PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The regular Session of the 94th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? And will the guest -- guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Rabbi Marks, Temple Israel, in Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by Rabbi Marks)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of Wednesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 12, 2005.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 205, offered by Senator Harmon and all Members. And Senate Resolution 206, offered by Senator Shadid and all Members. They’re both death resolutions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 2943, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
In the President’s gallery behind you today is Vicky Smith, who is Executor with the Southwest Conference of Mayors, and her niece and nephew, Richie Matyas and Reanna Matyas. I'd like the Senate to please welcome them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
I, too, have guests in the Capitol today. I have Dan and Liz Ryan from Huntley, Illinois. Can we welcome them to Springfield and congratulate Dan? He just was elected trustee in City of Huntley.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Congratulations and welcome to Springfield. Madam Secretary, Messages.
A Message from the President, dated May 16, 2005. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-5(c), I hereby appoint Senator Louis Viverito to replace Senator James DeLeo as a member of the Rules Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) We will be going to the bottom of page 92 on House Bills 2nd Reading. But just for the Body’s information, we will be going to 3rd Reading. So, if you are in your offices or anywhere where you can here me, please come to the Senate Floor. Bottom of page 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 92, on House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 2. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 21. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 21. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Committee Amendment No. 2.
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 Righter, on House Bill 23. Senator Haine, on House Bill 27. Senator Haine, on -- moving it from 2nd to 3rd. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 44. Senator Winkel, on House Bill 48. Senator Winkel, on House Bill 48. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 48. (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 House Bill 56. Senator Maloney, on House Bill 60. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 60. (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 House Bill 128. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 128.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Oh! I’m sorry. That -- there’s a hold on that. Senator 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Schoenberg. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on House Bill 130. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 130. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 3.
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 Roskam, on House Bill 132. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 132. (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 Link, on 157. Senator Link. Senator Link. 157. Senator Lightford, on 165. Top of page 94. Senator Trotter, on 175. Senator -- oh, we’ll return to 188. Senator Trotter wants -- so, Madam Secretary, please read 175.
House Bill 175. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Peterson, on 190. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 House Bill 190. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Haine, on 212. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 212. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Petka, on House Bill 220. Senator Petka. Senator Haine, on 298. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 298. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne, on 310. Senator Winkel. 325. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 325. (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, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg, on 348. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 348. (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 360. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 360. (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. Top of page 95. Senator Righter, on 361. Senator Trotter, on 369. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 369. (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 380. Senator Lightford, on 383. Senator Lightford, on 384. Cullerton. 394. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 394. (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 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Petka, on 396. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to 399. Senator Meeks, on 406. Senator Raoul, on 466. Senator Harmon, on 481. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 481. (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 96. Senator Wilhelmi, on 487. Senator Hunter, on 511. Senator Hunter. 511. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 511. (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 527. Senator Hendon, on 529. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 529. (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 566. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 566. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 3rd Reading. Senator Jacobs, on 596. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 596. (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 Winkel, on 598. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 598. (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 612. Senator Martinez. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 612. (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 672. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 672. (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 678. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
House Bill 678. (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 690. Top of page 97. Senator Lightford, on 695. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your -- state your point.
We have a very distinguished young lady in the audience today. She’s the administrator with the Southwest Municipal League of Mayors, Vicky Smith. How about giving her a warm welcome and her children? Vicky Smith.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Let’s welcome Ms. Smith, again, to Springfield. You stay long -- around long enough you’ll get reintroduced over and over again. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President. Two points of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Go right ahead.
First of all, I think it would be appropriate if we all congratulate our colleague, Senator Wojcik, who, after thirty- seven years of public service, has announced her retirement over the weekend. If we can all give Senator Wojcik a hand.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Congratulations, Senator Wojcik.
And, secondly, over the weekend, there was a big event in the Brady family. Governor -- I mean Senator Brady celebrated his birthday and we have birthday cake over here. If we can wish Senator Brady a… 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Happy Birthday, Senator Brady. Senator John Sullivan, on 708. Senator Harmon, on 709. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 709. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Oh! Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 720. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 720. (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 755. Senator Trotter, on 788. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 788. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on 872. Senator del Valle, on 881. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 881. (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 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on 920. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 920. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on 1041. Senator Sieben, on 1074. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Antechamber. Senator Cullerton, on 1079. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1079. (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 1195. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1195. (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 -- Senator Link, on 1334. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House 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 Schoenberg, on 1336. Madam Secretary, 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 read the bill.
House Bill 1336. (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 1427. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1427. (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 1457. Senator Schoenberg. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on 1469. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1469. (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 Crotty, on 1504. Senator Sullivan. 1511. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1511. (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 1548. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
House Bill 1548. (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 1581. Senator Munoz, on 2004. Senator Demuzio, on 2190. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2190. (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 99. Senator Garrett, on 2343. Senator Risinger, on 2351. Senator Schoenberg, on 2380. Madam Secretary, read the bill. Senator Schoenberg, on 2380. Madam -- Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2380. (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 1581. Senator DeLeo. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1581. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senate -- Senator Schoenberg, on 2451. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2451. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 2480. Senator Trotter, on 2509. Senator Trotter, on 2533. Senator Lightford, on 2578. Senator John Sullivan, on 2596. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2596. (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 2611. Senator Link. 2611. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2611. (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 2892. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2892. (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 3417. Senator DeLeo. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3417. (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 3504. Senator Righter, on 3531. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3531. (Secretary reads title of bill) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Risinger, on 3532. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3532. (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 3650. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3650. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Wilhelmi, on 3755. Senator Silverstein, on 3874. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 601, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 669, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 1074; refer to Commerce and Economic Development - House Bill -- pardon me, I’m sorry, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 509; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 678, Floor Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 3480, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 3680, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1621, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1856; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1149 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2853; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 325, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 457, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 487, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 870, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 588 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1333; refer to Financial Institutions 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 1100; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill -- pardon me, 315, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 398, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 399, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 480, Floor Amendments 1, 2 and 3 to House Bill 511, House -- Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 523, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 595, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill -- 612, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 615, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 760, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 991, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1350, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1511, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1548, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2343, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2345, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2347, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2380, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2453, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 2531, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2578, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3812, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4014, -- Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 973 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 998; refer to Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 60, and Floor Amendments 3 and 4 to House Bill 755; refer to Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 60 and Floor Amendments 3 and 4 to House Bill 755; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 328, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 515, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2462 and Floor Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 4023; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 180, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill -- 215, Floor Amendment 5 to House Bill 350, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 369, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 566, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 596, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 712, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 763, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 783, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1079, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 and 3 to House Bill 1319, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1562, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1588, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1870, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 3504, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 3801, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3874, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 4030, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1138 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1180; refer to Labor Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 188, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 to House Bill 2596 and Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 1791; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 481, Floor Amendment 5 to House Bill 875, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 930 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3498; refer to Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 27, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 114, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 212, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 594, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 655, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 668, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 720, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 832, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1679, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2417, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 2500, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2611, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2613 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3755; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 395, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 709 and Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1041; refer to State Government Committee - Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 112, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 383, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1457, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3650, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 622 and Floor Amendment 1 {sic} (2) to Senate Resolution 147; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendments 3, 4 and 5 to House Bill 21, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 1195, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1316, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1358, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1387, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1550, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 1565, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2348, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2351, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2444, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2449, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1123 {sic} (1124) and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1125.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) If everybody can open their -- their books to page 78. The schedule looks like a book. Schedule -- the - what is this? - Calendar -- Calendar to page 78. We will be starting with House Bills {sic} 1458. Senator Sandoval, do you wish to proceed? Senator Sandoval, do you wish to proceed on 1458? It’s 3rd Reading. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1458. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1458 amends the Illinois Municipal Code. It provides that persons who are engaged in active military or naval service for the United States for at least one year and who were honorably discharged shall be preferred for appointments to civil offices, positions, and places of employment in the classified service of a municipality that is subject to Division 1 of the Code. It also provides that qualified veterans shall be preferred for promotional civil service appointments and that the preference that the qualified veterans will receive shall be seven-tenths of one point for each six months or fraction thereof of active military or naval service not exceeding thirty months. This is a bill that’s been championed by Representative Chapa LaVia and I ask your support for this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there -- is there any discussion? Senator Wendell Jones.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Good afternoon. This bill came through the Local Government Committee, and we recommend its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1458 pass. Those in favor, 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 49 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1458, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cronin, on 1471. Top of page 79. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to 1480, 1483. Senator Sieben, on 1486. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1486. (Secretary reads title of bill) 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Madam President. This is an initiative of the Illinois Trappers Association. It amends the Wildlife Code and would permit the use of cable restraints on land for trapping free-ranging animals, such as raccoons and coyotes. Currently, these devices are used in the water. This would allow them to be used on land as well. Ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Jacobs.
Madam Chairman, I rise in -- strong support of the bill. I have looked at this trap and it is a much more humane system.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 1486 pass. Those in favor, 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 49 Yeas, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1486, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, on 1487. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1487. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1486 -- 87 amends the Public Community College Act comprising the composition of the Illinois Community College Board. What happens under this bill is that one of the members of the Illinois Community College Board must be appointed by the Governor and must also be a faculty member at an Illinois Community College Board. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 1487 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 51 Yeas, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 1487, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 1500. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1500. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This amends the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire -- Protection District Act to allow that in certain municipalities and fire protect districts, the probationary employment period may be extended beyond twelve months for a firefighter who’s required, as a condition of his or her employment, to be a certified paramedic. They can only be discharged during this extended period if they fail to meet the paramedic certification criteria. I don’t know of any opposition to the bill. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1500 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. House Bill 1500, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on 1517. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1517. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill creates the Disposition of Remains Act. It amends the Crematory Regulation Act by clarifying the person who has the right to control the disposition of the descendent {sic} (decedent) and the order of which they are prioritized. I know of no opposition. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Wojcik.
I just rise in support of this bill. It was on the agreed bill list and I would ask that everybody on my side of the aisle vote for it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1517 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1517, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, on 1522. Senator Silverstein, on 1523. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill -- 1523. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a bill we passed out earlier. This amends the Civil Code of Procedure, which increases the allowable amount of an estate for homestead for a residence from seventy-five hundred -- seventy-five hundred to fifteen thousand dollars for an individual and from fifteen thousand to three hundred -- thirty thousand for two or more individuals.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 1523 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1523, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Winkel, on 1527. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1527. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Winkel.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 1527 amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. What it does is the -- it -- that bill currently has restrictions concerning return to employment after receiving early retirement benefits. It excludes elective -- what this bill does is it takes that exclusion, takes elective offices out of that. So, if you took early retirement, you can run for elective office. Frankly, I believe you should be able to anyway. It’s probably unconstitutional not to let them, but this clarifies that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill -- no, 1527 pass. Those in favor, 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 51 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1527, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Pankau, on 1529. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1529. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
This bill amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law. It provides that the Department has the authority to maintain a program that generates awareness among Illinois small manufacturers regarding opportunities to bid for work on federal, State and local government contracts. The House sponsor of this, Representative Carolyn Krause, has the industrial area of Elk Grove Village, the Centex area, in her district. And, basically, she has gone to the Department and said, “What can we do about the manufacturing jobs leaving the State?” And this was the suggestion of the Department, and I ask for your favorable approval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1529 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 50 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1529, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 1540. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1540. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1540 amends the School Code. And it calls the school boards to excuse students in grades nine through twelve for their daily physical education requirements if they must use the time set aside for physical ed to receive special education services. And it also updates the required physical education courses. This bill is supported by the Health and Stroke Association. And -- and I know of no opposition to this bill. And I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 shall House Bill 1540 pass. Those in favor, 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 51 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1540, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 80. 1541. Senator Garrett. Senator Clayborne, on 1549. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1549. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 1549 amends the Radon Industry Licensing Act. It’s a cleanup Act by changing references to the Department of Nuclear Safety to Illinois Emergency Management Association {sic} (Agency) to reflect the Governor’s Executive Order No. 12 which consolidated these agencies. It also extends disciplinary actions against licenses that have been -- licensees that have been convicted of a felony and/or have failed to meet child support orders. I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1549 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 50 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1549, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, on 1550. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1550. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 1550 is a simple bill. Passed through the Transportation Committee, I believe, on the agreed bill list. What this legislation would do is, a couple of years ago the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed a law allowing voluntary firefighters to put blue oscillating -- lights in their private vehicles so they could have those when they’re on their way to a -- to the fire department. There’s been some concern raised since then by law enforcement officials and some of the firefighters themselves about family members driving the vehicle that has the blue oscillating light in it, because, obviously, the family members, in most instances, are not -- voluntary firefighters. This bill simply changes the law. It reaffirms that a family member of a volunteer firefighter can drive the vehicle that might have the light in it. It also requires that there be an identification card or a letter in the vehicle at all times identifying the vehicle as one being used by a volunteer firefighter. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall -- House Bill 1550 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 50 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1550, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lauzen -- Senator Dillard, on 1559. Senator Link, on 1562. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1562. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link. Out of the record. Senator Munoz, on 1565. Senator David Sullivan, on 1569. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1569. (Secretary reads title of bill) 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1569 allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create a program to assist Illinois companies try -- become accredited in approved international standardization organizations so they can get international business. It passed out of committee unanimously. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1569 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1569, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Watson, on 1571. Senator Watson, on 1574. Senator Winkel, on 1575. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1575. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Winkel.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 1575 creates a program that would be parallel to an already existing federal program. In the event that a farmer would become disabled, this program is designed to generate both public and private grants to be used to make sure that farmers who become disabled can continue in their chosen profession of farming. About two hundred farmers become injured each year. Farming is an aging -- farmers are an aging population. The average age is about sixty- five years. This is a program that compliments a preexisting federal program. It’s subject to appropriations and I'd appreciate a Yes vote. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1575 pass. Those in favor, 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 51 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1575, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 1587. Senator Cullerton, on 1588. Top of page 81. Senator Munoz. 1597. Senator Silverstein, on 1633. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1633. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. -- Madam -- Madam President. Who’s on first? This is an initiative by the Attorney General’s Office dealing on the ChoicePoint incident in California. This is a bill we passed out of here similar in the Senate. It provides that any data collector that owns or licenses personal information concerning Illinois residents shall notify the residents if there’s a breach of security. I’ll take any questions if there’s anything.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 1633 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 50 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1633, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Yes. I would like to ask the -- the Senate to please welcome the class of Avalon Park -- eighth-grade class from Avalon Park and their teacher, Ms. Jefferson, - a school from out of my district. They’re down today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Haine, on 1656. Senator Haine, on 1679. Senator Harmon, on 1870. Oh, I’m sorry. Senator Raoul, on 1870. Senator Ronen, on 1971. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1971. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill clarifies that people can check out the State Board of Elections’ voter registration database during business hours up to twenty-seven days before the election.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1971 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1971, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator -- 2077. Senator Jacobs, on 2137. Senator Viverito, on 2241. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2241. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Viverito.
Thank you very much, Madam President. I -- I lost my train 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 of thought for a minute. I -- I -- I apologize for that. This is the AMBER bill that -- the alert bill that any senior citizens that possibly get lost or -- would be able to contact them. And the State Police is on board and many of the proponents -- for the Alzheimer’s aboard. And I hope that everyone vote for this bill, because I think it’s something that will help a lot of our elderly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2241 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2241, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 2242. Senator Garrett. 2244. Senator Clayborne. 2250. Senator Martinez, on 2260. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2260. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 2260 establishes that Illinois certified court reporters are granted collective bargaining rights under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Divides Illinois court reporters into three units for collective bargaining purposes. Gives authority, as the employer representative, to a chief judge in the judicial unit that employs the court reporter. Authorizes the appointment of court reporters to be done by the chief judge of the judicial unit, currently done by Supreme Court. Transfers various duties from the Supreme Court to the employer representative. Requires each employer representative to request appropriations to fund court reporters. Establishes severability clause.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Thank you. This bill came through the Labor Committee. And the problem is that it basically allows the court reporters to unionize. And maybe that is something that you want in your county, and maybe it’s not. But we thought the process was already in place. And, therefore, some of us voted No, because basically it allows them to unionize and it almost mandates that they unionize. If this is a concern for you, I urge your No vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Senator, we had a little bit of a discussion on this in Labor Committee last week. In 1995, the Illinois Supreme Court made a ruling saying that the Public Relations {sic} Act does not apply to the courts, based on separation of powers. The Court’s attitude is, we run the courts, the Governor doesn’t run the courts, nor does the General Assembly run the courts, and so that law doesn’t apply to us. I get the impression and you tell me, how is this bill going to change that ruling? Because I know this bill kind of says on its face that, well, the court reporters aren’t going to be the employees of the Supreme Court anymore, we’re going to kind of regionalize them. But, in fact, they’re still going to be getting their paychecks, I think, from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, which is the administrative wing of the Illinois Supreme Court. I mean, what’s different -- what’s -- what does this bill do that isolates us from that Supreme Court decision?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator. It -- it seems that for the past fifteen years the court reporters of the State of Illinois have been struggling to have the ability to be represented by the unions. It would just take and divide them into three different units. Each of the judge in that unit will be the ones to have 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 the ability to -- right to hire, appoint, promote, evaluate, discipline and discharge the court reporters in his or her circuit. So, I think what we’re trying to do here is just give them the ability to be able to unionize. And that’s what this bill is about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
To the bill, Madam President. I appreciate very much the sponsor’s intent here, but the simple fact is this: This is not a labor union issue; this is an issue of constitutionality. The bill says that the chief judges will apply to the Comptroller for an appropriation to pay their court reporter salary. That’s not the way the appropriations process works. I can guarantee, if this bill passes this Chamber and is signed by the Governor, that in two years - minimum - the Supreme Court’s going to kick this bill right back and say, "We told you in ’95 that we run the court system; it’s 2005, we still run the court system." This bill is unconstitutional, and on that basis, I would urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Madam President. Because of a potential conflict of interest, I’ll be voting yellow on this -- on House Bill 2260.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Martinez, to close.
Thank you. Just a quick note that under the judicial employee have collective bargaining rights, other State employees have the right and the opportunity to collectively bargain over their wages, hours, terms and conditions of employment, pursuant to Illinois Public Labor Relations, including, but not limited to, probation officers and public defenders employed by the Illinois courts. So, I -- I -- I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 2260 pass. Those in 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 favor, 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 37 Yeas, 9 voting No, 2 voting Present. And House Bill 2260, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Clayborne, on 2341. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2341. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2341 would allow a representative of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Human Rights, acting in the course of an assessment of a complaint of financial exploitation of an adult with disabilities, to serve as an agent for an incapacitated principal. The agent shall provide a record of all receipts, disbursements, significant actions taken under the authority of the agency. I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2341 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2341, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Garrett, on 2344. Senator Haine, on 2345. Senator Schoenberg, on 2347. Senator Pankau, on 2348. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2348. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau.
32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Thank you. This bill amends the Vehicle -- Vehicle Code and it changes the process by which the Secretary of State notifies the holder of a commercial driver’s license that that license will be suspended. And these particular group of suspensions is only related to the failure to pay tolls or not submitting the vehicle to the required emissions testing. And I ask for your favorable approval. The Secretary of State’s Office is in favor of this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall -- House Bill 2348 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2348, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 2375. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2375. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill requires health insurers offering coverage in the individual market to provide notice to insurers if the insurer intends to discontinue providing coverage in the individual market. In cases where insurers have affiliates operating in the individual market, the insurer must give -- the -- each affected insurer the option to purchase all other individual health benefits plans through the affiliate carrier. So, it’s the Insurance Portability Act, improves the Portability Act. I know of no opposition to this bill. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of the bill. 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 It passed unanimously out of the Insurance Committee, and I urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2375 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2375, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on 2379. Senator Harmon, on 2386. Senator Rutherford, on 2389. Top of page 83. Senator Cullerton, on 2404. Senator John Sullivan, on 2407. Senator Harmon, on 2408. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2408. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2408 requires the Department of Commerce and Community -- or, Economic Opportunity to administer a Computer Investment Program which will assist low-income families in five digital divide impacted communities in the State. I am aware of no opposition and I ask for your Aye votes. I'd be happy to try to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator David Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, is this fund going to be protected from sweeps by the Governor? Because in the past, digital divide fund, I believe, has been swept.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Harmon.
I don’t see this -- the provision we’ve been putting in a lot of our bills of late to protect against the sweep. I’m not aware of any designs on this fund at this time, however.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Could I -- could I ask you to pull it out of the record so we can get that -- make sure it’s not going to be swept? This is -- it’s been swept in the past. We’re trying to do something to help people that need the help and this is something that’s been swept.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
I am going to take the bill out of the record at this point and take a -- take a look at that question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Out of the record. Senator Forby, on 2411. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2411. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a meth pilot program bill. House Bill 2411 will create a methamphetamine pilot program at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center and the Franklin County Jail.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any…
What this…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Oh, I’m sorry, Senator Forby, go ahead.
35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 What this bill does is if there’s a treatment for a place, a juvenile detention or older juveniles, there’s going to be a place for ‘em. With the methamphetamine, the issue -- the problem that we have at home -- this treatment that -- where a -- a judge could put somebody in there for ninety to a hundred and eighty days with treatment as an addict. I think this is a program that’s going to be really good. And this program is only good for one year. And this methamphetamine is all over the State of Illinois now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Senator Forby, I was looking over the legislation. Our analysis indicates it’s unknown at this time where the funding for this will come from. Can you tell me, one, what would be the amount of money you think would be required to run the program? And two, if we’ve identified any source of funding whatsoever?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
What we plan on it costing is going to be between four and six hundred thousand dollars a year, and it’s going to come from the General Fund if there’s money there.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
Senator Forby, if -- if the money’s there? Have you had any conversation with the Governor’s Office? First, is it in his FY’06 proposed budget? And if it’s not, have you had any conversations with the Governor’s Office that would lead you to believe that they’re going to make room in their GRF allocation for funding this program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Forby.
36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 No. I haven’t talked to the Governor. But if we can get this bill passed, I will be in there talking to him, ‘cause it’s a great big issue in our district. I think it’d be money well spent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2411 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 49 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2411, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Meeks, on 2417. Senator Meeks. Senator Garrett, on 2421. Senator Demuzio, on 2435. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2435. (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. House Bill 2435 amends the Southern Illinois University Management Act regarding the Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship Program. The bill names the current SIU undergraduate -- internship program the Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship Program and allows for the program’s expansion subject to appropriation. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any -- is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2435 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2435, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 2441. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2441. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this amends the Criminal Code concerning criminal trespass to land. It does not increase any -- any penalty. What it does is provide for a -- a Section that undercuts a defendant’s argument they didn’t receive notice. And so it’ll -- it’s more easier to prove if someone enters a restricted area using a false I.D. or saying they’re a police officer or an aircraft pilot or whatever to enter an area at the airport or some other area that’s restricted to certain personnel.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2441 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2441, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martinez, on 2444. Senator Martinez, on 2445. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2445. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 2445 requires State agency that maintains a website to hypertext a link to the website for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and to any State agency website that posts information concerning AMBER Alert, the system for information on kidnapped children, or similar information.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 shall House Bill 2445 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2445, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 2449. Senator Shadid, on 2453. Top of page 84. Senator Garrett, on 2455. Senator Martinez, on 2460. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2460. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the -- of the Senate. 2460 creates the State Prohibition of Goods from -- from - I’m sorry - from Child Labor Act. Requires that every contract entered into by any State agency the -- for the procurement of equipment, material or supplies, other than procurement related to a public works contract, must specify that nothing was produced the labor of any child under the age of twelve. Imposes penalties on contractors who knowingly supply goods produced through child labor. Authorizes a review hearing if requested in accordance -- in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
This is a good bill. Vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2460 pass. Those in favor, 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 51 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2460, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Lightford, on 2461. Senator Hendon, on 2462. Senator Hendon. 2462. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2462. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon. Out of the record. Senator Crotty, on 2467. Senator Crotty -- or, Senator Hunter, on 2470. Senator Crotty, on 2487. Senator -- Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. If the record could reflect, I wish to have been recorded Aye on House Bill 2460. I thought I hit my button and looked away and it didn’t take.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The record shall so reflect, Senator Schoenberg. Senator Hunter, on 2490. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2490. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2490 amends the Public Aid Code. And it basically gives the Department of Public Aid the -- the authority to allow a licensed practitioner to designate an -- an alternate payee to which payments for care can be made. According to IDPA, this legislation would provide flexibility to practitioners and accommodate various business arrangements for hospitals, clinics and -- and group practices. And it will also help the Department to recover overpayments and assess other sanctions against those payees who violate current rules and statutes. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Yes. I simply rise in support of the bill, Madam President. This bill did pass out of Health and Human Services unanimously, and I appreciate the sponsor’s hard work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2490 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2490, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Silverstein, on 2492. Senator Winkel, on 2500. Senator Munoz, on 2510. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2510. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Munoz.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2510, the bill simply hold that as part of a proof of its financial responsibility, a contract carrier transporting employees in the course of their employment is required to verify hit and run and uninsured motor vehicle coverage and underinsured motor vehicle coverage on the total amount of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand per passenger. What happens now is that if a transport van is involved in an accident caused by another driver who has little or no insurance, the passengers in the van are left without remedy, which can lead to extreme financial loss. Bill came out unanimously out of Transportation. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
As -- thank you, Madam President. As Senator Munoz said, it came out unanimously out of Transportation. The cost is not significant, and would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2510 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2515, having received the required -- 2510, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Garrett, on 2515. Senator Harmon, on 2525. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2525. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2525 is very similar to Senate Bill 2078, which we sent over to the House with 58 Aye votes. It is an amendment to the Physical Fitness Services Act, a modernization of the Act to reflect the -- the changing environment surrounding health clubs today. The -- the differences are very modest. The House has taken a different approach to capping the fee for family and group memberships. And the House has made it very clear that this is the only version of the bill that they will entertain. I'd like to be done with this issue, and I ask for your Aye votes. I'd be happy to handle any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2525 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2525, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Forby, on 2527. Senator Forby, on 2528. Senator Maloney, on 2531. Senator Clayborne, on 2547. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2547. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2547 deletes language allowing -- questions of credibility to be considered in determining whether there is a -- substantial evidence that an alleged civil rights violation has been committed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This passed unanimously out of the Executive Committee, and I urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 2547 pass. Those in favor, 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 50 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2547, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Risinger, on 2550. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2550. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Madam President. What this bill does is, Illinois residents who are members of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces returning from service abroad or mobilized by the President of the United States, it allows them to camp, fish or hunt without paying fees after the member returns for a period of time that that member was in service abroad if they apply within two years of returning to the Department of Natural 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Resources. They have to provide verification of service. Be glad to answer any question… It also includes Deer Hunting Permits and State Habitat Stamps. Be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2550 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill -- 2550, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, I didn’t get to my button quick enough and I meant to vote Aye on -- House Bill 2547.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The record shall so reflect. Senator Forby, for what purpose do you rise?
Same here. On House Bill 2547, I want to be on record voting Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The record shall so reflect. And next time when you are standing at each other’s seat, might as well just vote for each other. Senator Ronen, on 2564. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2564. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This amends the Election Code in relation to the campaign finance Article and it exempts communications exclusively between a labor organization and its members from the definition of electioneering communication.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2564 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2564, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wilhelmi, on 2566. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2566. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 2566 amends the Veterans' Employment Act to transfer administrative responsibility from the Department of Employment Security to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Act essentially provides authority for State grants to community service centers to provide employment assistance and other support for veterans. And, essentially, this bill would require the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to take over the administrative burden, since the prescriptions of this Act are beyond the Department of Employment Security’s core mission. And I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2566 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2566, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Ronen, on 2572. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2572. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This -- this bill takes the first step in addressing a health and environmental risk that are posed by polybrominated flame retardants by -- it’s phasing out the two most harmful types and it requires the -- a study to be done on this issue. A number of other states, including California, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan and New York, have already done this, and most of Europe has already done this. I know of no opposition and would appreciate a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This did pass with my support, most of the committee’s support in committee. I do just want to let this side of the aisle know that it did come out on what we call the “Rauschenberger roll call” Senator Rauschenberger did vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2572 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2572, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 2577. Senator DeLeo, on 2580. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2580. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2580 provides for commonsense homeland 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 security protection for all Illinois electric, water and natural gas facilities. It allows for voluntary rules to be made by a municipality that owns and operates a municipal utility. It would prohibit employees or subcontractor employees from entering any area of any sensitivity without them knowing who they are and their coming and going. This was an initiative of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2580 pass. Those in favor, 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 51 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2580, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 86. Senator Cullerton, on 2582. Senator Ronen, on 2589. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2589. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen.
Yeah. Thank you, Madam President. This bill does not change current law, but it just merely states that it gives the authority for local school boards to take control of grants that are being used improperly. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2589 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2589, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Crotty, on 2593. Senator Cullerton. 2594. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2594. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 (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 amends the Home Repair and Remodeling Act by adding provisions requiring persons engaged in the business of home repair and remodeling to make explicit and receive explicit consent by a signature. This bill came out of the -- Senator Meeks’ committee nine to nothing, because Senator Meeks handled the bill for me. And I -- it’s a good consumer protection bill. Be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this legislation. It’s a great bill. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2594 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2594, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon. 2595. Senator Cullerton. 2613. Senator Rutherford. 2689. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2689. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Rutherford.
Thank you, Madam President. In the unclaimed properties area, an occurrence took place recently in which the ashes/remains of an individual was discovered in a safety deposit box, and under the process, those unclaimed properties become the 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 property of the State Treasurer and there’s only certain things that the State Treasurer could do with those. One of them is to auction them off and the other is to loan them to a museum. Well, the cremated remains of someone didn’t seem to have much of an opportunity to be auctioned off and a museum really wasn’t looking for ‘em. So now what we’re allowing to have happen is the disposition of this unclaimed property by turning it over to the coroner in the county unto which the remains were found.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion?
And this is an actual occurrence that has now happened and the remains are waiting to have the opportunity to be auctioned, put on loan to a museum or given to the coroner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Collins.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to inform the Members on this side of the aisle, this bill, House Bill 2689, did come out of Financial Institutions with an overwhelming vote, for the ones that were present -- okay. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 2689 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2689, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wilhelmi, on 2693. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2693. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2693 repeals the Fire Drill Act in the School 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Code and creates the -- the School Safety Drill Act and is an initiative of the Governor’s Office. This Drill Act applies to both public and private school facilities and provides for drills involving a number of emergency situations. It also allows for both the school district and the fire district in the community to work together, coordinate their efforts and make sure that the schools are as safe as -- as possible with these safety drills. I'd be happy to answer any questions and I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Cronin.
Yes. Thank you very much, Madam President. I rise in strong opposition to this bill. And I got to ask all my colleagues to look a little bit more carefully at this. It looks good on the surface, but I assure you, you will hear from your school districts down the road about how intrusive this new policy may be. This is an initiative of the Governor and, with all due respect, I just don’t think he’s done his homework on this. They haven’t talked to all the affected parties. They haven’t brought all the fire, safety people to the table. They haven’t brought the private school community to the table. You know, right now if a public school or a private school, parochial school, wants to do a fire safety drill, they simply call up their local fire chief, they schedule a time that’s mutually convenient, that’s not intrusive in the classroom, it works for the fire chief. Under this bill, the Governor can announce a big safety initiative, he can have a press conference, he can have his -- the -- his right-hand person, who’s going to be in charge of this, demand that we have a safety drill at twenty-four hours' notice. I mean it really hasn’t been -- there -- they haven’t done their homework on it. I think it could have a negative impact on local schools. And I strongly urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in strong support of this legislation. And I would just be -- say to Members, be mindful of your vote. If you vote against this and it fails and 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 then some tragedy, some terrorist attack or a -- some deranged person with a gun sets the school on -- starts shooting or sets the school on fire and they don’t know how to get out of the building, you’ll have to wear that jacket. So think long and hard. Just because it’s the Governor’s initiative doesn’t make it a dumb initiative. This is the right thing to do, smart thing to do. And whether you like the Governor or not, or agree with him or not, think about the children. They need this -- these drills so they can be prepared. We’re not living in the same times as we did before 9/11. I just wanted to remind you of that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Geo-Karis.
Sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
I’m sorry, I was -- diverted when you were explaining your bill. Could you please tell us what your bill actually does?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Yes. What it does is, it makes it clear that both the school district and the fire district have to coordinate efforts and it implements a series of specific drills, safety drills, that the children will have to be -- will have to be implemented by the school administration. And those safety drills are, obviously, in place to make sure that the children know how to evacuate the building when necessary, or if there’s a storm, where to go in the building. But in light of some the comments from folks in -- in -- in this Chamber, I ask, Ms. -- Madam President, if you would please take this matter out of the record and I’ll address those concerns with my colleagues.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Wilhelmi. We will take it out of the record while you check into that. Senator Althoff, on 2696. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 House Bill 2696. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 2696 is another identity theft piece of legislation. It simply makes it an unlawful practice for a person to deny credit or public utility service to or reduce the credit limit of a consumer solely because the consumer has been a victim of identity theft. The consumer must provide specific information indicating that they are a victim of identity theft. I'd be happy to answer any questions, otherwise I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2696 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2696, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Pankau, on 2697. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2697. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau.
Thank you. 2697 is also an identity theft bill. And it prohibits a person who is not party to a financial transaction from secretly or surreptitiously photographing or otherwise capturing or distributing personal information contained in the transaction without their consent. In other words, the House sponsor of this bill, Representative Pihos, had a constituent whose credit card was not stolen, but in -- at a restaurant, the number and the expiration date was taken from the credit card; and therefore a new credit card would -- was issued and they were 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 in deep trouble. And this would allow that person to go after the person who had done that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2697 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2697, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Maloney, on 2699. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2699. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2699 increases the penalties for identity theft and aggravated identity theft by one class higher than the current law. With the use of the Internet and electronic bill paying and purchases, as they increase, so does the crime of identity theft and personal information is being stolen. I feel this bill would discourage or act as a deterrent to more of this type of activity. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2699 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, and none voting Present. And House Bill 2699, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Radogno, on 2700. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2700. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Radogno.
Thank you, Madam President. Continuing on the order of identity theft bills, this bill would provide that a person who commits identity theft or aggravated -- identity theft can be tried in either the county that the offense occurred, the county where the information -- was used to commit the offense or where the victim resides. It just clarifies the current law and provides prosecutors more tools.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2700 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2700, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. I've had a few requests to tone it down a little. Please everybody if we could just keep it a little quieter, we’d all appreciate it. Top of page 87. Senator Althoff, on 2853. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2853. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Out of the record. Senator Sieben, on 2920. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2920. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Madam President. This legislation amends the Code of Civil Procedure in a Section pertaining to name change. Makes changes to the notice requirement. The bill will 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 streamline the notice requirements in a petition for a name change. I know of no opposition. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2920 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 2920, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sieben, on 3022. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3022. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Madam President. This legislation amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates an exemption for the Apple River Fire Protection District. I know of no opposition. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3022 pass. Those in favor, 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 49 Yeas, 3 voting Nay, 0 voting President. And House Bill 3022, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Geo-Karis, on 3033. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3033. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Geo-Karis.
Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 bill is -- simply states that the continuing education requirements for the EMT licenses can be waived for individuals on active duty in the military. Requires these individuals to complete their education requirements within six months of their release from active duty. And I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3033 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, and none voting Present. And House Bill 3033, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Munoz, on 3045. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3045. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Munoz.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3045 amends the Illinois -- Plumbing License by creating a definition of an "irrigation employee", a person employed by a registered irrigation contractor or plumber who designs, installs and maintains lawn sprinkler system. It requires that a -- registered irrigation contractors must provide the Department of Public -- with the documentation they carry general liability insurance with a minimum of one hundred thousand per occurrence, bodily injury insurance with a minimum of three hundred thousand per occurrence, property damage insurance with a minimum of fifty thousand, and worker's compensation insurance with a minimum of five thousand {sic}. This legislation requires each irrigation contractor to employ at least one person who has completed and passed an approved class in the design and installation of lawn sprinkler system. I know of no opposition and I will attempt to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 shall House Bill 3045 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, 3 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3045, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 3048. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3048. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It’s a very important bill dealing with private sewage disposal licensing. As you are all aware, I’m sure, there is at present -- present time there is a license for the Department of Public Health to administer a written examination to those who seek to install septic tanks and those who remove the waste therein. One exam and it -- the problem is that the exam is too complicated for those who just remove the waste. They don’t want to know about installing the septic tanks. So, to encourage more people to enter this lucrative field, we propose a bill which would have two separate exams, which ought to do it. And I -- I’m -- when I was in the Army, we used to just burn it with airplane fuel, but you can’t do that in most municipalities these days. So I would ask for an Aye vote and ask the -- this distinguished Body not to flush this bill.
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) I’m not sure. But, Senator Haine, will you yield? Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Well, I don’t want you to spread this to thin, 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 but I -- I do want to know, I -- is there currently a fee for disposal or is there currently a license involved for -- for people that are doing this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Yes, Senator, thank you for that question. There is a license now. This has been licensed for years. The problem is that the license entails a written exam that entails knowledge of how to set up the septic system and that is not necessary if one is simply going to remove the stuff. So they would like -- and so people are not passing the exam, because they’re asked too much. So this merely kind of lessens the requirement to encourage those to enter this field.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Then -- so I -- I was just looking at my synopsis. So then porta-potties, et cetera, are -- is there a license that’s required now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
…Or -- or…
Oh, no. There’s a State license now, sir. But this lessens the requirements - lessens the requirements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3048 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3048, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on 3066. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3066. (Secretary reads title of bill) 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3066 amends the Municipal Code with respect to the establishment of a TIF area. Under current law, only a city, a town or a village may establish a TIF. Under this bill any of the suburban townships in Cook County could establish a TIF in an unincorporated area of the county, so long as the county has approved the township’s redevelopment plan by ordinance. I’m not aware of any opposition and I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3066 pass. Those in favor, 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 48 Yeas, 3 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3066, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Peterson, on 3095. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3095. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Peterson.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3095 is cleanup legislation regarding the Gavin School District. Last spring we passed House Bill 753 and this is cleanup language. It would remove the stipulation that this Section only affects downstate districts. Removes the stipulation that narrowly defined the Section for Gavin School District only. The eligibility criteria changed too. The school district must be in a tax cap county and the district must have a building condemned within ten years after the building’s initial occupancy. And allows bonds currently allowed for repair, 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 reconstruction or replacement of condemned building to be spent on costs of providing for payment of any obligations, like leasing of other space, entered into for those purposes. Know of no opposition. Ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Link.
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Senator Peterson, just one quick question. We know there’s been a change of events up there at the Gavin School District. Will this have any effect if they don’t go ahead with the demolition or anything of that nature? Will this just make this null and void or will this bill stay in effect for future endeavors of other school districts? Or will it enable them, if there should be another change in the guard of the board up there, to enact this? I know that they’ve already been granted a – an amount of money for the -- the future development of another school, but that they have decided now not to demolish that school. What is the status of this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Peterson.
Thank you, Senator Link. This would broaden the definition and make it -- other schools eligible for this if they meet this criteria. So, it -- and it doesn’t stop the current process. It just -- it’s cleanup from the legislation we had last year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Jacobs.
Question of the sponsor, Madam Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Senator, does this bill allow for a tax increase on residents of the school district without a referendum?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Peterson.
The original legislation did, but this is a cleanup to that original legislation that was passed and voted on last year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3095 pass. Those in favor, 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 44 Yeas, 7 Nays, 0 voting Present. And House Bill 3095, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on 3258. Senator Risinger, on 3272. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3272. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Madam President. What this bill simply does is exempts the Teacher's Health Insurance Security Fund from the provisions allowing the Governor to sweep the funds into the General Revenue Fund. I’ll be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3272 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3272, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 3415. Top of page 88. Senator Sandoval, on 3420. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3420. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. The House Bill 3420 allows the -- in HIV testing. Illinois law provides generally that HIV testing be confidential and the test results be maintained and provided -- reported through a -- a quoted identifier and not by name. Public health agencies are responsible for collecting accurate and complete information in cases of HIV and AIDS. They use this information to track trends in the epidemic and allocate care and prevention resources where they most urgently needed. House Bill 3420 will allow large local health departments to help healthcare facilities to complete HIV/AIDS case reports completely and accurately. This information is crucial to obtaining needed funding for disease prevention. I ask a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3420 pass. Those in favor, 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 46 Yeas, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3420, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 3449. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3449. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Yes, Madam President. This is a bill which expands the ability of a court to order defendants to pay the cost of counseling for children who witness a domestic battery to include children under eighteen and any child residing in or visiting the household where the violence did occur. It has -- the proponents are the Department of Human Services. It says on the initial analysis that Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an opponent, but they -- they -- they are a proponent. There are no 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 opponents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3449 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3449, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Dillard, on -- 3451. Senator del Valle, on 3471. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3471. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator del Valle.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3471 is identical to Senate Bill 1792, which was approved by this Chamber. It improves overall enforcement of the Day Labor and Temporary Labor Services Act. And the bill provides for more intensive oversight and enforcement of the current law. It also provides for better record keeping, more restrictive provisions on transportation, meals, violations of the Act, and penalties for such violations are specifically outlined. I’ll be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3471 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3471, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Radogno, on 3480. Senator Silverstein, on 3485. Senator Maloney, on 3488. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3488. (Secretary reads title of bill) 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3488 gives the Illinois Board of Education -- Illinois Board of Higher Education authority to set priorities for allocating grants under the Health Services Education Grants that’s based on public demand for health services, workforce needs and shortage -- shortages in -- in certain programmatic areas. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Senator Maloney, for the purpose of legislative intent, can you explain what the phrase “accredited programs receiving grant support in FY2005 shall continue to receive grant -- grant support at comparable level in subsequent years” means?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Yeah. And thank you, Senator. What -- what that means is that the institutions that are currently participating in these programs would be entitled to no less than ninety percent of their previous year’s allocations. This simply gives some leeway of about ten percent that the Board of Ed -- that the Board of Higher Education can use as appropriation for incentive funding of those programs that are maybe in shortage. For example, last year they felt that there should be a little more money going to nursing and less to other areas.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Winkel.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: I rise in strong support of this legislation. Came out of Higher Education 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 unanimously and urge a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Senator, are the grants right now given on a per capita basis?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Senator, the grants are based on a number of things. They’re based on enrollment of Illinois students, enrollments of minority students and available funding.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
Do we anticipate that there will be a shift in funds to a certain area or certain school in the State?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
It -- that -- that’s what we’ll give the Board of Higher Education the authority to do, to look at where the shortages were developing, as well as occupations with projected oversupply. Now, every -- every area is, again, guaranteed ninety percent of what they had. It’s just that they want discretion to provide those areas where there may be shortages with a little more grant money.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Senator. Did -- evidently, there’s a problem that the Board is trying to address. So, is there an area that’s got a shortage now, I guess is what I’m asking, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
The information we had is the -- the shortage area was in nursing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
But at a -- but at a particular university?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
My understanding, it was -- it was a statewide shortage in nursing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill -- Senator Maloney, would you like to close? The question is, shall House Bill 3488 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3488, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Crotty, on 3498. Senator Righter, on 3507. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3507. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 3507 makes a simple change to the Controlled Substance -- Controlled Substances Act in situations where there’s already State-mandated restitution placed on individuals who are convicted of a -- methamphetamine manufacturing crime. Specifically, the restitution would include regular and overtime costs of any emergency responders. It also places a priority list in statute that if the restitution comes in and is not sufficient to pay all of those costs, the local agencies will be 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 the first to be reimbursed. They’re the ones that are on the front -- frontlines and they’re the ones who deserve to get their money first. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3507 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3507, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 3515. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3515. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3515 amends the Drug Court Treatment Act regarding educating judges about drug courts. And, actually, according to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, of the -- Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force arrests last year, for methamphetamine, was as high as seventy percent. And, basically what this bill does is directs the -- the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to conduct education seminars for judges throughout the State on how to operate drug court programs, with an emphasis on methamphetamine cases. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Collins. Is there any other discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3515 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3515, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 89. Senator Winkel, 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 on 3526. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3526. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Winkel.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3526 amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Illinois Department of Agriculture shall establish a grant program to improve security at anhydrous ammonia facilities by encouraging the industry to utilize industry approved ammonia additives, install tank locking devices or install security systems to prevent the use of anhydrous ammonia in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. I'd be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3526 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3526, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. On House Bill 3449, I was away from my desk and I would like to be recorded as voting Yes on House Bill 3449.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The record shall so reflect. Senator Harmon, on 3538. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3538. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon. 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3538 is identical to Senate Bill 1219 that passed out of this Chamber unanimously. It would permit a -- a municipality to inspect an apartment building prior to its conversion into condominiums. I’m not aware of any opposition and I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3538 pass. Those in favor, 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 were 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3538, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, on 3544. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3544. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3544 is identical to Senate Bill 1661 which passed out of this Chamber last month unanimously. It simply amends the State Treasurer Act to provide the Treasurer may allow financial institutions to place ATMs at the Illinois State Fairs, both in Springfield and DuQuoin, in addition to areas already authorized. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3544 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3544, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Halvorson - - with leave of the Body, we’ll return. Senator Demuzio -- 3576. 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Cullerton, on 3595. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3595. (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 is initiated by the Township School Treasurers' Association. It amends the Local Government and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act - the definition of “local public entity” to include, specifically, trustees of schools of townships and treasurers of schools of townships. And there are no cases pending in this issue. It’s just purely a measure to protect them in the future and to clarify that they will be covered by the Act. The Trial Lawyers are neutral on this issue and they’re not opposed. Obviously, the Township School Treasurers' Association is in favor. And passed unanimously out of the Judiciary Committee. Ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3595 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3595, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 3597. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3597. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
Yes, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3597 provides uniform statewide standards for the training and qualification of retired law enforcement officers 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 permitted to carry concealed weapons under federal law, the recent federal statute that authorized this. Currently, this training and qualification is, by default, left to the individual departments and this would regularize it. Gives the authority to our Training and Standards Board to require these retired officers to qualify each and every year, which seems to me would improve the safety of everyone involved. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3597 pass. Those in favor, 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 52 Yeas, none -- 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3597, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on 3622. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3622. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Madam President, this bill repeals the Personal {sic} (Personnel) Radiation Monitoring Act, which is old and redundant. And it came to me from the Illinois Emergency Management Association. I ask for your favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill -- well, you have to put your light on, Senator. It is now. Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Madam President. Just -- for some reason our computer system seems to be down. None of the analysis -- or at least on my computer, it’s not coming up right now. So, I didn’t know exactly what this bill does.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Would you like the -- Senator Jacobs to explain it? 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Please. Please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Okay. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Association, the -- the rules and regulations regarding the Radiation Protection Act are old and redundant and need to be updated. And this is just simply their bill to update and make that more palatable to everyone.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Haine. Senator Haine, you have your light on, but you’re not there. Do you wish to speak? Okay. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3622 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 House Bill 3622, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 3628. Senator -- Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. On House Bill 3544, I was inadvertently recorded as having voted No. If the record will please reflect my intention, I would like to vote Yes. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The record so shall reflect, Senator Righter. Senator John Sullivan, on 3646. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3646. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3646 creates the Vocational Academies Act, which allows school districts to form 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 partnerships with local community colleges, employers and community organizations to establish vocational academies. The goal of which is to integrate work and technical skills with economic -- academic funding. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3646 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3646, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Roskam, on 3648. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3648. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3648, as amended, does two things: Says that a person convicted of reckless driving or aggravated reckless driving, in those cases if that driver was driving in excess of twenty miles an hour, that will be considered as an aggravating factor in -- in sentencing. Further, it says that a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor or felony under the Vehicle Code or reckless homicide under the Criminal Code is not eligible for probation or conditional discharge if convicted, et cetera, within one year of the previous conviction. It passed unanimously out of committee and I’m not aware of any opponents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3648 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3648, having received the required 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 90. Senator Roskam, on 3651. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3651. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3651 corrects a problem which was created in 1979, inadvertently, when three different Public Acts were adopted to amend Sections of the Highway Code on township road district taxes. In 2003, the Appellate Court ruled that the 1979 amendments were inconsistent and the last amendment repealed the second, which had provided that township taxes approved in an annual meeting after April 3rd, 1979, were permanent until repealed. The Appellate Court ruling has the effect of invalidating certain road district taxes. The Appellate Court also ruled that the taxes could not be reauthorized at an annual meeting as provided in the statutes and -- till the procedures for the approval of new taxes were followed. And those procedures, basically, require a referendum at a general election, which, in my view, is not practical in certain -- in urban townships. This bill validates the taxes under -- as intended under the ’79 legislation and provides that the taxes that had been levied in the past are not to be treated as new taxes if reauthorized at an annual meeting in accordance with the Township Code. The bill only reauthorizes taxes that have been levied in the past and does not allow new taxes. It was supported by the Township Officials of Illinois. And I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill came through Local Government. We thought it was reasonable and we recommend its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Any further discussion? Senator Jacobs.
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Does -- does this bill remove the requirement for a referendum on a tax increase?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
You can argue both ways, Senator. I mean, theoretically you can characterize it at that. What it really is doing -- there’s more townships that have this problem that realize it. This problem was brought to my attention by Naperville Township that I represent. What they pointed out is, based on the timing of legislation that has been passed and subsequent court decisions, you’re now in a situation that the only way to put back into place taxes that exist currently, theoretically, is by referendum. And their argument is, "Look, that’s really difficult to pass; let us just go back under -- under a town meeting, put ‘em back - no harm, no foul." But you could argue, fairly, that -- as you said. I would argue the other way, that what we’re doing is restoring something that has always intended to be in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3651 pass. Those in favor, 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 45 Yeas, 10 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3651, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lightford, on 3678. Senator Collins, on 3680. Oh, I’m sorry, Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point. 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Madam President, I wish to correct the record. I was engaged in a conversation with staff and failed to vote for my own bill -- House Bill 3597. I wish to add an Aye vote to that column.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The record shall so reflect, Senator. Senator Roskam.
Madam President, point of order. How many times are we going to carry this guy around here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) As many times as it takes.
He’s getting to be quite the heavy load, isn’t he?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam, as many times as it takes. Senator Collins, on 3680. Senator DeLeo, on 3694. Senator DeLeo. Senator Garrett, on 3724. Senator Link, on 3738. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3738. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill adds that certain specially equipped vehicles used solely for recycling hauls or operation are subject to special weight limits when they’re not operating on interstate highways. I know of no opposition. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: It came out of Transportation unanimously and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 is, shall House Bill 3738 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3738, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martinez, on 3740. Senator Raoul, on 3742. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3742. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3742 amends the Illinois Grants -- Funds Recovery Act, the Local Records Act and the Illinois Municipal Code and the Public Water District Act to change certain references to accountants to refer to licensed public accountants permitted to perform audits under the Illinois Public Accounting Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3742 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3742, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to 3749. Senator Shadid. 3757. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3757. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Shadid.
77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3757 provides for the continuation of the State’s fire truck revolving loan program. The program was formally administered under the Rural Bank Bond Act; however, when the Rural Bank Bond Act was repealed on January 1, ’04, the program was as well. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill passed out of -- State Government Committee unanimously and we urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 3757 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3757, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 3763. Senator Jacobs. 3770. Top of page 91. Senator John Sullivan. 3785. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3785. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3785 amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. It lowers the penalties for -- taxidermists who are found to have a record- keeping violation from a Class B misdemeanor to a petty offense. Under current law, two paperwork violations would cause a taxidermist to lose his or her license. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3785 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 3785, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Crotty, on 3800. Senator Collins, on 3801. Senator Raoul, on 3802. Senator Ronen. 3812. Senator Roskam, on 3816. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3816. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3816 provides that a person convicted a third time of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or intoxicating compounds is guilty of a Class 2 felony. That a person convicted of a -- an offense a fourth time is guilty of a Class 2 felony and not eligible for a sentence of probation or conditional discharge. And a person convicted of an offense a fifth or subsequent time is guilty of a Class 1 felony and not eligible for a sentence of probation or conditional discharge. Passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and I’m not aware of any opponents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3816 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3816, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 3819. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3819. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd -- 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the City -- of the Senate. House Bill 3918 {sic} amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law. And it basically requires DPH to establish a registry of all active and retired health care professionals to be -- to be accessed in the event of an act of bioterrorism or other public health emergencies. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3819 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3819, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Maloney, on 3821. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3821. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3821 provides that students who attend private colleges, like students who attend public and community college, need not show proof of immunization in order to register for college courses if that college does not have dormitories. Current law requires that students attending public universities that have dormitories provide proof of immunization. The current law also provides that community colleges are not -- community college students are not required to provide proof of immunization, but the current law says that students who attend any private college or university to provide proof of immunization whether or not those colleges have dormitories. This simply would make the Act consistent. If a student attends a college that does have dormitories, then that student -- that 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 does not have dormitories, that student need not provide immunization. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3821 pass. Those in favor, 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3821, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, on 3822. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3822. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3822 amends the School Code with regards to the early childhood block grant. It amends the School Code to -- to match current administrative practice, ensuring that funds from the early childhood block grants supplement and do not supplant funds from other sources. I urge an Aye vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3822 pass. Those in favor, 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 House Bill 3822, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wojcik, on 3831. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3831. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wojcik. 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 3831 amends the Fire Protection District Act. Allows two fire protection districts by ordinance to disconnect and annex a territory of up to sixty acres when the annexing district can provide better fire protection. And the fire protection district that is disconnecting the land must inform all impacted property owners by mail and must also inform the property owners of the fire protection district board meeting that will discuss the disconnection. This passed out of committee nine to nothing, out of the House 114 to nothing, so I ask for its favorable passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3831 pass. Those in favor, 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, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3831, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on 3843. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3843. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 3843 provides that if there is one or more municipalities with a population of five thousand or more within an airport authority, each municipality will appoint one commissioner and three commissioners will be appointed at large by the county board president with the advice and consent of the county board. The bill will also remove the requirement that a commissioner representing an area within the authority located outside a municipality must reside in that area. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3843 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 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, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 3843, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 92. Senator Dahl, on 3850. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3850. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Madam President, Members of the Senate, House Bill 3850 amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code and extends the life of the district in Oglesby from twenty-three to thirty-five years. This bill passed the House 114 to 0. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Senator Dahl, is this your first bill before the Illinois Senate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Yes, it is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Senator, can you describe for us Oglesby? I’m sure many of us in the Chamber are not -- it’s not like a big city like Chicago is it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl. 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Oglesby is a very fine community bordering on Starved Rock State Park. When I say Starved Rock State Park, I’m sure everybody in this great Chamber knows where I’m talking about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thirty-five years seems like a long time. I’m not even sure if Senator Wilhelmi is thirty-five years old. Can you tell us why -- why you want to go from twenty-three to thirty-five years?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Yes. Senator, the -- the extension to thirty-five years is due to the fact that -- that twenty-three of the years are almost already gone and the development in that area is beginning to take hold and we need the extra time to continue with projects that are already in progress.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Are you intimately informed on what those projects are? Can you describe for us? I mean, we want to make sure these are good public policy projects that you’re doing in Oglesby, wherever that is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Yes, Senator. The -- the projects that are -- that are going to be coming into the area are manufacturing, bringing in jobs, warehousing, and also a truck stop is looking at the area.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan, wrap it up, please. The poor guy has answered every question you have.
Have one -- one final question. You mentioned that this is near Starved Rock. Can you explain for us how you starve a rock? How do you starve a rock?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Dahl.
As Madam President said, we need to wrap this up. If you would be -- if -- if you would be willing, Senator, when we’ve adjourned here today, I will sit down with you for a couple of hours and tell you all about Starved Rock.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. Senator Dahl, I -- I know you’d like to wrap it up, but in -- this is your first bill, so the President just has to be a little lenient here. You know, you took Senator Pat Welch’s place, didn’t you? I -- by now, Pat Welch would have passed well over twenty-one hundred bills and been defeated by about fifty-four hundred bills. It took you a little time to get going there didn’t it, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
It -- it seems, Senator, that -- that the fact that I was the only freshman Senator that was elected this year, the rest of the freshmen Senators on that side of the aisle were all appointed and it -- it seems to take a little longer to be able to get a bill through when you’re elected on this side than it is when you’re appointed on that side.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon, I think he learns quick. Do you have further questions?
Yeah. Yeah, all right.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Hendon, are you done? Any further discussion? Senator Wendell Jones.
Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I'd like to point out to the Body that just a few short years ago my first bill took thirty minutes. And this tradition that we’ve had here seems to be falling by the wayside, so I thought I should rise and at least ask a few -- should I stand up? Oh, okay. It -- now -- 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 this is about Dick Ogilvie?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
No, I don’t believe so, Senator. This is about the -- the community of Oglesby.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator -- Senator Jones, put your light on.
Well, thank you -- thank you, Madam President. I’m learning. Senator Dahl…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Not quite as quickly as Senator Dahl, I guess.
Senator Dahl, this is -- I’m sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Not quite as quickly as Senator Dahl has. So, Senator Jones, ask your question.
May I?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) You know what? I’m going to let you. Go ahead.
Thank you, Madam President. I was asking about Richard Ogilvie, our former Governor, fine -- a fine man, and -- and this is about -- about Ogilvie, Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
This is about Oglesby, Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jones.
Would -- would you want me…
Oh, Oglesby, Illinois. Okay. Well, you’re first bill in the Senate had to be about a TIF. Now TIFs are about as popular as hives down here these days. We’ve had enough TIF legislation. All we do is pass TIF after TIF after TIF. We’ve TIFed the 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 entire State. The whole State is TIFed. It’s -- it’s TIFed so much that it’s -- it’s – TIF tipping. It’s TIF -- this TIF bill is tipping the State into a TIF. And I’m working myself into a frenzy over this TIF. I think we should vote No on this TIF legislation. We have enough TIFs, especially those that are named after a former Governor. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Would the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) I’m not so sure. Senator Dahl? Yes, he’ll yield.
Thank you. Got the wrong Governor Richard somebody. This is Governor Richard Oglesby that this town is named after and it happens to be the great-great-grandfather of my wife. So, I was just curious what -- what -- what Senator Dahl is -- have you been talking to my wife behind my back, Senator Dahl, about her hometown?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
I have -- I have never met your wife or former Governor Oglesby.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you. Looking, they -- this town, believe it or not, does have a website and I was reading the -- the -- the history of this town right here on the Senate Floor during my travelogue here, Senator Dahl. It says it is the town between the rock and the hard place. Is that the -- is that where the TIF is going to go, between the rock and the hard place of Oglesby?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Yes, Senator. I would imagine that it would be rather difficult to put a TIF on the rock, so it’s going to have to go 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 on the hard place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you. Just to the bill, Madam President. You know, obviously, I got a conflict of interest here, I guess. So I’m not going to vote for this bill and I don’t think any of you ought to vote for it either.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Jacobs.
Will the sponsor yield for a question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Senator Dahl, does a -- does a TIF do anything besides rob school districts of needed funds?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Repeat the question, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Does schools do anything – or, do -- do TIFs do anything besides rob school districts of needed funds?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Well, actually, some school districts understand that when they do develop a TIF, they are bringing in business that wasn’t there and wouldn’t be there without it. And all of the school districts in the Oglesby area has signed letters in support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Is it the practice of the new elected Senator to delay payments that are due twenty-three years to thirty-five years?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Senator Dahl.
Well, the -- the school districts are going to be funded under this TIFed agreement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
How about the sales tax?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
I’m not sure about sales tax. There’s no sales tax involved, just property.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
…I will vote for this bill, but only for one reason and that’s the fact that you were elected and I was appointed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Geo-Karis.
…President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, some of these boys on my side with TIF, TIF, TIF, I don’t know if they’re stiff or not. But, number -- number two -- number two, Oglesby died many, many years ago and poor Senator Dahl is doing his job for the City of Oglesby, and it’s too bad that some of you, who have taken great delight in tormenting this poor gentleman, you’re time will come, too. So, let’s go on with the vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Geo-Karis. Is there any further discussion? If not, the question is, shall House Bill 3850 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 52 Yeas, 3 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 3850, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hendon, on 3851. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3851. 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. This establishes a TIF district for senior citizens in Oglesby County and I'd appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3851 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 House Bill 3851, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Pankau, on 4014. Senator Sullivan, on 4020. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4020. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 4020 amends the Criminal Code of 1961 regarding civil liability for criminal trespassing. It allows a civil action against a person liable to the owner of -- of the land he or she entered upon with a motor vehicle as prohibited under the Act. The person may be liable for actual damages, but not less than two hundred and fifty dollars, if the vehicle is operated in a nature preserve or registered area as defined. Proponents are the Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Farm Bureau, and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4020 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 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 House Bill 4020, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, on 4023. Senator Maloney, on 4030. …no. Senator -- will -- Senator Hunter, on 4067. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4067. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4067 creates a new Act regarding the Children’s Environmental Health Officer Act. And it mandates the Department of Public Health, subject to specific appropriations, to establish and maintain in the Office of Public Health Protection the Children’s Environmental Health Officer. So, basically, what it does, it serves as an advisor to the Director of Public Health on matters within the scope of the Department pertaining to environmental health and environmental protection concerning children. I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4067 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4067, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we’ll be returning to page 80. Senator Watson, on House Bill 1571. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1571. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson. 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Yes. Thank you very much, Madam President. I appreciate the consideration to go back to this order of business. This is a TIF district extension, ironically enough. This happens to be Sullivan, which is in Moultrie County, and it extends their TIF district from twenty-three to thirty-five years. We have letters of support from the city, the county board, the fire department - - the fire district, the school district and the township. There’s no opposition to this. It passed overwhelmingly in the House and passed out of Local Government Committee, I believe ten to nothing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. As all of you know in this Body, I’ve been a strong supporter of TIF districts. And Senator Watson has a fine bill and I recommend its unanimous passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Cronin.
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. Sorry to -- to digress from the lightheartedness, but I just wanted to point out that we are seeing a lot of bills that extend TIF districts and I had a bill in the Senate Rules, is where it remains, to limit the -- the extensions of TIF districts. I really think that we’re going in the direction of permanent TIF. So, if you want to do something about it sometime, join me. But I guess in the meantime we’re going to go along with these extensions. Just something to think about. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to indicate that Leader Watson’s bill flew out of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development with a unanimous vote. I ask your support on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson, to close.
92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Appreciate your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 1571 pass. Those in favor, 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 -- take -- take the record. On that question, there are -- 53 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1571, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Watson, on 1574. Mr. Secretary, read the -- the bill.
House Bill 1574. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson.
Yes. Thank you very much. This also comes to us from Moultrie County. This provides that all members of a board of health must be residents of the county, except that a member who is required to be a physician, dentist or nurse may reside outside the county if there is no physician, dentist or nurse who reside in the county who is willing to serve and be able to serve. Once again, I don’t believe there was any opposition. Passed out of the House with a 113 to nothing vote and I believe passed out of committee with a -- with an equal percentage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is -- is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1574 pass. Those in favor, 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1574, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Munoz, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement. 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
Transportation Committee will meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. I rise for the purposes of an announcement. The Judiciary Committee will meet tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in Room 212. We have twenty bills -- amendments on twenty bills to consider. So, we’d like to start at 9 a.m., for the members of the Judiciary Committee. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
Energy and Environment will meet tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Room 212. Again, tomorrow at 3 p.m., Energy and Environment will meet in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan. John Sullivan. Senator Sullivan.
Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
The Senate Ag and Conservation Committee will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3 -- 3 p.m. in A-1 in the Stratton Building.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sandoval, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
Committee on Commerce and Economic Development will meet tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. in A-1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen, for what purpose do you rise?
94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005 Purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
The Health and Human Services Committee will meet at 3 p.m. tomorrow in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I rise for purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
The Financial Institutions Committee will meet tomorrow at 11:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Meeks, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
Great news, Madam Chairman. Great news. First committee that will meet in the morning, bright and early, 9 a.m., Housing and Community Affairs in A-1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you rise?
Purposes of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
Senate Higher Education Committee will meet in Room 400 at 11 a.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement. 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 41st Legislative Day 5/16/2005
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your announcement.
Many of you know that this morning we lost a trailblazer. Senator Margaret Smith passed away this morning and we do have her arrangements. And they are this Friday. There will be a visitation from 1 to 4 p.m. at Griffin Funeral Home in Chicago. And on Friday, Senator Smith is going to have a tribute for herself, where she developed a list of people that she wants to say wonderful things about her, which is going to be at 7 o’clock p.m. on Friday at the Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church on 5660 South Sangamon, and then on Saturday, she will be funeralized from 10 to 11:30, once again at Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church. So, I just hope that many of you can come and attend the home-going services of Senator Margaret Smith. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
I request a moment of silence for Senator Smith.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon, Tuesday, May 17th, 2005. The Senate stands adjourned. 96