PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The regular Session of the 104th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? We're {sic} (Will) all -- guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Amina Barhumi from the -- Muslim Civic Coalition.
AMINA BARHUMI: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Please remain -- 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 with BlueRoomStream, seeks leave to videotape the proceedings. Is there any objections? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of January 29th, 2026 and February 2nd, 2026.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary, be approved unless some Senator has additions or corrections to add.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton moves to approve the Journal(s) just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Senate Journals of Wednesday, February 4th, Thursday, February 5th, Friday, February 6th and Tuesday, February 10th, 2026.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Glowiak Hilton.
Madam 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 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.
Senate Resolution 616, offered by Senator Hastings and all Members. Senate Resolution 617, offered by Senator Murphy and all Members and Senate Resolution 618, offered by Senator Preston and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 615, offered by Senator Curran. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Senate Bill 4053, offered by Senator Faraci, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 4054, offered by Senator Peters, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 4055, offered by Senator Lightford, an Act concerning education. 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1040422, Governor's non-salaried appointment, To be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Adams County, Christopher Scholz. Appointment Message 1040423, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Brown County, Christopher Scholz. Appointment Message 1040424, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Hancock County, Christopher Scholz. Appointment Message 1040425, Governor's non- salaried appointment, to be Public Administrator and Public Guardian of Schuyler County, Christopher Scholz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 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 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 51, offered by Senator Lightford. Adopted by the House, January 22nd, 2026. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Senator Johnson, for what purpose do you seek recognition.
For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement please.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President and Esteemed Members of the Senate. Today, I rise to make an announcement about the recipients of COWL W.I.S.E. Scholarship. W.I.S.E. stands for Women Inspiring (Influencing) a Second Encore. And I am so proud to serve on COWL's Board with amazing women who prioritize uplifting, elevating, and inspiring other women. It is with immense pride and joy that I introduce the 2025 COWL W.I.S.E. Scholarship recipients who are here today in the gallery. But wait, there's more. The scholars exemplify resilience, leadership, determination and the pursuit of academic excellence. These recipients come from diverse backgrounds as first-generation college students, working mothers, community leaders, educators in training and advocates for justice. And each has overcome unique challenges to continue their education and make meaningful contributions to their community. It is my privilege to recognize them by name. We have with us today, Brittany Nykiel; we have Wandreeka McBride; we have Gabriela Cervantes; we have Lea Brecel Limon; we have Alexa Honeywood; we have Devon Freitag; we have Kim Thompson and we have Yoselin Rico; we have Michelle Cisneros and we have Heather Canuel. Each of these remarkable women represent the power of opportunity and the importance of investing in education. Their achievements not only reflect their personal triumph, but also the strength and promise of our future leaders. I want to extend a special thank 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 you to COWL'S Dynamic Executive Director, Nekya Hall, for arranging, yes, for arranging the W.I.S.E. Scholars visit to the Capitol so that they receive their flowers today. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of the 2025 W.I.S.E. Scholars and wishing them continued success as they pursue their dreams and serve as an inspiration to others. Thank you W.I.S.E Scholars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Congratulations. Senator Martwick, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) State your announcement.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have a bit of a special announcement that I hope that you will bear with me on. You know, our -- our nation and our State, the State of Illinois, is a state that was largely built off of immigration. I am the proud ancestor of Polish immigrants. Waves of Polish immigrants were came to Illinois fleeing their country sometimes because of war or famine or strife, sometimes just for a better opportunity. But waves of them came to Illinois. In fact, at one point in our history, there were more poles residing in Chicago than there were in Warsaw. This was a hub for Polish immigration, but not just to Chicago, in fact, to Senator Bryant's district, a wave of Polish farmers went there. In fact, my family members still live in -- in Senator Bryant's District and operates small family farms. Poles brought with them a strong 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 work ethic, whether it was tilling the land or working the stockyards in Chicago, building the buildings, building out our system of public transit; they brought with them their culture. And today I share a little bit of it with you today. Like many cultures that were based around the Catholic religion, we celebrate the Advent of lent, which begins tomorrow. Many people know of it as Mardi Gras. Today, being Fat Tuesday, or in the Polish culture we call it Tlusty Czwartek, where we fatten ourselves up for the -- the upcoming six weeks of -- of austerity. And the way that we do it historically in the Polish American culture is with this wonderful pastry. And no, this is not a donut. Can anybody from Chicago or of Polish ancestry tell me this is a pączki, okay, or a pączki. This is a dozen pączki right here. Well, I've brought 15 dozen down from my District and it is a way of me not only sharing with you my heritage and my culture from Poland, but also to celebrate the work of a wonderful institution called the Polish American Association which for more than 120 years has been helping welcome immigrants and helping them assimilate into our culture, helping them find jobs and deal with problems. As you can imagine, we don't have waves of Polish immigrants anymore. But the Polish American Association continues this mission by helping all immigrants. Anyone who walks in the door and they do a lovely job of it. Also, with me today, I just want to point out two people that helped me, bring these -- these wonderful pączki down. And I have in the gallery, please stand up. I have a former Cook County Water Reclamation District Commissioner, Daniel Pogorzelski, who is Mr. Polonia in the City of Chicago. So, if you want to know anything about Polish history that's the guy to talk to right there he is, Mr. Polonia. And with him, he has his cousin from Poland 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Klaudia is here and she is and she came down here to see everything that is Springfield and American government, and to share her Polish culture with all of us. So please, have a pączki, fattened up, say hello to Dan and Klaudia, and enjoy Tlusty Czwartek.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Welcome to the Senate and thank you for the treats. Senator Villivalam, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you -- Thank you, Madam President, for purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) State your announcement.
I will do my best to -- to follow Senator Martwick. I rise today to wish all a Happy Lunar New Year. According to the lunisolar calendar, a system recognized by a number of East and Southeast Asian cultural traditions, today is the first day of the New Year. It is also known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, marking the arrival of the new season. The Chinese zodiac calendar has twelve lunar months, and it is about eleven days shorter than a solar year with a different animal representing each year, symbolizing renewal, prosperity and community. This year is the Year of the Horse, marking passion, growth and new opportunities. For families that celebrate the Lunar New Year, it is a time of renewal and reunion. It is common for businesses to close and family members to travel long distances to feast and be with their loved ones during this holiday season, much like Thanksgiving or Christmas. This Lunar New Year, the Asian American Legislative Caucus has provided treats courtesy of Chiu 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Quon Bakery with locations in Chicago's Chinatown and on Argyle Street. Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! May everyone enjoy good health, good fortune, peace, prosperity, and success in the Year of the Horse. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For the purpose of an announcement, I suppose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) State your announcement.
Thank you very much, Madam President. Earlier this morning, the Reverend Jesse Jackson made his transition. And, he was a good friend of mine, as well as, an adviser. And I really don't want to talk a whole lot about it today because many of our Members are not on the Floor. But it was very important for me to recognize and mention the fact that he did make his transition this morning and that, we are in the process of putting together a Resolution and that he will be recognized, in a very short -- later date. But I would like for everyone to please rise in memory of Reverend Jackson, who actually came down here about seven years ago, maybe, and spent about 2 hours or 3 hours with us on the Floor, just learning the process and finding out who people were. Many of you remember it if you were here, and I just wanted to say, we miss you greatly, Reverend Jackson. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Would the Members please rise, for a moment of silence? (moment of silence observed) Will the Committee on Assignments please meet? Will the Committee (on) Assignments, please come to 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 the Anteroom? Will the Senate come to order? Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Cunningham, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - Senate Bills 3512 and 3640; refer to Appropriations Committee - Senate Bills 3267, 3309, 3339, 3343, 3355, 3357, 3366, 3413, 3426, 3432, 3474, 3493, 3500, 3537, 3580, 3605, 3613, 3617, 3621, 3624, 3633, 3664, 3667, 3685, 3717, 3721; refer to Appropriations Education - Senate Bills 3202, 3260, 3279, 3482, 3546, 3598, 3663, 3675, and 3701; refer to Appropriations Health and Human Services - Senate Bills 3254, 3276, 3277, 3294, 3315, 3337, 3360, 3406, 3407, 3410, 3459, 3460, 3464, 3472, 3473, 3519, 3523, 3528, 3532, 3553, 3554, 3555, 3587, 3594, 3615, 3637, 3668, 3670, 3682, 3686, 3687, 3712, 3714, and 3727; refer to Appropriations Public Safety and Infrastructure - Senate Bills 3274, 3289, 3306, 3316, 3317, 3478, 3538, 3679, and 3681; refer to Behavioral and Mental Health Committee - Senate Bill 3722; refer to Consumer Protection Committee - Senate Bill 3719; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bills 3506, 3510, 3526, 3593, 3697; refer to Education Committee - Senate Bills 3255, 3320, 3330, 3331, 3361, 3451, 3533, 3559, 3641, 3669, 3718 and 3729; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - Senate Bills 3234, 3246, 3268, 3272, 3273, 3293, 3332, 3409, 3529, 3570, 3573, 3606, 3612, 3652, 3660 and 3693; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Senate Bills 3422 and 3556; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bills 29, 3153, 3201, 3231, 3232, 3240, 3241, 3244, 3247, 3252, 3253, 3257, 3261, 3262, 3263, 3264, 3278, 3284, 3292, 3296, 3297, 3298, 3299, 3300, 3303, 3307, 3308, 3312, 3323, 3328, 3346, 3348, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 3358, 3364, 3367, 3368, 3374, 3377, 3378, 3384, 3391, 3392, 3394, 3423, 3428, 3435, 3438, 3439, 3444, 3449, 3454, 3455, 3461, 3466, 3469, 3481, 3492, 3495, 3501, 3502, 3504, 3511, 3514, 3518, 3530, 3548, 3552, 3571, 3589, 3590, 3596, 3601, 3602, 3603, 3622, 3628, 3634, 3654, 3659, 3673, 3674, 3678, 3683, 3690, 3702, 3715, 3716, 3725, 3726, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2715, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2749; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - Senate Bills 3239, 3266, 3318, 3322, 3365, 3372 and 3434; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Bills 3314, 3467, 3632 and 3720; refer to Human Rights Committee - Senate Bill 3340; refer to Insurance Committee - Senate Bills 3258, 3295, 3414, 3505, 3508, 3509, 3517, 3536, 3549, 3688, and 3696, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1358, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2762, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2878, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2910 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2921; refer to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bills 3251, 3259, 3291, 3379, 3380, 3381, 3395, 3398, 3401, 3415, 3468, 3498, 3524, 3527, 3557, 3561, 3562, 3568, 3607, 3611 and 3706; refer to Labor Committee - Senate Bill 3396 and 3465; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Senate Bills 3235, 3238, 3265, 3325, 3393, 3421, 3445, 3496, 3507, 3521, 3560, 3620, 3645, 3666, and 3676; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bills 3321, 3417, 3418, 3471, 3565, 3644, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2836; refer to Pensions Committee - Senate Bill 3403; refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Bill 3087, 3383 and 3487; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bills 3236, 3283, 3387, 3420, 3425, 3436, 3443, 3457, 3483, 3494, 3499, 3513, 3515, 3535, 3539, 3541, 3567, 3592, 3614, 3619, 3635, 3638, 3642, 3646, 3665, 3692, 3710, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3217; refer to State 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 73rd Legislative Day 2/17/2026 Government Committee - Senate Bill 3643; refer to Transportation Committee - Senate Bills 3275, 3285, 3290, 3336, 3382, 3385, 3408, 3419, 3595, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2972; refer to Veterans Affairs Committee - Senate Bill 3352. Be Approved For Consideration - Senate Resolution 600 and House Joint Resolution 51. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement please.
The Senate Democrats will caucus in the President's Office at 1:15 for approximately half an hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator McClure, for what purpose do you seek recognition.
For an announcement?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement please.
Thank you, Madam President. The Senate Republicans will caucus at 1 o'clock in Room 400 of the Capitol.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until 11 a.m. on the 18th day of February, 2026. The Senate stands adjourned. 11