SENATOR KOEHLER: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Johnson, could you please lead us in the Pledge?
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Lisa Yuscius from Blueroomstream seeks leave of the Body to video stream the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Dave Dahl from WTAX seeks leave and permission to photo the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Andrew Adams from CNZ seeks leave to photo and audio record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Nyaka Nwani from WCIA seeks leave to video and audio record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Andrew Campbell from Capitol News Illinois seeks leave to record and video -- record video and audio record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mike Miletich from WAND TV seeks leave to record video. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Clint DeRose, Maxwell Cotton from WGEM seek leave to record and audio video tape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. And Olivia Olandek from Chicago Tribune seeks leave to record audio and take video of the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Tina Sfondeles from Sun-Times seeks permission to take pictures 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 and audio. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Brenden Moore from Lee Enterprises seeks permission to record audio, video and pictures. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Peter Hancock, Capital News Illinois seeks permission to record and photograph the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. And Jerry Nowicki from Capital News Illinois seeks permission to photo the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Saturday, May 25th, 2024.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move -- I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Ladies and Gentlemen, if Senate Members can make their way to the Senate Floor, as we would like to continue our work, and to concurrences and 3rd Reading. If Senate Members can make their way to the Floor, here in the lovely Howlett Building today, on this beautiful Sunday, we'd like to commence our work on concurrences and 3rd Readings. Mawa Iqbal from WBEZ FM seeks permission to audio record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. With leave of the Body, we will be moving to the printed Calendar working on concurrences towards the bottom of page 12 we find Senate Bill 317, Senator 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Murphy. Senator Murphy, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 317. Signed by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your motion.
Well, thank you, Mr. President. This as amended -- is a long- awaited bill to come back over from the House. It simply closes a loophole so that taxing bodies can collect from other taxing bodies that own their property.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment… We'll, the -- we'll pause for a second to allow our colleagues to have their computers up and running. Is there any discussion? Well -- if all Senators just can make sure that your computers are up and running and function… Okay, excellent. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 317. 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 317, and the bill is declared passed. Continue on -- on page 12 towards the bottom, we find Senate Bill 692. Senator Morrison, do you wish to proceed? 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 692. Signed by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison, on your motions.
Thank you, Mr. President. This simply adds two members to the task force that is established by Senate Bill 692. There's no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 692. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 692, and the bill is declared passed. Moving along to page 13 towards the top, we find ourselves with Senate Bill 860, President Harmon. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 860. Signed by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 The underlying bill, Senate Bill 860, I introduced for a constituent whose son was in Ocilla and was not able to continue to self-administer certain injectable medications. Our bill fixed that problem. It's come back from the House with a modest expansion in the definition of the -- one of the treatments that are available for self-administration. Not aware of any opposition. I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 860. 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present, having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 860, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 1779, Senator Doris Turner. Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 1779. Signed by Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Turner, on your motions.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. The Motion to Concur with House Committee Amendment No. 1. and House Floor Amendment No. 3 requires the Department of Public Health to administer a certified medication aide program to allow for employment of medication aides in nursing homes. The bill also sets out 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 qualifications for certification as a medication aide and for qualifying nursing facilities. I ask for a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1779. 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 1779, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 1960, Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1960. Signed by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Koehler, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This is a bill that we passed actually, over a year ago, and it just came back from the House. It talks about electric, low speed electric scooters, it defines what they are, how they can be used in terms of municipalities and park districts. The controversial part of this was that originally the bill said that communities that adopted this would be immune from any liabilities according to a Supreme Court case that's -- that's not allowable. It neither increases or decreases the liability for a community to adopt this. But, it does provide some -- some controls that a community can 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 have in this and I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator DeWitte.
Senator Koehler, thank you very much for this legislation. I know this has been the subject of some discussion over the last couple of years. I remember our former colleague, Senator Barickman, tried passing this bill a couple of years back. I just want to verify, for the record, that in the event any local jurisdiction chooses to continue a ban on the operation of these two wheel, battery powered scooters within their municipality. I want to confirm they, will in fact, have the authority to continue to control the use of these vehicles within their community?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Koehler.
Yes, that's absolutely right. This is -- this is not a mandate. This is purely something that a community can choose to do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator DeWitte.
Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Any further discussion? Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A question for the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Turner.
Just one question I had after I looked at the Supreme Court case that we discussed in committee. I just want to make sure that this bill isn't already covered by the "open and obvious" clause in relation to the legal system.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Koehler.
I'm not a lawyer. I don't know the answer to that, but I'll get it for you. But all I know is from what I've been told that this neither increases or decreases the liability for communities that adopt this. But I'll get you an answer on that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Turner.
Thank you, Senator Koehler. I appreciate your answers. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator. Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1960. 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 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 question, there are 51 voting Aye, 6 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1960, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 2682, Senator Ellman. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2682. Signed by Senator Ellman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Ellman, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm really excited to bring this motion to concur. It comes from my district. And House Amendment No. 1 clarifies who will be serving on the task force and make subject to appropriation the data collection that the task force will undertake. I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2682. 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2682, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 2804, Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2804. Signed by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Cunningham, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2804 gives CMS the authority to promulgate rules to set up procedures for administrative hearings for State agencies that don't have their own administrative hearing procedures. The House amendment merely clarifies that these rules will not apply to agencies that do have administrative hearing procedures in place. There's no opposition. Appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2804. 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 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2804, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 3156, Senator Johnson. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3156. Signed by Senator Johnson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Johnson, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. The motion to concur with House Amendment No. 2 and House Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 3156, 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 simply keeps the engrossed version of the bill that passed in the Senate with the exception of two -- two of the provisions. And first is the amendment removes the Section that streamlines the EBF funding to Regional Offices of Education and to one source for all alternative programs. And then second, the date at which the Teacher Performance Assessment Task Force shall report to the State Board of Education in the General Assembly is moved from August 1st, 2024 to October 31st, 2024. I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3156. 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 Aye, 17 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3156, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 3238, Senator Belt. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3238. Signed by Senator Belt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Belt, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill -- the House Committee Amendment No. 1 is -- looks to clean up legislation for the Black Caucus economic pillar. The bill transfers various BEP and diversity duties from the Department of CMS over to the Commission 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 on Equity and Inclusion. And the Committee Amendment -- the House Committee Amendment adds on and creates the Higher Education supplier diversity report. And lastly, it extends the sunset for the BE… the Business Enterprise for Minority Women and Persons with Disabilities Act from June 30th, 2029 to June 30th, 2030. I know of no opposition, and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3238. 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 46 voting Aye, 11 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3238, and the bill is declared passed. Moving to the next page of page 14 in the printed Calendar, we find ourselves with Senate Bill 3412, Senator Ellman. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3412. Signed by Senator Ellman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Ellman, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. Adopting this motion or concurring with this motion or concurring with this amendment, I apologize, will enact the (Uniform) Money Transmitter{sic} Transmission Modernization Act. House Floor Amendment No. 1, it's a page and line amendment that does two things. First, it clarifies that for 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 purposes of payroll processing services the phrase "in this State" means the mailing address the person requesting the payroll processing services uses with the Internal Revenue Service and that address is in -- in Illinois. Second, it widens and makes safer the safe harbor provisions by widening the scope of eligible payroll providers and providing more time to come into compliance. This has passed with flying colors, and I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3412. 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3412, and the bill is declared passed. Senate Bill 3414, Senator Morrison. Senate Bill 3440… Ah, Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3414. Signed by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a page and line amendment to alleviate any concerns that the prohibition on cost sharing for a one month supply of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies would not align with Medicare. The amendment also requires 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 prior authorization for the prescription of a continuous glucose monitor to allow HFS to negotiate supplemental rebates with manufacturers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3414. 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3415{sic} (3414), and the bill is declared passed. Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. On Senate Bill 3238, I would like my vote to be reflected as a Yes, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The record will reflect that, thank you. Senate Bill 3473, Senator Sims. Senate Bill 3581, Senator Rose. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3581. Signed by Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. The underlying bill remain(s) intact that we passed. This tax, on a bill, that passed unanimously 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 last year but the House ran out of time dealing with correcting the ability of school guidance counselors to - takes groups out- of-state to career fairs and things of that nature. Unfortunate, the House ran out of time last year so we're tacking it back on to this bill, today. Which means that this Body will have passed both portions of this bill unanimously at least once, if not twice before. So, I would just ask that we do that again, and -- and go ahead and vote to concur. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3581. 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3581, and the bill is declared passed. Jennifer Bamberg from Investigate Midwest seeks leave to -- seeks permission to photograph or record the -- and audio record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Continuing on towards the bottom we have Senate Bill 3649, Senator Peters. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3649. Signed by Senator Peters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. Chair -- Mr. President. This latest amendment 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 to SB 3649 just cleans up the third-party enforce -- enforcement section and makes minor changes to the exempt -- exemption for workplace training designed to reduce workplace discrimination. To clarify this change to Section 35(4) does not in any way require employee engagement in a meeting on political matters, which would circumvent the intent of the bill. Otherwise, everything else in this bill, is as it passed, in the Senate, earlier this month.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Plummer.
Senator, could you outline for the Body what groups are exempted from this legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
What entities? 501(c)(4)s, (5)'s, and (6)'s.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
And why are 501(c)(3)'s is not exempted?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
The ones that are exempted are the ones that engage in 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 advocacy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
A 501(c)(3) is commonly - engage in advocacy. Why are they not exempted?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
We have religious organizations in here, as well. And, again, I'll -- I'll repeat because I think this might be about religious organizations. If it's -- if an organization's focus has a religious intent and people are hired into that with that being known, that is separate than a Hobby Lobby -- forcing people to have to be within religious meetings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
For legislative intent there, you used the term religious intent. What does that mean, exactly?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
I mean organizations that are like Catholic hospitals, for example.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
I'm -- I'm not trying to be difficult here, and I understand 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 that Catholic hospitals -- I now understand that they -- they are exempt. But -- but what I'm asking is, Catholic hospitals is a pretty narrow definition. You said, groups that have a religious intent are exempted. I'm looking for a definition of religious intent, for legislative intent, here, so that we can better understand what -- what all falls under this -- this term.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
That is left undefined in the legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
So, please correct me if I'm wrong. But, you said, groups that have a religious intent are exempted. But, yet, the legislation doesn't define who falls into that category?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters. Senator Peters.
So, if you look on, what, page 9, Section 8 or part 8 here. Prohibits a religious organization from requiring its employees to attend an employee sponsored meeting or participate in any communication with the employer or the employer's agent, representative, or designee for the purposes of communicating the employer's religious beliefs, practices, or tenets.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
Well as -- as we know, this -- this bill is modeled off of 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 cookie cutter legislation in other states. Cookie cutter legislation, in other states that are running into significant legal hurdles. In fact, I -- I -- I don't want to be mistaken here but the Attorney General of Minnesota, Keith Ellison says that after it passed in Minnesota, says that the State officials in Minnesota don't plan to enforce the law because it's unworkable. And -- and this is what we're modeling this legislation off of. The -- the Democrat Governor of Colorado said, that political matters and religious matters are so broad they're unworkable and would result in unintended consequences for employers and employees alike. This was his reason for -- for opposing the - actually for vetoing the bill that passed the Colorado legislature. So, I just think your inability to articulate who this touches - how it touches them, and -- and -- who it impacts and how they're impacted is why this bill is very problematic. I -- I know that we're trying to dodge my questions on religious intent. So, let's go back to the original question. The original question that led to that was, why are 501(c)(3)'s not exempted? And -- and I haven't gotten an -- an answer on that one yet. And obviously 501(c)(3)'s do a tremendous amount of advocacy. So, why are they not exempted if (c)(4), (c)(5) and (c)(6)'s are exempted?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
So, 501(c)(3's) are in this. What we do know is that 501 (c) (4)'s, (5's) and (6) have asked for this exemption. And again, 501(c)(3's) aren't there and they're not in the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
I understand that. I just said that myself. My question is, why -- you're the sponsor. Why are they not in the bill? 501(c3's) asked for an exemption. Why are they not in the bill? You're the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
First, they're not in the bill. And, second one, we did not get a clear ask specifically to 501(c)(3)'s. I do remember getting a question about religious organizations but not specifically to 501(c)(3)'s.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
So, would it be your intent then, if 501(c)(3)'s follow up this legislation with a trailer bill to be exempted. You would support that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
I can't tell you that I support it, but they're more than willing to have conversations with legislators about that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Plummer.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
So, as -- as this entire Body just heard -- the ramifications of this bill can't be articulated because we don't even know who it impacts. We don't even know how it impacts them. You've got Democrat Governors, Democrat Attorney Generals in other states ridiculing this legislation calling it unworkable. Our Body, unfortunately, here in the Illinois State Senate, has developed quite a reputation, quite a track record for passing a lot of legislation here recently that is incapable of passing constitutional muster in the court of law. This bill, obviously, will not pass constitutional muster in the court of law. I know it might be good politics, but you know, after elections are over and we're sent here to do the work of the people, we're not here to do good politics. We're here to do good public policy. And Democrats across this country and Republicans across this country talk about how this is bad public policy. It's unworkable. The sponsor can't even articulate the definitions within the legislation. We don't know who this impacts or how it impacts them. Why on earth would we do this to the people of Illinois? Why would we do this to the employees of Illinois? Why would we do this to the employers of Illinois? Let's work on good public policy that will grow this State, grow our economy, and help our employees. Let's not play politics with unconstitutional legislation that's going to get thrown out in the court of law. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further -- discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions for the sponsor, please? 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates, he’ll yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Peters. When I look at your bill, I'm not sure if the meetings you're referring to -- are prohibited from happening -- on the employee's regular work time or if you're referring to meetings outside of the regular work schedule?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters.
It does not relate to the timing of when the meetings are held.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I appreciate that statement because that -- that's what I was concerned about. During the workday, shouldn't it be the employer's option to hold meetings within the workplace? It's his building, it's his employees -- and certainly, I understand if it's outside of the work schedule, then there should be some kind of compensation or whatever. This is overly broad. You're trying to thwart an employer's business, his schedule and it - it goes far beyond what should be allowed in -- in -- in interfering with the workplace, and for the reasons likewise of the previous speaker, it's overly broad and it's intrusive. And for that reason, 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 I urge a No vote, on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Peters, to close.
Please vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3649. 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 39 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 2 -- excuse me, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3649, and the bill is declared passed. The Senate will stand at ease while the -- the Committee on Assignments meets. Committee on Assignments Members, please meet immediately in the front room. Committee on Assignments Members, please meet immediately in the front room. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Senate President. Today is the birthday -- oh, I have an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Please state your announcement.
Today is the birthday of a true Senate icon. She has served this Chamber in a variety of areas, mentoring and serving Senators 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 and staff alike that have gone on to do great things, including becoming President of the United States. She is currently the magnificent gatekeeper of C-Section. Please join me in wishing Beverly Helm-Renfro a happy birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Happy birthday. Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to correct the record on Senate Bill 1779. I wanted -- I want the record to reflect a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The record will reflect your intention. Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Please state your announcement.
I just would like the Chamber to join me in celebrating my eight year old's birthday. Today is none other than the infamous Leir Preston's birthday, my precious Princess Pea. And she is celebrating with a brand new peach pink jeep, her first vehicle. And I will tell you that she's being responsible already because Senator Lewis is her insurance agent and he has covered her fully, so thank you. Happy birthday, Princess Leir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Happy birthday. Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - House Joint Resolution 66, House Joint Resolution 67, House Joint Resolution 70, Motion to concur with House Amendments 2, 3, and 5 to Senate Bill 1289, Motion to concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3563, Motion to concur with House Amendment 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3268, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3144, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3521, Floor Amendment 5 to House Bill 4293, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4582, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 4615, Floor Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 4951, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 5005, and Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 5078. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Ladies and Gentlemen, we will continue our work on page 7, and we will be working on 3rd Reading House Bills. We will begin with House Bill 3521, Senator Villa. Senator Villa seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3521 to the Order of Second Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3521. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Villa.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa, on your amendment.
I'd like to adopt the amendment. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3521, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill. I want to thank -- oh, one second… This bill expands current law by explicitly prohibiting hospital affiliates from abusing a patient. And would require hospital affiliates to report suspected abuse of a patient at hospitals and facilities operated by a hospital affiliate. Examples of being affiliated doctor's offices and clinics. This measure -- measure would ensure that patients are protected from abuse that may occur by any staff, regardless, if they are employed directly by the hospital in question or are being treated at a facility operated by a hospital affiliate. This is essential to ensure patient safety in additional medical settings. This bill is a result of a pattern of abuse at a hospital affiliate, by an OB- GYN that the Chicago Tribune reported on this past year. This is an initiative supported by the National Nurses United and the 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Illinois Hospital Association, and it also passed the House unanimously. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall -- excuse me. Seeing none, the question is, how{sic} (shall) House Bill 3521 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3521, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving to the next page towards the middle of page 8, we find ourselves with House Bill 4439. Senator Doris Turner, on 4439. Senator Doris Turner seeks leave of the Body (to) return House Bill 4439 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4439. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? The amendment is actually Senator Cunningham's. Senator Cunningham, on the -- on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 please read the bill.
House Bill 4439, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Turner, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. At least once during every legislative Session there's a momentous thing that happens, and it's happening right now. There is a Turner/Turner bill on the board. Senate Bill 4439 designates the soybean as the official State bean, and the 48th Senate District is home to the Soybean Capital of the world, Decatur, Illinois. When designating State symbols, we have to recognize the impact the soybean has on our economy and the number of jobs it creates. Illinois is the number one soybean producing State in the country, with fifteen percent of all U.S. soybeans being produced in Illinois. I'm very excited that we will have a State being the soybean. And I ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Turner, your -- you -- your name was used in debate. Senator Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to thank my colleague, Senator Doris Turner, and thank you very much. And for those of us that are farmers, I greatly appreciate it. Soybeans are one of the important crops for us here in Central Illinois, and we look forward to better prices in the future. So, thank you. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion. Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
As Mr. fun guy, I proudly endorse and support this bill and encourage a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the -- shall -- shall House Bill 4439 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4439, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing our work on page 8, towards the bottom is House Bill 4623, Senator Edly- Allen. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4623, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Edly-Allen, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Artificial Intelligence Technology or AI is an incredibly powerful and amazing tool that can be used for good but currently lacks necessary guardrails to stop bad 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 actors. The ease of use and proliferation of AI Technology has unfortunately increased the ease of creating, modifying, and altering of pornographic images, putting the tools to create child pornography into the hands of the masses. House Bill 4623, tackles the evolving issue of AI child pornography and the dissemination of digitally created or altered images of individuals engaging in sexual activity without their consent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there -- is there any discussion? Are -- Senator Edly- Allen, apologies.
In closing, I'd like to thank Stephen Walsh with the Illinois Attorney General's Office, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who brought this initiative forward, and Representative Gong- Gershowitz for their work in bringing forth a thoughtful bill intended to ensure the safety and protection of current and future generations. And I'd ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. As technology rapidly advances, we are witnessing its use in disturbing ways that endanger our children online. One of my priorities this year has been advocating for reforms to safeguard our children on the internet. Although AI 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Technology holds enormous potential to be used for good, its use in creating pornographic images of children is utterly reprehensible. I want to thank the sponsor for introducing this crucial reform that will protect our kids, and I'm proud to be a co-sponsor and strongly encourage a Yes. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Senator McConchie, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill? Mr…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
In the words of Senator Peters, "It's a good bill, vote Yes".
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4623 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4623, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will proceed to page 10 of the printed Calendar. As stated earlier, with leave of the Body, we will be going to page 10 of the printed Calendar. Towards the bottom we find ourselves with House Bill 5290, Senator Simmons. Senator Simmons seeks leave of the Body, return House Bill 5290 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5290. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Simmons.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Simmons, on your amendment.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'd -- I'd like to adopt the amendment and discuss it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5290, an Act concerning health. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Simmons, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Members of the Senate, this legislation would create the Medical Debt Relief Act, which establishes a program to purchase and forgive medical debt for eligible Illinois residents. The Act contains the following major provisions that will provide that to be eligible an individual must have a household income below four hundred percent of the federal poverty level or have medical debt equal to five percent 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 or more of their household income. It also requires Health and Family Services to contract with the nonprofit medical debt relief coordinator to identify and acquire debt to settle, and it establishes a Medical Debt Relief Act program, which will be a pilot administered by HFS for the purposes of this Act and will create annual reports on how this program is going. Mr. President, this is a very important legislation because in Illinois, the average person with medical debt has twenty-three hundred dollars in debt per individual, and nearly ninety percent of Illinoisans with medical debt actually live under four hundred percent of the federal poverty level. So, this is going to have a really broad impact for people in our State who are struggling under the gun of medical debt, and this will erase that debt and allow them to live a much more prosperous life. We also know that in Illinois, there are -- there's four point thirty-seven billion in medical debt that is in collections, and roughly four billion of that is acquirable and carried by low-income individuals. So, this legislation will help ninety percent of the people in the State who currently carry medical debt. And that is also about fourteen percent of our population. And of course, most of those households, a good chunk of those households are people that are people of color or who have very low incomes or no insurance at all. So, I'm proud to carry this legislation. I want to thank Governor Pritzker for bringing this forward and his budget proposal. This is such an important thing to do for people across our State who are struggling with economic pain. I want to thank the staff at the Department of Human Services who worked diligently to put this program together. Inspired by what's already been done in Cook County under a similar pilot, and I want to thank President Harmon 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 for giving me an opportunity to carry this legislation, and we'll take any questions. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5290 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 38 voting Aye, 19 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. House Bill 5290, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will continue on with -- with House Bills 3rd Reading on page 11. We find ourselves with House Bill 5513, Senator Glowiak Hilton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5513, an Act -- Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Glowiak Hilton, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. It's -- it's all about accounting here, it's really exciting, annual comprehensive financial report information. What it does, is it allows our State to finally come into the 21st Century and allow us to do all of our accounting all at one time, so that it addresses all the internal control deficiencies and all the procedures necessary to do that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is this -- there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5513 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5513, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body we will be turning to page 3 working on Senate Bills. We find ourselves at the middle of the page with Senate Bill 698. Senator Murphy -- with Senate Bill 698. Ms. -- sorry. Senator Murphy seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 698 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 698. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Murphy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen. Senate Bill 698…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) On your amendment, Senator.
I would like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments for consideration?
No further amendments reported. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 698, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Now, as amended, Senate Bill 698 would simply make it permissible for a community of thirty-five thousand population or more to install speed cameras in a safety zone. "Safety zone" is defined as a park district or school district. Currently, the City of Chicago is the only community in Cook County that has the authority to do so. So, let me just explain real quickly what we have here. We have major thruway streets that go through suburban areas like Highway 14, Northwest Highway and development occurred once those streets got busier and busier. So, the community has said we need a way to make sure our kids are safe as they're crossing these streets to go to school, to go to the park. And we know that it's our neighbors that are going to be receiving the tickets, but we have to find some way to slow traffic. All of the requirements of sign posting thirty days before the cameras are installed, the camera posting signs that are up there will be in place all the time, and it just makes this permissive for the community to enact them should they wish. So, I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the speaker{sic} (sponsor), please. Speaker{sic} (Sponsor) will yield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Bryant.
Senator, I have a -- a community that has a very similar situation. It's in a rural school district. Can't put speed bumps up because it's on a snow route. Don't have enough deputies to go out and check this area, but this bill makes it for municipalities, I believe, thirty-five thousand or more. I have counties that don't have thirty-five thousand in them. So, is there a reason why you picked thirty-five thousand? Or maybe when I think this is a Senate bill, this goes over to the House, I wonder if someone could consider the possibility of tweaking it so that communities like mine could be considered.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Senator, for that question. There aren't speed cameras, currently, in counties that small, but I think that's a great idea for a trailer bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I want to thank Senator Murphy for sharing her specific situation with me. I can certainly appreciate the fact that there are, in fact, isolated instances. Even though I abhor these machines, I've probably written more checks to various municipalities across Illinois than I care to recall. But in specific scenarios to the previous speaker, I believe there are opportunities where these devices can be helpful. They can truly help to make areas specifically around parks or schools safer. And for that purpose, I rise in support of this legislation. I want to thank, Senator Murphy for this bill and for writing it so narrowly. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 698 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? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 40 voting Aye, 15 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 698, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will going to the top of page 5, working -- continuing our work on 3rd Reading and Senate Bills. We have -- we find Senate Bill 867, Senator Walker. Senator Walker seeks leave of the Body (to) return Senate Bill 867 to the Order of 2nd Reading. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 867. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Walker.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker, on your amendment.
Please adopt the amendment and then we'll discuss on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 867, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker, on your bill.
Thank you so much for bringing this bill to the Senate. This is -- it's a bill that -- that we get to actually bend the curve of justice and that's rare in our careers. Rarely do we get to make sure to make amends for the sins of our collective past. As you might expect, this bill is to repair the one-hundred and fifty 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 years we have suffered with the moral wound. We illegally sold land owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and have not returned their homes and property. Now we will make a mends for that shortcoming. In short, the Prairie Band Potawatomi was granted land two sections in DeKalb County in 1829, the Treaty of Prairie du Chien. It was sold illegal in 1849. There have been multiple legal reviews of this case. Multiple arguments. In 2000 and 2001, the Department of Interior Solicitor General agreed with the position that this land belongs to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. That was confirmed in 2024, just last month, when a little piece of this land was confirmed as, in trust by the federal government for the purposes of a reservation for the nation. So, we have this difficulty. What we do with this bill is try and figure out a way to minimize the harm to the State, to the State Park, to the surrounding community, and of course, to meet our obligation to the Prairie Band. And let me read from the bill, in consideration of the land reserved for Chief Shabbona by the Treaty of Prairie du Chien in July 29 1829, as well as, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's historic connection to those lands and the surrounding area, the Director of Natural Resources, on behalf of the State of Illinois, is authorized to execute and deliver to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, for and in consideration of, one dollar paid to the Department of Natural Resources. A quitclaim deed to the following described real property comprising all of the lands within Shabbona Lake and related State Park. That is the solution. I am delighted to receive questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Stoller, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Well, thank you, Senator for bringing this legislation forward. This bill relates to land located, in my district, near the town of Shabbona in DeKalb County. And because of this, I've given this issue a tremendous amount of consideration. And, today, I rise in support of this bill. One-hundred and fifty years ago, Chief Shabbona performed a very heroic act warning settlers of an impending attack that saved many, many lives. And, because of that, our country was so grateful that a promise was made to Chief Shabbona. I believe it's important to keep promises. Now, I get it. You may be thinking none of us were around when that promise was made, so why should it be up to us to fulfill that promise? Well, none of us were around in 1970 either, when we made a promise to teachers and State employees with their pensions in our State constitution. But in situations like this, with their pension or with Chief Shabbona, the integrity of that promise falls to future generations to fulfill. And I believe it is incumbent upon us to fulfill this promise just as we, will do, and we are doing with our State pensions. And much like our State pension promise, the validity of the promise to Chief Shabbona has been thoroughly debated, challenged and questioned, and the federal government looked at all the evidence and said, you know what? This is a valid promise. Just as our State Supreme Court upheld the pension protection clause in our State constitution. This legislation is also part of a master plan that grants clean title to approximately 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 thirty homes that are located on this land, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi do not want these homes, but they currently have clouded title. This bill, along with necessary federal action, will accomplish that. The Prairie Band have committed to keeping the park open to the public, and even have plans to improve the infrastructure and the experiences available in the park. Local officials, including the Mayor of Shabbona, are in support. I believe this is the right thing to do. It's a good plan and I encourage a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator DeWitte.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, thank you very much for the conversations we've had. I greatly appreciated meeting the tribe's chief, outside the hallway here, earlier this week. And of course, the first question that I had to ask him was, are you going to build a casino? And he promised me he would not. I understand once we deed this property over back to the Potawatomi Indians, it will also require action by our federal government. Can you walk us through what that federal requirement may be, in order, for them to formally take back possession of this property?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker.
42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Thank you for that question. There are two levels of protection about this. As, first of all, the chief and the - on behalf of his nation, has said, they have no intention of building a casino there for many reasons, the key one of which is it doesn't look economically viable in this spot because it's so far away from other population centers. But tribes have the authority to conduct games when the reservation is located, provided they have a compact with the governor of the state, where they are requesting that -- that casino. The -- so the first protection is that the governor of the state has to give them a compact. But, in the State of Illinois, we passed a law not that long ago that says, "if the General Assembly enacts legislation for the governor to enter into a compact, then the project can go forward". In other words, that the General Assembly gets to sign off on any such proposition. Number one, the tribe has said they don't want to do it. Number two, the governor has to sign off on it. And number three, the GA has to approve any such compact by the governor before any casino could be built. So, I think we are protected there.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator DeWitte.
Thank you. Senator. I understand there is a time limit on these agreements that the tribe reaches in what's been described as a compact. Is there a time limit on this compact?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker.
Not to my knowledge, not on this compact. There is a time limit on others, though. The -- I think you may be speaking to the 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 agreement that this bill requires with the Department of Natural Resources to plan for a "land management agreement" to run a State Park as it exists, which is part of this bill, as well. That kind of -- the federal law limits those kinds of agreements to seven years, but that does not mean that it cannot be renewed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator DeWitte.
Thank you. And one last question, Senator. After the original seven-year agreement, would there be anything that would preclude the Potawatomi Indians from selling this site to another party?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker.
Yes. This site is held in trust by the federal government for the nation, for the Potawatomi. Under the Nonintercourse Act, they are unable to sell it without specific congressional approval the -- that is why the original sale from underneath Chief Shabbona was illegal at the time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator DeWitte.
Good. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
I had a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Rose.
So my -- okay, I don't really have a question about the four corners of the bill, but it is related to the bill. What? Did you pass this bill in the House last week?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker.
Thank you, sir. I was in the Senate last week.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose.
No, but seriously, this could be kind of like historic or at least precedent setting, like didn't you have this exact bill in the House like, weren't you the House sponsor that passed it in the House?
Senator Walker.
I was the House sponsor of this bill and have worked on it for eighteen months. Fortunately, I was moved out of the House before it came to the Floor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose.
Okay, so you were not the House sponsor when it passed the House?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
This -- this bill, as you notice is a Senate Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose.
Got me there. While we're on this point, can I interest you in Evanston or Urbana?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Walker.
I'm not so sure how to answer that question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Villa, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I want to thank Senator Walker for his extensive efforts on this legislation. These lands are an integral piece of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's cultural heritage, spirituality and identity, which was unfairly taken from them. We have the power to address this issue. So as legislators, we have this opportunity to acknowledge our history, which includes recognizing the injustices that the indigenous communities endured in Illinois and across the country. It is time that we help restore the connection between the Prairie Band and their native land. Speaking with Chairman Rupnik and meeting Members of the tribe has been a privilege and 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 an absolute honor. It is time that we restore this connection for Prairie Band, and I strongly urge and Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Seeing no further discussion. Senator Walker, to close.
Thank you so much. Just briefly, it is time that we look at our past, we realize our shortcomings, we make amends for them. And take responsibility for, practically, fixing those problems. I urge your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 867 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? One last, have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, 7 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 867, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving along, continuing on page 5 with Senate Bill 952. Senator McConchie, on Senate Bill 952. Senator McConchie seeks leave of the Body to -- to return Senate Bill 952 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 952. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator McConchie.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McConchie, on your amendment.
I would like to adopt it and explain on 3rd, thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 952, an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McConchie, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill allows a -- the Village of Deer Park to acquire an easement on a property along Rand Road and Route 12 in Deer Park so that they can put in a water main. I don't know of any opposition would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The… -- I'm sorry, there was a late light here. Senator Morrison, apologies, I did not see the light late there. For what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Morrison.
Senator, there must be some kind of opposition or there 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 wouldn't -- wouldn't be a quick-take action. Can I just ask you a couple of questions, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McConchie. Go right ahead, Senator Morrison.
Will this water pipe be to a new source of water?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McConchie.
So, the water pipe will bring Lake Michigan water to vacant piece of land that has no access to water currently so that that can be developed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison.
So, will the source be new, though? I mean, is the source of, at Lake Michigan the same source that the Village of Deer Park currently uses?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McConchie.
Yes. And it is just extending it down the road.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison.
And I'm assuming that efforts have been made and offered to purchase the easement from the tree farm owners?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison. I mean, Senator McConchie. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
Yes, it has. And those overtures have been led to no response.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison.
Can you tell me, has Deer Park done this before?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator McConchie.
Not to my knowledge. And if they have, it's not been under the current administration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Morrison.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Senator quick-take is not something we do lightly, and especially when we have personal property that is at stake. So, I would just ask everyone to think a second or a third time about this happening in their own community. Thank you for answering my questions, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator McConchie, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a long route, Illinois 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Route 12. When IDOT expanded, they should have got -- established an easement at that point, they never did. So, that's why we're doing that in order to allow the water to be able to go to the rest of the village. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall Senate Bill 952 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? Have all voted who wish? One more time, have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, 40 -- excuse me -- 50 voting Aye, 4 voting No, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 952, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will move to page 10, working on House Bills 3rd Reading. Towards the middle of -- towards the bottom of the page we have House Bill 5151, Leader Lightford. Senator Lightford seeks leave of the Body to return Senate -- Senate Bill -- House Bill rather 5151 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5151. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 2, is a gut and replace. I'd be happy to answer questions and debate it on 3rd, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5151, an Act concerning health. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on your bill.
Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is an initiative of the Long-Term Care Omnibus -- Ombudsman's Office at the Department on Aging. It's an area that aging and the Department of Health has come together to facilitate a challenge that was happening at nursing homes. With the amendment, the bill made various changes as it relates to involuntary discharge processes for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It does three things. It prohibits involuntary termination of residency for medical reasons, and an assisted living facility or nursing home. If a hospitalized residents return to a facility would not create imminent danger to the resident or others, or if the danger can be mitigated by changes in a care plan, it allows the Department of Public Health to order readmissions of a resident's DPH deems that involuntary discharge was unlawful, and it also imposes fines for failure to comply with an order to readmit. I believe we brought 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 everyone to a consensus where it's a bill that no one loves. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5151 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Have -- House Bill 5151, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will be turning back to page 7 continuing on the -- the Order of Lightford with House Bill 2911. Senator Lightford seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2911 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2911. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd be happy to request the amendment be adopted and discuss it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Lightford. 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on your 3rd -- the 3rd amendment or rather Amendment No. 3.
On Amendment No. 3, I'd love to adopt that amendment as well, sir, and debate it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments supported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2911, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2911 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is -- is House Bill 2911. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8(d-10). The Parliamentarian of the Illinois Senate has determined that Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 2911 is technical in nature. Furthermore, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 2911 is hereby approved for consideration by the Senate. Signed by the Parliamentarian of the Illinois Senate, May 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 26th, 2024.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to have it adopted please, and discussed on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2911, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. In 2019, Illinois took a groundbreaking step by legalizing recreational marijuana. This historic move positioned Illinois as a leader in progressive drug policy reform and open new avenues for economic growth, social justice, and public health. The legalization of marijuana was a monumental achievement, but it was just the beginning of a much larger journey. While we celebrate this progress, we must also recognize that there are several 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 critical steps still needed to ensure that the benefits of legalization are fully realized and equitably distributed. With any massive piece of legislation, sometimes loopholes and unintended consequences happen, and they must be tackled at a later day. Well, today, ladies and gentlemen, is that day. This measure, House Bill 2911, tackles those issues head on to create an even better industry. It is a culmination of over three years of learning and working to make sure Illinois's cannabis industry is one that flourishes. We have ongoing conversations with residents and stakeholders, alike, to ensure our approach remains responsive and effective. Some of the highlights of the areas of this bill…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Give me one second. Everyone I know we're really excited to try to finish up our work today, but if we can please keep the conversations a little lower so that we can hear 3rd action, final action debate. Thank you. Leader, go right ahead.
Mr. President. Thank you for bringing order to the Chamber. There is fourteen provisions that this bill includes that a lot of people have really stuck their neck out for, their finances and worked really hard. I'd like to just highlight a few of those. We're looking to expand craft growers to fourteen thousand square feet. This bill creates a new Consolidated Transport Center license. It requires the Department of Agriculture to maintain a non-payment for goods or services. List of dispensing organizations that do not pay a craft grower, infuser or cultivator for the cannabis they intend to sell at their dispensary. This is similar to the non-payment list in the Liquor Control Act. It updates the medical use cultivation privilege tax section. It 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 allows medical patients to be prescribed medical cannabis via telehealth. It removes the list of excluded offenses that prohibit someone from working in a medical cannabis facility. It allows curbside pickup and drive thru windows at all dispensaries. It requires that all cannabis testing facilities be licensed. It expands the allowable HVAC equipment requirements. It allows DCEO to use a lottery system in order to award social equity grants and loans. It provides DOA and DFPR the authority to unify the employee badging system. It establishes standards, market protections against unfair business practices. It removes the labor requirement that is duplicative and burdensome in order to reduce regulatory burdens, and the final Act is various Department of Revenue tax cleanup. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I'd like to thank the sponsor for her hard work on this legislation. I think the transport centers are going to make the industry run smoother. There's some red tape that's cut out. It's going to help small businesses. And I think putting cannabis in the same category that we put alcohol and prescriptions that one can pick up through drive through windows is, I think, also a big benefit. An important point about this, though, was there was some discussion about taking away the mandate for odor proof cannabis 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 containers. And I appreciate the -- the fact that the sponsor worked with law enforcement to -- to take that out because that of course, would open us up to potentially having people run cannabis through our State and -- and cause a big issue with drug sniffing dogs as well. I'd also like to point out that this helps those that are utilizing cannabis for medicinal purposes. So overall, it's a -- it's a good bill. I look forward to voting Yes. It helps our State's economy and most importantly, the sponsor worked with law enforcement to ensure that there were no issues here from them. None of them are -- none of those groups are opposed to the legislation. So, for that, I -- I urge a Yes vote. I think this is a good bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Lightford to close.
Yes, Mr. President, I'll be quick. I just want to make mention to the fact that we did everything that we could to make sure that all parties involved were being satisfied with this, including law enforcement, cannabis regulation oversight officer, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Financial and Professional Regulations, CBAI, GTI, Chicago Normal, Secure Transport, UMI Farms, craft brewers were all in support of this legislation. I'll close with the fact that the legalization of marijuana in Illinois was a pivotal moment in our State's history, marking a significant shift towards a more just and progressive society. However, our work is not complete by focusing on social equity, public health and safety, robust regulatory frameworks, and continuous community engagement, we can build on this 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 foundation and create a model for marijuana policy that benefits all Illinoisans. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 2911 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? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, 5 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2911, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving to page 8, on the printed Calendar, is House Bill 4293. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4293 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4293. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'd like to request this motion Do Pass and happy to debate it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Lightford. 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on this amendment.
Thank you, sir. I'd like to move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford, on Floor Amendment No. 5.
I'd love to have that motion adopted as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and that amendment is also adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4293, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford, on your bill.
60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. As you can see, we adopted a number of amendments because we did all that we could do to ensure that there is public safety, that there is social equity, and that the hemp industry is able to flourish. And we tried to satisfy everyone's concerns, but we can't deny that there is parents across the State that continue to receive the call, no one wants to receive. The call that their child has consumed Delta 8 THC and is being transported to the hospital. In fact, last year there were multiple instances of school children all across the State and in the Chicago area presenting to hospitals displaying overdose symptoms from the ingestion of THC. In April of last year, there were five students at Uplift Community High School, located in the uptown neighborhood of Chicago, were hospitalized in serious and critical condition after consuming edible products purchased from a nearby retailer. The retail store marketed and sold hemp based products. In 2013, Illinois passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program (Act). In 2017, we saw a proposal for legalizing recreational cannabis that did not come to pass until 2019. We established the Illinois's CRTA (Cannabis Regulation and Tax) Act. On a parallel path, Illinois instituted the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program in 2015. Delta 9 THC concentration of not more than zero- point three percent on a dry white basis is inclusive of industrial hemp. The challenge that we're faced with today is the product of Delta 9 and the process becoming Delta 8. There has been an extensive amount of activity seen where hemp has been chemically modified in order to generate compounds which are potent THC 8 or even more potent THC-O, when compared to traditional cannabis products, THC Delta 9. These chemically modified materials are 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 readily available in gas stations, convenience stores, and are often marketed to teenagers. These products are not naturally derived, and the resulting soup has a multitude of cannabinoid- like substances, the identity of which is still not known, and as a result, the impact to the consumer is difficult to predict. We've been working really hard as a -- I -- I'll -- I guess you can call us a little committee. We've been meeting, we've been trying to find ways to make sure that we regulate the industry. What we've come up with, after all those amendments, is that the goal is to regulate hemp derived THC, commonly referred to as Delta 8. I've explained to you how the product goes from being a plant to a substance that's not a part of the (Industrial) Hemp Act, and this legislation puts them all on the footing to find a pathway to get to legalization in the cannabis space, not interrupting any of their business practices. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Tracy.
Leader Lightford, for purposes of legislative intent, I would like to ask you the following questions. Does your bill ban the sale of CDB products?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 The intent of this bill is to continue to allow the sale of CDB products such as edibles, smokable, and top topical products such as gummies, drinks, lotions, oils and any other CDB product as long as it contains naturally derived Phyto cannabinoids. The intent is not to ban CDB products.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Where can CDB/CDB products be sold?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford
CDB products can continue to be sold Statewide in any retailer. No changes will be made to the requirements to sell CDB until January 1st of 2025, when CDB products will be required to be registered with the Department of Agriculture.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
What does the registration process consist of?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
The Department will require a simple test result to ensure that the product is safe, and that the label is accurate, meets potency standards. This bill imposes basic package and labeling requirements so that the products do not appeal to children. The registration process is intended to provide retailers a method to ensure products comply with State standards. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Leader Lightford. I -- I always marvel at your ability to take very complicated, complex issues and negotiate them, and you've done so on so many areas. I wanted to stand in support of the hemp industry, which we helped create and allowed to create, six years ago. My predecessor, Senator John Sullivan, was very much an advocate for the -- allowance of hemp to be grown in Illinois as another agricultural product. I have represented growers of hemp, and I also have represented growers of cannabis. I think both industries can operate, successfully, in Illinois, within their own lanes. Cannabis is an intoxicating substance, hemp is not. And I know your intent is to keep hemp as a non- intoxicating product and I know that from what I have learned from the hemp growers that is likewise, their intent, as well. We have seen the problems of Delta 8 that emerged from the hemp industry. I don't think it, I know it wasn't foreseen on the behalf of the legislators, but I know that we all can agree it needs to be banned. It's a dangerous substance to our youth, and certainly the hemp industry welcomes regulation as we go forward. I've spoken with the Department of Agriculture that licensed the hemp growers, and they likewise believe we can find definitions that allow the hemp growers to continue with their products. For instance, ninety five percent of the grower that I have in my district, he deals in 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the flower sale of the flower product, and the point three percent regulation is a concern. They don't believe it's intoxicating. They don't want it to be intoxicating, but they fear that they may get caught up in whether it's considered intoxicating or not at this point, three percent. And I know that as we go forward, we'll continue to look at that because we all agree both of these industries need to continue in Illinois. And I know that the -- the federal farm bill will also address some of this, but again, I appreciate your work. And I just want to make sure that if we find we are damaging the hemp industry in the regulation of non- intoxicating products, that we will relook at this. There are many individuals that like and use the CDB oils and lotions. Because they are an non-intoxicating, they would not feel comfortable using the cannabis products. And so, each has its own purpose and place in the industries that they reside in. So, with that I -- I'm not sure how I'm voting on this bill. I'll wait and see how the discussion goes, but I appreciate your allowing me to talk about legislative intent and what the hemp industry and the cannabis industry mean to Illinois. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Hastings, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just one quick question to the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Hastings.
Senator Lightford, I know we discussed this previously and 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 to our -- our private meeting, but can you express some of the regulations in terms of the packaging of these products and how it would prevent deceptive practices?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I'll do so. I just want to find a spot here that I can share with you and while I'm looking for that spot, can I correct for the intent that, where can CDB products be sold? I stated, January 1st of 2025. Let the record reflect that CDB products can continue to be sold Statewide in any retailer. No changes will be made to the requirements to sell CDB until July 1st= of 2025, when CDB products will be required to be registered with the Department of Agriculture. So, July 1, 2025. Senator Hastings, to answer your question, as it relates to packaging. The packaging is identical to what's in the CRTA language that bans advertisement to children.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings.
Thank you and to the sponsor -- and I want to say thank you very much. I represent a very diverse community and this issue just is not a matter of regulatory oversight. It's a direct threat to the wellbeing of our young children. These businesses use bright packaging, appealing flavors, misleading advertising to attract young customers. They present these products as harmless, even beneficial, without disclosing the potential risks and side effects. This just isn't unethical, it's dangerous. Children and teenagers still in their developmental stages are particularly 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 susceptible to the adverse effects of these substances, which can include various health issues and this has to stop. We need stricter regulations. We need transparent labeling and robust enforcement to protect our children and we must hold these businesses accountable for their actions and ensure they can no longer prey on the innocence and vulnerability of our youth. And to the sponsor, I want to say thank you very much. This is a common complaint that I hear on a recurring basis. Very rarely would I stand up and ask a question on a bill of yours, for that matter, unless it was extreme importance to my community. I want to say thank you very much, the mothers and the fathers of young people in our community, thank you for bringing this piece of legislation forward to stop these businesses from preying on our young people. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Are there any provisions in this bill that will stop the online sales from out-of-state companies?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford.
He turned away from the mic. I heard online sales; I didn't hear the end part. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Preston.
I apologize. Are there any provisions in this legislation that will prevent the purchase of these products from online companies? Companies outside of the State of Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford.
Right. We -- we're unable to regulate outside of the State of Illinois, so we have no regulations.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Preston.
Are there -- were there any studies conducted to determine the economic impacts, particularly the job losses that could result from this legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
So there's quite a few studies, Senator. But, it's very difficult to tell because data is unavailable because the industry is unregulated.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Preston.
Does the original sponsor of this bill support this bill in its current form?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Leader Lightford.
I'm not sure who the original sponsor is Senator… Do tell.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Preston.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
This legislation is important. And as a father, I am obviously moved by the instances where there were children that were harmed by this. I don't think children should be allowed to purchase this product, in its current form. What concerns me is that this bill, is going to hurt a lot of businesses across the State of Illinois, including my own district - hemp farmers, retailers who this is their main product line. And I believe that there's an opportunity for us to move a responsible piece of legislation that responsibly regulates this. But this legislation unfortunately doesn't meet that mark. I would hope that the -- this sponsor-leader will consider taking some time and working this bill out some more, because this is going to have devastating impacts on many, many places throughout my district. Many of these storefront shops are popping up throughout the district, where they were once blighted. And -- and -- and also, there are neighboring businesses that are now popping up as a result of that, so we're seeing more economic activity in that regard. Again, as a parent, I will not fight against this, but I think this does serve an interest and that interest is the major marijuana industry 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 folks. And this does not do anything to help local businesses, it hurts small business owners. And I believe that we should not be moving, advancing this piece of legislation in its current form. I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Wilcox, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Wilcox.
Leader, in your discussions since you've spent as much time working on this bill, did you get a good feel for the status of defabrication plants in Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
Senator, I'm not exactly sure what defabrication is. Can you share that with me, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Wilcox.
So, one of the early concerns I learned from the hemp farmers was the lack of investment in de fabrication where you actually took more of the hemp plant and were able to get it into a mode where it could be used more in the textile industry. So, I -- I guess I'm a little surprised maybe, that they didn't ask for State incentives or credits for investment in the de fabrication aspect. 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 The challenge is it's not just one de fabrication plant in the State, it would have to be spread around for transportation, cost minimums. But something I hope to maybe work with you on, in the future, on behalf of the -- the business industry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
Thank you, Senator. I -- I look forward to doing so. I guess the side of it for me is always once it's developed into an amazing product, like a -- a -- a cream for pain relief, or when it's a oil or fabric for clothing that's where my familiarity sits. But I'd be happy to share that information or you teach me, I teach you, we work together and we can figure it out. Senator Toi Hutchinson and Senator Castro were the previous sponsors of the hemp legislation in 2018, but it's now become something that I enjoy doing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Collins, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Collins.
Thank you, Leader Lightford for bringing this legislation forward. As a mom myself, I do believe in strict regulations when it comes to deceptive practices. But, I have a question. When exactly does this bill take effect as far as the licensing for the retail owners? 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
Two answers to that. The retail space takes effective immediately. The licensing component is for January 1st of 2025.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Collins.
Thank you for that Leader. And doing what -- can you explain to us what that process would look like for someone who's applying for this license?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Lightford.
So first, Senator, you would have to apply to a registration first, and then the Department is going to put out rules.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Collins.
Thank you for that, Leader. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
So, I have a mixture of infusers, craft brewers, and retail owners in my district. Places like Cartiva, you name it, I have it. What the Leader said earlier about the young people, and you know them being exposed to this because of the deceptive when it, you know, the -- the packaging. I'm all for regulation. I'm all for making sure we know what's in -- what's in the products, the 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 labeling, the age, potency, all of that stuff. I think that -- I will know my district, I take tours, I've seen where in the retail shops they ID people. The labeling do not look like the ones that I see in the gas stations that are popping up in my district. I think I've been very clear about that in some of the meetings that took place over the last, maybe three weeks that I've been involved in this. I'm kind of in the middle because I'm hearing it from both sides. There are folks who feel that their businesses are going to be closed down because of the short time frame to get the license. Some have started their business with money that they save. Excuse me. Some have started their business with everything that they saved up, and they feel like they're about to lose them. But at the end of the day, I know we have to do this, it's urgent. We want to make sure we've taken our young people and all of that. But I just want to make sure that there's a fair process. The social equity piece, I hear that a lot. But even in the cannabis industry, we all know that there's still an issue there. So, what I would say is, I'm not going to be a No vote today because there are some folks who they're going to trust this process. There are some who still strongly oppose this, but I will hope that there's an opportunity to go back to the table and continue to work on this at a future date. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Leader Lightford, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, thank you for such a robust conversation. To all the speakers that spoke, I appreciate the dialog because I think this is an ongoing 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 education course for all of us, in the Chamber, as well as, the consumers and in our communities. I just want to acknowledge that the current unregulated market undermines social equity license holders who have long worked to establish a legal, well-regulated business. I'm proud of the diligent steps that were taken to protect consumers of all ages, help our cannabis industry flourish, keep the promise to our social equity communities, and not stifle reputable hemp business establishments. Effective regulations is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market. And as we move towards regulation of hemp and Delta 8 products, we must do so in a way that is equitable and provides opportunities with -- within the evolving industry. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Just a reminder for Senators to make sure your computers are -- are up and running and not idle. And with that, the question is, shall House Bill 4293 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill -- 42, excuse me -- House Bill 4293, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Working towards the bottom of page 8, we find House Bill 4621, Senator Sims. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4621, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your bill. 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
Thank you, Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate -- House Bill 4621 amends the Pretrial Services Act. Which establishes the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services as a separate department under -- of the judicial branch appointed by the Supreme Court. I know of No opposition. Would answer -- would answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 4621 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? Have all voted to wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 45 voting Yea, 12 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4621, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Kelly Fay from Lee Enterprises seeks -- request permission to audio -- to record and audio and photograph the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Moving on to page 9 with House Bill 4660 continuing on the Order of Sims. Senator Sims. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4660 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4660. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments or are there any Floor amendments -- excuse me, approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your amendment.
Mr. President, I would like to adopt the amendment and debate 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any… -- 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 -- any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4660, An Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment we just adopted, essentially, consolidated two related bills dealing with the mechanic's liens by developing duplicative language found elsewhere in the Act that addresses pre-lien notice requirements for subcontractors, clarifying that certain Sections of the Act only apply to contractors and not -- and other subcontractors. Again, know of No opposition and ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4660 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, 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 there are 56 voting Yea, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4660, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will be moving back to concurrencies, on your printed Calendar, on page 14. Continue on the Order of Sims as Senate Bill 3473. Senator Sims. Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3473. Signed by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The concurrence remove -- keeps all the provisions of the engrossed bill that passed the Senate but removes the requirement that school districts make Type 1 Diabetes materials accessible to parents and guardians of all students when they are first enrolled in school and the school handbook. Again, I know of No opposition. Will answer any questions and ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3473. 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 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 3473, and the bill is declared passed. Supplemental—-Supplemental--Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 printed and distributed. We will continue with concurrences with Senate Bill 1289. Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
I move to -- I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 2, 3, and 5 to Senate Bill 1289. Signed by Senator Fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill creates the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act, or SAFE CCS Act. Illinois is a national leader in addressing the climate crisis and moving towards cleaner sources of energy. This bill is also about meeting the moment and taking action on climate. Carbon capture and sequestration may prove to be an important piece of the climate solution, allowing us to decarbonize the hardest to decarbonize sectors, including cement, steel and fertilizer production. However, the technology also comes with serious risks to our air, water and communities, and our current State and federal regulations are not adequate to address these risks. Congress has provided significant tax incentives that have several corporations looking at disposing their carbon waste here in Illinois. Therefore, it is essential that we act today to protect our people and our environment. Without these safeguards, projects can move forward without additional protection. This bill represents a compromise between business, labor and environmental stakeholders who worked hard to find this common ground. This bill creates protections for all three parts of the CCS project. The facility with the carbon emissions are captured, the pipelines 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 used to transport the carbon, and the sequestration, well, where the carbon is injected deep into the ground. First capture to protect against increased pollution. The bill provides that the capture process cannot increase dangerous air pollution such as "NOx" and "SOx". There must also be a demonstration that the project will not exacerbate the climate crisis by adding more greenhouse gases to the air than it removes. Pipelines, pipeline developers are required to get a permit from the ICC before developing and constructing a pipeline. While the federal government enacts new rules for the safety of CO2 pipelines. We are taking a two-year pause on permitting any new pipelines. The ICC in consultation with the IEMA, will set fees for pipeline operators. These fees must be adequate to cover training exercises and equipment for first responders to assure our first responders have what they need to keep our residents safe and secure. Sequestration, the operator of a sequestration well, must obtain both a USEPA permit and an IEPA permit. No other state requires an additional state permit. Liability, liability never passes to the State. Liability for any damages also remains with the facility operator. Again, no other state has this strong of a protection. Long term protections. After the carbon injection process is completed, both the USEPA and the IEPA may issue a permit allowing the operator to close the well. IEPA will only issue the permit if the operator demonstrates that the sequestration facility will not endanger groundwater, human health, or the environment. Even after that the operator must continue to monitor the well for no less than thirty years. Again, these are the strongest protections in our country. The operator of a sequestration facility must provide financial assurances above and beyond what's required by the USEPA 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 for remedial action, emergency action planning, closure, soil gas monitoring and surface air monitoring. Again, the strongest protections in the nation. If the sequestration operator goes bankrupt or ceases doing business, we will have a long-term trust fund supported by fees on sequestration. Again, this is the strongest financial requirement in the nation. Labor, this bill provides a large incentive for sequestration operators to use the union labor we have here in Illinois. Sequestration fees for operator using a PLA are half of those operators not using a PLA will have. As you may know, a PLA must include provisions for minorities and women, including goals for apprenticeship, hours to be performed by underrepresented women and minorities. Again, this bill has some of the strongest protections for CCS in the country and key safeguards at each stage of capture, transport, storage stages of the process. I'm here to answer any questions that you may have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
I want to thank the sponsor and for all those who have been involved in the negotiations on this. This is not a perfect bill, but it is a very good bill. And it - the key word here is compromise. It allows for industry interests to move forward with a process by which they can utilize carbon capture and 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 sequestration. It protects the environment. It protects labor interests. We need to have the federal government weigh in with rules, as to how, the nation is going to really regulate this. But I think that this is, you know, we shouldn't see this as the end of a process, but really the beginning of a process. Illinois is uniquely situated in a geological formation where carbon capture and sequestration is possible. Other states don't have that. I again commend the sponsor for bringing this bill forward and having the compromise that you have. And I would encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Bennett.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicate she will yield.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator Fine, Senator Cunningham, and many others that have been involved with the challenging effort and it truly has been a challenging effort, in many ways around carbon capture, carbon sequestration, and I guess I could say all things carbon dioxide. Is that fair? Probably in a lot of ways. I appreciate the Governor's desire to move things forward. Senator, if I may, a couple of things here and then I have a question for you. Okay. There's a company, in my district, that is actively working on a project to install equipment to capture and sequester carbon near their site in a small town called Gibson City, Illinois. One Earth Energy is a larger or a large employer in our 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 area, and farmers bring their corn to the facility to be made into ethanol. In fact, one third of all corn produced, in Illinois, today, goes to ethanol plants here in Illinois. The carbon capture and storage project will allow the plant to make very low carbon intensity ethanol that will help open up new markets for their product, improve the environment, and improve our local agricultural economy. They will be impacted by the pipeline moratorium in this bill. They've worked on this for almost 6 years. They have worked with Prairie Research Institute, which that name may ring a bell. They made a study, a couple of years ago, through the University of Illinois and also through the General Assembly and this is a document that we have now. And there's all kinds of great science in this booklet that they're talking about, right now. Along with that, they have brought in geologists, PHD's. They brought in huge equipment to determine what kind of rock is below, worked with industry leaders like ADM and others to understand the operation, and they focused on safety, applied for Class 6 class license and much more. They spent over forty-one million dollars for equipment to do this carbon capture. And really, they've done everything they've been asked to do and beyond. And, now, over five-hundred thousand dollars; that's with five zeros, right. Five-hundred thousand, have been spent on attorneys and witnesses for the application that is now before the ICC. Senator Fine, if this bill passes post pipeline moratorium, right; that's what we see coming. Do we know how the ICC will address a reapplication from a company like One Earth (Energy)?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Thank you, Senator Bennett for that question. I'm familiar with the situation that One Earth Energy is currently facing. You are correct. It is my understanding, that under this bill, the company will need to reapply before the ICC. I believe they currently have a nearly complete application, and the ICC is familiar with the situation. With the new clearly defined rules in the bill, I believe the ICC will have more clarity on the issue and have all things they will need to act upon these applications in a timely manner taking full account of safety.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bennett.
Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator Fine. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Mr. President, there are things I truly struggle with on this bill. But I support this bill for a number of reasons after talking with ethanol folks in my district. Because, one, carbon capture technology is an important technology to help the State reach emission reduction goals, provides a framework for CCS to move forward in the State of Illinois, and CCS is an interdependent technology for next generation technologies like sustainable aviation fuel, and that is a key to the future. Carbon storage is needed to make aviation fuel happen. Number three addresses safety and landowner rights that you just mentioned, putting in added regulations and processes and while there is further than the industry wanted to go, contains a moratorium on pipelines until 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 federal rules are updated. Number four, brings all parties together in the conversations that have really happened in all kinds of ways here in the last few weeks. Environment -- environmental folks were involved, the Illinois EPA, the Illinois DNR, EMA, and Homeland Security, along with funding to educate the public. It will help with economic development, jobs, property tax, income from landowners, preserves corn demand for farmers and ethanol plants. I appreciate everyone's efforts on this. This is not done, but it's an important step going forward. I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Halpin.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Senator, I appreciate you bringing this bill. And I support verily nearly all of what's included here, but I do want to make sure to reiterate the -- and bring to the Body's attention a significant lingering issue, in the bill, related to eminent domain. And I'm not a Senator that votes against any exercise of eminent domain. There are clearly times when the public good requires private property for public use, but in exchange for just compensation to the landowner. It should be used rarely and with as limited impact to private landowners as possible. And just compensation, should mean what we all would say it means - a fair market value. But in this bill, there's a significant issue where some landowners could not receive just compensation. As written, 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the entity seeking a permit to conduct carbon capture and to acquire rights to subterranean pore space, which is the space that the carbon is injected into, they have the opportunity to contract with what are termed consenting landowners. So, if you agree by permission and work out a deal with the company, enter into a voluntary agreement, to let them inject the carbon into the pore space under their land. The company can offer these landowners annual payments for a certain length of time. But realistically, many landowners will agree to accept a payment up front, a onetime lump sum. Rather than rely on those payments over a certain period of time. If a landowner has poor space underground but does not want to accept those companies initial offers and doesn't want to voluntarily enter an agreement, the company does have a process that they will involuntarily take the use of that pore space and supposed to be in exchange for just compensation. But here's the problem, the language is written for a non-consenting landowner. Just compensation is calculated by averaging the amount of payments made to consenting landowners in the previous year after injection. And let me repeat, it does not include any upfront payments that are made to consenting landowners. I appreciate the amendment that was made to this particular language, and I think it does make it better and makes a better argument for making sure that the non- consenting landowners have. Fair market value, but it's not sufficient. So, you could take a simple situation where ten landowners have poor spaces that are going to be affected, nine of those enter an agreement where they receive all their payment up front prior to injection. They agree to forego any later annual payments -- but the last landowner holds out, he wants to be fairly compensated, he wants to have a hearing to try to determine how 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 much that pore space is worth. Potentially, with this bill, that landowners just compensation could be zero, because the average of payments post injection, is zero. Even, if, the consenting landowners take both an upfront payment and payment over the years, that compensation to the non-consenting landowner will be drastically lower than what the consenting landowners receive, and that's contrary to what the Constitution requires. This regulatory scheme puts intense pressure on affected landowners to become consenting so they don't get left holding the bag. The corporations and companies that are performing this carbon injection know this, and they'll be able to undervalue those upfront payments for pore space rights. As landowners, play a -- a -- a prisoner's dilemma, so that they're not the left being the only one that gets the low payments. So, right now, in the absence of willing -- willingness to file an amendment that would -- that would clarify it, I'm going to vote No on this bill and make sure that this issue is kept in the forefront, as this process goes on. But I do hope that the sponsor and the other advocates for this bill will take another look at this, try again, and make sure that all landowners are protected in the process. I appreciate your time. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Rose.
To the bill, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
First of all, difficult to follow the last speaker. He's 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 exactly right, this is a taking, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. When you force a landowner to an impossible position where they either have to accept less than what they would have otherwise accepted or get zero, that's a taking. It's unconstitutional on its face. Eminent domain was a necessary evil that our constitutional founding fathers put into the Constitution. But under two circumstances only, one a public use and two fair compensation. When you are telling someone that they are forced to take less than fair market value, and by the way let's define that for a moment. Fair market value is what a willing seller is willing to sell, and a willing buyer is willing to buy. That's fair market value. And when you're telling a landowner that they're forced to take less than they would have otherwise asked. You do not meet in any way, shape, or form that second prong of the test for eminent domain. There is no fair value. This is a taking. It'll be interesting after all this debate and after all these hours of work, and this goes to federal court and is blown out, on a simple first year law school property law question. But I want to pivot here to something else in this bill. And it's unique, it's unique to central Illinois, but it's unique to the five-hundred thousand people who get their drinking water from the Mahomet Aquifer every day from Havana to the Indiana State line, up and around Peoria, Tazewell County snakes back down through Piatt, Logan over to Champaign up into Vermilion five-hundred thousand people every day. Now that's on a good day, in the summer when it's hot and we're in a drought and Decatur turns on their water wells, they start piping in water from the Mahomet. On a hot day in the summer, you get up to seven-hundred and fifty, seven- seven-hundred fifty thousand people getting their water from the 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Mahomet Aquifer. Why do I bring that up? Well, here's why. There was a bipartisan letter signed by a dozen Members of the House and the Senate Republicans/Democrats all from basically central Illinois saying, "Protect our water, do not allow injection, do not allow storage in, around, under the Mahomet". Okay. Y'all want to know why I get so upset about this? Because about seven, eight years ago, People's Gas, that stores natural gas in the Mahomet and northwest Champaign County had a leak. And their little leak, which by the way, they failed to tell anybody about, their little leak, to this day, has poisoned the water of the Mahomet Aquifer, to this day! I call the Eisenman's this morning, they're on their way to church. "Derric, how's it going over there? Haven't been able to drink your water for eight years". He says, "Well, when the machine works, which by the way, "what's the machine?" It's this filter thing that's about the size of a mini garage they got to install on your property. "When the machine works, maybe the gas goes away, but what I really can't stand is the brine." "Tell me about the brine, Derric". "The brine water they insert as part of the injection process and the reclamation process. It's not just they sprung a leak of natural gas; they poison the aquifer with brine solution/saline solution that eats away everything. Which, by the way, is probably why the pipes burst in the first place. Because the brine actually ate away, corroded away the metal casings that were injecting the methane. And next thing you know, you've got methane, natural gas, plus brine all over people's drinking water." He goes on to say, "You know, my neighbor down the street, his machine isn't working right now because the brine ate away the pumps. The pumps are ten thousand dollars apiece, give or take". Now, in a minute, I'm sure the sponsor, who's a 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 very nice person and none of this is aimed at her personally. But in a minute, I'm sure the sponsor is going to read you the litany of all the agencies that are supposed to protect us. All right. All those agencies who didn't do squat in the first place when People's Gas had their leak. Illinois EPA, nowhere to be found. You know, does anybody like, I don't do this stuff for a living as a lawyer, but is there a problem when a State Senator calls up the Illinois EPA and says, "Hey, what's this thing going on here, that I just found out about, that no one told us about?" "Well, what do you mean? We didn't think there was a problem?" "You mean leaking methane gas into the water supply, which ultimately vents to the air, is neither a violation of the Clean Water Act nor the Clean Air Act? Oh. Oh! says the EPA". DNR nowhere to be found and then come all the lawyers. Here come the lawyers, we're going to get tough. We're going to get tough. Well Mr. Kwame, our Attorney General, he settles his suit, recouping money for the State of Illinois, for the EPA, for DNR. He gets his check for the University of Illinois for their consulting fees. And you know what he didn't do? He didn't get these people potable water. He got them bottled water, bottled water for as long as they live in the home. Isn't that nice? Every Tuesday you can take the day off work to meet the water man and hope they're not an hour late. Wow! Oh, and the thing the size of a shed in your backyard that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't work and still to this day, doesn't solve the brine problem, which is corroding the pipes of these people's homes. He's just amazing. He's like, he's like, "I've never seen a mold problem like this before. Because when you try to shower, it just eats away everything in our bathroom from the noxious toxic brine water". Oh, by the way, I'm sorry, I also 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 forgot to mention that Kwame did get them a lifetime supply of carbon monoxide detectors, so they don't die in their own homes! This isn't funny! This is not funny! The Eisenman's have been living like this for over half a decade now. Where's Governor Pritzker? Oh, we all voted on a budget five years ago to bring water from Mahomet from the Sangamon Valley Public Water district, up Route 47 to get these people water. He still hasn't funded it. I voted for that stupid bill to get these people clean water, and six damn years later they don't have their water. And next year comes along again, regional capital. Well, we don't have enough regional capital to do the whole project. So, let's do phase one and at least get the Eisenman's their water. That's not funded either! So, I don't want to hear a damn thing from anybody about cleaning up the (explicit language) environment! I'm sorry and I apologize, and I shouldn't have said that, but I don't want to hear a damn thing from anybody about cleaning up the environment when these people can't drink their water. All we asked, bipartisan letter was to protect the aquifer, don't allow injection and storage over the aquifer. I apologize to the Body for my comment a minute ago, it was out of line. But if you put yourselves in these people's home -- Jodi Eisenman who's taking her kids to her in-law's house to take showers, for years! Where is everybody? Where's the government that's supposed to be here to help? We're here from the -- we're here to help. Kwame didn't help. Pritzker's had the ability to help for the last four years, he's never sent the money. And here we are again, call me crazy, I don't believe anybody from the government that's going to tell us, "It'll be okay, we'll take care of it". And I apologize for what I said a minute ago, I truly do. Thank you, Mr. President. 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Bryant.
Thank you, Mr. President. The two previous speakers made excellent points. And I want to take a breath for just a moment because the things that previous speaker said were very passionate and -- and worthy of all of us really taking heart too. To this bill and in this case, we had a lot of questions about whether sequestration was safe. The Prairie State Institute completed a very long study that clearly showed us that we can do this safely. And, in concept, I support what the bill is -- what this bill is trying to accomplish. It was my hope, of course, and the House mentioned it, as well, when they debated this, that the Republicans would have been at the table. Because I think there are a whole lot of us that would really like to support this, would have been talking about the fact that we're very concerned because of CIJA that we are really going to be lacking in the ability to have enough energy to support our people when Prairie State Energy is forced to close if they're not able to sequester. And so, it was my hope that we would be able to find a way that we could extend the life of that facility by using sequestration. However, what we've found in this is because we weren't at the table and many of the people that this is going to greatly affect were not at the table. Their voices were not clearly heard. Now to the credit of the sponsor of this bill, who's been very good to work with over the last few days. She and I have had some wonderful conversations. She's been very receptive to the concerns that have been mentioned, and I believe that she sincerely intends to do some work on this through the summer, and I want to applaud the sponsor for that. 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 So, I have just a couple of requests in this. First, I do not believe that previous Senator who asked a question in regard to One Earth had -- was -- I'm not sure that he actually posed the question. So, I would like to make sure that this gets answered. That company, as I understand it, and this is a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates she'll yield.
Thank you. They have invested nearly; I think it's four- hundred-million dollars in their application towards this process. They now have to start all over again. I believe we were looking for the ICC to answer the question of whether that money that they have set aside will be allowed to be used or refunded to them since by no fault of their own, this process has stopped. Will they get to have that money refunded to them or used in the permitting process going forward?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
I understand the issue you're addressing, and I'll have to ask the ICC to get the final answer on the -- the funding for it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.
So, to be clear, you -- you at this -- right now, you do not have an answer to whether that money is -- whether they're just going to lose that money?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Senator Fine.
It will be dismissed without prejudice. So, they can reapply. But I don't know what funding has been transmitted from one to the other, so I don't know how to properly respond to that part of the question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.
Okay. So, then let -- let me move on then. One of the opponents of this bill is the Illinois Farm Bureau. And Farm Bureau has been working on the issue that was mentioned by two previous speakers, which is -- I think the terminology that's being kind of bandied around other than eminent domain, which I think it is an eminent domain issue but there's some other terminology -- terminology that's being used. Farm Bureau has proposed some language that would fix their concerns in regard to how just compensation is made. And for the record, I would like to read not the not the full measure of that change but the really the substance of it. And this would be addressed in paragraph 4 on page 9 of Senate Bill 1289. And the language would read "such compensation shall be no less than the average total payment package considered as a whole with respect to an individual owner provided to similarly situated consenting poor space owners, and delete reference to the three-hundred and sixty-five day limitation. From our previous conversations, I believed you to say that this language will be viewed this summer and possibly could be brought back in a trailer bill. Would you just -- put that on the record please. 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
Absolutely. So, I've spoken with Representative Williams, who carried the bill in the House, and we agreed to have further conversations on this piece of the legislation. We want to make sure that every property owner is properly compensated, and that is our goal.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.
Thank you, Mr. President, and I look forward to those negotiations. I would respectfully request that Republicans be given a seat at the table, in these summer negotiations, we would covet the opportunity to be there and would be willing participants in those conversations. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Tracy.
Thank you, Mr. President. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicate she'll yield.
Thank -- thank you, Senator Fine. I, likewise, am concerned about the property rights that was very well outlined by Senator Halpin and previous speakers. And I -- I was going to ask again, as you said last night in committee, that you would continue negotiations with Farm Bureau to try to address the fair compensation and I think that's been answered. The -- the other 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 thing that was asked during committee was about the Mahomet Aquifer. And we asked several times as to why we didn't just put in the bill that the Mahomet Aquifer would not be drilled into and that it would not be affected by any core drilling. So, my question is -- after that, I -- I had concern that maybe the answers not given by you but some of the witnesses were a bit evasive. And it makes me wonder if they're evasive because there's lack of willingness to give us that assurance. And -- and so, I'd like you to -- to speak to that, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
Absolutely. It would have been my preference to have setbacks from the aquifer. But in this compromise, we were not able to reach that goal. However, as a result of that, we will have some of the most stringent protections that we could possibly have in the drilling space and with the monitoring. In the bill, it outlines the technology that needs to be used to test the water, air, and soil before, during, and after the well is capped. And for thirty years, that monitoring needs to continue to make sure that the water, the environment and people's health is safe from any issues with that drilling.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Tracy.
Thank you for that answer. And to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 I -- I know the -- the sponsor to be a very reputable and hardworking Senator, and I -- I believe her, that she will work on this this summer to address the concerns of property rights and work with the stakeholders of property rights, Farm Bureau and -- and hopefully have a Republican legislators at the table on that. I am very concerned as to why we do not specifically mention, not touching the Mahomet Aquifer in this legislation. But I -- I -- I -- I know that this is important legislation for our State. Our State's uniquely situated for this type of sequestration, and it allows businesses to continue in this State and sequester their output of carbon dioxide. And, but it's -- there's still some issues that remain, with complicated bills there always are and so, I -- I trust that this Body will continue to work on those and find the best solutions. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Sally Turner.
Thank you, Mr. President. Question for the sponsor first.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates she will yield.
Thank you, Senator. And thanks for your hard work on -- on this whole project. I have a few questions, if you don't mind. Well this process bring CO2 from other states and sequester that into ours?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
It is possible. 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Hundreds of people, I don't know if you're familiar with, but we've had public hearings throughout central Illinois, and literally there were hundreds of people here in Sangamon County that came to the different public hearings in Sangamon, Logan, and Tazewell. And they all reiterated the same questions. And one of those would be, "What benefit do the counties get for allowing the pipeline to go through?" Such as, with wind and solar there's a benefit because there's increased DAV. So, what benefits would counties get?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
I believe it would be the jobs that these provide.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Is there any guarantee that those jobs were from Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
There's also money coming for emergency responders within the legislation. It's written that they will have money for training both fire, hospitals to make sure that they have the equipment they need. And within the bill also, it breaks down how much of the money will go towards that training and that will go towards that, that county, that area to make sure that they have 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the proper supplies and training they need in case of emergency.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
So, those are taxing bodies that we're helping to give them money so that they can do the things that they need to do, but there's no increased DAV or anything to that -- that nature, such as wind and solar does for our counties.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
Not right now, but further discussions will happen over the summer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Just to another subject area, if you don't mind, Senator Fine. What reassurances do our citizens in Logan and Tazewell counties, which I represent, have to prevent pollution or the problems created to the Mahomet Aquifer that provides a water to our entire area? What reassurances do we have?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
The legislation has "do no harm" language, so there can be no additional pollution that is emitted from this process when it comes to the Mahomet Aquifer. That's something that we all need to be responsible for. Like one of the previous speakers mentioned, five hundred thousand people in fourteen counties rely on this 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 aquifer for their safe, drinkable water. Within this legislation, again we have very, very stringent protections on monitoring to make sure that that water is safe. The monitoring technologies include direct measurements such as deep formation pressure and saturation measurements in order to calibrate the models of the reservoir above zoning monitoring wells to measure any pressure changes above the caprock and groundwater baseline characterization and repeat sampling to ensure no impacts from the deep operations, and indirect measurements such as repeat geophysical surveys from the surface to track CO2 movement over time. This comprehensive suite of multiple overlapping monitoring technologies is designed to detect any issues as early and deep as possible, allowing rapid intervention before any escalation -- any escalation can occur.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Two things. First one is, who would be monitoring that and who would they be reporting it to immediately?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
They would -- It would be the company's monitoring, and they would be reporting to both the USEPA and the Illinois EPA.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
And so, would those companies be open to any -- the public would know what that testing is so that the -- the cities and the 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 counties and the areas in that -- the folks in that area would know that there is no pollution admitted?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
Yes. The EPA would be publishing reports.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Thank you. One other thing I wanted to ask was Senator Doris Turner, and I just did a Soybean Bill. And the Soybean industry is opposed to this. What is it that they're -- why are they opposed?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
I believe part of their opposition has to do with proper compensation for landowners.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
The other thing I wanted to mention is that, regarding mitigations. So, when it comes to wind and solar, you have to -- you have to remember that Logan and Tazewell and northern McLean County have been inundated with solar and wind. So, when they look at this situation, they see more -- more travels to their -- to their property and more ways that it can upset their land, especially farmers. So, they have to sue the company in circuit court in order to -- if their drainage isn't correct or fixed correctly or you know, as Senator Joyce knows, there's many things 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 that have to do with farmers and how they egress into their farm. So, is this the same type of mitigation they would have, is only that they would have to proceed with a lawsuit, if something were wrong?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
I believe so, however, they have to have notice before anybody can even enter their land. I believe it's thirty-day notice, even by mail, to make sure that the property owner knows that they're going to be coming on their land.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
So, when they do and they -- they create whatever work it is that they have and say they damage a -- a tile. And that farmer starts getting flooded in their field. That farmer is going to be out, perhaps a crop they can't plant, or maybe they can't harvest it. What is their recourse?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
It is through the court system, and they would be able to receive damages and attorney's fees.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Turner.
Thank you for the answers to your questions. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 To the bill.
So, regarding what we just discussed in circuit court, sometimes that might take years to get that finished. So, that farmer is going to be out crop or availability to get into his field and I think that's a really big problem. The other thing I want to mention is, put yourself and your family in those areas where you have this pipeline coming through, and think about it every day when you leave your kids during the summer, and something would happen to you in that -- in that area in which you live. There's probably an emergency waiting to happen, and that's something that's really scary and I think that's something we all need to think about as parents and grandparents. So, thank you for your time and I appreciate the answers to your questions. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) We have two speakers left. Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Thank you. I appreciate all of my colleagues speaking before me, and I do agree with the concerns that they've brought up. Clearly, the Farm Bureau has concerns about this bill. And because agriculture is our number one economy in the State, they should have an important seat at the table. So, Senator Fine, I appreciate your word that you will work -- you've heard their concerns here today and during the committee. I appreciate that you are going to 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 work with the Farm Bureau this summer to alleviate their concerns. In order to -- in order to get our goal of reducing carbon to zero by the year 2045. All reports have said that carbon capture and sequestration has to be part of the mix. And -- I appreciate the two year negotiation between everybody at the table. Well, except for Republicans but the Governor's Office at the table, the manufacturers at the table, the jobs coalition at the table, and the environmentalists at the table, who, by the way, several years ago were adamantly opposed to this kind of technology. If we did not have this kind of technology in order to get to our goal of reducing carbon to zero by the year of 2045 with coal plants and other plants going off prematurely in order to backfill that power. In theory, we would have to build many transmission lines through the State of Illinois to move the power, the wind and solar, especially the wind from Iowa into our grid system to help keep the reliability that we are talking about, because we are concerned about the reliability as well, especially in southern Illinois. Currently, what hasn't been talked about here today is companies. There are companies, currently, on their own property can do this and are doing this. There are two companies in the State of Illinois that currently are building out, have applied for, received their Class VI permit from the federal government, which is very, very difficult, by the way, to receive. And our investing in carbon capture and sequestration right on their property, they can do that with no regulations, with no bill, they can do that. Now, lucky for us, these two companies do care about the economy. They have the best experts that are working on this project to help them make sure that what they do, that they do to the highest standard to protect against all of the concerns that we've heard 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 -- heard here today, and they're all valid concerns on this side. I agree with everybody on this side. However, if we do not pass anything here today, let's think about this, there are companies right now that are coming into our State that are buying up land, not for the land. They're buying up land for the pore space. This has become a very, very big commodity. The companies that are looking to buy up land, to use the pore space may not be of the caliber of the two companies that are currently here. Investing, working with the best talent, working with the best experts, investing in carbon capture and sequestration on their property. That's why we do need a bill that helps to regulate and protect us. So it gives a signal to the companies, if you're ready to invest and you're spending hundreds of millions of dollars, whatever it is, to invest in carbon capture and sequestration, here's your roadmap, but also provides a safety plan for safety. The second thing that hasn't been talked about here today is that the -- the law, legislation, law before this bill has been silent on who owns the pore space. So, the pore space is thousands of feet below surface. So, currently we know if you are a farmer and you buy your land, you own this land. It's X amount of acres, and currently we know you also own the mineral rights a couple hundred feet below your farm. However, the language -- there's no language, it's silent on who owns the pore space and that has always been a problem here. And when we talk about liability, which is again, I appreciate all the comments I heard today. When you talk about liability, you have to start with who owns the pore space, right? That's what this bill does. It defines who owns the pore space. Now, we also talk about reliability a little bit, and it's important to note that in order to keep Prairie State Online 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 producing power, especially for southern Illinois who needs reliable power. We all know every summer we're praying that we don't have a brownout in southern Illinois because of the lack of power. This keeps Prairie State online because we're able to capture the carbon. If not, we would -- Prairie State would have to prematurely close, in my opinion, if we did not have this tool. So, in closing, first of all, I -- I'd like to thank everybody that's been at the table for two years on this. It is not a perfect bill, but to see the amount of people who have always been very adamantly opposed about this topic at the table, negotiating this bill to give a roadmap and better, you know, better information to help protect people, to help provide reliability for our grid system, and also, to make sure that we know who owns the pore space, is in this bill. So, because of that, I rise in opposition or in support of the bill. I rise in support of the bill and also look forward to having the -- the sponsor work with the Farm Bureau this summer to alleviate their concerns as well, because all of these projects we just talked about, and it's not only carbon capture, but it's the wind and the solar, and all of these different projects are impacting our farmers. They need a seat at the table so we can -- and they're reasonable to deal with so we can make sure that we're alleviating and answering their concerns. Thank you, Madam -- Madam Sponsor, I ask for a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) We still have two speakers. Senator McClure.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill. 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
Thank you. I feel the need to speak on this, I've gone through so many speakers, they've raised great points but I did file last year a two-year moratorium on CO2 pipelines. I know some of that's in this legislation. This moratorium, so I do appreciate that being in the bill. But when I filed that, it was all about my constituents and lots of the major groups, some of which have now jumped on board to support this, we're all in opposition to my legislation. So, I do commend the sponsor for at least getting some of those folks on board for that aspect, because of that. But I filed it not because of these groups, but I filed this because of my constituents. And we have had public meetings, some of which are the biggest public meetings I've ever seen anyone attend anywhere in the district over political topic. And these people are fired up on this -- this issue. And when they try to put in a major pipeline project in this area, something like ninety-three or ninety-four percent of all the landowners said no. And so, you've got to get down to what the people want. And a lot of these folks are farmers, these farmers know that if these projects move forward, this will probably be a great benefit financially to them for that. But the fact that despite the financial gains, they were still in opposition to this project, that should tell you something. And it was raised by a previous speaker, but the protections for these individual landowners are just not there. They're just not there. And when you've got a for-profit company coming in to take or use the land of a private citizen, and that citizen does not want their land to be used or taken, that's a real problem. And fundamentally, we are a country of rights and individual rights and individual property rights. Unfortunately, 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the protections are not there to protect those rights for the folks in this area. So, for that reason, I do commend the sponsor for good aspects of this legislation. But because, you know, I'm here for my constituents, to protect them. And this bill, unfortunately, does not do enough to protect them and for that reason, I -- I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Other speakers appeared. Senator Ventura.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
While I recognize the hard work that the sponsor has put in on this bill, there are some really good parts about this bill. Banning enhanced oil recovery is definitely one of those good parts about this bill. The moratorium is a good part of this bill. I have to agree with some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, though that this is dangerous to Illinoisans. The safety implications while I know the sponsor has worked very hard on trying to regulate and provide as much safety as possible, the reality is, if one of these CO2 pipelines explodes within miles of that location, the oxygen will be sucked out as CO2 goes flowing into the area. Cutting out oxygen means a combustion engine vehicle cannot enter that area, and the CO2 would remain in that area for longer than ten minutes. Your brain without oxygen ceases to function after seven minutes. So, we cannot get emergency vehicles into an area that could help save people's lives in an area that this is very dangerous, if we're running this through communities, 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 residential areas, farmland. We need to know what the possibilities of these explosions are, and they're very detrimental. So, I don't want to undermine the safety. I do recognize the sponsor has put dollars towards this, the safety mechanisms, the training, and I appreciate that. But I don't want people to misunderstand what CCS is. And I would -- I have to say that this is greenwashing. So did for my colleagues to say that environmentalists suddenly support CCS, I don't think that is a correct statement. I think that they are concerned that without this regulation, it could be even worse, and that by providing these strictest regulations in the -- across the country, could help us dial back some of that danger. However, I am also concerned about the eminent domain piece. Initially, when this was being discussed, that was on the table that we were going to stop eminent domain from -- from being used to acquire land for this. So, I hope that that part will go back to the drawing board and that they can look at that again, because I think that there are families and farmers who would not want their land to be taken, and if they are in that twenty-five percent saying no, but not enough of their land is -- if seventy-five percent say yes, then they're forced to have their land taken. And I think that's very problematic. So, because there are good aspects of this bill, but also some negative aspects, I am voting present, but I would consider each of our colleagues to think long and hard about this vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) And our final speaker, Senator Cunningham.
Thank you. Mr. -- Mr. President, I have some questions for the Sponsor. 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates she will yield.
Thank you. Senator Fine, these questions are being asked for the purpose of establishing legislative intent. What is the intent of the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
The bill is intended to promote the expansion of CCS in Illinois. Our State's unique geology and work have positioned it as a pioneer in the underground sequestration of carbon dioxide, or CCS. This technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help attain the State's climate objectives, and support economic development. Passage of this legislation will enable the continuation of CCS, address the State's ability to regulate the practice, safeguard landowner rights, and address community concerns, including safety and environmental justice. The bill is consistent with the recommendation in the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute's report, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage in Illinois from 2022.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
I understand that an existing carbon sequestration activity with valid Class VI well permits issued by the United States EPA or sequestration operator whose Class VI permit application is received, a completeness review from the USEPA prior to January 1st, 2023, and whose sequestration activity will occur on a 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 continuous property with common ownership where CO2 is generated and captured, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a sequestration permit from the Illinois EPA. Is this correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
Yes, that is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
The bill contains four new funds. I understand that the funding sources for money is deposited, and the funds are for the fees created by the Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
Yes, that is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
The bill states that nonconsenting pore space owners will be compensated if the Department of Natural Resources integrates their pore space. I understand that the compensation is compromise -- comprised of the average total payment package provided in agreements to similarly situated consenting pore space owners during the previous three-hundred and sixty-five days.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Yes, that is correct. The Department of Natural Resources will determine the appropriate compensation for each owner, which shall be no less than the average total payment package provided similarly situated owners.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
Does this bill affect any transitions and transactions, including pore space purchases, easements, or leases entered into before the bill becomes effective?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
No. Nothing in this Act affects transactions completed before the date of enactment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
If any entity that owns and or operates a carbon dioxide capture project contracts with a third party to sequester carbon dioxide produced by the Carbon Dioxide Capture -- Capture Project is the entity that owns and or operates the Carbon Dioxide Capture Project or any entity that owns and or operates the facility, which supplies carbon dioxide to the carbon dioxide capture project, liable for damages attributable to the sequestration activity at the sequestration facility, including damage caused by carbon dioxide or other fluids released from the sequestration facility.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine. 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
No, the third party entity that owns and or operates the sequestration facility and or performs the sequestration activity will be liable for all damages attributable to the sequestration activity at the sequestration facility, including damage caused by carbon dioxide or other fluids released from the sequestration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
There is a company that is actively working on a project to install equipment to capture and sequestration carbon near a site in Gibson City, Illinois. One Earth Energy is a large employer in the area, and farmers bring their corn to the facilities to be made into ethanol. They will be impacted by the pipeline moratorium in this bill. They have put months of time and lots of money into their permit application currently before the ICC. If the bill passes post pipeline moratorium, do we know how the ICC will address a reapplication from a company like One Earth?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine.
You are correct. It's my understanding that under this bill, the company will need to reapply before the ICC. I believe they currently have a nearly complete application, and the ICC is familiar with the situation. With the new, clearly defined rules in the bill, I believe the ICC will have more clarity on the issue now and have all the things they will need to act upon these applications in a timely manner, particularly One Earth's application. 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to start out by pointing out that carbon capture sequestration is happening right now in the State of Illinois. There is a belief that it is going to grow because of the federal incentives that the sponsor mentioned earlier that are in place right now. So -- so this is happening right now. Back last year, last spring, two bills were offered in recognition of this; one primarily supported by the industry, the other primarily supported by environmentalist groups who were largely against the practice. Both those bills were held in -- negotiations were held starting last fall. I want to give credit to the Deputy Governor, Bria Scudder and her Deputy Shareese Pryor, for the work they did, bringing a group together for literally months of negotiations over this bill. And we have -- the Senator's presenting a massive regulatory package here. At any time you have a bill negotiation like this with so many interested groups on such a complicated piece of legislation, nobody comes out of it happy, at least one hundred percent happy. And that is certainly the case here. There are elements of this bill that the industry does not like. There are elements of this bill that the environmentalists don't like. But the fact of the matter is, we have put in place the safest and most restrictive, regulatory regime in the country when it comes to carbon capture. And because 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 of that and the recognition that this -- because of those restrictions and because of the recognition of how badly this is needed, virtually every business group in this State is for this bill and virtually every environmentalist group in this State is for this bill, organized labor is for this bill. These are issues, particularly when we're talking about the environment where these groups do not get together. That has happened on this bill. So, I think we can do a lot of nitpicking and we've heard some of that today here in the debate. But I think this is really a major accomplishment. Not only is it going to take carbon out of our atmosphere, something that is very important, it is going to provide for economic opportunity for the State of Illinois. Our State is uniquely positioned due to geological formations a mile -- a mile and a half below the ground we're standing on. That put us in a position to not only benefit from this environmentally, but to benefit from it economically. This is an outstanding effort to split that difference and make sure we encourage economic development while protecting our environment. I want to thank Senator Fine for all the work she has done on this. People have alluded to how open she has been for -- to -- to suggestions. She has agreed to continue to work on this. This is a -- a really good piece of legislation. I think everyone who worked on it should be proud of. And I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Fine, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I would like to thank Leader Cunningham for all of the work, time and effort you put into this legislation and for our incredible staffer Mary Hanahan who 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 disappeared for all of her time, effort, knowledge, and willingness to really delve deep into this issue. I would also like to thank our partners in the House, Representative Williams and Hoffman in the Governor's Office, Deputy Governor Bria Scudder, Shareese Pryor and JC Kibby. The Clean Jobs Act Coalition, including the Illinois Environmental Council and the Sierra Club, our industry partners and our friends in organized labor. I also want to thank everybody on the Floor of this Body today for the very robust debate. This is an issue that we should not take lightly, and I know I don't take lightly. And I was one of those people who when this issue first came up last January, I was a complete No on this issue. Many people have asked me, "why did I sponsor this legislation?" I'm the Chair of the Green Caucus. I'm the Vice Chair of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus that protects our great lakes and our water. Why would I want to be a sponsor on this bill? And the reason is because the environment is at stake. If we do nothing, we don't know what will happen. But because of the fact that the environmentalists were at the table, the environment and water are top priorities, not only in this bill but in the State. Carbon capture and sequestration is going to happen with or without us. With this bill, we have a chance to make sure that we have the strongest protections in place throughout this entire country. We can protect our earth, our water, and our environment. Without this bill, we are opening up Illinois to projects with no safeguards in place. This will allow us access to an important tool to decarbonize the industrial sector and continue to fight our escalating climate crisis. I would appreciate your support on this vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 So, the question is, does the Senate concur with House Amendments No. 2, 3 and 5 to Senate Bill 1289. All in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 43 voting Yes, 12 voting Nay, and 2 voting Present. And the Senate here -- by does concur with House Amendments No. 2, 3 and 5 to Senate Bill 1289, and the motion is, declared passed. Senator Aquino, on Senate Bill 3268. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3268. Signed by Senator Aquino.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino, on your motion.
Thank you. With this bill, it contains the 2024 Medicaid Omnibus Bill. The bill includes several rate increases and changes to Medicaid coverage in Illinois. A sample of which includes rate increases for various providers including psychiatrists, prosthetics, dentists, dialysis providers, and children's health centers. A new tiered add on and low volume adjuster for safety- net hospitals and increase to the monthly personal needs allowance of supported living residents, creating "gold cards" for physicians, and a new stabilization window to streamline prior authorization for emergency services. Creating new transparency requirements for pharmacy benefits managers. There's a number of components on here as well that have -- that have no cost changes, including eliminating the unused other State funds for HFS. The sunset date for the MCO assessment. It exempts the University of 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Chicago Hospital from the safety-net pool under the Hospital Assessment Program, creates a reporting requirement for PBM's, and allows pharmacies to test for -- for and treat some additional conditions. I -- this is again, this is a -- somewhat of a byproduct from the Medicaid work group. However, it -- it's -- it's inspired from discussions from the Medicaid group not exclusively to anything -- everything that was discussed in -- in the work group. But I ask for a favor -- more than willing to answer questions and ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Stoller.
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he'll yield.
Yes, Senator. Thank you very much for all your work on this bill. I think this is a good bill. And I know a lot of this, like you said, does come from the Medicaid Working Group. There is a provision that I just wanted to ask about because I don't believe it was discussed in the working group. And that relates to the test and treat provisions, which allow pharmacists to test and treat things like RSV, COVID, Strep and head lice. And my question regarding that is, is that language? I think it's from Article 190. Does that apply to children and adults that have preexisting conditions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino.
117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Sure. Well, let me read out this first. The first, the pharmacist. So, there is no age limits to this. The pharmacist, though, I want to remind folks, is fully trained for testing and treatment of conditions listed, well above the testing and other health care settings. Physicians are not the ones testing. Second, these conditions include younger patients for which busy parents are seeking convenient and safe health care. Third, these conditions are very common conditions for which treatment is well known common, proven over a long term and very simple. Fourth, and ultimately, this is giving parents an adult choice. I just want to say that, you know, this -- the Medicaid work group in general, while this issue wasn't brought up and discussed what part of the purpose of our work group is to fight and -- and work together in a bicameral, bipartisan way to open -- expanding and ensuring access to care. And this is one of those provisions that we believe that -- that -- that -- that we could add on because it was doing exactly what the -- the work -- part of the work group's mission is about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Stoller.
Yeah. Thank you, Senator, for that answer. And I agree, I do believe this is a worthwhile provision, but I do think there are situations where children and with adults with preexisting conditions that while these conditions may seem minor, there can be complications or concerns that would require some guardrails. So, would you be willing to work on an amendment for Veto Session that would kind of put some guardrails in place to make sure that we protect children and those with preexisting conditions? 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino.
Senator, thank you for the question. I would say that, you know, certainly we're open to always having conversations. And that's part of the -- with -- with these providers, including the med society, who I know also reached out to me, concerned about this -- this one provision. They -- I would say for the record, the medical society is -- is -- is -- is not opposed to this legislation. There's a lot of good things in this legislation that they are very supportive of; and actually, it was their initiatives that -- that was discussed in the workgroup. The purpose of the workgroup is -- to do that, you know, do that have a bipartisan, bicameral opportunity to have these discussions. And so always open to have those discussions, be it with the med society or others, to make sure that we are, again, ensuring and enhancing quality health care throughout our State and the access to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Stoller.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Yeah. Thank you, Senator, I appreciate your willingness to continue conversations and -- and to work on this. I do think this is a good bill. The things about the -- some positive things about the rate increases that help nearly -- providers across the entire State, for optometrist, dentists, psychiatrists, hospitals, 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 nursing homes, ambulance services and many others. I think that's very positive aspect, as well as, I'm really happy to see the prior authorization reforms that help those delays in emergency room in particular. When a patient comes in, they have seventy-two hours now to administer stabilizing services. Also, I appreciate the HFS creating that Gold Card program to incentivize the right behaviors and rewards good actors and the provision regarding HFS collecting data, I think that's a good first step towards drug cost reform. So -- so again, thank you for all your work on this and to the Medicaid Working Group for all their work. I think this is a bill is a good step forward and I would encourage a Yes vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to -- just take a note, real quick, and I really want to thank all those that are involved in the Medicaid Work Group, including our Presiding Officer right now, and -- and many Members on our side and that side of the aisle. And it's a bicameral, bipartisan group that really is trying to improve health care in this State. I think this is how legislation should be done. It's a great way to make sure that we have good debate. We have all the necessary folks at the table including the departments, the providers, labor, and -- and so many folks from -- from all parts of industries within -- -- within -- within the health care. I want also just take note that -- a reminder these meetings are scheduled at 7 a.m. on Thursdays, and for some, it's pretty easy a -- a -- a -- a -- a meeting to make, as they are early risers, for others, not so much, 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 but especially want to thank our staff, including this young gentleman standing to my -- my left right here, Andrew Hoffmann, who, and -- and Members from both sides of the aisle and the other Chamber, as well, to their staff. The work that comes out of this workgroup really improves the lives and saves lives throughout the State of Illinois. And so, I just ask for a favorable vote. Thank you.
And so, the question is, does the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3268. All 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 -- the Senate does hereby concur with House Amendments No. 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 3268, and the motion is declared passed. Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Continuing on the Prince -- the Supplemental Calendar No. 1. We have Senate Bill 3563, Leader Curran. Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3563. Signed by Senator Curran.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Leader Curran, on your motion.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. This is the TIF Omnibus -- TIF Extension Omnibus Bill. There are 19 TIF's extensions included in this omnibus. I would ask for everyone's favorable 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 approval, and I am available or I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3563. 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 51 voting Aye, 3 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 3563, and the bill is declared passed. Moving back to the printed Calendar on page 8 towards bottom we are working on 3rd Reading House Bills, and we have House Bill 4615. And for the record, there has been a change in sponsorship. Senator Hastings, on -- on the bill. Senator Hastings seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4615 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4615. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that we adopt the amendment. I'll explain on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4615, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
You know, nothing surprises you in this Chamber, Mr. President, but this bill is probably the most anti-climactic part, regardless of the title. This bill, as amended, extends the following sunset dates. The Authority for the Department of Public or Financial and Professional Regulation to extend professional licenses to address the backlog from December 8th, 2024, to January 1st of 2026 and Associate Emergency Rulemaking Authority until August 4th, 2025. It extends the sections of the Grant Funds Recovery Act that maintains eligibility for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Grant recipients who are unable to meet project timelines due to COVID-19 for future OSLAD grants from July 31st, 2024 to July 1st, 2025. It extends the Cable and Telecommunications sunset from December 31st of '26 to January 1st of 2030. It extends the small cell wireless facility sunset from December 1st, 2024 to January 1st of 2020. I'm sorry, 2030 and extends or enables the units of local governments to impose application fees consistent with federal guidance. It also extends the sunset for School Interfund transfer from June 20th, June 30th 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 of 2024 to June 30th of 2026, and it extends the DuPage County Municipal Hotel operate and use taxes from January 1st of 2025 to January 1st of 2027, and I will answer any questions. Mr. President, thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Hastings, I look at the name -- the name of this bill, and I'm kerfuffled. Why it's called Campground Hot Tub. Can you -- what, what is going on?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings.
I'm going to respond with an answer that was given in -- in another Chamber. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, you hit it right on the head, Senator Rezin. Thank you for that question. This -- I mean this bill is filled with a lot of great regulations around camp -- campground hot tubs but I ask for an Aye vote if you're in favor of it. So, thank you very much for your question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any… Senator Rezin.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator Hastings, for bringing this very boring bill to us. And I'm asking 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the Members on our side to help you get this bill across the line, because I would feel -- I would have so much heartbreak if we could not get your boring bill across the line. So, I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any -- any further discussion? Senator Hastings, to close.
Just for purpose of legislative intent, the Small Cell Wire or the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act refers to a reoccurring rate and that rate refers to the two-hundred and seventy-dollars per small wireless facility per year. I'm asking for everybody to jump in the hot tub and vote Yes on this bill. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 4615 will 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 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4615, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will be moving back up towards the top of page 8 with House Bill 4261. Senator Hunter seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4261 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4261. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Senator Hunter, on your amendment.
I wish to adopt the amendment, and I'll explain on 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4261, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hunter, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 4261 basically amends the -- the task force. We're extending the -- the deadline dates of about ten different task force. I know of no opposition, and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 4261 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 51 voting Aye, 5 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4261, having received the required constitutional -- 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we -- we will continue our work on page 9, towards the middle, we find House Bill 4867. Senator Fine with House Bill 4867. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4867, an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. It amends the Human Rights Act to protect an individual's reproductive health decisions from discrimination or retaliation in the context of employment, housing, public accommodations, education and financial credit. Reproductive health decision relates not only to the conditions of pregnancy itself, but to family planning decisions such as the use of birth control, sterilization, fertility treatment, family planning services and counseling, abortion, and holistic and alternative medicine. Under the IHRA and this amendment, it would be a violation, for example, for an employer to terminate an employee for seeking in vitro fertilization, a housing provider to refuse an apartment rental because the person had an abortion, or a bank to deny a loan because it has been it is going to be used for fertility treatments. I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, what -- for what purpose do you seek recognition?
127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Thank you. Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The sponsor indicates she would yield. Senator Tracy.
Senator Fine, you'll remember, in committee, we had some discussion about the Human Rights Act has an exemption for religious organizations. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
And we mentioned that, one of the organizations that we felt might be affected by your bill were not-for-profits that were formed to promote a particular purpose, but we're not affiliated with any particular denomination to be termed religious. And I'm -- I ask if it was possible that we somehow craft your bill to include those type of organizations that were very close to being religious. They were probably a Christian organization or another religious organization -- they're a religious organization for the most part, or, but -- but not affiliated to be termed a religious organization. And -- and quite honestly, it's the crisis pregnancy centers. So, would you be able to put an exemption similar to our religious exemption, to allow them to have the freedom to associate start here like a religious organization and be exempt under Human Rights Act?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Senator Fine.
Unfortunately no, because this does nothing to impair their First Amendment rights.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Tracy.
Well, under the -- to the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
If you look at the Boy Scouts versus Dale decision, it specified that there is a right of association under the First Amendment, and it allows the freedom to associate with others who have similar political, religious and cultural beliefs. And -- and I fear that this is exactly who this bill is targeting is organizations that aren't affiliated with one religion, but they are formed to a -- for a purpose and to associate with those who have a similar religious belief. So, in these organizations that might be affected by this bill, they probably have at -- at will employees, as this type of organization usually does. And they could be, for instance -- or let me back up. We also gave the example that you could have workers at an abortion clinic, that would be affected by your bill if they were terminated because they were pro-choice, but yet they didn't favor late term abortions. And I don't think that's the intent of the bill, because I think the intent of the bill is to go after the crisis pregnancy centers. The attorney general had a bill that addressed a very similar situation of saying that you could -- that a crisis 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 abortion centers and their workers were fraudulent in going up to people and misleading them into coming into their clinics. And in fact, they promoted adoption, but not abortion or promoted having the baby. The thing is, this is a double edged sword, because under this -- under this bill and the scenario that I mentioned, an abortion worker who would promote and give her opinion or his opinion that I -- I believe in abortion, but not late term abortion. And I think if she told a customer there -- a patient at one of those clinics, you know, I think you're too late term, I don't think you should have this. She could be fired for her expression. But -- but like I say, we basically -- the reason for going after the crisis centers is because the attorney general thought they were fraudulent. And I remember standing here last year saying, one, this bill is unconstitutional because it interferes with freedom of expression and speech. But two, the attorney general has all the tools that he needs to go after fraudulent clinics or persons that express fraudulent speech or scenarios or whatever. You've got those tools, if somebody's fraudulent, go after them. But for the most part, your crisis pregnancy centers are just promoting what they believe in. They have a right of association to have similar -- to be with similar political, religious and cultural beliefs and hire people that promote it. That's what this country is founded on. We've seen in college campuses just recently where Pro-Palestinians, Pro-Jewish there's a conflict. If they protest peacefully, they're covered by our constitution. Once they cross the law and it becomes unlawful speech or actions, law enforcement can act. That's the beauty of our country. And to -- to try to say that you have to -- cannot express your opinions one way or another, and that you'll be fired 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 by an employer. If you're working for one of these associations, when it's clear their purpose to be pro-choice, pro-life, pro whatever the Boy Scouts versus Dale, that's what it was about. They didn't want to hire or have certain people be leaders within their organization. That's the beauty of America. We have these constitutional rights. And what's even more ironic is putting it under their Human Rights Commission that's supposed to protect our rights. So, let's not lose sight of what we're trying to do. I don't think this bill is necessary. The Human Rights Commission can do its business. Organizations that promote a purpose that stand for a purpose can hire who they believe promotes that and if they don't, they're an employee at will and they can be fired. And that's the way it should work. So, with that, I -- I very much urge a No vote. This bill is not necessary, and it's detrimental to the freedom of speech and expression and a right to assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of -- for legislative intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Go right ahead.
Senator Fine, does the prohibition against discrimination on the basis of an individual's reproductive health decisions include types of discrimination that may already be prohibited by the Human Rights Act?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Senator Fine.
Yes. Discrimination on the basis of certain reproductive health decisions, such as pregnancy, abortion, or the use of birth control is already prohibited under the Human Rights Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Feigenholtz.
Senator Fine is the addition of the term reproductive health decisions, intended in part to prohibit some types of discrimination that may not already be prohibited by the Human Rights Act, such as male birth control procedures.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Feigenholtz. Senator Fine, to close. Seeing no further discussion. Senator Fine, to close.
Thank you. In this moment in time, states have been given the responsibility of protecting reproductive rights. This bill ensures these rights will be practiced without fear of discrimination. I appreciate your support and your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 4867 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 Aye, 18 voting 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Nay, 1 -- excuse me -- 0 voting Present. House Bill 4867, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senate's front room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 5 to House Bill 681; Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 3144; Floor Amendments 4 and 5 to House Bill 4951; Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 5078, and Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 251. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we will return back to the printed Calendar on page 7, House Bills 3rd Reading. With House Bill 681, President Harmon. President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 681 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 681. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 President Harmon, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Secretary, I'd like to -- to not adopt that motion. Do you need a motion to table? I'd like to withdraw that motion. And thank you, Mr. Secretary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, do you wish to withdraw that one as well?
Yes, Mr. President, I'd like -- I'm withdraw Amendment No. 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt Senate Floor Amendment No. 5 to House Bill 681.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 681, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. President, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, House Bill 681 really is a remarkable example of the legislative process in action this year. We here in the Senate have wrestled for several years with the Prisoner Review Board and some of the consequences of decisions made there. A recent tragedy spurred the House to act, and they sent us this bill. We in the Senate amended it in a bipartisan fashion. I'm joined by Leader Curran and Senator Plummer as Sponsors from the Republican side of the aisle. Leader Murphy, who has presided over many PRB appointments, is a Chief co-sponsor as well. This is a bill that has unified Democrats and Republicans across the ideological spectrum because it imposes common sense discipline on the prisoner review board. It mandates new training for PRB members to ensure that they are following the best practices. It makes some of the hearings the mandatory or the full meetings of the Prisoner Review Board, as well as the revocation hearings, broadcast over the internet so that people can watch from home. It provides new transparency and notice requirements so that victims can be fully apprised of risks to 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 them from prisoners that may be released. And something I don't say often on the -- on the Senate Floor. It creates a task force that I think is going to be very productive and help bringing to light even more improvements to the PRB process. So, I appreciate the work our caucus has done. Senator Ventura, in particular, has raised PRB concerns in the past and was integral in driving amendments to this bill. I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation. Leader Curran, thank you for being a co-sponsor of the bill. Happy to entertain questions if you have them. But I look forward to a strong vote across the Senate Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Leader Curran, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Mr. President, I want to thank you for the work and collaboration on this. I know especially, Senator Plummer, Senator McClure, Senator Bryant have worked for quite a while on our side of the aisle on -- on this issue. And when I draw back in my experience, as an attorney for Cook County working on reforming the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, and that was a persistent problem that was failing children, youths in Cook County. And it was decades of the Department just doing enough to try to get it out of the headlines and to move on. And it wasn't really until more independent voices were brought into the process that you really got true reform. And I really kind of think that 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 this is -- is something very similar. You know, I -- I -- I -- I am very pleased that we as a -- a Chamber are working, not only working in -- in -- a good example on a bipartisan manner, but we are not just leaving it to a Department. We are independently acting and exercising to help reform -- reform the process, give victims the protections and the greater voice in it that we -- we -- we have seen recently some -- some failings. I'm excited about the work the task force will be charged with doing. That is truly a lot of experts and -- and -- and independent voices that will - - that will lend themselves to -- to further reforming this process, this Department. So, with that, I just am happy to stand in support of this measure. Again, appreciate the collaboration on it. And I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Harmon, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I know in a short time we're going to have bills on the Floor where we don't agree, where the -- where the vote will be partisan. But on this one, I urge all Members to vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 681 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? -- Have all voted -- who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 681, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the 137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Body, we will move on to page 8, in the Calendar towards the bottom, we find House Bill 4582, Senator Sims. Mr… Excuse me, there's been a change in sponsorship. House Bill 4582 is President Harmon -- President Harmon wishes to continue. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 40 -- oh!
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Excuse me. President Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4582 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4582. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, on your amendment?
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4582, an Act concerning finance. 3rd Reading of 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) President Harmon, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4582 is the annual Bonding Authority Bill. It increases the bonding authority to correspond with the available revenues for capital that are part of our budget package. It also includes some additional provisions that make it easier for school districts to borrow money in a responsible fashion, and to spend money that they have without some of the antiquated checks in statute today. I think your school districts should be very pleased with this package as well. Happy to answer any questions that you might have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I'm going to speak to the bill in a second. Actually, speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
So, I just want to explain something here. We're going to address the budget bills as they come, but we're going to reserve the bulk of our comments for the budget itself or the BIMP, whichever comes first. So, what we're going to do here is point out some things as we go, but we're going to reserve as a caucus most of our comments for the final discussion with Leader Sims. I just want to point out for everybody in the Body here that this 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 particular bill contains seven-hundred million dollars in spending over and above what the Governor even asked for in his introduced budget. That's a -- that's a astronomical number and change just in just -- in a few short months since he originally proposed this. But again, we will speak in greater detail when we get to the full budget. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. The bill occurs State debt in pursuant to Section 9, Article 9 of the Illinois Constitution will require 36 votes for Senate passage. I would ask all Senators to make sure that your computers are open and ready to go. The question is, shall House Bill 4582 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted to wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 40 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4582, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will turn back to page 7 towards the top with House Bill 3144. For the record, there is a sponsorship change to Senator Castro. Senator Castro seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3144 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3144. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro, will be handling the amendment for President Harmon. Senator Castro, on the amendment.
140 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 I ask for this adoption. I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro, will be handling the amendment for Senator Holmes. Senator Castro, on the amendment.
I ask for its adoption. I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3144, an Act concerning revenue. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Castro, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3144 is the local government tax omnibus that does the following: One, eliminates 141 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the state imposed one percent sales tax on groceries and meals prepared for health facilities and allows municipalities and counties to impose a one percent sales tax on these items by ordinance or resolution. Two, removes the requirement that non home rule municipalities must receive referendum approval in order to impose a local sales tax. Three, increases the prepaid wireless 911 surcharge for municipality over five-hundred thousand from three percent per retail transaction to nine percent per retail transaction and allows the prepaid wireless telecommunication service charge to be applied to prepaid service rather than just wireless cards. And four, allows Sangamon County by ordinance, to impose a tax upon businesses that rent, lease or let rooms in a hotel that are subject to the municipal hotel operator's occupation tax, and not to exceed three percent of gross rental receipts from nonresidents of the hotel. Look forward to the discussion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3144 -- 3144. Sorry. Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you. So -- so this bill feels like a bit of a trap. So, one of the things that I was inundated with when the Governor discussed repealing the grocery tax, and actually before that, when Senator DeWitte proposed that. Was -- I was inundated with text messages from locals telling me they need this and how 142 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 important it is and how they don't know what they're going to do with the revenue that that would be lost by not having this. So, on the one hand, you've got this vote to eliminate it in a couple of years. On the other hand, you've got the power for all these very same locals who've been contacting me to immediately put it -- it back into effect. And on top of that, there is an expansion of taxing powers here where you can now make it immediately -- up to a one percent general retail sales tax increase immediately. Why would we want to give politicians the ability to do that? When? Right now. The voters have the ability to do that right here in Sangamon County. The voters were given the option of an increase in property taxes to fund school construction, and they voted to do it to fund school construction. But that was their choice to make. If you believe in democracy, why not a direct democracy? Where the -- where the -- where the people that have to pay the taxes get to make the decision. So, to increase these taxing powers could very well end up with everyone still having to pay grocery tax and now having to pay all kinds of new taxes, and they've got no approval, no say, no anything, and yet they're going to have to pay the tax. So, to me this is a bill that's going to blow up, unfortunately. And the people that are going to pay for it are going to be our constituents. And so while I do think the grocery tax should be eliminated, this is really not eliminating it. This is going to cause it to jump back up. The moment that -- that we take it out of law, it's going to be jumped. Jump back on the books for locals because of locals. And so this is really a trap, it's a trick and the right vote for the taxpayer and for direct democracy and for more power to the individual citizen is a No vote. And for that reason, I urge a No vote. 143 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Senator Chesney, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you. So, this is my seventh year in the General Assembly, and we heard the budget proposal from the Governor and I want to make sure that we really unpack what this does and doesn't do. So, when the Governor rolled out his idea to cut the grocery tax, what I think most Republicans were encouraged by that, and we filed corresponding legislation to make sure that the grocery tax got removed and that our local municipalities were made whole. And only in Springfield are we going to do a victory lap that really just reassigns the blame and responsibility to local municipalities and call it a tax cut? When we all campaign, we all want -- we all campaigned for different reasons. And I -- I grew up in a town of eight-hundred people, and not one person that I grew up around said that the town of Shannon is spending too much money. We have said on many occasions that Springfield is spending too much money, and when I got into the General Assembly, we were about forty billion dollars, now we're well over fifty billion dollars. And so, while our spending is out of control and we're going to have record spending that we're going to vote on here in just a few minutes, what we've really said is local municipalities, well they're spending could potentially get cut. So, we're going to force our mayors and city councils into a 144 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 position where they either have to cut something or raise something, and then the legislature is going to go around and call it a tax cut. I mean, that is the biggest group of hogwash I've ever seen, because you're raising taxes through raising 911 fees, you're raising hotel and motel taxes. And then through this gimmick, you are allowing local municipalities to raise taxes, or they can go without the revenue. So, to add further insult to injury for any small town, how you've really added to this is you've bypassed the constituency. So, if we live in a small town, which is generally twenty-five thousand or less. You've eliminated the ability for it to go to referendum, so we have a direct choice on if we want our taxes raised or not. And so, this is again a Democrat majority that is running this State off of campaign slogans that provide no real relief to the people of Illinois. Everybody in this room knows you are not cutting a darn thing. You are not providing any relief to local municipalities. You are using this for campaign reasons and campaign reasons only. People that I represent, their taxes are still high, their property taxes are still high, their roads are still crap. And this is nothing more than you're going to put on a bumper sticker and do absolutely nothing. Vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Castro, to close.
I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 3144 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all 145 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Yea, 11 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3144, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll be moving back to page 2 of the printed Calendar on Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Belt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President -- Mr. President, I wanted the records to reflect that I meant to vote Yes on the House Bill 3144.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The record would reflect your intention. With leave of the Body, we will be moving back on our printed Calendar to Senate Bills 3rd Reading. We will be moving to page 2, to the very top of page 2, we have Senate Bill 251. There has been a sponsorship change and Senator Sims, it -- will be running 251. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 251 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 251. Mr. Secretary, is -- are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. 146 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 251, an Act concerning appropriations. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Floor Amendment No. or Senate Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 251 is the Operating and Capital Budget for fiscal year 2025. The -- the budget is -- totals to one hundred and twenty-four billion, six hundred million dollars in All Funds. It is based on a revenue estimate of fifty-three billion, two hundred and eight million; and includes fifty-three billion, seventy-four million dollars; in General Fund spending. A growth of eight hundred and fifteen million or one point six percent, over the current -- over the current fiscal year. Fiscal year 25, budget is balanced, it's responsible, and it's fair. It represents a statement of our shared priorities, of passing a fiscally responsible package that educates and invests in educating our children, protecting our most vulnerable, keeping our communities safe while investing in modernizing our infrastructure. With this budget, we continue to create the economic climate that has led to nine credit rating upgrades and 147 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 an economy that tops one trillion dollars. This budget addresses the challenges we face today, while preparing us for the next generation. It reflects our shared values and our commitment to making Illinois a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Now, on to some of the highlights of the budget. As part of this budget, the State of Illinois will make its full certified pension payment for the fiscal year. This balanced budget makes an additional one hundred and ninety-eight million dollar investment into the State's Rainy Day Fund. It appropriates twenty billion dollars in All Funds for education, including twelve point five six billion dollars in General Revenue fund spending for education in Pre-K through higher education. It continues our commitment to the Evidence Based Funding model by making an additional three hundred and fifty million dollars in investment in EBF, making a total of two billion dollars in investments since the inception of the new formula, it makes an additional thirty million dollars in investments in mandated categorical, an additional seventy-five million dollars in Early Childhood Block Grants, making an additional five thousand slots available for at-risk -- for -- for youth between birth and three years of age, with twenty-five percent of those funds being dedicated to at-rich -- at-risk youth. It also invests forty-five million dollars in the Teacher -- Teacher Vacancy Grant pilot program to under -- to serve and provide funds to underserved districts to attract, hire, support and retain new teachers. Additionally, the budget includes an additional ten million dollars in Monetary Award Program funding for at-risk and low-income students to attend our institutions of higher education. Additionally, the human -- the budget includes fifty-nine billion dollars in funding for Human Services 148 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 expenditures, including twenty billion dollars in General Revenue Funding. Budget also includes an additional -- additional funds for one dollar wage -- one dollar an hour wage increase for direct service care providers, but also for CC -- for CCP workers, one dollar an hour wage increase for those workers as well. The budget also includes additional funds for two cadet classes at our Illinois State Police Academies to keep our -- our streets safe. Mr. President, this budget, as I mentioned, is balanced. It's fair. It's a statement of our priorities. With that, Mr. President, I would love to have questions. But ask…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Body. This is my sixth budget. I've been here six years now. They've all been a little different. They've all been handled in different ways. But one of the things I've learned, in participating in this budget process, is to pay attention to what I like to think are the adults in the room, the professional budget people whose job it is to monitor our revenues and make sure our government is funded to provide the services that we all believe should be set as priorities and provided to our residents. That includes the Ladies and Gentlemen at (CGFA), the Commission on Government Forecasts{sic} (Forecasting and) Accountability, the Governor's 149 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Office of Management and Budget. It might be my opinion, but I believe these are some of the most collaborative and frankly, some of the smartest people in this building. But this year's budget, from a Governor that refuses to control spending, and continues to view the taxpayers of Illinois and the businesses of this State, as his personal ATM machine. To fund a political wish list, as he shines his lights on his trek to Washington. In my view, there was no attempt whatsoever, to build this budget around revenue numbers that the adults in the room, the accounting professionals, told us -- we're falling. So, now we all have to deal with the reality of presenting a spending plan. That, this year, happens to include nine hundred and forty-eight million dollars, just shy of one billion dollars of what everybody wants to describe as revenue enhancements. How pretty. So, let's talk about a couple of them. The net operating loss deduction cap, which will be eliminated. Creating a five hundred and twenty-six million dollar financial burden on our businesses; the mom and pops, the Walmart's, the Home Depots. They will all take the hit, and who will ultimately pay for those hits that they're being required to take? Everybody in this room and the thirteen and a half million people that we all represent in this State. Revenue enhancement, my ass. It's a tax increase. Removal of the retailer's discount cap, one hundred and one million dollars. For again, the corner hardware store, the Walmart's, the Meijer stores. A discount they have been provided up until now that actually reimburses them for the jobs they do to collect this State's sales taxes. That is not a revenue enhancement, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a tax increase. And guess who's going to pay it? Those additional costs will be passed along to everybody in this room. And the thirteen and a half million 150 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 people that we all represent. It is a tax increase! The sports wagering tax increase a tripling -- tripling of the tax, on this industry. Now we've all come to accept gambling revenue as a significant component of our revenue stream, in the State of Illinois. But, tripling this tax has already put these companies on notice, that they have more fertile ground to take their businesses. And if they do that, and I believe some of them will, those revenues will go out the window. And this additional two hundred million dollars of tax, if we ever see it -- will be absorbed by the customers who will receive smaller payouts on their wagers, eventually eliminating those profits. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is a tax increase. The last item on this list, video gaming terminals tax increase. Video gaming creates more revenue on gaming in this State, than even our casinos. And no aspect of gambling in this State, shares that revenue stream with a broader base of potential users of that revenue. The State makes money, the businesses make money, the municipalities they operate in, make money. But, this Governor, is not happy with his fair share. He wants more. That is a tax increase Ladies and Gentlemen, and that will be paid by everyone in this room and every one of the thirteen and a half million people that we all represent. So, I would suggest, if you choose to vote for this Governor's bill, who has increased spending by thirteen billion dollars since he came into office. That is a thirty-two percent increase in State spending in the last five years and you know where that money's coming from, Ladies and Gentlemen? That money is coming out of the pockets of our businesses and our taxpayers. Let that sink in. Thirty-two percent increase. Thirteen billion dollars being paid by every business and every taxpayer we represent in this State. 151 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 In case nobody's noticed, times are tough. We're still dealing with significant inflation at the grocery store, we're pushing back up towards four bucks for a gallon of gas, in some areas. Our families in this State, are struggling. And through this budget, should you choose to vote for it, like many of the other losers in this budget, you will have left them behind. Given these current economic conditions in this State, and the struggles our families currently face, I find it unconscionable that we are raising taxes to the tune of one billion dollars on our businesses and residents; again, and again, and again. I cannot support this budget. And if you don't want to leave your constituents behind again, I urge a No vote from every one of you in this Chamber. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
First of all, I want to start out with thanking, all of our staff that -- on both sides of the aisle that worked on the budget. They are truly amazing people that work really hard at what they do, and we appreciate them. But today, I'd like to say that Governor Pritzker is keeping his promise. He's keeping his promise to raise taxes on Illinois citizens by a billion dollars a year to fund the migrant crisis that he's created. Since taking office, we've seen increased spending on non-citizens around $1 million 152 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 per year to roughly $1 billion each year. Not only do the families of Illinois have to pay their own health care, now, they have to pay more so that non-citizens can get top of the line health care. This legislation also directs funding for the migrant crisis itself, subverting substantial resources from the citizens of our State to address the issue. On top of all of that. It contains supplemental funding to fill the budget gap created by the excessive spending on migrants over this past year, which the Governor hopes that the people of Illinois may not notice. Thanks to the use of executive orders and moving funds around, it's impossible for us to get a full accounting on migrant spending over the past year. We introduced legislation to change that, to require agencies to track these funds so that taxpayers could get a full and transparent accounting. I continue to believe that if Governor Pritzker wants taxpayers to pay another one billion dollars in new taxes to fund this crisis. The people of this State deserve to know how it's being spent. I think this budget is just another example of a long list of misplaced priorities. It fails to make the citizens of our State its priority. And on this Memorial Day weekend, we're about to pass a budget that will allocate more than three times as much funding for non-citizens than for the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs for the vital services of our nation's veterans. That should be completely unacceptable for everyone here today. And meanwhile, hundreds of residents here in central Illinois who work at Logan Correctional Center are currently waiting to find out if they will lose their jobs or be forced to pick up their lives and move their families to another part of this State, just to stay employed. They are rightfully wondering, would this be happening to them if the 153 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 billions of dollars that we've spent on this self-made migrant crisis had been used to address the deferred maintenance on their facility and the countless other correctional facilities throughout our State, that's been needed for years? A question they will never get answered. Those who choose to vote for this budget are choosing to leave our State citizens behind, while they're struggling more than ever to make ends meet. We believe this budget is wrong, plain and simple, and our citizens deserve more. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for the purpose of going to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you. Once again, our State is setting a new State budget record. In fact, we're going to be increasing spending by thirty-two percent since Governor Pritzker first took office. And once again, we're failing to properly take care of those who care for our State's most vulnerable population. While, yes, we're adding another much needed dollar for direct support professional's, wages that they need and deserve. Since the State began raising the minimum wage, I want us to just think about this for a minute. The DSP wages have lost more in purchasing power, so just wrap your minds around that for a minute. Even though we increased their wages last year and we're increasing it this year, 154 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 we're only increasing it by one dollar. So, what we're looking at is since 2019, they went from a hundred and fifty percent in purchasing power to a hundred and thirty-nine percent in purchasing power last year, to a hundred and thirty-seven percent in purchasing power this year. So, in order to keep that from happening, to keep it from continuing to decrease, we would need to take a three dollar increase this year alone to get back to the hundred and fifty percent purchasing power that the job once had before Governor Pritzker took office in 2019. I think we can agree that being a direct support professional is an extremely important, yet very difficult job, both physically and mentally. The men and women who carry out this job provide individualized support for people with disabilities, everything from health and hygiene care to rehabilitation services, to simply helping our most vulnerable carry out -- carry out everyday tasks. It's a tough, very tough job, whether it's helping to feed those individuals who can't eat on their own, or bathing them, or helping them go to the bathroom. These individuals deserve not only our respect, but they also deserve to be fairly compensated for the job that few can do and less want to do. In this case, there are a lot of things that people are going to point out about problems with this bill. But as someone I believe, who has come to be a voice for those who are -- who are in the DD community, I say that this is a very, very much a disservice to those individuals who work in that trade and who take care of these, our most vulnerable individuals. For that, and for many other reasons, I urge a No vote on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 155 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
The State government has some primary responsibilities that we should always be front of mind. Some of those include educating our youth, making sure our communities are safe, and ensuring that the most vulnerable are properly cared for. I was honored to be named a Budgeteer, this year. My colleagues across the aisle who I worked with, very good experience. I was honored to be minority spokes on Public Safety and Appropriations, and we had many good times till 9, 10 o' clock at night, on a Tuesday night, discussing the issues of the State. But unfortunately, that collegiality is overshadowed by a Governor, who I believe, is more focused on fixing federal issues rather than State. He seems more interested in fulfilling his dreams, and involved the national stage and a presidential ambitions, rather than taking care of every Illinoisan and their everyday issues. For example, we all got emails. I think close to fifteen thousand from those who are seeking to have -- have us fixed Tier 2 pensions. Those are our teachers. We're in an educational shortage, and we're not taking care of our new teachers in their retirement systems -- completely forgotten about. Mandated categoricals, for those listening at home that is State funding for special education, for transportation for tuition for those who are severely disabled. ISBE, recommended a hundred and thirty-five million dollars more than what is in this budget. A hundred and thirty-five million to take care of -- of our schools. In my area, this means a property 156 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 tax increase. Property taxes are going to go up to take care of this problem. Public safety, this -- this one -- this one gets to me. Because I sat there on a Tuesday night, and I heard PRB and what they were doing, having to have a one hundred percent accuracy rate while they are understaffed, under-resourced, and if they make a wrong decision, as they did letting out a -- a man that killed an 11 year old child, they're skewered for it. This Governor, he was petty in his comments yesterday. I agree with the reforms, but reforms take funding. We asked to double the budget. Guess what? It's cut. Their budget is cut. And it's small, we're talking five, six million dollars in a bipartisan way, publicly asked for -- asked for it behind the scenes in our working group meetings. Put it on everyone's radar who could make a decision? And the Governor's Office, because he didn't get his way in our PRB reforms, decided not to fund it. Good luck improving public safety. And finally, those of you who are with me in Health and Human Services, we talked about the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, those are our attorneys that take care of the most vulnerable. They're working at a caseload rate of over a hundred and forty cases per attorney. National average forty-four. Our people are good, but again, starved for resources and overworked. Those are the small things in this budget that we are overlooking. I believe we have a responsibility to craft a budget that addresses our primary responsibilities, and this budget comes up short. Every Illinoisan, and you've heard me say this, I believe, deserves an equal opportunity for prosperity. And I come here every day trying to make Illinois a place where people want to live and not leave. This budget does not accomplish those two goals. Thank you, Mr. President. 157 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Bennett. For what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, fellow Members of the Senate. I feel very compelled to speak in regards to this proposed budget. Despite Democrat and Republican legislators both sending letters to the Governor asking for support for school construction grant program, the Governor has refused to do anything. The letters you've sent just a few months ago, in fact, from both sides of the aisle, asking for help and asking for support. We've read in -- in the stories we heard of stories about how roofs and old schools have fallen in on classrooms, or how cement crashed into a classroom. And fortunately, no one was hurt. But the need for major improvements in our facilities needs to be a high priority and much more than what we've seen here. We talked about spreading the money, in fact, over a three year period just to get something going, but nothing. Nothing has happened. Health and safety of our children should be something we can all agree on and we need to. This impacts all of us. It has been years, in fact, since we've had capital schools construction grants for K-12 schools. There is a very great need. I'd like to reference a document that is put out by the Illinois State Board of Education. This document is -- document or dated December 20th of 2022. It's called the -- the '22 Capital Needs Assessment Survey report. Let me show you just 158 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 some fascinating things about that. Capital Needs Assessment Survey results. Capital survey results were collected from May through October of 2022. Responses were submitted by four hundred and sixty-two elementary, secondary and unit school districts. Districts reported. Are you ready for this? Are you ready for this? Districts reported approximately eight billion dollars of capital needs for new construction, not only new construction, but also for repairs to existing facilities, health, life, safety work and other capital projects for the next two years. Eight billion guys, and what do we have in the budget? Significant findings of the survey also included, nearly four billion dollars is needed for health, life safety, repairs, replacements or renovations. More than one point three billion dollars is needed for facility repair projects. More than nine hundred and fifty-seven million, almost a billion dollars, again, is needed to build fifty-six new school buildings. An additional nine hundred and thirty-six million is needed for a hundred and fifty-six building additions. Guys the numbers just keep going, and going, and going. Other capital projects, including asbestos abatement. Oh yeah, we're not done with that, are we? We're not done. School security measures, energy conservation, accessibility measures. They gave a number of seven hundred and eighty-two million dollars. Districts reported using one thousand three hundred and ten -- I'm sorry, one thousand three hundred and ten -- twenty temporary classrooms for instructional purposes. A total of five hundred and eighty-nine additional classrooms are needed for pre-garden{sic} (preschool) and kindergarten classes. Folks, we have over eight hundred school districts across the State from one end of the State to the other from Cairo to Chicago. And what are we showing for our capital 159 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 construction grants in this budget? What are we showing? I know I worked with Senator Sims and Representative Hernandez just a couple of years ago, working on the one bill regarding changing the school construction grants. And I truly appreciate the bipartisan working, well, not partisan, it was working together. Forgive me. The conversations were very well, and we made a better bill out of that. And it was all for the good of our kids, our communities and our families. And I appreciate the efforts on undoing that. We would not have happened otherwise. So, thank you. But here we are today with nothing. Nothing to show for this. And we represent the State of Illinois. Eight billion dollars, folks. The budget has left our schools, our kids behind. The ability of our students to learn are greatly impacted by the learning environments. I'm not telling you anything we don't already know. This will not get fixed by itself. And Governor if I may, there is much, much more to do and the clock just keeps ticking and the need is growing. I also would like to mention one other thing, if I may? And this is something with smaller amounts but still very important. Soil and water grants they have a budget about, what, eight point five million dollars? They almost cut in half. We have so many water offices all over the entire State of Illinois. We have a hundred and two counties, and we have people representing the soil and water, which we call was very important because you only have one world, right? One Earth. And we're basically cutting them in half. I think Governor we are leaving our soil and water folks behind and we're leaving them behind, we're leaving the entire State behind. So, I ask that we definitely consider this rethink about these some things. Our county fairs, over ninety county fairs we have in the State of Illinois and they each produce and improve 160 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the local economies of the farmers and the communities that are there. And there's much more to do. I do need to make note. I do appreciate the increase, if I may, of our Ag education, which is such a big important part of our Ag economy, which is one of the largest in the State of Illinois. But we have much more to do, and we are leaving parts of our State behind. I ask that we vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Thank you. For further discussion? Senator Chesney, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you. I rise in opposition of this budget, but not as a Republican, but as somebody that loves taxpayers, Republicans and Members on this side of the aisle. We've often talked about the taxpayers, and we've been called doom grifters and carnival barkers, doomed grifters and carnival barkers. We've long warned that the Covid money and the permanent spending that you've put in place was finally going to ride out, run out. And now we are starting to see the record spending and tax hikes that the majority party is putting into place. Billions and billions of temporary Covid money has been spent. And then after you spent the Covid money, you then borrowed from the federal government and celebrated that you paid it back. Then after that, inflation exploded, consumer prices went through the roof, and you gave yourselves an eighteen percent pay raise. Then as we move along. This is a very welcoming and accepting place. If you're an illegal immigrant, 161 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 because you'll provide the best health care in the entire state to an illegal immigrant. And we've long argued on our side of the aisle that these Cadillac level services should not be given to migrants and illegal immigrants. You could have balanced the budget. In five minutes had you have just reduced that funding. Instead, you've blamed Republicans in the State of Texas for the reason for this problem. But then you've spent tens of millions of dollars in this budget for welcoming centers, and JB Pritzker is making good on his campaign promise of making this the most welcoming state for illegal immigrants in the nation. And then we started having conversations about revenues and the one billion dollars in proposed tax hikes started to circulate. The Democrat majority wasted no time for the political theater, and the Governor sent out memos asking for about eight hundred million dollars at agency budget cuts. Now, this is my seventh year in the General Assembly, and I can tell you that is laughable for anybody that has been here one hour. There was never an attempt to really cut anything it was only to justify the reckless spending. So, what do doom grifters look like? What are we talking about when we ask the majority party to start being more fiscally responsible? Rich states, poor states has the bond rating as junk. The Democrat majority celebrates when you go from junk to junk, incoming equality. Dead last, nerd wallet. That's right, Black and brown people, they are treated the worst in the country for income inequality. Economic outlook, rich state, poor state ranked 48th and near the bottom of the barrel on corporate tax rates and the overall tax burden. So, then we could talk about the outmigration and the numbers that the Democrat Party continues to contest thirty three thousand people last year moved out of the State of Illinois 162 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 and ten consecutive years of population loss, ranking U.S. 48th in the nation, just behind New York and California. What is the Democrat response to this? You are all professional census deniers. You deny the federal government's own census numbers and say we are not losing population. The irony is just overwhelming there. The numbers don't lie. And this is again. Thousands and thousands of pages of Republicans saying, I told you so. We are loaded here with job creators on our side of the aisle, job producers and private sector experience. The Democrat party today has been hijacked by activists and community organizers, which we told you would happen when you aggressively gerrymandered the map. And there's even Members right now on your side of the aisle that would agree with that. The taxpayers are exhausted by the Democrat majority, and it would be refreshing if just one time, just one time, you would join the producers of this State and send a message and vote No. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further Discussion? Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
So, the Sponsor spoke about the most vulnerable Illinoisans. That sounds good, but some of us have to operate in reality. This budget leaves behind the most vulnerable Illinoisans. Kids that are trapped in failing schools. Who begged to be rescued. So, they have opportunity. We ignore them. The developmentally disabled 163 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 facilities in my district. Facilities across the state where the truly most vulnerable Illinoisans reside. No funding on some of their core maintenance needs. The wages that the people who do this work need and request. We just can't find it in a fifty-three billion dollar budget. Hardworking families across the state and every one of our districts. That need good quality jobs. Instead, they get tax increases. The sponsor spoke about investments. I don't know if this is news to some people or not, but just spending money isn't investing. When you invest, you measure results. So, let's talk about those results. Have you looked at the education scores? At many of our public schools. The same schools that we trap kids who are begging to be rescued in. Have we looked at crime? Have we looked at the number of law enforcement officers that were bleeding in this State? Have we looked at the fact that we have the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest, dramatically higher than any of our neighbors? I'm talking twenty, twenty five, thirty percent higher than our neighbors. Businesses are fleeing. And yet we stand here, and we talk about investing. If this is investing, the people behind this budget and this Governor have the worst investment track record of all fifty states. The facts back that up. The people in your districts, the businesses in your districts, they would be bankrupt if they ran their finances the way the Governor of Illinois runs our State finances. That's a fact. Spending is up dramatically, fueled by one time money that has now run out that we warned about. Instead of making tough decisions and actually investing. We continue to spend recklessly, and we just go back to the taxpayers. We treat the taxpayers of the state like the government's personal piggy bank. It's offensive. As Illinoisans struggle to pay property taxes, as they 164 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 struggle to put food on the table, as they struggle to pay health care, their Illinoisans the taxpayers of the state, the citizens of this state as they struggle with these things, their taxes are being raised so the governor can go fund his self-created immigration crisis. So, those folks get better health care than any of our constituents could dream about. The people of Illinois deserve better. Our families and businesses cannot continue to be ignored and again treated like a personal piggy bank. Going back to the Sponsor's comments. Investments, please. Start measuring the results. The most vulnerable, how can you look yourself in the mirror at what we're doing to the developmentally disabled? We're doing kids that are trapped in these schools. As we ignore the victims of crime and talk about the most vulnerable, this budget leaves behind the most vulnerable Illinoisans while we take care of the special interests. It leaves behind the most vulnerable Illinoisians. This budget, it just leaves Illinois families behind. But let's talk reality. Let's talk facts. Just last year, just last year, about ninety of our hundred and two counties lost population again. A handful of the ones that did not lose population gained less than a hundred people. This isn't just about leaving behind Illinois families because of -- because of terrible, irresponsible budgets like this. It's shifted. Illinois families are leaving us behind. The citizens are leaving the State of Illinois behind because of budgets like this. This budget continues the public policy driven destruction of what should be. The biggest, most economically vibrant, strongest state in the Union, strongest state in the Midwest. But instead, we band-aid over our problems with tax increases. We ignore the outmigration. We make up facts as if the Census Bureau is wrong. We raise taxes to fund 165 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 special interests and Illinoisans continue to struggle. I don't care if you're a Republican, I don't care if you're a Democrat. I don't care what you are, but the facts are the facts. The people of this State are hurting, and it's time we start paying attention to the people of this State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further Discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Body. I know the hour is late, but I do want to take just a moment to thank our staffs on both sides of the aisle. They work incredibly hard for all of us every day and there's no -- they don't get enough recognition. So, thank you from our caucus. And I'm sure that Leader Sims joins me in that as well. So, I want to pick up on the Who's Been Left Behind theme. You know, I look at Higher Education and, you know certainly in a minute we're going to hear about, you know, map grants and this grant and that grant. But here's the interesting thing. Why is tuition going up and up and up? Maybe it's because we're not funding what universities actually need. So, here I ran some numbers here. The university request to what they're getting at Northern, down thirteen point six percent from what they asked for, not what I or the Governor recommend. I'm just saying where we're at today from what they asked for, SIU down eleven percent. Western down twenty five percent. ISU down seventeen percent. EIU five with Chicago State thirty eight point four percent. Maybe tuition wouldn't be so high. Painful, painful for families in this State to afford if we were properly funding them in the first place. So left behind K-12. Tommy Bennett, you're 166 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 not allowed to leave anymore, you're going to have to unretire. What a great speech. School construction is nowhere to be found. Asbestos is nowhere to be found. MCATS. What are MCATS? What the heck are MCATS mandated categorical the things we require us, or the federal government require school districts to do for kids every day, but they have to get reimbursed. But they're not, we're a hundred and thirty-five million dollars below what the Illinois State Board of Education says was needed to provide transportation just to get kids to school. A hundred and thirty-five million dollars behind on Special Ed transportation, because those with developmental disabilities and other disabilities require different types of transportation to get to school. Special education reimbursement for private tuition for kids whose disabilities are so severe that we have to go somewhere else because the regular public school system can't take care of them. Isn't Republican making this up. This is the Illinois State Board of Education, which last time I checked was appointed by the Governor, I might add. We're a hundred and thirty-five million behind. There was two million dollars added into it for some charter school thing in Chicago. But again, we're still a hundred and thirty-five million behind what the experts tell us is needed. Invest in kids. This is second year in a row that our caucus and our top priorities are invest in kids. The difference this time, school's out. Those kids no longer have a chair. They no longer have a seat. They have been left behind. When that bell rings next fall, they're in a different school. They're in a different lunchroom. They got to meet new friends. They got to meet new friends because we left them behind. Big difference from last year. I remember everybody saying, oh, it's not urgent. It's well, we 167 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 got time, blah, blah blah. Bell rung school's out next year those kids go to a new school, new teachers, meet new friends. Hope they can make them. Developing disabled and I so appreciate all of our speakers and frankly, I want to say this. I appreciate those on their side of the aisle who share my sentiments on this, and I know there are several. But here's where we're at as a fact, and people need to understand this. Five years ago, as a relationship, as a ratio of to minimum wage while we reimburse providers to take care of basic hygiene for our most vulnerable, we're at a hundred and fifty percent of the minimum wage. This current year, we're down to a hundred and thirty nine percent of minimum wage this budget next year, starting July 1st. And when the new minimum wage takes effect January 1 of next year, we'll be down to a hundred and thirty seven percent even with this increase. What's happening here, folks, is the providers of developmental services are crying out they can't find staff because staff are going elsewhere. And this isn't just anybody. These are people feeding, toileting, personal hygiene, and McDonald's is already above the minimum wage and we're down to a hundred and thirty seven percent come the next minimum wage hike. And the administration, the governors can say, we spent all this money, but we're going backwards. We're going backwards. This is a fact. Five years ago, we're at a hundred and fifty percent. Now we're going to be at a hundred and thirty seven percent. That's less workers in the field. That's less people to help our most vulnerable population. Roads, road fund diversions were up to three hundred and fifty million now on road fund diversions three hundred and fifty million. That's jobs. It's better roads for the people of Illinois who pay the taxes to that road fund to build our roads -- but now we're up to three hundred 168 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 and fifty million after this budget passes. But let's not stop there, this one is truly amazing. We're now going to create a new program to divert more money from the road fund to pay for electric vehicle rebates, four thousand dollars, for the purchase of an electric vehicle that is not a motorcycle, and fifteen hundred dollars for a motorcycle. Okay, now let's stop for a minute. Aside from the ultimate irony, the progressive left is basically subsidizing Elon Musk, a Tesla is seventy-five thousand dollars, base package. The average family in Casey, Illinois that I represent makes forty-six thousand two hundred and ninety-six dollars. In Vermilion County that I split with one other Member of this Body, the average family median house -- I'm sorry, median household income is fifty-two seven eighty-seven. Edgar County fifty-six six-eighty-seven. And both, both JB's, Joe Biden and JB Pritzker have both advised us at different times "Oh, just go buy an electric vehicle it's seventy-five thousand dollars a pop". How in the heck is somebody in Casey supposed to buy an electric vehicle?" "Oh, that doesn't include the charging station", I might add. But hey, let's take the gas tax that the people in Casey and Vermillion and Edgar and Kankakee and Rock Island and everywhere else, let's take that gas tax that they're paying and go give it to rich people who can afford a seventy-five thousand dollar electric vehicle. Four thousand dollars is probably more than the people of Casey paying gas tax in three, four years. And these guys are getting it one shot for a seventy-five thousand dollar vehicle. Are you guys kidding me right now? I mean geez -- so -- then you get to where like, we're at. Governor Pritzker spending is up thirteen billion dollars since he got here. Revenues in this budget are one point two billion higher, of which a billion is 169 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 attributable to tax hikes that ultimately get paid by the people of Illinois. Just hold the line on spending, and you wouldn't have had to do any of this, but nobody listened. The last few years when we made those arguments, we said, "the COVID money is going to dry up… We said, "Hold the line, stop, don't do this. You're going to run out of money". And here we are with a billion dollars of tax increases and yes, of course, about a billion dollars in new immigrant spending. Isn't that interesting how those numbers almost completely correlate? There's no money for property taxpayers in this State, there's no fundamental reform for property taxpayers in this State, there's no -- school construction funds. Senator Lewis talked about public safety that's been left behind. I mean, every turn we've left the real people of this State behind at every turn. Now, I was thinking about this -- this morning. The why, right? The why, why -- why would you do all this? Why would you do these EV things and leave? Take money from the road fund, from the gas taxes to do that? Why would you do -- why wouldn't you take care of the Invest in Kids? Because Governor Pritzker wants to make sure the unions are okay. Why would you take care of the illegals to the tune of a billion dollars in raising taxes on the working people of Illinois by a billion dollars? Because he wants their votes. At the end of the day, folks, this is all about Governor Pritzker's dream of being President of the United States. Everybody in this room knows that. I watched One Man's Dream at Disney World is a biopic on Walt Disney talking about his dream. We're all playing make believe right now. In Governor Pritzker's world of being President of the United States, the problem is the working people of this State are stuck in their reality. They're not at fantasy land, they're not at Disney World, they're in 170 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 reality. They're in reality of higher taxes, bad schools, out of control spending, public safety, come on! Anybody look at the amount of public safety in our streets these days? It's just awful. And all because one guy thinks he's going to be President of the United States. Why don't we worry about what the people of Illinois need, and not about some guys trying to play make believe. Please vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Leader Curran, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
First, I would like to thank -- thank our Senate budgeteers. Senator Seth Lewis, Senator Sally Turner, Senator Don DeWitte and the long time Captain of our budget team, Senator Chapin Rose for all their hard work, their commitment and dedication to ensuring that our voices and our input were shared throughout this process. We appreciate the partnership with Senator, with President Harmon, Leader Sims and your budget team. I thank you for listening to our caucus's priorities and taking department by department feedback from our budgeteers and ways to improve State government for the people we represent. This work would not be possible without the support and expertise of our policy and budget staffs from both sides of the aisle, who show up every day, to make our State a better place for the people of Illinois. Thank you -- all of you, for sharing your talent and your time with us. I know these aren't 171 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 traditional working hours, and the sacrifices you make in your lives outside of this building are the truest form of public service. Throughout this budget process, we have brought forth many positive proposals, some of which are included in this final product. The inclusion of these items is a testament of the positive impact that our caucus can have by showing up and fully participating in the process. There are also proof that the people are better served when both parties are at the table. We've also continued to introduce legislation and budget priorities throughout this year to help counter Governor Pritzker's misplaced priorities. Instead of supporting measures to reduce parental choice, we introduced policies to help parents keep their kids safe like Deputy Leader Rezin's Safe Screens Healthy Minds Initiative and Senator Harriss's legislation to require age verification to enter adult websites to better protect our children on the internet. Instead of more taxes on Illinois families, we supported Senator Tracy's Childcare Tax Credit. Senator Bennett's bill to save, invest in kids, in caucus initiatives to reduce property taxes and eliminate the estate tax to help working families keep more of their hard earned dollars. Instead of renaming criminal offenders to "justice impacted individuals", we want to help victims of domestic violence through Senator McClure's legislation to increase penalties for violating orders of protection and give victims more time to get away from their abusers with my proposed -- proposed modifications in the pretrial presumption. We stood together as a caucus to defend those who cannot defend themselves, by supporting increased funding for our developmentally and intellectually disabled adults, and our calls for reform and greater oversight of DCFS. We've tried to save lives 172 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 with legislation to help get fentanyl off our streets and better protect victims of stalking. These aren't right wing talking points. These are real solutions for the most challenging and persistent problems facing average Illinoisans. Their commonsense policies to help make Illinois a better place to work, live, and raise a family and an example of how Republicans are here to do the serious work to move the State forward. We were disappointed that these policies were given little consideration in the legislative and budget processes, and the Governor's proposed budget inflated with press release programs and non-citizen welfare spending remains largely intact from first introduced. While this budget is undeniably complicated, the message the Governor is sending with it could not be more clear. He's raising taxes on the people of Illinois who are already struggling to afford basic needs, and the many job creators fighting hard to keep people employed to pay for the migrant crisis that he has created. Unfortunately for Illinois taxpayers, Governor Pritzker's political ambitions to position himself, on the national stage as the country's most progressive governor has far out exceeded State tax revenues. So, did Governor Pritzker go back to the drawing board, reduce spending, and end his policies that have created the largest migrant crisis in the Midwest? No. Instead, he doubled down, expanded programs, increased State spending, and now, today, is raising taxes on Illinois families and job creators to pay for it. And that is still not enough, as the Governor is also raiding the road fund and other dedicated capital diversions. These tax hikes are even more unjust when you consider we still have no idea how we are spending, how much he is spending on the migrant crisis he created. For months Governor Pritzker has refused repeated 173 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 personal and legislative requests to provide a full, transparent accounting of his non-citizen spending. President Biden's refusal to secure our nation's border, coupled with Governor Pritzker's quest to use noncitizen welfare policies to propel himself on the national stage, is playing itself out in this very budget before us. It is patently unfair to require Illinois taxpayers to fund their joint failure. This is not leadership. The people of our State deserve a Governor who is going to stand up and fight for them, not use their tax dollars to further their personal ambitions for notoriety and higher office. A budget isn't just a spending plan, but a concrete list of priorities. Governor Pritzker's budget before us today prioritizes newly arrived non-citizens over the taxpayers that everyone in this room was elected to represent. I have great respect for this Chamber and for all the Senators that serve in it. While our backgrounds, platforms, and worldviews oftentimes are very different. I truly believe that each and every one of us is here with one common goal. To improve the lives of the people we represent. I believe now, as I did at the beginning of this process, that the people of our State are better served when we all work together on their behalf. My colleagues and I will continue to look for ways to work towards common goals and to lift up our many diverse communities throughout this State and will be steadfast in our commitment to making people, rather than politics, our top priority. Sadly, I believe the budget we are voting on here today is a missed opportunity to push back on the Governor's misguided agenda. In closing, while I'm at disappointed at the final adoption of the Governor's proposal and I will be voting No. I will not give up on our efforts to create a less partisan, more collaborative approach to State government. Thank 174 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Preston, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill. Mr…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Yeah. I want to first acknowledge the staff and our budgeteers for working so diligently on this budget. I know that this is very difficult work and while I rise to acknowledge there are incredible things inside of this budget, many good things, I cannot, my conscience won't allow me to sit in this seat and not lift up the fact that we have not gone far enough for a particular group which are young, poor, black people and Latinos. In the City of Chicago alone, we have over twenty-five thousand youth that are not working or not employed. Every summer we all see the headlines and we shake our head and sometimes shed a tear, especially when it's a little girl that's five years old. Young people across the State of Illinois can invest, can be invested in at a greater level. This is an urgency. And while I won't use this moment to tear down any other group. The power of this moment is for us to acknowledge that we have the capacity to go further, to help people that are dependent on us. I was a young youth that was headed down the wrong direction, and it was actually through a State budget where I was actually invested in by an elected official from a youth employment program, which helped change the trajectory of my life. This is why I will stand here with full confidence, and I 175 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 believe authority, to speak to how effective we can be in changing the conditions and the horror stories that we continue to see, particularly across the City of Chicago around the South and the West Side. But again, as our illustrious budgeteer has often reminded us all, we have infinite needs and finite resources. I acknowledge that that's true but while we continue to do great work with protecting women reproductive health, making progress on climate change, health care for all people. I'm proud of that work and I'll continue to stand here and support it. But we have to hit our mark when it comes to helping young people in the City of Chicago, because this is a people that are deserving, and they are desperate right now for us to be helpful to them. Let's please prioritize them more. We have to do this, or our chickens will come home to roost, and I worry about that every day. So, as we continue to work down in this Chamber, I pray to God that this becomes the crisis, that our deeds really suggest that we care about as much as we do on other matters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) With further discussion? Senator Halpin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
So, I just want to say as -- as an initial matter, I do support this budget, but I think we do have to have a conversation, particularly as a -- a Senator that represents a -- a downstate district, that there are things that we can be doing better in 176 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 this budget. First, this budget doesn't do nearly enough for higher education. A two percent increase is barely better than inflation and given the progress that we've started to make in the past several years it's disappointing to see that we're not -- not able to do more. It's you know, at a time when we see our funding levels at our universities in real dollars are back in 2012, 2013. We're at those levels still today, and I think it's going to set us further back. It's going to raise tuition, and it's going to close the door to the single most effective path to economic success for underrepresented, upper, underrepresented and disadvantaged communities. Now there's a bright spot in that, for the first time in I think over a decade, we're funding Illinois Veterans grants, making sure that our universities are reimbursed for the work that they do to recruit our service members to their institutions and start repaying the debt to them that can never really be fully repaid. I hope we do more next year, and we really get on a path to more equitable funding. The second thing that's important to recognize is that we need to do more to make sure that the programs that we have get to people in districts like the one I represent. You know, I look through the budget in every agency there are there -- there are programs, and I ask the agencies how much of these programs went to individuals in my district and the towns that I represent. There's one. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program, we're only one half of one percent of the funds that are issued Statewide come to western Illinois. As a program where -- the Home Illinois Program is one tenth of one percent comes to that my area. And it's not because people in my area don't need those programs, I've got rural poverty in the district, people getting kicked out of their homes or out of their apartments. I have black and brown 177 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 communities that suffer discrimination, families that need childcare. I have people that are housing insecure or lack it all together. And now, as it stands, the money for these good intentioned programs and good programs just don't flow to them and because I'm the only voice that they have here in this Chamber, I just can't, you know, in good conscience, support the budget without bringing these issues to the attention of my colleagues. And so, I guess I'll close by saying that there's some very good things in the budget. And when we talk about money coming back to districts throughout the State, this Child Tax Credit that is in this bill is a great start for working people all across the State. And it's formulaic and we know who it's going to go to and doesn't matter what zip code you're in. The evidence-based funding model that we passed back in 2017 that has led to funding increases all over the State and its format form -- formulaic, and you know that you're going to get it if you're eligible. We need to continue these programs, and that those are two big programs that I am actually very excited we're continuing to fund. So, I do want to thank the -- the sponsor, I value your relentless work on this budget as well as that of the staff. I appreciate the time that you all have spent to put this together, but we need to continue to have these conversations to make sure these -- these programs are reaching every corner of the State. I appreciate the -- the time that I've been able to have to do this and speak on behalf of my residents and wish you all a good evening. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) With further discussion? Senator Collins, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
178 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. One I would like -- well, one, I'm going to vote Yes on a bill, but I do need to speak to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you. Well, first, I just wanted to say, thank you to our Leader -- Leader Sims for all your hard work, you sweat brother. But I really want to thank the staff on both sides because you all have worked very hard and tirelessly, day and night, to make sure we got to this moment and thank you is not enough for what you all do. So, I just ask that all my colleagues give you all a round of applause, because we would not get through the day without you. I'm going to vote Yes on this budget because I represent the fifth district in the City of Chicago, and I want to make sure I help to ease some of the pressure off the constituents who live in the City of Chicago, too. I have three sons everybody know that by now, I have three sons. And one thing I can say is, I worry about their future, and I worry about when they leave the house will they make it home? And so, when I come down here for five months out of the year, they're always on my mind. Just like everybody else in here, your kids are on your mind, your loved ones. But this budget, is going to help families across the State of Illinois. What I would love to see is more invested in youth programs. That's what I want to see, because I know it works. I've seen it no matter what I represent communities like North Lawndale, and when those young people are put to work, no matter what the news say, no matter what anybody think, the narrative that's put on the media that -- that you see on the media is not the same. I'm in the community, I'm at events, I'm talking to these young 179 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 people and so, I would have loved to see a lot more invested. And that -- in those type of programs, employment. The birth equity initiative that's going to save lives, prior authorization, all of those initiatives, the Child Tax Credit. I would have liked to see a little bit more into community care providers because I know how hard they work. I know they deserve more but the reality is that we all take an oath. Our job is to come here and govern and to pass a budget, we got to pay bills, we got to create revenue, we got to ensure that we are doing our work and everybody in here, even on the right side of the aisle, you benefit everybody. You could vote No, but you still benefit. You still take home the same exact things we do when we go home to our respective districts. That's the reality. It's not like you're saying no and then you don't get anything you do for the folks at home. So, you know, but I'm going to vote Yes. One, I'm a team player and I'm thinking about the bigger picture. I didn't come down here for five months to turn around and say no and -- and misrepresent my district. Can we do more? Yes. But I'm going to vote Yes on this, and I encourage you all to vote Yes, too. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Further discussion? Senator Loughran Cappel, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
First of all, I know, that many of you know my background as a special education teacher. I also served on the school board. 180 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 And I also had, you know, the honor of Chairing our Education Appropriations hearings with colleagues on the -- on both sides of the aisle. And I think we did some good work. And, you know, while I hear a lot about some of the shortfalls of our budget, you know, it's not a perfect budget. I will tell you this. It is a good budget and it is a -- it is a good budget for education and let me tell you why. This has been talked about, but let me tell you why evidence-based funding is so important. Districts count on this and we've increased it, again, this year. The district that I served as -- on school board for Joliet Township High School, when we started evidence-based funding, the adequacy level was fifty percent. It's now seventy percent. And this is a under-resourced Tier 1 school and we at Joliet Township High School, we've been able to implement programs, AP programs. Our graduation rate has gone up. We've implemented more career and technical education. These are investments in our community that are going to serve us in the long term. Another reason why this is a good investment in our education budget is good -- is that it is investment in early childhood and I've heard many references to special education. And let me tell you, I was a special education teacher, and I served and helped kids with disabilities. And when I was in the early childhood classroom, I had children that had IEP's and many times, if they were in early intervention and they went to preschool, by the time they got to kindergarten or first grade, some of them would be dismissed from special education. So, I see that as a -- a long-term investment for our children in special education. And I know our MCAT's are mandated categorical yeah, they could be better, but we did increase our Special Ed Transportation, and that was something that we heard from both sides of the aisle, and 181 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 we want to do that. Let me tell you more about early childhood education. Research supports that our children will do better in the long run. They develop foundational skills for literacy and math, problem solving, and this is again evident in kindergarten. And while it does level out when you get into, you know, fourth and fifth grade. Research supports that they actually do better as adults, they go to college, we have less involved in crime, and they become better citizens. So, when we talk about smart investments, this is a good investment. We talk about our teachers. We have a shortage of special education teachers, I heard that as well. We have a Teacher Vacancy Grant that school districts are using to help retain teachers and recruit teachers. One, is again, in one of my districts, Oswego 308. And again, it's those specialty licenses. They are now recruiting paraprofessionals, recruiting teachers, helping paraprofessionals gain their licensure, partnering with -- colleges in the local areas. This is, again, an investment in our schools and I could go on and on about more. But I do want to say, yes, there are things that could be better, we've all said that. But I think in terms of the perfect budget, it is not. But it is -- it is a good budget for education, and I plan on supporting it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Sims, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, to all of the Members on both sides of the aisle who -- stood up to speak to the budget, but let me also add, my thanks, to our amazing staff's on both sides of the aisle. I have watched them work late nights. 182 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 I've worked -- I've watched them turn -- turn around night after night, day after day, after being here to all hours of the evening, and get up and do it all over again. So, I -- I again, I want -- I want to thank particularly on both sides of the aisle, but our -- our policy and budget team led by our Director Aaron Holmes and our -- our Deputy Directors, Dillon Santoni and Miles Sodowski -- and I often joke with them, that they do a great job of making us look good. But I know that the staff who stands to their right, makes them look good, because I keep them in my office all the time, so I know they're not doing the work. But, I again, I'd be remiss if I didn't also thank the staff on the Republican side of the aisle as well, led by Director Scott Hurrelbrink. Let me also thank the Members on the other side of the aisle who are on the budget and negotiating teams, we spent countless hours together discussing the issues and discussing the State's budget. And while we disagree on policy, one thing I will not question, is your love for this great State. I appreciate the fact that we can -- we can and often do disagree on those policy issues, but we are able to work together, and I -- I appreciate that. But, I've got to point out a couple of things that I -- I heard during testimony or during today's deliberations, there -- there are a couple of things. One, I'm a little confused because I couldn't really understand if you wanted more spending or less spending, because there is this dichotomy where there are times where you say we should be spending more, but then there are times you say we should be spending less, and I'm willing to have that conversation. In fact, I enjoy having that conversation with you, there was this discussion of how we are moving forward with a number of different areas. One of those areas was the -- there -- we had some debate a little bit ago about 183 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 -- not repeal -- about the repeal of the grocery tax. And then there was some discussion earlier, in today's proceedings, about the -- how the grocery tax would then impact local governments. And I'm, as I look at this budget, there are more than half a billion dollars, in resources, that will go to local governments. Now, I -- I could be wrong, but that is significant, those are significant investments in local communities, those will make a difference in local communities, those are the -- those are the opportunity to make sure that there could be, a wait a minute, a property tax reduction if local governments take the opportunity to do so, I also heard a discussion in the classification of the migrant crisis as the Pritzker self-made migrant crisis. I -- I - - I didn't see a letter -- I -- I saw a letter from Governor Pritzker asking Governor Abbott to stop engaging in an activity - - activities that would send these individuals to Illinois without a plan for how to address them. So, if we're going to talk facts, let's talk facts. There was, you know, and I, I'm not going to get into whether being lectured about -- by someone who sits on the sidelines while we govern, but someone who talks about the fact, talking about measuring results. When we talk about measuring results, when a -- the previous administration created a budget impasse that led to sixteen billion dollars' worth of old bills that we had to pay for, then to talk about sending us into near junk status, where we had to climb out of that. I would love to have -- again -- I welcome and I -- and I have shown time, and time again, that we are willing to work together, and I want to continue to do that because I believe that our investments in our -- and I talked about this in my opening, about investments in modernizing our infrastructure. This budget invests in modernizing 184 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 our greatest infrastructure, which is our people. We are investing in making sure that we -- we have -- we are educating our young people. We -- look -- we -- we had some discussion about increasing DSP wage and -- and again, I don't question your authenticity, but I would remind my friends on the other side of the aisle that since 2019, DSP wages in downstate have increased seventy-one percent and in Chicago they have increased ninety-six percent. Now, again, you can question how we do things, but the numbers are the numbers. We are continuing to make sure we make those investments, we are continuing to engage in activities that will prepare us not for the next election, but for the next generation, we continue to educate our young people, we continue to invest in protecting our most vulnerable, we continue to keep our streets safe. I -- come along with us, and I know and I have talked to my friends on the other side of the aisle who are -- who are willing participants and I -- I acknowledge that. I acknowledge that our -- our friends, on the other side of the aisle, have worked with us. And let me for a moment pause, because I would be remiss, if I did not personally thank our budget negotiating team - Senators Aquino and Belt and Loughran Cappel and Villanueva, who spent those countless hours pushing, pulling, challenging, making sure that we were looking at what those investments were going to look like, making sure that we, as we talked about a Child Tax Credit that were going to benefit, that was going to benefit children and families from throughout this State that -- that it make -- it was making the right investment, making sure that we invested nearly two hundred million dollars in -- in -- in State funding to youth employment activities. That doesn't happen without their work and their support. So, I appreciate all of them also. I wish this were a 185 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 perfect budget. I've been here many years, and I have yet to see one. But, as I will close, Mr. President, where I started, this budget is fair, it's balanced, and it provides certainty for us investing in our future. With that, I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Ladies and Gentlemen, I would -- I would ask that all Members be at their desks, check your computers, make sure that it is up and ready, ready to vote. With that, the question is, shall Senate Bill 251 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 38 voting Aye, 21 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 251, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your point.
Before they file out for what will be their first good night's sleep in an awful long time, I wanted to join the chorus of -- Members thanking our staff on both sides of the aisle for their incredible work on this budget. We have the best staff in the building and the Senate should be proud of that. I especially, appreciate that Senator Collins, one of the most recent arrivals from the House, spontaneously stood up to thank our staff, recognizing how superior they are to other folks in the building. But I appreciate the work you do for -- for those of us who have 186 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 once served on staff, we are especially aware of how hard you work, how good you make us look. And before you go home, I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please join me in a welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Thank you all to all the staff. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The Committee Members of the Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senate's front room immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senator… Senator Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 4959 and Floor Amendments 3 and 4 to House Bill 5005. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Messages From the House.
A Message from the House, by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I'm directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives passed a bill of the following title, the passage of which I'm instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate to wit: House Bill 5475. Passed the House, May 25th, 2024. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 187 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 With leave of the Body, we will -- returning to page 10 with House Bills 3rd Reading. With House Bill -- excuse me, 4959 and there is a change in sponsorship to Senator Sims. Senator Sims seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4959 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4959. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and debate it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4959, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Sims, on your bill.
188 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4959 is the Budget Implementation Act for Fiscal Year 2025. It is a substantive companion to the appropriations bill that we just passed. Let me -- a few highlights of the bill, Mr. President. The bill creates a professional licensure fund for the Department of Professional, (and) Financial and Professional Regulations to utilize for its electronic licensure project. It's provided a mechanism for funding this multiyear project. It authorizes the Illinois Department of Transportation to pay Pace paratransit grants to reduced fare subsidy grants and Amtrak subsidies from the road fund. It continues allowing personal property replacement tax fund money to be used for Illinois Community College Board based operating grants, and for Department of Public Health local -- local protection grants. It authorizes the Board of Higher Education to make grants to public universities to support implementation of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. It creates the Summer EBT Program -- Program Fund and establishes the authority for the Department of Human Services to operate the federally funded program. It allows the Comptroller to make payments to the five State sponsored pension systems that are greater than one twelfth of the required annual State contribution in a month. This will allow the Comptroller to front load the pension payments for the comptroller, where the comptroller has the additional can--cash on hand in a month provides an additional five million dollars for the annual equalization grants per capita, and area grants to library systems and per capita grants to public libraries under Section 8 of the Illinois Library Systems Act. It amends the Body (Worn) Camera Grant program, which allows grant money to be used for leasing of body cameras in addition to the 189 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 purchases, and according to the -- the Illinois Sheriffs Association, many other body camera companies are offering bundles with leased cameras, and sheriffs are not allowed to receive funding for those bundled deals. It removes the requirement of in kind operating commitment requirements for the Department of Children and Family Services for the Child Abuse Prevention Shelter Program and the Department of Human Services community based youth services. It transfers twenty million dollars from the Capital Projects Fund to the Illinois Works Fund to support the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It extends through fiscal year 25 -- 2025, a waiver of matching requirements for the -- for the Oz Lab Program. Provides a camping fee waiver during the 2024 Illinois State Fair at the three nearest Department of Natural Resources campsite, so campers who purchased a season admission ticket during -- to -- to -- to campers who purchase a season admission ticket during specified time window. It establishes that the Teacher Retirement System retirees shall be offered vision and dental insurance starting on July 1st, 2024. The 2020 -- the fiscal year 2024 budget also includes a four hundred and fifty thousand dollar GR for appropriation to the Department of Human Services to implement the fund and implement a vendor to set up a publicly available search function to find facilities to treat substance abuse disorder. Allows both downstate and Chicago retired teachers to return to work without affecting their pensions through July 1st, 2021. It also allows the University of Illinois at Springfield to build a downtown campus. It established a grant program providing up to seven thousand dollars per -- per school site to initiate Breakfast After the Bell Programs, and it creates the 190 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Pretrial Success Grants. Mr. President, I know of no opposition. Will answer any questions and ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Just to remind those still playing at home at 10:15 on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. This is the Budget Implementation Bill. This is exactly where the road fund diversions were, we previously discussed the money for the electric vehicles, etc. I would recommend a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Sims, you'd like to close.
Vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 4959 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 Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4959, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. My intention was to be a No vote on the last vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The record will reflect -- will reflect your intention. We 191 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 are going to stay on page 10 of the printed Calendar and move up to House Bill 4951. There has been a change in sponsorship to Senator Villanueva. Senator Villanueva seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4951 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4951. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your amendment.
I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The bill, as amended…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) On -- Senator Villanueva, on Amendment No. 3.
Apologies. Thank you. I like to adopt that amendment and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 192 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 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?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your additional amendment.
I like amendments. I would like to adopt this and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 5, offered by Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your other amendment.
As previously stated, I like amendments. This is the last one, I'd like to explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) You would like to adopt it. 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 your consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 193 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4951, an Act concerning revenue. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. The bill, as amended, is the 20 and together -- puts together the 2024 revenue package containing the following, the Cook -- the county official salary reimbursement study, the Illinois gives tax credit, the Housing Opportunity Area Abatement Extension, a trailer bill to Senate Bill 1675, a property tax exemption eligibility information, the no double dipping on tax incentives, the La Moille or Molly School District issue, the journalism tax credit, the live theater and nonprofit theater credit, the music tax credit, the returning citizen tax credit expansion, the Community Foundation tuition payment tax deduction -- income tax deduction, the emergency workers tax credit expansion, the re-renter subject to hoot, the environmental impact and motor fuel receiver fee extension, the taxing the lease stream rather than the purchase price, the tobacco tax uniformity, parity and tax of -- in-State and out-of-State financial institutions, the adoption and student assist credit extension, the property tax and interest distributions, the Child Tax Credit, the net operating loss deduction cap, the retailers discount cap, the sports wagering tax increase, the franchise tax exemption increase, the video gaming terminals tax increase, the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption reassessment, the historic resident assessment freeze, 194 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 the religious property tax fix, the -- the Petroleum Refinery Settlement Agreement, the interchange fees on taxes prohibited, the library bonding requirements, the Casino Reduction and Privilege Act, and the Community Mental Health Act. I am here to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? With a very early and eager light, Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the tax increase we spoke about earlier, the tax increase in the working people of Illinois. I would note, as I asked my caucus to vote No. And I would urge others to join us, that it is characteristic that we have filled up our grocery cart by passing the spending bill before he looked in our wallets to find out how much we actually have to spend, vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) For further discussion? Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise to speak strongly 195 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 in favor of this package. And just want to take a moment to really lift up how important it is that this year, you know, myself, you, Leader Aquino, in the Chair, and countless people throughout our community organizations at the grassroots level work together to enact the Child Tax Credit in Illinois and to enact one that is robust and really meets the moment. You know, this is a big deal, right? And I think it's important to, to kind of really underscore similar to what Senator Halpin said earlier, that the Child Tax Credit, that we're creating, is going to benefit families and households in every part of this State. You know, and I came to the Senate three years ago. This was one of the literally the first piece of legislation I introduced. And I think the genius of, this proposal is that it will be, pegged to families that currently benefit from the Earned Income Tax credit, which means that we are really driving that assistance and that -- and that help to families that are really struggling all across the State and every single zip code, whether or not they're represented by Democrats or Republicans, moderates or progressives. You know, what I've really enjoyed about this Session is that I feel like I saw people or Members from all across the Democratic aisle come together, whether you're moderates or progressives, various sub caucuses who -- who together pushed hard for this, for this Child Tax Credit and pushed for something that is really going to benefit, families across the board. So, I want to I want to say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I always enjoy, spirited discussions with them. The previous speaker and I were just in the hallway, and he was asking if he had persuaded me on the previous piece of legislation. So, I was listening, but I wasn't -- wasn't in agreement with what you were saying. And I just want to make sure 196 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 that, you know, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle really think about supporting this particular package, because if you join the Democrats in voting for this package, you're voting for a piece of legislation that is wildly popular all across the country, regardless of your political party. Because the Child Tax Credit is putting dollars back in the families that you all represent who are struggling the same way that my constituents are on the far north side of Chicago. You know, mothers that have to sit at the kitchen table every night and literally choose what bills they're going to pay. You know, I remember watching my mom have to do that late at night. I don't want -- you know, Leader Sims talked earlier about how the budget that we're passing, the revenue package is investing in the next generation. That's what this Child Tax Credit is all about. It's putting dollars into the pockets of those moms and those dads and those caretakers who already are -- are either, you know, very far down in terms of just being near poverty or lower moderate income, probably don't have health insurance, probably are behind on their rent, and they of everybody, that we represent, they are long overdue for some relief. So, thank you, Mr. President, for recognizing me. And I just want to make sure that all of my colleagues here understand the true gravity of, you know, the historic nature of what we're doing here tonight with the Child Tax Credit. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Villanueva, to close.
I just want to point out some numbers, because I know there was some questions earlier. This revenue tax package would bring 197 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 in eight hundred and sixty-five point five million dollars, and that breaks down to a hundred and nineteen in OSF and seven hundred and forty-six point five million dollars into general revenue funds. People had a lot to say, but at the end of the day, we're doing the work for the people of the State of Illinois. And before I finish, I want to say that this work doesn't get done by the legislators alone. This work gets done with our staff and in this moment, I want to thank Natalie Snyder, our revenue staffer. Who literally has gone through it all with me in the past couple of years but has been there and has been through every revenue hearing, through every subject matter to try to make the best bill possible. So, this is a great bill. We are doing this work on behalf of the people of Illinois and will continue to run government on behalf of them. Vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 4951 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 37 voting Aye, 22 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 4951, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up, going down the -- down the page 1, we have House Bill 5005. There's been a sponsorship change to Senator Stadelman. Senator Stadelman seeks leave of the Body to -- excuse me, return House Bill 5005 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5005. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Stadelman. 198 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Stadelman, on your amendment.
I ask it be adopted. I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Stadelman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Stadelman, on your amendment.
Ask that it be adopted. I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Stadelman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Stadelman, on your amendment.
Ask to be adopted, I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
199 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill or excuse me House Bill 5005, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Stadelman, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 5005 is the incentive from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, it actually involves twelve different initiatives to spread job and business growth, and to update our State's business development tools to make us even more competitive for capital investment. I won't go through the process of reading all twelve initiatives, but basically it creates new business incentive programs, strengthens existing programs. For example, the number of river edge communities are increased by seven more, and that involves all downstate communities and expands programs to new industries such as quantum computing and electric hovercraft. DCO estimates this will generate an estimated twenty-one billion dollars in new revenue over the next thirty years. Happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5005 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 200 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 question, there are 51 voting Aye, 5 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5005, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving along to House Bill 5078, Senator Hastings. Senator Hastings moves to -- seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5078 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5078. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on your amendment.
Mr. President, if you give me one second. My -- the bill is paused here. We move to not adopt Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Amendment is withdrawn. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on this amendment.
Mr. President, I move to withdraw this amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) This amendment is withdrawn. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Hastings. 201 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on this amendment.
Mr. President, I move to adopt the amendment, and I'll explain on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5078, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill corrects a simple scrivener's error where we conveyed a piece of property last year, that being the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, and it did not include the parcel number 2 legal description. This is common in various real estate transactions. Unfortunately, it requires legislative action to put it into statute. I urge an Aye vote and there's no -- I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do 202 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 you seek recognition?
Question the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
To be clear, Senator Hastings, the amendments that were withdrawn essentially removed all the discussion from last night. Right? In Exec?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Rose.
We're just left with the correction of the land transfer?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings.
Yes. The Amendment No. 4 simply adds the legal description for the pin number that was transferred last year. None of the CDB language that we spoke about in the Executive Committee is anywhere attached to this bill. It's a simple legal description, addition to the second parcel on the property. And I hope that answers your question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1578 pass. All those in favor of vote Aye. Opposed, 203 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 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 Aye, 16 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5078, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing our work, with leave of the Body, we will move back to page 7 at the top with House Bill 581, Senator Villanueva. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 581, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villanueva, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Current State and federal law requires hospitals to provide emergency medical services to patients who are brought to the hospital with injuries or medical conditions likely to cause death, severe injury, or serious illness. HB 581 is intended to be declarative of existence of existing law. It requires hospitals to provide emergency services in accordance with the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. It clarifies that this protection applies to individuals who present at the hospital, in addition to those who arrive by ambulance or other emergency medical services vehicles. It also clarifies that injuries or medical conditions likely to cause death, severe injury or serious illness, including and includes certain pregnancy related complications that would require an abortion to avoid death, severe injury, or serious illness. This bill also enables the Department of Public Health to impose penalties of fifty thousand dollars or greater for 204 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 violations of the provisions of the law, where the federal government has not assessed fines, and it requires IDPH to adopt rules for enforcement that include factors to consider when issuing a monetary penalty. I'm here to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Tracy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. I'll just go to the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill. Senator Tracy.
If you talk to any physician in the State of Illinois, which I have talked to several about this bill, they will say that certainly under the Emtala, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, the procedure is, is if -- if a woman presents at the hospital or comes into the emergency room with a situation such as an ectopic pregnancy or other complications of the pregnancy, it's their duty under the Hippocratic Oath to treat both patients, both patients being the mother and the baby. In the instance of an ectopic pregnancy, the baby is considered in a hostile environment and not viable, and the effort will be made to save the mother's life. We had a lot of conversations about DNC, which is a dilation and curtilage procedure. In that situation, when a mother comes to the hospital and presents and requires after a pregnancy that ends in a termination of pregnancy by an emergency situation, whether it be ectopic pregnancy or a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage, then a DNC is performed. This is not an abortion. A DNC is only performed after the baby has died, and 205 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 it's done either to, as part of the miscarriage to get ready to prepare the uterus for future births and to -- to clean the womb and -- and that type of thing. So, if you ask physicians in Illinois, this is not necessary. It's already being done. If you present at -- at an emergency room in the State of Illinois, you will receive the treatment in an emergency room that you require, its stabilization. You're diagnosed, you're treated, and in some instances if the hospital is ill equipped to deal with your situation, you are transferred. This is just another attempt to get reproductive health out in the -- a mainstream arena to say we're not doing enough for mothers or people that need services. Well, the truth is, we are. Now, if you go to an abortion clinic, that's a different situation. It's an induced abortion. It's not emergency, it's an induced abortion. It's an elective procedure. But in the emergency room in the Illinois Catholic Hospital or not, you are going to get the best possible care from our Illinois physicians. You are going to get whatever is required to save the mother's life and if the baby's life is savable, it will be saved too. So that's it. This is not necessary, and I urge a No vote. But most of all, think about it. Do we want our physicians who are -- they are up to the standard of using reasonable medical care for the circumstances they're presented. They vary greatly, but they're -- they're tasked with using reasonable medical standards of care with each patient. Do you want them to be concerned when they're treating that patient? Oh, I'm going to have the Department of Public Health examine this, and then I'll have a fifty thousand dollar penalty. If you think that's fair for Illinois physicians that are doing the best jobs they can in crowded emergency rooms, then you can vote Yes. But I urge a No vote because this is not a 206 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 necessary bill and it's not a fair penalty or fine. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Villanueva, to close.
I want to clarify a couple of things in terms of what DNC are. DNC dilation and coverage is a procedure to remove tissues from the uterus, a procedure that opens the cervix so tissue can be removed using an instrument called a cut wright. DNC's can be used in cases of miscarriages, also defined as spontaneous abortions. And for a pregnancy, someone is electively choosing to end. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court heard a case regarding the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, known as Emtala. In that lawsuit and that lawsuit, states that have banned abortion have argued that they can prevent doctors from providing abortions when it is a stabilizing treatment necessary to resolve a medical condition that can cause death or death or severe injury. This case is currently before the Supreme Court of this nation, and if they do what they have been, they have shown themselves to do with their decisions, which is to limit access to abortion in any circumstance, then it is imperative for us to act. If the Supreme Court limits Emtala and creates confusion around emergency treatment in Illinois, this bill will ensure that Illinois will maintain the status quo. We're here today to provide -- provide clarity to doctors, hospitals, and patients in Illinois emergency rooms. An abortion may be provided when it is standard care in an emergency. With this bill, we will continue to tell Illinoisans that their rights matter, that their right there, their right to access to health care matters, that their right to bodily autonomy 207 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 matters, that their right to survive what are probably the most difficult and life threatening health crisis matters. And that in this State, hospitals will not turn away pregnant people in a health crisis who need this emergency health care. The goal of this bill is to maintain the status quo and that, and to ensure that if Emtala is narrowed by our Supreme Court of this nation, that people will still have access to the necessary emergency care. This is a good bill. It's a necessary bill. Vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The question is, shall House Bill 581 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? All voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 40 voting Aye, 19 voting Nays, 0 voting Present. House Bill 581, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will -- returning to page 11 towards the top of the Calendar with House Bill 5496, Senator Napoleon Harris. Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Excuse me, Senator Harris seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5496 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5496. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Napoleon Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Harris, on your amendment.
I would like -- I would like to move to withdraw the amendment. 208 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Amendment is -- the amendment is withdrawn. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now, on the Order of 3rd Reading, Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 5496, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Harris, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5496 is technical in nature. It brings in the lines with two conflicting rules on the books, and it gives IDOT the authority. Actually, it gives IDOT the flexibility to negotiate private public partnerships using multiple methods, just as they can do now to negotiate different types of other projects. In short, it's going to level the playing field so the IDOT can set one rule throughout the State regarding all transportation projects. This bill came out of Executive on the bipartisan roll call unanimously, and I asked for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5496 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 49 voting Aye, 2 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. 209 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 House Bill 5496, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will move to page 11 or continuing rather on page 11 towards the bottom on the Secretary's Desk are resolutions. Senate Resolutions 590. Senator Napoleon Harris, on Senate Resolution 590. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 590, offered by Senator Napoleon Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Harris, on your-- on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. SR 590 urges support for the Family Roots Genealogy Pilot Program as it provides African American descendants of enslaved individuals the opportunity to trace their ancestry, heritage, and homelands.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 590 pass. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the resolution is adopted. Continuing on to the next page is Senate Resolution 733, Senator Simmons. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 733, offered by Senator Simmons.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Simmons, on your resolution.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Resolution 733 would urge the Illinois Supreme Court and relevant authorities to require as a consistent part of continuing 210 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 education, LGBTQ+ and HIV cultural competency education for all attorneys, judges, and courtroom staff in the State of Illinois. I would, respectfully request an affirmative roll call on this resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 733 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have -- excuse me. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Continuing on with Senate Resolution 844. Senator Ellman with Senate Resolution 844. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 844, offered by Senator Ellman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Ellman, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 844 recognizes the First Women's Bank during Women's History Month for their advocacy and dedication to supporting women and minority owned businesses.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 844 pass. All those in favor of vote -- will -- will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 897, Senator Doris Turner. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 897, offered by Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 211 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Senator Doris Turner, on your resolution.
Mr. President. Senate Resolution 897 urges support for the development and execution of rehabilitation, job and career assessment and job training programs to promote individual success, rehabilitation, reentry and reintegration into the community from a correctional facility.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 897 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 1052, Senator Edly-Allen. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 1052, offered by Senator Edly-Allen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Edly-Allen, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 1052 is a get out the vote for teens initiative. It will observe Teen Voter Registration Day, and I encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 1052 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution -- Senate Joint Resolution 47. House Joint Resolution 57 -- 57, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. 212 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
House Joint Resolution 57, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Joint Resolution 57, simply ask the Professional Review Panel at -- is -- of the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct a cost study on implementing at minimum hourly wage for our education support professionals. ESP's provide essential services so that our students -- as so our students can thrive. These include teacher's aides, administrative staff, custodians, bus drivers, and food service member providers. Currently, there is over thirty-five hundred vacant ESP positions, and we look forward to, the Professional Review panel letting us know how best we can recruit and retain ESP's in the future. I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall -- shall House Joint Resolution 57 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 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 57, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Joint Resolution 65, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 65, offered by Senator Villivalam. 213 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Joint -- House Joint Resolution 65 recognizes the Arab American community in the State of Illinois. In keeping with recognizing and celebrating the diversity of our State, the Arab American community has a long and integral history in the United States. Men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping build a better State and nation for all. I would ask for everyone's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Joint Resolution 57 pass. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. House Joint Resolution 69. Senator Villa, on your -- excuse me, Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 69, offered by Senator Villa.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villa, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I bring you House Joint Resolution 69. It's a resolution that urgently urges the Governor to work with President Biden's administration to use its federal parole power to grant work permits to long term immigrant workers who are undocumented. This initiative was brought to me by the Work Permits for All Coalition, and it is an issue of great 214 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 importance to many immigrant families, as well as to businesses across our great State. I know we're excited to leave. I've waited a long time to call this resolution so I will get through it. In every county across the State of Illinois live hard working immigrants who contribute to the vitality of our communities. When I listened to the stories of my constituents, I learned about the sacrifices that they make to create a better life for their children. These stories include my family members, some who've lived here for over twenty years with no path to work legally in the United States. My former students, once one which I vividly remember found out in middle school who was undocumented. Against tears of fear and anger, she asked me what the point was of even trying in school if she'd never be able to work as a veterinarian as she hoped. Stories of my constituents whose mother became a naturalized citizen, a naturalized U.S. Citizen two months after she turned eighteen, which meant that her mother petitioned for her residency status. And she has waited over twenty years with no answers for residency adjustment. If only her mother had gotten her U.S. Citizen when her daughter was still seventeen, she would have been able to qualify for residency. And instead, she's working in the shadows with fear of deportation. These Illinois -- Illinoisans have sacrificed so much, sacrificed so much to make our State better, and they deserve the opportunity to continue their contributions to our State and the peace of mind that work permits would bring. Parole authority, by definition, in this context, is the permission to enter or temporarily remain in the United States and apply for Employment Authorization to any non- citizen on a case by case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. I will focus my remarks today on how 215 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 these federal work permits represent a significant public interest and benefit to Illinois. Working with the federal government to obtain work permits is a smart move for our public benefit of our State. This is critical to have the workforce that we need to sustain our economic growth and increase the approximately one point five billion dollars in tax contributions from these workers. For decades, long term immigrant workers have been vital to our State's economy. These immigrant workers were deemed essential during the pandemic and were the ones risking their lives working at manufacturing plants and meatpacking plants in order to make sure that food and PPP were available to all of us. These workers kept our economy going and thriving in some sectors and assisted in ensuring speedy recovery in Illinois. So much so that by November 2022, Illinois's private sector employment surpassed its pre-pandemic peak. We have critical later -- labor shortages in Illinois, which is why the business sector, represented by the American Business Immigration Coalition, a national bipartisan coalition of fourteen-hundred businesses and business associations, the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, and many others have come forward to support this work, permits for all effort. We estimate that there are more than four-hundred thousand immigrants who are undocumented in Illinois, many with degrees and skills that we need. This includes many young people raised in Illinois with college degrees who are not able to work in their professional fields for lack of work permits. With work permits, long term immigrants will be able to maximize their productivity and earning power. Move from informal to the formal economy, which is good for 216 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 our -- for business and good for our GDP and good for our tax base. We need our essential workers, and the federal government has the solution through granting work permits. Thank you, Mr. President, and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any discussion? Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a roll call vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Noted. And any further discussion? Seeing none, there has been a roll call vote requested for this resolution. So, the question is, shall House Joint Resolution 69 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? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 39 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 69, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your announcement.
I have a resolution that is on the Congratulatory Consent Calendar. So, I just want to read a paragraph from the resolution, because I worked very hard on this resolution for several months 217 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 and want to lift this up for my constituents back home. Senate Resolution 1033 Resolves that the Senate of the 103rd General Assembly of the State of Illinois will recognize the Black and African American communities of the seventh Senate District and express our deep appreciation and respect for the myriad of Black communities that currently reside in and have lived in the seventh district on the far north side of Chicago. Resolved, that we celebrate that history, those achievements, that culture, activism, and countless other contributions. Mr. President, could I have a decorum, please? I put a lot of time and effort into this, and so I just need to get through this here. Thank you. That we celebrate the history, achievements, culture, activism and countless other contributions of black people from a vast and beautiful diaspora in the seventh district who have made this district their home for many decades. Senate Resolution 1033 celebrates that history, and I thank you for the attention this evening.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been previously printed and distributed. We are moving back to that, and we are going to House Joint Resolution 66, Senator Edly-Allen. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 66, offered by Senator Edly-Allen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Edly-Allen, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Joint Resolution 66. You know, it's fitting that on this Memorial Day weekend that the 218 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 Illinois… Thank you. The Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to those who have served our country, and in doing so, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Lance Corporal Sean P. Maher was born in Elk Grove Village to Janet and Dan Maher on March 19th, 1985. Lance Corporal Maher enlisted in the United States Marines in August of 2003, despite having a football scholarship and a full ride to Southern Illinois University. Lance Corporal Maher was killed in action on February 2nd, 2005, in the town of Hilt, Iraq, as he came under small arms fire while responding to a helicopter crash. He had taken another marine's watch that morning to let his fellow soldier sleep in on his birthday. I humbly request that we designate U.S. Route 45 from Belvidere Road in Grayslake, north to Washington Street as "U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Sean P. Maher Memorial Highway", and I ask for a Yes vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote would be required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 8 -- excuse me, shall House Joint Resolution 66 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 66, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. House Joint Resolution 67, Senator Bryant. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 67, offered by Senator Bryant. 219 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. We actually passed the Senate version of this yesterday for Lance Corporal Drew Uhles. This is just the House version, because we weren't sure that they would have time to get it through the House. So, I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) As the resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 67 pass. All those in favor vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 67, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. House Joint Resolution 70, Senator Villivalam. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 70, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Villivalam, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Joint Resolution 70 recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to commemorate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month to mark the first arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7th, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 1869 through the incredible 220 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 effort of mostly Chinese immigrant workers. I just want to acknowledge this resolution on behalf of the House Asian American Legislative Caucus, the more than nine-hundred thousand Asian Americans, about seven percent of our population in the State of Illinois. And I want to thank my colleagues for welcoming over three-hundred Asian American residents on, I believe, May 9th, when they came for their lobby day and just would ask for the support to adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Joint Resolution 70 pass? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A parliamentary inquiry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) State your inquiry.
With respect to our substantive business, are we done?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) In consultation with our Parliamentarian. Yes, sir. We are done. Senate -- President Harmon.
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your point.
Delivering remarks at the end of Session is a little bit being like being the last Speaker at a lobby day, when you know 221 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 you're the only impediment between the Members and their drinks. But I want to take just a moment. Every Session I found has its own rhythm, and each budget is its own beast. And this one was a doozy. There is no doubt about that. I do hope that we all enjoyed our day as a unicameral legislature however, this was an incredibly productive day. A long day, but solid work. I never once had to tell anyone, we were waiting for something from the House, and that made it a much easier day for all of us. I want to thank the Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. This was a rough road, but we pulled together and got our work done. I want to thank Leader Curran and the Senate Republicans. I really appreciate what you said on the Floor earlier about a genuine commitment to bipartisanship and moving our State forward. That is a shared commitment. And I do, I want everyone to thank our entire staff, our budget and policy staff, our legal staff, our communications staff. But today, I do want to highlight and thank our new Deputy Chief of Staff, Mike Hoffmann, and in particular, our new Chief of staff on her maiden voyage through a budget, Ashley Jenkins Jordan, who is hiding somewhere. There she is up there. Okay, there we are.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. President, go ahead.
And so, Mr. President, as we depart five days early. I wish the House the best of luck when they return on Tuesday to complete their business, and I hope that they'll be done by Friday. Godspeed everyone. Have a great summer. Thank you for all the work in a very productive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 222 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 We will now proceed to the Order of Consent Calendar. Congratulatory Resolutions. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. We will now proceed to the Order of Consent Calendar celebrations of life resolutions with leave of the Body. All those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolutions on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolution on the Consent Calendar be adopted? All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The resolutions are adopted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Joint Resolution 65, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) On the Order of Resolutions, is Senate Joint Resolution 65. Mr. Secretary, read -- read the resolution.
Resolved by the Senate of the 103rd General Assembly of the State of Illinois. The House of Representatives concurring herein. 223 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 120th Legislative Day 5/26/2024 The Senate adjourns on Sunday, May 26th, 2024. It stands adjourned until the call of the President and when the House of Representatives adjourns, it stands adjourned until the call of the Speaker.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Lightford moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration of adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 65. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Lightford moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 65. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. There being no further business. Oh, no, excuse me, ahead of myself. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1030480, Comptrollers salaried appointment, to be a Member of the American Merit Commission, Office of the Comptroller, Amy Rueff.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) And officially there being no further business to come before the Senate pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 65. The Senate stands adjourned to the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. 224