PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members be at their desks? The invocation today will be provided by Pastor Stephen Lawrence of the Exodus Church here in Springfield. Pastor.
PASTOR STEPHEN LAWRENCE: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge. Senator Johnson will lead us.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The following members of the media seek leave to either take video or audio recordings of today's proceedings. Peter Hancock from Capitol News, Illinois. Lisa Yuscius from Blueroomstream and Mike Miletich from WAND television. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Saturday, January 4th, 2025.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Senate Resolution 1349, offered by Senator Joyce and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 1350, offered by Senator Koehler. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes, so the Committee on Assignments can meet. Members of the Committee on Assignments will assemble immediately in the front room of the Chamber. Committee on Assignments. Senator Hunter, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. Hunter in the Chair.
Senator Cunningham, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - House Bill 4410, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 817, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2474, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2547, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4828, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5164, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5367 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5397: Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Resolution 1350. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Castro, what purpose do you seek recognition?
Purpose for a motion, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 State your motion.
I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 4410 and House Bill 4828 may be heard at 1 p.m. today in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Castro moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 4410 and House Bill 4828 may be heard at 1 o'clock today in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor, say Aye. All those, Nays. Motion. The motion has been carried. Senator Aquino, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) State your announcement.
The Senate Dem - the Senate Democrats will meet in caucus in the Senate President's Office at around 12:15, for approximately one hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator McClure, what purpose do you rise?
For announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) State your announcement.
Thank you. The Senate Republicans will caucus at 12:15, in the Capitol, for approximately an hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Thank you. The Executive Committee will meet today in Room 212 at 1:15. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After Exec. Committees, the Senate will reconvene for Floor action. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The Senate will now come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Motion to Concur - House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3180 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 4410 Do Pass; House Bill 4828 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 817, Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2474, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2547, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 5164, and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 5367 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Andrew Campbell, Capitol News, Illinois request permission to record video/audio. Leave is granted. Mawa Iqbal. IB -- Oh, excuse me. IBZFM {sic} (WBEZFM} request permission to audio record. Leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, will you please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. Ladies and Gentlemen, please come to the Senate Floor for Floor action. Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if you would please turn your Calendars to the Order of page 2, beginning with House Bills 3rd Reading. On the Order of page 2, we will begin with Senator Villanueva, on House Bill 2547. The lady indicates she seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2542 -- 47 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Bill 2547. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No.1, offered by Senator Villanueva.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villanueva.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none. 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now, on the Order of 3rd Reading, is House Bill 2547. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
House Bill 2547, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we're going to return to the Order of 3rd Reading -- House Bill… Beginning with House Bill 2474. 2474. Senator Edly-Allen. Sponsorship has been changed to Senator Collins. Senator Collins seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2474 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2474. Mr. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No.2, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Collins, on your amendment.
Thank you, President. Senate Floor Amendment 2 -- Okay. President, I move to adopt Senate Floor Amendment 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 2474. Senator Collins. -- Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
House Bill 2474, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Collins.
Thank you. Senate Floor Amendment 2 deletes all and becomes the bill. The new bill amends the Nursing Home Care Act to prohibit retaliatory action against a nursing home resident. It provides 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 that in cases where retaliatory action is made against a resident, that the resident may file a civil suit against the nursing home. This amendment says for how a violation can be proven and the damages which they may be awarded to a resident. It also requires nursing homes to annually notify residents of their rights regarding retaliation and the process to make such complaints. Lastly, the amendment requires in-service training designed to prevent retaliatory action. There are -- everyone on this bill is neutral. And I would also like to add that I want to thank the advocates. Also, our Senate President, Don Harmon, for working with me on this b ill. As a former nursing home worker, I understand the importance of taking care of our residents and them entrusting all staff at the facility to, you know, take care of them and that they should be provided with good care -- good quality care, and that they should feel safe whenever they are making concerns about their well-being. And so, I think this bill, actually makes -- creates a process for those residents to have a voice. And so, I would ask for my colleague's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 2474 pass? All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Yea, 2 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2474, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the Order of 3rd Readings, on page 3, please, please turn your Calendars to page 3. House Bill 5164, Senator Villivalam. Senator Villivalam seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5164 to the Order of 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5164. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No.1, Offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villivalam, on your amendment please.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5164. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
House Bill 5164, an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the Bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villivalam.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 5164, as amended, is an initiative of Equality Illinois, Planned Parenthood, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and many other organizations. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 It's legislation that modernizes the name change law to provide an advanced safety and support for many communities. This legislation would, you know, in doing so, would repeal the archaic and expensive requirement that an individual must publicize their name change in a newspaper. We made the amendment, we had this bill in committee during Veto Session, we made the amendment after the State's Attorneys reached out to us the morning after, to clarify that if a court grants a motion to a pound to file as allowed by the bill, a name change shall be reported to the Illinois State Police, and the Illinois State Police must update any criminal history, transcript or offender registration for each person 18 years of age or older to include the change of name as well as the person's former name. Happy to answer any questions. This has been adopted, or this is the law in 24 other states. Would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Question --
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please do Senator.
Yes, thank.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Rezin.
Thank you. Under this legislation, you're changing the requirement for a name change to three months residency. Does any 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 documentation be -- beyond a self-attestation need to be provided to prove residency?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam.
Thank you for the question, Senator Rezin. I still owe you that tea. So, we'll -- we'll make that happen. I, again, this legislation was brought to us by organizations that work with individuals that are making -- changing their name due to potential harm. And so, in doing so, we want to ensure they have to follow a process which is clearly laid out. We also want to ensure that there are not burdensome barriers to -- allowing them to be safe and healthy. And so, to answer your question, there is that self- attestation piece. That is what the State of Washington, operates under for at least a few years. And so, that's what the legislation lays out.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Rezin.
The bill specifies certain groups, including refugees, those granted special immigrant status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, and individuals granted asylum as eligible to change their names under this legislation. Anyone who legitimately falls into these categories would have official documentation to prove it. Why not require them to show these government issued documents?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villivalam.
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Thank you, again, for the question. So again, we, as you mentioned, the groups that you mentioned have been approved for lawful immigration status or in the country legally, background checks by DHS and FBI -- and the FBI. We believe the self- attestation piece is -- is important and is there, and we believe that is sufficient. We also have to acknowledge that when you discuss criminal backgrounds and even debts, for example, changing your name does not erase your criminal background or your debt. You -- you have Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, fingerprints, other mechanisms for law enforcement to do these checks, and I think that is what we're putting forward in this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Rezin.
Thank you. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
If this bill becomes law, someone could come to Illinois and on the same day claim that they've been a resident for three months and are a refugee or asylum seeker, or have special immigrant status, then change their name without providing any proof beyond a self-attestation. A document that essentially says take my word for it. The judge is then told that the document is enough to seal that record, to eliminate any public record that a name change even occurred. This allows for extraordinary potential to abuse the system and manipulate the process and evade federal immigration authorities, including ICE. I urge a No vote. Thank you. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Chesney, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you, Madam President. I think it's important to understand what the bill is and isn't. This bill is certainly not about addressing the most vulnerable populations like those that have -- have been abused. What this bill does do is it intentionally protects the illegal immigrants that the Democrat Party has so openly welcomed to this State. A little bit of history is the Democrat Party in the State of Illinois has provided free health care, free education, free food, free shelter, and they have essentially rolled out the red carpet for illegal immigrants to come to the State of Illinois. Illinois is one of a few states that is growing population, but only in the illegal immigrants that are coming here. Legal residents, of course, are leaving the State. And then this was doubled down with the Trust Act that was wrongly signed into law and was supported by the overwhelming majority in your party. And this is the final piece of what Governor Pritzker said, "You have to go through me". Which is why we're doing this on a Sunday, in the middle of a snowstorm, with little media out here. This is why we're doing this is because this is the cover up. This is how you cover up all the wrongdoings of State policy. And so, what this is going to do is it's going to allow illegal activity to continue -- to continue to be alive and 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 present in the State of Illinois. But that is all going to change on January 20th when Donald Trump comes into the State of Illinois and correctly removes the illegal activity in this State. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator McClure.
Thank you. Senator, just first to the amendment you talked about, the state police are going to receive this information now from the court. Does it clarify who is to send that information to the state police?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villivalam.
So, to claire -- thank you for the question. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for the question, Senator. So, I just want to be clear that this amendment it was -- was done at the request of the State's Attorneys and specifically in the amendment, we actually acknowledged that it is already in the underlying statute. And if you look at the -- the amendment, it says it is still required under subsection D of -- of Section 21-101. So, I want to be clear that this is already in the underlying statute. We added it to -- as a clarification to ensure that at the request of the State's Attorneys, that -- that this communication with the 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Illinois State Police occurs. And so, I think the -- whatever the intent was under the underlying statute is what we would point to. And just so you know, underlying -- a copy of the order, including a copy of each applicable access and review response shall be forwarded to the Illinois State Police.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.
And -- and I appreciate that clarification, but my question now is the underlying statute allows for someone to live here for six months and does not allow this impounding. My concern is now for -- for the safety of people, number one, and for transparency, is there a deadline for which under this new guideline, this new quicker path, in which the court has to get this information to the state police so that everyone can be aware of what's going on as quickly as possible. Because under this current statute, as it -- as it stands, it gives no timeline. They could -- they could provide the information to the state police a year from -- from the moment of this order, it could be two years. There's -- there's nothing here to kind of ensure that we're making sure the public is safe from something -- something like this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator, was that an additional question?
It was. I was asking about the timeline in which they would have to provide this information to the state police.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Villivalam.
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for the question, Senator. All I -- all I can tell you is that we worked with the State's Attorneys on this specific language in the amendment. We did not hear any concerns from the Illinois State Police. So, we're relying on the Illinois State Police and the State's Attorneys to provide us with their perspective. They've done that. That's the language before you. Happy to work with this -- with work with any additional, suggestions you have in the future.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.
Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate that response. I also had a question, as well. I __ I kind of heard a little bit of committee, and I think Leader Curran was asking you about the self- attestation element here specific to people that are not citizens of the country. Why isn't there more teeth here to ensure that someone truly is a refugee, or someone truly is a protected status right now? I mean, why not force them to provide the documentation? It'd be very easy thing to do, and it would ensure that there would be no bad actors getting involved in this process.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villivalam.
Thank you, Senator. As -- as I mentioned in Committee, the State of Washington has had the self-attestation -- statute -- statutory language in law for a few years. That's the -- that's the language that -- that we looked at to -- to pursue in this State. We have not heard of any major exploitations in the State of Washington. We believe it's sufficient. I again, want to 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 reiterate that we're talking about people that are experiencing harm and -- and are -- are in situations that are unsafe. And we want to ensure that there is a process which there is, separate from this bill to change their name. And by the way, that process is still concludes with the discretion of the judge. What we want to also ensure that there are not burdensome barriers to allow them to make this change and be safe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.
Thank you, Madam President, and thanks for the response, Senator. Finally, what assurances do we have that a person who is a citizen of another country is not a criminal, either in their own country or someplace else?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villivalam.
Again, I -- I want to reiterate that, you know, when we talk about the immigrants who can petition a court for specifically impounding the court file in a name change process, they've all been approved for lawful immigration status in this country. All are in the country legally. Each have gone through rigorous background checks with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. Again, and then obviously there's a self-attestation piece. Again, their -- their criminal history -- criminal history and debts do not -- they travel with the person. They don't -- they don't not travel with you because you changed your name. You still -- you still have that background information, whether it's fingerprints, social security numbers, driver's licenses to ensure 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 safety.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McClure.
Thank you, Senator, for your responses. Madam President, I'd like to go to the bill now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
So, the first area that I'd like to talk about is this question of whether or not a person applying for this is a criminal. And this is all based around self-attestation. Let me put it this way however, I've got a request for a name change form right here. The only question asked about criminal behavior is whether or not you've committed a felony or other crime in this State or another state. It does not ask you whether or not you've committed an offense in another country. As far as the background checks that the State Department is allowed to attempt to complete for these people. Let's just take as someone seeking -- someone seeking asylum while they're seeking asylum from a country that's doing very bad things. Do you think when the U.S. calls Venezuela and says, "Hey, can you please tell me about John Doe and what his criminal history is?" Does anybody here think they're going to tell that person their criminal history? Of course not. Of course not. So, that's a real problem. Now, while people can already do this in this State, the issue here is not that they can change their name here. The issue is the impounding of all the information. So, it's not just that they changed their name here. People can't discover the new name or that they change their name. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 And under Illinois law, there's no cooperation between the Illinois State Police who would have to collect this information with federal law or federal officers. So, you have a situation where someone comes into this country, is here for three months, changes their name, and all of a sudden, they don't just have a new name, they can't be untraced or can't be traced by federal law enforcement agents, but they also have a court document that they can go around to other states with and say, this is my name, this is who I am, the State of Illinois agrees with me. And so, now that gives them more credibility, even though they could have committed crimes in other countries and who knows what. So, the transparency issue is really what gets me here. This is impounding this information. Keeping it secret allows for people to whitewash their backgrounds, evade federal authorities, and actually evade authorities from other countries. That is troubling. And that's really the main aspect here that should cause all of us to be concerned, especially with an unmanageable amount of immigrants and people that are seeking asylum or that are coming here for various reasons. We just can't get a real handle on this. And for those of you that think that a judge is going to be making some sort of incredible decision, I think it's fair to say that every Member in this Chamber has vehemently disagreed with some decision the judges made the last few years, and I've seen cases locally that are just like, mind bogglingly, shockingly terrible. So, we can't -- we can't let this fall into the hands of judges who in some cases make horrible decisions. And by the way, discretion was discussed here. There's not much discretion at all. So, we don't even know that these people applying for this name change and the secrecy of the name change, or even who they say they are. Right 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 now, we've got a State where a non-citizen can get a driver's license that makes no difference between a citizens driver's license, none whatsoever. And now they can change their name. By the way, the citizens of our State that are just normal citizens without any major issues, they don't have that same privilege. So, you're giving someone unvetted from another country this status, a privilege that our own citizens do not receive at a time when we have an unmanageable, insane amount of people coming into this country. So, for that reason, I don't think this bill makes any sense. And I certainly appreciate the sponsors, back and forth. But look, we've got to look out for the safety of our citizens and this secrecy and this whitewashing of criminal backgrounds is potentially possible because this law does not have strong enough language to make sure people are who they say they are. And because we have such a massive influx of people coming into our country right now is just plain wrong. So, for that reason, I do urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion, Senator Sally Turner, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Chair. A question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Turner.
Thank you, Senator Villivalam. I just had a question about -- I was thinking, as you were talking about how this would affect, when you have a petition for the termination of parental rights. So, how does the court handle that? Or how do the State's Attorneys 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 handle that when you have to notify that person if you can't find them? How does -- how does that work?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam.
I'm sorry. Can you repeat the question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Sally Turner.
So, when you have a petition for the termination of parental rights. So, how does the court handle that when they don't know where that person lives and they would normally put that in a publication, it's a different name. So, how would that -- how would that publication take place or how do they notify that person if there's no other way to notify them?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HUNTER) Senator Villivalam.
Yeah. Thank you for the question. I -- I have not heard about that scenario until just now, I would state that again what I've stated before, which is -- this focuses on removing the publication requirement. This does not -- that does not mean the person then will be lost, like they're -- they're still recognizable by their social security number, their driver's license number, fingerprint. Like there's other mechanisms to recognize who that person is. So, I don't know if that answers your question, but I -- I think that, to be clear, right. This is removing the publication requirement that does -- I don't -- I don't believe, given the other mechanisms, to being able to identify someone, 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 that that's going to cause an issue in the scenario that you -- you presented.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sally Turner.
Thank you. And I understand where you're going with it. I just think that's prohibitive of the whole petition for termination process. And I think that's really scary for those that are going through that process. It's really something that we need to look at because that information is sealed. So, that's something we really need to think about when we consider this. But thank you for answering my questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Seeing no further discussion. Senator Villivalam, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. So, I appreciate the questions. And, you know, I just want to end by stating that this is -- this is legislation that is very focused on removing the requirement for an individual to publicize their name in a newspaper. Let's talk about who those individuals are. Those individuals are adoptees. They're survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, survivors of human trafficking, survivors of gender- based violence, transgender people and refugees. And as I look through who brought this legislation forward, the organizations that stand up for these individuals who've experienced harm, who are trying to avoid further harm being -- and be safe, I think that's the irony here is, we're not talking about them enough in this conversation and what they've been through. And this is, I 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 think, another step that's been taken for the previous steps have been taken, to make them more safe. Twenty-four other states do not have this publication requirement. I'm -- I'm -- I'm incredibly invested in making sure all of our residents are safe. I'm not interested in political statements or, you know, alternative narratives for whatever ambition people have. If you would like to work with me on making sure we continue to keep people safe in this State, I'm happy to do that. I believe this legislation, and by the way, it was -- this is not something that was held for a snowstorm. This was legislation that passed the House in May. We had it on -- on the docket for Veto Session. We held it specifically because the morning after it passed Committee, the State's Attorney asked us for an amendment. So, let's think about that for a second. The folks that the law enforcement that we, you know, depend on to tell us what they need to keep us, our residents and our constituents safe. They asked for language, they got it. Other law enforcement agencies raised no concerns. So, this is good legislation. I appreciate the conversation. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen, please refresh your screens. Make sure you're able to cast your vote. The question is, shall House Bill 5164 pass? All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 33 voting Yea, 16 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5164, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Benton. Senator Benton on… Oh, excuse me, Cunningham. New sponsorship has been changed to Senator Castro. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 So, Benton, Cunningham, Castro. Senator Castro, on House Bill 5367. The lady seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 5367 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 5367. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No.1, offered by Senator Castro.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Castro, on the Floor amendment, please.
Thank you, Madam President. I ask for its adoption. I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none. 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 5367. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
House Bill 5367, an Act concerning gaming. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Castro.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill does three simple 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 things. Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act to codify gaming -- gambling disorders as a recognized disorder. This change enables the Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery to coordinate gaming disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Requires the Illinois Gaming Board to allow sworn law enforcement personnel employed by the Board who retire in good standing to keep their previously issued Board identification -- identification cards, so as long as it indicates the retirement identical to language in House Bill 4799. And last, it amends the Illinois Gaming Act to allow a person hired to perform non-gaming functions to begin employment with the casino upon -- upon providing fingerprints, rather than waiting for the results of the fingerprint submission before being granted employment. I know of no opposition. I asked for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall House Bill 5367 pass? All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 5367, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Toro, for what purpose do you rise?
Hi. Yes, I would like the record to reflect my intention to vote Yes on HB 5164.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The record will reflect your intentions. Thank you, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your attention to 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Supplemental Calendar No.1. It has been printed and passed out for each of you. If you could please turn your Order to House Bill 2nd Reading. Actually, we're going to Secretary's Desk of Concurrences. Senate Bill 3180. Senator Crowe, on Senate Bill 3180 -- Castro. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's motion.
I move to concur with the House, the adoption of their Amendment -- Amendment No.1 to Senate Bill 3180. Signed by Senator Castro.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Castro.
Thank you, Madam President. The Motion to Concur deletes all and becomes the bill. It does not retain the subject of the Bill as it passed the Senate, which was the child performers that will be included in a different bill. It amends the One Day Rest in Seven Act by prohibiting retaliation, which is defined as an employer taking adverse action against any employee because that employee has done any of the following. Exercised a right under the Act. Made a complaint to his or her employer or to the Director of Labor or their authorized representative. Caused to be instituted or is about to cause to be instituted any proceeding under or related to the Act, or testifying in an investigation or proceeding under the Act. The amendment entitled employees who had been unlawfully retaliated against to recover through a claim filed with the Department, all legal and equitable relief as may be appropriate. It also enables the Department to assess penalties and fees and recover them in a civil action brought by the Department, represented by the Attorney General. I asked for an 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you. And I certainly appreciate Senator Castro's very passionate, support of her legislation. But the issue right now is we already have the fourth highest unemployment rate in the country. Since 2019 we consistently led the national average. Excuse me. The US job growth rate as a whole has grown 10 times the rate of Illinois growth since 2019. In other words, something that we're doing in -- in our State is unique to the fact that we are not creating the jobs and the opportunities that we should be creating. And this is just one more mandate driving businesses out of Illinois at a time when we need jobs the most. And for that reason, I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Castro, to close.
I guess I was just a little confused. I -- the bill deals with folks who wanted to be -- don't want folks to be retaliated against. I don't know the difference between the two. But anyway, with that being said, I asked for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall the Senate concur 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 in House Amendments{sic} (Amendment) No.1 to Senate Bill 3180? 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 Yea, 15 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill -- having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur in House Amendment No.1 to Senate Bill 3180, and the bill is declared passed. Taking a look back onto the Supplemental -- Supplemental Calendar under House Bill 2nd Reading. Senator Peters. No, we're going to go with Senator Villa. Senator Villa, on House Bill 4410. The lady indicates she will seek -- Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4410, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor Amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill… Okay, now we're ready for Senator Peters, on House Bill 4828. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4828, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No.1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 attention -- continuing on with House Bills 3rd Reading on the Order of House Bill 2547 on page 2 of your Calendar. House Bill 3rd Reading, 2547. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2547, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villanueva.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2547 requires that each warehouse employer, within the statute to provide each employee upon hire or within 30 days after the effective date of this Act, a written description of each quota to which the employee is subjected, including -- including the quantified number of tasks to be performed and materials to be produced or handled within the defined time period, and any potential adverse employment actions that could result from failure to meet the quota. Each time this quota changes, the employer must provide an updated description of each quota within five business days. And if an employer takes an adverse action on an employee for violating a quota under this bill, that employee is entitled to request an explanation for that action, including the applicable quota and comparison for the employee's work performance. This bill basically provides protection to employees against adverse actions by employers for quotas that interfere with legal, legally mandated meal periods, rest periods, or the use of bathroom facilities, including reasonable travel time to and from bathroom facilities. This is a bill that I've been working on with the Teamsters and the AFL-CIO. We're trying to protect workers, and I'm here to answer questions 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 if there are any.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Lewis.
There we are. There we are. Senator, I -- I appreciate what you're trying to do. But I've read your bill and the details matter, so I have some questions for you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Lewis.
There we go. Thank you. So, you include three NAICs Codes in your legislation. Nis -- NAICs Code 423, NAICs Code 424 and NAICs Code 493. Correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villanueva.
Yes, Senator Lewis. That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Lewis.
And -- and bear with me here, Chamber, because these details matter. The -- the companies that we're looking for in the warehousing business probably considered Amazon, Wayfair, those who are coming into our State or anyone specific? I mean, that's 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 -- that's the industry. Do you know what NAICs Codes they're listed under?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Villanueva.
Senator Lewis, to my understanding, those are inclusive of that. And throughout the duration of this bill, what we've tried to do is also carve out certain industries based off of concerns that Members have had. And so, we've tried to do that. And so, this is kind of where we've gotten to.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Lewis.
For -- for the Chamber's reference, Amazon is NAICs Code 454 which is not included. Wayfair is NAICs Code 454 not included. What is included in 423 is 422,387 businesses in the United States that include Home Depot, CDW, Hewlett-Packard. I -- I might as well go to the bill. Sorry, Senator. I'm -- I'm just going to go to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) To the bill, Senator.
Included in NAICs Code 424 your nondurable distribution of goods Staples, U.S. Foods, Sysco Foods, Cardinal Health. 493 QuikTrip, 99 cent stores. Companies that you would not consider warehousing problems. Now here's where the other issue happens in this bill. We defined employees, which is good. I mean this, again, I understand the intent, but the expansion 250 or more employees that is located at a single -- they call it warehouse, but a 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 warehouse is part of 423, 424, 493, which is QuikTrip, Staples, Home Depot, could be. And these are nonexempt employees. In addition, we lower the IRS threshold of ownership of these companies as part of a -- where is the word they use? Controlled group of corporations. That's what it is. By IRS standard 1563. That has to be 80 percent. We lower that to 50 percent. So, what this means is this bill applies not to the main warehouses that we are looking for your Amazon's, your Wayfair's that we think we're actually protecting. It applies to 750,000 entities in the United States. Now my colleague just talked about us trying to be a competitive environment. When you shut out or threaten 750,000 companies in the United States, that does not make you attractive. That does not provide the jobs, entry level jobs, warehousing jobs are entry level. Working at a QuikTrip in the back room is entry level, working at Cardinal Health, distributing things on the warehousing or distribution line. Those are your entry level jobs. This legislation is going to threaten those businesses from either coming or expanding in our State? Now, trust me, I've been in front of this group. I believe in an equitable opportunity for prosperity, and I believe in all three words equitable, opportunity, for prosperity. But this diminishes prosperity to the extent of I keep on saying it's 750,000 companies are going to look at Illinois and go, I'm not bringing my prosperity or opportunity to that State. Senator, I agree with your concept. I understand these workers in these large warehouses, but the language here is too broad. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Villanueva, to close. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025
Thank you, Madam President. I want to clarify a couple of things because the Amazons of the world would be included in this bill. The other thing, New York, California and Minnesota have also passed similar laws and I don't see any of those big operations that were talked about pulling out of any of those states. What we are simply trying to do, because this is not going to hurt commerce, it's not going to hurt these corporations. What it's going to do is allow workers an opportunity to not have to - - to -- to basically use the bathroom in a bottle because they're so concerned with making sure that they're meeting the quota that they were just told that morning when they walked into the warehouse. It's making sure that people actually have the time to walk over to the restroom and not be concerned that there's going to be adverse action to do that or actually eating their lunch. We're trying to protect workers in the State of Illinois. And you know what? Other states have done this as well. Other states that you wouldn't think about because, yes, you think about New York and you think about California. But guess what? Minnesota also did it as well. It's a good bill. I urge my colleagues to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The question is, shall House Bill 2547 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 35 voting Yea, 15 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 2547, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. on the sixth day of January, 2025. The 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 130th Legislative Day 1/5/2025 Senate stands adjourned. 33