The regular Session of the 92nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Our prayer today will be given by the Reverend Larry Goetz, Our Savior('s) Lutheran Church, Springfield, Illinois. Reverend Goetz.
(Prayer by the Reverend Larry Goetz)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senate -- Senator Radogno.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Radogno)
Reading of the Journal. Senator Myers.
Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary, be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
Senator Myers moves to postpone the reading, the approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objections, so ordered. (Reading and approval of the Journal of Tuesday, March 6, 2001, postponed.) Committee Reports.
Senator Sieben, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports Senate Bills 871 and 874 Do Pass. Senator Hawkinson, Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bills 20, 117, 251, 265, 430, 433, 441, 661, 797, 829, 838, 840, 887, 977, 978 and 1097, all Do Pass; and Senate Bills 39, 194, 195 and 1517 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Mahar, Chair of the Committee on Environment and 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Energy, reports Senate Bills 153, 364, 574, 761, 861, 880 and 1289 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 394 and 683 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Parker, Chair of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bills 113, 448, 504, 547, 602 and 800 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 115 and 267 Do Pass, as Amended. And Senator Cronin, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bills 406, 487, 616, 898, 912 and 1026 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 116, 180 and 722 Do Pass, as Amended.
Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
Mr. President, I have with me today, Page of the Day, Mallory McCumber, from Villa Grove High School. She's actually in Senator Weaver's district, but she's visiting me today.
Would she please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Now, with leave, I will turn the Chair over to Senator Demuzio for the purpose of an introduction of an outstanding women's basketball team. Senator Demuzio.
Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention for a moment. I know a lot of you that read the sports pages were all reading about that wonderful, great, super girls' team from Carrollton, the Lady Hawks, that won the Class A Championship. Well, they're here. They're right behind me. So I want to introduce them to the Members of the Senate. And we are joined by our -- our distinguished colleague from the House, Representative Ryder. So why don't you come -- don't have to clap for him. Come 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 on over here. I'd like to introduce Lori Blade, who is the Coach of the Carrollton Lady Hawks, a person who now has amassed a one hundred and ninety-nine wins and twenty-four losses. And if there's anything to be said about Lori and Donna Farley, the Assistant Coach, and the wonderful program that they have established at Carrollton High School, is that they are either on top or near the top. They have a great program. They are truly a -- a marvelous group, not only this year, but also in the past. Donna Farley tells me - the Assistant Coach - that she got some help from Senator Luechtefeld, but we're not saying that. So without any further ado, I'd like to introduce the Coach of the Carrollton Lady Hawks, Lori Blade, and ask Lori if she would, in fact, introduce some of the team members -- or all the team members and the folks that are assembled. Lori. Congratulations. CARROLLTON COACH LORI BLADE (Remarks and Introductions by Carrollton Coach Lori Blade)
She's bashful. She doesn't want to say anything. All we can say is, to all of you who were victims of -- of the Lady Hawks, we say congratulations to you, too, 'cause you were -- you were great opponents. Too bad you couldn't be first, but God Bless you, you were great. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Woolard, for what reason do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for the purpose of a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) State your point.
I have a group of young ladies up here in the gallery today that come from Herrin High School. There are those who would 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 believe that they were students, but in fact, they're lobbyists. They've been here with the sole purpose of lobbying me to make me better prepared to stand with you in this battle that we do each day. The group from Herrin High School, who are future leaders of this great State. Welcome them with me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Well, we'd like to have our guests in the gallery, the -- the Herrin Tigers. Is that correct? State Champs in 1957, I believe. Anyway, we're glad to have you with us. Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
A personal privilege, Mr. -- Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) State your point.
Along with Senator Madigan, Senator Hawkinson and myself, we'd like to ask the Senate to welcome the students from the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Leadership School Program under the direction of Mr. Brad McMillan, who is the Chief of Staff for Congressman LaHood. He wouldn't stand on my side of the aisle, so I had to put him in the middle. I'd like to introduce you -- introduce you to Brad McMillan and also the group from Peoria. Would you please welcome them?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Will our group from Peoria please stand? Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Glad to have you here. Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Rossi, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bills 12, 217, 234, 290, 502 and 536. All passed the House, March the 6th, 2001.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 215. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 234. (Secretary reads title of bill) The first offered by Senator Dillard, the latter by Senator Hawkinson. House Bill 289 is presented by Senator Karpiel. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 290, by Senator Karpiel. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senator Molaro offers House Bill 478. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 536, by Senators Wendell Jones and Woolard. And House Bill 978 -- or, House Bill 536 is: (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 978, by Senator Hawkinson. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Committee Reports.
Senator Weaver, Chair of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Referred to the Committee on Education - House Bill 258 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 264; to the Committee on Environment and Energy - Senate Resolution 38; to the Committee on Judiciary - Senate 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 64; to the Committee on Public Health and Welfare - Senate Joint Resolution 3; and Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 93, Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 101, Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 149, Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 168, Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 187, Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 231 and Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 368.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) It's the intention of the Chair to start on page 2. And let's take our conferences off the Floor. I mean, you ought to just come up here and sit and just hear the roar that comes from -- from out in the hither land here. So let's -- let's just sit down, and let's go through the Calendar. 2nd Reading. Page 2. We're going to start at the top. Let's have some order. Starting at the top of page 2, we have Senator Dillard. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill, Senate Bill 31.
Senate Bill 31. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 50. Senator Syverson. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 50. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 62. Senator Obama? Senator Obama on the Floor? Out of the record. Senate Bill 64. Senator Silverstein? Out of the record. Senate Bill 98. Senator Cullerton? Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Senate Bill 98. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 130. Senator Robert Madigan. Bob Madigan? Out of the record. Senate Bill 131. Robert Madigan. Out of the record. Senate Bill 132. Robert Madigan. Out of the record. And Senate Bill 155. Senator Rauschenberger? Senator Rauschenberger on the Floor? Out of the record. Senate -- Senate Bill 168. Senator Myers? Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 168. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health and Welfare adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Myers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Myers.
...President. Amendment 2 to this bill merely adds two different words to help clarify the bill, and the words are "incoming freshmen and transfer students". And it just kind of identifies exactly the students who are to be notified about the -- availability of the meningitis vaccine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Myers moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 168. Those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 184. Senator Luechtefeld? Out of the record. Senate Bill 252. Senator Lauzen? Senator Lauzen. Out of the record. Senate Bill 264. Senator Mahar? Out of the record. Senate Bill 286. Senator Wendell Jones. There's been a fiscal note filed, and we'll pass. Senate Bill 314. Senator Cronin? Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 314. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 330. Senator Sieben? Out of the record. Senate Bill 333. Senator Tom Walsh. Tom Walsh? Out of the record. Senate Bill 370. Senator Rauschenberger? Senator Rauschenberger? 370, sir. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 370. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 382. Senator Syverson? Senator Syverson on the Floor? Out of the record. Senate Bill 385. Senator Dillard? Out of the record. Senate Bill 396. Senator Parker? Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 396. (Secretary reads title of bill) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 400. Senator O'Malley? Pat O'Malley on the Floor? Senate Bill 400. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 400. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Are there -- are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 452. Senator Jacobs? Denny Jacobs. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 452. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance and Pensions adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 463. Senator Bob Madigan. Out of the record. Senate Bill 479. Senator DeLeo. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Senate Bill 479. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 664. Senator Noland? Out of the record. Senate Bill 687. Senator Dillard? Out of the record. Senate Bill 787. Senator Donahue? Out of the record. Senate Bill 842. Senator Syverson? Dave Syverson. Out of the record. Senate Bill 849. Senator Madigan, Robert. Out of the record. Senate Bill 864. Senator Tom Walsh. Tom Walsh? Out of the record. Senate Bill 865. Senator Tom Walsh. Moving on to page 4. Top of page 4. Senate Bill 866. Senator Peterson. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 866. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 867. Senator Peterson. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 867. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance and Pensions adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 869. Senator Radogno? Please read 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 869. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 870. Senator O'Malley? Pat O'Malley. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 870. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 915. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 915. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 941. Senator Robert Madigan. Read the bill, please, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 941. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 980. Out of the record. Senate Bill 989. Senator O'Malley? Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 989. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1113. Senator Roskam? Senator Roskam. Please read the bill, Madam -- Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 989 {sic} (1113). (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senate Bill 1174. Senator Robert Madigan. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1244. Robert Madigan. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1245. Out of the record. And Senate Bill 1246. Out of the record. (12)47. Out of the record. (12)48. Out of the record. (12)51. Out of the record. (12)52. Out of the record. (12)55. Out of the record. (12)56. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1329. Senator Lightford. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1329. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) We got the wrong bill up on the board. Should be Senate Bill 1329. 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1505. Senator Madigan. Robert Madigan. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1505. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1506. Senator Rauschenberger? Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1506. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. We will now proceed to final action on page 5. Top of page 5 is 3rd Reading. It will be 3rd Reading, Senate Bills, top of page 5, and it's Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 19. Senator Lauzen on the Floor? Excuse me. Out of the record. Senate Bill 65. Senator Silverstein? Out of the record. Senate Bill 93. Senator Rauschenberger seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 93 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 93. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Rauschenberger.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 93 is a technical amendment requested by Engrossing and Enrolling, and I'd appreciate its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 101. Senator Sieben? Todd Sieben? Out of the record. Senate Bill 103. Senator Luechtefeld? Madam 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 103. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 103 amends the Downstate Public Transportation Act. It changes the definition of who is a participant under the Act to allow Jackson County Mass Transit District to begin receiving State operating assistance. We had this bill before the Transportation Committee last year. There was a provision in it which dealt with South Central Mass Transit, which they opposed. It did not pass. That is now out of the bill and it was approved unanimously. Would answer any questions if -- if anyone has some.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 103 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. 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's 57 voting Yes, no voting No, no voting Present. Senate Bill 103, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 104. Senator Luechtefeld. Senator Luechtefeld, on 104? Out of the record. Senate Bill 107. Senator del Valle? Senator del Valle on the Floor? Out of the record. Senate Bill 109. Senator del Valle? Out of the record. Senate Bill 129. Senator Burzynski? Out of the record. Senate Bill 149. Senator Donahue wishes Senate Bill 149 to be returned to the Order of 2nd Reading 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 for the purpose of the amendment. Is there any objection? If not, we are now on the Order of Senate Bill 149 on 2nd Reading. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Donahue.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Donahue.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Chamber. This Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 149 addresses the concerns of the State Medical Society. It simply allows for a general public comment area -- period for thirty -- thirty days -- excuse me, establishes procedures and guidelines for the comment period and the publication of that comment period, and I would move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the -- and the amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments adopted, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 164. Senator Rauschenberger? Out of the record. Senate Bill 174. Senator Weaver? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 174. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Senator Weaver.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 174 amends the Bingo License and Tax Act. Presently, only bona fide members of the sponsoring organization or the auxiliary may manage and operate these games. Since none of these individuals are paid for their assistance, this bill would allow any volunteer to work with the organization to conduct bingo.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 174 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. The voting's open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Senator, you want to vote for your bill? There you go. Take the record. On that question, there's 56 voting Yes, 1 voting No, no voting Present. Senate Bill 174, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top -- top of page 6. Senate Bill 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 187. Senator O'Malley. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. Senator O'Malley wishes the bill returned to 2nd Order for the purposes of an amendment. Is there any objection? If not, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 187. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator O'Malley.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator O'Malley.
Mr. President, thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the amendment addresses an issue that was raised in committee, and I'd ask you to support it. It's understood and agreed language.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. And the amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senator O'Malley, on 231? Senator O'Malley seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 231 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Is there any objection? Hearing none, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 231. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator O'Malley.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator O'Malley.
Again, thank you, Mr. President. This is similar to the other legislation. If you want further explanation, be happy to give it to you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? If not, all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 275. Senator Parker? Out of the record. Senate Bill 281. Senator Roskam? Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001
Senate Bill 281. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 281 is a simple matter. It just creates a statute of limitations of three years for the Department of Labor to pursue a -- an employer in this State. Right now there's an ambiguity, and we're just trying to put the same statute in as applies in other circumstances. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 281 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. 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 49 voting Yes, 7 voting No, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 281, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 285. Senator Klemm? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 285. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Klemm.
Well, thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 285 makes a minor change in the Private 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Detective Act by allowing mystery shoppers, which are those that are contracted by a customer, by a -- say a -- a restaurant or a food store, to be able to survey what people are selecting, what type of service they get, if a waiter waits on 'em properly, if they clean the table, and trying to evaluate the service that customers and consumers receive. Right now it's in a gray area in that it appears as if they'd have to be private detectives and be licensed to do that. We're one of the few states that still has that archaic legislation. This would at least allow those people to do it without being licensed private detectives. There's no opposition. Everybody supports it. I do ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Shaw.
Thank you, Mr. President. But on the last bill, I inadvertently voted Yes on that, but I'd like my vote to be recorded as No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Certainly. Just come on up and fill out a slip here, Senator. Senator Obama.
Thank you, Mr. President. Same thing. I was off the Floor when that vote was taken.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Okay. Anybody else? Senator Klemm? Question is, shall Senate Bill 285 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. 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's 57 voting Yes, no voting No, no voting Present. Senate Bill 285, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 289. Senator Burzynski? Out of the record. Senate Bill 305. Senator 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Link? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 305. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill -- this bill amends the Property Tax Code concerning Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. Provides that a household income limitation shall be adjusted annually to reflect the increase in Consumer Price Index reported by the federal Department of Labor. Basically what this would be is an annual bill on seeing what the Consumer Price Index would be for the seniors. Would ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 305 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. 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 is 56 voting Yes, 1 voting No, no voting Present. Senate Bill 305, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 368. Senator Munoz, do you wish to have that bill returned to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment? Is there any objection? Hearing none, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 368. Madam Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Munoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Senator Munoz.
Thank you, Mr. President. There is a technical amendment and the only thing is just changing the word "in" added into the bill. And I would request its adoption, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Any discussion? Any discussion? If not, all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 371. Senator Rauschenberger? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 371. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 371 recodifies the Medicaid buy-in program and sets January 1st of 2002 as the date for the program to begin. It's an attempt to set a trigger date and focus the administration on an expectation of when we'd be ready. As a practical matter, it's difficult to imagine the program being able to start before that. I'd appreciate favorable support on this. This -- restates our commitment to the Medicaid program and sets a trigger date for starting it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Discussion? Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just -- I just wanted to point out to this Body, this is -- I think the sponsor is well-intentioned here, but I -- I -- I think we all should understand what we're voting for. This was a program that was put in the budget last year by the Governor, and we set aside ten million dollars. None of those monies were spent. The program never got under way and now we're saying it's okay to wait till January 1st of 2002 to implement the program. I think that's wrong. I think we need to give it a higher priority and in that vein, I'm -- I'm voting No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Further discussion? Senator Welch.
Got a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield, Senator Welch.
Senator Rauschenberger, I understand this is a program that isn't in the budget, but you want it to be in the budget. How much will it cost?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
Senator Welch, the program is in the budget in the current fiscal year we're in. It's also proposed by the Governor to be in the next fiscal year budget. So -- first-year appropriation was five million dollars for a start-up. But we really don't have reliable figures for 2002 yet, because they have yet to come up with the dimensions of the program: who'll be eligible to buy-in and what their buy-in costs will be. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Welch.
Then -- then what does your bill do to this Governor's program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
This bill recodifies. It passes exactly the same thing we passed last year and sets a trigger date of January 1st, 2002, for the program to begin. We passed it last year without a date. They've been dithering for, I think, eight and a half months. We consulted with the Department. They said the soonest they could practically be ready was the first of January. The bill calls for the first of January. So it's a -- it recodifies the program. It kind of pushes them forward to -- on a start date. I understand Senator Ronen's concerns, but without a date, I just don't think we have much to hold 'em accountable for.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Further discussion? Further discussion? If not, Senator Rauschenberger, do you wish to close? Question is, shall Senate Bill 371 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. 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's 37 voting Yes, 19 voting No, no voting Present. Senate Bill 371, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 758. Senator Rauschenberger. Out of the record. We have effectively completed our business for this afternoon. Our intention is to come in tomorrow at 9 a.m. 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise?
23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001 Thank you, Mr. President. Purposes of announcement. The Licensed Activities Committee will meet at 9:15 in the morning, rather than 9 o'clock. That'll be at 9:15. Room A-1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you. For an announcement. Commerce and Industry tomorrow morning was at 9. It'll be postponed to 9:15. Thank you very...
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Klemm.
The Senate Executive Committee is scheduled for 2 o'clock and we will meet at 2 o'clock in Room 212. So be prepared.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Wendell Jones.
Yes, Mr. President. The Financial Institutions Committee will not meet until 9:15. It was originally scheduled for 9. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 70, offered by Senators Donahue, Radogno, Ronen and Sullivan. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) Senator Tom Walsh, for what purpose do you rise?
The State Government Operations Committee will be meeting in A-1 - A-1 - not on the Floor here. A-1, right when we get done here. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day March 7, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) What time, sir?
Right away.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR WATSON) If there's no further business to come before the Senate, Senator Tom Walsh moves that we adjourn until 9 a.m., Thursday, March 8th. Don't forget the Conservation Caucus tonight at the fairgrounds. 25