The regular Session of the 94th General Assembly will please come to order? Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Keith Hallam of the -- from Batavia, Illinois. Keith -- Reverend Hallam.
(Prayer by the Reverend Keith Hallam)
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal of February -- March 24th, 2006, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.
Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the -- of the Journal, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 690, offered by Emil Jones, Lightford and all Members. And Senate Resolution 691, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. They are death resolutions, Mr. President.
Resolutions Consent Calendar. Will the Members of the Body please come to order? And please join me in welcoming the Honorable Carlos Sada, Consul General of Mexico, from -- in Chicago, and the Honorable Patricia Gómez Bravo, a federal Senator. They are here today to celebrate and honor the -- the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Benito Juárez, and to make a very special presentation of a sculpture of President Juárez to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. For those of you who don’t know, Benito Juárez was Mexico’s 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Abraham Lincoln. Though they never personally met, they had a strong bond, both were great emancipators. Lincoln helped Juárez when Mexico City was captured by the -- by the French. And Juárez sent representatives to the Confederacy packing when they made overtures to Mexico during the Civil -- during the Civil War. Today Illinois enjoys a great relationship and is second in the nation in trade with Mexico. Please join me in welcoming our guests. First, I’d like to hear from our colleague, Senator Marty Sandoval.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. It’s with great honor that I’d like to introduce the Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, Mr. Carlos Manuel Sada. He has served in the position since July 18th, 2000. He held the same positions in Toronto, Canada, and San Antonio, Texas. He was the Mayor of the City of Oaxaca, where he is a native. And he is currently the Dean of the Chicago Consular Corps that represents seventy-eight countries in Chicago. Also of notable mention, he was appointed Consul of Chicago by President Zedillo and was reconfirmed by President Fox, the current President of Mexico. Without further ado, the Honorable Carlos Manuel Sada, of Mexico.
(Remarks by Consul General Carlos Manuel Sada)
And now an envoy from the Mexican Senate in Mexico, the Federal Senator Emilia Patricia Gómez Bravo of the Green Party of Mexico, founder and pioneer of the Green Party, member of the Special Commission to Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Benito Juárez. She also serves on the commissions of health, social security, education, and culture and others in the Mexican State. Federal Senator Emilia Patricia Gómez Bravo. SENATOR EMILIA PATRICIA GÓMEZ BRAVO: (Remarks by Senator Emilia Patricia Gómez Bravo with translator)
Members of the Senate, I also would like to recognize in the Presidential Gallery a number of representatives of the Mexican community in Illinois from Elgin, Aurora, from Waukegan, from the south side of Chicago, to -- to Beardstown, and also from Mexico. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Will the -- our guests please rise?
Senator del Valle, what purpose you rise? State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also want the Illinois Senate to recognize Mr. Andres Webster Henestrosa, who is the representative of the Governor of Oaxaca, the State where Benito Juárez was -- was born. And another individual, who I think is known to several people in this Chamber, Mr. Manuel Barbosa, who is a federal judge and the President of the Lincoln-Juárez Society.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Sandoval.
Just a reminder on behalf of the Latino Caucus, Senator del Valle, Senator Munoz, Senator Martinez and your colleague, Marty Sandoval, we’d like to invite everyone to the unveiling of the Benito Juárez bust at the Lincoln Presidential Library tonight at 5 o'clock, 5:30 at the Lincoln Reception Room of the Presidential Library.
Senator Schoenberg, what purpose you rise?
Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal privilege.
State your point.
It’s spring break on the North Shore, and I’m fortunate to have about half the kids from the North Shore right here in Springfield today. I have a representative sample of a couple of the schools with me and I’d first like to introduce Henry and Will Klauke of Winnetka. Henry’s in -- Henry’s in fifth grade at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity School, Winnetka. Will’s in second grade in Saints Faith, Hope and Charity School in Winnetka. I also am honored to have with us today Bridget Sampson, who will be my Page for the Day. She’s a fourth grader at Hoffman School in Glenview and please give the three of them a warm Senate welcome. Thank you. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
Will our guests rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Althoff, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege. Surprisingly enough, Mr. President…
State your point.
…it’s also spring break in McHenry County and I have with me three wonderful guests. I have Kelsey Marvin, from Woodstock, Illinois. She’s an eighth grader at Olson Middle School. And her parents are also in the President’s Gallery. I have former Chief of Police from Woodstock, Illinois, Joe Marvin, and his wife, Kim. Can we welcome them? And I also have two sisters, Jordan and Ashley Crosby, and their grandparents are in the audience in the President’s Gallery, Pam Crosby and her husband. And Pam used to be the Superintendent of the Cary District schools. Can we give them a warm welcome, please?
Will our guests rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Peterson, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For personal privilege.
State your point.
I have two young ladies here that are visiting me from Green Oaks and from Libertyville. We have Sara Hill and Olivia Mayer. And Olivia’s mother is up in the gallery on the Republican side, and her grandparents, Chuck and Peg Davis. Would you give them a warm welcome?
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Halvorson in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you very much, Madam President. Point of personal 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
All right. School is out not just on the North Shore and the other parts of the south side, but also on the southwest side as well. I’m honored to have four constituents - three standing with me - who are constituents of Senator Viverito, but in his absence, I will introduce them, and they’re also good friends of ours. Their dad works with us. He’s down here on a regular basis, Sean McDermott. I have his two lovely children. I have Maggie McDermott and I have Connor around here somewhere. I guess he’s working around here. And we also have two other wonderful kids who -- also attend the Highlands Middle School. And that is Mark LeFevour and Anne LeFevour who are with me today as well. But I -- I don’t want to leave out even the youngest who was not allowed on the Floor, but he’s down. He’s in first grade and that’s Rory McDermott, who’s up there with his mother and father, Sean and Barbara McDermott.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will all of our guests rise and be welcomed to Springfield? Senator Risinger, for what purpose do you rise?
Personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
I have a very special Page for the Day with me today. Marissa Hay. Marissa Hay is my next-door neighbor. Her father was going to be with her today, but her father got sick and -- but we have her mother, Luann Hay, and her uncle, Scott, in the Presidential Gallery. Would you please help me give ‘em a warm welcome?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests rise, please, and be welcomed to Springfield? Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
…President, a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 State your point.
Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I want to introduce to you a -- a very close friend for many years and also the elected County Clerk for the County of Madison, Illinois, Mark Von Nida.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Hendon, for -- Senator John Jones, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Today I have with me a very special guest from Mason, who is actually a freshman in high school at Effingham, Shauna Gressel, and her mother and father and brother, Darrel, Tonya and Tyler, in the gallery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to Springfield? All Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Chambers. We will be doing some business. We’re currently going to House Bills 2nd Reading. So if the Body could turn their Calendar to page 12, House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Emil Jones, on House Bill 448. Senator DeLeo. 874. Senator Jones… With leave of the Body, we’ll return to House Bill 874. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 874. (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 1299. Senator Jones, on 1604. Senator del Valle. 2012. Senator Raoul. 2067. Senator Martinez, on 2469. Top of page 13. Senator Jones. 2708. Senator Haine, on 2946. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2946. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 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 Cullerton, on 3126. Senator Haine, on -- 4079. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4079. (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 4134. Senator Winkel. 4135. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4135. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted 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 Demuzio, on 4137. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4137. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on State Government adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on 4173. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4173. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Amendments 1 and 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 Peterson, on -- 4179. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4179. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 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 Cullerton. 4186. Senator Crotty, on 4192. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4192. (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 4193. Senator del 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Valle. 4195. Senator Winkel. 4203. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4203. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 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. Top of page 14. Senator Axley, on 4204. Senator Viverito. 4217. Senator Harmon. 4238. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4238. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Ronen, on 4297. Senator Cullerton, on 4306. Senator Sieben. 4308. Senator Pankau, on 4310. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4310. (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 4339. Senator Martinez. 4342. Senator Collins. 4345. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4345. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on 4357. Senator Clayborne. 4362. Top of page 15. Senator Haine, on 4365. Senator Haine. 4365. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4365. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Risinger, on 4369. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4369. (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 4370. Senator Lauzen, on 4375. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4375. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard, on 4383. 3rd Reading. 4375 is now on 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on 4383. Senator Trotter. 4398. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4398. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Collins, on 4406. Senator Trotter. 4425. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4425. (Secretary reads title of bill) 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on 4438. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4438. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 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 Emil Jones, on 4442. Senator Collins, on 4446. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4446. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 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 Emil Jones, on 4453. Senator Harmon, on 4461. Top of page 16. Senator Dillard, on 4463. Senator Clayborne. 4527. Senator Martinez, on 4541. Senator Watson, on 4559. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4559. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz, on 4561. Senator Martinez, on 4606. Senator Millner, on 4649. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4649. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Emil Jones, on 4666. Senator Harmon, on 4703. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4703. (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 4711. Senator Raoul, on 4715. Senator Millner, on 4717. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4717. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Viverito, on 4726. Senator Munoz, on 4727. Senator Link. 4728. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4728. (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 17. Senator Emil Jones, on 4729. Senator Collins, on 4736. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4736. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 4746. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4746. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, on 4752. Senator Garrett. Senator Link, on 4760. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4760. (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 4768. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4768. (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 4782. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4782. (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 4788. Senator Harmon, on 4789. Senator Sieben, on 4793. Senator Martinez. 4829. Senator Cullerton. 4835. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4835. (Secretary reads title of bill) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Transportation adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 18. Senator Ronen, on 4853. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4853. (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 4904. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4904. (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 4960. Senator Wilhelmi, on 4971. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4971. (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 4974. Senator Harmon, on 4977. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4977. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, on 4987. Senator Axley, on 4216. Senator Munoz. 5220. Senator Clayborne, on 5259. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5259. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted 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 5260. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5260. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on State Government adopted 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 5274. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5274. (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 5283. Senator Harmon, on 5284. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 House Bill 5284. (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 19. Senator Raoul, on 5288. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5288. (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 5299. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5299. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Housing and Community Affairs adopted 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 5305. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5305. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, on 5330. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5330. (Secretary reads title of bill) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 5331. Senator Roskam, on 5336. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5336. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton. 5337. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5337. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg. 5339. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5339. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on 5342. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5342. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on 5343. Senator Demuzio, on 5343. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5343. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 5348. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5348. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 5370. Senator Harmon, on 5376. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5376. (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 5377. Senator Link, on 5382. Top of page 20. Senator Sieben, on 5407. Senator Link, on 5416. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5416. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Education adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator John Jones, on 5429. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5429. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on 5506. Senator Hendon, on 5524. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5524. (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 5550. Senator Clayborne, on 5555. Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I’d just like to inform you that Senator Viverito and Senator Lightford are absent today due to personal business, and Senator Silverstein is absent due to legislative business in his district.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Link. The record shall so reflect. If I could have everybody’s attention, we will be going now to House Bills 3rd Reading. So if you can turn your Calendar to page 8, and be ready if you’re going to be calling a bill. This will be final action. Page 8. Senator Sandoval, on 542. Senator Watson, on 1463. Senator Dahl, on 1620. Senator Dahl, are you calling your bill? Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1620. (Secretary reads title of bill) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dahl.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill is a result of the tritium leaks and the problems that have been happening with our nuclear power stations and it simply requires the nuclear stations to do a -- a reporting in twenty-four hours, rather than what it has been. This bill has the blessing of the Illinois EPA, as well as the National Nuclear Regulatory System. I encourage a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1620 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 1620, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, on 1744. Senator Forby. 2151. Senator Garrett. 2497. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2497. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill permits counties and municipalities to post signs that prohibit the driver of a commercial vehicle from operating or actuating any engine braking system that emits excessive noise. It also -- provides the content that’s supposed to be used on the sign and the wording should read “excessive braking {sic} (engine braking) noise prohibited”. There’s no opposition. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Thank you, Madam President. This has become renownedly known as the “Jake brake” law. It’s been around longer than me. Came out of committee with no opposition and I would encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2497 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 48 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 2497, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, on 2734. Senator Sandoval. 4121. Top of page 9. Senator Garrett, on 4125. Senator Sieben, on 4127. Senator Demuzio. 4147. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4147. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Demuzio.
Yes, thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senate -- or, House Bill 4147 creates the Central Illinois Economic Development Authority Act. It establishes governing and administrative powers for the Authority in order to promote economic development within an eleven-county region.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Thank you. Senator, does this bill contain anything that has the moral obligation of the State involved - the bond authorization?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Senator Demuzio.
…you. This contains no moral obligation bonding. It removes everything from the Authority to designate enterprise zones and et cetera.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Althoff.
For my Senate colleagues on this side of the aisle, this bill did pass out of committee unanimously because Senator Demuzio did address the moral obligation question. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4147 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 4147, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator DeLeo, on 4161. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4161. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you -- thank you very much, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate -- House Bill 4161 is a -- it’s kind of a reconveyance bill. What we did back in -- about fourteen, fifteen years ago, we gave the authority to CMS to pick a developer to -- to develop some property currently known as the Read-Dunning property. That has never been -- has never happened. The House bill gives this property to the City of Chicago for a dollar. The Senate version sends the property back to CMS. I’d be glad to ask -- answer any questions and I ask for an affirmative roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff. Further 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
How you doing? Senator, according to the Chicago Tribune, there’s a columnist who has intimated that your district has changed, that you no longer have a district number, you just have a phrase. Can you -- can you elaborate on that for us?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: I think, last time I recall, I had an opponent in the early eighties, but the district has changed drastically since then and I don’t recall that phrase. So, Madam President, I’d ask for a favorable roll call in House Bill 4161.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4161 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, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4161, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 4172. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4172. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bills 4172 is an initiative of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame based in Pennsylvania. The problem is legendary musical groups have had their careers adversely affected by knockoff musical acts claiming to be the original group. And what this bill will do is, it states that a 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 performing group may not purport itself to be an established recording group in their advertising or conduct -- or conduct of a -- of a live musical performance or production in Illinois and then at least one member of the performing group should be a member of the recording group that has a legal right by virtue of the use of operation under the name -- the group name without having abandoned the name or affiliation. There is no opposition to this bill. There are similar laws like this in South Carolina, North Dakota and Pennsylvania, and I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4172 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, 10 none voting Nay -- none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4172, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Emil Jones, on 4202. Senator -- Senator Haine, on 4222. Senator Martinez. 4242. Senator Harmon, on 4286. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4286. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 4286 has been before the Senate before, at least the substance of it has, in Senate Bill 1355. It is derivative of the separation of the DuPage County Forest Preserve District from the DuPage County Board. When the two governments were split several years ago, the authority to set salaries for the Forest Preserve District remained with the County Board, a separate governmental body. This would simply reconcile that and give the authority to set salaries to the Forest Preserve District commissioners and leave them accountable to their own voters. When this bill was before us last year, it passed 55 to nothing, and I would ask for the 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 same roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: I’m rising in support of it. I believe it’s really cleanup legislation to make sure that a separate entity, the DuPage Forest Preserve District, is treated entirely as a separate legal entity and urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 4286 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 43 Yeas, 5 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4286, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on 4298. Senator Risinger, on 4300. Senator Ronen, on 4302. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4302. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill has to do with pharmaceutical drugs. It expands the definition in our SeniorCare program to allow two hundred very low-income persons who are HIV positive to be eligible for drug coverage under that program. In addition to providing that needed service, it also gives us the potential of bringing in more federal dollars. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. I simply rise in support of the bill. This is a result of a mandate from the federal government that requires us to move people who might be eligible for the new 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Medicare Part D into that program. I appreciate the Senator’s hard work and urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4302 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 4302, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 10. 4313. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval. Senator Peterson, on 4317. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4317. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Peterson.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 4317 would allow the Village of Wauconda to enter into agreement with a -- a fire protection district for benefits on a pension. It would not cost the State any money. The fire district and the Village of Wauconda have agreed on the benefits and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4317 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 4317, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 4377. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4377. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
Thank you very much, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill, 4377, is a bill that will help keep live racing in Fairmount Park. Fairmount Park is the only horseracing track outside Metropolitan Chicago. It’s a very small track. It employs fifteen hundred people and it’s suffering a decline in racing dates because of the tremendous competition from the gaming enterprises in Missouri and in -- Illinois. What this does is reduce the pari-mutuel tax from .25 percent -- to .25 percent from 1.5 percent, which will allow an increase in the purse account and therefore the -- an increase in racing dates. In the year 2000, to give you an idea how Fairmount has declined, Fairmount had two hundred and twenty racing dates in the year 2000. Currently we have ninety racing dates and we just need this bill to -- to survive. It’s not just the immediate jobs, the track actually sits partly in my district and Senator Clayborne’s, but also it has an ancillary effect on the agricultural enterprises in southern Illinois that raise and breed horses and supply feed. So, I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Watson.
Yes. Thank you very -- very much, Madam President. I, too, rise in support of Senator Haine and Senator Clayborne. This particular piece of legislation impacts Fairmount Racetrack. Personally, I think we ought to do this for all race -- racetracks in Illinois. Racing is really hurting. Horseracing in Illinois is -- is declining rapidly and Fairmount is sort of leading the charge, so to speak, in regard to this. They’ve reduced the number of racing days and it has a huge impact on -- just an economic impact on the whole metro east region. So, this is at least some means by which this track can get some additional funds and it -- and Bill’s right, Senator Haine is correct that the -- the impact of this is not necessarily just at the racetrack, which is some four hundred jobs, I believe, there, but the ancillary people, the breeders and the trainers and those people that work in agriculture outside of the region that bring hay and straw and other animal products and other farm products to -- to the track, it’s very important for them also. So, I 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 rise in support and appreciate the Senator’s sponsorship.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in strong support of Senator Haine, and hope that everyone on both sides of the aisle will give the gentleman and the horseracing industry a vote today. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Risinger.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Yeah, as I understand it, this tax will revert back, once and if the tenth riverboat license is -- is signed?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Haine.
…President, I appreciate very much Senator Risinger’s question. I forgot to mention that. Yes, there’s a sunset. When the tenth gaming boat comes on line, it will revert back immediately. Thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4377 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 43 Yeas, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4377, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martinez, on 4519. Oh! I -- I apologize. I skipped one. Senator Haine, on 4449. Senator Martinez. 4519. Senator Munoz, on 4657. Senator Hunter, on 4676. Senator Hunter. 4676. Senator Collins. 4688. Madam -- Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4688. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Collins.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President and -- and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Basically, House Bill 4688 amends the Criminal Code known as the Minority Contractors Act to expand the definition of contractors to include subcontractors utilized by the prime contractor. This law is clear -- I mean, this amendment would clarify the definition of a contracting entity to include subcontractors and protect the integrity of governmental affirmative action programs. I’m open for any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4688 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 4688, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Axley, on 4699. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4699. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 4699 amends the Illinois Highway Code and is an initiative of the Township Officials of Illinois. Under current law, when a township’s road mileage does not exceed four miles in length, the township road district is automatically dissolved. On occasion, a road district will enter into an intergovernmental agreement with a municipality to maintain some of the municipality’s roads. House Bill 4699 provides that if a road district has entered into such an agreement with a municipality, the road miles covered by that agreement are included in determining a road district’s 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 total road miles for the purpose of determining whether a road district should be abolished. The Illinois Department of Transportation is neutral on this bill and there is no opposition. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on Senator Axley’s first bill? Senator Garrett.
Thank you. Senator Axley, are you sure you understand this bill? For instance, how many township roads are you talking about? How many are there and how many miles are you talking about specifically?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
There are currently fourteen hundred and thirty-three townships in the State of Illinois. All townships would be subject to this new bill. However, in the -- in the Chicago metropolitan area -- in the suburban area, that is where the annexation by municipalities is taking place and those townships would be most subject to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.
…many townships are there? You didn’t give me the number of townships that would be affected by this. You just gave me the miles.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
There are fourteen hundred and thirty-three townships in this State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.
How many miles?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 The Township Officials of Illinois are not certain how many miles are actually covered.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.
So, Senator Axley, you’re asking us to vote for something that we don’t even know what we’re voting for. We don’t know how many miles are going to be affected and you don’t know how many miles?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
How can we support something like this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Excuse -- is that a question, Senator Garrett?
Yeah, I think we need to know.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
…think we should support this bill because it is a great bill for all of the residents of Illinois who currently live in townships and who would like their roads maintained by their local township.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett, please bring your remarks to a close. There’s a lot of speakers.
Well, I -- I would just ask my colleagues to really think long and hard about this convoluted township road bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’s in for the long haul.
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Yeah, I’m -- I’m very concerned about my community of Peoria, Peoria Township. Can you tell me how this bill would affect Peoria Township?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Yes, if the township roads were to go under four miles, the -- the township road district would not automatically be abolished. If they would have an intergovernmental agreement to maintain municipality roads with the City of Peoria, then at the option of the township board, they could continue to have their road and bridge district.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Risinger.
Do you -- do you know how many miles Peoria Township has? I mean, are we getting close to that number or are we far away from that number?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
No, Senator. In Peoria Township, I -- I do not know the actual number.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Risinger.
Whenever I drive down the road, I have a hard time telling whether I’m on a township road or a county highway or a city road. Is there some way that you could let me know or tell me how I know that I’m on a township road?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Well, you would probably have to contact your local township to find out exactly where those township roads are.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Risinger.
Are there -- are there any township roads in the City of 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Peoria? Do you know that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley. Senator Risinger, please bring your remarks to a close.
To the bill, Madam President. You know, I think until we get this straightened out, whether we know we’re on a township road or a county road or a city highway, maybe we ought to vote No and -- and take it back, and -- and it needs a little more work, I think.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
Would the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) She sure has.
Thank you for yielding. Senator, if you could take a look at your bill on page 1, since it’s only one page long, line 24 and 25. The question is this, the bill says, “This Act takes effect upon becoming law.” So, here’s my question. How else would an Act take effect?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
There could be a delayed effect, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
So, you want this Act to take effect when?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
When our Governor signs it, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
I -- I’ll end on that. That’s fine. That’s fine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Senator Geo-Karis.
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I think you’ve tormented her long enough. So, I think it’s time that we acknowledge her and welcome her into the fold and you know how we are sometimes, so be nice, gentlemen and ladies. So, I move that we proceed with her vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Geo-Karis, but it’s going to be a while. Any further discussion? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) She indicates she’ll yield.
Could you move to the side? You -- you -- are you the Senator or a Page? That -- that’s the Senator? Oh! Okay. Senator Axley, is this tied to the Governor’s jobs -- roads for jobs program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
No, Senator, it is not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Are you a true blonde, or did you dye your hair color?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley, I’m not sure you need to answer that one.
Senator, there -- there is nothing in this bill concerning blonde, brunettes or redheads.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Um, I didn’t say it was. I just asked you, was that your natural hair color, or -- we’re just trying to find out since you have a -- is this -- okay. To the bill: Is this -- is this road -- is this Tobacco Road or is this Lover’s Lane? I mean, how do 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 you know about all these roads? I mean, have you been on these roads, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Yes, Senator. I’ve been on many township roads. I’ve been walking a lot of township roads, too.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Would you mind going on a township road with me later on tonight?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon, I don’t think that question was appropriate. Senator Axley, you do not have to answer.
Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon. Okay. Senator Hendon.
Madam President, don’t -- don’t deny me my opportunity here. I mean, she looks like she’s only sixteen or seventeen. I might be able to trick her or something.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) All the more reason you shouldn’t be asking.
I -- I don’t know. Okay. Okay. Let me get serious here. Senator, I -- I really need to know on -- on a serious side. You know, everything else aside. On a serious side, are the -- what are we going to do on these roads? Are these bumpy roads. Is it the road to perdition? I mean, how did you -- I see you keep looking at your notes. As Senator Cullerton said, it’s a one- page bill. Why do you have to keep referring to your notes on a one-page bill? Was this your original idea or did someone come to you and say, hey we got these bumpy roads with potholes, or -- or were you out on a date and you just realized that the roads really lead to nowhere with these guys? What is it, Senator? I need to understand before I can vote for this ridiculous piece of legislation. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Senator, this is an initiative of the Township Officials of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon is speechless. Write this one down. Any further discussion? Senator Millner. See if you can top that.
Thank you, Madam President. I -- I don’t think I’ll be able to. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Could you explain in layman’s terms what this bill really does?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
If there is annexation into a township and the road district has an intergovernmental agreement with that municipality to maintain municipality roads, then the road and bridge district is not abolished.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner.
Okay. So when is the exact date that this bill will take effect -- the exact date?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Upon the Governor’s signature.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner.
So, it’s effective immediately?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
Yes, Senator, upon his signature.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner.
…bill increase any taxes? In other words, now that it’s being absorbed into the municipality, is that right, or into the township, is that…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
No, Senator, there is no tax increase.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner, please bring your remarks to a close.
Okay. So, we can assume, then, that we don’t have to worry about taxes with this bill? There are no taxes, it’s free. So whatever happens here, it’s free?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Senator, there is no tax consequence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner, are you finished? Any further discussion? Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Now, have you run this bill by Senator John Sullivan of the Sullivan Caucus?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
No, Senator, I have not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 …if -- if you had run it by the bipartisan Sullivan Caucus, I -- I -- I could affirm that I would give you my vote. Now, to -- to -- to extend it to tri-partisanship, have you run this by Senator Meeks of the Black Caucus?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
No, Senator, I have not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
…indicated that this is good for all the citizens of Illinois. Now, Senator Meeks is chair of the Black Caucus, so I have to take on the questioning that he would bring forth. How does this affect Stony Island Avenue?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
I don’t believe there are townships in the City of Chicago, Senator, but if a resident of Stony Island were to travel in a township, the roads are maintained better on the local level and I think that would benefit those residents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
It’s good for all of the citizens of Illinois. Now, I have to represent my district. Many of my constituents live and access Stony Island Avenue and they’re going to using it even more with the construction on the Dan Ryan. What are we going to do about Stony Island Avenue?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
It sounds like another bill, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Now, this is a Black Caucus question. How many black people live in townships? 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Senator, I don’t -- I don’t have that population statistic.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
So it’s not good for blacks?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
This bill is good for everyone.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Jacobs.
Thank you, Madam President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield.
Your bill here states that you’ll allow a road to become part of a township or district, even if the road is physically located in another jurisdiction. Correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
No, Senator, that -- that’s not correct. It -- what this bill does is, it -- it would keep the road and bridge districts in existence if they are actually in service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Have you held hearings? Have you -- as the young gentlemen here next to me said, he asked a specific question, which I think bears greatly on what’s going on here. Have you met with any other people to see how they feel about this issue?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
I’ve -- I’ve met with the supervisors from my own area and 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 with the head of the Township Officials of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
As I suspected, you’ve met with the Township Officials and you’ve met with the -- the leaders, but have you met with any of the residents who are actually going to be affected by this important change of legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Axley.
Yes, Senator. I -- I am a resident and I have spoken with many people who would be in favor of this bill passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
I did -- I did notice that your seatmate is a township supervisor. I don’t see their name on this bill. I think we need to take a hard look at this bill and I’d urge my colleagues to vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Axley, would you like to close?
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President. I -- this is a very good bill and I would just appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Well, the question is, shall House Bill 4699 pass. All 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 47 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4699, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Congratulations, Senator Axley. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, having voted on the prevailing side, I now move that this bill be reconsidered. Just joking.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Senator Geo-Karis, for what purpose do you rise?
I move to table Senator Hendon’s motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) You know what, Senator, I’m on your side. We won’t be taking his suggestion up. Okay. Senator Clayborne, on 4714. Senator Munoz, on 4719. Top of page 11. Senator Maloney, on 4785. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4785. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Madam President. Last year, this Body passed Senate {sic} Bill 2062. It had to deal with criminal background checks for residents of nursing homes. House Bill 4785 clarifies the process for which these background checks will be made. The -- if -- if in fact a conviction does turn up, the Department of Public Health will do a criminal history report. In other words, they will make a determination as the best course of action as to how to handle the patient in the -- in the nursing home. For example, if the person is seventy-five years of age and the -- the criminal background check shows that they stole a car thirty years ago, this wouldn’t have any relevance to the other -- probably wouldn’t have any relevance to the other residents of the facility. However, if the background check does turn up some serious or crimes of a violent nature, then the Department of Public Health would have to deal with a -- a specific individual plan as to how to help that person. This does not -- this is not designed to prevent care. This issue was brought over a year ago as a result of several abuses that were found out in some of our nursing homes and this, I think, goes a long way to protecting the most vulnerable among us. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, what you’ve described is a -- a system by which someone at the Department of Public Health, some -- an administrator at the Department of Public Health is going to look at the report that’s been generated and make a decision about whether or not the crime that the potential resident committed was serious enough for what? I mean, if they decide that it’s that serious, what happens and what are the parameters around which the decision’s being made?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
My understanding is, is that Public Health gathers the information, provides the information to the facility and then the facility makes the decision as to how to deal with that particular individual.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
Okay. So, the nursing home facility itself is deciding whether or not they want that person to come in, as opposed to someone in the Department of Public Health. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
That’s correct, Senator, and that’s the process that’s currently in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Maloney, do you wish to close?
I just ask for an affirmative vote, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 4785 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 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4785, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on 4822. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4822. (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 adds a -- a provision to the Human Rights Act, which is veteran status, prohibiting people from casting any -- discrimination against a person because of their history of service in the Army, Navy, National Guard, all the branches of the armed services. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4822 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 4822, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Watson, on 4832. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4832. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson.
Yes, thank you very much, Madam President. House Bill 4832 creates the Community Service Education Act to support community service education programs. It creates the Community Service Education Program, administered by the State Board of Education, and provides that a school district may establish and operate a community service education program that qualifies. This comes - 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 - from Sullivan High School, which is in Moultrie County, which is located in my district. Sullivan High School has run a program similar -- very similar to this and what it’s all about is teaching young children in high school about the importance of community service. And I think when -- when students get exposed to community service and the problems and concerns of others, it has an impact on those students. And my idea and my -- how I got involved in politics came from community service and my interest in trying to be part of the -- of the solution. So, would appreciate your support and be glad to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4832 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 4832, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, on 4986. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4986. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. The bill amends the School Code. It provides that a school district that offers a high school ag program that is eligible for State and federal funding must ensure, at a minimum, the three following criteria: first of all, that the courses are approved by the State Board of Education; secondly, that a State and nationally affiliated FFA chapter is integral to instruction and is not treated as an extracurricular activity; and third, that there is a mechanism for ensuring the involvement of all ag education students in formal, supervised, ag-experience activities and programs. I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski. 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
Thank you, Madam President. Just to the bill: I rise in strong support of the bill. As you all know, the FFAs in the State of Illinois are a very strong organization, provide for a quality education for our students. They were all here last week. You remember seeing them. You got your ag baskets. They do a fantastic job of representing the agricultural community. I rise in strong support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4986 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 4986, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
We have some additional guests that I wish to introduce today from my area. We have Robert Dunne, his wife, Laura, his son, Sean, and his daughter, Leah, are here in the gallery on the other side. If you could please give them a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator Raoul, on 4999. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4999. (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 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Senate. House Bill 4999 establishes the Fair Patient Billing Act. It’s an initiative of the Attorney General’s Office. It’s an agreed bill with the Illinois Hospital Association. The Fair Patient Billing Act establishes fair standards and responsible practices that all licensed hospitals, and the collecting agencies they hire, must follow when they bill and collect debts from patients. Has multiple components. One is a patient notification of hospital financial -- assistance, where hospitals are required to conspicuously post in -- admissions and registration areas notice of availability of financial assistance. They are required at time of -- admission or soon thereafter to notify patients in writing that not all hospital staff members participate in patient insurance plans and consumers will be subject to out-of-network charges. On the patient billing process side, hospitals will be required to implement a -- a process for patients to inquire about or to dispute hospital bills. They will -- calls with regards to the inquiries about hospital bills will be required to be returned within a couple of -- two days. And patients will also have more detailed hospital bills and would be able to request a itemized bill. With regards to collection actions by hospitals, hospitals would not pursue legal action for nonpayment of hospital bill against uninsured patients who have demonstrated that they have insufficient income and assets to meet their financial obligations and the hospital or their agents may only pursue collection actions after the uninsured patient has been given the opportunity to the -- assess the accuracy of the bill, apply for financial assistance under the hospital’s financial assistance policy and avail themselves of a reasonable payment plan. I urge your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of the bill. As -- as many of you will recall, House Bill 4999 and House Bill 5000 received a great deal of publicity when they were first introduced in the House. I appreciate the fact that the proponents were willing to sit down with the not-for-profit hospitals and -- and accept those hospitals’ help in ironing out 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 what some -- were some real problems with this legislation. I appreciate very much the sponsor’s efforts on this as well, and urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4999 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 4999, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on -- 5245. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5245. (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 is a bill which establishes a program of the Department of Public Health to encourage umbilical cord blood donations. This blood contains, as many of us know, stem cells with the remarkable properties of those cells free from any controversy about -- about using them to develop cures, treatments for many diseases. This bill is in the same -- follows the same path as the bill sponsored by Senator Ronen two years ago, an excellent bill, which had established a public health program for cells derived from placenta. So, I’m really indebted to Senator Ronen for her leadership in this matter and for the House sponsors in bringing this bill forward, and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
Thank you, Madam President. I also urge your strong support of this bill. My daughter actually did this last year. She was pregnant and she donated the cord and afterbirth, and it’s really a great thing, because these things - which are normally just 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 thrown away - are just as rich in stem cells that can be used in research as any of the more egregious procedures. And I ask for your strong support of this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: I -- I rise in support of the bill; however, I have to say that I would question some of the characterizations that have been made relative to other forms of stem cell research. We should do all we can to encourage scientific and medical research done under moral and ethical guidelines for all forms of stem cells. We should let the science drive this issue. We should let medicine drive this issue, as these researchers conduct their work under a moral and ethical framework. To characterize the other forms of stem cell research -- stem cell research which is vital to the discovery of cures for many diseases and conditions as egregious -- or per quote, unquote, “egregious”, or quote, unquote, “too controversial”, I think does not do justice to the scientific efforts that are being made. I just want to caution -- while I support this, I want to caution others from mischaracterizing or perhaps attempting to demonize other forms of moral and ethical scientific research. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5245 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 5245, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Dillard, on 5249. Senator Jacobs, on 5251. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5251. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs. 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006
Madam Chairman, thank you. On February 9th {sic} (15) of last year, it was my first day in the Illinois Senate. I spoke about a young lady from Rock Island who had been killed that day, Sergeant Jessica Housby, and I spoke about how she lost her life in a wreck when an improvised explosive went off and she lost her life. Since that time, her family has become eligible for the compensation that’s eligible to people in Illinois who’ve lost their life in the line of duty. Unbeknownst to us, there was a problem with that bill and this bill seeks to clarify that problem. This problem defines what a parent is, especially when children are born out of wedlock, and it makes eligible parents defined under the Probate Act of 1975. I know of no known opposition to the bill. The bill passed in the Senate with compliments from Senator Watson, and I thank you for the bipartisan support. And Jessica Housby deserves the best she can get and I appreciate your help.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Madam President. Just rising in strong support of this bill. It passed out of the Executive Committee unanimously, and I urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator John Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: I -- I totally rise in support of the bill here today, but I had an instance in -- in my district, and -- and Senator Dale Righter, where a -- a father had never had anything to do with the son from birth, yet he received half of the compensation. So this is something that we need to come back next spring - and, Senator Jacobs, I’ll be glad to work with you on it - but next year we need to -- we need to do a little more in -- in tightening up this piece of legislation because people are benefiting from it that shouldn’t be. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5251 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 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 5251, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Garrett, on 5267. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5267. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 5267 provides that in no event shall the condominium instruments require more than a three-quarters vote of unit owners to amend the condominium instruments. Basically, what has happened in certain cases is that condominium associations need a hundred percent of the votes to make a change and we’re trying to make sure that it’s across the board and it’s only three-quarters not a hundred percent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5267 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 5267, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on 5300. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5300. (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 5300 amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Under current law, there is a -- 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 mandates basic standards for rape victims in relation to hospitals. These standards include a sexual assault emergency treatment plan. Currently it’s difficult to -- to know whether a hospital’s providing the medical care they promised under their treatment plan. This bill would simply require the Department of Public Health to submit a report to the General Assembly and, importantly, to post the report on their website for citizens of Illinois. The bill has a broad base of support. I’m not aware of any opposition, and I’d ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. I simply rise in support of the bill. It did pass out of the Health and Human Services Committee unanimously with bipartisan support and I appreciate the sponsor’s effort.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5300 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 5300, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Shadid, on 5301. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5301. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Shadid.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 5301 amends the existing senior center competitive grant program to allow the grants to be used in transforming centers to meet the needs and desires of future seniors. Use of transition grants will enable senior centers to continue to play an important role in the lives of the seniors of all ages.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5301 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 5301, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 12. Senator Hunter, on 5375. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5375. (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. 5375 amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act regarding mandated reporting. And it basically clarifies that school personnel who are mandated reporters under this Act include administrators and both certified and non-certified employees. The bill also raises the penalties for a first offense to -- to a Class 4 felony and a second or subsequent offense to a Class 3 felony. And I ask for a favorable vote.
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 she’ll yield.
Senator Hunter, it’s my understanding that -- that one of the things that this bill would do, it would add as -- to the list of mandated reporters in this State non-certified school personnel. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
That’s correct, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Senator Righter.
And with regards to school board members - little bit of an interesting twist here, and you and I talked about this in committee a little bit - the bill would require school board members to report cases of child abuse, or suspected child abuse, if they learned about that during the course of a school board meeting. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
You’re absolutely correct, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
So the Body understands, Senator Hunter, it -- it’s your understanding of the bill, that if a school board member receives evidence and learns of a case of possible child abuse in any other setting other than during the course of a school board meeting, they are not considered mandated reporters underneath this legislation. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
That is my understanding, Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
To the bill, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this is a -- a bill that received some measure of debate during committee and I had a number of concerns particularly regarding situations where a school board member might receive or learn of evidence of a case of -- of -- of child abuse in a setting other than in a school board meeting. And I think that there are -- are those out there who would argue that it needs to be -- they need to be mandated reporters, regardless of what setting they learn about this. I think this is a first step, quite frankly, toward that process. While I was hesitant to support it in committee, after having talked to some people 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 particularly in the -- in the school profession, I’m prepared to support it now on the Floor as I think it is -- is the best step that we can make in progress towards that end. Thank you, Senator Hunter. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Watson.
Yes, just to follow that line of questioning if I could, Madam President. I guess a school board meeting would include executive session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
That’s correct, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson.
Isn’t it privileged what goes on in executive session? I’m not sure about that actually myself. What -- what is the ramifications of someone being told of a particular case of this in executive session, and then them not reporting it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Senator Righter, it is my understanding that if any child in this State has been abused, whether it is in an executive session or not, they must report it and that’s State law right now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Watson. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5375 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 5375, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on 5578. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5578. (Secretary reads title of bill) 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 5578 creates the Mercury Switch Removal Act, which is the House version of the identical bill that we passed out of the Senate 58 to nothing. I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Risinger.
Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Now, Senator, you indicated in the committee meeting this is an agreed-to bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Risinger.
Yeah, this bill went through committee with a -- a hundred- percent support. I think this is a good first step in -- in removing mercury from -- and -- and the proper disposal of mercury, and I urge an Aye vote on this side of the aisle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5578 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 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 5578, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I -- I pushed my button on 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Senate Bill 5375 of which I am co-sponsor, along with Senator Hunter, and it just did not light up. It failed to work. So, I want the record to reflect -- that’s never happened to me before. I want the record to reflect that I -- my intention’s to vote Aye on 5375.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Hendon. The record shall so reflect your intention. For the information for the Body, there -- you have until noon tomorrow to file any Floor amendments so that we can finish up any bills. Again, all Floor amendments need to be filed by noon tomorrow. At this time, we’re just going to go through 2nds one more time, ‘cause there were a few people not on the Floor. So, we will be going through 2nds one more time. Senator Emil Jones, on 448. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 448. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted 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 Emil Jones, on 1261. Senator Emil Jones, on 1261. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1261. (Secretary reads title of bill) The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1. 2nd Reading of the bill.
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 Martinez, on 1299. Mr. Secretary, 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 read the bill.
House Bill 1299. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 4.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Emil Jones, on House Bill 1604. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1604. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Executive adopted 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 del Valle, on 2012. Senator del Valle, on 2012. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2012. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted 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 Raoul, on 2067. Senator Martinez, on 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 2469. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2469. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Emil Jones, on 2708. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2708. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted 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 Cullerton, on 3126. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3126. (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 4134. 4134. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4134. (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 4135. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. You’re right, Senator, we have already moved that to 3rd. Senator Demuzio, on 4137. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. I 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 apologize, that also has been moved to 3rd. So, thank you. Senator Cullerton. 4186. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4186. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Health and Human Services adopted 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 del Valle, on 4193. Senator del Valle, on 4195. Senator Axley, on 4204. Senator Viverito, on 4217. Senator Harmon… Nope. You -- we already passed that. Senator Ronen, on 4297. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4297. (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 4306. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4306. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sieben, on 4308. Senator Lightford, on 4339. Senator Martinez. 4342. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4342. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Housing and Community Affairs adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Collins. Senator Cullerton, on 4357. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4357. (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 4362. 4365. Senator Haine. Senator Silverstein. 4370. Senator Dillard. 4383. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4383. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on 4398. Senator Collins. 4406. Senator Emil Jones. 4442. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4442. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted 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 Emil Jones, on 4453. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4453. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted 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 Harmon, on 4461. Senator Dillard. 4463. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4463. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne. 4527. Senator Martinez. 4541. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4541. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz. 4561. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4561. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez. 4606. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4606. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 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 Emil Jones, on 4666. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4666. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted 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 Martinez, on 4711. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4711. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted 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 Raoul, on 4715. Senator Munoz, on 4727. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4727. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 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 Emil Jones, on 4729. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4729. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted 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 Garrett, on 4752. Senator Lightford. 4788. Senator Harmon. 4789. Senator Sieben. 4793. Senator Martinez. 4829. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4829. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Executive adopted 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 Cullerton, on 4835. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Senator Cullerton, that’s already been moved to 3rd. Senator Righter, on 4960. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4960. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, on 4987. Senator Axley, on 5216. Senator Munoz, on 5220. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5220. (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 5331. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5331. (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 5382. Senator John Jones, on 5506. Senator Sullivan, I apologize. 5506. Senator Clayborne, on 5555. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. First of all, I’d like for the record to reflect that Senator Petka is absent due -- today, tomorrow and Wednesday due to a death in his family. And also, we’d request a Republican Caucus immediately following adjournment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator -- Burzynski. The record will -- shall so reflect on the absences. Just want to remind everybody, you have till noon to file those amendments for any of your bills. Amendments, noon tomorrow. There being no further business to come before the Senate -- I’m sorry. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Inquiry of the Chair, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 92nd Legislative Day 3/27/2006 State your inquiry.
Madam President, at the end of business last week, I filed a motion. It was a Motion to Discharge from Rules to -- directly to the Floor, House Bill 4532. I noticed it did not appear on today’s Calendar. I wonder -- and I’ve not heard anything read into the record about the motion itself. I wondered if you can give me a little information on the status of that motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Thank you, Senator Righter. It was an oversight. Mr. Secretary, do you have any motions on file?
I have a motion in writing with respect to House Bill 4532. Signed by Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The Calendar will so reflect. Thank you for bringing that up. Any further -- anybody further wanting to say anything? Now’s your chance. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 a.m., on Tuesday, March 28th, 2006. The Senate stands adjourned. 65