DR. DRISS EL-AKRICH: (Invocation)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Johnson, please lead us in the Pledge.
SENATOR JOHNSON: (Pledge of Allegiance)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Capitol News Illinois and BlueRoomStream seek leave to videotape the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, May 7th, 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. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026
Senate Resolution 789, offered by Senator Faraci and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 783, offered by Senator Syverson; Senate Resolution 784, offered by Senator Stadelman; Senate Resolution 785, offered by Senator Rezin; Senate Resolution 786, offered by Senator Ventura; and Senate Resolution 788, offered by Senator Bryant, they're all congratulatory. And Senate Resolution 787, offered by Senator Tracy. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Introduction and Reading of Senate Bills for the first time.
Senate Bill 4201, offered by Senator Sims, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 4202, offered by Senator Porfirio, an Act concerning criminal law. 1st Reading the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages.
Appointment Message 1040485, Governor's salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board; David M. Bennett. Appointment Message 1040486, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Mark Charles Chatham. Appointment Message 1040487, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 Christina M. Herrmann. Appointment Message 1040488, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Lisa Marie Hess. Appointment Message 1040489, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Ronald S. Kaempfe. Appointment Message 1040490, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Christopher Kattenbraker. Appointment Message 1040491, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Joseph L. Luechtefeld. Appointment Message 1040492, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Donna Marie Richter. Appointment Message 1040493, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Joseph Stukenberg.
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 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 61, offered by Senator Halpin. Adopted by the House May 7th, 2026. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Johnson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of an announcement. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) State your announcement.
I rise to announce that Xonita, the world's largest teddy bear, was on display this past weekend in the 30th District in Waukegan. She is sixty-three feet long and weighs eight thousand pounds. Xonita was constructed in April 2019 and made of the same material as commercial teddy bears. She was constructed in the town of Xonacatlán in Mexico, and it is often called the Land of Stuffed Animals. There are more than four hundred and fifty stuffed animal workshops in Xonacatlán, and they employ thousands of people. Xonita's visit was arranged through the City of Waukegan and the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, as well as a partnership involving Arcola Group and Waukegan Computer One Stop It. Xonita is the Guinness World Record holding largest teddy bear. Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil said, "Xonita represents the creativity, craftsmanship, and heart of the people of Xonacatlán and the State of Mexico." For many members of our Mexican community, this teddy bear is more than a world record, it is a symbol of home, tradition, and the talent of artisans who work to bring joy for generations. And I have a replica of Xonita that I am going to give to President Harmon, compliments of the curators of the exhibit. So, let's give, welcome Xonita to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of Personal Privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 State your point.
All right. Thank you very much. Today is my, communications staffer's 30th birthday, Adrianna Pitrelli, and I would like to welcome her. Happy birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Happy birthday. Senator Turner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President. A moment of introduction, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your introduction.
I'm joined with Sarah Grimes. She's right next to me right here. She's a sophomore at University High School in Normal. She's the daughter of Brad and Andrea Grimes and is involved in leadership positions at 4H and Rotary Interact Club. She enjoys many forms of community involvement and is the founder of the (Illinois) chapter of Distant Hugs volunteer organization. Sarah's currently enrolled in political science coursework at Illinois State University while she's a sophomore at U-High High School, and she plans to pursue a legal studies career in law, and let's welcome Sarah to the Senate today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Welcome to the Senate. 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 come to the President's Anteroom, immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 (at ease) Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Make your announcement.
I'm doing this on behalf of myself and Senator Dave Syverson. Would you believe that we are the only two Members of the Dave Caucus in the Senate? And tonight, is the night you've been waiting for all year. Tonight, is the night of the Dave Caucus party with the Boat Caucus Band. It's at 7:30 to whenever, tonight at Boone's. So, it's -- we have staff recognition before then, and we have the Dave Caucus at 7:30. So, I'll yield anything to, my fellow Dave.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
A question for the Senator Koehler. Can you maybe talk a little bit about who is in the band? Who is playing tonight at Boone's at 7:30?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
Yes, I'd be happy to. We have our very own President Don Harmon on guitar; we have Ryan Spain on drums; we have some ex former legislators. I don't know all the band members. You probably know them better than I do. So, I'd yield back to you to answer that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 Senator Syverson.
Thank you. Just want to verify too that, the President will be -- will be taking names of who is there and who is not there to listen to him play tonight. Isn't that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Koehler.
Yes, he will. Yes. There's a list.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Syverson.
Thank you. Just look forward to this annual event that we can join all the other Dave's throughout the -- throughout the Capitol, and look forward to seeing everyone at Boone's at 7:30. Thank you so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Cunningham, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - House Bill 5309; refer to Appropriations Committee - House Bill 5091 and 5486; refer to Appropriations Education - House Bills 5330 and 5466; referred to Appropriations Public Safety and Infrastructure - House Bill 5369; refer to Child Welfare Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4587; refer to Criminal Law Committee - House Bill 3632, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3393, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 5021, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5489; refer to 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 Education Committee - Senate Resolution 752; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3273; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Committee Amendment 3 to House Bill 2955; refer to Executive Committee - House Bill -- House Bills 3003, 4267, 4379, 5068, 5253, 5492, Senate Bill 3481, Committee Amendment(s) 2 and 3 to House Bill 4340, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2844, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3341, Committee Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 3518, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 315, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 316, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 317, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 318, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 340, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 343, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 415, and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 416; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4203, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4273, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5001, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 714, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3114; refer to Labor Committee - House Bill 4758; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - House Bill 4953; refer to Pensions Committee - House Bill 2564; refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Resolution 757; refer to Revenue Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3592. Be Approved For Consideration - Senate Bills 594, 676, 1051, House Bill 4353, Senate Resolution 743, Senate Resolution 768, Senate Resolution 615, Senate Resolution 751, Senate Resolution 753, Senate Resolution 754, Senate Resolution 760, Senate Resolution 762, Senate Resolution 765, Senate Resolution 766, Senate Resolution 774, Senate Resolution 775. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2512, Committee Amendment 2 to 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 Senate Bill 2906, and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3070. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator Plummer, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. A point of introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Make your introduction.
I'd like to, I'd like to introduce to the Body two very important guests I have with me tonight. First, I'd like to introduce Jorden Jenkins. Jorden lives in Edwardsville and goes to Maryville Christian School, where he's in the third grade. Jordan's involved in the chess club. He loves playing baseball, flag football, and basketball. He has a big love for athletics and enjoys staying active and working hard to be part of the team. He loves building and creating things, especially projects that let him use his imagination and problem-solving skills. One of his favorite interests is reading about history, along with learning about the CIA and Secret Service. Jorden is here with his parents and brother, who I'll introduce in a second. His parents, Travis and Laura, are up in the gallery. And, Jorden, he's in the third grade, like I said, at Maryville Christian School, which is one grade ahead of my daughter, so I'm kind of keeping an eye on him, and -- and he's keeping an eye on her for me. So, I appreciate Jordan being here today. And I'd like to take a quick minute to introduce his brother, Jaylen, as well. Jaylen's in the second grade at Maryville Christian School. He wants to play basketball at the University of Iowa, and when he's done with basketball, he 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 wants to become a zookeeper. His favorite animal are -- are penguins. At school, he likes playing baseball, basketball, and football, and whatever -- whatever he can do to hang out with his brother. So, I thank the Body for, for welcoming Jordan and Jaylen here to Springfield today. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senator Aquino, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Madam President, for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement.
The Senate Democrats will caucus in the President's Office at 1 p.m. for one hour with leaders meeting beforehand. The Senate Democrats will caucus in the Senate President's Office at 1 p.m. for one hour with leaders meeting beforehand.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Senator McClure, for what purpose do you rise?
For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) Your announcement.
The Senate Republicans will caucus in Room 400 of the Capitol at 1 o'clock for approximately one hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HOLMES) The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After caucuses, the Senate will reconvene for 2nd Readings. The 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 104th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 101st Legislative Day 5/12/2026 Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) Senate will come to order. Gonna go to page 12 of the Calendar, House Bills on 2nd Reading. Near the top of that page, Senator Hastings has House Bill 4273. We have a letter on file indicating that one of the Chief-Co's, Senator Porfirio, can represent Senator Hastings. He indicates he wishes to move the bill. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4273, an Act concerning business. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CUNNINGHAM) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to be moving to committees very shortly upon adjournment. Please head immediately to your committee hearings. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until noon on the 13th day of May 2026. The Senate stands adjourned. 11