BISHOP JACSON MOODY: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please remain standing for the Pledge, Senator Johnson will lead us.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Lisa Yuscius from Blueroomstream seeks leave to video today's proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, March 12th, 2024.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal pending the arrival of the printed transcripts, there being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 842 and 843, offered by Senator McClure and all Members. They are both celebration of life resolutions, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Johnson, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bills 2689, 2861, 2872, 3151, 3571, and 3768 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2675 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Martwick, Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bills 2979 and 3559 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2601, 2740, 2799, 2933, 2935, 3136, 3323, 3325, 3331, 3551, 3652, and 3678 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2834 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Villa, Chair of the Committee on Public Health, reports Senate Bills 3547, 3701, and 3751 Do Pass; Senate Bills 2617, 2658, 3116, 3134, 3277, 3350, and 3529 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3548 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Morrison, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, reports Senate Bills 3372, 3373, 3433, 3691 Do Pass; Senate Bills 3661 and 3758 {sic} (3753) Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2980 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3430 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Villivalam, Chair of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bills 3422 and 3775 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 275, 2654, 2959, and 3309 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Halpin, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Bill 331 Do Pass; Senate Bills 2606, 3081 and 318 -- 3138 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3581 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Feigenholtz, Chair of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports Senate Bills 2029, 3687 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2234, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 3157, and 3550 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Harris, Chair of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Bills 2639, 2641 and 3741 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2697, 2735, 3414 and 3732 Do Pass, Amended. Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Messages 103, 16, 55, 57, 62, 63, 65, 66, 69, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, and 89 {sic} (389) Do Recommend Consent. Senator Peters, Chair of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Bills 3208 and 3536 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 3180 and 3646 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Joyce, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please state your announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, as you walk around the dome today, it is very, very apparent that it's FFA Day. The Blue Jackets are everywhere, on the Floor with me today I am -- it's my pleasure to introduce a few of the local Pleasant Plains FFA Members and their advisor, Mrs. Morgan Nelson. We have with us Kyla Kimes, a Chapter Vice President, as well as Kennedy Ozier, who is the Chapter President here locally. So, I'd like to give them a nice warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Halpin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For announcement. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today, I stand before you to advocate for a cause that goes beyond party lines, beyond political affiliations, and a cause that strikes at the heart of compassion, empathy, and inclusivity. We'll be hearing later this week Senate Resolution 796, a resolution that seeks to declare the week of October 20th through October 26th, 2024, as Invisible Disabilities Week, here, in Illinois and urges our State facilities to adopt the Sunflower Project. The Sunflower Project is a beacon of hope for those living with invisible disabilities, offering a discreet yet powerful means of communication to signify that additional assistance may be necessary. Whether you're afflicted by ADHD, dyslexia, PTSD, or other disabilities, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, with its recognizable design on lanyards, cards, and silicone wristbands, is a global symbol that transcends borders and speaks to the universal experience of folks living with unseen challenges. And so, here with me today is Sherrard High School senior Megan Bowlyou, who has been a major advocate for the Sunflower Project and has led the charge in pushing the Quad Cities International Airport, as well as other airports and facilities throughout the State, to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to raise awareness. And I want to take a moment to give her a warm welcome to Springfield and thank her for her advocacy. Here in Illinois, we have the opportunity to lead the way in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. And by declaring the week of October 20th through October 26th, of this year, as Invisible Disabilities Week, we send a powerful 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 message to our constituents that their struggles are acknowledged and that we, as a legislative Body, stand with them. Thank you very much. And please give one more warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Ventura, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege to Belman and his family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Go ahead and state your point, please.
Thank you. Mr. Joe Belman was born on February 20th in 1924, in the town of Pontiac, Illinois. Joe found unexpected joy and tranquility working on the Mississippi River, an experience that eventually led him to enlist in the Air Force during World War II and as a B-17 Flying Fortress ball turret gunner Joe's wartime experience exposed him to the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters. In 1947, Staff Sergeant Belman's life took a new direction as he married Irene, and together they shared 59 wonderful years. Yet his commitment to service and advocacy persisted beyond his wartime discharge. Staff Sergeant Belman's involvement in the Citizens Utility Board, the Will County Jury Commission, the leadership roles of American GI Forum, and the Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council showcases his enduring dedication to community welfare. He's been helpful with youth development, coaching various sports, and leadership and workers unions, earning him numerous accolades. Please help me honor him with recognizing his 100th birthday and many successes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Welcome to Springfield. Happy birthday and thank you for your service to our country. To fulfill our responsibility under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and Consent. Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on Appointment Message set forth in Appointment Message 016 of the {sic}113th (103rd) General Assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Murphy moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed. Mr. Secretary, please read Appointment Message 1030016.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments, recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, To be the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, John J. Kim.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Murphy.
President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, does the Senate consent to the nomination just made. All those in favor 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Senators voting in the affirmative, 0 voting No. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does consent to the nomination. Senator Murphy.
Mr. President, I move the Senate to rise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Murphy moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. We are going to now move to Secretary's Desk - The Order of Resolutions. That's on page 13 of your printed Calendar. Towards the bottom of that page, Senator Holmes brings Senate Resolution 6-9-9. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 699, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber I do want to take a moment to talk a little bit about a cause that's very near and dear to my heart. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It's been 35 years now. So, multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system, affecting nearly 1 million people in the United States alone. And since 1946, 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 the National MS Society has been a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatments and a cure, and has invested more than $1 billion in research. I hope they're successful soon. So, I just want to say it is resolved that MS Week be March 10th through 16th of 2024. And I also want to take a moment to express my sincerest condolences on this day, my district office director has been with me for 17 years, and unfortunately, this morning I heard the news that her husband, her ex-husband Jim Hannon, died. He had been diagnosed with MS about 20 years ago. He had the progressive form of the disease, and he has left, of course, behind his ex-wife Christine and their two sons, Declan and Braden. And I just want to express my sincere sympathy for that and to also say that we all support and learn about MS and hopefully we will come up with a cure of this horrible disease at some point. So, thank you very much for indulging me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 699 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to continue on the Order of Resolutions, if you could turn to page 14 near the top of that page, President Harmon brings Senate Resolution 838. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 838, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) President Harmon.
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 90th Legislative Day 3/13/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have before the Body a Resolution, on behalf of the Red Cross, an organization that does great work in troubling times and in standard Senate fashion we will declare March of 2024, Red Cross Month, and tomorrow, March 14th, 2024, as Red Cross Giving Day in the State of Illinois. Right in the nick of time, I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 838 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we do have a committee scheduled to begin at 2 o'clock. Please pay attention for the committee time and location. State Government will meet at 2 in Room 409. The Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law will meet at 3:30 in Room 400. The Local Government Committee will meet at 4:30 in Room 409, and Revenue will meet at 4:30 in Room 400. Appropriations will meet at 5:30. I'm sorry. Appropriations, Health and Human Services, that's Appropriations Health and Human Services will meet at 5:30 in Room 212. We also have the Committee on Licensed Activities scheduled to begin at 2 o'clock in Room 400. Please proceed to those 2 o'clock hearings immediately upon adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11 a.m. on the 14th day of March 2024. The Senate stands adjourned. 9