PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Good morning. The regular Session of the 104th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the gallery please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Joel Jackle-Hugh of First Presbyterian Church of Virden.
REVEREND JOE JACKLE-HUGH: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Johnson, please lead us in the Pledge.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Lisa Yuscius of Blueroomstream request permission to video stream, as does George Wiebe of Chicago Sun-Times seeks leave to take photographs. And Jade Aubrey of Capitol News Illinois seeks leave to audio stream and Cameron Maine of WAND seeks leave to record video and audio. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal. SECRETARY ANDERSON: Senate Journal of Thursday, April 10th, 2025.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Good morning, Madam President. Thank you. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025
Senate Resolution 228, offered by Senator Ellman. It is congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 2648, offered by Senator Cunningham, an Act concerning regulation. Senate Bill 2649, offered by Senator Collins, an Act concerning appropriations. 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Would the Members please come to the Senate Floor? This is deadline day. The quicker you get to the Floor, the quicker we will get to the bills and get out of here. Would the Members please come to the Floor? Ladies and Gentlemen, we are turning to page 2 of our printed Calendars. We're starting with bills on 2nd Reading. We're going to start with Senate Bill 2062, Senator Castro. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2062, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor Amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 3rd Reading. We are going to continue on page 2 with Senate Bills on 2nd Reading. Starting with Senate Bill 1274, Senator Glowiak Hilton, indicates she wishes she would like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill please.
Senate Bill 1274, an Act concerning health. 2nd Reading of 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Have there been any Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going on to final action. Senate Bill 3rd Reading. Starting with… Please turn to page 36 of your printed Calendar. We're going to start with Senate Bill 1475, Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1475, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill amends the Board of Higher Education and the Public Community College Act, providing that a student who serves on the Board of Higher Education or Illinois Community College Board shall receive a $500 scholarship each semester -- each semester that they are enrolled in serving. This is sponsored by both the ICCB and the IBHE. They really think that it helps to recognize the students that serve on Boards and maybe encourages more to -- to do so. So, happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Senate Bill 1475 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 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1475, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Still on page 36, we're going to Senate Bill 1523, Senator Doris Turner. Would you like to proceed? She indicates she does. Mr. Sec -- Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1523, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Doris Turner, on your bill.
Madam President. Senate Bill 1523 amends the Counties Code to require that county recorders establish a fraud referral and review process to review deeds and other instruments, and a fraud alert system to notify property owners when a deed or instrument has been filed on their property. This bill creates a private right of action for any rightful property owner against any person who fraudulently files a deed or instrument. And this legislation was actually brought to me from a constituent who unfortunately, was a victim of a false deed transfer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1523 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 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. And Senate 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Bill 1523, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On Senate Bill 1559, Senator Feigenholtz. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1559, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Feigenholtz, on your bill.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1559, amended, outlines guidelines of what the Illinois Department of Transportation is required to include in their studies after an occurrence of any crash involving a pedestrian fatality. I'm happy to answer any questions. There's no opposition. And actually, the Department itself wrote the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1559 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 52 voting Aye, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1559, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Feigenholtz, on Senate Bill 1560. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1560, an Act concerning mental health. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Senator Feigenholtz.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1560 is the third in a series of bills presented by the Chief Behavioral Health Officer who's been attempting to transform our mental health system for youth in Illinois. It requires DHS, in coordination with a statewide association, to be prepared for the third phase of -- of for mental health screenings beginning with the 27-28 school year and requires ISBE with the -- the children's behavioral transition team to report about implementing universal mental health screening in schools on ISBE's website. I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1560 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 52 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1560, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. For the purpose of correcting the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Please state your correction.
Thank you. I would like the record to reflect, I intended to vote Yes on Senate Bill 1523. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The record will reflect that. We are continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Turn to page 37, going to Senate Bill 2008, Senator Cervantes. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2008, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Cervantes, to your bill.
Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. Senate Bill 2008 creates the definition of "independently owned" and refers to an applicant who owns more than four grocery stores with no more than 500 employees, in municipalities with populations under 1 million or no more than 10 grocery stores with no more than 1500 employees in municipalities with populations of 1 million or more. While "local ownership" means primary ownership is within Illinois, we have no opposition and I'm hoping for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2008 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 50 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2008, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2309, on page 37, Senator Ellman. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2309, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Ellman.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 2309 amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act by redirecting revenue for the Department of Natural Resources permit application review fees currently slated to go to the State Boating Act Fund, but DNR would like to switch that to the Water Resources Fund. And I know of no opposition. I encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2309 pass? All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wished? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, and 0 voting Present. And Senate Bill 2309, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 229, offered by Senator Preston. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to continue with 3rd Readings. Please turn your Calendar to page 36. We're going to go to Senate Bill 1420, Senator Rose. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1420, an Act concerning State government. 3rd 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Rose.
Thank you, Madam President, I appreciate the opportunity. This bill is about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and asking that the Illinois Department of Public Health report cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever publicly. So, the public is on notice to take all precautions when they are out camping, outdoors, sporting events, et cetera. People won't really realize this because it's called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but Illinois actually has a huge tick-borne illness problem. This comes to me from actually a former constituent of mine who now is Senator Sally Turner's constituent, but a friend whose daughter unfortunately passed away from something that was easily treatable, easily preventable, a disease that came from this tick-borne illness from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. A $8 course of antibiotics would have saved her life, but no one knew to even think about treating that because there had been no discussion, no illness, no nothing in the media that this was even prevalent in our area. And -- and if you think this is only a downstate problem, it's not. These ticks are all over Illinois. And there's a complete discrepancy between the Department -- our State Department of Public Health's website, in terms of how many infections there are and what the federal CDC is telling us there are in terms of infections. And again, Gabby Galbo young, vibrant lady lost her life to something that could have been easily prevented. And we just need to let everyone know so that families can take their own precautions when they're outside. If the tick is in your neighborhood, if the tick is in your county, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 we need to let people know that so they can take precautions. And that's all this does. Thank you. Madam President, I would certainly ask for an Aye vote on behalf of Gabby and her family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Senator Sally Turner.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to comment on -- comment on Senator Rose's remarks. This is something that's extremely important. And, not everyone is aware of what the effects are from this tick bite. So, that's what we're trying to do. Trying to get that local health department to be able to pass that information on to all of our constituents so that they're all aware. And also, what these symptoms are. The symptoms can be included headache, fatigue, muscle aches and also organ failure and bleeding disorders. So, it's extremely important. And we do this on behalf of our constituents that Senator Rose just -- just mentioned. And we urge Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Faraci.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) To the bill.
I want to thank Senator Rose for bringing this legislation forward. It's critically important that we do as he said, get the information out. This story is devastating, and the fact that he's bringing this forward is important. We want to make sure this doesn't happen to anybody else. And I urge an Aye vote. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Rose would you like to close? The question is, shall Senate Bill 1420 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 52 voting Aye -- I'm sorry, 53 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. On Senate Bill 1420, 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 Members of the Committee on Assignments will meet in the Senator's {sic} (President's) Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bill 13. Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Resolution 229. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 2650, offered by Senator Halpin, an Act concerning business. 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) On page 41 of your printed Calendar, we're going to go on to Senate Resolutions beginning with Senate Resolution 5. Out of the 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 record. We're going to go to Senate Resolution 22, Senator Halpin. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 22, offered by Senator Halpin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Halpin.
Thank you, Madam President. So, Senate Resolution 22, is an initiative brought by a constituent. An eighth grader, Nicolina Pappas, back in Rock Island County, who started on a mission several years ago to educate and inform local governments about the need to skip the plastic and avoid one-time use plastic. She worked very hard on a local government circuit to get proclamations passed, and then just last year, she approached my office to see if we could do something on a State level. So, this is our effort to put the Illinois Senate on record, as supporting efforts by local restaurants and businesses to -- to offer single-use plastic at first without -- or straws, for example, without, automatically giving it to a patron. This is just one step. I'm glad we're able to take it. Nicolina testified very passionately in Committee about this issue and it's really for her and her generation, that we're doing this. So, I would ask for a favorable roll call -- it -- the bill nominates I believe it's April 1st, as Skip the Plastic Day, in Illinois. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 22 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 66, Senator Ventura, she indicates she wishes to 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 66, offered by Senator Ventura.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Ventura, to your resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. The Senate Resolution 66 declares April 25th as Parent -- Parental Alienation Awareness Day to encourage the increased understanding, prevention, and intervention efforts to support healthy family relationships. Parent alienation is recognized as a behavior by parents or -- or another trusted adult that may unintentionally or intentionally disrupt the relationship between a parent and a child. Behaviors that may be considered parenting alienation include disparaging comments made by other parents, restricting or discouraging contact with the parent, or fostering unfounded fears about the parent. In order to bring awareness and prevention, I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 66 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. On page 42 we're going to Senate Resolution 172, Senator Doris Turner. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 172, offered by Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Doris Turner, to your resolution.
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Madam President, Senate Resolution 172 declares the month of April 2025, as Prescribed Burning Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. Prescribed fire provides multiple ecological, economic, and cultural benefits to the State, and it has actually been practiced for thousands of years and was a primary tool used by Indigenous peoples to attract game, stimulate a ground -- a rich ground layer of plants for harvesting, and keep woodlands and grasslands open and easy to traverse. And I would ask everyone to join me in declaring the month of April as Prescribed Burn Awareness Month.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 172 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Villivalam, on Senate Resolution 211. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 211, offered by Senator Villivalam.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Villivalam.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Resolution 211 declares April 2025, as a Assyrian American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois, the Assyrian community in the United States numbers nearly half a million and includes approximately 100,000 individuals residing in Illinois, comprising the largest concentration in the nation. The Assyrian community has shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends while also serving as model citizens and public servants. The Assyrian 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 people have made significant contributions to Illinois and the United States through their achievements in the arts, business, media, law, politics, education, medicine, architecture and engineering, enriching the cultural and economic fabric of our State. I -- with that, Madam President, I would ask that this resolution be adopted and the support of the Members of this Body. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 211 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Doris Turner, on Senate Resolution 215. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 215, offered by Senator Doris Turner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Doris Turner, to your resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Resolution 215. I'm ready. It's an initiative of the utilities and IBEW, and it declares April 18th, 2025, as Lineworker Appreciation Day. And I really want to recognize the -- and show how proud we are of the hardworking men and women who work tirelessly here in Illinois, but also have gone throughout the country to assist wherever and anywhere that disaster strikes. I also want to do a shout out to the CWLP line workers in the 48th, and we have 48 of them in the 48th. So, please join me in recognizing these hard-working individuals as we declare April 18th, 2025, Line Worker Appreciation Day. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 215 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 2, Senator Loughran Cappel. Mr. Secretary, read the joint resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 2, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Loughran Cappel.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution directs the Professional Review Panel and the State Board of Education to create an analysis of the impact of implementing recommended maximum caseloads for special education resource teachers. As many of you know, I was a special education inclusion resource teacher. That's what I did. And I do know firsthand the burden of high and large caseloads can have on a teacher to meet individual needs for students with IEPs in the academic realm, writing IEPs, collecting data and just trying to meet the needs of your students academically can be overwhelming with large caseloads. So, we do not want teacher burnout with a teacher shortage that we have specifically with our special education teachers. So, this resolution highlights that and again, just hopefully the Professional Review Panel and the state board will take a look at this and impact -- and the impact it has on our special education teachers in the State of Illinois. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds. So, a roll call vote -- vote will be required. So, the question is, should Senate Joint Resolution 2 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 47 Ayes, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting -- voting Present. And Senate Joint Resolution 2 - has declared passed. Senator Halpin, on Senate Joint Resolution 13. Senator Halpin. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 13, offered by Senator Halpin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Halpin.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Joint Resolution 13 creates the universe -- University Library and Professional Librarian Access and Transparency Task Force to study the impacts of professional librarians on student and university outcomes. There's -- in a lot of instances when we have, universities and other institutions trying to have cost saving measures libraries can be at the forefront of -- of where cuts can occur. With this task force is going to review is just how important library services are to students on campus and to students accessing online classes. And really just the -- the in addition to the faculty resources necessary to -- to do what they need to do. There will be, I believe, an amendment over in the House to change the -- the composition of the task force to add another university librarian. But -- so we might -- we may see this come back, but I would 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 certainly ask for your vote today on this very important piece of legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? As this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 13 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed vote, 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 50 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And Senate Joint Resolution 13, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 43 of your printed Calendars we're going to Senate Joint Resolution 24, Senator Balkema. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 24, offered by Senator Balkema.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Balkema, your resolution.
Madam President, I am excited to carry on the tradition of something that, in the spirit of bipartisanship, who can be unhappy with bacon? Apparently, Senator Tom Bennett has done this in the past, and I will carry on the tradition of declaring Senate Resolution 24 that on May 7th, 2025, Illinois Bacon Day, and finds that Illinois is the fourth largest pork producing State in the United States, contributing an estimated 13.8 billion with a "B", billion dollars to the State's economy and supporting over 57,000 jobs. In addition, Illinois pig farmers produce over 6 billion slices of bacon per year and the average American eats, can anybody 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 guess? Take a guess. Anyone? Anyone? 18 pounds of bacon per year. While National Bacon Day is celebrated in December of Illinois. Excuse me, while National Bacon Day is celebrated in December, Illinois needs its own day to pay tribute to this decadent, rich and indulgent meat. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Senator Joyce you had your light on first? Go right ahead.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator Balkema, thank you for bringing this very important resolution to the Senate Floor. We do appreciate our pork producers in Illinois. It is a big part of Illinois agriculture. But as I told the former Senator Bennett over and over again, please bring bacon when you're asking for a vote on a resolution so important.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Cunningham, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Madam President, as this is a Friday during lent, I regretfully request to be recorded as a No on this resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your vote will be recorded. Senator Doris Turner.
Thank you, Madam President. I am happy to join Senator Balkema in this resolution. And -- and also to salute and applaud the pork producers for everything that they do with driving our economy in the State of Illinois. But I heard Senator Balkema say that the average person consumes 18 pounds of bacon. My husband 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 loves bacon. So, I guess we're doing ours and everybody else's in this room, so I don't know.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you rise?
As a former -- for the purpose -- to -- to the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) To the resolution.
As a former pork producer, I really love this resolution. And you may have seen my grandson here two weeks ago. He is now raising, a named pig, for 4-H. We did caution him not to name that little fella, because we might see him in a future bacon day. So, I would just like to ask that we please exclude that little piglet from Bacon Day. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) See -- seeing no further discussion. Senator Balkema, I have to say, on this day you have generated the most discussion. Would you like to close?
In -- In closing -- thank you, Madam President. In closing, I completely agree with Senator Cunningham's perspective on lent. So, while respecting that -- that very, very necessary cause for excluding it, I would make a word here in the Chamber that at some point I can't name a date yet, I will have a bacon fry and invite all 58 of my peers for bacon day. So, I will sign my staff up for that, and we will figure out how we can consume bacon, especially with Senator Turner's husband. We'll invite him, as well. Thank you very much. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 24 pass? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Lightford, on Senate Joint Resolution 25. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 25, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Joint Resolution 25 declares October 12th through October 18th, 2025, as Menopause Awareness Week in Illinois. This is an initiative on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor. We did have an awesome opportunity to have actress Halle Berry in Chicago. We did some things with the UIUC Medical Department, and we realized that menopause is one of the leading challenges amongst women, and that there isn't enough awareness in this space. In fact, 70 percent of women who seek medical care for menopause symptoms do not receive the necessary treatment, and only 19 percent of women age 40 to 60 years of age receive a menopause diagnosis. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 25 pass? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed, should be on your desks. On Resolutions, Senate Resolution 229, Senator Preston. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025
Senate Resolution 229, offered by Senator Preston.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Preston.
Thank you, Madam President, and esteemed colleagues. Today, I rise in support of Senate Resolution 229 that speaks not only to the fabric of our State's diversity, but to the resilience and contributions of one of its most vibrant communities, Little Palestine, in southwest Cook County. For over a century, Arab American families have called this region, in my district, home, enriching it with culture, entrepreneurship, and service. Little Palestine is now the largest Palestinian community in the nation and one of the most significant Arab American populations in the country. It is a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity. With over 200 Arab owned businesses and institutions, including colleges, hospitals, and schools. This community exemplifies what it means to live the American Dream while honoring cultural heritage by declaring April 7th as Little Palestine Day, we're not just naming a date on the calendar. We are affirming the value of inclusion, acknowledgment, and the contributions of building bridges and understanding. Let us stand together to recognize and celebrate a community that has given so much to Illinois. I urge the support from this Body. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution -- Senate Resolution 229 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Villivalam, for what purpose do you 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank you for properly recognizing me, even though -- even despite my best efforts to impersonate Senator Chapin Rose today. I appreciate, you know, your acknowledgment. I did -- I did not get a chance to press my button on Senate Joint Resolution 2 so, if the record can reflect that, I'd appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your record -- the record will reflect your wishes. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President, I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 28, offered by Senator Faraci.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. -- Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
House Joint Resolution 28, offered by Senator Faraci. Resolved by the House of Representatives of the 104th General Assembly of the State of Illinois. The Senate concurring herein that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, April 11th, 2025. The House of Representatives stands adjourned till Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned till Thursday, April 24th, 2025. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned till Tuesday, April 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 29th, 2025, or until the call of the Speaker and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, or until the call of the President. Adopted by the House, April 10th, 2025. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) On the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 28. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 28, offered by Senator Faraci.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Faraci. Senator Faraci moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 28. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Faraci moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 28. All in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We will now proceed to the Order of Consent Calendar, celebration 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 resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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, congratulatory resolutions. Mr. Secretary, 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 have there been any objections filed to any resolutions on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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. Senator Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) State your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Yesterday, the community I represent learned that our 18th District Police Station suffered a tragic loss. The life of Officer Malissa Torres. Our officers are human. They face the same challenges that we all do with the added stressors of serving in the Chicago Police Department and around the State as police officers. When things feel like they're too much to bear. Remember, please, that you're not alone. If you need help, if you sense it's someone around you needs help, reach out to them. Step in. And if you don't know where to start, dial 9-8-8. Keep the officers of this precinct and the family of this woman in your hearts as they navigate this very tragic loss, and join me in a moment of silence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 35th Legislative Day 4/11/2025 Would the Members please rise for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence observed) Senator Simmons, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement.
Madam President, I just want to announce to my colleagues that on a lighter note, the love of my life is in the room sitting in a gallery. My partner and better half, Michael Sullivan is with us this morning. Would you please welcome him to the Chamber?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. There being no further business to come before the Senate, pursuant to House Joint Resolution 28, the Senate stands adjourned until noon on the 29th day of April 2025, or the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. 26