PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) The regular Session of the 104th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? And will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Chaplain Carla Matrisch from Civil Servant Ministries, Chatham, Illinois.
CHAPLAIN CARLA MATRISCH: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please remain standing. Senator Johnson, please lead us in the Pledge.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mike Miletich from WAND TV seeks permission to record videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, so ordered. Lisa Yuscius -- Lisa Chess -- Lisa Chess-Yuscius from Blueroomstream seeks leave and permission to video stream the proceedings. Seeing no objection, so ordered. And Andrew Campbell from Capitol News Illinois seeks permission to record and videotape the recording. Seeing no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of January 31st, 2025, and February 4th and 5th, 2025.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Glowiak. Senator Glowiak.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary, be approved unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Glowiak Hilton moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There be no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 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 AQUINO) 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.
Senate Resolution 311, offered by Senator Curran. Senate Resolution 312, offered by Senator Porfirio. And Senate Resolution 313, offered by Senator Faraci. They are all congratulatory.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Loughran Cappel, Chair of the Committee on Education - reports Senate Resolution 267 Be Adopted; and House Bill 3081 Do Pass. Senator Cervantes, Chair of the Committee on Criminal Law - reports House Bill 2586 do Pass and House Bill 2521 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Villa, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services - reports Senate Joint Resolution 30 -- 30 Be Adopted. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Senator Morrison, Chair of the Committee on Insurance - reports House Bill 1864 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Peter's, Chair of the Committee on Labor - reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1976 Recommend Do Adopt, House Bill 3638 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chair of the Committee on Child Welfare - report Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 324 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 871 and 3446 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Edly-Allen, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education - reports Senate Amendment 4 to House Bill 3522 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 2661, offered by Senator Joyce, an Act concerning gaming. 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Just a notice for all colleagues that can hear the sound of my voice. If we can make our way to the Senate Floor, as we will be moving on to House Bill 2nds and Senate Bills 3rd Readings today. Again, those that can hear the sound of my voice for my colleagues can make it to the Senate Floor for some action of House Bill's 2nd Reading and Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Murphy, for purpose you seek recognition.
Thank you, Mr. President. For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please make your announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm honored today to have a Page with 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 me. This is a young lady that -- Jylian Martin, who is a political science junior{sic} (student) at Loyola University. She's going to graduate next year. She has a special interest in criminal justice. Passionate about civic engagement, social justice reform, and she aspires to be involved in government as she graduates and goes on with her career. And she's looking perhaps to be a lobbyist to help shape policy and advocate for meaningful changes. She stays actively involved in campus life as President of CHAARG, a wellness organization on campus, and is Vice President of Member Development for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoors, pursuing activities that promote personal growth and community connections. She's here. She's got a great mentor in Dan Shomon, and she's going to spend today and some time with him over the summer interning. So, please join me in welcoming Jylian Martin to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Welcome to the Senate and go Ramblers. Senator Ventura, for what purpose do you seek recognition.
Purpose of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please make your announcement.
I would like to welcome Anvi Krishnardula. She is a sophomore at Downers Grove South High School, known for her vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and dedication to her school community. She will be my Page for the Day, and she is actively involved in band, badminton, and speech team, where she finds joy in expressing her ideas. A passionate environmental advocate from a young age, Anvi 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 is pursuing a career in environmental law - a path inspired by her deep commitment to sustainability, which even influenced her father to purchase an electric vehicle and pursue a career in the electric car industry. Anvi aspires to promote and help create laws that protect our environment and ensure sustainable futures for generations to come. Today, as my Page for the Day, she is eager to learn about the legislative process and how public service can shape meaningful change. Her belief in civic engagement and the power of rising one's voice has led her to admire the work that my office does on behalf of her community, and I want to thank her and ask for you to give her a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Welcome to the Senate. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of announcement, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please make your announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen, super excited today to have Miss Mia Volpert with us. Mia's parents, Andy and Lee, both worked for the Senate Republicans for a long time. And I've known Andy, her father, since -- since college. In any event, she's now a senior at Springfield High School. And she's been an intern with our side of the aisle as Events and Engagement staff since last September. As she graduates here shortly, she'll be continuing on to college in the fall at SIU Edwardsville, where she'll be earning a nursing degree as well as playing college softball. I'm told she's got a heck of a cannon and she's going to be pitching for SIU 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Edwardsville, so other than that, she enjoys following her little sister around and -- and spending time here. She's looking forward to summer doing more events and engagements with the Republican side of the aisle. So, please welcome Miss Mia Volpert.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Welcome to the Senate. We could always use an extra softball player. On page 9, we're going to be starting with House -- I'm sorry. Correction. On page 19, we'll be starting with House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator -- present -- President Harmon, with House Bill 872. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 872, an Act concerning State government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Continuing on with Senator Feigenholtz with House Bill 1083. Senator Feigenholtz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1083, an Act concerning property. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter with Senate Bill 1331. Senator Hunter with 1332. Senator -- Senator Cunningham with House Bill 1866. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1866, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Energy and Public Utilities adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senator Villanueva with House Bill 1908. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1908, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senator Halpin with House Bill 2338. Mr. Secret -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2338, an Act concerning business. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senator Fine with House Bill 2562. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2562, an Act concerning civil law. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senator Castro with House Bill 2947. Senator 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Castro on House Bill 2-9-4-7. Senator Murphy, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MURPHY) Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body we will turn to Calendar page 19 -- is the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 1628, Senator Aquino. The Gentleman indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, would you read the bill?
House Bill 1628, an Act concerning government. 2nd Reading the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MURPHY) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MURPHY) 3rd Reading. Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) With leave of the Body, we'll be returning to page 19 of the printed Calendar on House Bills 2nd Reading. There is a letter on file that allows Senator Koehler to move various bills for Senator Hunter. Senator Koehler we will begin with House Bill 1331. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1331, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1332. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 House Bill 1332, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1607. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1607, an Act concerning State government. 2nd Reading the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Moving on to page 20, we have House Bill 3078. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3078, an Act concerning mental health. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. 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 Senate's front room immediately. The Senate will stand -- the Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Leader Koehler, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Aquino, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments - reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: refer to Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bill 24; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - Committee Amendment 2 to House 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Bill 2863; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2516; refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 32, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1075, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3 -- 1312, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1437, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1697, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1700, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1823, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1832, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1863, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1927, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1928, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2335, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2371, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2423, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2568, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2755, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2771, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2785, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2949, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2967, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3019, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3065, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3193, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3363, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3374, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3438, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3508, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 3564, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3654, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3657, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3662, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3709, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3790 and Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 3851; refer to Higher Education Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3385; refer to Human Rights Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 613; refer to Insurance Committee - House Bill 3248; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3281; refer 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 to Labor Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 968 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2488; Re-referred from Agriculture Committee to Assignments Committee - Senate Resolution 258; Re-referred from Financial Institutions Committee to Assignments Committee - Senate Resolution 273 and Re-referred from Public Health Committee to Assignments Committee - Senate Resolution 257. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Continuing on with House Bills 2nd Reading on page 20, we find House Bill 2750 Senator -- 57, Senator Feigenholtz. Please read the bill.
House Bill 2757, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Senator Castro with House Bill 2947. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2947, an Act concerning gaming. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Are there any Floor amendments considered -- approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we'll be moving back on the -- on the Calendar -- excuse me, on the page -- on page 2 of the printed Calendar for Senator Peters, Senate Bill 1976. Senator 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Peters with Senate Bill 1976. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1976, an Act concerning employment. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Peters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Peters, on your amendment.
I would like to adopt the amendment. I'll explain on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Moving on to Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Starting with Senator Feigenholtz with Senate Bill 324. We are on page 2 of the printed Calendar for Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Feigenholtz, 324. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Feigenholtz seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 324 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 324. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Feigenholtz. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Feigenholtz, on your amendment.
I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Now on 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 324. Senator Feigenholtz, on your bill. Oh!
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Excuse me. Sorry. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 324, an Act concerning children. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Now, Senator Feigenholtz, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is an initiative of Health and Family Services that deals with children who have been in psychiatric care for a long time. Sometimes they are deemed medically -- beyond medical necessity, and we often find these children -- circling a lockout, which means that their parents 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 have no opportunity to give them services. And this is something I've been working on for 15 years, but who's counting? Well, we finally have BEACON, and we have a portal, and Doctor Dana Weiner is moving things forward for us and this bill, essentially, amends the Juvenile Court Act. It's technical in nature and it says that there are other ways to pay for these services, aside from the Family Service Program at HFS, that there are other sources. And I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 324 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 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 324, having received the -- excuse me -- received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving forward on the printed Calendar on page 7, towards the bottom, we find Senate Bill 1298, Senator Guzmán, on Senate Bill 1298. Senator Guzmán seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1298 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1298. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) Yes. Floor Amendment 3, offered by Senator Guzmán.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Guzmán, on your amendment.
Yes. I'd like to adopt the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Is there any discussion? All those in favor say Aye -- say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) Senate Bill 1298, an Act concerning public aid. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Guzmán, on your bill. SENATOR GUZMÁN: Good afternoon, colleagues. I'm happy to be presenting Senate Bill 1298. Nearly 1 in 4 undergraduate students don't know where their next meal is coming from. This food insecurity not only impacts their health but makes it harder for them to study and make their education a success. Federal regulations give states broad discretion to make certain students eligible for SNAP, known as food stamps, colloquially, without having to make onerous exemptions, if they participate in a government operated program that increases employability and job readiness. Senate Bill 1298 will use that discretion to expand the number of students at public colleges and universities eligible for SNAP. We've been undergoing extensive negotiations with the Department of Human Services to ensure that this program can be properly implemented. We are in conceptual agreement with the Department and will work to make any necessary final amendments in the House. Happy to open for any questions. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? There is discussion and I just want to remind her we're on 3rd Reading. So, if people can keep their conversations a little -- just -- lower so we can hear each other. But, Senator Bryant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
Thank you. First, just a couple of notes to make on this bill. This would allow otherwise perfectly able students who could be working, either during the school year or during the summer school year to allow them to get SNAP benefits, without having the work requirement. So, let's just -- I just want to talk about that for just a second. That would mean under this bill that they only have to be enrolled as -- as a part time student. So, Illinois doesn't really have a requirement for how many hours that is, but it's generally accepted that 12 hours is full time. So, this would be someone who could be taking as little as 6 hours per semester or 2.5 hours in the summer. So -- still no understanding of why that student could not be working while they're going to school, like many of us did while we attended college classes. Also, anytime we expand an entitlement program, we water down the rest of the program, which means that if these students who are capable and able to work a job but are not. That means those who really could use these benefits, those benefits, could be less available to them. Also, there's actually no definition for a school that serves low-income students, so it's completely up for 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 interpretation. So, I'd have to ask, what does that mean when the bill talks about schools that are -- have low-income students, and you know, is it 40 percent of the student body? Is it 90 percent of the student body? It also places a burden on the institution itself by requiring the schools to collect and submit specific income related data at that program level. So that's going to mean that, it'll cause, to have to be improved the tracking and data systems. So that's going to be an additional cost to the school itself. And then also there's coordination that will be required, that the actual coordination for the school, for the person receiving the benefits, for the agencies that are implementing this, an extraordinary amount of coordination going forward with, again, cannot stress enough that these are able bodied students who can be as -- taking as few classes as 6 hours in a regular semester and 2.5 hours in the summer, so -- I have a question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield. Senator Bryant.
Thank you. Does this also include online students?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMÁN: The bill, in itself, does not exempt online students and if I may, I know it wasn't necessarily verbalized as a question, but I would like to go through your points, point by point, if I may. So firstly, it's -- it's really difficult to be a college student and be in the classroom and be expected to learn and be hungry, right? We know that you just can't be an effective student if 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 you're hungry. And with the present SNAP eligibility requirements as they are, they're so onerous, that the majority of SNAP eligible college students are not presently enrolled in the program. And so while I hear your points about -- related to job and readiness, I actually think that the goal that we're trying to ascertain here is that we have folks that are working, our students, but the administrative burden of meeting the eligibility criteria is so big that they're not able to have what they need. And so if we go through the present criteria now, full-time students are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet one of the following student exemptions. And so to your point, you know, being enrolled as a result of participation and job opportunities and basic skills program under Title VI of the Social Security Act or its successor program, they're not eligible unless they work 20 hours per week or are self-employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week, unless they participate in a State or federally financed work study, unless they participate in on-the-job training. There's a lot of job based criteria that's already here, right? So, I think that's one piece. The other part addressing the question, the notion of part-time students. To your point, SNAP eligibility purposes, a student of higher education is defined as someone who is enrolled at least half-time as defined by their institution, so someone who is enrolled less than half-time would not be considered a student for SNAP eligibility purposes and would not be subject to the student rules.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Bryant.
Thank you -- thank you. I do appreciate the response to -- 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 to the bill. I do want to go back to the bill though, and again just say…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) To the bill.
These are able bodied students. This bill removes all of the work requirement. I don't -- while I admire the sponsors, efforts in this, I think this is a bill that is written too loosely, allows for too much possibility of individuals -- who are -- who can work, who should be working, who should be learning at that age a good work ethic to -- to pass the bill as it is presently written, is too far a reach. So, I recommend a No vote on this. Again, primarily because we do have limited resources, and these are able bodied students who should and can be working. And it waters down the ability for those who really have needs to get those benefits. So, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Any further discussion? Seeing none. Senator Guzmán, to close.
Thank you for the line of question. I really want to give thanks to the Department of Human Services, we have spent almost close to 50 hours since I got started in January, so that doesn't feel like that -- that short of a bandwidth. But I think just the amount of commitment to ensure that this is written in a sound way, as you heard, we're looking forward to strengthening this in the House, because ultimately, the imperative to feed our college students, it's here and present. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 The question is, shall Senate Bill 1290 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 39 voting Aye, 16 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1298, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. President Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please state your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, in case anyone missed the very subtle tiara and royal sash, we are in the middle of celebrating Leader Lightford's birth month. And we want everyone to know Miss Lisa has German chocolate cake for us in the phone room. But come wish Leader Lightford a happy birthday, May 10th - - 29th. And -- and we'll celebrate all the May birthdays and Leader Lightford happy May.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Happy Birthday. Leader Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. It's not because I have on this fantastic tiara, but I love Miss Lisa, and I thank her for making my birthday special every year. It's actually because I have my District Office Staff here. Tomorrow is Civic Engagement Day for Youth Development for the Black Caucus, and we're getting all geared up for that. But Kimberly runs my District Office, and she 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 has been doing a fantastic job for me. I just wanted the Chamber to welcome her to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Welcome to the Senate. Thank you for your work in the district. Senator Feigenholtz, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of introduction. We have some wonderful guests.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please make your introduction.
We have nurses here, the most trusted profession. Right. You would know that from Advocate Illinois Masonic (Medical Center) in my District and Advocate Christ (Medical Center). Let's give them a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Welcome to the Senate. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we are on page 8 of the printed Calendar with -- at the top of the page with Senate Bill 2001, Senator Fine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) Senate Bill 2001, an Act concerning business. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Fine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation is a piece of consumer protection. It protects not only the consumer, but the 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 auctioneer from being sidelined or misled when purchasing a product in an auction. This was a situation that happened in my District that a constituent purchased an item and spent a lot of money, only to find out later that the item was not real. And the auctioneer was nowhere to be found. So, this legislation really protects the good actors and the consumers. I know of no opposition and would appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2001 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2001, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 8, we have Senate Bill 2303, Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) Senate Bill 2303, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2303, as amended, it amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act, by providing that a second offense of either offering fire sprinkler contractor services or practicing -- offer to practice, attempt to practice, or hold oneself out to practice as a fire sprinkler inspector without being licensed or exempt within 24 months, incurs a minimum of a $10,000 penalty. Any further instances of such offense shall 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 incur a minimum of a $25,000 penalty. I'd like to thank the Members of the Senate Local Government Committee for unanimous vote, and I ask for this Chamber's Aye vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2303 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting -- 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2303, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Balkema, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
A point of appreciation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Please share your appreciation.
I was very happy to -- while I was back helping celebrate the Leader Lightford's birthday, to also find out that we had a new machine over in the corner. Sometimes machines are very small, but sometimes they're very valuable. This happens to be an espresso machine. So, after a little bit of research, I'd like to thank President Harmon for allowing our Chamber to have espresso machine. I don't know why because I haven't been here long, but I'm told that sometimes we're here at odd hours. I haven't seen it, but if we ever had the chance happen to be that in the next few weeks, I'm very thankful that we have a little bit more caffeine for those of us that are addicted. So, thank you, President Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025 Extra caffeine is always appreciated. So, moving on to page 9 of the printed Calendar we're continuing with Senator Hastings with Senate Bill 2469. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) Senate Bill 2469, an Act concerning criminal law. 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
I knew eventually I'd break the camera, Mr. President, but -- Senate Bill 2469, amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to extend the deadline for veterinarians to comply with the electronic prescribing requirement for controlled substances. The current deadline is 2 years from November 17th of 2023, and this bill will extend it to 7 years. I know of no opponents. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Bill 2469 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2469, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing our work we will be moving on to the Secretary's Desk of Resolutions with Senate -- on page 20 of the printed Calendar to Senate Resolution 96, Senator Joyce. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SCOTT KAISER) Senate Resolution 96, offered by Senator Joyce. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/14/2025
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Senator Joyce, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 96 designates May 11th through May 17th as Homes{sic} (Home) Fire Sprinkler Week, in Illinois. The purpose of this resolution and Home Fire Sprinkler Week is to bring awareness to the public safety concerns of residential home fires, both to families and first responders, and how residential fire sprinklers are the most cost-effective means of reducing the risk of death or injury from a fire in a home.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR AQUINO) Is there any discussion? Seeing none. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 96 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Just before we close out, just remember that Committees starts at 2:00 today, please be on time. But with that, there be no further business to come before the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12:30 p.m. on the 15th day of May, 2025. The Senate stands adjourned. 25