The regular Session of the 94th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Jeff Chitwood, Southside Christian Church, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by the Reverend Jeff Chitwood)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Monday, April 11, and Tuesday, April 12th, 2005.
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Leave is requested to take pictures -- pictures, Anthony Souffle and Matthew -- McConkey from the Daily Egyptian newspaper, Carbondale, Illinois, request leave to take pictures from the gallery. Is leave granted? Leave is granted. Also, Andy Shaw from Channel 7, City of Chicago, requests leave. Leave is granted. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 149, offered by Senator Emil Jones. Senate Resolution 150, offered by Senator Risinger and all Members. Senate Resolutions 151 and 152, both offered by Senator Forby and all Members. And Senate Resolution 153, offered by Senators Trotter, Emil 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Jones and all Members. And they’re all death resolutions.
Resolutions Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, Messages.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bills -- House Bill 1100. Passed the House, April 12, 2005.
Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Silverstein, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 332, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1330, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1331 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1332, all recommended Do Adopt. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 14, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 833, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1251, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- 2072, all recommended Do Adopt.
Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Joint Resolution, Constitutional Amendment, 37, offered by Senator Winkel. Is obviously substantive.
Senator Roskam, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Mr. President, I’d like it if the Senate could welcome my 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Page today, Melanie Brintnall from Wheaton and her mother, Cindy Maytree Brintnall up in the President’s Gallery.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Dave Sullivan, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if you could please welcome my Page today, Amanda Karnatz from Senator Cronin’s district.
Will our Page please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Geo-Karis, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, in the gallery behind you is sitting a young man by the name of Alexander Johnson and his father, Lionel Locke. Alexander Johnson for his Eagle -- Scout Award set up a camp for the developmental disabled in Zion. He -- he’s just a remarkable young man who cares about others. And I am very proud of him and proud to have him here today. And he and his dad are in the gallery up there. And I think young people who do such great things for others should be recognized constantly. And Alexander Johnson, Eagle Scout award and that was his project, to help the developmental -- disabled. Please help me welcome him and his father.
Will -- will our guests in the gallery please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Cronin, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 State your point.
May I direct your attention, the attention of the Body to the gallery above the Republican side. We’re joined some -- by some outstanding public servants from the beautiful Village of Glen Ellyn. Glen Ellyn the Mecca of the Midwest, you may know. We have Village President, Greg Mathews here, who has had a distinguished term of office and will be leaving public service, but no less involved in public service. We have Vicki Hase here as his successor. Trustee Sara Lee, Mary Loch, Mary Jane, Dan Gardner and Village Administrator, Gary Webster. Please give the Village of Glen Ellyn leadership a warm welcome from the Senate.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Althoff, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
I have with me today paging, Hannah -- Grubbs, who is a home-school student and as part of her curriculum she is here visiting the Senate. Her three sisters preceded her and it is finally her turn. So, can we give her a warm welcome to Springfield?
Will our guest rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Winkel, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Like to introduce my wife, Deb and I have two Pages today, Ali Fox and Maggie Fitzgerald.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator John Sullivan, what purpose you rise?
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Thank you, Mr. President. Point -- point of personal privilege.
State your point.
I have some students here from Western Illinois University from the agriculture department. They’re up in the gallery here above me. I’d like to introduce ‘em. Matt Thomlin, John Crumbah, Todd -- Steinarcher, Chris Brown, Joe Bailey, their instructor, Dr. -- Andy Baker. And also two individuals from Russia that are here today and participating with the Ag program. Lena and Vier. I’d like you to welcome them to the Illinois Senate.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Geo-Karis, what purpose you rise?
Personal privilege.
State your point.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I would like to welcome the Lake County Federation of Teachers from -- Local 504, with Mike McGue, their president. And they’ve been here, going back and forth till we get started and we got started late today. And I also would like to welcome Jake Carlson, a teacher; Robert Allred, a teacher; Bruce Hansen, a teacher up in the Zion High Schools who’ve done a great job in government. And I also would like to welcome William and Loretta Krueger from Hawthorn Woods, who are constituents of Senator Bill Peterson’s. And I just want everyone to know that we’re very happy to have all of you here, and would like you to welcome them here.
Will our guests rise and be welcomed the Senate? Senator Sullivan, what purpose?
In my excitement to announce -- introduce those students I forgot one of ‘em and that is my son, Matthew, is here as well. He’s up in the gallery. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Will Matthew please rise and forgive your father? Senator - - Senator Mattie Hunter is in the Chair to make an introduction and have a special guest who will say a few brief words.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. At this time in the balcony behind me I would like to introduce the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project. Will you please stand and -- and receive a round of applause, please? Also we have a very special person who will speak to you for a very brief moment. His name is Dr. Reuben “Hurricane” Carter. Dr. Carter is the Executive Director of the Innocence Project International based in Burlington, Ontario. At this time, I would like to -- to introduce to you and present to you Dr. Carter. DR. REUBEN “HURRICANE” CARTER: (Remarks by Dr. Reuben Carter)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to go through the 2nds one time around. We’re starting on page 41, but if you have a bill on 2nds that needs to be moved, this is the last time we’re going through 2nds. So I’m going to look at you for a second or two, if you’re not in your seat and I don’t see you, we’re moving on. Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I don’t know if I mentioned it or not, but when I mentioned about the Lake County Federation of Teachers being here, -- Local 504, Mike McGue, M-c-G-U-E, is the President. Corrine is his Secretary. Corrine McGue. And I welcome them here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) We welcome our guests to Springfield. Are they in the gallery? Okay. Senator Rutherford, for what purpose do you rise?
6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Thank you, Madam President. For the purpose of an introduction. I’ve got a young man here by the name of Brock Teichmiller. He’s from Dieterich, which is in Effingham County. And Brock is going to be fifteen next week. And I told him that of the fifty-nine men and women in the Illinois State Senate all of us used to be fifteen. Welcome, Brock, to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome, Brock, and happy birthday. Senator Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Madam President, I have in the gallery a gentleman from Joliet, -- Reverend Pastor Isaac Singleton, who is with us today from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Joliet. He is a champion for education, for civil rights, and for justice for all people in Joliet and throughout the State of Illinois. It’s my pleasure to welcome you, Reverend Singleton, to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guest in the gallery rise and welcome to Springfield? Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
With me today is a teacher from Senator Sullivan’s district, Park Ridge, and also my first cousin, Abby Sloan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield. Okay. If everybody’s got their Calendar open. Again, this is the last time we’re going through 2nds. If you have a bill to move, it’s going to be done now. We’re starting on page 5. I -- mistalked. On 1303. Senator Cullerton. Senator Crotty, on 1324. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senate Bill 1324. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 1326. Senator DeLeo -- oop! Senator Cullerton. I apologize. Madam Secretary. Senator Cullerton, 1326. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1326. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on Senate Bill 1330. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1330. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 1331. Oh! Madam Secretary, on 1330.
Yes, Madam -- President. Senate Bill 1330 did have a Floor amendment. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Silverstein.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
…amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator -- okay. On Senate Bill 1330, Senator DeLeo, to explain your amendment. I apologize. Senator Silverstein is going to explain the amendment.
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Thank you, Madam President. This deletes the bill. The amendment becomes the bill and it creates the fire -- Firearms Accountability Act creating a cause of action for anyone intentionally or negligently delivering a firearm or silencer to anyone not legally authorized to possess it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question -- the - - Senator Silverstein moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1330. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on -- Senator DeLeo, on Senate Bill 1331. Senator Silverstein, to explain the -- Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1331. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No Committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Silverstein.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Silverstein, to explain the amendment.
Handoff again. Thank you, Madam President. This expends -- expands the definition of public nuisance to include a business that sells or delivers firearms without -- without reasonably taking precautions to assure that the firearms are not used or possessed illegally.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Silverstein moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1331. All those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
We have a dear friend of ours just returned, come to visit us. Our old friend, Jimmy Rea. Senator Jimmy Rea. How about a nice round of applause.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Rea, welcome to Springfield. On Senate Bill 1332. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter, on 1332. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1332. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter, to explain the amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Amendment 1 brought into unlawful sales of firearms to include firearms possessed with the intent to unlawfully transfer them. It also renames unlawful sale of firearms as unlawful transfer of firearms. And it also makes it illegal to transfer more than one handgun to an individual within a thirty-day period, or for an individual to -- to acquire more than one handgun within thirty-day period.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Hunter moves 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1332. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. I want to make the announcement one more time. Be in your seats please if you have bills to move on 2nd. This is the last time we’re going through 2nds. So if you’re not on the Floor or you’re in your office, you have bills to move, you better get here. Top of page 6. On Senate Bill 1333. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1333. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1334. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1334. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1335. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1335. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1336. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1336. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1337. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1337. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1338. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1338. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on Senate Bill 1445. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1445. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator -- Silverstein.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Silverstein, to explain the amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Floor Amendment 1 retains the bill and makes a minor change to additional sections of the Election Code. I’ll explain this more on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Silverstein moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1445. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam -- President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd. Senator Schoenberg, on 1449. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1449 -- Senate Bill 1449. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 retains the original provisions of the underlying bill and makes two fundamental changes. The first is, it establishes a three-year period of -- of determining eligibility for human service providers to apply for coverage - health insurance coverage under the State’s group or health insurance plan as opposed to one year. And in addition, it creates a sunset date of December 31st, 2009. Be happy to answer any questions. Urge the adoption of the amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Senator Brady.
Thank you, Madam President. Inquiry of the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your inquiry.
It’s our understanding that there’s a fiscal note on this. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 If he adopts the amendment, which is one thing, it’s our understanding he can’t move it till the fiscal note’s been responded to.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Hold on one second. Okay?
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Brady, the failure of a State agency to respond to our fiscal note is not something we can hold up the process. This is our last time going through 2nds and we must move the bill. Because, we traditionally have waited, and we waited much longer than the statute even requires us to wait. Senator Brady.
Now, wait a second. The Governor controls the administration and the agencies and you’re saying that the Governor’s derelict in his duties of getting us fiscal notes?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) I’m saying that this is the last time we’re going through 2nds and this bill needs to move to 3rd. Senator Brady.
Could you cite the rule for me so I -- cause I -- that’s not my understanding. My understanding is, no bill could be moved forward until a fiscal note was responded to.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Do you have your rules with you? It’s a fiscal note impact rule.
Right.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) It’s right in the statute.
And it says that it -- because agencies don’t respond if you’re on a deadline of 2nd Reading today that you can go ahead and ignore the fiscal note?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The request was put forward. We waited for the request. We didn’t get an answer, Senator Brady.
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 If that’s the case, does that mean -- and I understand you didn’t get an answer. But rules are rules. Can you…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) And deadlines are deadlines, we have to move it today.
I -- I understand, but it -- it still doesn’t seem applicable to me that you should be able -- we have a lot of deadlines. Just because we have a deadline, doesn’t mean you’re going to read a bill three times in one day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Well, it’s incumbent upon the person making the request for the fiscal note, to get the information. We’ve waited. We don’t have it. So whoever requested the fiscal note, should have followed up on it. Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. You’ve answered the Gentleman’s question several times. He’s beginning to be a little redundant. I would hope you would make a final decision and let’s move with the business of the day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator. We are now on Senate Bill -- oh, wait! Senator Brady, one last time.
Thank you, Madam. If -- if that’s applicable, if -- if there are fiscal notes on Republican bills, does that same rule apply?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …correct.
Okay. And if -- how much -- what’s your time period? Which is -- I mean…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Well, we have all day. So, I hope you’re prepared to stay till 6, 7 o'clock tonight.
No. My -- my question is this, what if a fiscal note was just placed on a bill today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Brady, this fiscal note was dropped on March 17th. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Whoever asked for the fiscal note should have followed up on it. Senate Bill 1449. Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Are there any further amendments? We are -- you explained the amendment. Madam Secretary, have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on Senate Bill 1455. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1455. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on Senate Bill 1456. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1456. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Winkel, on Senate Bill 1484. Senator Winkel, on Senate Bill -- Senator Dillard, on Senate Bill 1494. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1494. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on Senate Bill 1495. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senate Bill 1495. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on Senate Bill 1496. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to 1619. Top of page 7. Senator Maloney, on 1621. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1621. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on 1625. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1625. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Maloney, on Senate Bill 1628. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1628. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam -- President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading on Senate Bill 1646 {sic}. Senator Dillard, on Senate Bill 1647. Senator David Sullivan, on 1653. Excuse me. Senator Dillard, did you say yes? On Senate Bill 1647. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Senate Bill 1647. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Dillard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard, to explain your amendment.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President. This amendment comes from the Bankers and puts the bill in a better posture and I would move its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Dillard moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1647. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator David Sullivan, on 1653. Senator Roskam, 1661. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1661. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on State Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 1669. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Senate Bill 1669. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 1670. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1670. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon. On 1683. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1683. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. The amendment to Senate Bill 1683 becomes the bill. It enacts certain provisions that are required to further implement the Help America Vote Act. I look forward to debating the full bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1683. All those in favor will say Aye. Amendment -- I apologize. Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to House Bill -- Senate Bill 1683. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 adopted. Senator Wojcik, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Hold on one second. Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Wojcik.
Thank you, Madam President. I have the privilege of introducing my Page for the day today. I have next to me John Forsyth and he goes to the Station Middle School in Barrington. He’s in seventh grade. And his father is Harold Forsyth and he’s up in the balcony. Welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will out guest in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. On Senate Bill 1692. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1692. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. This retains the underlying bill. It just clarifies participation in IMRF and the SLEP by municipalities of fewer than five thousand inhabitant. Be more than happy to explain it on -- on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1692. All 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and -- and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 1693. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1693. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on 1724. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1724. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1726. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1726. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there -- 3rd Reading. On the top of page 8, on Senate Bill 1727. Senator Sandoval. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1727. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 1739. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1739. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on 1743. Senator Raoul, on 1744. Senator Garrett, on Senate Bill 1764. Senator Jacobs, on 1766. Senator DeLeo, on 1770. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1770. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 1771. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1771. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, on 1776. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1776. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Rutherford, on 1777. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Senate Bill 1777. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Rutherford, on 1778. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1778. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Rutherford, on 1781. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1781. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on 1787. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1787. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Dillard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard, to explain Floor Amendment No. 2.
Thank you, Madam President. This amendment we worked with the EPA on. It puts the bill in a better posture and I’ll discuss the bill on 3rd Reading, but it deals with people who 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 purchase properties that have a leaking underground storage tank. And this amendment’s been run by the EPA and it puts the bill in proper posture for 3rd Reading. And I’d move its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Dillard moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1787. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1791. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1791. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Labor adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hendon, on Senate Bill 1793. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1793. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 9. Senator DeLeo, on 1822. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1822. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 1823. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1823. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 1828. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1828. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter, to explain your amendment. Senator Righter.
Thank you. Inquiry of the Chair. Madam President, it was my understanding that -- I’m not sure how Floor Amendment 2 is before us now. It was not called for a vote in committee yesterday. I’d be happy to attach it, but I think that would be a procedural mistake.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter, we’ll take it out of the record for now and check to make sure.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, on 1842. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senate Bill 1842. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 1 {sic} (2).
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator del Valle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, to explain Amendment No. 3.
Thank you, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 3 turns the bill into a shell bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1842. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on 1843. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1843. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on 1844. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1844. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 3rd Reading. Senator Petka, on 1845. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1845. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 1849. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1849. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on Senate Bill 1852. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1852. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 1853. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1853. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 1856. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1856. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body we’ll return to 1866. Senator Lightford, on -- 1886. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1886. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on -- 1887. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1887. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Brady, on 1900. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1900. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, on 1902. Top of page 10. Senator -- oh! Excuse me. Senator Bomke, on -- on 1902. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1902. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 1909. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1909. (Secretary reads title of bill) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further -- pardon me, I’m sorry. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine, to explain your amendment.
Oh! Thank you, Madam President. I’m sorry. This is an amendment that was crafted between the Coal Association and the Chamber of Commerce. This is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce. It provides a recycling product for coal -- for -- that the coal is burned in -- in power plants, of which I have one in my district. And it makes ‘em a little more -- profitable, thus it’s good for us. The EPA is in on this. This bill will be amended in the House further, because the EPA would like to have a little bit of change in language. So this isn’t a final product.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves the adoption of a -- Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1909. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Senator -- or, have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 1910. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1910. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine, to explain your amendment.
This is a stormwater management bill which affects a few counties, a number of which are in the southwestern part of Illinois, that are -- afflicted with stormwater runoff. This has been an -- a -- a negotiating process and all of the affected -- objectors in the past have now gone -- as I told the committee yesterday, vehemently neutral. And we have a bill that’s a product of -- negotiations. There will be further negotiations in the House to satisfy the drainage districts. And they say with that they’re okay. So I’ve committed on the record to take out portions of the bill that -- this is taken from past stormwater bills that would affect the drainage districts to a point where they don’t like it. And then they would be okay on the bill. And it -- it’s -- it’s a good bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1910. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for -- consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine. 1911. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1911. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine, to explain your amendment. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this is a domestic violence bill, which is an initiative of the American Association of Retired Persons. It’s a bill which closes a loophole in the 1991 Domestic Violence Act. And it would assist elderly who are being abused. Make -- Makes it easier to prove, on behalf of a State’s attorney, abuse against an elderly person.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1911. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 1914. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1914. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Madam Secretary, I understand you have a revised Committee Report.
Yes. The Committee Report on Licensed -- the Committee on Licensed Activities indicated that Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Righter, was passed out of committee and, indeed, it was held.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) So back to the Order of 2nd Readings on Senate Bill 1828. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Righter, do you wish to move the bill? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1828. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill -- Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1918. Senator Sandoval. 1918. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1918. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1919. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1919. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1920. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1920. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1921. Madam Secretary, 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 read the bill.
Senate Bill 1921. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1923. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1923. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1924. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1924. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. 1925. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1925. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1926. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1926. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1927. Madam Secretary, 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 read the bill.
Senate Bill 1927. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1929 {sic}(1928). Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1928. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1929.
Senate Bill 1929. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to 1931. Senator Dillard, on 1935. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1935. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Dillard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. This amendment narrows the bill and takes away any objections to the Department of Revenue about requiring them on a timeframe to issue their annual report. And 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 I’d move its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Dillard moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1935. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, on 1944. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1944. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 11. Senator Dillard, on 1948. Senator Dillard, on 1948. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1948. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on 1958. Senator Schoenberg, on 1963. Senator Hendon, on 1965. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1965. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hendon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon, to explain Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 1 allows for the -- extension of the movie tax credit. It came out of committee on an unanimous vote. I appreciate all the Republican support. And this will allow a continuation of the tax credit to bring more movies to the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Hendon moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1965. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, on 1972. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1972. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Lauzen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen, to explain your amendment.
Thank you very much, Madam President. What this does is, narrows the scope of the definition of which pupils would -- this would apply to. It’s PE exception. The pupil is getting 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 substantial physical activity from participating in athletic training and competition in a sport under the auspices of a national governing board that’s recognized by and affiliated with an international sports federation, has -- the pupil has competitively placed in the top ten in competitors in either the State, regional or national competitions of the sport. The parents provide a documentation of the such training or recognition and the pupil completes alternative casework {sic} in physical education as determined by the school district.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Lauzen moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1972. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor Amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 1983. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1983. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1983 simply puts additional safeguards in for individuals who might be subject to a petition for involuntary commitment. It also removes a provision that could have been construed as denying court access for such -- such an individual. I would move its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Righter moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1983. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, No. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, on 2013. Senator -- Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2013. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, on 2038. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2038. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on 2043. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2043. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on -- excuse me, no committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Martinez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez, to explain Floor Amendment No. 2.
38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. Floor amendment deletes the -- the underlying bill, but reinserts the original provision of Senate Bill 2043 and Floor Amendment No. 1, while inserting new provisions. Floor Amendment No. 2 adds a new provision to the State Employment Records Act by requiring State agencies to file a report regarding its progress in the Hispanic Employment Plan. The report must comply with the provisions as mentioned through this bill for State agencies to implement strategies and programs to increase the number of Hispanics and bilingual persons employed with the State. The Amendment No. 2 moves these provisions from the State Employment Records Act, Section 20 report to the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, Section 405-125 State agency's affirmative action equal employment opportunity goals.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Martinez moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 2043. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator David Sullivan, on 2060. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2060. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senate. This is just a -- a technical amendment to require more documentation for our veterans.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sullivan moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 2060. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the -- the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on 2074. Madam Secretary -- out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 2078. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2078. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The amendment to Senate Bill 2078 is the culmination of almost two years of negotiation and is, I believe, an agreed amendment on the voluntary -- or, the subsidized spay/neuter program for dogs and cats in Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 2078. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 2087. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2087. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments -- excuse me. I’m sorry. Committee on Local Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 2090. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2090. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 12. Senator Lightford, on 2091. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2091. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 2094. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2094. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lightford, to explain your amendment.
The amendment would make necessary changes to come into compliance with the Department of Public Aid removing the word “temporary” on page 10, lines 2 and 17.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Lightford moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 2094. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, on 2105. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2105. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Jacobs, on 2116. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2116. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment 1, offered by Senator Jacobs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Jacobs, to explain your amendment.
Floor Amendment No. 1 is a technical amendment correcting the reference -- the fund receiving the money returned to the Road Fund. The original bill referenced the fund by its commonly known name the Construction Account, the proper name is the State Construction Account Fund. Amendment 1 simply makes that change.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Jacobs moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 2116. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Okay. We’re going to go back to page 2. House -- Senate Bills 2nd Reading, last time through. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 9. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 9. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body we’ll return to Senate Bill 11. Senator Clayborne, on Senate Bill 19. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 66. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 66. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Link, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. This removes a portion of the bill that held upon the receipt of properly signed credit card receipt, a relocator or other towing service shall become a holder of due course and neither the holder of the credit card nor the company which issued the credit card may therefore refuse to remit the payment of the amount shown on the credit card receipt, minus the ordinary charges assessed by the credit card company in processing the charge. Be more than happy to answer any questions on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 66. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne, on Senate Bill 91. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 91. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on -- Housing and Community Affairs adopted Committee Amendments 2 and 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne, to explain your amendment.
Yes. The amendment just removed two words, “new or”.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Clayborne moves the adoption of Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 91. All 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator del Valle, on Senate Bill 101. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 101. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Housing and Community Affairs adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator del Valle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 3 deletes earlier provisions concerning arbitration of disputes arising from the Act and it also deletes changes made to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 101. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Radogno, on Senate Bill 113. Senator Garrett, on Senate Bill 130. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 130. (Secretary reads title of bill) 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Environment and Energy adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Crotty, on Senate Bill 139. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 139. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Crotty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Crotty, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Miss President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill {sic} 3 now will become the bill so I’ll discuss it more on 3rd Reading, but it really just changed a few of the definitions and also was a great work with the Hospital Association and Nurses and et cetera. So, thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Crotty moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 139. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on Senate Bill 146. Senator Sullivan. 149. Senator Crotty. 159. Madam Secretary, read the 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 bill.
Senate Bill 159. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Crotty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Crotty, to explain your amendment.
Thank you very much. And also this amendment becomes the bill and it just -- it retains the underlying bill, but it amends the Licensing Act of the Home Health Agency to create licensure programs for agencies that furnish home service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Crotty moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 159. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any Floor other amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on Senate Bill 166. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 166. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on Senate Bill 167. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 167. (Secretary reads title of bill) 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Housing and Community Affairs adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 3. On 168, Senator Martinez. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 168. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) I’m sorry. Senator Martinez wants that out of the record. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 204. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 204. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator -- Senators Dillard and Wendell Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard, to explain the amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. I’m always happy to help Señor Sandoval with -- with -- with some of his good ideas. Actually, this idea for this Floor amendment came from a member of our staff working with Senator Sandoval and I appreciate his cooperation here. What this bill does, is it allows local government officials, when they file all of their paperwork to 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 run for office, to have an option if there is a challenge to their petitions, whether they want to use the countywide board or the bigger authority or their local election authority. It’s optional and I appreciate Senator Sandoval working with us on this. And this is kind of a bipartisan compromise and I’d move its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Dillard moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 204. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator del Valle, on 223. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill -- 223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator del Valle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 1 is a product of negotiations with the Illinois State Board of Education. It delays the implementation date by one year and it clarifies that school districts shall continue to have the authority and flexibility to design education programs for gifted children. It removes the requirement that schools include plans for gifted programs in their school -- improvement plans. And it also significantly reduces the mandate for ISB’s administrative duties, as well as, it removes the requirement that ISB implement extensive training for the programs for teachers. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 223. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 250. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 250. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 250. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 278. On Senate Bill 250. Madam Secretary.
Yes. On Senate Bill 250, have Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton, explain Floor Amendment No. 3.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 3 removes references to the LEED rating system. Some opponents contended that this system discourages the use of paper and other timber products. So we’re leaving that out and left -- left the decision up to the Capital Development Board. Move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 250. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 278. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 278. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne was here and I missed him. I apologize. We’re going to go back to Senate Bill 19. Senator Clayborne. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 19. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 289. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 289. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Sandoval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sandoval, to explain Floor Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 289 replaces the language of the Illinois Racing Board with the organization licensee conducting horserace -- racing at the racetrack. This bill, basically, is some cleanup language -- that put the jurisdiction on the licensee of -- to implement the Public Health Code. I’d ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sandoval moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 289. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. T.J. Salsman requests permission to take photographs for the State Journal-Register. Is there leave? Leave is granted. Senator Dillard, on Senate Bill 339. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 339. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Committee Amendments 1 and 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator John Sullivan, on 342. Senator Martinez, on 421. Senator Hunter, on 425. Senator Hendon, on Senate Bill 436. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senate Bill 436. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 437. Senator Crotty, on 452. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 452. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Crotty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Crotty, explain your amendment.
Thank you very much. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 452 is just cleanup language and it then becomes the bill. And I want to thank Senator Dillard for taking this to committee yesterday. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Crotty moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 452. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 467. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 467. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine, to explain your amendment.
Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, that -- that amendment establishes a number of things with railroad crossings. It was a major dispute in the committee yesterday and I’ve agreed not to move that until we have further -- negotiations. To say the least, it was an interesting experience. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine, when you say you -- do -- do you still want the Floor amendment adopted?
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 467. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 4. We’ll -- with leave of the Body, we’ll return to 45. Senator Hendon, on 501. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 501. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hendon. 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine -- Hendon, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. This amendment was worked out between myself and the City of Chicago. I’d like to give praise to the Mayor’s operatives, both Tiffany Obidana and John Dunn for working this out. We want to address the towing situation in the City of Chicago to make it easier for someone who’s had their car towed, for whatever reason, to at least pay the tickets off and the boot off when -- if the car is sold. And I’d appreciate an - - moving it to 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Hendon moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 501. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 506. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 506. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine, to explain your amendment.
Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this subject the -- the gist of this proposed legislation concerns shaken baby syndrome. The Director of the Department of Public Health must develop a statewide Shaken Baby Prevention Program providing for voluntary participation and multimedia educational 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 vehicles, videos, DVDs. Parents of new -- newborns are encouraged at hospitals and health departments to observe these videos in order to prevent the terrible injuries that occur from shaken baby syndrome. A mere violent shake of a child, an infant, will result in permanent brain damage or death. And this is designed to carry that out at a minimum of expense to the State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 506. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Ronen, on Senate Bill 526. Senator Ronen. 526. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 526. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Housing and Community Affairs adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Wendell Jones, on 532. Senator Martinez, on 548. Senator Halvorson. Oop! With leave of the Body, we’ll return to 553. Senator Garrett, on 569. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 569. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Floor Amendment No. 1 was based on input from our Health and Human Services Committee. Basically, what we did, we changed the increase in the capital expenditure threshold from ten million to 8.5 million for hospitals. Removes medical buildings from the definition of non-clinical services areas and retains the provision requiring certificate of need for changes in bed capacity. However, the ten beds-ten percent threshold, whichever is less, limitation is changed to twenty beds-ten percent, whichever is less.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 569. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Burzynski, on 573. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 573. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator del Valle, on 574. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 574. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator del Valle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. This was a vehicle bill. Floor Amendment No. 1 -- becomes the bill and the purpose of it is to increase access to Advanced Placement courses in our high schools.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 574. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator del Valle, on 575. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 575. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator del Valle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. On Senate Bill 575 the amendment also becomes the bill and this is the bill increasing high school graduation requirements in Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator del Valle moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 575. 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Crotty, on Senate Bill 576. Senator Crotty, 576. Senator Crotty, on 576. Senator Cullerton, on 658. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 658. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Committee Amendments 1 and 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton, explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. The amendment simply adds an immediate effective date.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Senator Haine.
I rise on a point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I would like to call your attention to the gallery behind the President’s chair. We have here students from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Thank you for overlooking that round of applause, Madam President. We appreciate your enthusiasm. We also have students here from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. And -- and they are students in Senator Forby’s district, Senator Luechtefeld’s, Minority Leader Senator Watson 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 and Senator Bomke’s -- district. We welcome you on behalf of the Senate. We’re proud of the great traditions of Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Carbondale. And you’re a great student body. Thank you. A -- a round of applause from the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Cullerton moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 658. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 5. Senator Meeks, on Senate Bill 750. Senator Clayborne, on 763. Senator Meeks. Okay. On Senate Bill 750. Senator Meeks. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 750. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The -- Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne, on 763. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 763. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Clayborne. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Basically, what this does is, it changes the date of the annual certification of the State’s contribution to the General Assembly retirement system from November -- from November 15th of each year to December 15th of each year. And this was done, because typically the certification takes place prior to us coming into Veto Session. So, this will allow us -- when the board meets to -- to make that certification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Clayborne moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 763. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Collins, on 851. Madam Secretary, read the -- excuse me. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 851. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, on 966. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 966. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 966, basically, we -- we worked with the local municipal league -- Illinois Municipal League legislators, the Northwest Municipal Conference and metro counties to come up with ways in which to provide for more flexibility for municipalities, add additional -- tools to create affordable housing and meet local needs and -- clear the standards for the State Housing Appeals Board.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 966. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Meeks, on Senate Bill 967. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 967. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Meeks, on 968. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 968. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Meeks, on 969. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 969. 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. 970. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 970. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. 971. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 971. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Meeks, on 972. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 972. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1050. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1050. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) We will now go back to the top of page 2 to pick up Senator Halvorson’s bill. Senator Halvorson, on Senate Bill 11. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Senate Bill 11. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President and Member of the -- Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 11 is considered the Healthy Illinois Act and it’s a program that we are in the process of discussing with regards to health insurance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none -- Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would request a roll call vote on the adoption of this amendment, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Righter has requested a roll call vote on the adoption of Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 11. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. There are 29 voting Yea, 24 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. The amendment is adopted. Senator Halvorson.
It passed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President -- Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. We will now proceed to top of the page. Page 4. Senate Bill 485. Senator Halvorson. Madam Secretary, please 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 read the bill.
Senate Bill 485. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Halvorson, on Floor Amendment 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment just clarifies what habited or inhabited means with regards to living in a mobile home.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Halvorson moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 485. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any -- 3rd Reading. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Senator Halvorson, on Senate Bill 553. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 553. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Halvorson, to explain Amendment No. 1. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1 to 553 just sets a limit of three thousand per day on the penalty that can be levied by the Illinois Department of Public Health against the violators of the Mobile Home Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator -- Halvorson moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 553. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. We’ll now proceed to the bottom of page 6. Senate Bill 1619. Senator Halvorson. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1619. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. We’ll now proceed to the bottom of page 9. Senate Bill 1866. Senator Halvorson. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1866. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Bottom of page 10. Senate Bill 1931. Senator Halvorson. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1931. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on -- Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1 {sic}, offered by Senator Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Halvorson, on Floor Amendment No. 1 {sic}.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 2 explains -- provides for a system of determining whether a family that shares housing with another person for reasons of loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reasons whether they should be considered to continue to be homeless.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? If not, Senator Halvorson moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1931. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) State your point.
67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I’d like to introduce the Kendall County Republican Women’s Club who are in the general -- gallery just behind me. I’d like to introduce Peg DuVol, Zola Searl, Kathy Jenkins and the winners of their eighth-grade essay contest: Echo Christian of St. Mary’s in Plano, who is with her dad today, Dale; and then Chanel Kevan of Traughber Jr. High in Oswego, who’s with Mom, Michelle. So, I’d like to ask you to join me in welcoming them to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Welcome to the Illinois Senate, and congratulations. We will now proceed to Senate Bill 1646. Top of page 7. Senator Dillard. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1646. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1958. Top of page 11. Senator Schoenberg. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1958. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1963. Senator Schoenberg. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1963. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading. Middle of page 6. Senate Bill 1484. Senator Winkel. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1484. (Secretary reads title of bill) 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on -- Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Just for the Body’s information, we are going to 3rd Readings, and I believe we’re starting with Senate Bill 1767, where we’d left off. Senator Jacobs, on 1767. Do you wish to proceed, Senator Jacobs, on 1767? Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1767. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Madam Chairman, thank you. This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in the Section concerning prohibited acts. I’d appreciate your favorable consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator Jacobs, is this bill still a shell bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan. 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
I’d -- I’d just advise the Members on this side of the aisle this is a shell bill. So, in committee we did not support this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Jacobs, do you wish to close?
I’d ask for an Aye vote. And appreciate your favorable consideration, and I hope to have a bill in here that my friend, the Senator across the aisle, can support with his good heart.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1767 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. 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 33 Yeas, 19 Nays, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1767, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator del Valle, on 1792. Madam -- Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1792. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1792 is the product of long negotiations with the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the associations representing the industry, day labor agencies, community groups, churches and many, many other groups that were involved. And it -- it is an agreed-to bill. Senate Bill -- 1792, as amended, improves overall enforcement of the Day Labor and Temporary Labor Services Act and overall the bill provides for more intensive insight in enforcement of the current law by the Department of Labor. It provides for better recordkeeping and more restrictive provisions on transportation, meals, violations of -- of the Act and penalties for violators. And, basically, the bill is to -- to protect day laborers and to also improve the overall industry. And that’s why everyone’s onboard. 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 I’ll be glad to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
Thank you, Madam President. This is an agreed bill between the day care industries and that is why the committee supported it. However, I also feel compelled to mention that there is a major fee increase in here to the day worker industries themselves. Their -- the licensing fee is going to go from two hundred fifty dollars up to a thousand dollars. So, for those of you that are sensitive to that sort of thing, please be aware that that is in the bill. Having said that, however, this was probably worked on by the associations themselves for over two to three years. They came to an agreement. It was difficult for them to come to this agreement. And if they are willing to accept this fee increase, I think we should let them. Thank you. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle, to close.
I -- I -- thank you, Senator. I -- I just want to add that this -- this is an agreement with the industry. Those who will be paying the fee -- the increased fee, agreed to this fee, because they want the fees generated to go to the Department of Labor for the purpose of enforcement so that the bad apples can be dealt with and therefore improving the image of the overall industry. And so, they see this fee increase as essential for enforcement purposes and that’s why those who meet and will be paying the fee agreed to the higher fee. I ask for a…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen, I already said, “Senator del -- del Valle, to close.” I apologize. Your light was not on. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1792 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. 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 42 Yeas, 9 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1792, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Roskam, on 1799. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Senate Bill 1799. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1799 requires the Illinois Department of Revenue to put on notice individuals where they have reason to believe or have come to learn that someone’s social security number is being used by someone who doesn’t have the authority. Right now they don’t have the ability to tell people that, because of confidentiality laws. This passed unanimously out of committee and I’m not aware of any opposition and I’d urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1799 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present, and Senate Bill 1799, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Forby, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal point of privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Today I have a Page here and she is quite a young gal. Her name is Diane Roberson. She’s from Williamson County. She works for the newspaper down there and she’s a good friend of mine. I wish you’d give her a -- a good welcome here from the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Please rise. Welcome to Springfield. Senator Watson, on Senate Bill 1805. Senator Sieben. 1808. Senator Rauschenberger. 1810. Senator Rauschenberger. 1811. Senator Harmon. 1815. Senator Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1815 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1815. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendment approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The amendment becomes the bill. It creates the Lifelong Learning Act, which is essentially a 401K for continuing education. I look forward to debating the full bill on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1815. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 1817. Senator Watson. 1821. Do you wish to proceed? Senator Watson seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1821 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 1821. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senators Watson and Jacobs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson, to explain your amendment.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. As -- as you all know, we’ve discussed the issue of fireworks on this Floor. It was a controversial issue this last -- year ago. We passed legislation. I believe it had thirty-six votes in the Senate. 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 The Governor ultimately vetoed that bill. We went to work with the fire service, with the Fire Marshal’s office, the Legislators of interest and have come up with an agreed to amendment. And that’s what this amendment is, an agreed amendment dealing with the issue of the sale of fireworks in certain counties and the regulation of fireworks and public safety.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Watson moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1821. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 1825. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1825 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 1825. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, but I thought we already did add this amendment at one other time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) We’ll check that for you, Senator. One moment. We do not show it being adopted. So, can you explain the amendment?
Okay. This Amendment 1 of -- the amendment rewrites three offenses concerning CDLs that are lumped into one sentence to be individually noted so that -- adequately conform with federal rules.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Thank you, -- Madam President. This came out of Transportation Committee unanimously and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you. Senator Link moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1825. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Jacobs, on 1826. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1826. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
This bill puts the park districts and conservation districts on the same page. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as permitting a -- municipality to annex territory without written consent as provided in the Park District Code. I ask for your favorable consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1826 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. 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 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1826, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on 1827. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1827. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1827 amends the statutes authorizing the use of guaranteed energy savings contracts currently used by several local governments. We’re doing three things primarily. First, we are including park districts as local governments eligible to enter into such contracts. Second, we are seeking to extend the -- the savings recovery period from ten to twenty years for local governments. This is the same period that schools and universities currently have. And finally, we’re clarifying the permitted energy conservation expenses to make sure some of the collateral installation costs are factored in. The only opposition I’m aware of is some late concerns raised by the architects. We have committed to talking to them as we move the bill in the House to see what their concerns are and whether we can respond to them. I ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a good conservation bill. It passed out of -- committee unanimously. I urge its support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1827 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. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1827, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 829 {sic}. Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1829 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1829. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Cullerton. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This amendment was drafted by the Department of Corrections, in order to obtain their support for the bill. It deals with medical parole. It tightens up the original bill and I’d be happy to answer any questions, and ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1829 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. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, 4 voting Nay, none voting -- okay. I just did a roll call on the amendment. But the amendment is adopted. Have there been any Floor -- further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 1832. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1832. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill was also amended in -- with a committee amendment which was drafted by the Department of Corrections, to receive their support. What it does is to -- require the Department of Corrections to create a model inmate "honors" program. In the program the inmate would enter into a -- basically a contract that would require the achievement of certain goals within a one- year time period. If they meet the goals, then they could be awarded a day-for-day good time credit at the discretion of the Department of Corrections. It’s kind of designed to make a -- 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 provide a carrot so that people within the Department of Corrections will improve their educational training or vocational training and -- and their conduct. It’s agreed to by the Department of Corrections. It’s permissive and there’s no opposition. So, I’ll be happy to answer any questions. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 1832 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. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1832, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Rauschenberger, on 1834. Senator Hunter, on 1837. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter, on 1838. Senator. Senator Meeks, on 1839. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1839. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Thank you so much, Madam President. Senate Bill 1839 is a very non-controversial bill. It is a bill which will probably pass this Chamber without much notice and/or debate. What the bill does is that it provides for the sale of vehicle information so that individuals who are purchasing an automobile will be able to purchase information to find out whether or not the vehicle has been in any kind of an accident. The Attorney General and the Secretary of State strongly support this bill and I ask my colleagues to do the same.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I need to express some major concerns and reservations with regard to the proposed legislation. The underlying intent 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 is excellent. However, there are still some grave concerns with regard to the timeliness and accuracy of the reporting process. And -- potentially the damage to the consumer as they trade in the vehicle. Is that vehicle truly devaluated and affecting the consumer in a negative fashion? So, I would urge everyone to take a very strong look at this piece of legislation before they cast their vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Would the sponsor yield for a couple of questions?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator Meeks, are you still open for business, so to speak, with respect to when this bill goes over to the other Chamber taking suggestions and trying to reach a possible compromise?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Is it true that your folks at CARFAX offered the Automobile Dealers Association an amendment that would hold the automobile dealers hold-harmless if there were any inaccuracies in the records?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Yes, Senator, thanks for that question. That deal was offered yesterday and I’m sure that when it goes to the House and before it comes out of the House, that deal can still be placed back on the table that any car dealers can be held hold-harmless for the information that was derived.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard. 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
To the bill, Madam President. You know, I realize that this bill may need to have additional work. And before I signed on as a cosponsor, I called -- in fact, I bought two cars in the last month. I’m a lucky guy. One for my wife and one for me. And I asked both auto dealers whether they subscribed to CARFAX or did they believe in CARFAX. And both of my dealers, one in Willowbrook and one in Downers Grove, both subscribe and said that most dealers throughout Illinois subscribe and use CARFAX, especially those in the Metropolitan Chicago area. I think over eighty percent of the dealers use either CARFAX or another type of service. So, you know, I think a majority of the dealers in this State already are attuned in using this type of consumer protection. And as long as I’ve served here I always believe that the more information people and consumers have, the better. And this would certainly - for about ten or twelve dollars, I think, in most cases - and it may not be perfect, nothing’s perfect - but it certainly helps and as long as Senator Meeks says he’ll continue to work on this, I’m -- prepared to leave my name on as a cosponsor. And I would urge an Aye vote. I think this is a good consumer bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Geo-Karis.
Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the bill may be very worthwhile, but there’s a -- there’s one item, timing. And the timing that can go into it can hurt a dealer, as well. And I’m not so sure that CARFAX is -- is correct. It can be discriminatory. It can choose to please and what have you. So, I’m going to vote against it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in strong support of this legislation. As a former car salesperson, I can tell you there are some things about automobiles sometimes you -- you don’t know that you should know. I wasn’t very popular with my sales manager, because I would tell people things about the vehicle so they’d know. If they wanted to buy it anyway, fine. 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Recently my friend bought a car for her daughter. Had an -- the daughter had an accident. When the -- went to the claims people, they -- the insurance company was willing to give her a certain amount of money. But the people doing the repairs said the repairs were a lot more, because of a previous accident which they knew nothing about. So, I stand in strong support of this good consumer legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Madam President. A question for the sponsor. First of all…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
First of all, I compliment you on your work on this. This - - this -- I agree with Senator Dillard that information in the buying process is essential. It’s a good thing. And if the dealer has access to information, why should the buyer not have access? So both those things are good. Now, when -- when all of us go through the process of researching this a little more closely, I found out that the -- the information that the dealer has access to is only in three areas: It’s the odometer, it’s flood, and there’s one third one. I was hoping I could remember it. I -- I don’t know what the third one is. But I guess what this bill does is, it would allow the Department of Transportation to release accident information and I’ve been told something about, along thirty perameters or something. And naturally, the concern that we should all have is the accuracy and the timeliness of that information that comes out. So, my question to you -- my question to you, Senator, is what information specifically would be released? And can you comment to the reliability and the accuracy and the timeliness of that information? So, what is the information beyond odometer, flood and one other thing that’s already open to -- public? What else would be released and what’s your opinion of the accuracy of that information?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks. 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Thank you so much, Senator. It’s my understanding that any information that -- that is available will be released. That mean -- it’s any and all information that is had at the time that the information is gathered, it will be released. The timeliness is supposed to be twenty-four hours. Twenty-four hours after IDOT receives the information that it could be released. As -- as a matter of fact, Senator, I think that more than seventy percent of car dealers already -- ascribe to CARFAX.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen.
And I’m under the impression that currently all of us have access to CARFAX for a fee either one time or like thirty days unlimited. So, we have access to the same information. It wasn’t it -- it’s kind of like that’s -- the issue here, is something a bit different. The issue is -- and now I understand I -- I’ve been told that it wasn’t -- it’s not thirty pieces of information, it’s eight pieces of information. What are those eight pieces of information - so we can judge - will that be accurate and timely, or will it be so subjective that we’ll end up just damaging the whole process of trying to buy a car.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Senator, it’s my understanding that the information that’s made available is information that’s pertinent to any damage that the vehicle has suffered of any kind. So, I don’t know if it’s limited to eight -- more than eight or all of them. But it's -- it would be all of the eight. Whatever the information - that we have or that they have - that’s available that’s the information that they’ll release.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen.
If -- the question though, is what are those eight pieces and how can we be assured that we’re not going to create a bigger problem by having the false sense of security that we know about accidents when we really don’t, or that someone put into the 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 record something that was inaccurate and now all of us are relying on it? So, what are those eight pieces and how do we assure ourselves that that’s actually going to be -- that it’ll be accurate and timely? But the question is, what are those eight pieces?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Thank you so much. Senator, I don’t know where you’re getting the number eight from. I don’t -- I don’t know where we’re getting the number eight from.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen. Senator Meeks. Senator Watson.
Thank you very much, Madam President. And I’m as much for consumer protection as the next individual would be, but I’m not so sure that’s what this bill is all about. We’ve all -- in fact, one -- one of the previous speakers who sold cars - I would ask all of you, would you buy a used car from that particular speaker? Okay. He -- he missed it -- he missed it. All right. Here’s what I’ve done. Just so you know. And those of you -- I -- I -- what, five of you on that side, five of you on this side. Okay? And I took over an accident report and I asked you to recopy the number that is the VIN number on this accident report. Just recopy it down. Ten of you did this. Eight different interpretations of this number. Eight different interpretations. So what happens when the wrong number is put into the system. You know, the lights go off, bells go off or whatever. Tilt. I don’t know what happens. But what doesn’t happen is the right information then does not get to the individual, who’s purchased for fourteen ninety-five or twenty-eight seventy-five, doesn’t get the right information. So, how can that be consumer protection? We’ve all had -- this is -- everyone of us, I’ll bet, all fifty-nine of us have had somebody write us a letter or call us and tell us, “I got a letter from the City of Chicago saying that I have a past due parking ticket.” This is just a license number, not a VIN number. This is a license number. "I got a parking ticket in Chicago. I’ve never been there." We’ve all had this happen, everyone of us. We contact the City of 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Chicago and we get it corrected. The problem is, human error here. If I was writing -- and this isn’t bad. Do you want to come over and take a look at this it’s not all that bad. The writing here. If I was writing this, I’ll tell you there would be ten different interpretations of what these numbers are, letters or whatever. So the point is, I applaud your efforts here, but I’m not so sure you’re going to get the results that you want and this bill ought to be reworked, defeated and let’s send it where it belongs. And that’s a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. -- Madam President. Just a word of caution on this bill. And I know Senator Meeks has worked tremendously hard and offered various amendments, but it seems to me that what we’re doing is bills -- or, vehicles that are involved in an accident, even if it’s a very minor accident, can be subject to a police report. I mean, a driver has the opportunity to file a police report. Then once that police report is filed, it shows up on the CARMAX {sic}(CARFAX) system as an accident. Well, think about you’re the person who was involved in a minor little thing. I mean, it was not a big deal. It was not substantive and it seems to me that there’s nothing within the CARFAX system that really reflects the severity and so forth. So, before we give a whole lot of cars really this -- this mark that they’re never going to be able to -- to shake loose from. I think we need to -- to just err on the side of caution and not move the bill at this time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Madam President. And I -- I just want to echo my sentiments on this bill. First and foremost, I think that Senator Meeks has an excellent bill. We need to start re-looking at the situation that’s going on with the cars right now. Just a little over a year and a half ago, I bought a car for my daughter. And the car that I bought for my daughter was at a very good dealer. I trust the dealer that did a good job in selling me this car. Little did I know that - my daughter took 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 the car to Florida, had a minor accident. But in that minor accident that she had, the insurance company estimated about three thousand dollars, but when the parts were ordered for her car they could not put the car together, because apparently that car had been involved in a major accident prior to us buying the car and the car had a cracked frame. If my daughter would have been involved in a more serious accident, my daughter’s life would have been lost, because that car should have been totaled the minute that car was in that first accident. And so I think that we are definitely in a step in the right direction. We need to make sure that every consumer knows the information on the car that they’re buying for a family member, for a daughter, for a son, or for whomever. We have the right to make sure, as consumers, that when we buy a product we should know what we’re buying. And that information on a car should be given to us automatically, and that IDOT and everybody else should be updating the information. I know that the system is kind of flawed still, but I think that this bill is the start on something very important to consumers. I think when it goes over to the House, it should be amended to address some of these issues, that we just do not let this bill go without giving it a chance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.
I have a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Our analysis indicates that thirty-eight other states do this. As -- as far as you know, is that accurate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez. Senator Meeks.
Yes, Senator. That’s accurate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.
What has their experience been? 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Actually -- actually, they have -- they’ve had more -- it’s a more consumer-friendly bill and I think those states have had less lemons sold.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.
Are there class action suits in any of these states regarding this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Regarding this bill or regarding car sales? Because I’m sure, Senator, that there will never be a state in the union that won’t have class action suits regarding car sales.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.
Well, it’s not regarding this bill, because it’s not in those states, but regarding CARFAX in those states that have it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
I’m sure that -- I’m sure that there are, but the very fact that the information is made available is the reason that they’re able to enter into a debate. If the information had not been made available they wouldn’t have even been able to enter the debate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.
Well, I -- I and -- and I -- I don’t know the nature of it is. I’m being told there are six of them pending in those other states. I mean, I do think this is a good idea, but it seems to me that we could tighten it up. And I guess I’m inclined to -- to vote in favor of it if you are willing to try to tighten it up over in the House and I understand there’s been an amendment 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 offered again and I wasn’t -- I might not of heard this, you may have already talked about it, to offer some sort of a -- a warranty and to help the dealers out on that. And just want to be sure that you’d be willing to pursue that in the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Thank you so much, Senator, and I will. I will pursue that. I will make sure that they sit down again with the car dealers to make sure that before -- as this bill goes to the House, it’s as consumer-friendly and car-dealer friendly as we can make it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
I -- I rise in support of the bill. I -- I think a point has been made with regards to the possibility of inaccuracies and information with regards to recordkeeping. While I haven’t had the pleasure of selling used cars, all the cars that I’ve purchased have been used cars, ‘cause I don’t -- I’m not quite as wealthy as some of my colleagues that drive some of the cars that I see in the parking lot. But with regards to the information, there’s all sorts of recordkeeping that is done. It’s been mentioned - parking tickets and criminal records. And there’re always inaccuracies within recordkeeping. That doesn’t prevent us from continuing to keep records. The information -- this is about more information and in instances, yes, there’re going to be some inaccuracies. But overall, the access to more information provides consumers, in a vast majority of cases, with the type of information that oftentimes they -- they will not get from the person selling the vehicle. So, I rise in support of -- of this bill and -- and I ask my colleagues to support it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Madam President. Just a couple questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Do you know the number of law enforcement agencies that actually load the information in -- onto computer laptop, for example, in their car versus handwriting out the information?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
The majority of the law enforcement agencies in the State of Illinois now use laptop computers. I don’t know that -- the exact number, but I know it’s the majority.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Syverson.
It’s my understanding that if they’re loading that information and if they put a wrong serial number in or license VIN number in, that it -- that it doesn’t take. Is that -- if they put the wrong number in, that it doesn’t it -- it’s not taken on that computer and they have to go back then and -- and recheck the vehicle? Can you verify if that’s -- see if that’s correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
I -- I guess it’s the same as if you go to the bank. They put in the wrong bank number and tell you, you don’t have any money in your account. Then you say, “Well, no. I -- I do -- I do have the correct funds in my account.” One -- one of the things, Senator, that -- one of the things that I cannot adequately address are the questions that continue to come up surrounding human error. There is absolutely no measurement on human error. Whether it’s indicating information on an insurance form or on a bank slip, or -- I -- I just think that this bill or any other piece of legislation we pass that deals with humans entering information is always subject to be flawed. But I don’t believe that ninety-eight, ninety-nine percent of all the information loaded is flawed or a mistake.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Syverson.
Actually, what I’m trying to do, I think, is trying to help 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 you. The way this system works is, it doesn’t allow you to do that. If the law enforcement official types in a serial number it’s going to kick -- kick out and show what vehicle it is or say that’s not the right one. Is it this number or is it this number? So I think there’s a safeguard built in there, when it’s done on computer, that that information is going to be correct, which is -- which is positive. We’ve -- the system is going to help improve that. Now, there’s still a concern with the manual one and we can understand that. However, unlike getting a Chicago parking ticket, under our system if the number is wrong, if we handwrite a serial number down and it’s the wrong one, when someone at the Secretary of State inputs it and it’s not the right number, nothing gets input. So, they don’t put in the wrong number. If they don’t have the right number, nothing gets input into the system. So, I think that’s a -- again, a safeguard from wrong information being put in. But, let me just ask you one question. Maybe you talked a little bit about that - is -- the liability concern. I think there's still the -- there’s still the issue of when an individual goes and purchases a car and the CARFAX isn’t available for a month or two after the car is purchased, where are we on negotiating the issue of -- of -- of liability protection for the dealers?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks.
Senator, Senator Cronin told me to take it out of the record. And I’m going to do what Senator Cronin said. No, actually that’s not true. It wasn’t Senator Cronin. I just thought I’d be my usual self and start it. Senator, let me take it out of the record so that I could answer some of these questions, clear up some doubts that we may have and then I’ll bring back a new and improved CARFAX system, car dealer relationship and 839 {sic}. So I want to take it out of the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on 1846. Senator Lightford. 1848. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1848. 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this is a initiative brought to me by the Illinois State Board of Education in an effort to mainstream and cleanup some of the red tape. It’s regarding our latch key reporting system. The bill changes the method for reporting participants in latch key programs from reporting the total number per district to the aggregate number of the actual participants. According to the State Board, allowing the aggregate number, rather than the district number, it would -- create a report that condenses the reporting that will allow for easier auditing and tracking of the program. I’d be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1848 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. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1848, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lightford, on 1850. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1850. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is another initiative brought to me by the Illinois State Board of Education dealing with transportation and hazards for children. It removes the requirement that school boards annually certify the existence of hazardous conditions to the State superintendent, when they are providing students with free transportation to school because walking would be too dangerous. 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 ISBE says that it simply does not use the information and often it’s unnecessary for the school districts to continue to submit this information. However, they will house it in case they need it for audit information. I’d be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1850 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. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1850, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lightford, on 1851. Senator Lightford seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1851 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1851. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for -- for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lightford, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The amendment becomes the underlying bill. It removes deadlines for school districts to submit claims for reimbursement for transitional bilingual education, as well as deadlines for the State superintendent to submit vouchers for claims to the Comptroller. Rather than requiring that a school district -- forfeit the funding, it allows them an opportunity to submit information past the deadline date of July 20th, leaving the discretion up to the State Board of Education.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question -- Senator Lightford moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1851. All those in favor will 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, Madam President. 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 1854. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1854. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is one of the final bills in the cleanup for the Illinois State Board of Education. It addresses the working cash fund. It would allow school districts to abate or abolish a working cash fund instead of only abolishment. I’d be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1854 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1854, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 1859. Senator Garrett, on 1861. Senator Clayborne, on 1871. Senator Cullerton, on 1872. Senator Clayborne, on 1874. Senator Clayborne seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1874 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1874. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1874 seeks to -- address the problem of relocated vehicles going unclaimed and vehicles abandoned at -- repair facilities. This legislation 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 provides for notice to the relocator or repair facility to -- to the registered owner and any lienholders or -- and allows a relocator or repair facility to charge for cost of a title search to identify the owner and lienholder.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Clayborne moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1874. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on 1876. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1876. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1876 amends the Illinois Architectural -- Practice Act of 1989. And by doing this, it -- it -- it extends the date that students have to complete their education and their internship from January 1, 2010 to January 1st, 2014, before a mandatory degree requirement is effective. It also changes the staff requirements to three investigators and three clerks, rather than four clerks and two investigators. And it also clarifies a -- that a design profession firm’s registration list be compiled and available by discipline. I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Wojcik.
Thank you, Madam President. I just rise in support of this. The Architectors {sic} do want it and it passed out of committee favorably. 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1876 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. 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 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1876, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, on 1877. There’ll be a Rules Committee meeting immediately in the President’s Antechamber. Senator Munoz, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For the point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
I just want to welcome a friend of mine, Dr. Nick, who has a practice in my district and also has a practice in Senator Martinez’s district, as well. Dr. Nick, along with him are three friends. Even though he’s a Doctor, he’s back getting his Master’s in political science. Two of the gentlemen that are here with him, Camille Melsor and Alexander Woncik. Excuse me if I mispronounced it. They’re both from Poland here as exchange student for political science, as well. And David Lifstus, who lives here with us. If we can welcome them, I’d appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
Madam President and Ladies and -- Gentlemen of the Senate, two of my constituents with the IEA were here today and I’d like to note that they were here visiting us. Amy F. Jackson, from Grayslake; and Patricia Bole, B-O-L-E. And I just it to be on the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Welcome to Springfield to our guests. Will the guests in the gallery please rise? Oh, they’re not here. Okay. Well, we still welcome them to Springfield. Senator Dahl, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has twenty- seven members in the State Capitol today. It takes in twenty-one communities. Several of them are in the gallery behind me up here. I wish to recognize them and -- and welcome them to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports that the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation - House Bills 229, 295, 445, 601, 669, 942, 1181, 1182, 1339, 1486, 2355, 2550, 3785; refer to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development - House Bills 211, 361, 509, 909, 1529; refer to the Education Committee - House Bills 156, 312, 374, 384, 404, 678, 695, 733, 755, 1283, 1324, 1336, 2589, 2693, 3095, 3451, 3680, 3691 and 3822; refer to the Environment and Energy Committee - House Bills 406, 414, 433, 466, 471, 1149, 1321, 1549 and 2580; refer to the Executive Committee - House Bill 48, 325, 457, 487, 665, 747, 823, 870, 917, 1058, 1289, 2536, 3576, 3604 and 3843; refer to the Financial Institutions Committee - House Bill 583, 1301, 1391, 2404 and 2689; refer to the Health and Human Services Committee - House Bills 20, 130, 153, 172, 175, 190, 210, 213, 398, 399, 511, 523, 595, 612, 615, 641, 648, 700, 740, 759, 760, 765, 781, 785, -- 788, 808, 991, 1077, 1102, 1345, 1406, 1430, 1511, 1539, 1548, 1586, 2343, 2344, 2345, 2374, 2380, 2490, 2492, 2509, 2527, 2531, 2892, 3420, 3467, 3531, 3564, 4032 and 4067; refer to the Higher Education Committee - House Bills 56, 60, 815, 1051, 1343, 1487, 2435 and 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 3821; refer to the Housing and Community Affairs Committee - House Bills 55, 237, 328, 380, 451, 515, 603 and 4023; refer to the Insurance Committee - House Bills 59, 116, 119, 197, 253, 316, 521, 731 and 2375; refer to the Judiciary Committee - House Bills 23, 29, 35, 53, 132, 173, 174, 180, 181, 215, 245, 350, 369, 371, 381, 394, 396, 444, 524, 527, 529, 566, 582, 596, 598, 611, 617, 701, 763, 766, 767, 783, 793, 804, 806, 816, 880, 884, 885, 887, 888, 892, 893, 923, 950, 992, 1002, 1079, 1081, 1095, 1132, 1134, 1151, 1173, 1299, 1318, 1319, 1344, 1432, 1434, 1469, 1471, 1483, 1523, 1559, 1562, 1587, 1588, 2077, 2242, 2341, 2386, 2389, 2411, 2582, 2699, 2704, 3504, 3515, 3595, 3597, 3874 and 4020; refer to the Labor Committee - House Bills 43, 324, 593, 908, 313 {sic}(1313), 1402, 1480 and 3752; refer to the Licensed Activities Committee - House Bills 900 and 3033; refer to the Local Government Committee - House Bills 15, 62, 114, 115, 203, 212, 330, 339, 413, 488, -- excuse me, 528, 594, 602, 668, 715, 720, 723, 729, 832, 1125, 1157, 1315, 1323, 1338, 1395, 1458, 1500, 1504, 1574, 2500, 2533, 2564, 2611, 3538, 3651 and 3755; refer to the Pensions and Investments Committee - House Bills 157, 165, 227, 373, 741, 1383, 1403, 2469 and 3258; refer to the Revenue Committee - House Bills 18, 270, 395, 504, 709, 973, 1041, 1570, 1581, 2470, 2595 and 3763; refer to the State Government Committee - House Bills 112, 128, 264, 383, 415, 472, 474, 497, 518, 610, 748, 847, 1071, 1457, 1589, 2445, 2566, 2596, 3272, 3417, 3757 and 4058; refer to the Transportation Committee - House Bills 21, 386, 467, 544, 577, -- 708, 744, 947, 956, 960, 996, 1059, 1148, 1195, 1316, 1358, 1386, 1550, 1565, 1597, 2351, 2444, 2510 and 3738.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Madam Secretary, we are privileged to have in the gallery today one of my good friends from Joliet, Will County, Mr. Bob Herrick, who’s the Vice President of the Center for Economic Development, a body that keeps the economic engines running fast 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 and furious in Will County. I’d like to welcome him to the Senate today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will Mr. Herrick rise in the gallery so we can welcome you? Okay. We’re going to return to the Order of 3rd Readings on page 43. Top of page 43. 1879. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1879. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1879 is a vehicle bill. I was carrying it on behalf of the Illinois Corn Growers. They’ve been working on a promotional package with regard to ethanol and biodiesel. Those discussions are still underway. I’d like to move the bill over to the House to continue those discussions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Madam President, this bill passed out of Ag Committee. We support it. I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1879 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. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1879, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Collins, on 1881. Senator Cullerton, on 1883. Senator Winkel, on 1884. Senator Haine, on 1888. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1888. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine. I hope you’re not going to read all that.
Yes, Madam President. We’re going to go through this bill in detail, because in this bill this is a Legislative Reference Bureau revisory bill. It won the award as the top piece of legislation by the Illinois insomniac society, and I would appreciate an Aye vote. It makes technical changes on behalf of our beloved Reference Bureau, without whom we could not do the great things we do here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. I simply rise in support of the bill. It did come out of committee unanimously and appreciate the Senator’s work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1888 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1888, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 1889. Senator Haine, on 1889. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1889. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is another Legislative Reference Bureau bill. Makes revisory changes to numerous Acts. Renames the Bureau of the Budget and the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. It makes no substantive changes in -- in -- in -- in the law. It merely updates statutory references to the recently named DCEO 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 and GOMB. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you. I -- I notice in my Calendar and -- and up on the board it says this is a revisory renaming BOB. And we’re renaming BOB to -- to what, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Senator Burzynski, there’s an old line that’s in response to that, but I can’t say it on the Senate Floor. I -- I would appreciate an Aye vote. I think it’s Bureau of the Budget.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to stand and enthusiastically endorse this bill like I did the last one. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1889 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1889, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Silverstein, on 1892. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1892. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Silverstein. 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
Thank you, Madam President. This arises out of the ChoicePoint situation that happened during the last couple months. It creates the -- says that a victim - of -- identity theft may place a security freeze on his credit report. A security freeze prohibits credit agents -- reporting agency from releasing the consumer’s credit report or information from it without the written express -- authorization of the consumer. Had bipartisan support and I’ll ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in strong support of this bill and urge a Yes vote for the Chairman of the Executive Judiciary {sic} Committee. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1892 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. On that question, there are 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1892, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Silverstein, on 1893. Senator Silverstein seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1893 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1893. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments -- approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Silverstein.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Silverstein, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. The amendment deletes and becomes the bill. The amendment allows a court to grant an extension of the original six months discovery period for good cause up to ninety days. This was -- given to us by the Chicago Bar Association. I’ll take any questions now or on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Silverstein moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1893. All those in favor will 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, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator John Sullivan, on Senate Bill 1894. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1894. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1894 is a vehicle bill. I’ve been working with the Horsemen’s Council and the Illinois Feed and Grain Association on some possible changes to the horse checkoff. And those discussions are still underway and we’d like to keep the bill alive and move it over to the House to continue those discussions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he will.
Just very, very briefly. That’s the only thing this bill would be used for is for the checkoff program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 is, shall Senate Bill 1894 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. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1894, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cronin, on 1897. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1897. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cronin.
Thank you very much, Madam President. This bill simply provides that a person who’s charged with a Class A misdemeanor violation of sexual -- sexual exploitation of a child may not receive a disposition of supervision. This is significant, because supervision does not a -- a -- lead to registration of these sex offenders and I ask for your favorable consideration. Happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1897 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. On that question, there are 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1897, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cronin, on 1898. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1898. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cronin.
Thank you very much. This makes the same offense, a Class 4 felony, if the child that is the object of the sexual 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 exploitation is under thirteen. I ask for your favorable consideration. Happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Cullerton.
I guess. I’m supposed to say that it passed unanimously out of the committee and I’m in favor of it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1898 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. On that question, there are 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1898, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 1907. Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return -- Senate Bill 1907 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 1907. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton, to explain your amendment.
Yes. Thank you, -- Madam President, Members of the Senate. It’s a technical amendment that changes a -- a -- a valid signed authorization to a valid -- authorization. Move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1907. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 1908. Madam 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Secretary -- Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1908. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading -- pardon me, 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
This is a vehicle bill, Madam President. I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1908 pass. Those in favor -- will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. 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 41 Yeas, 13 voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1908, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 1915. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1915. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This is an initiative of the Chicago Bar Association. The condominium subcommittee of the Bar Association occasionally comes up with recommended legislation dealing with condominiums. This is it. This is a simple matter that would allow the condominium bylaws to provide for late fees for the delinquent payment of condominium assessments. Under the Act the late fees may not exceed twenty-five dollars or ten percent of the amount due, whichever is greater, and may be charged once for each individual late payment. As far as I know, former State Representative Ellis Levin would be in favor of this had he -- had he been a member of the General Assembly at the time. And be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote. 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1915 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1915, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, on Senate Bill 1932. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1932. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1932 amends the Public Community College Act and the State Finance Act regarding ICCB’s Instructional Development and Enhancement Applications Revolving Fund. And what this does is - this is an initiative of ICCB’s, which has been awarded -- some federal grant money to develop instructional software with the stipulation that it could turn a profit from these grants. Establishing this fund will let the ICCB sell the technology that it develops and keep the money for those sales to maintain and improve their technology. I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. I just rise in strong support of this bill. It passed out of the Higher Ed Committee unanimously.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1932 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. On that question, there are 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1932, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 passed. Top of page 44. Senator Cullerton, on 1941. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1941. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill was introduced creating the Children’s Parental Responsibility Act. We had -- objections to the bill by Ralph Rivera, who understood what we were trying to accomplish, but disagreed with the contents of the bill as drafted. We made it into a shell bill and we tried to buy some time to see if we can come up with an agreed bill. We weren’t able to do that. So my goal is to pass this bill over to the House in order to do that. I can just tell you what we’re trying to do here, we have a situation where children are being raised by people of the same gender and right now, under current law, if one party leaves the other and takes off, there’s no way to get child support from that person and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. So, we have a -- we have a -- a goal that everybody kind of agrees with, but the -- the question is how you draft the legislation. And it’s a little tricky. We weren’t able to come up with an agreed bill, but our goal is to continue to do that. I worked with Senator Roskam on the concept to see if we can put the -- the language together. So, right now it’s a shell bill, but it’s a shell bill with a -- with a purpose and it’s a shell bill that hopefully we can get an agreed bill on in the House and come back on concurrence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. You know, briefly to the -- to the bill and to this concept. This is one of these potentially very controversial ideas that sort of -- only Senator Cullerton could be able to put this thing together. You know what I mean? He’s got sort of that ability to bring together and negotiate and 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 so forth. So, this is -- I know he is working urgently to try and accommodate everybody. And he’s been very gracious in reaching out to everybody across the political spectrum. But just a little bit of a word of caution in that when this goes to the House it may -- it may end up in the control of people who don’t share Senator Cullerton’s world view, shall we say. And so enough said, and good luck. God bless you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
Okay. So the bill -- the -- what the bill says right now is, “Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Children’s Parental Responsibility Act.” That’s all it says. And I’ll let -- I’ll make a deal right here on the Senate Floor. Senator Roskam, you pick the sponsor in the Senate -- in the House. You pick the sponsor in the House. Tell me who it is and I’ll give it to ‘em right now as soon as we pass it. Okay?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1941 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 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 29 Yeas, 22 Nays, 5 voting Present. Senate Bill 1941, having not received the required constitutional majority, is declared failed. Senator Cullerton.
Postpone, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The bill will be put… Senator Cullerton requests that Senate Bill 1943 {sic} be postponed. The bill will be placed on the Order of Postponed Consideration. Senator Pankau. Senator Pankau seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1943 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 1943. Madam Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Pankau.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Pankau, to explain your amendment.
Following the advice of the Chairs of the Judiciary Committee, the amendment removes the language from the Statutory Rape Section and puts it into the Official Misconduct Section, and it also limits it to teachers in public school high school.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Pankau moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1943. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President -- Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. For the record, I just want to reiterate it was 1941 that -- Senator Cullerton’s bill that was put on Postponed Consideration. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 1955. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1955. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1955 creates the Supreme Court Campaign Reform Act. This bill is a bill proposed in the interest of ensuring that our State’s highest court remains independent of influence of special interests. The U.S. -- I was reading the paper earlier today, two U.S. Supreme Court justices spoke out with regards to ensuring that -- our courts remain free of outside political influence. The bill would create the Supreme Court -- Democracy Trust Fund with a public financing option for candidates of the State Supreme Court. Similar -- similar legislation passed in North Carolina resulting in four out of five winning Appellate Court and Supreme Court candidates having been participants in 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 public financing. Similar legislation also passed out of this Chamber with bipartisan support. I would ask for a favorable vote on this and I would be glad to entertain any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this bill. And this bill and this concept has a long history in getting here. A couple of years ago a gentleman named Barack Obama and myself sponsored this bill and we did it following a very, very, very expensive race in the year 2000 between our colleague Carl Hawkinson and Justice Kilbride. The Supreme Court races in Illinois, the money that pours into these things is now mind- boggling. And just by way of history, I don’t know what’s going to happen to this bill, but just a couple of statistics. In 1992, five people in the First District in Cook County spent eight hundred thousand dollars combined in the primary. About six years later, four candidates - fewer candidates - spent two and a half million dollars to run for the Supreme Court. Senator Hawkinson and Justice Kilbride spent -- and they’ve set the record, about 1.3 or 1.4 million dollars in the year 2000. And just two years later, Justice Garman from this area where we sit in Springfield, her race against Sue Myerscough cost two million dollars. We all know, down in the Fifth District this last fall, we set the national record - the most money spent in the United States of America ever for a Supreme Court race, about ten million dollars. It is crazy to spend ten million dollars for a Supreme Court race, when you think what it looks like to the public. We take money from special interest groups as Legislators and we should and they know where we are on particular issues. But being a Supreme Court Justice is very different than being a politician who’s the Governor or a member of the General Assembly. When you go before the State’s highest court, I think the public expects the people who appear before them to not have a financial interest in who that justice is. I won’t bore you with statistics from a recent University of Illinois poll, but it is clear that the majority of Illinoisans, in fact eighty-five percent, believe that campaign contributions influence the decision of judges. And that’s not the way it 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 should be in Illinois or anywhere in the United States of America. Seventy percent of the people of this State thought that the 2005 election down in that area for the Fifth District was too expensive and out of control. So the statistics by the public clearly think that the Supreme Court should be beyond reproach. This bill is optional. You do not have to, if you decide to run for the Supreme Court, adhere to this type of legislation. But something’s got to be done and we decided we’d start with the Supreme Court. This bill has passed this Chamber before and if it passed a few years ago here, it’s more needed today than it ever is and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs. Senator Shadid.
Would the sponsor answer a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Have you ever considered - possibly in relationship to what Senator Dillard has said, did you consider maybe having all of our judges run nonpartisan?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
No. I didn’t consider that. That may be a -- a -- a good proposal for the future, but at this point the concern is the money being poured into the -- these Supreme Court races and -- and I think that even if we had nonpartisan races, if that were the only standard, there -- there -- it -- it would still be available for special interests to pour money into a race to -- to -- to create the perception that justice is for sale. And -- and I think that’s what this bill is targeted towards.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Shadid.
Senator, is there a limit on the amount of money in your bill that can be spent on these races now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul. 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
For participating candidates, there’s a limit of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. There’s no limit for nonparticipating candidates.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Shadid.
I think my question -- in your bill if you would get it passed, there’d be a limit of seven hundred and fifty thousand that that’s all they can spend?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
That would be for participating candidates. Now, if they are outspent there would be an option created for matching funds up to one million five hundred thousand dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cronin.
Would the sponsor yield for a couple quick questions, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
The concept’s a good one. I’ve supported this in the past. The trouble with this and other similar efforts is the practical application of it. How does a candidate who is seeking election to the Supreme Court -- how do they -- how do they access this money? I mean, can -- can anyone -- can the -- can the candidate from the KKK party, can he run for office and expect to get public funding and -- and how do you keep fringe candidates like that out of this program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
There is -- there is a qualification provision within the Act where to qualify for contributions they would have to receive -- contributions between five and twenty-five dollars from a number of -- of citizens depending on whether they’re in the 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 First Judicial District. It would be two thousand -- from two thousand one hundred and thirty-five people and -- and if it were in the Fifth Judicial circuit it’d be from six hundred and fifty- nine people.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Senator, I rise in strong support of your bill. I hope you move forward on this bill and at some point I’d like to see this Body under public financing from the State government as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you. Senator, I -- I don’t think that I understood the question -- your answer -- excuse me, to Senator Cronin’s question about who can qualify to access the public funds. I mean, maybe -- can you walk through and example or something like that…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Yes, Senator. Again, we -- we would want this provision in -- in the bill, which -- which would require, depending on what district the candidate was running in, to collect contributions, small contributions, from a -- a number of contributors within the district would be open to anybody. Anybody who could collect that many contributions, it would be -- setting a threshold so that fringe candidates, you know. Obviously, the example that was used is somebody from the KKK party. Well, if in the First District two thousand one hundred and thirty-five people make a contribution of five to twenty-five dollars, yes, that person could access funds. People -- if there were such a party they -- they -- they’d be able to run for the Supreme Court right now provided that they were a licensed attorney.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Righter.
Now, Senator, as I understand the bill, there isn’t any geographic limitation from where those contributions, the qualifying contributions if you want to call ‘em, come from. In other words, you could have a race down in Southern Illinois and all the qualifying contributions could come from Springfield. They could come from Chicago or vice versa. Is that accurate? Because I think what you’re trying to tell me is that the -- that the candidate has to show some measure of grass roots support in the area in which they’re running. But as I understand your bill, they don’t have to show a scintilla of support from where they’re running. They can -- they can get it from anywhere else in the State. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Actually, the contributions would have to come within -- from -- from candidates within the district.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
Can you enlighten me, Senator, on the funding source for the bill? And in -- for purposes of economy and time I’m going to give you a two-part question here. How’s this going to be paid for? And second, what if we get into a situation where the money in the fund, I mean, if you have an expectation for how much money it’s going to generate that -- that’d be great, but what if the money in the fund isn’t enough to cover what a candidate is entitled to through the match? If -- if one candidate’s taking the public option, the other one is just writing personal checks and the candidate who is taking the public option is entitled to a certain amount of money and there’s not enough money on fund, where does that money come from? Thank you for your answers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
The -- the -- the -- the funding source for the Supreme Court Democracy Trust Fund would come from two sources. One 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 would be a add-on to attorney appearance fees in -- in -- in courts. And the other would be a -- a volunteer check-off similar to that that we have for Presidential campaigns on the federal level, but this would be on the State income tax -- form. So -- so that would be a -- volunteer contributions. With regards to the second question, it’s anticipated with the time that we had leading up to the next Supreme Court races, there would be enough time to -- to sufficiently raise money for the fund.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator Raoul, I understand kind of the underlying drive, and so forth, of trying to boost confidence in the judiciary and I respect that. One of the -- the concerns is that, is -- is there anything in your bill -- we’ve got a judicial system in Illinois that’s not a population-based system, obviously. It’s pursuant to the Constitution so it’s set up according to districts that don’t change. So, is there anything in your bill that prohibits, for example, the influence of money from, let’s say, District One to District Four in terms of qualifying? Do you understand what I’m saying? The…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Yeah.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam. Senator Raoul.
As -- as -- as previously mentioned, the contributions of five to twenty-five dollars qualifying contributions would have to come from within the district. Theoretically, yes, somebody can give -- slip somebody -- somebody from the Fourth District could slip somebody five bucks who lives in the First District and that person make the contribution that -- we don’t have a 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 mechanism of tracking that down, but, you know, I -- I think this goes a long way towards preventing fringe candidates from -- from -- from qualifying.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
So the original qualifying contributions, Senator, come from within the district? I’m not concerned about one guy giving another guy twenty dollars, but the original qualifying contributions come within -- have to come within the -- the individual district?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Is it your goal over a long period of time really to have the public financing then of the judiciary in Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Right now, I -- I -- I’m focused on the -- Supreme Court, our highest court, I think. You know, it is important for the public to have confidence in our highest court. Certainly, I would -- I would love to see a -- a -- a system in place that would give the public confidence that justice is not for sale and that we have an -- a judiciary independent of partisan politics and -- and special interest influence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Well, the bill, even on its best day, though, does -- doesn’t do that, does it? I mean, it creates for one candidate in a race, it -- it creates sort of that imprimatur that you’re trying to create. But the opponent would still be part of that same -- the -- the current system, but with some limitations. So, even this bill isn’t going to take away the -- the perceived 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 influence of special interest dollars, is it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
I believe it will take -- take away some -- some of the perception. Clearly, the bill does not prohibit, and I don’t think we could have a bill that would prohibit candidates that wanted to not participate, a -- a bill that would compel them to participate. However, as mentioned before this -- this bill can gain a lot of hope from what -- what happened last year in North Carolina where a similar bill where there were five winning appellate court and supreme court candidates. Of the five, four were participating candidates and only one was a nonparticipating candidate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
In the -- the November General Election, the Presidential race got a lot of attention, Senator, with those 527 plans. The outside groups that organized themselves under that code -- provision of the Internal Revenue Code, and they were able to -- and the -- this was -- I realize this is a different jurisdictional question, but the analogy stands. The federal Election Commission said, "Yeah those are legal and they can do whatever they want." Is there any limitation -- under this bill? Let’s assume for the sake of argument that you have two candidates who publicly -- who -- who -- who choose to participate. One of the candidates has some really wealthy, incredibly savvy friends that have a lot of interest in the litigation system. Would those wealthy, savvy, highly interested people be able to organize themselves and raise and spend money without limitation against their friend’s opponent? Is there anything in the bill that limits that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
If -- if you’re saying short of making contributions to the -- to -- to the candidate. No, I… I’m advised that there is a - - a reporting requirement for expenditures -- for -- 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 electioneering on behalf of a candidate that would allow for matching funds, if it was on behalf of a nonparticipating candidate. So -- but there is a -- a -- a -- reporting requirement for such activity.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you for your responses, Senator. Briefly to the bill. I think that that’s -- that in a nutshell is the weakness of the bill in that it -- it purports to create this free -- I mean, this -- this -- this fair playing field. But in reality, it is very easily manipulated by people who basically can pat these candidates on the head or candidates can be complicit in this in that before they formally become candidates they can say, “I intend to run for this office. I intend to become publicly financed and I intend to bait my opponent into public financing. If I’m successful in doing that, would you be willing to consider, let’s say, extracurricular activities on my behalf?" Not illegal, not improper, not unethical, but clearly against the spirit of this bill. So I think it -- it is -- it is selling something, or it is -- it -- the -- the bill is -- is holding out to the public that it’s got this level playing field about it when there is, in fact, I think this glaring error in that it allows others to participate on behalf of candidates while the candidate can be the beneficiary of that and there’s not really much of a downside. I would urge a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Geo-Karis.
Sponsor yield to -- for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
I mean, what if twenty candidates file for the darn thing? Would you be in a position to subsidize all twenty?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Well, probably not. However, again, that’s part of what the 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 qualifying requirement does to -- it deters exactly that. Currently, we have Supreme Court races where we don’t have that many candidates. With -- with this bill we are creating a -- a threshold that doesn’t currently exist now. So, right now we don’t have such a threshold and we don’t -- don’t have twenty candidates. But this creates such a threshold that would -- would probably prevent that number of candidates.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Viverito.
Will the Senator yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) He indicates he will.
Senator, I’m -- I’m a little confused, you know, not being an attorney. I have the highest regard for you and -- and our other colleague, Peter Roskam - Senator Roskam, being an attorney, as well. But when I look at the analysis, I found that the Illinois State Bar Association agrees with you as a proponent. I happen to live in Cook County and the Cook County Bar Association is opposed. Would you please explain that to me?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
I was -- being a board member of the Cook County Bar Association, that opposition was not communicated to me and I certainly -- I know I certainly didn’t vote on such opposition. And -- and -- and I must admit to you I’m quite embarrassed, but -- but I -- I -- you know, no -- no -- no such reason for such opposition was -- was -- was communicated to me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Viverito.
Well, I certainly appreciate… You need not be embarrassed. But, obviously, reading the analysis, I was deeply concerned. And I thought if anybody would understand it, Senator, it certainly would have been you. Without any further ado I will rest my case. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, I think a couple of times the question was asked of you -- and I -- and I didn’t hear an answer, a complete answer. What if there’s not enough money in that fund? Who, then, pays to make -- to get that money? I -- I guess there’s a total about seven hundred and fifty thousand for each candidate. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
That’s correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.
So it would be a million and a half dollars. What if that’s not in there? Is there any -- do you have any mechanism presently in that bill to make up that difference?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
No. There’s nothing in the bill right now to -- to make up that difference. The -- the assumption is based on the time between now and the -- the next Supreme Court race that there would be sufficient time to raise the money sufficient to fund the fund.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.
And you have statistics that would show that? That that would raise that much money? Again, let’s say that that happens - just to the bill. You know, most of us in this room have been around long enough to have heard about and -- and listened to campaign finance reform on the federal level for a lot of years. 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 And there’ve been -- there’ve been a number of campaign finance reform bills passed on the federal level. And -- and -- and maybe your impression is a little different than mine, but my impression is, that with all those campaign finance bills, things get uglier every year and more and more money is spent every year on campaigns. There are always ways around those -- around those bills. Just as we talked about here before, Senator Roskam asking the question, is there anything to stop different groups from coming in and supporting one of the candidates? I think we all know that that’s going to happen, except in a bigger way now. I wish there was an answer to this. I -- I watched that Fifth Judicial District race rather closely. And it -- and -- and I wish there was an answer and somebody could convince me that there’s an answer that we can make it better than what it is. But my experience, and I would guess most of you are old enough to have experience to understand and to really realize that on a federal level, it’s worse now than it was twenty years ago. And we’ve had a couple of campaign finance reform bills passed. And I sense that this won’t change a whole lot. If you could convince me that it would, I’d be for it. But I -- I really think it will make it, maybe in the end, just more devious ways to get around to -- to finance certain candidates and we end up with something worse than what we have. And I -- I wish I could be convinced that this was the answer, but I’m -- I don’t really think it is. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
First of all, I’d like to compliment my colleague. He -- sometimes it takes the fresh approach of a new Legislator to make us take a look again at issues like this. And I think that it’s -- it’s extraordinary and admirable that you’re taking this issue up, and I hope today’s outcome doesn’t change your commitment and willingness to look. I -- I think as Legislators and as citizens of the State of Illinois we need to be committed to -- to developing a more responsive, more honest, more trustworthy and a more public-inspired and public-accepted judiciary. So I appreciate what you’ve done, but I -- I just want to ask you, is there a -- is there a court filing fee included in the structure 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 of this bill? Like for those -- those Members, pick of Republicans who are concerned about voting for additional fees which reduce access, you know, kind of, you know, our -- our -- our toll road court system. Is there a fee included in the understructure of this bill, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
There is -- with regards to the -- the funding, yes, there is an appearance fee. There’s a dollar add-on to an appearance fee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
Well, again, I -- I compliment you on doing this. I would make Members aware that there’s an additional fee in this. I hope as this bill evolves, if it’s not successful today, that -- that we -- we get away from tollgates. I mean, I think if -- if we become committed to a process like this, we ought to be committed to spend general revenue, not fee-based revenue on -- on these kind of issues. So, Senator, good luck with this bill. I -- I’m probably not going to be with you this time, but a lot of us do appreciate the fact that you’re making us pick up and examine this again.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Petka.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, in times when I’ve seen the Supreme Court accept cases dealing with new fees that are added on in connection with appearance of either counsel or -- or litigants in court, it seems to me that there is -- when the courts have reviewed those fees they’ve always tried to find a nexus between the fee that is -- that is paid in some operation, internal operation of the court system, whether it deals with probation system or perhaps with the circuit clerk and the operation of the circuit clerk’s 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 office and leads up to my question. Is there a nexus, in your opinion, between, an -- an appearance fee and an election of -- of a person to -- to a higher office?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Certainly. One -- one nexus would be that each attorney who would pay such a fee would be qualified to be a candidate to -- to -- to -- to -- to run for Supreme Court. In -- in addition, I think speaking as an attorney, there’s an interest in -- in having an impartial, fair judicial system. Our highest court, as you know, is -- is -- is often the final voice on the interpretation of -- of legislation that we pass out of this Chamber. And I -- and -- and making -- in -- in interpreting law that will be applied to the lower courts. And so there’s -- there -- I believe there is a nexus for each -- attorney who would pay such a fee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Petka.
I certainly share your commitment to what -- what -- what we hope is the way that the higher courts perceive actions at the -- at the trial court level, but perhaps I should rephrase my question. The -- the -- the dollar that is going to be filed by either attorneys or by litigants who are -- who may come to court without an attorney, in times past, have been used for the internal operation of the court system, and that can be either for the circuit clerks in -- in the funding of their office or a probation system in the funding of the operations of probation office, because there is a relationship between the action of the circuit court and the collection of that fee. And every time that we’ve gone beyond that and we’ve sought to raise monies using court fees that were not inherently and directly related, the Supreme Court of our State has struck ‘em down. And so -- I -- I mean, in -- in -- in the North Carolina legislation that you alluded to, was there any problem in terms of the funding mechanism that -- that might call this the funding source in -- into a -- a -- and a challenge to its constitutionality?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Raoul.
The -- the -- I’m glad -- Thank you, Senator. I’m glad you raised the question with regards to the constitutionality. Constitutionality of similar legislation was challenged in -- in -- in -- Arizona and the legislation withstood such a challenge and -- and -- and reference was made to the United States Supreme Court’s decision with regards to challenges to the Presidential check-offs and -- and -- and so -- so it’s -- it has withstood constitutional challenges within other jurisdictions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Madam President. I hate to interrupt at this very tedious point of this debate, but I’d just like the Senate to recognize a former Member, the former superchairman of the Appropriation Committee for a number of years, our former colleague, Senator Howard Carroll.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Carroll, welcome to Springfield. It’s good to have you back in the Chamber. Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Great minds like Senator DeLeo and I think alike. I was just going to ask and rise on a point of personal privilege to introduce Senator Carroll. And I found it ironic when we were talking about finance and Cook County lawyers and bar associations and, above all, good government that the powerful Fiftieth -- former Fiftieth Ward Democratic Chairman, the guru of appropriations for centuries around here, Howie Carroll, walked on the Floor. So, I find it ironic that of all people during this bill, lawyers, Cook County and finance, to walk on the Floor. I thought it was bizarre that Senator Carroll was here. But it’s great to see you, Senator Carroll. Welcome back.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Raoul, to close.
Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. I appreciate the concerns raised by -- by the Members with regards to this bill. 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Certainly, the -- the bill is not perfect. Certainly, there’ll - - there’ll be individuals who will try to get around the reform that we’re trying to place into effect with this bill. In -- in -- in my humble opinion that is no reason to not try to attempt to do something about the millions of dollars that are going into trying to influence our highest court. We need to do something for the people of this great State to have them have confidence in our highest court in -- in justice in this case. And I would ask for a favorable vote on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1955 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. On that question, there are 34 Yeas, 23 Nays, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1955, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, on 1959. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1959. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. You may recall in the last year’s budget agreement there was a provision added to create the State Facilities Closure Act, which was a process by which a -- a proposed closure of either a leased or owned facility by the State would be reviewed by the Commission for {sic} Government Forecasting and Accountability and then go through that process and then either be closed or left open. There’s a threshold of twenty-five employees to be working at a facility for that facility to be reviewed and -- and vetted prior to its closure and this lifts that twenty-five employee threshold so that any leased or -- so that any leased or owned facility would be reviewed and undergo that higher level of scrutiny prior to its closure. There’s no opposition and I urge your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Is there any discussion? Senator Rauschenberger.
Senator Schoenberg, just so I understand, if -- if -- if the -- let’s say DNR has -- has a -- a three-person office posted in Elgin, actually in the Isaac Walton, the -- the Isaac Walton League has a little building up in Elgin that they sublease a part of it to a State agency. If -- if they were to decide to close that office or move those employees, that three-person office would rise to the level of convening the -- the Commission on Economic -- whatever in the name of our Ec and Fisc is? So that small a move would be subject to scrutiny by the General Assembly?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
It is, and I’ll tell you why. I’m less concerned with that three-person office in the Isaac Walton Lodge as I am about -- for example, there were a number of Secretary of State facilities where there were fewer than twenty-five employees engaged at a present time. So, therefore, if we were to seek to close some of those facilities that it would not undergo that more rigorous process. Similarly, you may recall that when -- during the time that -- there was a time when the Attorney General had satellite offices around the State and I think what -- and what -- I think what we want to do is we want to make sure that all the leases and all the real property are undergoing the level of scrutiny necessary to ensure that market rates were paid, that there were purchase options within the lease and the other rigorous criteria that we ask of properties. So, I don’t -- so, that should address your -- your question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Rauschenberger.
I find myself in the bizarre role of being concerned that we might be being unreasonable to people who’ve won and earned statewide election. I -- I agree with the intent of -- much of what you’re doing, but I feel much more comfortable with the threshold of ten employees or five employees or some -- some threshold. I just think at some point, you know, if we’re 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 dissatisfied with -- with Secretary of State Jesse White, or whoever the Secretary of State is, the General Assembly has a fair amount of authority through the appropriation process - when we decide to exercise it. I -- I just become concerned at some point that, you know, there is a separation of powers when someone is elected and vested with executive authority at some point we have to let them -- the original -- the original twenty- five-person threshold was to deal with the economic impact of a State facility on a community. So, the grounds under which we began the argument that we have the right to review it is -- is how it affects our districts. So, I -- I very much respect your work on procurement and what you’re trying to achieve. I think in this case you may be shooting a -- a -- a mosquito with a -- a tank round. And -- and I think you might be going a little further than would be good. And I would certainly rather not see something like this tested in the Supreme Court, because I -- I just wonder if at this level of scrutiny if we’re not putting -- calling into question or encouraging our judicial brethren to review whether we’ve crossed the line and are trying to tell the Executive Branch how to run their offices. But, just the ramblings of a recliner salesman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you. I think having worked closely with Senator Rauschenberger on purchasing reforms, I certainly respect his opinion. However, I can tell you as we have begun to actually implement the Facilities Closure Act, one of the proposed facilities that has -- Department of Human Services Office that is scheduled to be closed, upon review of those criteria that office would actually be illegal under the current, more rigorous purchasing laws, because of the terms that were set by prior administrations. My fear, frankly, is that employee -- where there are properties which deserve more scrutiny because there is a questionable lease for whatever reason, that by simply moving employees out of that facility just to get under the threshold, that we would lose the higher level of transparency. So I would rather us work a little harder, but take a closer look, and I’d urge an Aye vote for this. 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? The question is, shall Senate Bill 1959 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. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 3 voting Nay, 3 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1959, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Shadid, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Madam Chairman, I have two gentlemen here. One of ‘em is the Mayor of Springfield who needs no introduction, Mayor Tim Davlin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome, Mayor Davlin.
And also the new Mayor-elect of Peoria, Jim Ardis, a fine young man.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Schoenberg, on 1960. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1960. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. For those of you in the -- who are interested in child safety, I encourage you to vote for Senate Bill 1960, which would ban the retail sales of water yo-yo balls. This, my friends, is a water yo-yo ball and all the -- all the joking aside, this has become increasingly a safety hazard in households, not just in Illinois, but throughout the country as there are two specific 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 problems with this toy. The first is, that it’s very easy, and we’ve seen increased incidents of the cord actually wrapping around the child’s neck. And -- out of respect for my colleagues from across the aisle, I’m not going to demonstrate as to how that would work. But -- and secondly, the -- the liquid inside this is flammable. And all the kidding aside, there have been several hundred cases of -- of potential suffocation or strangulation. As of December 2004, these toys were responsible for nearly four hundred reported health incidents, two hundred and eighty-four of which involved suffocation or strangulation and fifty-two of those incidents resulting in unconsciousness. I’d urge an Aye vote for this and I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1960 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. On that question, there are 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1960, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton. Senator Schoenberg, on 1962. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1962. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the bill {sic}. Senate Bill 1962 would require a -- a FOID Card for any individual who -- who wished to own a -- for any civilian who wished to own a stun gun or a taser. As we’ve seen increasingly, Taser International is aggressively seeking to market tasers to - - to civilians. And it’s my view, and this is a view shared by the law enforcement community - by the State Police and others - that if we -- since these tasers can administer lethal force -- and at a time when police departments across the country and 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 across Illinois are re-evaluating whether or not they should be using them -- that certainly at the very minimum, we ought to require the owners to have a FOID Card and to undergo the same kind of background check that anybody who would be purchasing a - - a rifle or shotgun, a twenty-four-hour period, would be having. I’d be happy to answer any questions. There’s no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Dillard.
I just want to point out, the Illinois State Rifle Association is for this bill. So, if you want to cast your one gun control bill and vote for one of Senator Schoenberg’s gun control bills this is your chance to hit the green switch.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1962 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1962, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg. 1964. Senator Schoenberg seeks leave of this Body to return Senate Bill 1964 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 1964. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate -- Senate Amendment No. 4 {sic}(No. 1) does four things. There’s no opposition to this. It deletes any reference to suits in civil action. That was a drafting error. Secondly, it expands the potential pool for the authority’s amnesty program for toll violators that’s -- that’s enabled by the underlying bill for anybody with any toll violations to be included in the program. So, it’s more inclusive. The third thing is that it 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 clarifies that the electric I-PASS transponders are not vehicle - - windshield obstructions, so you can’t get a ticket for it anymore. And fourth, finally, there’s a clarification on the filing fees to process suspension. There’s no opposition. I’d urge your adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Schoenberg -- moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1964. All those in favor will 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, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on 1966. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1966. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Is there an amendment for this? There was Amendment No. 1. Was that -- anything happen? Okay. I apologize. The committee amendment was adopted. I’m ready to proceed. Thank you very much for your indulgence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you. This is a -- Senate Bill -- 1699 {sic} deals with -- amends the Government Ethics Act and relates to requiring individuals who have been commonly referred to as informal advisors to the Executive Branch to file their statement of economic interest within sixty days after assuming those responsibilities as representing the government. Right now it’s thirty days after making an ex parte communication. It also amends the Procurement Code dropping the sixty-percent threshold over which anybody with a potential economic interest is required 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 to have the Executive Branch file for a waiver. This would have that standard be more stringent and have everybody file for that waiver. There’s a provision that relates to tightening the prohibition on -- on voiding out contracts if, in fact, the waiver process is not correctly filed and finally, -- and this is something those of you who are interested in issuing bonds may be interested in, they -- there are provisions banning the use of independent consultants within the -- municipal securities industry and finally, there is a -- a related measure with penalties for -- failure for individuals and firms to adhere to the MSRB’s Rule G-37 on disclosure for political contributions. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill passed unanimously out of Executive Committee and I urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1966 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. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay and none voting Present. Senate Bill 1966, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Forby, on 1967. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1967. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen. Senate Bill 1967 add afford {sic} housing to the older adult service, which passed last year restructured its long-term care system. Affording housing is need to -- to give senior citizens the opportunity to live and receive a service in their own community. Under this bill, Department of Aging will use the recommending of Illinois’ Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan and address the needs 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 of elder -- of older adults across the State. Senate Bill 67 {sic}(1967) is supported by AARP, Illinois Coalition -- Coalition of Ag -- Aging, I mean, Department of Aging, Department of Public Health, Illinois Housing Development Authority, Life Service Network, Illinois Health Care Association and Cancer of Long Term. This is a good bill for our AARP people.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill. Just so all the colleagues on this side of the aisle know, this passed out of committee unanimously and we support it. It’s a great bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1967 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Oh! I’m sorry. Senator Cullerton.
Yes. Madam President, it might be a great bill, but I didn’t understand a word he said.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby, will you repeat it? No. Just kidding. Senator Cullerton, was that it? The question is, shall Senate Bill 1967 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. On that question, there are 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present, and Senate Bill 1967, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Almost there. Senator Forby. 1968. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1968. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
This is a vehicle bill. I just want to keep it alive and I want to move it out of the Senate so it can get over to the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you. Well, -- unlike Senator Cullerton I did understand, Senator -- I speak -- I speak Forby, Southern Illinois, so I -- I can understand that. But -- but anyway, Senator, this bill deals with quick-take?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
Do you have specific project parcels, or whatever, in mind?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
Yes. This is an economic development bill back home and it’s over a billion-dollar project and what’s going on now I really don’t think we’ll have to use it, but the county boards and the mayor and the kinfolks, everybody is working on this bill. They think they’re going to get something done, but I’m just going to keep this bill alive in case they need it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1968 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. On that question, there are 33 Yeas, 21 Nays, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1968, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Forby, on 1969. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1969. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
This is another vehicle bill that we don’t have the wording for and I just want to keep it alive and send it to the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you. Senator, what’s this for?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
I didn’t hear him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
What’s this for, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
This is a mobile home bill, or double-wide bill that we’re working on that is down the road. I would love to see maybe a lemon law to put the double-wide homes, same as we got cars. So this is the wording that we’re looking at and we haven’t come up with any wording yet on that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1969 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. On that question, there are 31 Yeas, 26 Nays, none voting Present -- 1 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1969, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, on 1971. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Senate Bill 1971. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1971, as is stated earlier, creates the Paul Simon Rural Transportation -- Initiative. It amends the Downstate Public Transportation Act. Allows any non-urbanized area to be eligible to participate in the Downstate Operating Assistance Program. Allows any participants that expands its service boundaries can receive additional funding and states that IDOT does not have to approve service areas for funding. It also adds a hold harmless clause to existing transportation programs. The thrust of the bill is to open the Downstate Operating Assistance Program to the thirty rural downstate counties that do not currently receive State funding for their public transportation systems. This is an initiative of the Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn’s Office and I’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Madam President. This came out of Transportation unanimously and would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any other discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you. Senator, will this take funds away from the current, the existing downstate transportation systems?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you. No, it will not. That’s why we specifically put 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 the hold harmless clause in there to make sure that the current systems do -- do not lose any funding. Obviously, I was concerned with that, as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1971 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. On that question, there are 59 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1971, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Rauschenberger, on 1986. Madam Secretary, read the -- oh! Senator Rauschenberger seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1986 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 1986. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Rauschenberger.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Rauschenberger, to explain your amendment.
The amendment is a two-word amendment that -- adds the words “and populations” to the data that the Department of Public Health will submit to the Department of Public Aid to be included on the Data Warehouse. In many ways it’s a non-substantive amendment. I appreciate the Body’s indulgence in letting me adopt this amendment and would be very happy to comprehensively explain this bill on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Rauschenberger moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1986. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Forby, on Senate Bill 1989. Madam 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1989. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
Thank you, Madam Chairman -- President. This is another vehicle bill and what this bill is, a drilling act and the Farm Bureau getting together and they’ve agreed that something needs to be done and they’re going to work out the wording, and they just didn’t get the wording done. So I want to keep this bill alive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1989 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. On that question, there are 39 Yeas, -- 18 Nays, none voting Present, and Senate Bill 1989, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Clayborne, on 1994. Senator Winkel, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen, in the President’s Gallery I’d like to introduce you to the President of the University of Illinois, Joe White.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield. And congratulations on a great basketball season. For all intents and purposes we are done with our business today. We are going to finish some paper work and we will be coming back tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
137 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 House Bill 348, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 438, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 473, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 655, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 657, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 676, offered by Senator Petka. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 711, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 769, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 918, offered by Senators Clayborne and Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 920, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 984, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1005, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1039, offered by Senators Sandoval and DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1272, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1350, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- pardon me, 1351, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1540, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1554, offered by Senator Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1569, offered by Senator Dave Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1571, offered by Senator Watson. 138 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2347, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2379, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2455, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2460, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2462, offered by Senator Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2480, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2506, offered by Senator Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2696, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2697, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2700, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3472, offered by Senator Halvorson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3500, offered by Senator Cronin. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3593, offered by Senator Rutherford. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3740, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3850, offered by Senator Dahl. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3853, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4051, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1100, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 2512, offered by Senator Halvorson. (Secretary reads title of bill) 139 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/13/2005 3rd Reading of the -- pardon me, 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 14th, 2005. The Senate stands adjourned. 140