Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 23, 2024

SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance) PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Dave Dahl from WTAX seeks leave to photograph and record today's proceedings, as does Ben Szalinski from the Daily Line, as does Peter Hancock from Capitol News Illinois, as does Lisa Yuscius from Blueroomstream, as does Andrew Adams from Capitol News, as does Mitch Armentrout from the Chicago Sun-Times, as does Andrew Campbell from Capitol News Illinois and Mike Miletich from WAND. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.

Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of printed transcripts. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. We have one more reporter seeking leave to record and -- both audio and video of today's proceedings, Max Cotton from WGEM. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Thank you, Mr. President. Climate change, as you know, is an existential threat. And we are in danger of climate that -- of what climate change can pose on our way of -- of ways of life and our -- in the natural world. So, we must be mindful of this. And that's what we are attempting to do. We know that human caused climate change is a threat to our continued existence on many species, and to human society as we know it. This is a -- this Legislative Measure seeks to further all student's knowledge about the impacts of climate change on all aspects of society, and 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 further students understanding of potential solutions to problems -- the problems of climate change poses. House Bill 4895 is an initiative of the House sponsor, on behalf of a number of high school students in her district. Our youth are already engaged in climate change and they are eager to learn about ways that they can come up with solutions - real meaningful solutions to address this concern. I am open to answering any questions and I encourage an Aye vote. And in fact, it will be charming, if I can get your Aye votes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. And I -- and I wanted to thank, Senator, my colleague. But I wanted to add here is that this 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 legislative measure does not require a standalone course on climate change, and it affects rather it just ensures the instruction on climate change and potential solutions to effect -- to the effects of climate change is provided to students. And schools, of course, they have the flexibility to decide how to provide this instruction and whether they choose to do it as a separate class or implement these lessons to existing relevant classes. And that's exactly what it's doing. So, I encourage an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 4895 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 36 Senators voting Yes, 16 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4895, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to skip to the very bottom of page 11 on your printed Calendar, where Senator Cervantes brings House Bill 4911. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, House Bill 4911, amends the Physical Fitness Service Act. It expands the number of ways that a customer may cancel a contract for physical fitness services to include by email, if an email address is provided in the 5  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 contract and online at the website the contract was entered into. If the contract was entered into online, rather than only by registered or certified mail to the address specified in the contract. The bill also provides that every contract for physical fitness services that automatically renews must comply with the requirements of the Automatic Contract Renewal Act. This, it -- it was amended in the House, which brought the Illinois Retail Merchants in support of the bill. And they all -- which they also represents the Illinois Fitness Association. And I request Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4911 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 58 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4911, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. Turning to page 12, of your printed Calendar, right at the top of the page Senator Feigenholtz brings House Bill 4926. Senator Feigenholtz, on House Bill 4926. Leave of the Body, we're going to move to the middle of page 12, where Senator Syverson brings House Bill 5000. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Ope! Senator Syverson seeks leave of the Body, to move House Bill 5000 back to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5000. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, House Bill 5250 allows students who meet standards in English (language arts), math and science to automatically enroll in the next most rigorous level of coursework. School districts must 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 notify the parents or guardian that their student is eligible for accelerated courses, and the parent or guardian must have the ability not to enroll their student in an accelerated course. Lastly, a school district may waive courses for individual students that are required for a high school diploma. If the student demonstrates mastery or competency in the content of the course is being waived. I know of no opposition. Pretty much ISBE, LUDA, Advance Illinois, Stand for Children (Illinois), Illinois Association for Gifted Children, Valley View School District 365, you are all signed on as proponents. I know of no opponents. It would be a wonderful thing to allow more students to have accelerated courses. I'd be happy to answer questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

I ask for an Aye vote. 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 5250 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 a wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, and 0 voting Present. House Bill 5250, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. Next, we'll move to House Bill 5276 from Senator Koehler. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill requires a transition planning process for a student with an individualized education program (IEP) to include considerations for the student's assistive technology needs for the student's post-high school activities and goals. I know of no opposition. Happy to answer any questions. Appreciate an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition to.

Thank you, Senator McConchie. I appreciate an Aye vote. This is an important bill. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 5276 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5276, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to page 15 of your printed Calendar at the very top of that page where Senator Villivalam brings House Bill 5507. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5507 would remove a barrier that allowed -- that -- I'm sorry. House Bill 5507 would remove a barrier that Illinois residents who were born in another jurisdiction have experienced when requesting support from an Illinois judge. I would be -- ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator… Excuse me… Majority -- Leader Curran, I'm sorry. Minority Leader Curran, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President, to the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.

Although I appreciate working with the Senate Minority Leader in the Judiciary Committee. I want to just speak as to some of the subject matter jurisdiction provisions. The Illinois Constitution provides that circuit courts with original jurisdiction in all judicial matters, except when the Illinois Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction. The legislature can create -- can create justiciable matters when we are doing this bill. The court's authority to exercise its jurisdiction and to resolve a -- a judicial, justiciable question. I apologize because that word in law school, we had to say it all the time, is invoked through the filing of a complaint or a petition. When it comes to personal jurisdiction over these 13  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 petitions, the petitioner is an Illinois resident and the -- and has to file the petition in their county of residence. This creates that personal jurisdiction. This sounds like a very riveting legal debate as to subject matter, jurisdiction, and personal jurisdiction which are the fundamentals of establishing a case in the State of Illinois. And although the Senator on the other side of the aisle has a different opinion. I have a separate opinion, as a lawyer, as well. And as we all know lawyers have different opinions. I do think this bill, is, has valid merits. I -- I think that subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction are established under this bill. And I urge an Aye vote, Mr. President. Thank you very much. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Seeing no further discussion. Senator Villivalam, to close.

Thank you, Mr. President. And as -- as my -- as my mother reminds me from time to time, I am not a lawyer yet. But I did want to just for the record, be clear that House Bill 5507 does not order or direct another jurisdiction on what to do. The bill merely clarifies that Illinois judges have the authority to support an Illinois resident with the finding of facts that may be used to meet the standard of other jurisdictions. I would ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 5507 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 36 Senators voting Yes, 20 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5507, having received the 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to move back on the Calendar to page 7, the middle of that page where Senator Toro brings House Bill 2161. Senator Toro seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2161 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2161. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 2161 would amend the Employment Article of the Human Rights Act to also prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on "family responsibilities". An example that we have been using is if a woman, a real-life example is a woman applied for a promotion. Her boss knew that she had four kids at home and said, "You know, you're a really good employee and you're doing well at your job. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate". That promotion was given to a man who also had kids at home, but wasn't asked about his kids. In that situation, the woman had a gender discrimination claim, but had that promotion been given to another woman without children that would have been perfectly legal. That kind of discrimination is not prohibited under the Illinois Humans Rights Act and this bill prohibits that kind of discrimination. It protects working families who may be caring for children, parents, sick or sick family members. However, with the adopted amendment, nothing in this Act prohibits an employer from taking adverse action or requires an employer to provide accommodation or modify rules for an employee with "family responsibilities", so long as the rules and policies are applied in a correlation and, sorry, in accordance with the Act. So, an employer may still fire, suspend, or reprimand an employee for poor performance. All this bill does is prohibit discrimination on an assumption that your "family responsibility" will impede your work performance. This law will impact so many people across Illinois. It's an important bill and I ask for your Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 recognition?

It did remove… Thank you for your question, Senator. It did remove the Illinois Chamber. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

The other groups are actually still opposed based on the definition of perceived provision. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senator Tracy.

Thank you for your comments. I think this is a really important bill. There is currently nothing covered on family obligations in the Illinois Humans Rights Act. This is an important bill and I ask for your support. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 2161 pass. All those in 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 37 Senators voting Yes, 19 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2161, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. We're going to go back in the order, pick up some of the bills we missed on the first pass through. We're going to go to page 13 of your printed Calendar, where Senator Castro brings House Bill 5087. Senator Castro indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read House Bill 5087.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5087 amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act and allows for telehealth services. Under the bill a physician therapist or physician therapist assistant working under the general supervision of -- of a physician therapist is permitted to provide physical therapy through telehealth services, and it's subject to the following conditions - Initial physical therapy evaluations without a referral or established diagnosis may only be performed by a licensed physical therapist, and cannot be performed via telehealth unless necessary to address a documented hardship, including, but not limited to, geographical, physical, or weather-related conditions. The use of telehealth as a primary means of delivering physical therapy must be an exemption and documentation must support the clinical 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 justification -- exception, excuse me. A patient receiving physical therapy must be able to request and receive in-person care at any point during their treatment, and a physical therapist providing telehealth must have the capacity to provide in-person care within the State of Illinois. I know of no opposition. I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 5087 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have -- have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5087, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're now going to move down to the bottom of page 13 where Senator Villanueva brings House Bill 5239. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we're going to move to page 9 of your printed Calendar, right in the middle of that page, where Senator Villa brings House Bill 50 -- I'm sorry House Bill 4357. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4357, as amended, provides that an on-site physician exam is not required prior to a non-abrasive{sic} non-ablative laser hair removal procedure 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 under specific conditions. This measure provides that trained professionals, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, may perform these procedures as long as a physician delegated it, and supervision protocols are in place. This bill also allows an exam to be conducted by an advanced practice registered nurse in the place of a physician. I'm happy to answer any questions and I urge an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The -- pardon me. Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

I don't have them as opponents. And the bill moved unanimously -- unanimously through Committee. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

I urge and Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 4357 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4357, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we are going to move to the -- to near the bottom of page 9 on your printed Calendar. Where Senator Napoleon Harris brings House Bill 4367. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read House Bill 4367.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. As amended, House Bill 4367 adds the definition of "insolvent company" to clarify that an insurance business transfer should not create a Guaranty Fund coverage (Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund coverage) where the -- none originally existed, but rather only preserved the existing coverage for the original such coverage, if they were paid with assessments. There's no opposition. And I asked for an 22  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 4367 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4367, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to move to House Bill 4426, Senator Porfirio. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4426 amends the Regulatory Sunset Act that extends the sunset for Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984 to January 1st, 2030. Currently, that would expire on January 1st, 2025. I'll stand by for any questions. I urge an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Just respectfully request an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 4426 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted to wish? Have all voted to wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Senators voting Yes, 1 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4426, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to move to near the top of page 10 on your printed Calendar, where Senator Johnson brings House Bill 4491. She indicates that she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read that bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Reliable, high-quality childcare 24  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 is critical for working families and young children's optimal development. Yet childcare centers continue to face staffing shortages that disrupt young children and families' routines, adversely impacting staff morale. Unreasonable expectations are imposed on early childhood directors who must be on site during operational hours, unless they have another director, qualified staff member, available to assist. Without a director qualified staff, members on -- on site on the center -- the center will need to close, leaving families without care for their children. And so House Bill 4491, as amended, specifies that a qualified childcare director or director or qualified early childhood teacher with a minimum of 2,800 -- 2,880 hours of experience, must be present for the first and last hour of a workday and at the open and close of a facility, and it requires the Department of Children and Family Services to adopt rules to implement this subsection. And I want to give the House sponsor, a thank her, Representative Laura Faver Dias, for her herculean efforts on this. And I also want to mention that this is an initiative of the Illinois Directors, Owners of Childcare Centers. And I know of no opposition, and I encourage and Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 4491 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye, Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted to wish? Have all voted to wish? Have all voted to wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4491, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to move back to the bottom of page 13 of your printed Calendar, 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 where Senator Villanueva brings House Bill 5239. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read House Bill 5239.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5239 prohibits any unit of government, including a home rule unit, from expending any resources to assist any individual or entity seeking to impose civil or criminal law -- criminal liability upon a person or entity for lawful health care activity, except where necessary, to comply with Illinois or federal law, or where an individual or entity is investigating conduct that would be subject to liability under Illinois law. It exempts location information and health records related to lawful health care activity from the Freedom of Information Act. It also establishes a cause of action against any offending unit of government with a two-year statute of limitations after the cause of action is discovered. This is a bill -- an initiative from the Governor's Office. It's a good bill and I am here to answer questions, if there are any. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

No. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

They can go, right? Well, they can go to apply to the participation of the family planning services. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

No. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

It concerns me that young people don't feel like they can trust their parents to help them acquire these services and these items that they might need in order to make healthy decisions with their bodies. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

In this bill, it exempts location information and health records related to lawful health care activity from FOIA -- from the Freedom of Information Act. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

Senator, this is specific to records of patients and individuals who are coming to the State of Illinois that are seeking lawful health care. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

I'm not sure what you're talking about when you say this? If you can clarify your question. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

Senator the numbers are already published on the website that you just referenced a couple of questions ago. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy. 29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024

Again, the numbers are public health information that's already being published. This doesn't have to do with that. This has to do with health care records of individuals that are coming to the State of Illinois that are seeking lawful health care. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Tracy.

Thank you, Mr. President, I want to -- I want to talk a 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 little bit about what the bill does and why we are needing to pass bills like this. This bill defines health care or health records related to lawful health care, location information related to lawful health care, and makes this information confidential and exempt from the disclosure -- the disclosure of the Freedom of Information Act. It also grants a private right of action to any person whose information is improperly shared, or against whom any state or local entity assists in imposing civil or criminal liability for lawful health care in the State of Illinois. It also allows minors to apply on their own behalf for financial aid for the Public Family Planning Program, a program offering a variety of reproductive health and family planning services. What was just referenced, in terms of a situation that was just recently in the news. Government can provide information in prosecution of rapists. What it cannot do, based off of this bill, is provide information in prosecuting a minor for getting an abortion. And I want to talk about the why we're having to do this, because there's so much concern of children being raped. But in the case of an 11- year-old girl from Ohio who had to come to another state in order to get an abortion, a lawful abortion, because her own state, had problems with prosecution and their own state had problems that the mother actually, wanted to help the child with - in that situation, couldn't take care of. And you know who's taking care of it? The State of Illinois. Another reason why we're doing this is because in Texas, there is an individual who is seeking to depose an ex-partner for her audacity to go to another state that has legal abortion, to try to provide and get information, as much information as possible about the who, what, when, where, why? Who abated her? Who helped her, who performed the abortion? Who did 32  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 anything related to it because they want to overreach in the State of Texas, to try to come to other states to tell us what we can or cannot do with our bodies. This is another bill that lets everybody else know and combats the misinformation that in Illinois we do care about children, we care about prosecuting rapists, but we also care about bodily autonomy. This is a good bill. Vote Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall House Bill 5239 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 38 Senators voting Yes, 19 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5239, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. The Senate will stand at ease for a moment, so the Committee on Assignments can assemble in the front room. The Committee on Assignments, please assemble in the front room immediately. (at ease) Senator Koehler, in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, back in the Chair. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.

Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please state your announcement.

The Senate Democrats will caucus upon recess in the Senate President's office for about one hour. 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Purpose of a motion, Mr. President. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please offer your motion.

I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bills 4592, 581 and 681 can be heard at 4 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bills 4592, 40-581 {sic} (581) and 681 can be heard at 4 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee. Let me correct the record just to make sure we have the bills listed properly. That is House Bill 4-5-9-2, House Bill 581, and House Bill 681. And Senator Castro moves to waive all notice on those bills so they can be heard at 4 p.m. in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, notice and posting requirements have been waived. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, after the Senate Democratic Caucus has finished, we will move to action in Committees. Here is the afternoon's Committee Schedule. At 1:00 o'clock Education will meet in Room 212, Public Health will meet in Room 400 and Judiciary will meet in Room 409. At 2:00 o'clock Higher Education will meet in 212, Insurance will meet in 400. At 2:30, the Revenue Committee will meet in Room 400, and the Local Government Committee will meet in Room 409. At 3:00 o'clock, Labor will meet in Room 212, and the Committee on Behavioral and Mental Health will meet in 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Room 409. At 4:00 o'clock, Executive will meet in Room 212, The License Activity Committee will meet in Room 400, and the State Government Committee will meet in Room 409. The Senate will stand at recess to the call of the Chair. After caucus and Committees, the Senate will reconvene for further Floor action requiring votes. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES) PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The Senate will come to order. WGGM Gray TV seeks leave of the Body to record and video. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) All those -- Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Mr. President. With the adopted amendment, House Bill 277 retains the language which provides that if a person fails to appear in court, the court may text, call, or email the person's last known contact information with notice regarding the continued court dates. The notice shall include a statement that -- that a subsequent failure to appear could result in a warrant or consequences affecting their driving privileges. The bill, as amended, further provides that the Secretary of State shall lift any suspensions applied prior to the effective date of this Act without any further action by the court. And again, it's a really good bill, and I'm here to answer questions if people have them. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Is there any discussion, Senator Tracy?

Yes, Senator PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Again, the notice shall include a statement that a subsequent failure to appear could result in a warrant or consequences affecting their driving privileges. So, the purpose of this is because people haven't necessarily received the summons, the notice to appear in court. It might have gotten sent to an old 42  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 address. So, we're expanding the ways of communication to include text message, email, and phone calls to make sure that people actually get the notice. But again, they're still subject to the law and anything that comes along with it. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Yeah, that's obviously up to the court to decide. What we're trying to do in remedy is a situation that's been occurring where notices have been sent like snail mail to people old, you know, people's old address or an address that might have been on file from ages ago that doesn't receive the, you know, the recipient doesn't actually receive it in a timely manner or, you know, they don't receive it at all. And then all of a sudden they might be stopped on the way to work, or something happens where they're notified that there's a warrant or their license has been suspended. And they weren't even aware that there was a court date set. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senator Tracy.

This is a great bill. Let's not lollygag anymore. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, the question is, shall Senate Bill -- shall House Bill 277 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 41 voting Yea, 15 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 277, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to turn the page to the top of the page, we have House Bill 307, Senator Harris, Napoleon Harris. We're going to go back up to -- to House Bill 307, Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 307 makes various changes to the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act that was passed a few years ago and expands the opportunities for student athletes, compensation and protects the information through the Freedom of Information Act from their disclosure. This bill simply 44  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 is putting it -- giving Illinois athletes at various universities, playing -- a level playing field with the rest of the country, and it's going to allow the -- the institution to directly, play a part in the NIL the name, image, and likeness piece the student athletes are now going through. There's no opposition, and I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 307 pass? All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. All have all voted who wish? Have all voted to wish? Have all voted to wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 voting Yea, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present and House Bill 307, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to move over to page 9 towards the top of the page we have House Bill 4284, Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4284 allows for a property tax extension for the Homewood School District. This was brought about because of -- a referendum that was passed locally, in my District, and then subsequently EAV level dropped, which caused that level of income that they were supposed to raise to come down. This bill is, definitely supported by the community. There was no opposition. And I'm looking forward to its passage. 45  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no opposition. The question is, shall House Bill 4284 pass. All those in favor vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 42 voting Yea, 17 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4284, having received the required majority, is declared passed. We're going to skip over to page 10, towards the top of the page we have House Bill 4588, Senator Martwick. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Committee{sic} (Senate). House Bill 4588 extends the sunset date for the Risk Retention Companies' Article of the Illinois Insurance Code by 30 years to January 1st, 2057. I know of no opposition. Happy to answer any questions, ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 4588 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 58 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4588, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Staying on page 10, we're going to go down the 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 page to House Bill 4636, Senator Belt. We're going to go to page 11, we're going to go to the top of the page, we're going to go to House Bill 4819, Senator Johnson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4819 amends the Unified Code of Corrections, and it provide -- provides that the Illinois Department of Corrections must provide lactation or nursing mother rooms for Department personnel. The rooms must be provided in each Department facility that employs nursing mothers, and each individual lactation room must meet certain requirements, such as containing electrical outlets for plugging and breast pumps, and having a minimum of one refrigerator for storage of the breast milk. This is an initiative by the House sponsor, Representative Rita Mayfield, at a request of constituents, and there is no known opposition at this time. And I request an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion, Senator Bryant?

That's correct, Senator. They are not doing this now. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.

They're not doing it in the county jail. The -- the building. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.

Seeing no -- Further discussion. Senator Johnson, to close.

Yes, I'm going to thank the House sponsor for advancing this bill and thank my colleague, Senator Bryant, for her remarks. You know, nursing moms really need a dedicated lactation room. And, you know, so that you can have less disruptions. It really helps maintain productivity, believe it or not and reduce absenteeism. I request an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, the question is, shall House Bill 4819 pass. All those 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 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 58 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4819, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to House Bill 48. Senator Erica Harriss, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill creates the Advisory Board of the Illinois State Museum and alters the powers and duties of the Illinois State Museum. In addition, HB 4838 ensures compliance with federal requirements regarding the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act and eliminates admission fees. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion, Senator Rose?

The -- the cleanup? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator -- Senator Rose.

This is a cleanup bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura.

Question to the sponsor. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates she'll yield.

I have an important question. Do you, to your knowledge, know if there are any striped hyenas in the State Museum? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Loughran Cappel. 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024

I'm sorry, can you say that again? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura?

Yes. Are there any striped hyenas in the State Museum? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Loughran Cappel?

I have no idea, if there are. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura.

I think this is a good bill. And I urge an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no further discussion, Senator Loughran Cappel, to close.

Thank you, everyone, for the lively debate. And I ask for a Yes vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall House Bill 4838 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 59 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present and House Bill 4838. Having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving down the page, we're going to go to House Bill 4895, Senator 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Johnson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Never mind that one was done. Going to -- go to the bottom of the page, House Bill 4911. Okay. Sorry. Turning the page to page 12, we're going to go to the top of the page House Bill 4926, Senator Feigenholtz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. It is supported by Housing Action Illinois and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The amendment took away the opposition of one Mr. Paul Arena, from IRPOA and it is -- is a way to expedite and keep the cost down on credit reports for people who are applying to rent apartments within 30 days. I'm happy to answer any questions. If we pass this law, we're going to be following about 5 to 7 states who've already done this. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Any discussion, Senator Tracy.

Seeing no further discussion, Senator Feigenholtz, to close.

I'd like to thank the previous speaker for not beating up on me too much, and I'd like to ask her a favor. Because some of her comments were just indescribable and remind her that this is a bill that does very few things that are painful. This -- this is really about someone who's going to be moving into a new apartment. And, as I said, all opposition had been removed by the organization that represents landlords. It keeps the cost down for very expensive rental credit applications, one after another. And these reporting fees can really quickly add up to several hundred dollars. I really hope everyone votes for it. Thank you. 53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall House Bill 4926 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 {sic} (40) voting Yea, 17 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 4926, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go down further on the page to House Bill 5027, Senator Joyce. Mr. Secretary, never mind. At the bottom of the page we have House Bill 5028, Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator McConchie, did you want recognition? Okay. Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is another tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic. It allows for State agencies to have opioid antagonists on site and train employees on how to use them. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion, Senator Sally Turner?

Seeing no further discussion, Senator Fine, to close.

Thank you. And thank you to Senator Turner, and I would appreciate your support. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall House Bill 5028 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 59 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5028, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Turning the page to the top of the page will do House Bill 5057, Senator Loughran Cappel. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, with its amendments, keeps -- makes that the State Board of Education may score each Section of content area knowledge tests independently. Applicants 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 then can take the content area knowledge test before, during, or after their student teaching and the date that the Teacher Performance Assessment Task Force must report its recommendations to the State Board of Education and the General Assembly. That Task Force has been extended from August 1st, 2024 to October 31st, 2024, and this bill also adds further clarification that the State Board may also score each Section of the Content Area Knowledge Test separately. For those again, who are getting into the teaching profession so that applicants need to only retake the certain Sections that were previously failed rather than retake the entire test, every time. So basically, this bill just removes barriers for college students and those with their bachelor's degrees that are wanting to become teachers and get into the profession. It makes the process a little bit more user friendly for our incoming teachers. And I'm open to any questions. And I ask for a Yes vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 5057 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? To take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5057, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to House Bill 5086, Senator Halpin. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. So, this bill is an attempt to clarify that a nursing agency, contract with a health care provider has to include a provision to ensure that the health care facility has the right to be compensated for damages, fines, or other expenses related to a negligent act of someone performed by a negligent act of a nurse that's provided by the agency. I'm not aware of any opposition and would ask for your favorable votes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 5086 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Yea, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5086, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Leave of the Body, we're going to go back to page 7, we're going to go to House Bill 2499. Senator Fine seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2499 to the Order 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is 20 -- House Bill 2499. Mr. Secretary, any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Yes. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation is an initiative of the Department of Insurance. It eliminates short term, limited duration, or junk plans for sale in the State of Illinois. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. One light is on, Senator Syverson.

What I recall them saying is that these policies are not required to cover the ten essential benefits that are covered under the Affordable Care Act. And as a result of that and the high deductible plans, many people who have -- of these policies and believe they do have coverage end up going into medical debt, because many times, because preexisting conditions are not covered under these plans. If you are diagnosed with a condition, they will call it a preexisting condition and not cover that. I have had people reach out to me who thought they had coverage when they 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 had these -- short term limited duration plans, only to find out that they were not covered. Their prescription drugs were not covered, their emergency services were not covered. And it ended up costing them a whole lot more than it would have had they had the insurance that they thought was possible and that they thought that they were paying for. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Senator Fine.

Um, no, they're not under the Department's purview.

Senator Syverson.

Senator Fine.

Yet many of these policies are also purchased online and they can come from out-of-state, as well. So that would be outside of the Department's purview.

Senator Syverson, we do have other speakers.

I do not, but I want to correct myself. They are under the purview of the Department, but their authority is very limited on these plans. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Question of the sponsor, Mr. President. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates she'll yield.

Thank you very much. Senator Fine. I sat in the Insurance Committee for the last ten years, and I've heard a lot of bills come up about Insurance. And I hope you don't mind if I ask you a few questions here and -- these -- short term -- health insurance plans, are they exempted from the Affordable Care Act? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.

Yes. These short-term plans do not have to carry the ten essential benefits of the Affordable Care Act. And I want to add, also, that there are qualifying life events, if you do not make open enrollment that the exchange will open for you, and one of those is losing your job. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hastings.

Senator Fine, if you wouldn't mind, could you just go over some of the -- the -- the short-term health insurance plans, the benefits that they're not -- that they do not cover and are not 65  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 required to cover. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.

Yes. They are not required to cover ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, pregnancy, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventative and wellness services including chronic disease management and pediatric services. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hastings.

Thank you, Mr. President, just a few more questions, if you will. Senator Fine, if for some reason you're diagnosed with an illness. For example, I'm diagnosed with MS while on a short-term health insurance plan. Because they're not regulated by the ACA, they're exempt from the ACA. Can a short-term health insurance plan boot me off their health insurance? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.

We have heard from consumers that they have -- this one particular person, who was diagnosed with MS while on a short-term plan, was denied coverage because it was referred to as a preexisting condition, although that person was not diagnosed until they were on this plan. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senator Hastings.

Senator Fine, my final question is this. I mean, and I appreciate the previous speakers experience in the insurance industry, as they been practicing in the insurance industry for quite a while. But insurance plans when you go ahead and you go to -- when you're seeking one out it's not always apples to apples. So, one insurance plan on a short-term health insurance plan may differ in terms of what's excluded or included, and those exclusions and inclusions can vary the price as to the insurance premium per plan. Is that correct? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.

That is correct. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hastings.

So, it would be a fair assessment to say that if I go ahead and shop for these plans, and the examples that were given by a previous speaker, the -- the plan comparisons may not be equal comparisons. Is that a correct -- Is that an accurate and a fair statement? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.

That is an accurate and fair statement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hastings. 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024

And some of these plans, as you look at the brochures and you go ahead and you go over to marketing material that comes from outside of the State, those brochures may be vague, they may not be all inclusive. And if you're to read those forms, you may look at the very tiny, tiny, tiny print in size six font to which most people, in this room, don't even read. They may tell you all those exclusions, and you may think, as a consumer, that you're covered because you have health insurance as a whole. That you may not actually be covered by these health insurance plans. Is that right? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.

That is absolutely correct. And I've heard from many people who, found themselves in just that situation, with a mountain of medical bills, as a result. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hastings.

Thank you, Mr. President. And to the sponsor, to the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.

Mr. President, Members of the Senate. In every bill we discuss here in this Chamber, there are good actors and there are bad actors. And yes, there may be some insurance companies that fully advertise all the exclusions that caused their premiums to be reduced, and they may do so in a very explicit manner, and that -- the actual consumer, themselves, may actually know what coverage 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 they're entitled to. But when you look at the total out-of-state, I would say -- industry, that there are deceptive practices, there are practices to which the consumer is extremely confused. And then when faced with the ultimate challenge of choosing a health insurance plan and when they actually have to go and use it. They may face a $15,000 deductible, in addition to sharing 50 percent of the cost with that insurance company. And for a working-class person, whether you're a carpenter or an electrician, whatever it may be, you may be saddled with hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt because you may have been under the auspice of having a health insurance plan, but not having the full coverage. The short-term health insurance plans the majority of the cases are very problematic to consumers, and this bill will provide protections to those consumers well into the future and give them other options that they're eligible for. And, although, I respect the previous speakers who had advocated against this bill, I don't believe that their comparisons or the questions fairly accurate, the apples-to-apples depiction that should be made on the Floor of the Senate, and that should have been discussed in the Insurance Committee. And Mr. President, I urge an Aye vote. Thank you very much. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion. Senator McConchie.

Thank you, Mr. President, and I'd like to thank the Body for a very descent conversation on this legislation. We need to remember that we are talking about the consumer here. And if you look at a policy that is sold on the Exchange, their loss ratio is 80 percent. In other words, 80 percent of every dollar you pay in premium, has to go towards health care. With these plans, that loss ratio is as low as 32 percent. So, we see that consumers are not getting what they think that they are paying for. I have talked to so many people who have learned the very hard way how difficult it can be when you are at your most vulnerable and you think you 70  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 have the protection that you need when it comes to your insurance policy to get you through that tough time, only to find out that the rug has actually been pulled out from under you, and you don't have those protections that you need. With this legislation and with our State moving towards a State based exchange, we are going to be able to walk consumers through getting onto the exchange and finding a policy that does not have as high of a deductible, that actually has good coverage, and that it actually will provide the insurance that people need. And in many cases, because you're buying it on the exchange, you will be able to be reimbursed for part of that from the government. So, I do believe that this is a very positive step in the way we do insurance in the State of Illinois, and I would appreciate your support on this vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) We've got a long vote, so make sure that you and your computer are awake. The question is, shall House Bill 2499 pass. All those in favor of vote, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 40 voting Yea, 19 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2499, having received the required majority, is declared passed. We're going to jump ahead to page 13, in the middle of the page we're going to go to House Bill 5142, Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House -- House Bill 5142, as amendment -- as amended, requires private insurers to cover all services for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care rendered by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. Under the bill, insurers must also cover home visits by lactation consultants, including the purchase of breast pumps and supplies, breast feeding supplies and feeding aides, as recommended by a lactation consultant. This bill allows a policy to limit coverage for home visits by a perinatal doula, not counting any home birth to 16 visits before 16 visits after birth, miscarriage, or abortion not to exceed 8000 sic{$8,000} for each pregnancy and subsequent postpartum period. This bill also prohibits cost sharing requirements for these services, except for inpatient and residential mental health services due to pregnancy related issues, substance use disorder services, and health care services for home birth, which are still subject to cost sharing. I'm open for any questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion, Senator Tracy?

No, they do not. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Because of the type of services that they provide. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Doulas do not provide medical services. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Because doulas provide support services, they do not provide medical services. They're there for support. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Correct. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

Yes, but not all co-pays are removed. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 74  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senator Tracy.

And not every service requires a co-pay. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

It depends. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.

To the bill. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I want to commend the sponsor for advancing this important legislative measure. And unless I'm missing something, I just want to -- I believe we're talking about four important things. We're talking about women who -- with ongoing maternal health care needs who may fall between the cracks of being able to -- not eligible for Medicaid but don't have enough to afford full coverage from -- from insurance. We're talking about health care between a woman and her doctor. We're talking about access to health care services. And finally, what I'm taking away from this is that we're talking about saving lives. We're talking for all women, and we're talking about women, all women, being able to -- to go home from the hospital alive and well with their baby. And so, for that, again, I want to thank the sponsor and I encourage an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Collins, to close.

Thank you. I just want to address a couple of things that were said by the former speaker. The language, in the bill, comes from the insurance companies which is what brought them to neutral, some of this language in here. Doulas and midwives can provide support during and after care, but they don't do the actual -- 77  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 surgical intervention. Now, when that is required for miscarriage, it is coded the same as an abortion. So, the surgical interventions for miscarriage would be covered without cost sharing. But there's more that we need to do with that and I would love to work with the -- former speaker on this through the summer. And if it's something that you would like to introduce, I would definitely chief sponsor it with you, to get it done. But this bill is about health equity, as defined when everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, or the absence of unfair and avoidable or remediable differences in health amongst population defined socially, economically, demographically and geographically. This bill impacts everyone from urban Chicago to rural southern Illinois. Women across every community face unexpected complications during pregnancy and without the coverage of insurance, are face to face with dangers -- to their life. Black women across Illinois are twice as likely to die from any pregnancy related conditions, and three times more likely to die from pregnancy related medical conditions as white women. And across the board for all mothers, the CDC's Maternal Mortality Review Committees have determined that 91 percent of pregnancy related deaths are potentially preventable. That means that we can save lives with residents when they're covered, and not just a few. But we can prevent more than 90 percent of all deaths currently happening, if we had -- if they had our support. This bill helps resolve issues in the private sector that are already covered publicly. And when someone who makes too much to be on public health care also cannot afford to pay their high co-pays from private insurance. What do they do? Pregnancy related deaths saw an increase in all geographic areas of the State. When a mother 78  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 from Chicago cannot afford her co-pay because they are too busy affording rising costs across the board. Who is there to help them? When a mother from rural Illinois cannot afford their co-pay because the nearest hospital was an hour away and they struggled to pay co-pays, as well. Who is there to help them during their pregnancy? This is one of the hardest times of a woman's life, and when that life is at risk, we don't want to cover it because of our personal ideologies. I say we have to do -- we have to do better because women are dying, because we want to -- because we want to prevent them from getting access to health care. They need to live through these -- these lived experiences through mine, without the support of my doula and my midwife professional, who knows what could have happened? When you're faced with an unexpected complication like gestational -- gestational diabill - - diabetes, hemorrhaging, cardiac or coronary conditions, these conditions could affect any mother in Illinois. And we want to be sure that when mothers face these complications and let them know you are covered and we will support you during and after pregnancy and get you to care, you need to live. I'm going to close with saying that this is not a partisan issue, this is a health issue, and it impacts every woman across the State of Illinois. And by eliminating the cost sharing requirements for this care, we can save lives across the board. I would ask and greatly appreciate for your Aye vote, but I also want to thank everyone who helped all the stakeholders on this bill. The staff, here -- on our side of the aisle who worked tirelessly to help us get to this point. Our lieutenant governor, the doulas, the midwives for bringing their stories to us. -- The numbers of infant mortality, in the African American community, is extremely high and we can lower 79  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 that, and we've done that with public aid. This bill is just aligning with what we've already done. And no matter who you are, where you come from, what type of money you make, doesn't matter. We should be in the business of saving people's lives and not in the business of determining whether or not this person gets access to health care and this person doesn't. And so, I encourage an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, the question is, shall House Bill 5142 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 40 voting Yea, 19 voting No, and 0 voting Present. And House Bill 41 -- 5142, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We go to page 14 towards the middle of the page it's House Bill 5395, Senator Peters. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Peter seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5395 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, is House Bill 5395. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

I would like to adopt the amendment, and I'll explain on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, 80  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

This is the Health Care Protection Act. It's a good bill for consumers and patients. And I ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Lewis?

No. The provisions of HB 5395 do apply to fully insured, 81  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 non-ERISA exempt government health care plans for retirees. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Lewis.

The estimation from the Governor's Office is fifty to sixty million. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

We did not get a cost estimate from the industry. I would like to add that the industry has removed their opposition from 82  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 this bill. I would just like that to be noted in the record. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

They would have to go through the medical exception to process. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

They'd have to go through the medical exceptions process. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

So let me read. An insurance company must approve an off- formulary exception request if the formulary prescription drug is contraindicated. The patient has tried the formulary prescription drug while under the patient's current or previous health insurance plan, and the prescribing provider submits evidence of failure or intolerance, or the patient is stable on a prescription drug selected by his or her health care provider for the medical condition under consideration while on a current or previous health insurance plan. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Yeah. So, I mean the patient can't just pick and choose the doctor and then we'll sit down and go through what's the best that's medically necessary for the patient? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

That's correct. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

I mean, they will have medical professionals who can help treat the patient. I would just like to point out that I've had multiple cases with family and friends who've had to go to a hospital for mental health emergency, had to stay there for 72 hours, one pretty recently. And I think the idea is that when 85  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 they're in that moment of crisis, the 72-hour period that we provide them with the best treatment possible that that hospital may be able to provide, preferably, of course, to be able to - they have a mental health professional there. But no matter what, it's about the security of that patient. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

86  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 That is correct. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

So, they can - the key thing is that they can look, all we're adding is that whether they can approve or deny a product. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

The final rates. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Senator -- Senator Peters.

87  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 All of them. Both. Yes, both. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

They -- they want the -- they want the base rates for the rate making. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

You are correct. The base rates. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Two. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Syverson.

Senator Peters, to close.

This is a good bill, vote Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall House Bill 5395 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 45 voting Yea, 14 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5395, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bennett, what purpose do you seek recognition? We're going to go -- with leave of the Body, we're going to go to Senate Bills 3rd Reading. We're going to go to page 2, middle of the page, it's Senate Bill 458, Senator Walker. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. It's a recall. Senator Walker seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 458 to the Order 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 458. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Mr. President, please adopt Floor Amendment 2 and we can discuss it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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 amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you very much, Senator. Senate Bill 458 is about the RTO program currently existing in the State. It does a simple thing. It extends the expiration date from August 2024 to August 2027. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Bennett, your light is still on. Are you wanting to discuss? Senator Halpin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

Just a brief question for the sponsor. 91  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) He indicates he'll yield.

I may have missed it, Senator, but is this your first bill over here in this August Body? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

It is my first bill, and hopefully not my last. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Halpin.

Very good. I won't give you a hard time since it's already late, but welcome. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Murphy.

Thank you, Mr. President. A question of the Sponsor. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) He indicates he’ll yield.

Thank you. Senator, did I hear you say you want to extend restraints until August of 25? PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

I don't believe I said that. I -- I think what I said was I want to extend the program that limits and guards our youth and other vulnerable people from restraints until August 27. 92  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Murphy.

So, that means you want guards to restrain our children until August of '27. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

I would prefer the word guardrails. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Murphy.

You're going to restrain them to the guardrails. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

The best way to express this is we're the people that care for these people, should be provided training and help and support and understand what they need to do. Those are the guardrails that I would like them to adhere to. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Murphy.

Thank you, Senator. And -- and we won't put guardrails on you in the Senate like you might have had in the House. So, welcome. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion, Senator Bryant.

Not here! PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.

A question to the sponsor. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he’ll yield.

Looking at this bill, it appears that you want time outs 94  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 until August 1st. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

Pardon me. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura.

It says here time out reports until August 1st, 2027. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

Yes, we -- we currently require that through August 2024. And I'd like to get reports on time outs and restraints until August 2027. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura.

Do you believe that this is an unreasonable amount of time? One might say a preternatural time. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker

I -- I am not Senator Tracy. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura.

Okay. It appears that I must have misread this. You just want to do reports on time outs, is that correct? 95  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker.

That's correct, that's correct. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Ventura.

With that understanding, I see that this is a good bill, indeed. And I urge Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion, Senator Rose.

I am from a House, yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose.

Thank you, Senator. If I recall correctly, a representative of Chapin Rose provided that jacket and called it a Cardinal's jacket for any Cubs fan. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose.

Pink. Pink is not my color. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator -- Senator -- Senator Rose. Senator Walker.

Thank you so much. I've actually worn the jacket for Representative Tracy's bills in the past. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose, are you done?

Senator Walker. Although your description of your bill was fairly nondescript, I am very happy that there was much fanfare in 97  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 the upper Chamber to welcome you. This is a great bill, and I urge an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Walker, to close.

I would like to follow Senator Peter's, say it's a good bill, just vote for it. However, I understand in this Chamber it is customary to thank the Senators for their incisive questions and comments. And as a man of tradition, for that reason and that reason only, I will do it. Please vote Yes. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, the question is, shall Senate Bill 458 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 59 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 458, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Welcome, Senator Walker. We're going to go down to the bottom of page 2, we're going to go to Senate Bill 496, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 496 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House -- is Senate Bill 496. Are any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

98  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the Amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?

Thank you, Mr. President. It's a hard act to follow by Senator Walker, but I'll do my best. Senate Bill 496 with Senate Floor Amendment No. 1, is an initiative of the Secretary of State's office. This bill streamlines automatic voter registration process and expands the persons who will be automatically registered by the SOS and existing designated automatic voter registration agencies, which will increase the number of registered voters. Happy to answer any questions, would ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Any discussion? Senator Sally Turner.

Thank you, Mr. Thank you for this question. We're looking for the line. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villivalam.

Thank you, Mr. President. Our understanding is that obviously when there's an interaction with the Secretary of State's office -- the documents that are presented, are verified by that the -- the Secretary of State, and then they're given back to the person that is seeking the service. So, they're -- they're not stored with the Secretary of State. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator. Turner.

Thank you for that question. I do want to, note for the record that we had a conversation with the Association of Clerks. We committed to hear their concerns, we incorporated some of their feedback, and we also committed to continuing conversations. So, at this point, no, they're not - will not be any additional funds. At the same time, we all -- we definitely do want to work with our clerks, to ensure implementation of this legislation. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.

Thank you, Mr. President. I -- first let me start by saying, I'm -- I'm so excited that the previous speaker is -- is interested in having conversations about a healthy democracy. I can't wait to go to his district and talk about that with every constituent, about what a healthy democracy means. But let me clarify a couple 104  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 items. One, updating your driver's license through this legislation, will actually update your voter registration address. So, that should answer his first point. Secondly, this does not compel a vote in any -- anyway, shape, or form. Third, folks can opt out. Every person that is registered through this new system can opt out. Eleven states have managed to pass this and sign this into law. Seven states have managed to implement this. Three states have passed and signed this into law on a bipartisan basis. And the Earth is not falling apart. I would strongly recommend an Aye vote. I want to thank the Secretary of State, the Just Democracy Coalition, the -- other organizations that were a part of this effort and again, ask for an Aye vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall Senate Bill 496 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 40 voting Yea, 19 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 496, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Going to the bottom of the page we're going to go to Senate Bill 497. Senator Ventura seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 497 to the Order 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now, on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 4 -- 497. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

105  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 497 amends the Election Code provision concerning petitions for nominations when the State Elected Electoral Board has a -- hearings on an objection to a petition, the nomination papers of a candidate will be deemed invalid and the candidates' names will not appear on the ballot if the candidate is found to have personally engaged in material fraud or a pattern of fraud in connection with the signatures on the nominating papers or false swearing of the nominating papers, and I yield for questions. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no -- no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Bill 497 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The 106  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 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 59 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 497, have received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to jump over to page 5, we're going to go to the top of the page Senate Bill 863. Senator Simmons seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 863 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 863. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment, and I will discuss it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 863 provides that newsletters and printed material printed on behalf of a Member of the General Assembly may include autobiographical or biographical information about a Member, as long as the information does not include past or future campaigns; information designed to provide an economic benefit to the Member of{sic} (or) the Member's family; or finally, family news unrelated to the Member's official role. I will take any and all questions. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall Senate Bill 863 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 43 voting Yea, 14 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 863, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to Senate Bill 899. Senator Simmons seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 899 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 899. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

108  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and I will discuss it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?

I would like to adopt the amendment, and I will discuss it on 3rd. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?

Thank you so much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. 109  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Senate Bill 899, -- essentially is a trailer bill to legislation we passed last spring. Senate Bill 2278, which provided local cities and villages with the authority to improve dangerous intersections that would prove too tight for certain length trucks and also encourage bike and pedestrian improvements. After we passed this bill, IDOT raised an issue with the authority to effect signage controlling turns on these intersections. So, this bill is largely to clarify an intergovernmental issue of who has the authority to install which signs. As such, this legislation clearly establishes that IDOT has the power to approve intersection designs that do not allow certain length trucks to turn and to sign them appropriately. Finally, it includes the power for the local municipalities to request that IDOT also sign their portions of the intersections as well. And as a result of negotiations, IDOT and CDOT for City of Chicago support this amendment, as does the ATA and MPC. There are no opponents. And then finally, I just want to say that this law needs to be passed now, in order, for IDOT to move forward on certain critical intersection improvements that have been stalled pending this trailer bill. I'm happy to answer any questions and would ask for an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion, Senator DeWitte?

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I respectfully request an Aye vote. Thank you. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) The question is, shall Senate Bill 899 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 59 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 899, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 8, we're going to go back to House Bills 3rd Reading. To the bottom of the page we have House Bill 4226, there's been a change of sponsor - to President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4226 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4226. Mr. Secretary any Floor amendments approved for consideration?

111  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt the amendment. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) 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?

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senator Doris Turner was kind enough to share House Bill 4226 with me for purposes of my amendment. The underlying bill that she sponsored from the House made the proficiency testing of court reporters permissive rather than mandatory at the request of the chief judge of the circuit. The amendment that I have added -- is at the request of the Office of the Courts. It is intended to clarify the schedule pursuant to which associate judgeships are recategorized as subcircuit judges in Cook County, following our redistricting and our expansion by adding five additional subcircuits. Very, technical in nature. Just clarifying the schedule. I'm not aware of any concerns. Happy to answer questions if you have them, but I ask for your Aye votes. 112  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 4226 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? -- All right. Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4226, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to page 14 in the middle of page House Bill 5324, Senator Aquino. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5324 amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act and the Illinois Education Labor Relations Act{sic} (Board). It adds a substantive requirement to the annual reports generated by each of the Boards and submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly. It also requires both Boards to adopt specific timelines goals for the processing of unfair labor practice charges. This was an initiative of AFL-CIO. It passed unanimously out of the House and also out of Committee and I ask for a favorable vote. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 5324 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all 113  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5324, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to page 15 in the middle of the page we're going to go to House Bill 5561, Mr. -- Senator Castro. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5561 amends the Whistleblower Protection Act. It updates definitions of "employer", "employee", and "adverse employment action". And adds definition for "Supervisor" and "Retaliatory action" which includes taking any action that would intentionally interfere with an employee's ability to obtain future employment. Take any action -- taking any action prohibited by the Illinois Human Rights Act, or contacting or threatening to contact United States immigration authorities. It prohibits employers from taking retaliatory action against an employee who discloses or threatens to disclose to a public body, law enforcement agency, or to any supervisor, principal officer, or board member information related to an activity, policy, or practice of the employer. If the employee has a good faith belief that the activity, policy, or practice either violates a State or federal law, rule or regulation, or that the activity, policy, or practice poses a substantial and specific danger to employee's public health or safety. House Bill 5561 adds 114  STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 117th Legislative Day 5/23/2024 new penalties from employer violations of the Act, including permanent or preliminary injunctive relief; liquidated damages of up to 10,000; a civil penalty of 10,000 payable to the employee. The bill also enables enforcement by the Attorney General, who may conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, and bring an action in civil court to obtain remedies on behalf of the employee in the name of the "People of the State". It also provides a new defense for employers that the retaliatory action was predicated solely upon grounds other than the employee's exercise of any right prohibited in the Act. I look forward to the discussion. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Seeing no discussion. The question is, shall House Bill 5561 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 44 voting Yea, 15 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5561, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. You've all received the Supplemental Calendar No. 1, we're going to go to House Bill 2nd Reading. Let's start at the top with House Bill 581. Senator Villanueva, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) State your announcement.

The Senate Democrats will caucus in the Senate President's office upon adjournment. PRESIDING OFFICER (SENATOR KOEHLER) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.