bill designed to streamline a number of processes we have in place for parole and mandatory supervised release. It has support from both the law enforcement community and criminal justice reform groups. When I presented the bill, I pointed out that AFSCME had some concerns about some of the timeframes that we have in place regarding the reporting requirements that we are going to be assigning their parole officers. We've had a chance to meet with them. The House has inserted this amendment to address that concern and essentially gives them more time to comply with the amendment. There is no opposition to the bill. I would appreciate the Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the motion.
To the motion. I just want to thank the sponsor. We did talk about this on the Floor, and he committed to continuing discussions with AFSCME and now AFSCME is on board with this bill. So, the sheriffs support, AFSCME is now on board. And I appreciate the sponsors hard work on this, and I look forward to voting Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Cunningham, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 would you like to close?
Just ask for your votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Excellent. The question is, shall Senate concur in House Amendment 1 on Senate Bill 423. 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? One last time. Have all voted who wish? All right. Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority of the Senate, the Senate does concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 423 and the bill, is declared passed. Moving along to Senate Bill 1508, Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1508. Signed by, Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter, on your motion.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Amendment 1 amends the Illinois Lottery Law to establish a joint special instant scratch-off lottery game limited to ten specialty causes, at any given time, it establishes two new specialty causes: the United Negro College Fund Scratch-off to support college scholarships and the DREAM scratch-off to support scholarships. It also establishes the Illinois Lottery Special Instant Scratch-off Task Force to study the specialty scratch-offs and issue recommendations. It caps the specialty tickets to ten. This is an initiative of the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Illinois Lottery, and I know of No opposition, and I would ask for a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the motion.
The motion. So, although the two additions are applaudable, the fact is that there's only so much money to be distributed by adding two more -- two more funds to this. What we're basically saying is that we're going to take twenty percent of the proceeds away from things like Ticket for the Cure, Scratch-off for the Illinois Veterans, Scratch-out Multiple Sclerosis, Quality of Life Scratch-off Game, Special Olympics, Homeless Prevention Scratch- off, Ending Alzheimer's, State Police Memorials. I would prefer - - I'm going to oppose this, because I would prefer to actually do a different scratch-off rather than adding to the one that we have because it will take money away from those other very good causes. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Hunter, would you like to close?
Thank you very much. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 1 to Senate Bill 1508. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 35 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1508 and the bill, is declared passed. Moving to the regular Calendar on page 6 on House Bills 3rd Reading. Starting with -- at the top of the Calendar, House Bill 301, Halpin. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 301, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Halpin, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 301 is a legislation that makes the current AIM HIGH Grant Program permanent. As Members might know, the AIM HIGH Program is designed to help, particularly middle-class families, get those extra few dollars to be able to attend college and keep Illinois students within the State of Illinois when they go to college. Although some students may be also eligible for MAP Grants and Pell Grants, this expands the ability or the category of folks that can apply for -- for assistance to go to college. So, this makes the program permanent. It requires each public university to indicate that the grants are offered under the AIM HIGH label. It also allows in limited circumstances for part-time student to get the scholarship or get the grant. That is only when that student is in the final semester, and they only need a couple credits to graduate. It also changes 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 the matching requirements for what the university has to match in -- under the current pilot program, it was twenty percent for universities that have at least forty-nine percent MAP or Pell eligible students, and it was sixty percent for institutions that have less than or fewer than forty-nine Pell Grants. The changes go from twenty to thirty-five and from sixty to seventy. And lastly, it allows each public university to decide which calendar year or academic year, either the 2021, 2022, or the 2017 - 28 school year to use as their baseline for their maintenance of effort provisions within the program. I think that about covers it. I'll probably tolerate questions and I would ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Well, thank goodness I don't have any questions. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Senator Halpin, thank you for bringing this forward. I want to commend you and the process by which this legislation has evolved during this Session. This is the way this Body is supposed to work. The original AIM HIGH came about via bipartisan consensus from the Higher Education Working Group. There was an unfortunate dust up a few years ago that sort of got it off track. But this year the bipartisan Higher Education Working Group has -- has brought this forward again and has doing the right thing. This has been a huge, huge success for the students of the State of Illinois 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 and their families. Quite simply, this is helping kids go to college. It's helping stem the brain drain of high performing students out of state. I will note as a parent myself, what a terrible disadvantage our State's incumbent four-year institutions are public. Four-year institutions are with the -- with the recruiting that's coming from out of state. And it's across the board. It's not just, you know, Urbana competing against Stanford. It's Eastern, competing against Indiana State and Terre Haute. It's Western competing against Southeastern. It's everybody competing against Murray State. We are getting, quite frankly, dirty rushed and dirty rushed, but good by the out of state institutions. They are taking our best and our brightest and they AIM HIGH has been one bright spot to try to keep some of these high performing students here in our State. So, I want to close by how we got this name and AIM HIGH when we did this, put it together in the Higher Working Group, it was late one night, and we're all sitting around trying to figure out what we're going to call this. And I brought up that my high school principal, Charleston, Illinois, Dean Tucker, had AIM HIGH on his license plates. And late at night we all thought that was so darn funny, we named it the AIM High Scholarship Program. So, from Charleston High School, Trojan proud graduate, it's pretty cool to see this made permanent. I want to recognize my principal, Mr. Tucker. He's long since gone but pretty neat that this is working and working so well and that this process to make it permanent and do these additional changes has worked the way that this process is supposed to work in Springfield. Thank you, Mr. President, for your indulgence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Wilcox, for what purpose do 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 you seek recognition?
Well, since the sponsor was going to tolerate questions, I figured I'd come up with one but now I'm not sure whether my question is to the sponsor or the previous speaker. Is the term AIM HIGH trademarked and is there any requirement to promote service in the Air Force since that is a motto of the United States Air Force?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor yields and the sponsor now can answer the question.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Senator. My understanding, it is not trademarked and, but it also does not interfere with that use. We least them over the past several years of the Pilot Program. I don't think we've been served with any papers, so I think we're okay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Wilcox.
I appreciate your toleration of the question and the Chair's acceptance of my misdeed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none, will the sponsor tolerate a close?
I -- I will, Mr. President. So, this -- I want to thank the bipartisan Members of the Higher Education Working Group, both in the Senate and the House, as well as the public universities and 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 ISAC, and Board of Higher Education in collaborating on a lot of issues this year, but particularly this program. It's a program that almost nine percent or about nine percent of our Illinois public universities undergraduates benefit from, forty-six percent of those recipients are people of color, and sixty-one percent of those recipients have incomes of seventy-five thousand dollars or less. It's a good program. It's keeping students in Illinois and it's keeping students seeking higher education. So, I would ask for your favorable vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 301 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the constitutional majority House Bill 301, is declared passed. Moving on to page 7 with House Bill 1199, President Harmon. President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1199 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1199. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) All those in favor -- is there any discussion? All those in 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 favor, will vote -- 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 President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. President, back to Amendment No. 1. What would you like to do with Amendment No. 1?
Thank you, Mr. President. I was confused by my amendments. I would like to withdraw Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Amendment No. 1 is withdrawn. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon on Amendment No. 2.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt Floor Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are -- Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 1199. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1199, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I could have your attention for this very consequential piece of legislation. As amended, House Bill 1199 designates October as Italian-American Heritage Month. And if someone, anyone could please call Representative Anthony DeLuca to tell him it is on its way back to the House, I would be forever grateful.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to take this opportunity to thank President Harmon for sponsoring this legislation. The President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans in Chicago is a very good friend and a strong contributor to the City of St. Charles, Mr. Ron Onesti, owner of the Arcada Theater and Des Plaines Theater. Many of us enjoyed their hospitality earlier this spring with their reception at the Wyndham 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Hotel. Again, to celebrate Italian heritage in the State of Illinois. And I am proud to have been asked to co-sponsor this bill that will declare the month of October of each year to be designated as Italian Heritage Month to be observed throughout the State to recognize the contributions and influence of Italians on American history, achievement, and culture, and innovation. It's my privilege to stand with their organization to celebrate Italian heritage here in the State of Illinois. And again, I want to thank President Harmon for sponsoring this legislation. I've been persistent and pesty. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. President Harmon, would you like to close?
Thank you, Mr. President. Although Senator Cunningham has recommended an alternative closing, I will just say please, for the love of God Almighty and Ron Onesti, vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) With that, the question is, shall House Bill 1199 pass. All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, House Bill 1199 is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll be moving to page 9 to House Bill 2949. There's been a change of sponsorship to Senator Murphy. Senator Murphy seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2949 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2949. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on the -- on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. As amended, 2949 creates a process to…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) On your amendment? What would you like to do with the amendment?
To adopt the amendment?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Excellent. 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 AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 2949. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2949, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, as amended, 2949 would create 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 a process to have a smooth transition for kids that are using Inhalers or EpiPens during their school day and then go on to after school programs. So, this would put in a mechanism so that there's continuity between the two policies at the Park District after school programing and the regular school day. So, we were able to eliminate all the opposition on this bill. I'm happy to answer any questions and would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2949 pass. All those in favor -- All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority House Bill 2949, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, be moving to the top of page 10 with House Bill 3882, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3882, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3882 is legislation that follows up a program, the temporary driver's license program that was created ten years ago. It's legislation that will provide for better access for immigrants and also ensure highway safety. It's legislation that will address some of the inequities, lack of 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 respect, and inequality that exists as it relates to people being identified and having the ability to access prescriptions at a pharmacy or be able to identify themselves at a restaurant or store. I know of no opposition. The Illinois Secretary of State is in support of this legislation, would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Villivalam, does this -- the ID that this will allow, it's not a real ID, is it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam.
No, it is not. It's -- it's specifically we'll say, "Not for Federal {sic} purposes (Identification)", and it's -- it's important to note that obviously, you know, -- the - there are -- it's none real ID compliant, is how I would describe it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Okay, thank you. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 I appreciate what the sponsor is trying to do, but I oppose this bill for the reasons that within the -- the bill it actually allows a potential criminal to get notice that he's being the subject of a criminal investigation. And it really does hinder law enforcement in their ability to do their jobs and those instances in the procedure under the bill where you have to give so many days' notice that -- to the applicant for this type of ID that law enforcement is looking into them. And -- and to me, that just doesn't make sense. Certainly, I understand the reasons why the sponsor when stated about prescriptions and the like, but at the same time, we're going to create situations where law enforcement is hindered in doing their jobs and we're giving notice to criminals of -- of that law enforcement is looking into them. Likewise, we have invested a lot of time and money into the REAL ID Program. Certainly, these will not be used for federal purposes but what we're doing, the effect is, is that there's been at a massive administrative undertaking for Illinois citizens to get a REAL ID, and by the same token then it doesn't seem fair that requiring Illinoisans to get the REAL ID and then exempting immigrants from the same process, it -- it -- it just -- we're -- we're having two different ID systems when we've been -- had to go through a lot of hoops administratively for our citizens to get the REAL ID. So, I would urge a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Villivalam, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President, and I appreciate the questions, obviously, always happy to answer them. I think there should be 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 some clarifications though. Yes, this legislation does require the Secretary of State to notify someone, if you look on page 52 of the legislation, if -- if their information is being shared, and -- and, you know, to comply with the lawful court order, a judicial warrant signed by a judge, subpoena, and so forth within three days. But there's no prohibition from the Secretary of State to not immediately contact law enforcement too, and share that information. So, the notion that -- that while the Secretary of State has to notify the person that -- that their information is being shared with law enforcement, there's nothing prohibiting the Secretary of State from immediately sharing on day one or hour one of that three-day period with law enforcement, such person's information. I think, number two, we're going to continue to have two ID systems. There's going to be people that do not want to get a REAL ID, for example, like myself. I might just want to keep my standard ID and have a passport and carry that with me instead of getting a REAL ID. I understand the -- the point of bringing that up. I would just say that this -- this legislation is about dignity, respect, and inclusion. This legislation is about making us safer. It's simplifying our system. We've had the temporary driver's license ID on the books for ten years. We've seen how that program works. We also know that program is no longer necessary, and it's been seen by five other states that it's no longer necessary. And I think that it's high time that someone that has a temporary driver's license transitions to a standard driver's license so they can get a prescription from a pharmacy and be able to present themselves at a restaurant or store. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 The -- the question is, shall House Bill 3882 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 33 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the, excuse me, having received the required constitutional majority House Bill 3882, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll be moving back to Supplemental Calendar No. 1 on Senate Bills Concurrencies. Senate Bill 1560 -- excuse me -- excuse me, Senate Bill 1963, Villanueva. Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1963. Signed by, Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I got another long one. This is our revenue package for this bill. SB 1963, as amended, is a revenue package that does the following, exempts aircraft engine suppliers used to repair and maintain aircraft engines from the sales tax and extends the sunset on the exemption for all aircraft repair supplies by five years. Number two, it applies the sales tax only to 90 percent of gasohol sales proceeds, 80 percent of mid-range ethanol blend sales proceeds, and none of the majority blended ethanol sales proceeds and extend the sunset by five years. Number three, exempts electrical power generation equipment used primarily for production agriculture from sales tax. Number four, reinserts provisions that were removed from an original statute but have yet -- not yet taken effect under the Parking Exercise 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Tax Act. Number five, exempts the American Red Cross from the Hotel Operator's Occupation Tax. Number six, provides changes to the Illinois Municipal Code. Number seven, allows two additional Pilot River Edge Redevelopment in Kankakee and Joliet. Number 8, increases the maximum amount of Historic Preservation Tax Credit (Act) in a given year from fifteen-million to twenty-five million. Number nine, allows startup taxpayers to have been created within the last 10 years rather than 5 years, and allows culture, cell material, food production facilities to qualify for the high impact business designation. Number 10, provides that a dealer in a qualified or in qualifying investment securities may be considered an investment partnership for the purpose of the Illinois Income Tax Credit Act. Number 11, increases the maximum total of Angel investment credits per -- per year from ten-million to fifteen- million. Number 12, increases the maximum total amount of new markets development credits per year from twenty-million to twenty-five million. Number 13, extends a sunset on the standard exemption and provides that the exemption amount shall be two- thousand four-hundred and twenty-five dollars for the tax year of 2023. Fourteen, provides technical administrative cleanup from the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Sales Tax {sic} credit (Refund Fund). Number 15, allows an electric vehicle manufacturer to qualify for REV for retaining eight-hundred jobs in the State. Number 16, provides the revenues from the cigarette tax shall be deposited by a percentage of revenues and not a dollar amount. Number 17, states that the provision in Section 5m of the Retailers Occupation Tax Act applies to the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, and Service Occupation Tax Act. Number 18, extends allowance for Non-Home Rule Municipalities (Service Occupation Tax Act) to use the proceeds 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 from municipally imposed sales tax on municipal operations from December 31st, 2020, to December 31st, 2030. Number 19, allows a five-hundred tax -- five-hundred dollar tax credit for volunteer emergency workers that are a member of a fire department on other than a full-time career basis for at least 9 months of the year, and that receive up to five-thousand dollars compensation for their services. And number 20, provides that any amount paid as tax shall be considered assessed upon the date of receipt of payment. This is our revenue package for the year. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1963 -- excuse me the question is, shall the Senate concur in -- House Amendment No. -- sorry. Let's start that over, Sorry. The question is, shall the Senate concur on House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1963. 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 53 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1963, and the bill is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll be moving back to the regular Calendar to page 10 on Senate Bills Concurrencies. Senate Bill 90. Senator Murphy, on Senate Bill 90. Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House on the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 90. Signed by, Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your motion. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. The motion to concur with the House, some of the amendments that were made simply are technical amendments, line-item technical amendments to correct some typos, and some just really technical changes. So, I would ask for an Aye vote. Nothing has changed substantially.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 90. All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. On that question -- excuse me, having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 90, and the bill is declared passed. With leave of the Body, moving to page 11 at the top of page 11 with Senate Concurrences. Senate Bill 850, Senator Belt. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House on the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 850. Signed by, Senator Belt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Belt, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. Give me one moment. The motion to concur allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity the ability to designate an area as a food desert, even if the area does not meet the standard set forth in the bill and allows 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 for for-profit grocery stores and grocery stores independently owned or not, to qualify for the grocery initiative. Mr. President, what this bill, what the House Amendment does is strengthen the bill. It allows more vendors, more businesses to come to the proverbial party, if you will. It also gives the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity the ability to designate more areas, food deserts as defined by the USDA, whether they're in rural or urban tracks. And I just think this makes the bill more -- more - a stronger bill. And so, I will yield the Floor and I'll take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Fowler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the {sic} Speaker (sponsor) yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor yields. Senator Fowler, for your question.
Thank you, Senator Belt for this legislation. As you all know, I'm a chief co-sponsor on this and there's been an extensive amount of work. Can you go into just a little more detail about what the original bill was and what this amendment will do to open up some additional doors for some other vendors and why they would want to participate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Belt.
Absolutely. Thank you, Senator Fowler. What the original 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 bill really set out to do was to identify areas, food deserts throughout the State. And, and they, they in the legislation, they do a great job of defining what food deserts are and they align the definition with that of the federal government by using the USDA definition. And so, the crux of the bill, the thrust of it is just to merely identify areas in the State where there are food deserts and put grocery stores in those areas, whether they're municipally owned, whether they're locally owned, whether they're for-profit, non-for profit, to put them in areas where people are so that they can get healthy, nutritious foods and live better lives. That's really what the bill is about. And what the -- the House amendment does it again, it allows DCEO to designate areas outside of the scope of the initial bill to identify food deserts. It states that the designation - so, when they do designate an area, it also gives DCEO the rulemaking ability to choose those areas. It -- it -- it in the language, it -- it defines what grocery stores are. It gives technical support. It gives grants, whether it's to -- for equipment grant, whether it's to pay bill -- pay salaries. It lays out every single facet of what you would need to get a grocery store up and running. It's a good bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fowler.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Belt, thank you for your work on this. And I also want to give some accolades to Deputy 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Governor Manar's and his staff that have spent hours upon hours on this legislation. I know they've actually came down to my district and I know yours and I think maybe even Senator Peters, as well as we were - kind of served on this Commission together to help alleviate these food deserts and food insecurities. And I know I've talked a little bit about this in the past, but I actually have an entire county in the 59th District that does not have a single grocery store. And, you know, that's why this is this this legislation is extremely important. And I really applaud the administration for moving this legislation forward. In fact, I'm proud to announce that Carol, Illinois is going to be breaking ground on June the 15th for the first grocery store that they've had in over fifteen years. Absolutely, thank you. And I want -- I want to applaud University of Illinois and University of Illinois extension. This is going to be a co-op grocery store and a restaurant. So, I invite everybody to come down and visit it. This is a major step in our areas to help alleviate these food insecurity issues that we have. So, I just encourage everyone to vote Yes. And I'm just so proud to be able to be a co-sponsor on this legislation. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the motion.
President, I just rise today to compliment what was already 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 said, how this is a wonderful bill. I represent areas in my community, some of which I grew up in, that are food deserts that used to be home to many grocery stores. So, Senator Belt, this is a great piece of legislation. You came in committee and eloquently argued why we should do this in the State, and I hope at some capacity to be able to bring something, a grocery store to neighborhoods in my district that are in fact food deserts. I appreciate so many provisions in this bill. You just eloquently put it that defines what a food desert is. And this really takes Illinois up another notch in terms of really declaring that we're going to make sure that no Illinoisan goes hungry and I thank you for the legislation. I urge an Aye vote from everyone in the Chamber. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Belt, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I -- I -- I want to echo the sentiments of Senator Fowler, he has been at the table from the very beginning. Deputy Governor Manar -- we met with Deputy Governor Manar at the beginning. All throughout the process, which occurred over this Session, Senator Fowler has been connected with me, he's been telling me things that he's been doing relative to Illinois U of I Extension and he's -- he's told me about the pain and the suffering food - relative to food -- food deserts in his district. Mr. President, some things transcend politics. And -- and pain and hunger, and -- and -- and good healthy food should be one of them. Now I have been -- I haven't encountered any -- any perfect legislation since I've been here, but this is really good legislation. And it's designed, it's targeted to address a real 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 need, a human need, humanity driven legislation. With that being said, Mr. President, I ask for all Aye votes. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate -- shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 850. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No.1 to Senate Bill 850 and the bill is declared passed. Senator Ventura, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Yes, I'd like to correct the record and be recorded as an Aye vote for HB 3882, SB 1963 and SB 90. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The record would reflect your intention. Moving along on -- on page 11, the regular Calendar Motion to Concur on Senate Bill 1291, Senator Belt. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House on the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1291. Signed by, Senator Belt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Belt, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, 1291, the amendment from the House, basically just implements a 5 year statute of limitation on the Department of Human Services to send by certified mail to the recipients last known address, a demand and notice of overpayment 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 of benefits. The Attorney General may bring an action for recovery of the overpayment within ten years from the date of the notice was sent. So, what -- essentially what the House amendment does, Mr. President, it gives -- it turns over or gives or make it expressly clear that the Attorney General will -- has up to ten years to go after collections. And it -- and it brings down the ten year that was in the initial legislation from the Department, it brings that down to 5 years. And I know of no opposition, and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1291. All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye -- 54 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to -- sorry, to Senate Bill 1291 and the bill, is declared passed. Continuing on to Senate Bill 1463, Peter's. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1463. Signed by, Senator Peters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters, on your motion.
I will move to concur on -- on this and I think I have to - - another amendment? Okay. I motion to concur with the House on - 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 - on this House amendment. This bill is around juveniles, and fines, and fees. It's been amended. Taking feedback from different stakeholders. It has no opposition. I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Questions of the sponsor, please if he'll…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Peters, what -- what was the change in the amendment?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
Thank you so much, Senator. It amends the juvenile court records Section to remove the provision that collection agencies can collect debts owed to governmental entities. It adds a new Section that provides all unsatisfied civil judgments, outstanding balances, interests and penalties are null, void, satisfied and not collectible as long as it is not a fee from a traffic, boating, fish, and game law or municipal or county ordinance. The previous version of the bill was vague on this. We cleared that up. It requires the circuit court clerk of each county to waive one hundred percent of all outstanding balances for civil judgments, unpaid fines, fees, administrative costs and assessments within one year of the effective date of this Act, rather than 90 days, the Clerk of the Circuit Court no longer has to provide written notice to circuit court staff that outstanding fees and fines are 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 null, void, and not collectible. Probation officers are no longer required to provide written notice to the minor that all payment obligations are discharged, and the Circuit Court Clerk of each county must report data on all outstanding balances to the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission rather than to the General Assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Thank -- thank you. That was a really good explanation. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the motion.
I understand why Senator Peters brought this bill forward, it was the result of a task force looking at different fees and the Supreme Court recommended this. However, the Supreme Court isn't going to pay for this. The counties are going to pay for this. It's not mean tested. I don't know why if you have a wealthy juvenile family that can well afford the fees, why we wouldn't do this. I think we -- we explored different counties that are going to be affected, Adams County turns out it's twenty-eight thousand for last year. Some years it may be more, could be less. But the fact is, Adams County is going to have to make up that difference. That represents a salary, a half of a salary for a probation officer, things that they might have to cut somewhere else. It's significant to that county and I think the Supreme Court is misguided in this and just because it's recommended, I don't think we have to go with it. As I said, it's not means tested. Why would you let minors with means to not pay the fines and the fees that 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 are associated with what their conduct caused. Why would we push it off on the taxpayers who had no part of raising this minor or guiding that minor to this point where they're incurring fines and fees. So, for that reason, I mean, it's to me, it's common sense. I urge a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Peters, to close.
This bill is just for every kid who may struggle financially because of an onerous fine or fee. We don't want them to have to go through that. We want to make sure that them and their family are able to have food on their table, to pay for rent, to be able to have a backpack for school. I ask for a Yes vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1463. All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 34 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1463 and the bill, is declared passed. Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a notation that my intention was to vote No on that last bill 1463. If the record showed -- should…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 The record will reflect your intention. Moving along a little further down on page 11, Senate Bill 1629, Senator Martwick. Moving along to Senate Bill, 1630 Martwick, 1675, Villanueva. Senate Bill 1675, Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please read the motion. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House on the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1675. Signed by, Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. The concurrence motion is a package of reforms that targets a long-standing problem with Cook County's annual tax sale, including exorbitant interest rates, abuses by tax investors of Illinois sale and error statute, and the endless cycle of delinquent properties being trapped in long term vacancy -- vacancy and abandonment. This bill makes four key reforms. First, it reduces the interest rate penalty on delinquent property taxes in Cook County from one point five per month to point seven five per month. Second, the bill closes loopholes in property tax code, sale and error statute by limiting the grounds, tax buyers can seek a court order sale in error. Third, the bill designates the county as the holder of all forfeited tax liens or certificates, including those liens and certificates that are not sold at an annual tax sale, or when a sale in error is declared in certain circumstances. It allows the county to extend period of 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 redemption for such tax liens or certificates. And moreover, the bill provides that the county -- that a county may sell or assign the forfeited tax liens or certificates, including taxing districts, municipalities, land banks or nonprofit developer, focus on constructing affordable housing. Fourth, it removes the requirement that Cook County must hold a scavenger sale every two years on properties with delinquent taxes for three years or more. Instead, it makes holding a scavenger sale optional for the county. This is a good bill that we've worked on with several different people, including the Chicago Community Trust and the Cook County Treasurer. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1675. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, 3 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1675 and the bill, is declared passed. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senate's Front Room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. Senator -- Senator Fowler, in the Chair. Koehler, excuse me. Got some work to do for that. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fowler, back in the Chair -- I'm sorry, Senator Aquino, back in the Chair. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1109, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2300, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3902. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Moving back to Supplemental Calendar No. 1, Motions to Concur. On Senate Bill 1561, Senator Villanueva. Senator Villanueva, on Senate Bill 1561. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1561. Signed by, Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. As amended, Senate Bill 1561 is a package of health legislation that includes the following - It codifies the Affordable Care Act, no cost coverage mandate, for preventative care and screenings recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force in the Illinois Insurance Code. It amends the contraception coverage mandate in the Illinois Insurance Code to be reflective of federal changes requiring coverage for male condoms when purchased by women for pregnancy prevention. Number three, it delays the effective date of the Abortion Care Clinical Training (Program) Act until January 1st, 2025. Number four, it 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 amends the Medical Practice Act to establish a ninety day postgraduate graduate clinical training program. And number five, amends the definition of "lawful health care" in the Criminal Identification Act to include health care that was not illegal as a part as the effective date of the Patient and Provider Protection Act. A lot of this is to address, obviously, changing statutes and State changing law, both federal and what's going on. This is a good bill. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1561. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 36 voting Aye, 19 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1561 and the bill, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we will stay on Supplemental Calendar No. 1. but moving towards resolutions. Starting with Senate Joint Resolution 17, Senator Rose. Senator Rose, on Senate Joint Resolution 17. We'll skip over to Senate Joint Resolution 37, Senator Bryant. Senator Bryant on Senate Joint Resolution 37. Mr. Secretary, read the Resolution.
Senator Joint Resolution 37, offered by Senator Bryant.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant, on your resolution.
Small malfunction. Thank you. The -- this designates the new 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Chester Bridge over the Mississippi River along Illinois Route 150 and Missouri Route 51 as the "Don Welge Memorial Bridge". Don Welge was born to William H. and Rudelle F. (Fritz) Welge in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 11th, 1935. He married Mary Alice Childers at Saint John Lutheran Church in Chester on August 4th, 1962. He served in the U.S. Army and his family created the Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation, one of the largest independent food processing companies in the United States, establishing food processing plants on both sides of the Mississippi River and providing hundreds of good jobs in production, warehousing, and delivery truck driving. Don Welge served as an advisor for the School of Business at Southern Illinois University (of) Carbondale and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. He was also an active Louisiana State University alumnus with the School of Agriculture. Don Welge established a reputation as a supporter of economic development, serving as a member of the chambers of commerce in Chester and Steelville, both in Illinois, and Perryville, Missouri. He was a director for the Buena Vista National Bank. Don Welge was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester. Passionately supported the Boy Scouts for more than 40 years and previously served as council president. He served as master of ceremonies for the 4th of July celebration held on Kaskaskia Island for many years, which many of you know as the place of our first State capital. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bruce Welge; and his brother-in-law Wib -- Saak. And at the time of his passing, Don Welge was survived by his wife, Mary Alice Welge; his sons, Robert Welge and Thomas Welge; his brother, Mike Welge; his sister-in-law, Julia Sack; his grandchildren, Austin Welge, Lauren Welge, Jackson Welge, and 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 William Welge; and his many nieces and nephews. Don also worked hard to gain support for the building of the new bridge over the Mississippi River to connect Illinois and Missouri. The Chester Bridge has two 11-foot lanes and carries 7,000 vehicles per day, connecting the cities of Chester and Perryville, Missouri across the Mississippi River along Illinois Route 150 and Missouri Route 51. Plans are underway by IDOT and the Missouri Department of Transportation to replace the Chester Bridge. Randolph County of Illinois, and the Community Foundation of Randolph County, Perry County of Missouri, and the City of Perryville, Missouri have adopted resolutions supporting naming the new Chester Bridge in honor of Don Welge. This was also already passed in Missouri, and so Missouri and Illinois legislators are all in agreement that this should be the name for the bridge. And just as a – an side, Don also was one of the first people in Illinois to die of COVID and he's super missed by his community and has given back a lot to southern Illinois and southwest Missouri -- southeast Missouri, sorry. And thank you for this and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 37 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 37 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Senator Castro. Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
The purpose of a motion, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2300 can be heard in the -- today, in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 2300 can be heard at 6:30 p.m. today, in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Theodora Koulouvaris from WCIA seeks permission to record, video, and audio. Seeing no objection, so ordered. Moving on into Supplemental Calendar No. 1 with House Joint Resolution 5. There's been a -- there's been a change of sponsorship filed with the Secretary. So, House Joint Resolution 5, Senator Chesney. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 5, offered by Senator Chesney.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Chesney, on your resolution.
Thank you. Corporal Nathan E. Carlson was born in Rockford, where he graduated from Harlem High School in 2019, where he was a captain of his swim team; and upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended boot camp at the U.S. Marine Corps (Recruit Depot) in San Diego. He graduated from boot camp in 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 August of 2019 and officially earned the title of Marine. Corporal Carlson was killed in the line of duty during a military training exercise on June 8th, 2022. Corporal Carlson is survived by his wife, Emily; his parents, Karrie and Eric Carlson; his sisters, Casey and Mylee Carlson; and many close friends and family. It was asked by Representative John Cabello to convey how much this young man meant to him and how much it means that the Senate is allowing this to be called today. It was -- Mr. Carlson was a -- like a son to Representative Cabello, and he wanted everybody in this Chamber to know how grateful he is that this is being called today to recognize a true hero in our area and we ask for a favorable roll call. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 5 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 5 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. House Joint Resolution No. 8, Senator Plummer. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 8, offered by Senator Plummer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer, on your resolution.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution is -- is a 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 long time in the making. I know my counterpart in the House, Representative Charlie Meier, has been working on this for many years. I -- I know we all have American Legion and VFW's and a lot of great veterans in all of our districts. What this resolution does is it highlights Old U.S. 50 in Clinton County from one end of the county to the other as "Clinton County Veterans Memorial Road". And the story behind that is we have a lot of great veterans in -- in my part of the State. But in Clinton County, I want to highlight a special group of veterans, there mainly Vietnam veterans but there are -- are a few others that still get together all the time as a group. They build wheelchair ramps for folks across Clinton County that need -- need assistance. They do youth organization -- they help out with youth organizations. They build homes for different folks. And, you know, I think it's safe to say that these Clinton County veterans served our nation proudly, you know, 40 some odd years ago, and they're still serving proudly today. And this resolution highlights their work, their service in the military, but also their work in our community, especially in Clinton County. I appreciate the consideration on -- on hearing this, and I -- I urge a favorable roll call. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 8 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution No. 8 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 adopted. House Joint Resolution 31, Senator Murphy. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 31, offered by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill or the Joint Resolution would rename the Balmoral Avenue Bridge to the "Donald East Stephens Bridge". Donald East Stephens was really an incredible gentleman. He was first elected to the village of Rosemont in 1956, and that's because he created the village of Rosemont. There were parcels all over that were unincorporated, and he had the foresight and vision to - when neighboring communities said they weren't interested in this community because it really was a little unsavory at the time, he had that vision. He created the village of Rosemont, created the Rosemont that you see now, that everyone passes by that goes to concert, that goes shopping there. And it was truly his vision that made this community so vibrant. So, that's what this resolution would do to rename the bridge in his honor. You know that his son, Bradley serves in the House of Representatives currently, and Mr. Stephens would be so proud of that. So, I thank you for your time, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? President Harmon, for -- for this resolution?
To the resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 To the resolution.
I -- I rise in strong support of the resolution. I imagine very few of the Members of the Senate today knew Don Stephens. He was a larger than life character. I had the privilege of representing the village of Rosemont, the residential portion, for the first ten years in the Senate, which included the first four years with Don Stephens as Mayor. My -- my first visit as a candidate Phil Rock, I asked for advice on meeting with Mayor Stephens because at the time there were two the mayors, there was the Mayor of the City of Chicago and there was the Mayor of Rosemont. And he said, Don's a lovable rogue, was the description he used. Again, a larger than life character, if anyone deserves a bridge named after him, it's Don Stephens. Godspeed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Leader Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to also acknowledge Mayor Stephens. I was a young trustee in the Village of Maywood, and he was such a kind man to me, and he was a little older than I, at that time, and I had no idea that he would remember me. Every single time he saw me, he would strike up a conversation of some sort, and somehow he figured out how to marry Maywood and Rosemont together. So, he was always such a delight. So, I honor in support of such a kind gentleman who had no challenges with creating relationships and friendships outside of the City that he represented. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 31 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 31 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. House Joint Resolution 33, Senator Bryant. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 33, offered by Senator Bryant.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On October 4th, 2021, DEA Special Agent Michael Gale "Mike" Garbo died while in the line of duty as a result of injuries sustained during a shooting in downtown Tucson, Arizona. Special Agent Garbo was born in Grayville to Carol Ann (Young) Garbo and Larry Garbo on February 10th, 1970. He graduated from Grayville High School in 1988 and Eastern Illinois University. He served with the U.S. Army National Guard. Resided in Sahuarita, Arizona at the time of his passing. Special Agent Garbo was inspired by his late father, an Illinois State Police captain, and pursued a career in law enforcement. He was a former police officer for the Metro Nashville Police Department. He was currently serving as a special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration based in Tucson, Arizona, a position he held since 2005 with unmatched talent, knowledge, dignity, and bravery, he dedicated his life's work to combating drug traffickers, spanning 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 from Kabul, Afghanistan to various locations across the United States. Special Agent Garbo was a dedicated father and husband who devoted his life to serving and caring for others. He enjoyed practicing Jiu Jitsu and martial arts, spending time with his family, and watching his daughter succeed in every aspect of her life. At the time of his passing, Special Agent Garbo was survived by his wife, and this resolution designates section of Interstate 64 between mile marker 128 and 132 as the "DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo Memorial Highway". Ask for an Aye vote. And I would also ask for a moment of silence in honor of Special Agent Garbo.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? We will do the moment of silence right after we do the vote. As this resolution, requires the expenditure of State funds a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 33 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 33 having received the required constitutional majority, is declare adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen, if we can raise from your -- rise from your seats, there has been a moment of silence that has been requested. (Moment of silence observed) Moving along to House Joint Resolution 34, Senator Plummer. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 34, offered by Senator Plummer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer, on your resolution.
50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Thank you, Mr. President. House Joint Resolution 34 designates the section of U.S. Route 40 from its intersection with Illinois Route 128 south to its intersection with North 1800 street as the "Lt. Bruce A. Williams Memorial Highway". Lieutenant Bruce H. Williams was born to Melvin and Etherlyn Williams in St. Elmo, Illinois, on May 29th, 1961, the youngest of three children. Lieutenant Williams graduated from St. Elmo High School in 1979 and was a dedicated athlete, participating in multiple sports. He was also in the National Honor Society and other clubs. The resolution points out that Lt. Williams met his wife while stationed with the United States Navy in Pensacola, Florida. He was the father of four children, Keith, Wyatt, Kelsey, and Logan. In addition to serving in the U.S. Navy in Pensacola and China Lake, Lt. Williams served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm as assistant to the commander of Mideast forces. Lt. Williams perished in a helicopter crash near China Lake and at the time of death, he was survived by his parents, his wife, four children, his sister, Kay Roach; and his brother, David Williams. A memorial service for Lt. Williams and the four other service members killed in the crash was held at All Faith Chapel at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. St. Elmo is -- is right in the middle of my State Senate District. Lt. Williams grew up there. His family is well known in the area, and this would be very meaningful to the friends and family of Lt. Williams. I appreciate the consideration of the Body and I ask for a favorable roll call. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 34 pass. All those in favor will vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. And 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 34 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. With leave of the Body, we'll be moving at -- up towards the top of the Supplemental Calendar No. 1 for Senate Joint Resolution 17, Senator Rose. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 17, offered by Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose, on your resolution.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Roger "Buzz" Busby was one of the truly great people you'd ever meet. He was "Mr. Edgar County" to all of his friends and family and folks in and around Edgar County, Brocton, Illinois. He served on the town council. He was a deputy sheriff for a time. He was a sergeant in our United States Army. Later on, he became an investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services, a position he was particularly proud of helping protect children. Everybody loved Buzz. He was absolutely infectious. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, he was active in their Alumni Association, his old fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, Illinois State Police Association, the Brockton American Legion, the Oakland VFW, The 40 and 8-+ AMVETS. He just was involved in everything. In retirement he served on the Edgar County Sheriff's Merit Board. All around, great guy. His wife, 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Karon, survives and is still here with his step kids. I'm asking today to name a portion of Route 49 between Route 36 and 133 that goes past his beloved hometown of Brocton, Illinois, as the "Roger Busby Memorial Highway". He was "Mr. Edgar County", and he absolutely embodied "God, family, country". And in his honor and memory, I'd ask that we make this resolution and this designation. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 17 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 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House, excuse me -- Senate Joint Resolution 17 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. A reminder that there is an Executive Committee at - that's scheduled for 6:30 in Room 212. For the Members that are on Executive, please be in the Committee Room at -- by 6:30. And for those that are trying to pass your bills, also be in the Room in 212 at 6:30 for Executive. The Senate stands in recess till the call of the Chair. After committees, the Senate will reconvene for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senate will come to order. Jerry Nowicki from Capitol News Illinois seeks permission to photograph. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Committee -- Committee Reports. 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports House Bill 2300 Do Pass, as Amended, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 1109, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3902 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Senate Bills 1st Reading.
Senate Bill 2586, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning regulation. 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I'm directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 37, offered by Senator Plummer and Adopted by the House May 24th, 2023. We have received like Messages on House Joint Resolutions 36 and 38, offered by Senator Bryant and Adopted by the House on May 24th, 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. They are all substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Ben Szalinski from the Daily Line seeks permission to photo. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. With leave of the Body, we will move to Supplemental Calendar No. 2, which has been printed and distributed. On -- on Supplemental Calendar No. 2,we have -- House Bill 2300, Senator Castro, on House Bill 2300. House Bill 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 2300, Senator Castro. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2300, an Act concerning finance. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Lee Milner from Illinois Times seeks permission to photograph. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Outstanding. Mr. President, would you please ask the record to reflect that I had wished to have voted Aye on House Bill 3903 and House Bill 2507. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The record reflects your intention. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Members of the Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senate's Front Room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. Leader Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - House Joint Resolution 23; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Resolution 331, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 424 and Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2296. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Be moving on to final action here. With leave of the Body, we'll go to the regular printed Calendar on page 10, to House Bill 3902, Holmes. Senator Holmes seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3902 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3902. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor -- any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Holmes, on your amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Thank you so much, Mr. President. I would ask that we adopt the amendment, and I will explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor of say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 please read the bill.
House Bill 3902, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Holmes, on your bill.
Thank you so much. The Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act was passed in August 27th of 2013. Want to give you a little history on our drone legislation, and this was done by advocates to ensure that law enforcement was using the highest standards in relation to deploying unmanned aerial systems. Since the bill's passage, unmanned aircraft systems or drone technology has significantly advanced. Unfortunately, Illinois lagged behind other states in ways law enforcement could use drones. I have a personal and policy centered interest in this subject. Aurora was able to use two drones for a tragic mass shooting incident in 2019 at the Henry Pratt Company. But as our special events began to increase in size and scope, the measures necessary to provide effective public safety included extensive police personnel, which was costly and provided a challenge in terms of staffing. Following that mass shooting in 2019, the Aurora Police Department's drone team began to carefully review how other states use drones to support law enforcement operations and to make drones more available to law enforcement to support preventative and proactive responses for "Special events". As a result of that research and countless months and weeks and hours of stakeholder involvement from municipal groups, law enforcement personnel, and advocates, the Drones as a First Responder Act was created. So, House Bill 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 3902 seeks to cover larger crowds, and parades, and provide additional public safety mechanisms against those trying to harm or hurt multiple people at once. Beyond "Special events", drones will also be able to be utilized in responding to calls providing real time information for officers in route to a call. They don't replace the response of an officer, but they provide information in advance that can support the officers with their ability to respond in a safe and effective manner. There are numerous examples of events, large and small, where it's possible, real time monitoring might have prevented or reduced a tragedy. Larger public events are becoming a target for those who want to create disturbances. Everyone remembers the tragic events that just happened last summer on July 4th in Highland Park. Perhaps a drone in the air, could have prevented that horrific tragedy. I will have the chief sponsor {sic}("Chief Co-Sponsor") of the bill also tell her story and then I'm going to wrap it up by asking that you all support this very heavily negotiated bill that Leader Morrison and I are presenting to you today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I think many of my colleagues here on the Floor know that my family and I were directly impacted when last July 4th we were participating in a parade in Highland Park 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 and a shooter attacked from a rooftop. Since that time, it has been so clear to me that we need to give the police just this one additional tool to be able to keep us safe. As I've talked to various members of my community and across the State, whether you are a police officer or just an old veteran who's just trying to walk through the parade route himself with his cane or children, we need to keep everybody safe. And this is a really, as my colleague sitting right in front of me would say, "This is a really good bill" so, you should vote Yes. And I'm so grateful to have Senator Holmes as a strong partner in moving this legislation forward. I thank you all in advance for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Leader Holmes, to close.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) I would very simply ask for the sake of citizens of Illinois that we all vote Aye, on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 3902 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 56 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, House Bill 3902 is declared passed. Let me repeat that, there are 56 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And having received the required constitutional majority, House Bill 3902 is declared passed. Moving back on to page 8 in the regular printed Calendar to House Bill 2296. Senator Fine wishes to proceed. Senator Fine seeks leave of the Body to return 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 House Bill 2296 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2296. Mr. Secretary, are there any -- any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine, on your amendment.
I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2296, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is known as the "Illinois Health Care Consumer and Small Business Affordability and Transparency Act". Health care premium costs have skyrocketed. Last year, they increased more than 17 percent for small businesses 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 and almost 16 percent for individuals. These costs are creating a financial burden, and we don't know the details behind what is driving these prices. Is it prescription drugs? Is it hospitalizations? The consumer just does not know. What this bill will do, is it will require the Department of Insurance to publish a yearly report examining what is causing the increase. It will also give the Department the authority that departments have in 41 other states. They can approve, modify, or deny a premium increase that is deemed too high or too low by the actuarial standards laid out in the Affordable Care Act. I would appreciate your support of this very consumer friendly bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
So, we heard this bill in committee earlier this evening and the issue is here, is that we are once again having government get involved with the private sector. Government interfering with the free market. We are allowing the government to say "what is a reasonable amount of profit" and "what is it a reasonable amount to charge people"? This is a dangerous precedent, and I would urge a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 Thank you, Mr. President. A couple of questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, currently under ACA, isn't there already in place federal rules about how much of each premium has to be paid out in claims? And is that reviewed and currently by the government for -- from a carriers?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
It is. I believe you're talking about the 80-20 Rule and right now there is a rebate coming back to some insurance premiums holders because the fact that they did overpay and this is a big problem for many people, especially low income, who could hardly afford their insurance premiums up front. And as a result of that, many people are not buying insurance, and this would be another protection in place to make sure that they get the savings that they need.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
So, in other words, the system worked. If we had a year where claims turned out to be adversely lower and that was because of obviously, the -- the pandemic that went on and people weren't going to the doctor. And so, claims were down and with the system that's in place, those carriers then are required to rebate those back to the individuals. So, the system clearly works. But, 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 currently in Illinois carriers have to submit their rates to the State and -- and the State stamps those now. And what's been the result of that process that's gone on now for many years in Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Well Illinois is a file and use State. So, although the insurers do file, the Department of Insurance has no authority to deny or modify those policy prices if they are out of line.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
So now, under this new legislation, the Department is going to hire experts, that's going there -- are going to be able to understand all the carriers and all their cost structure and their clients and their claims. And then they're going to be able to determine if a company is -- is making too much profit or not enough profit, and are they going to have the expertise to be able to -- to actuarily review the details of each of these companies?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Yes, they already do that now. But they can't take that one last step, which would be modifying, approving, or denying. But everything you mentioned is already done by the Department of Insurance. This would just give the consumer one more protection.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
So, if the -- if the State now reviews all that information, do they come up with a report that companies are, in fact, have abused or broken the rules or broken the law when it came to the ACA rates?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Well, breaking the law and charging too much, I believe, are two different issues. But what this bill also does is gives us that transparency piece, so we learn what are the cost drivers of these prices.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
Well, I think most people know what the cost drivers are, and it doesn't help when we pass so many mandates onto the policies because each mandate, of course, adds more cost to it. But let's walk through this new proposal. Under this new proposal, every carrier is going to submit their new rates to the State, and then the State is going to review those and approve those within 90 days. And if they don't approve those within 90 days, then the rate that was submitted is automatically going to be approved? Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
That is correct. But as it stands right now, that is already the process that all of these policies are submitted to the state 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 and the Department of Insurance reviews those policies. So, this is something that they already do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
Currently, though, how long does the review take for the -- for the Department of Insurance to review those rates and file those even though they can't reject them? How long does it take them to do that now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
I do not know the current amount of time, but this deemer was put in place to make sure that the insurers have the proper amount of time to not only submit their claims, but if they need to, to hold a hearing, if the Department denied it for any reason and give them padding on the end to make sure that that policy can be affirmed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
So, I guess that's the next question. So, 90 days, because remember now, the -- the company has to look at all their claims, they have to make those decisions, they file that, they have to wait 90 days and then the Department can make a political decision whether or not they're going to accept that rate or deny their rate or come back and say no, it's going to be a lower rate. And if the carrier disagrees with that, what -- what rights do the carrier has or what's the next step if the carrier disagrees with 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 the Department's decision?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Well, I do have to say it is not a political decision. It is an actuarial decision. And in the legislation, they are given the opportunity to have a hearing if they're not happy with what the Department has decided.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
And what's the timeframe on that hearing?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Any company whose rate has been modified or disapproved must be allowed a hearing within 10 days after the action is taken.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
Okay. So, that's -- and is that the hearing that goes in -- in the legislation? It talks about going before a Judicial review. Is that the -- is that the one you're talking about? That would go before a Judicial hearing for that decision to be made?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Right. I believe it goes in front of the Department first and then they could appeal it for a judicial review. 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
That was -- I guess that was the point I was trying to get to. When it goes to Judicial review, we're talking about six months to a year that'll bankrupt every insurance company. So, the concern is that a carrier, any time the Department turns around and says to the carrier, we're not going to grant you this, and your only option is to ultimately go to court. Hearings, trying to get a hearing before an administrative law judge, can take months, and then it may take them months to make a decision after the hearing has occurred. So, well I guess the concern is what kind of safeguards are we going to have in place that if a carrier who can't place that business until they get approval, if that has to go through the courts and there's no timeframe, what is the carrier supposed to do with those clients?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
That's why we have the 90 day deemer in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
Yea, I don't want to belabor that, but you just said the 90 day doesn't matter if it's altered or denied by the company, by the Department. So, the concern isn't the approval of 90 days, that makes sense, but it says here that if it's altered or denied in the company appeals that, the ultimate appeal has to go through the courts process. And there's no timeframe for the court to rule 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 on that, which means a carrier literally cannot sell a policy until the court hearing is done. And I don't see anything in his bill that requires the court to rule within a certain timeframe. So, have we thought about what that time frame is for the -- for that court to make a decision?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
That would likely be done, in the Rules process.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
Is there an intent that you think is a reasonable amount of time that -- for legislative intent that you would think that hearings should be completed by for companies?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
This legislation was worked on with industry and this is what industry found to be acceptable.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Syverson.
We'll wrap it up with this, finding it acceptable versus having the alternative I think is -- is clearly there. But I guess to the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 The -- the concern of this is that it sounds good in the bold, in -- in the large print, but small print is trying to do in practice. The State has taken significantly longer than 90 days in the past. And in this decision, you know, we're leaving the Department from making a decision on what an insurance company should charge for rates, which is very dangerous. There is, as the previous speaker mentioned, a lot of competition in Illinois. But my concern is that if the Department chooses not to agree to an increase, that it could bring a company to a halt if this thing has to go through a long court process. So, I think this certainly needs some work. But I do appreciate the fact that at least some allowances were made by putting the -- at least a 90 day in -- into this legislation. So, Mr. President, I thank you for allowing me to ask some of those questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Hastings.
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Mr. President, and Members of the Senate, I want to first - - I served on the Insurance Committee for eight years, and I want to say to Senator Fine, I appreciate your tenacity, your professional development on this topic, and a consistent effort to making this bill a good bill. To bring the Department and to bring other entities to neutral. And by understanding the opposition to this bill, it's just a general disagreement over public comment but your good efforts, I think, will bring consumer protections to 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 those that have insurance in Illinois. And I urge an Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Lewis.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she'll yield. Senator Lewis.
Senator, in your legislation, is there anything that mandates a company must provide insurance in Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lewis.
Is there any provision that a carrier who disagrees with the rate or what the -- the decision by the Department of Insurance that they have to continue to offer insurance to residents of Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
I see where you're trying to go with this but again, this is done in 41 other states and in those 41 other states, they have not lost carriers as a result of rate review. What they have done, is they have protected consumers and saved them millions of 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lewis.
I appreciate that, Senator but in the business, I have seen rate control in other aspects of commercial, fire, homeowner insurance, specifically the State of Florida, where homeowner's insurance is no longer offered by private carriers because they took rate control, and everyone decided to pull out of Florida. So, I know you're trying to protect the consumer, but at the same time, we also have a partner, and that is the insurance companies, and they decide they don't want to offer the products. They don't have to. And I'm concerned that this bill does not have any protections to make sure that carriers have to offer the product. I don't want our residents not to have a carrier that is not going to provide them health insurance. Is there an answer to this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
This legislation does not say the insurance company cannot make a profit. But what it does do is it makes sure that it is a fair profit and people can afford to purchase that coverage and get the coverage that they need.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lewis.
Thank you, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The bill. 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
I know we want to say what a fair profit is, but that decision still lies with our private entities, our private carriers. And I am very concerned that we're going to drive them out of the State of Illinois and that we are going to leave what we argue out about health insurance, taking care of those who need medicine, and medical attention the most, that we're going to drive our carriers out of the State. And I encourage a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Gillespie.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
You know, I too want to thank Senator Fine for working as long and as hard as she has on this bill. Having worked in the insurance industry for more years than I want to admit to, this is happening in 41 other states. The same insurance companies operate in those states as operate in Illinois. No one has gone bankrupt because of rate review. They are well-oiled machines when it comes to filing and appealing and negotiating with Departments of Insurance on this. This is not going to be the end of insurance in Illinois. This is not going to leave people without coverage. On the contrary, it's going to protect people in their coverage. And I urge and Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion, Senator Ventura.
72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I rise in support of this bill, as someone who has done some of these calculations, when we talk about a fair profit, our health should not be profitable. Everyone has the right to health care. I believe it's a human right. And I also believe that businesses have a right to make money but when you are exploiting people's health to make billions and trillions of dollars, that is not -- that doesn't bode well for the rest of our community. I think that this is a fair bill and a fair -- it's fair to businesses and it's fair to people who need health care. I -- I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) See no further discussion. Senator Fine, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for the robust debate. I do appreciate it. If you look at the people who support this legislation, the Small Business Advocacy Council is on that support sheet. Part of the reason they're on there, is when they came to me, they said that the price of insurance is putting small businesses out. We are losing small businesses because they can no longer afford their insurance. In the State of New York this year, small businesses saved over 632 million dollars as a result of rate review. This is a good bill. It protects consumers. It provides transparency. And I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 2296 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all -- voted who wish? We'll slow down real quick and allow for computers to be updated. Have all voted who wish? There you go. Take the record. On that question, there are 38 voting Aye, 19 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2296 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Henry Sanders from the Chicago Tribune seeks permission to record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. With leave of the Body, we will be moving to page 10 on the printed Calendar. At the top of page 10 is House Bill 3857, Senator Harris. Senator Harris seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3857 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3857. Mr. Secretary, are there any further -- excuse me, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Napoleon Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Harris, on your amendment.
I'd like to adopt the amendment and talk to it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 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 AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on 3rd Reading, Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023
House Bill 3857, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Harris, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3857 amends and legalizes and imposes a three percent sale tax on ground-based sparklers providing 50 percent of the revenues shall go and be deposited into the Firemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund and the Firefighters Pension Investment Fund and 50 percent shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. It also defines the -- the legal definition of "ground-based sparklers" and make some adjustments to the number of grams of the pyrotechnics and the mixtures -- and the mixtures per ground based, as well as, regular sparklers. We had a really robust debate about this in Committee and it passed out 9-0. And it also passed the House 11 -- 112-0 on a bipartisan roll call. And I seek his favorability in the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Anderson, for further discussion?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I'd just like to thank the sponsor for this bill. It's been something that's been worked on for quite a while and it's great 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 to have Local 2 as proponents and would just urge an Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3857 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? Excellent. Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Aye, 6 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3857 having received a constitutional majority, is declared passed. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purposes of an announcement?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are approaching the hour of 11 p.m. The Senate did file a budget earlier this evening. Our agreement with the House and the Governor was to not act on that proposed budget until we had agreement with both the House and the Governor. The House is in caucus now, as I understand it. We are eagerly awaiting their final input into the budget. I think it is a mechanical impossibility for us to pass a budget tonight in time for the House to read it in on this Calendar Day. So, I think the wisest course of action is for us to wrap up our business today, give more time for review of the introduced budget and to consideration of proposed amendments. We will ask our Appropriation Committee to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning to take public testimony on the budget and to answer any questions that 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 56th Legislative Day 5/24/2023 folks might have. We would plan to come into Session shortly thereafter. I know the caucuses may want to meet, so we'll leave ample time for that as well. But I appreciate everybody's good humor today as we try to pass a responsible, balanced budget. I appreciate the bipartisan way in which we've addressed this issue, and we will continue those bipartisan conversations through the day tomorrow. So, go home, get a little bit of rest, come back at 9 a.m. tomorrow for a Committee hearing on the on the Appropriation bill and related titles. And we'll wrap up our business on the Floor tomorrow. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) And with that, there being no further business to come before the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. on the 25th day of May 2023. The Senate stands adjourned. 77