PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Regular Session of the 92nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks, and will our guests in the gallery please rise? Our prayer today will be given by Pastor Rick Hohimer, Calvary Temple Church, Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Hohimer.
(Prayer by Pastor Rick Hohimer)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Please continue standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Radogno.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Radogno)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Reading of the Journal. Senator Myers.
Mr. -- Madam President, I move that reading and approval of the Journal of Tuesday, March 27th, in the year 2001, be postponed, pending arrival of the printed Journal.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Myers moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, it is so ordered. Committee Reports.
Senator Sieben, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports Senate Bills 548 and 832 Do Pass; Senate Bill 213 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Rauschenberger, Chair of the Committee on Appropriations, reports Senate Bills 1182, 1183, 1184, 1185, 1186, 1187, 1188, 1189, 1348, 1487, 1489 -- or, 1488 and 1489 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 1486 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Hawkinson, Chair of the Committee on Judiciary, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 reports Senate Bills 434, 437, 544, 725, 823, 938, 1014, 1080 and 1148 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 133, 216, 397, 464, 632, 634, 660, 686, 940, 993, 1050, 1058, 1065, 1093, 1094, 1095, 1306 and 1309, all Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Messages from the House.
A 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 concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bills 152, 438, 504, 629, 642, 913, 1000, 1734, 1895, 2315, 41, 158, 512, 922, 1026, 1033, 1096, 1848, 2221, 2440, 9, 198, 274, 523, 708, 810, 841, 863, 898, 933, 1040, -- or, 1883, 1923, 2019, 2062, 2108, 2200, 2224 {sic} (2244), 2258, 2296, 2300, 2396, 2492, 2540, 3012, 3033, 3048, 3065, 3172, 3179, 3199, 3267, 3307, 3319, 3387, 101, 982, 1039, 1697, 2384, 2395, 2554, 3335, 3565, 3575, 1041, 1920, 2290, 2552, 3004, 3014, 3059, 3066, 3085, 3125, 3129, 3130, 3332 and 3395. All passed the House, March the 27th, 2001. We have a like Message on House Bills 225, 276, 452, 789, 1414, 1810, 2063, 2367, 3150 and 3203. All passed the House, March 28th, 2001.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Chair yields to Senator Dudycz.
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, we have some special guests with us this afternoon in the Illinois Senate. As you may or may not know, the Shedd Oceanarium turns ten years old on April 27th of this year. To celebrate this very historic milestone of the world's largest aquarium, we are fortunate to have the 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 President and the CEO of the John G. Shedd Aquarium, Ted Beattie -- Beattie, excuse me, and a few representatives, to my left, of the resident species of the oceanarium. So please give a warm Senate welcome to the President of the John Shedd Aquarium, Ted Beattie, and our other guests.
(Remarks by Mr. Ted Beattie)
The guests to my left are Chris Puccini, the Penguin, and Petra Blum, the Beluga Whale. In addition, on the Floor -- Ladies and Gentlemen, on the Floor today, there's a birthday cake celebrating this momentous occasion. Everyone is welcome to partake in the -- in the cake. Thank you very much. The beluga whale and the penguin are available to take photographs with any Member who wishes to take a picture with them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Jones.
...personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) State your point.
Yes. I have some guests from the great 27th District, the home of the Woodfield Mall, the Schaumburg Saxons and Arlington International Race Course. I'd like to introduce Jim Terry and Caitlin Kornelly, from Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Would you stand to be recognized by the Senate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Will the Senate give them a welcome, please? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
You know, Madam President, while we're making introductions in 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 this portion of the program today, I would like to introduce a couple of folks from back home: Dr. Rich and Marybeth Regan, and their daughter, Nora Regan, who's here as a Page for -- for the Day. So, if we could welcome them, I'd appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Will the Senate please welcome the Regans? Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose do you rise? Could we please have a little order in the Chamber?
We have in our audience today -- a point of personal privilege, Madam President. We have in our audience today, up in the balcony, Annelle Devlin, D-E-V-L-I-N, of Zion, whose daughter is one of the most celebrated flutist players in the whole state, and her son, Joseph -- Joseph Devlin, who is an Honorary Page today. And Joseph's in the back there. So I ask you to welcome them here to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Will the Senate please welcome our guests up in the balcony? Could we please have some order? We have so many people on the Floor who I don't even think are staff - I don't know who are -- who they are - and Members going all over, and it's so noisy, can hardly hear a thing. And I have an important piece of information -- point of information to read to you. We are going to the Order of 2nd Reading - that is on page 2 of your Calendar - but effective today there will be no hard copy of amendments placed on your desks. The amendments can be viewed on your laptop computers. For those who absolutely need a hard copy of an amendment for debate or some other purpose, there will be several copies available at the staff desks on both sides of the aisle. Your cooperation as we attempt to eliminate more paper will be greatly appreciated. I hope you all heard the announcement. Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise? 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
A point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) State your point.
Thank you. In the gallery today are some constituents of mine from the Boys and Girls Clubs in Peoria and Pekin. One young lady's name is Dasha Richardson, the Peoria Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, and Liridon Rrushaj, the Pekin Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. They are joined by Debra Easley - would you stand up? - executive director of the Peoria Boys and Girls Club, and Bob McCullom, board of directors member, and Glenn Roddy -- Gwyn Roddy, senior youth specialist; John Denning, executive director of the Pekin Boys and Girls Club. I'd like to welcome them to Springfield. Would you join me, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Welcome to Springfield. Okay. On the top of page 2 of your Calendar is Senate Bill 16. Senator O'Malley. Senate Bill 42. Senator Hawkinson. Senate Bill 52. Senator Mahar. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 52. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 62. Senator Obama. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 62. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 88. Senator Rauschenberger. Senate Bill 94. Senator Watson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 94. (Secretary reads title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Out of the record. Senate Bill 114. Senator Radogno. Senate Bill 118. Senator Klemm. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 118. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 151. Senator Watson. Senator Watson, on -- Senate Bill 151? Senate Bill 161. Senator Syverson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 161. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 162. Senator Syverson. Read the 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 162. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 163. Senator Syverson. Senator Syverson, 163? Senate Bill 172. Senator Dillard. Senate Bill 188. Senator Philip. Senate Bill 193. Senator Dudycz. Senate Bill 251. Senator Dillard. Senate Bill 252. Senator Lauzen. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 252. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 269. Senator Halvorson. Senate Bill 286. Senator Wendell Jones. Senate Bill 333. Senator Tom Walsh. Senate Bill 358. Senator Hawkinson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 358. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 405. Senator Sieben. Senator Sieben? Senate Bill 441. Senator Parker. Senate Bill 445. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 447. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 449. Senator Peterson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 449. (Secretary reads title of bill) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 453. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 458. Senator Rauschenberger. Senate Bill 461. Senator Rauschenberger. Senate Bill 489. Senator Molaro. Senate Bill 517. Senator Dillard. Senate Bill 540. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 558. Senator Rauschenberger. Senate Bill 571. Senator Watson. Senate Bill 602. Senator Halvorson. Senate Bill 608. Senator Syverson. Senate Bill 616. Senator Peterson. Senate Bill 617. Senator Peterson. Senate Bill 624. Senator Obama. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 624. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health and Welfare adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 627. Senator Philip. Senate Bill 640. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 653. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 657. Senator Halvorson. Senate Bill 663. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 663. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 664. Senator Noland. Senate Bill 677. Senator Hawkinson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 677. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 687. Senator Dillard. Senate Bill 698. Senator Radogno. Senate Bill 717. Senator Cronin. Senate Bill 727. Senator Klemm. Senate Bill 715 -- sorry. Senate -- Senate Bill 750. Senator Radogno. Senate Bill 754. Senator Sieben. Senate Bill 778. Senator Weaver. Senate Bill 788. Senator Noland. Senate Bill 794. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 795. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 796. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 847. Senator Rauschenberger. Senate Bill 856. Senator Peterson. Senate Bill 880. Senator Dillard. Senate Bill 887. Senator Geo-Karis. Senate Bill 889. Senator Donahue. Senate Bill 914. Senator Donahue. Senate Bill 921. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 923. Senator Lauzen. Senate Bill 926. Senator Dudycz. Senate Bill 930. Senator Parker. Senate Bill 933. Senator Petka. Senate -- Senate Bill 942. Senator Robert Madigan. Senate Bill 943. Senator Robert Madigan. Top of page 6. Senate Bill 944. Senator Robert Madigan. Senate Bill -- we will -- with leave of the Body, we'll skip the next two. Senate Bill 950. Senator Lauzen. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 950. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health and Welfare adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 959. Senator Thomas Walsh. Senate Bill 975. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 975. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senate Bill -- 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 980. Senator Munoz. Senate Bill 984. Senator Hawkinson. Oh, I'm sorry. No? Senator Hawkinson, on 984. Senate Bill 991. Senator Viverito. Senate Bill 1032. Senator Philip. Senate Bill 1033. Senator Thomas Walsh. Senate Bill 1046. Senator Cullerton. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1046. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1081. Senator Clayborne. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1081. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health and Welfare adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1109. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1109. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1116. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 1117. Senator Clayborne. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1117. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1126. Senator Robert Madigan. Senate Bill 1150. Senator Parker. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1150. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading -- have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1168. Senator Philip. Senate Bill 1169. 1168. Senator Philip? Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1168. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1169. Senator Philip. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1169. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1171. Senator Philip. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Senate Bill 1171. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1208. Senator Rauschenberger. Senate Bill 1223. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1249. Senator Petka. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1249. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1272. Senator Syverson. Senate Bill 1274. Senator Syverson. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1274. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1276. Senator Syverson. Senate Bill 1282. Senator Roskam. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1282. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1285. Senator Philip. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1285. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1303. Senator Lisa Madigan. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary. 1303.
Senate Bill 1303. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health and Welfare adopted one amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1304. Senator O'Malley. Senate Bill 1340. Senator Robert Madigan. Senate Bill 1341. Senator Radogno. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1341. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance and Pensions adopted two amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1497. Senator Thomas Walsh. Senate Bill 1511. Senator Rauschenberger. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 1511. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal privilege. Madam President, I'm happy to tell you that I have standing at my side, who is an Honorary Page today, is a constituent of Senator William Peterson, who -- Amanda Avis, from Lake Zurich, and in the audience upstairs is her mother, Gina Marcoullier, from Lake Zurich, and her grandmother, Mrs. Barbara Avis, who is a constituent of Senator Link. I would like you to welcome them here to watch us to -- in action.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Welcome to Springfield. The Chair will now yield to Senator Luechtefeld.
Could I have your attention, please? Could I have your attention, please? We have with us today the -- or, the 2001 State Class A Champions, Pinckneyville High School. I have -- they're -- they're close to the -- to the location, certainly, that I've coached for years. I know their coaches very well. I know the players very well. We've played 'em every year. They're an unusual group. You know, I've watched and -- and been involved in high school basketball for the last forty years, and -- and I honestly think that this is maybe the most amazing group that I've -- that I've seen. They're a group that probably plays with 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 intelligence, heart and togetherness like I have not seen before. You know, this is not a group that's very big or very strong or even extremely quick, but if you watched them play, they went through the State -- State play-offs and I don't think they had a game in under double-digit victory. So, it was just a fantastic -- you know, I -- I honestly have to say this - I know these kids and they're great kids: Did not believe they could do what they did. It's a kind of a -- fairy-tale story for a little town with a very, very classy group of coaches that do it right. The kind of things that, you know, we, I think, shoot for and that you look for the idealism in sports, this is it, people. I truly mean that. Would like to introduce to you the head coach, Dick Corn, who's been there for a number of years. And a little bit about Dick: Dick may, if he stays in this business long enough, could be -- young -- he's young enough to be the -- someday, the winningest coach in the history of the State of Illinois. He has over, I think, five hundred and sixty, seventy victories already, and he's a relatively young man. I would like you to give a warm welcome to the Pinckneyville Basketball Team Class A State Champions and their cheerleaders, please. Dick? They're -- they're coach, Dick Corn, would like to say a few words. If you don't want to cheer him, you don't have to. He has beaten me on a number of occasions. He's -- he's ruined many, many evenings for me. Dick Corn.
(Remarks and Introductions by Coach Dick Corn)
We want to get a picture. Thank you. Thank you very much for your hospitality.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Committee Reports.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Senator Parker, Chair of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Bills 30, 471, 1098, 1192, 1194, 1294, 1514, 1518 and 1521 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 699 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Mahar, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports Senate Bills 10, 11, 71, 72, 150, 392, 947 and 1069 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 356, 372, 694, 696, 724, 1017, 1137 and 1180 Do Pass, as Amended. And Senator Cronin, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bills 170, 261, 326, 384, 556, 756, (759,) 1273, 1299, 1331 and 1342 Do Pass; Senate Bills 136, 284, 377, 636, 932, 979, 1035, 1190, 1240, 1241 and 1494 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 264 Be Adopted. (Bill within parentheses submitted in writing, but inadvertently not read into record.)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise? The intent of the Chair is to proceed to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading at the point where we concluded business yesterday. That is page 14 and that's Senate Bill 885. Senator Syverson. All right. Senator -- Senator -- Senate Bill 888. Senator Thomas Walsh. Senate Bill 899. Senator O'Malley. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 899. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
Thank you, Madam Chairman and -- or -- or, President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 899 is identical to what we did last year late in the Session to House Bill 17 by amendment. It allows certain school boards to transfer from the 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 -- the Tort Immunity Fund or the Transportation Fund to any other school district fund an amount of money not to exceed the lesser of two and a half million dollars or six-tenths of a percent of the value of the taxable property within the district. It is drafted to be very narrow and applies to a very, very limited body of school districts. Be happy to answer any questions there might be.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Is there any discussion? Senator Lisa Madigan.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) He indicates he will.
Senator O'Malley, you indicated that this bill is identical to a bill that we dealt with last year. What -- was that Senate Bill 1559?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
Ma'am, it was -- it was actually in the form of Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 17. It was added onto House Bill 17 late in the Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Madigan.
Senator O'Malley, was the language that we added to - did you say it was a Senate Bill? - 17, was that identical to the language that was contained in Senate Bill 1559?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 You know, Senator, it could be that -- it could be -- have been on another bill by that number. I don't recall. I'm referring to the one that is -- is most recent and I most can -- can remember in my present recollection, and that has to do with House Bill 17.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Madigan.
Well, Senator O'Malley, the reason that I ask is that we do have two roll calls from Senate Bill 1559, and it's my indication from last year's analysis that this was a bill that appears to be substantially similar, if not identical, to your current bill, Senate Bill 899, that would allow school districts that are financially distressed to make a transfer from the Tort Immunity Fund to any other district fund in an amount not to exceed the lesser of 2.5 million or .6 percent of the value of the taxable property within the district. And I just want to make sure that that -- it's the same language from last time or if there's any changes and if you could clarify if there were any changes made the way you drafted the bill this time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
Senator Madigan, I believe the only difference there could be in the language difference from one to the other is to make sure that the component with respect to when tax anticipation warrants were sold would fall within the scope of the passage of this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Madigan.
Senator O'Malley, my -- and you just said this slightly, that 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 my recollection is this impacts at least one district and that's the Palos district in your community?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
It's been narrowly crafted to affect School District 118 in Palos Township.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Madigan.
Senator O'Malley, what I do not recall is your answer to the following question, which is: Why is it that the Palos district is unable to prevail itself of the provisions that are already in the School Code that allow for transfers between funds for financially distressed districts?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
I -- I -- first of all, I wasn't aware that you asked that question, but perhaps you asked it on a previous occasion. What you see represented here is something that is acceptable to not only the school board, but to the larger community. In fact, it is the existence of these other funds that have made it difficult for the School District 118 Board to pass a referendum. This has been used as a way of saying, "Why do we need to pass a referendum when we have these resources available to us?" And I remember you and I had a conversation similar to this on the Floor when I think we dealt with House Bill 17. And, you know, essentially, this is something that is acceptable in our wider community, and this happens to be actually the -- the home elementary school district where I reside.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Senator Madigan.
Senator O'Malley, part of my concern is that the way this portion of the School Code is currently written is that it provides that a financially distressed school district may make some transfers, but the way I read this bill, it does not necessarily require that the school district be financially distressed under subsection (b) and (c), which are really the amendments that would be added to Section 17-2C. And so, is the Palos district actually financially distressed?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator O'Malley.
Senator Madigan, I -- they would not fall within the definition of financially distressed as it exists in the State statutes today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Madigan.
Well, Senator O'Malley, my concern, then, is similar to what it was last year, that the School Code does provide provisions under which a financially distressed school district is able to access money from other funds and transfer it, but because the Palos district is not actually a financially distressed school district, that we are essentially passing special legislation for the Palos district to avail itself of an interfund transfer; whereas, there are many school districts throughout the State that I'm sure would like to have this ability to do that, but we have decided that here in the State of Illinois, unless a school district is financially distressed, they should not be able to do that. And therefore, I would urge the people who voted against this bill last year to do the same thing, because, as you've 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 indicated, this is substantially similar if not identical to the bill that you tried to move last year. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Is there any further discussion? If not, Senator O'Malley, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate the remarks from Senator Madigan, and I will share my reflections that I shared with her when we had this dialogue last time this legislation was before us. I would like to see, personally, that this was available for every school district in the State. Essentially, the only school district that we allow to do this in an unfettered fashion, regardless of any other qualifications, is the Chicago Public School District, where we provided it ultimate financial flexibility. I have drafted this narrowly because some Members are concerned and don't want to do this statewide. I personally would like to see it done statewide, but if it's good enough for Chicago, it certainly should be good enough for the school district where I reside, and I would respectfully request all the Members who allowed this and supported it to overwhelmingly pass before, to support me again. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) The question is, shall Senate Bill 899 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Mr. Secretary. On this bill, there are 32 voting Aye, 25 voting Nay, none Present. And on this -- on Senate Bill 899, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 900. Senator Bomke. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 900. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 900 simply allows Southern Illinois University to sell a medical center and deposit the proceeds directly into its own funds. No State funds, including General Revenue funds, were used to pay for the property. I'd be happy to answer any questions. I know of no opposition. If there are no questions, I'd ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? Senator -- no. If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 900 pass. 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, Mr. Secretary. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting -- 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 900, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 902. Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
On a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) State your point.
Today is a birthday of one of our Members. She's standing behind me, pretending not to hear, in a big discussion. But I understand Carol Ronen, our -- our Senator, is having a birthday today. And I think she has cake and sandwiches and a big party tonight, but I don't -- I don't know where. But, want to wish her a happy birthday anyway. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Happy birthday, Carol. Senate Bill 902. Senator Watson. Senator -- Senate Bill 912. Senator Lightford. Do you wish this bill returned to 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment? Senator Lightford seeks the leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 912 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 912. Senator Lightford.
Thank you...
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Oh! Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. Members of the Assembly, this -- Senate Bill 912 amends the School Code, requiring the State Board of Education to survey school districts to determine their needs related to the adoption and implementation of character education programs. It also requires the Board to report on the finding of the survey to the General Assembly on or before January 1st, 2002. Very briefly, character education programs help young people develop the basics of good character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. A survey of nearly two hundred schools around the country that have instituted such programs found that seventy-seven percent reported fewer disciplinary problems, sixty-eight percent saw attendance increases, and sixty-four percent experienced less vandalism. This is something that we all need to have implemented in our school 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 districts. Again, this is only a survey, and I ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? If not, all those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 931. Senator Myers. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 931. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Myers.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 931 provides that after renovation of the building located at 201 West Monroe Street, commonly known as the Waterways Building, the building becomes home of the Appellate Court of the Fourth Judicial District.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Excuse me, Senator Myers. I don't know how it sounds out there to all of you, but up here the -- the -- the noise is getting louder and louder. Could we -- we are on 3rd Reading, final action. Let's take all our conferences off the Floor and pay attention. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. The bill indicates that the care, 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 custody, and control of the building shall be vested in the Supreme Court of Illinois. And I'd be happy to answer questions; otherwise, I would appreciate a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? Senator Welch.
...a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) She indicates she'll yield.
Senator, why does the Fourth Appellate Court need to move out of the building they're in? They're in a location where they seem to be doing pretty good.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Myers.
...matter of space and -- and availability of space. It was indicated that this would be a proper move for them, so... Actually, the renovation has been going on for quite a period of time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Welch.
Well, how does space become a problem when you have the same number of judges on the Appellate Court for the last fifty years, the same number of Supreme Court judges, in the same building? All the books that they used to have are -- are now on -- on computer. There should be more than adequate space there. It seems to me that this is an expenditure that we're making for this building just for no really good reason, to me. What is -- why -- why is there suddenly a lack of space in that building that hasn't existed for fifty years? 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Myers.
Senator, this has to do only with who is going to control and take care of the building. It does not go to the issue of whether this building should be there or the use should be what it is. All this has to do with is the care and control of the building because it already is being renovated and is, in fact, going to be used for that purpose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Welch.
Well, what was the cost of renovating this building that we're speaking of?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Myers.
The cost of renovating was another topic that is not indicated in this bill. This bill has only to do with after the building is completed, who will take care of the building, which will be the Supreme Court.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Welch.
So it sounds like it was a couple million bucks, to me, to renovate a building for the Appellate Court, which is doing fine where it is. I've appeared in that court. They've got plenty of room over there. But since we've got a building available, we've renovated it, and now we're going to turn that over to the Supreme Court. My thinking is this: Why not use it for some other agency, some other agency that -- that actually needs space, not to create a luxury over at the Supreme Court by giving them even 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 more room when they really haven't had any growth? To me, this is a -- money that we're spending and then just tossing away. That's my opinion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Further discussion? If not, Senator Myers, to close.
I would just ask that -- the questions raised should have probably been raised many, many months ago. This bill doesn't deal with it. All it does deal with is the care, custody, and control of the building that's already being renovated. And I thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) All right. The question is, shall Senate Bill 931 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Mr. Secretary. On this question, there are 55 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill -- 931, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 935. Senator Bomke. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 935. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 935 requires insurers to notify insureds of change in drug formularies. Provides that notice may be made by posting the change on the insurer's website. I know of no opposition. If there are no questions, I'd simply ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Any discussion? Senator Hawkinson.
Thank you, Madam President. Will sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) He indicates he will.
Senator, we've had a number of bills this year that have sought to allow notification on websites, and the concern is: For a number of our senior citizens, they don't have computers. Does this bill provide for direct notice to insureds who don't have computers? And if not, why not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Bomke.
Well, one of the -- no, it does not, Senator Hawkinson. One of the problems is it is difficult to stay on top of what formularies are available and what are not available. We thought that asking the insurer to go to that degree would make it extremely difficult. By the time it was mailed out to the -- to everyone when these formularies change, which is very often, it would be virtually impossible to stay up on it and, in fact, could change by the time the senior or the constituent or customer got notification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Hawkinson.
One of the alternatives we have suggested and incorporated into some of our other bills is that where they run into problems such as those you've suggested, that at least a notice be sent out with the policy that these formularies are available on the website and that they may be accessed at the local public library. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Would you object to an amendment to require that kind of a notice, so that seniors would be aware, or others who don't have computers would be aware?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Bomke.
I would not, Senator Hawkinson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any further discussion? Senator Bomke, to close.
Ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) All right. The question is, shall House Bill -- Senate Bill 935 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 935, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Tom Walsh, for what reason do you rise?
Point -- point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) State your point.
Thank you. I would like to introduce -- I have a Page for the Day down here who's actually from, I believe, your district, from Roselle: Elizabeth Ryba. And I would also like to recognize my cousin, Michael, and his family, his wife, Lisa, and Lizzie and Emmett and Michael, who are sitting right behind you in the President's Gallery. And if we could give them a Senate welcome to Springfield, I would appreciate it. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Welcome to all of our guests. Senator Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) State your point.
Madam President, Members of the Senate, I'd like to introduce a seventh-grade grammar school class from St. Clement's High School, in Chicago, in my district, accompanied by Fran Kucich, Joe Terrasi, Mike Sidor and Casey Schlenk. And also included in that class is Kyle Cullerton, who's up there in the gallery, over the Republican side of the aisle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Yea! Welcome to Springfield. Senate Bill 936. Senator Bomke. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 936. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Bomke.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 936 provides that when both an organ donor and a donee are members of the same family and are both covered by the program of health benefits, the program of health benefits shall pay a hundred percent of the donor's expenses without imposition of any deductible or co-pay. Be happy to answer any questions. If there are none, I'd ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 936 pass. Those in favor -- favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 936, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 941. Senator Robert Madigan. Senate Bill 961. Senator Thomas Walsh. Senator -- Senate Bill 962. Senator Syverson. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 962. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. Senate Bill 962 amends the current comprehensive insurance Act. What it does is try to fill a void that is created when an individual at -- at no choice of his own loses his individual health insurance policy. This allows them to get into the State's CHIP plan and not have to wait out the six-month preexisting condition. Be happy to answer any questions or ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall -- shall Senate Bill 962 -- Senate Bill 962 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 962, having received the required constitutional 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 969. Read -- Senator Burzynski. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 969. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 969 amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that the term "wages" does not include the amount of the remuneration received by an individual for service as an election judge -- as an election judge. Excuse me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 969 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 969, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 977. Senator Molaro. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 979 {sic} (977). (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Molaro.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill came last year. It passed the Senate. Restitution bill. And it 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 didn't pass the House because of the -- of county government, county officials. Basically what this bill -- is this: Out of, maybe, I would say a hundred cases that come to a conclusion in circuit courts in criminal cases, a -- there are court costs, fines, and there are fines tacked on by law that we have put here in the General Assembly that when someone's convicted of a DUI or a burglary or a -- damage to city property or county property or damage to any kind of property, we -- we fine them. Okay. Now, a lot of times what happens is that the person asks for time to pay. So with the fines and the court costs, it may be four hundred dollars, and they don't have it, or they pay it through probation. One out of about a hundred cases, there is actually a restitution order to a specific victim. So, let's say someone's arrested for damage to property and they're convicted. Well, the judge could say -- since someone ran into my house or graffitied my garage, the judge could say: All right, you're found guilty. It's a hundred-dollar fine or -- or, two-hundred-dollar fine, and I order you to pay Senator Molaro, or Mr. Molaro, or Mr. Victim, four hundred dollars in restitution for the damage you did. So, fellow says: Okay, pay it through probation. What's happened in a lot of counties is that when the -- if he paid three hundred dollars or four hundred dollars, the money would come in and it would go to the various victim assistance programs or other programs first and not to the victim himself, or the victim herself. All this bill does is say that after the counties get their court costs paid, in the one out of a hundred cases where there's a restitution order, the money would come in and the first money in would be paid to the victim of that specific crime. Then what's left over goes to all these other programs that we have set up through the General Assembly. And that's all the bill does. Remember: Ninety-nine out of a hundred times, when they pay these courts costs, or the fines, there is no restitution order and it 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 goes exactly how it goes under the law. This just puts the victim first. It's actually -- I would call it a "victims first" bill. That's what the bill does.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? Senator Lisa Madigan.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) He indicates he will.
Senator Molaro, we are all in favor of victims first, but I notice that on the analysis here that there is some opposition from some of the groups that are concerned about domestic violence and shelter for women who find themselves in the position to get out of those abusive situations. And I think you've sort of spoken through the concern that you believe that it's only going to be in about one of a hundred cases where a restitution order will be in place, and therefore this money -- the majority of this money will continue to be funneled to those programs. But do we have any sense of what the financial impact is going to be or the fiscal impact is going to be of your bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Molaro.
Not only can you tell from the amount of times that it does happen, that it will be small, as a matter of fact, in committee, if memory serves me correct - and maybe someone on our committee, if I state this wrong, could say - there was someone from -- and I think the young lady was from the Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They did a program whereby here in Sangamon County, it is victims first. And she was asked then: Has it done anything to your funding? And she said, "No, it hasn't. Zero. It hasn't 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 affected us at all." And they do that already in Sangamon County. So in -- what has happened: In practice, it's zero and also in theory, it would not hurt their budget.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Madigan.
Senator Molaro, thank you for clarifying that, because I think it's a legitimate concern of these organizations who are relying on this money to make sure that we are providing adequate programming for women who find themselves in situations that they would like to get out of and to make sure that they have these services. And with your guarantee, I am happy to support your bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any further discussion? If not, Senator Molaro, to close.
Just ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) The question is, shall Senate Bill 977 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 977, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 978. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 978. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Dillard. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill is an initiative of the Illinois Bankers Association, and it's an effort to address a unique situation of Illinois land trusts when they are used as a security interest. Last year, we did a major rewrite of the secured transaction article, Article 9, of the Uniform Commercial Code, and this bill addresses one little part of land trust law that was overlooked as it relates to the Uniform Commercial Code. I'd appreciate a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 978 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 978, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 994. Senator Noland. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 994. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senate Bill -- Senator Noland.
Senate Bill 994 would create the Illinois Agriculture Infrastructure Development Act. It would establish a program for multifaceted grants and -- to develop value-added opportunities for Illinois commodities. This would be the framework for the three million dollars appropriated in the Governor's proposed budget. Appreciate your support. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 994 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 994, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1019. Senator del Valle. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 1019. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator del Valle. SENATOR dEL VALLE: Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1019 was amended in committee with an amendment that was agreed to by all the employer groups. And as it stands right now, the bill requires that an employer notify its employees when its failure to pay health insurance premiums results in a total loss of coverage and requires the employer to provide written notification to all employees. I'll be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Any discussion? If not, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1019 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record, Madam Secretary. On this question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1019, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. All right. We will go to the Order of the Supplemental Calendar No. 1. It's 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 been distributed. It should be on your desks. And on that -- that is Senate Bill 1486. Senator Rauschenberger. Read the bill, Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 1486. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Appropriations adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Have there been any Floor amendments that have been approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) 3rd Reading. Senator Klemm, for what purpose do you rise?
As long as we have a lull, is it all right if I introduce some people up in the gallery?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Yes. Please do so.
I just want to introduce to the Senate McHenry County Youth Leadership Council. We have fifteen young men and women up there. I thought maybe you would give them a warm Senate welcome, and maybe they would stand.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Welcome to Springfield. Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 95, offered by Senator Sullivan. It is a death resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Consent Calendar. House Bills 1st Reading. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
House Bill 123, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 152, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 161, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 180, offered by Senators Dudycz and Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 183, offered by Senator Peterson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 296, offered by Senators Link and Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 448, offered by Senator Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 604, offered by Senator Peterson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 629, offered by Senator Woolard. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 643, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 789, offered by Senator O'Malley. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 831, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 854, offered by Senator Donahue. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 863, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 913, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1000, offered by Senator Dillard. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1031, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1096, offered by Senator Weaver. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1414, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1697, offered by Senator Sieben. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1845, offered by Senator Sieben. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1851, offered by Senator Burzynski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1920, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1989, offered by Senator Robert Madigan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2063, offered by Senator Peterson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2199, offered by Senators Jacobs and Shadid. House Bill -- pardon me. That is, (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2254, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2314, offered by Senator Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2375, offered by Senator Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2379, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2395, offered by Senator Watson. (Secretary reads title of bill) 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001 House Bill 2528, offered by Senator Luechtefeld. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2540, offered by Senator Noland. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3094, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3712 {sic} (3172), offered by Senator Karpiel. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3336, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) A point of information. When the Senate convenes tomorrow at 11 a.m., the Members should be prepared to go to the Order of 2nd and 3rd Readings, because the intent of the Chair is to work until 5 p.m., when committees will be scheduled. So do be prepared -- come prepared to call your bills on 2nd and 3rd Reading. Is there any further business to come before the Senate? Senator Klemm.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to announce that the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Congressional Reapportionment will meet at 2, or right after -- right after Session. Room 212. And then five minutes later -- I mean, we're really going to move fast here, the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Legislative Reapportionment will be next, and then the full Senate Executive will meet approximately five minutes after that in Room 212. So, immediately upon adjournment, Members of Subcommittees and Exec please get to 212. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Senator Welch, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of inquiry. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 18th Legislative Day March 28, 2001
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) State your point.
Madam President, the Calendar shows us in Friday, but if we're working till 5 o'clock tomorrow and there don't appear to be any committee hearings scheduled for Friday, are we still going to be in on Friday?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KARPIEL) Yes, as far as the -- as far as I know. Yes. Plan on being here Friday. All right. If not -- if there's no further business to come before the Senate, Senator Geo-Karis moves that the Senate stand adjourned till the hour of 11 a.m., Thursday, March 29th, 2001. 43