PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 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? Our invocation today will be given by Pastor Lesa Branham of First Congregational Church here in Springfield. Pastor.
PASTOR LESA BRANHAM: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please remain standing for the Pledge. Senator Johnson will lead us.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Lisa -- Lisa Chess-Yuscius from Blueroomstream seeks leave to video today's proceedings, and Mike Miletich from WAND TV seeks leave for the same scene, no objection. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, April 30th, 2025.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Glowiak Hilton moves to postpone the reading and approval of 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 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 Senate Resolution 268, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 269, offered by Senator Sally Turner. It is congratulatory. Senate Resolution 267, offered by Senator Murphy and Senate Joint Resolution 35, offered by Senator Rezin. They are both substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Glowiak Hilton, Chair of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports House Bills 1270, 1365, 2459, 2688, 3345, 3356, 3360 and 3435 Do Pass. Senator Joyce, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Resolution 210 Be Adopted; and House Bills 2551, 2983, and 3095 Do Pass. Senator Castro, Chair of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1911 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 1158, 1316, and 2724 Do Pass. Senator Johnson, Chair of the Committee on Local Government, reports House Bill 42 and 3238 Do Pass. Senator Hastings, Chair, of the Committee on Judiciary, reports House Bills 24,28, 1461, 1575, 1712, 2456, 2548, 2751, 3144, 3178, 3359, and 3740 Do Pass. Senator Turner, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 710 Recommend Do Adopt, House Bills 2339 and 2340 Do Pass. Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments, reports Appointment Messages 1030545, 554, 566, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 596, 597, 598, 599, 601, 602, Appointment Message 104-1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 69, 88, 104, 120, 124, 131, 132, 133, 144, 145, 147 and 170 Do Recommend Consent. Senator Ellman, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Conservation, reports Senate Resolution 230 Be Adopted; and House Bill 1699, 2391, 3098 and 3290 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, House Bills First Reading.
House Bill 1882, offered by Senator Arellano, an Act concerning State government. House Bill 2777, offered by Senator Porfirio, an Act concerning State government and House Bill 3652, offered by Senator Loughran Cappel, an Act concerning safety. 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Hey, Mr. President, how are you today? I have a point of personal privilege, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Go ahead and state your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I'm super excited. Above me in the gallery, we have some very important young -- young folks from Crawford County. These are enrolled in Oblong Robinson Palestine Schools, and they're part of the Crawford County CEO Program, which stands for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. They do a high school dual credit course where they learn to go 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 through all the steps of creating operational businesses. I talked to these young men and women; we had everything from candle making to roadside recovery towing type things, we had trucking, we had an internet-based -- t-shirt business, we also have two young men that are going to graduate shortly. One is going to go play football in college and one is going to in the United States Marines. So, if we could -- if we could welcome Kate, Erin, Valerie, Evan, Jackson, Autumn, (Jameson), oh boy, Khyzaih, sorry buddy, Khyzaih, Greyson, Baylor and Mason in the Capitol, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please rise and welcome to Springfield. Senator Lewis, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Introduction and recognition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please make your introduction.
Good afternoon, Senate Colleagues, I'd like to introduce Manny Saenz. He's an intern in our Communications Department. Starting in January of this year. Today, is his last day, and he is experiencing the Floor for the first time. Manny will be graduating from the University of Illinois Springfield next week, and we wish him -- we thank him for his time here with us and wish him the best of luck. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Wilcox, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege and an introduction. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please state your introduction.
As well, Colleagues, I have with me today, Carter Wallner, he's been with us since August of 24. He will be graduating next week out of Illinois State University. He's out of Crystal Lake so way up there in McHenry County with me, doing events and engagement has supported a number of the Senators behind us and got a chance to -- to see what's going on down here. But first day on the Floor and is going to go do paralegal work and give consideration to pursuing a law degree. So, we have a few of those here in the -- in the Chamber. So, welcome and thank you for all the hard work you did.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are now going to proceed to the Order of House Bills on 2nd Reading. That starts on page 11 of your printed Calendar, near the bottom of the page. And we will begin with Senator -- Senator Erica Harriss, who brings House Bill 57. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 57, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Next, we have House Bill 79, Senator Anderson. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 79, an Act concerning public employee benefits. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1073, Senator Joyce. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1073, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1141. Senator Doris Turner, on House Bill 1141. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1141, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1149, from Senator Anderson. Senator Anderson, on House Bill… He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1149, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1168, Senator Ellman. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1168, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. We're moving now to the top of page 12 of your 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 printed Calendar, where Senator Belt brings House Bill 1189. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1189, an Act concerning employment. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1278, Senator Edly-Allen. She indicates she wishes to proceed Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1278, an Act concerning employment. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1287, Senator Doris Turner. Indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read that bill.
House Bill 1287, an Act concerning long term care. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1331, Senator Hunter. With leave of the Body, we're going to skip down to House Bill 1362, Senator Wilcox. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1362, an Act concerning veterans. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 3rd Reading. House Bill 1366, Senator Preston. Senator Preston, with House Bill 1366. House Bill 1368, Leader Lightford. Leader Lightford, House Bill 1368. House Bill 1431, Senator Stadelman, on House Bill 1431. House Bill 1538, Senator Koehler. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1538, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1577, Senator Ventura. Senator Ventura, on House Bill 1537. House Bill 1597, Leader Lightford. Leader Lightford, on House Bill 1597. House Bill 1861, Senator Loughran Cappel. Senator Loughran Cappel, on House Bill 1861. House Bill 1865. Senator Doris Turner, on House Bill 1865. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1865, an Act concerning business. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1910, Senator Fine. Senator Fine, indicates she wishes to proceed on House Bill 1910. Mr. Secretary, please read that bill.
House Bill 1910, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2179, Senator Villivalam. Senator Villivalam, on House Bill 2179. He indicates he wishes to proceed. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2179, an Act concerning regulations. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are now on the top of page 13 of your printed Calendar. House Bills 2nd Reading. Where Senator Anderson brings House Bill 2359. Senator Anderson, indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2359, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2386, Senator Porfirio. Senator Porfirio, on House Bill 2386. House Bill 2394, Senator Loughran Cappel. Senator Loughran Cappel, on House Bill 2394. House Bill 2442, Senator DeWitte. Senator DeWitte, on House Bill 2442. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read that bill.
House Bill 2442, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2537. Senator Johnson indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2537, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2574, Senator Guzmán. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2574, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2589, Senator Simmons. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2589, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2675, Senator Simmons. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2675, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2874, Senator Ellman. Senator Ellman, on House Bill 2874. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2874, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2966. Senator Morrison, on Senate Bill or House Bill 2966. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025
House Bill 2966, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2986, Senator Doris Turner. Senator Doris Turner, on House Bill 2986. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2986, an Act concerning government. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education Adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3000, from Senator Doris Turner. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3000, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3011, Senator Rezin. Senator Rezin, on House Bill 3011. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read that bill.
House Bill 3011, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3026, Senator Guzmán. Senator Guzmán, she indicates she wishes to proceed on House Bill 3026. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3026, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3046 from the hardest working Member of the Senate, Doris Turner. On House Bill 3046, she indicates she wished to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3046, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3078, Senator Hunter. With leave of the Body, we're going to move to the top of page 14 of the printed Calendar, where we continue on House Bills 2nd Reading. With House Bill 3094 from Senator Villivalam. Senator Villivalam, indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3094, an Act concerning employment. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3214, Senator Fine. Senator Fine indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3214, an Act concerning public aid. 2nd Reading 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3300, Senator Castro. House Bill 3300, Senator Castro indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3300, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Higher Education Adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3327, Senator Villivalam. On House Bill 3327, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3327, an Act concerning children. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3428, Senator Syverson. Senator Syverson, on House Bill 3428. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3428, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 3rd Reading. House Bill 3439, Senator Johnson. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3439, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3444, Senator Belt. Senator Belt, on -- Senator Belt, on House Bill 3444. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3444, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3467, Senator Martwick. Senator Martwick, on House Bill 3467. House Bill 3528, Senator Johnson. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3528, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3678, Senator Halpin. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3678, an Act concerning conservation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3744, Senator Murphy. Senator Murphy, on House Bill 3744. She indicates she wishes to proceed. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3744, an Act concerning safety. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Senator Belt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, point of public announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Please make your announcement.
Now there's a -- cheesecake on the second floor and I would try the turtle. It's from the Comptroller's Office. Really good.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are now moving to Senate Bills 3rd Reading. We're going to jump to page 6 of your printed Calendar near the top of that page, where Senator Joyce brings Senate Bill 710. Senator Joyce seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 710 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, is Senate Bill 710. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Joyce.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Joyce, on your amendment?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd, please. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) All those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Now back on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 710. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 710, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Joyce, on Senate Bill 710.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 710 is an initiative for our farmers in Illinois. It was brought to me by the Farm Bureau. We've had talks over the last 3 to 4 months, -- negotiation between Farm Bureau and the Department of Natural Resources. We've had a lot of Members get engaged in this. We need to give our farmers the tools they need, when they have nuisance deer that are making an impact on the -- the yield of their crops. And it's been all over the State that we've had people contacting us on, we need to do something to change it. So, in the initial conversations, we -- we knew we had to strike a balance between giving the farmers the tools they need but also being responsible for wildlife and conservation. And -- and that's where the Department was very, very helpful. I thank the Director, Natalie Phelps Finnie, on getting her staff involved. Our Senate staff was -- chewed up a 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 lot of Senate staff on this one also, and I really appreciate all the work they did, as well as, all the liaisons from Farm Bureau that -- we've been negotiating with this for 3 to 4 months. We've expanded the amount of youth tags that we can do because our young people need to know how to go out and hunt and hunt properly. We've got two youth tags in this -- in this bill instead of one. We also have a certain number of nuisance tags after you've showed damage from crops that I think will eradicate the issues that a lot of farmers are having. Land ownership tags have been expanded in this also. So, we've taken a comprehensive look at all deer hunting regulations in this. It was negotiated. We have no opposition to it, and I appreciate all the hard work and happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Is there any discussion? Senator Doris Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill, Senator.
Thank -- I would like to thank Senator Joyce for all the work that he did on this and getting us to this point. I know that it wasn't easy. I will tell you that it's going to go a long way to alleviating a lot of the problems and concerns that our farmers have, and we need to, as Senator Joyce says, "We need to give our farmers, all of the tools that we can to put in their tool chest, in order to be successful." I had the opportunity to attend the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago over the summer, 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 and the way that my District is configured, I attended both of the working subcommittees, and in each one of them, this issue was the number one issue that every farmer in that room talked about. And the last thing that they said before we adjourned was, can you please do something to help us? Can you please do something to help us? So, thank you, Senator Joyce, again for all your hard work and giving our farmers something to help them alleviate this problem.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Any further discussion? Senator Fowler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
Senator Joyce, man -- has been a little bit of a long time coming, and I just want to applaud. I know you and I have had many, many, many, many conversations about this this last summer. You know, I host every year, I host an AG Advisory Council, and this last summer I had over 100 farmers that attended my AG Advisory Council and also had representatives from Farm Bureau, Illinois Department of Natural Resources there to hear the issues, as you all know in the 59th District is extremely rural, and there's a lot of deer in the 59th District. And to hear from farmers about how the tens of thousands of dollars that they were losing in revenue, due to -- due to the deer population and to be able to see everyone come together again, Farm Bureau, IDNR, our farmers, just everyone to be able to bring this bill to fruition and work 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 together for the betterment of our farming community. It's -- it's a big win for our farmers. And I know and on behalf of the -- the farmers that I represent I just want to say thank you on their behalf for all this hard work. And I just really encourage everyone to vote Yes. Thank you so very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Further discussion? Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill, Senator.
I would just like to thank Senator Joyce. This is something that my office has been working on for quite a while. Early, last year, we sent out a survey specifically about this and then set up a meeting in the southern part of -- of my District in west central Illinois. And it was myself, Representative Norine Hammond and Senator Tracy. And we had hundreds of farmers come, and rightly so. They were frustrated. And the -- the message I got from them, which I can't imagine the -- as hard as farmers work, and to be able to see a problem and have a solution so close to their fingertips, but legally they can't do anything about it, was so frustrating for them. And Senator Joyce, I appreciate you, you listening and -- and your help with this and your work on this. And -- and I hope that folks from the collars and -- and Chicago that that don't have to deal with -- with, you know, farms or -- or nuisance deer, I hope you understand the gravity of how important something like this is to the State of Illinois and to 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 our farmers. AG and agribusiness is the number one driver of the Illinois economy. And this is something that is long overdue and just can't thank you enough for your work. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To join in the chorus celebrating Senator Joyce, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
Ladies and Gentlemen, first of all, thank you, Senator Joyce, and I appreciate you. Our discussions we've had previously on this, but this is as big of a deal as Agriculture is to me in my District. This is much bigger than Agriculture. And I'm going to give you an AG example, and I'll give you 3 or 4 other examples of why this applies to every single person in this State. I have a single farmer on the Coles - Edgar County line, lost $45,000 to crop damage from deer. Everybody in this room, everyone in this State buys food. At the end of the day, that food just went up by $45,000. And that's one farmer on one -- one plot of ground between Coles and Edgar County. Now, beyond that, this is a public health issue. When you have a deer population that is out of control as it is that leads to chronic wasting disease, it leads to all kinds of disease among the deer population. Sometimes diseases jump species, as we've all seen in the last several years. How many people have ever been hit by a deer in their car? Yep. Got a couple. In fact, my seatmate just the last month. Right. Totaled 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 her car. Luckily, she's alive. Some people aren't maimed, injured, killed. All right. By the way, what's the value of one car when it's totaled out? Guess who gets to pay that in the form of higher insurance rates all over the State of Illinois for our cars. This deer population issue is so out of control. It's just it's -- it's not even funny. It's beyond time we do this. It's beyond time, we -- we have some reasonable culling of the deer population for the sanity of our farmers, for the sanity -- for the safety of our citizens, for the health of the deer population itself, and frankly, for the health of everybody's pocketbooks through the grocery store. And when you pay your car insurance bill every month. So, thank you, Senator Joyce. Once again, I'm going to come right over there and ask you to put me on as a chief co-sponsor, please. And with that, I urge everybody to vote Aye. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Further discussion? Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would go to the bill and in the line of actually praising, Senator Joyce for -- for his work on this. I too, have an AG Advisory Board. It was the -- almost the total conversation of the AG Advisory Board this year. And then I did a town hall with -- where we actually had a farm bureau, multiple farm bureaus invited, almost 200 people. Angry, angry people, but one of the individuals that was there was representing Fry Farms, one of the largest producers of pumpkins in the world, and 10 percent of their crop was lost to deer last -- the year before last. So, 10 percent of all the pumpkins for -- for their entire -- for their entire business. So, thank you for doing this. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 I would ask you, now that you're on a roll, to also do something about turkeys, and I'm saying that not just because I like to hunt turkeys, but also because this is for energy, right? So, a lot of our solar fields are now being overtaken by turkey population. So, we need to have some conversations about the harm that's happening in that -- in that realm, as well. So, when you get ready to run your turkey bill, I'd like to be a chief-co on that. I hope everyone in here is listening to how important this bill is, it isn't just about hunting deer. This is really an economic -- really a saving our economy of Illinois. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Further discussion? Senator Balkema, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill, Senator.
Way before I got elected, this issue was brought up in the Farm Bureau Team and a lot of angry people came to see me. So, I wanted to thank the Farm Bureau Team for reaching out. And so, I finally got sworn in. I went to write my deer bill, and I found out that there's about 12 of us that had quote, "deer bills". So right away, just the respect that Joyce -- Senator Joyce has people said, go talk to Senator Joyce, he has one of 12 deer bills. So, I'm very thankful that this got through. There is one group of people, one group that I'm really happy, cannot vote, and I think is the number of deer bills that we all had. I'm really glad the deer cannot vote in Illinois, because I think most of us will be 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 voted out of office based on what got presented. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Arellano, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
I also want to add my voice to the chorus of praise, Senator Joyce for the work you did. This -- fully -- fully six of my counties are in America's top 25 corn producing counties, and it's already been spoken to the economic impact. I think this Body, after this passes can proudly say we've done something about food costs, we've done something for small business owners because farmers are small business owners, and we've done something for public safety. I, myself, know a friend who got in a motorcycle accident with a deer, it did not end well when we were young. But mostly I wanted to speak because I had farmers in my District ask me to say thank you, to you specifically, for your work on this. So, on behalf of those farmers, thank you. This is -- this is great work and I encourage everyone to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Further discussion? Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) To the bill.
23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 So, you know, I was a little conflicted on this bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, being a descendant of farmers and but being an animal lover, I really couldn't decide what I was going to do. But I do want to say that given the enthusiastic thumbs up from Senator Bryant, I have to vote for this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Joyce, do you wish to close?
Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I would. First off, thank you for all the accolades on this, but it was it was everyone in all the responses they get from their districts. You know, you have to beg the question, you know, would Tommy Boy have been as famous had he not had the deer jump through his window? So, we have some challenges with deer, we had 29 bills filed in both Chambers and four resolutions dealing with deer damage and deer population. So, we've encompassed a lot of this. Again, I want to thank again the IDNR, Illinois Farm Bureau, and our staff on all the hard work they did on this. Appreciate all the comments. I asked for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall Senate Bill 710 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 Senators voting Yes, 0 voting No, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 710, having received the constitutionally required majority, is declared passed. Senator DeWitte, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I got so excited about voting Yes 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 for that bill that I missed my button when I pressed it. Please ask the -- I would ask the record reflect my Yes vote on Senate Bill 710. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The -- the record will reflect your wishes. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are now going to move to -- to the Order of Resolutions on page 15 of your printed Calendar. We're going to start right at the top of that page with Senate Resolution 25, from Senator Anderson. Senator Anderson, on Senate Resolution 25. We'll move down towards the middle of that page now, where Senator Edly-Allen brings Senate Resolution 159. Senator Edly- Allen indicates she wishes to proceed, on Senate Resolution 159. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 159, offered by Senator Edly-Allen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Edly-Allen, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 159 is for Save Your Tooth Month. It recognizes May 2025 as Save Your Tooth Month. This resolution aims to educate Illinoisans about the importance of good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, preventing dental disease, maintaining a healthy mouth, and reducing the risk of systemic diseases. Throughout May, the American Association of Endodontists is launching a public awareness campaign emphasizing the necessity of maintaining natural teeth for functioning, such as chewing, speech, and appearance. Proper oral hygiene should not be a luxury, it is a fundamental human need. When individuals have access to proper 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 dental care and understand the importance of maintaining their teeth, they're empowered to live healthier lives. That's why it's so important to remind Illinoisans that taking care of their teeth is not just about smiles, it is about their well-being every single day. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) The question is, shall Senate Resolution 159 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 34. Resolved by the House of Representatives, of the 104th General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that when the House -- two Houses adjourned on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, or to the call of the Speaker and the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, or to the call of the President. Adopted by the House May 1st, 2025. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
House Joint Resolution 34, offered by Senator Halpin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senator Halpin moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration of adoption of House Joint Resolution 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/1/2025 34. Those in favor say, Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Halpin moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 34. All in favor say, Aye. Opposed, 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, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 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, the motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate pursuant to House Joint Resolution 34, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11 a.m. on the 6th day of May 2025, or to the call of the Senate President. The Senate stands adjourned. 27