Illinois Senate Floor Debate — February 26, 2026

Senate Journal of Wednesday, February 25th, 2026.

1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 Senator Glowiak Hilton, Chair of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports Senate Bills 3325, 3496, 3620, 3645 and 3676 Do Pass and Senate Bills 2806, 2846 and 2879 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Joyce, Chair of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Bill 2859 Do Pass, Senate Bill 3643 Do Pass, as Amended and Senate Resolutions 460 and 487 Be Adopted. Senator Hastings, Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bills 2816, 3379 and 3524 Do Pass. Senator Johnson, Chair of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Bills 2769, 2770 and 3565 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Turner, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, reports Senate Bills 3512 and 3640 Do Pass; Senate Bills 2756 and 3152 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Ventura, Chair of the Committee on Human Rights, reports Senate Bill 3340 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Ellman, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Conservation, reports Senate Bill 3422 Do Pass.

Senate Bill 4164, offered by Senator Sims, an Act concerning appropriations. 1st Reading of the bill.

A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President, I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1088. We have received like message on 2  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 House Bills 1391, 2539, 3454 and 3769. Passed the House, February 25th, 2026. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.

House Bill 3769, offered by Senator Morrison, an Act concerning regulation. 1st Reading of the bill.

House Bill 598, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Senate Bill 2836, an Act concerning local government. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3018, an Act concerning finance. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3106, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3465, an Act concerning health. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3632, an Act concerning children. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 Senate Bill 3720, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Higher Education adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 2886, an Act concerning health. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

For an announcement, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to take a moment to honor the memory of a former member of our Senate Republican family, Dan Egler, who passed away last month. Dan grew up on a family farm in Indiana and proudly attended Indiana University, where he earned 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 a bachelor's degree in journalism. He began reporting for the Chicago Tribune in the summer of 1969 before being drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country before his honorable discharge in August of 1971. When Dan returned to the Chicago Tribune, he spent over 14 years covering the highs and lows of Illinois State Government as a reporter, and eventually as their Statehouse Bureau Chief. He left journalism to join Governor Jim Edgar's administration as an Associate Press Secretary and speechwriter, where he coined Governor Edgar's famous line that it was time for State government "to tear up the credit card". Eventually, Dan joined our Senate family, working for former Republican leader Bill Brady here at the Capitol and also out on the campaign trail. After retiring, Dan would often check in with our staff, and I learned after Dan passed away from my Press Secretary that he oftentimes had feedback and advice on my own presentations, which, as you've all seen, are lacking. So I appreciate Dan's guidance. Our thoughts are with Dan's two daughters, Liz and Melissa Egler and his bonus daughter, Liz's wife, Sandy Nickel and their two sons, Ben and Josh. Dan will be remembered as a brilliant writer, shrewd strategist, valued friend of many, and beloved father and grandfather. He will be truly missed, but his legacy will live on in -- in this building and around the State for many years to come. So with that, I'd like to ask for a moment of silence, Mr. President, for Dan to send our love and prayers to his family and all who loved him.

8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 Thank you, Mr. President. I have another announcement.

I -- it is -- it is my pleasure to recognize, at this time, a truly dedicated Member, retiring Member of the Illinois Senate Republican staff, Ray Watt. Ray joined the Illinois Senate staff in 1992, and technically, he retired at the end of December. But we could not quite let Ray go yet, and we've had Ray sticking around helping us out. But, that -- that raised graciousness in helping us transition is coming to an end here. Ray came to the Capitol after a successful career in radio, in broadcasting, including his time at WYRT in Edwardsville, where his talent and professionalism caught the attention of Senate staff who actively pursued him. Prior to his Senate career, Ray worked in news and talk radio across Central and Southern Illinois and the Metro East, building a reputation as a trusted voice. He brought the same skill set to the Senate, where he helped translate complicated legislative language into clear, concise messages that Senators could share with their constituents to explain what really was happening here in Springfield. Radio stations across Illinois came to rely on his legislative summaries, always delivered with his signature sign-off, "in Springfield, I'm Ray Watt". Ray has worn many hats over the years, juggling countless responsibilities, including overseeing radio and media monitoring and doing it all with professionalism, intelligence, and dedication. And yes, it's true, he still has his reel-to-reel machine standing in his office, a reminder that while technology has changed, Ray's commitment to quality never has. He's a longtime Senate Republican staffer who 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 truly believes in the goals and principles of the organization he serves, and is a man you want on your team. Ray is known for his ideas, his work ethic, his willingness to put in long hours, on and off the clock, not just to get his own work done, but to help others succeed. He has been a mentor to more people than we can count and has always been willing to lend a helping hand, guided by his kind heart and a sharp wit. Ray is an intelligent and thorough researcher whose deep knowledge of the issues has been invaluable resource to the Senate Republican Caucus and his fellow staffers. Now, outside of work, Ray seeks knowledge and inspiration from the heavens, both as an avid astronomer and through his faith, as a devout Catholic. Ray is a devoted husband to Trudy, a proud father to Ray Jr., and a loving owner of his rescue dog, Roscoe. Ray is known for dressing head to toe in black and sporting one of the most impressive mustaches in the Capitol. And has truly been an institution around here. In retirement once we let Ray walk out the door here, he plans on traveling out west to visit filming sites of his favorite westerns, take on long overdue household projects, and enjoy camping and fishing, two passions. Ray, you are more than a colleague, you are friends with so many in the building. We want you to know how deeply people rely on your talents, your friendship, and your steady presence. On behalf of our entire Senate Republican Caucus, thank you for your decades of dedicated service, your loyalty and your commitment to this institution. You will always be a part of the Senate Republican family. We want to wish you and your family all the best in a happy retirement.

No objections filed, Mr. President.

A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 57, offered by Senator Cervantes. Resolved by the House of Representatives of the 104th General Assembly of the State of Illinois, the Senate concurring herein, that when the two Houses adjourned on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, the House of Representatives stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, March 19th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Friday, March 20th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until March 24th, 2026 or to the call of the Speaker and the Senate 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 78th Legislative Day 2/26/2026 stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 4th, 2026. And when adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, March 5th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 10th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 11th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, March 12th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until March 13th, 2026. And when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until March 24th, 2026, or to the call of the President. Adopted by the House, February 25th, 2026. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.

House Joint Resolution 57, offered by Senator Cervantes.