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 given by Pastor Michael Keppler, Springfield Southern Baptist Church.
(Prayer by Pastor Michael Keppler)
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 Tuesday, March 28, 2006, pending the arrival of the printed transcripts.
Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the -- the Journal, pending the arrival of -- of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Will members of the Rules Committee kindly convene in -- in the President’s Antechamber for a meeting? The members of the Rules Committee. Senator Viverito, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal -- personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
We have a very newly elected Treasurer. How about giving a warm welcome to the newly elected Treasurer, Alex {sic} (Alexi) Giannoulias.
Will the members of the Rules Committee kindly convene in the Antechamber? Senator Crotty, what purpose you rise?
I rise on a point of personal privilege.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 State your point.
Thank you. I would ask that the Members of the Senate welcome two Pages that I have here today with me. It’s Jillian Wisniewski and her brother, Joe. And up in the gallery, we have their mom and dad, Bruce and Rose, and their older brother, Mark. Thank you.
Will our guests in the galleries please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Dahl, what purpose you rise?
Matter of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
In fact, I have two this morning. I have with me Kyle Burns and Robert Mann, both from Marquette High School in Ottawa, Illinois. They’re juniors and their grandfather, Butch Burns, is up in the gallery behind -- behind you, Mr. President. And also Melanie and Peggy with the Illinois Valley Chapter of the Red Cross are with us today up here. Let’s give ‘em a round of applause.
Will our guests in the gallery please rise, be recognized by the Senate? Senator Righter, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Two matters. First, a -- a -- just a simple announcement to the Body first, that since the General Election will be held on November 2nd of this year, after that date, we look forward to making the same announcement that Senator Viverito just made, except explaining that -- to the -- to the people that the new Treasurer comes from our side of the aisle and, of course, that’s State Senator Christine Radogno. Also, on a point of personal privilege, Mr. President, I have some guests here today. In the gallery right above my head are two good friends of mine from Edgar County in my district and that’s Keith and Martha Miller. They were kind enough to bring over my Page for the Day, a good family friend of theirs, and that’s Aaron Alexander. I’d appreciate a warm Senate welcome. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Thank you, Mr. President.
Will our guests please rise and be recognized by the Senate? Senator Pamela Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
Proceed.
Thank you. I, too, have two wonderful guests with me today, Elizabeth and Victoria Goad, who are sisters. They both attend the Harvard Junior High School and they happen to be the cousins of one of our phenomenal staffers, Bona Bradbury. May we -- welcome them to Springfield, please?
Will our guests rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Axley, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
Proceed.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to introduce my Page for the Day. This is Erin Hanney; she’s sixteen; she’s a sophomore at Sacred Heart-Griffin here in Springfield.
Will our guest rise, be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Maloney, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
I would just like to introduce, first of all, that pretty young girl that was next to me during the Pledge of Allegiance, my niece, Kelly, her brother, Roger, and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, from Homer Glen, up in the gallery. I’d like to welcome them to the Senate.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5407; refer to the Education Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 857, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 858, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 859, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 861 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4987; refer to the Environment and Energy Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 928, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 929, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1028, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4977 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5555; refer to the Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 946, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1089, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1204, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4449, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4752 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5524; refer to the Health and Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 927, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1001, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4186, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4195 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5348; refer to the Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 881, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 882 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4406; refer to the Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4719, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5299 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5377; refer to the Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 916; refer to the Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 622, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1088, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1143, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1144, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1145, Floor Amendment No. 5 to House Bill 1299, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 2067, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4193, Floor Amendment No. 2 and 3 to House Bill 4222, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4238, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4298, Floor Amendment 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 No. 1 to House Bill 4357, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4398, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4438, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4788, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5249 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5342; refer to the Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 848, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 874, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4960; refer to the Pensions and Investments Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 789, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 796; refer to the Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 680, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 711, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 836, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 837, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 842, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4789; refer to the State Government Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 623 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4461; refer to the Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 624, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3126, Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 5506. Signed by Senator Viverito.
Senator Garrett, for the purpose of an announcement.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I have two announcements. One, that Education will be meeting today at 12 p.m. in Room 212, and that, secondly, State Government will be meeting today at 4 o’clock in the Stratton Building, in A-1.
Senator Haine, for the purpose of an announcement.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The Insurance Committee will be meeting today in Room 400 at 12 noon. Thank you.
Senator Crotty, for a purpose of an announcement.
Point of an announcement. I would like to just mention that Local Government will be meeting today at noon in Stratton Building, Room A-1.
5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Wendell Jones, what purpose you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
Thank you. I have seven guests here today from Palatine, Illinois. I have the Zelenkas, John and Janet and brother, Michael, and my Page for the Day, Kristen. And in the gallery up here, I have my daughter, Julie Healy, her husband, Tom, and grandson, Ryan.
Will our guests in the gallery please rise to be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Clayborne, what purpose you rise?
For point of an announcement. Energy and Environment will meet today at 3 p.m. in Room 212. Again, Environment and Energy in 212 today at 3 p.m. Thank you, Mr. President.
Senator Shadid.
An announcement, Mr. President. Transportation Committee will meet in Room 400 at 12 noon. No, I’m sorry, 1 o’clock. 1 o’clock, Transportation, Room 400.
Senator Hunter, what purpose?
Point of an announcement, Mr. President. The Health…
Proceed.
Thank you. The Health and Human Services Committee will meet today, at 4 o‘clock, in Room 300.
Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Senate Revenue Committee will meet today at 4 p.m., in Room 400.
6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two announcements. One, the Senate Executive Committee will meet at 4 o’clock in 212. And a point of personal privilege. I’d just like the Senate to welcome my daughter, Shelby, and her class from Akiba-Schechter, her teachers, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Coleman, above the Republican gallery, please.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Demuzio.
Mr. President, Agriculture and Conservation will meet today in -- at 3 o’clock in the Stratton Building, A-1.
Senator Maloney.
Just like to announce, Mr. President, that the Senate Higher Education Committee will meet today in Room 400 at 5 o’clock.
Senator John Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have an announcement. The Judiciary Committee will meet in Room 212 at 1 p.m. 1 p.m., the Judiciary Committee.
Could you identify that assistant you have next to you? Is she a Page?
Yes, my Page for the Day is State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, who used to work for me many years ago. Please welcome Sara Feigenholtz.
Senator Terry Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
Proceed.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 I’d like to introduce a person, who has been waiting a long time to be a Page for a Day, and it is my honor to introduce John Fosberger, who is my Page for a Day, and he has finally accomplished that feat to be a Page in the Senate. So, I would like all of us to welcome him and -- with a big Senate welcome.
Will our young Page please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Iris Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President. For purpose of an announcement and a personal privilege.
Proceed.
For the announcement, Pensions and Investments Committee will meet today at 2:30 in Room 400, and also today at 1 o’clock, the Housing and Community Affairs will meet in Room A-1 at 1 o’clock. And with me today, I have two beautiful Pages. I have Samantha Reyes and Tatiana Matias, who are with me for the day. And they’re welcomed -- they’re actually joined by their -- with their mothers up in the gallery, Betsy Reyes and Maryann Matias. Please welcome them.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Hunter, what purpose you rise?
Clarification of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
The Health and Human Services Committee will meet today in Room 400 at 3 o’clock. Thank you.
The record shall so reflect. Senator Radogno, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of personal privilege.
Yes, proceed. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
I’d like to introduce to the Body my Page for a Day, Zachary Alderman. He’s an eighth grader at McClure Junior High in Western Springs and he’s joined today by his father, Steve, who is up in the gallery.
Will our guests in the gallery please rise, be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Sieben, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, sir.
Yes, proceed.
Thank you, Mr. President. It’s my privilege today to introduce my Page for the Day. My young Page is Seth Rumage, an eighth grader -- eighth grader from Dakota, Illinois, joined by his mother, Anita, who’s in the gallery behind us.
Will our guests in the gallery please rise, be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Roskam, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
Yes, proceed.
Mr. President, months ago the Roskam children looked at the calendar and said, can we go south for spring break? And I said, yes, you can go south. You can come to Springfield, Illinois, and stay at the Hampton Inn. So, I’d like to introduce my family - my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, along with our children, Gracey, Frankie, Steve and A.J. And, if that’s not enough, we’ve got more friends here. We have Justin Bergner and his father, Mario. We have Brian Carlson and his mom and dad, Lori and Kevin Carlson. And we have Senator Shadid’s long, lost cousin from Lebanon, Hythem, and Beth Shadid. The accent is on the other syllable and they’re in the Democratic gallery with their children: Benjamin, Andrew, Jonathan and Caleb. Will you please give ‘em a warm welcome? 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Shadid, we finally found out why you always go with the Republicans.
Mr. President, I was supposed to introduce my cousins, but Mr. Roskam, who’s running for office, and he thinks that they’re Republicans, but since I’ve talked to them, they’re now Democrats, I think, or leaning that way. I hate to tell you this, Senator, but I’d like to introduce my cousin, Dr. Hythem Shadid, and his wife, Beth, who are my cousins and they’re very good people. Welcome them to Springfield.
Will our guests please rise, be welcomed by the Senate? Senator John Sullivan.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. I have an announcement.
Proceed.
Today, in Room 122B, the President of Amtrak, Mr. David Hughes, will be in Room 122B today from 2:20 until 3 o’clock for any -- anyone interested in meeting him. And also, there’s going to be a press conference today to talk about Senate Bill 2848, which deals with Amtrak funding and trying to put some additional routes on the trains that run here in Illinois, if anybody would like to attend that press conference. Again, that’s a press conference. That is at -- let’s see, at 12:15 -- 12:30 today, and also the President of Amtrak, Mr. David Hughes, will be in Room 122B from 2:20 until 3 o’clock, if you’d like to stop by and speak with him and introduce yourself. Thank you.
Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of personal privilege.
Yes, proceed. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
I’m actually rising on a point of personal privilege for Senator Bomke who’s in the Anteroom waiting to introduce a group, but I want to introduce a group that’s up in the Presidential Gallery for Senator Bomke today. The teacher is Russ Benning. It’s the Trinity Lutheran eighth-grade class from here in Springfield. So, if they would rise and get a warm welcome from the Senate today, we would appreciate it.
Will our guests rise, be welcomed by the Senate? We have Senator Bomke in the Chair to make an introduction.
Thank you. We’ve got quite a crew with us here today. As they are filing out, I want you to help me welcome Sacred Heart- Griffin, which is the 2005 5A State Football Champions. In the last six years, they have won six consecutive Central State Eight Champions in the last six -- eight years, excuse me; won thirty- seven State regular season games. In addition, we have their coaches: Coach Ken Leonard, who is going to be inducted on Saturday into the Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Leonard’s record at Sacred Heart-Griffin is two hundred and one wins and forty- nine losses in twenty-two seasons. He has a career record of two hundred and thirty-three wins and just fifty-eight losses. And, Coach, we’re wondering if you might be interested in the University of Illinois. Coach Ken Leonard.
(Remarks and Introductions by Coach Ken Leonard)
Thank you, President Jones.
At the bottom of page 10 on your Calendar, House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 874. Senator DeLeo. Top of page 11. House Bill 1261. House Bill 1299. Senator Martinez. House Bill 1463. Senator Watson. House Bill 2012. Senator del Valle. House Bill 2067. Senator Raoul. House Bill 2469. Senator Martinez. House Bill 3126. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 4125. Senator Garrett. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4125. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Garrett.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4125 requires coverage for twenty additional outpatient visits for speech therapy for treatment of pervasive developmental disorders. It also requires that certain mental health coverage apply to health maintenance organizations and individual policies of accident and health insurance. House Bill 4125 is recommended by the Illinois Autism Society to moderately expand existing coverage of outpatient visits for speech therapy, which is considered to be a key treatment that may improve behavior for persons with autism. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
Is there any questions? There any questions? Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: I don’t have a question for the sponsor. We did hear this bill in committee, and for those people that are concerned about the impact of mandates on the cost of health insurance, certainly this is one of those that increases, by the twenty additional outpatient visit will increase some of the cost on the insurers. And I think for some of the people that have consistently voted against new mandates that raise the cost of insurance, I just call that to -- to their attention and I do intend to vote No on the bill.
Any further questions? Any further questions? Senator Garrett, to close.
Yeah. I -- I’d just like to respond to any additional costs. We have met with insurance providers and I’ve asked for actuarial information as to any specific dollar amount increases and, to date, I have not received anything. We think whatever increases there may be, they will be extremely minor and the benefits certainly outweigh any small additional costs. And I 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 hope that we will be able to pass this bill with an overwhelming majority.
The question is, shall -- House Bill 4125 pass. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the question {sic}. On that question, there are 44 voting Yea, 11 Nays, no one voting Present. This bill, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4173. Senator Harmon. House Bill 4186. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 4217. Senator Viverito. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4217. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator -- Viverito, explain your bill.
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4217 was proposed by the Illinois Library Association. It is necessary to clarify a Section of the Illinois Public Library District Act that has to do with the District’s annexations. There are three hundred and twenty-seven library districts that provide library service to areas within the outside municipalities. I would be happy to answer any particular questions pertaining to the Act.
Is there any question? Any questions? Senator Althoff.
Will the sponsor yield?
He indicates he will.
Senator, I’ve got a few questions that I might ask you to respond to. Is -- is it correct that this is intended to simply clarify what has been the understanding of library districts all along?
Senator Viverito.
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 …Senator.
Senator Althoff.
If this legislation passes, is it going to change the boundaries of any of the library districts?
Senator Viverito.
Senator, no, it will not affect the boundaries of any of the districts.
Senator Althoff.
And -- and last question, sir, and -- and most important, perhaps. If this legislation passes, will it affect the taxes of any person inside or outside a library district, what they would pay for library services?
Senator Viverito.
Thank you for that question and I think it’s extremely important. And, no, it would not impose any tax on any person outside a library district, and doesn’t change in any way the taxes paid by any person inside a library district. It simply confirms the existing ballot boundaries of the library district.
Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation actually has the tremendous, strong support of the Local Government Caucus and I would urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
Any further question? Any further question? Senator Viverito, to close.
I would appreciate an Aye vote. I think it’s important for the library districts and I think -- I want to thank Senator Althoff for those remarks. Thank you. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
The question is, shall House Bill 4217 pass. All 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 57 voting Aye, no Nays, no one voting Present. House Bill 4217, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4222. Senator Haine. House Bill 4238. Senator Harmon. House Bill 4298. Senator Jacobs. Out of the record. House Bill 4300. Senator Risinger. House Bill 4308. Senator Sieben. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 4308. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation amends the School Code and would require the State Board of Education’s annual budget to set out by separate line item the appropriation for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program. I know of no opposition. Would ask for an Aye vote.
Is there any question? Any question? Being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4308 pass. All 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 57 voting Aye, no Nays, no one voting Present. This bill, having -- House Bill 4308, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4342. Senator Martinez. House Bill 4357. Senator Cullerton. House Bill 4362. Senator Clayborne. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 4362. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation just affirms the authority of the -- of the county collectors to conduct tax deed auctions by electronic means. I know of no opposition to this bill.
Is there any question? Any questions? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4362 pass. All 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 57 voting Aye, no Nays, no one voting Present. House Bill 4362, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4370. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4370. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Silverstein, explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This codifies the ability of a registered nurse to administer medication for conscious sedation of an ambulatory surgical treatment system {sic} (center) under the orders and supervision of a physician, podiatrist or a dentist.
Is there any question? Any question? Senator John Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: In committee, there was some concern about the federal regulations and federal rules, really not regulation, but federal rules. Senator Silverstein corrected us -- or explained it to us and the bill passed out of committee unanimously and I would encourage an Aye vote.
The question is -- the question is, shall House Bill 4370 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, no Nays, no one voting Present. And House Bill 4370, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4383. Senator Dillard. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 4383. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Dillard, explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and clarifies how a non-custodial parent reimburses a custodial parent for their child’s health insurance. It’s an initiative of the House Republicans’ child support reform package or -- or committee. Women’s groups are for it. The State Bar Association’s for it. I don’t know of any opposition and it really just clarifies the process and I’d urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
Is there any question? Any question? Are there any questions? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 4383 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. That -- the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, no Nays, no one voting Present. This bill, House Bill 4383, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4398. Senator Trotter. House Bill 4438. Senator Harmon. House Bill - - House Bill 4449. Senator Haine. House Bill 4561. Senator Munoz. House Bill 4676. Senator Hunter. House Bill 4715. Senator Raoul. House Bill 4719. Senator Munoz. House Bill 4726. Senator Viverito. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4726. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Viverito.
Thank you, Mr. President. This particular bill is really a -- requires applicants for license renewal to complete a peer review within three years of license -- expirations. This is a good bill. It’ll keep all of our CPAs current and, obviously, all of us know the importance of making certain that our CPAs are meeting the standards. I would hope for a Yes vote.
Is there any question? Any question? Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a couple of questions for the sponsor.
He indicate he’ll yield.
A year -- a year or two ago, we -- a year or two ago, we passed a piece of legislation that allowed auditors to audit their own work, their own write-up work. I think that -- that was a -- an enormous mistake and I’m -- you know, I’ve been practicing for quarter of a century, but that is old history. Now we want to make sure that we’re not -- the idea of a peer review is, of course, good. How we go through the mechanics of actually getting it done, I’d just like to ask you two questions in that area. First of all, for the person who undergoes the peer review, what will it cost that person to have, you know, a colleague come in and audit her work?
Senator Viverito.
I believe, Senator - and I think that’s a very good question - that is being reviewed by the peer -- the CPAs themselves taking a look at it and they’re going to make a -- a -- a decision on that shortly. So, right now I can’t give you a definite how much it’s going to be, but I don’t think it’s going to be that much.
Senator Lauzen.
18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 And naturally the reason why that’s an important consideration is that this is a regulation that is being mandated, and that becomes another cost of doing business, which is then passed on to clients, which then raises the costs of both write-up and audit work. The second question that I’d like to ask you is, how will this bill and how will the peer reviews protect the confidentiality of client lists and also intellectual property in the form of trade secrets? You know, if one accountant goes into another accountant’s accounting practice, and let’s say that that accountant is a -- a franchise and they’ve paid a franchise fee and royalties for a set of trade secrets to do their work better than perhaps the person who has not paid those franchise fees, it’s almost like a raid on the intellectual property of the other accounting practice. How do we protect ourselves in this bill?
Senator Viverito.
Thank you, Senator. And I have the utmost respect for the fact that you are a CPA and obviously you do realize, totally, the confidentiality that every CPA has in regard to his or her clients. So, I truly believe that confidentiality would always be protected by those individuals and this peer group is not going to give any confidentialities out, whatsoever, whether they’re doing corporate or they’re doing individual.
Senator Lauzen.
Then I would just ask -- Senator Viverito, I -- I know that you enjoy enormous influence with the CPA Society. I think that we passed the similar bill when it was a Senate bill over to the House earlier during the Session. I would just ask you to use your substantial influence with the CPA Society to make sure that those types of things are -- are protected, because right now I don’t believe that the language in the bill is giving those types of assurances. But perhaps you can include that before we go into signature by the Governor into law. Thank you for your work.
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Any -- any further questions? Any further questions? Senator Viverito, to close.
I would just hope for a Yes vote. This is a good bill. It’s a protection bill and I hope that everyone will vote for it.
The question is, shall House Bill 4726 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 3 -- 3 -- 3 Nays, no one voting Present. House Bill 4726, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4746. Senator Link. House Bill 4793. Senator Sieben. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 4793. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Municipal Code. It extends the life of the TIF district in the Village of Paw Paw from twenty-three to thirty-five years. I do have the appropriate letters of support from the impacted taxing districts. Know of no opposition and would ask for an Aye vote.
Is there any question? Any question? Any question? Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: This bill did pass out of the Senate Revenue Committee without opposition and I’d urge your Aye votes.
The question is -- the question is, shall House Bill 4793 pass. All 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, 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 there are 53 voting Aye, no Nays, no one voting Present. House Bill 4793, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. Just for the record, on House Bill 4793, the number of affirmative votes was 55. House Bill 4835. Senator Cullerton. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 4835. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. We have debated this bill and passed it earlier when it was in the form of a Senate bill. It deals with the -- permissive legislation allowing for counties and municipalities to enact automated traffic law enforcement systems to enforce violations of red light bills. This -- only change here is that the amendment was adopted in committee which prohibits the use of these automatic traffic law enforcement systems for the use in recording speed - to give speeding tickets. So, this -- this would say no city or county can use these automated traffic law enforcement systems to issue tickets for speed. The rest of the bill is the same as it was when we passed it. Just to refresh your memory, it -- we, in the Transportation Committee, made a number of concessions. We changed the time in which the Secretary of State -- to thirty days -- the -- the ticket itself would have to be issued thirty days after the Secretary of State notified the municipality of the identity of the owner. We lowered the fines down to a hundred dollars. We limited the counties in which this would take place to the more populous counties. And be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
Is there any -- any discussion? Any -- any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
He indicates he will. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
Thank you. Senator Cullerton, first, why these select counties? I think you’ve added seven, for a total of what would be eight now in the State. Why -- why did you pick these particular counties?
Senator Cullerton.
Well, the way this works is it -- it would only be used and utilized in areas where they have a lot of traffic because the cameras themselves cost something like ninety to a hundred thousand dollars. So, at the request of some Members in the -- from both parties in the Transportation Committee, they indicated they didn’t want to have this option in their counties, so we limited it to the more populous counties -- populated counties.
Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator Cullerton, you mentioned in your comments in explaining the new language that the fine had been lowered to a hundred dollars. Who will issue the citation and collect the hundred dollars under the bill as it’s positioned now?
Senator Cullerton.
Yes, that would -- that would go to the municipality and we -- we had a lot of concerns about this being used as a revenue- raiser for municipalities, which was not my motivation. My motivation was to continue to reduce traffic deaths from people who run red lights. So we lowered it to a hundred dollars. We obviously have to have a fine so that we can discourage the illegal behavior on behalf of the -- of the driver, and so that’s why we kept it at a hundred dollars. And the money does go to the -- the city.
Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Cullerton, why is it that 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 we are moving a hundred percent of the fine to the municipalities? I mean, right now, you know, there’s a formula in place for running a red light, wherein the State gets approximately seventeen percent of those revenues and that money goes to what, I think, most of the Members in this Chamber would consider to be some pretty important things. They’re going to be out that money. Why -- why -- why are we doing that?
Senator Cullerton.
Yeah. That’s also a -- a misunderstanding of how this works. These are akin to parking tickets. The State doesn’t get any money from parking tickets. It all goes to the municipality, if -- if I understand it. So, these are not moving violations. Senator Righter? Senator Righter? The concern raised in committee was that there was somehow going to be a -- a diminution in the number of tickets that are written by police officers of people running through red lights. So I asked the City of Chicago to -- to see what happened in Chicago after they put the cameras at the twenty intersections. Turns out, they’ve actually increased dramatically the number of tickets that the police officers actually write for people running red lights, and that money does come to the Police Training Standards Board. So, this does not take away any money from the State, whatsoever. These are new additional tickets that are issued to people who are violating the law. And we’ve seen a dramatic drop in fatalities as a result of it. Keep in mind also, Senator, that we -- the city has to pay for the cameras. They have to reimburse the -- the -- they have to pay a hundred thousand dollars an intersection for the cameras; that’s why they get to keep the money.
Senator Righter, for the last time. Bring your remarks to a close.
I’m -- to close on the bill please, Mr. President. Thank you.
Proceed. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber, there’s going to be, I think, some other questions asked of Senator Cullerton on this bill and -- and I hope there’ll be some clarity, because I think maybe there is some confusion. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is working against this legislation based on a concern that in these areas where these -- these cameras exist, that what is now the moving violation for running a red light will be turned into a non-moving violation, which allows the municipality to collect the money and that’s where the loss of State revenue. If that’s not correct, I’m sure Senator Cullerton will have an opportunity to correct the -- the perception that’s being given out there. But I hope that you’re all aware and listen very closely to debate. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Could we -- could we tone our remarks down a little bit? It’s -- getting very difficult to hear. Senator Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to rise in support of this bill and compliment the sponsor for doing absolutely everything short of back handsprings to address the concerns that were raised on committee regarding this bill. It’s been limited, so it’s really limited to those areas where this is a real concern. It’s a matter of local control. There are statistics to document that this does work. It works both as a deterrent, as well as changing the severity of the types of accidents that occur at these intersections from those T-bone kinds of incidents that really severely injure people. If a local county does not want to adopt it, they don’t have to. And relative to the concern about the revenue, that was addressed at length in the committee. These cameras will issue tickets - parking-type tickets - on top of what has already -- what local law enforcement is already issuing. They can continue to issue the same number of tickets and so the division of the revenue will remain the same, if not increase, so it’s on top of. So, once again, I want to compliment the sponsor for trying to address all these concerns and urge an Aye vote.
24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
He indicate he will.
Senator, can you walk through -- I -- I think Senator Radogno did a good job of sort of the -- the different tiers and so forth. Can you walk through, though, how someone would be caught if they do multiple offenses under the camera system? In other words, if someone is driving through McHenry and Lake and Will and Kane and DuPage and so forth, and you’ve got kind of a chronic type of person, is there anything that brings all of that information cumulatively to a head? Because the -- the subtext is really, isn’t running a red light -- and I know you’re sort of in a trick bag on this -- but isn’t running a red light inherently a moving violation? I mean, that -- that -- that’s a very serious offense. So sort of the -- can you address that -- diminution argument?
Senator Cullerton.
Well, the only place we have the red lights is in Chicago, so I asked the City of Chicago if there was diminution in the actual number of red light tickets issued in Chicago. So, the -- the year before they put the cameras in, they had six thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight tickets for running red lights. Last year, after the cameras were put in, they had ten thousand six hundred and twenty-one tickets issued for red lights. So there’s no diminution. There’s -- there’s only twenty intersections in Chicago where they have these cameras. They are in addition to police officers writing tickets for people running red lights. And as far as the -- if they’re -- they’re similar then to parking tickets. If you don’t pay them and there -- there’s five unpaid ones, you lose your driver’s license. Just like if you don’t have -- don’t pay your parking tickets, you lose your driver’s license. It -- it doesn’t take any money away from the Police Training Standards Board. We -- we increased their -- their -- the fund that they’re talking about is called 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 the Traffic Ticket Surcharge Fund. Last year, we gave them an extra three dollars on -- on the tickets that are issued. They have a fifteen-million-dollar budget and they’re misunderstanding how this works. This is -- this is -- this supplements -- supplements the enforcement of -- of people who run red lights.
Senator Roskam.
Senator, that -- I understand what you said. How about -- how about accumulating the information on somebody that is running red lights in a multiple fashion? Is that information being accumulated here or is it a systemic problem that doesn’t let us gather that information because it’s treated as a parking ticket? You know, what -- what we don’t want to have happen is what we’ve all been subject to in the past, articles that say, oh, so and so did all these -- all these offenses and -- and the system didn’t catch it. Is there something in place, Senator, where the system will catch somebody who does all the red lights? And I know you’re very animated in waiting for your light to come on, so please give us that -- give us the answer.
Senator Cullerton.
Senator Roskam, these are people who are not being caught now. They’re -- they’re running red lights. There’s no police officer there to see ‘em and they’re running the red lights. Now they’re being observed through the camera. They get a copy of the moving -- they get a little clip; they can see the eleven seconds of their own car, their own license plate going through the intersection and they pay the tickets and they pay a hundred- dollar fine. So, the -- they’re discouraged from doing it again. There’s a -- there’s a sign that says, up ahead is photo enforcement. It’s not tricky and it -- and we’ve seen a dramatic, dramatic drop in fatalities in Chicago since they put the cameras in. So, it -- to me it’s very -- a very -- a very worthy thing to pursue. It’s -- it’s not -- we’re not tricking anybody. As far as accumulating the records, I mean, there is a record of -- within the municipality if they choose to implement this, of who got the ticket, just like there is of parking 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 tickets.
Senator Roskam.
No argument, Senator, with anything that you’ve said. I -- I understand and I understand how you’ve -- you’ve -- you’ve moderated the bill, and so forth. But is there a way or in a -- in the next Session or whenever you -- you end up moving another bill, is there a way to have a gathering point for the accumulation of this information? I agree completely with what you’ve said, that these are people that are getting caught that wouldn’t otherwise get caught. I understand that argument. I understand your argument about the money. Makes perfect sense. But is there a way -- parking tickets are inherently different than running a red light. Running a red light obviously puts someone at risk, and if there’s somebody that’s running a red light in all these different counties and there’s not a central data point, then that I think is something that needs to be either addressed in the future, or if you’ve discussed it and thought about it and rejected it, I just want to know what was it that you said - this isn’t something that we should accumulate or maybe we do that in the future. That’s really the nature of my question.
Senator Cullerton.
It’s -- it’s not addressed in the bill. It’s a good idea. I can look into seeing if there’s a way in which we can have all of the areas when they do enact this, if they do enact these ordinances, to have a -- a central repository of those records, so that you could see whether or not someone was a serial red light runner.
Senator John Sullivan.
Well, the question -- will the sponsor yield for a question?
He indicate he will.
27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Cullerton, the -- we passed two other bills out of this Chamber that deal with cameras at crossings. For example, at railroad crossings and also in construction zones, those two other -- other bills identified the driver of the vehicle. Does your bill identify the driver of the vehicle?
Senator Cullerton.
No, it doesn’t. The -- the ticket is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Senator Sullivan.
Why does your bill not identify the driver of the -- vehicle like we did with the railroad crossings and the work zones?
Senator Cullerton.
Well, the railroad crossings and the work zones are a more limited area and the cameras themselves obviously have to be more elaborate in order to take the photograph of the driver. We -- we have a whole bunch of issues of dealing with just -- privacy issues, racial profiling issues, so we chose rather just to do as they have in other jurisdictions, if the municipality wants to, to -- to discourage the -- red light running, to take a picture of the license plate and issue a ticket to the registered owner. We’ve indicated in the past that if you wish to notify the municipality that you weren’t driving the vehicle, you can do that and the municipality could pass an ordinance that allow for you to not get a ticket if that was the case.
Senator Sullivan.
Just -- just to the bill: I -- I just want to make sure all the Members understand that we have a situation here where a driver could run a red light twenty, thirty, a hundred times, pay their fine, and it not go against their record. We’ve been talking about this two-tiered system. You can do this in Chicago and those collar counties and the counties that are identified in 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 this bill, but the other ninety-some counties in the State of Illinois, if you run a red light and you’re issued a ticket, you’re going -- it’s going to go against your driving privileges and eventually you’re going to lose your license - actually after three of those. How can this bill allow somebody to run a traffic light, run a stoplight, multiple times, pay their fine, no problem, and yet they can still be allowed to drive on the road, have their driver’s license? How can that be safety? How can that make our roads safer? I don’t believe that it does. The -- the law enforcement -- the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board talked about this two-tiered system in committee. I think they made a great argument and a case. I urge all Members to vote No on this bill.
Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield for a question? Senator Cullerton, the City of Chicago has -- has cameras now, so is it your opinion that home rule communities have the authority to have these cameras at this time?
Senator Cullerton.
Yes, I believe that home rule units could adopt ordinances like this, but that’s why we want to pass a State law, which kind of regulates what those ordinances can say. So we put in the State law the protections that we think should be in there for the motorist. So that if there’s a funeral or if there’s an ambulance, that you don’t get a ticket. Also we want to make sure that in order to help enforce this for people that don’t pay the fines, that if they go -- with five fines that are not paid, that they can lose their driver’s license, which is also something we have to do at the State level. The city obviously can’t do that at the local level with an ordinance. So that’s what the benefit is for those home rule units that might want to -- institute this.
Senator Risinger.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Thank you. And also we’re adding communities that are not home rule communities in this bill. Is that correct?
Senator Cullerton.
Yes, that’s correct.
Senator -- Senator Bomke.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: You know, the sponsor has had this bill before us on a couple of occasions. One time it failed. One time it passed. Not more than a month ago, we passed one out of here. My -- my only concern is this, if this is an intent to reduce accidents, it’s one thing, and I know the sponsor has indicated that the number of tickets for running a red light has gone down significantly, but what I’ve not heard from the sponsor, are accidents actually reducing at the intersections in Chicago that have these -- these -- these cameras, “cops in a box”? And actually studies show that accidents increase at intersection that have these. And I think it makes -- stands to reason, and all of us have been in a situation where we’ve come up to a red light or, excuse me, a -- a green light, it turns yellow and you’re uncertain whether you should go through or whether you should stop and what apparently occurs when you have the “cop in a box”, people immediately slam on their brakes causing a chain reaction and causing accidents. Studies show that accidents actually go up at these intersections. So, if this is an intent to reduce accident, it’s not achieving that objective. I really believe it’s just another tax on motorists and I would urge a No vote.
Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. President. I stand in strong support of this bill and I do for -- for a lot of reasons. But no matter how you cut it, what this bill will do, it will save lives. We talked now recently about the number of accidents. It’s not about the number of accidents; it’s about the severity of accidents. In the State of Illinois in 2004 -- 2003, we had a hundred and 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 fifty-one fatalities at a traffic light. In 2004, we -- we dropped to a hundred and nine. Well, where do those results -- the savings -- the life savings come from? The City of Chicago. Because in the City of Chicago in 2003, there were fifty-four fatalities at a traffic light. In 2004, there were eighteen. That’s where our drop was. That’s where the lives were saved. Look, I’ve been in law enforcement for over thirty years, as many of you know, and I’m telling you, I’ve been to these scenes where there’s T-boned accidents. A friend of mine’s daughter was once killed in a T-bone accident. I had to tell their parents that she was killed at a red light. People are dying at red lights. This does save lives. Will there be more rear-end accidents? Perhaps there may, but those typically aren’t life threatening. The T-bone accidents are. This saves lives. And is there a consequence for somebody running a red light? Certainly there is. They get a violation. It costs them a hundred dollars. It is a consequence. A consequence they wouldn’t have had before if it wasn’t for this camera. Also, this particular bill will make a difference because of the type of consequence that people do receive when they get this thing. It -- the municipality has it, we’re looking at it, we can analyze the data if we’d like to do that, and it’s not a moving violation right now. It’s for the driver of the car. Let me tell you how it works, because people are asking: Can you tell? Is it going to be accurate? Is it not going to be accurate? Certainly accurate. If you look at the current system as it’s set up, you will see a picture of the -- the -- the violator behind the white line, the light is red. There’s another photograph of the vehicle entering the intersection and a final photograph of the vehicle crossed the intersection with the light still being red. The current system in Chicago has the speed of the vehicle as you’re going through. This bill says you can’t be ticketed for the speed, but it does demonstrate the person wasn’t stopping and then making a right hand turn and getting a ticket. It doesn’t happen under this system. The system is fair, it works, it saves lives. Please support this bill. Thank you.
Senator Lightford.
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I rise in support of this legislation. As I look over the proponents, I realize that several of my communities are communities who are signed on as proponents: the Village of Melrose Park, Bellwood, North Riverside and the City of Chicago, and also the Illinois Municipal League. And I’ve spoken with many of them and the mayors of the towns and have come up to the realization is, that is a safety mechanism for them. Some of their police departments are understaffed, and instead of having some of those officers -- follow cars around to see if they’re speeding or sit on posts, they need those officers to better protect their communities in many other ways other than -- traffic safety. So, do -- I do rise in support of this legislation. I hope you all will give it consideration, in that many of these local communities are really needing assistance with their police departments, with manpower, and this is just another mechanism that can help them put more bodies on the street to better protect our communities, and let these type of measures help us in regards to safety and driving. So, I applaud the sponsor for spending so much time on this legislation, trying to craft it to meet all of the -- all of our concerns, and I hope that in the future if there were some concerns in regards to the moving violation concept, that this measure can be further extended, can possibly be taken up with the Secretary of State‘s Office, and I think it’s a great beginning and I urge an Aye vote.
Seeing no discussion -- no further discussion, Senator Cullerton, to close.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Thank you for your attention. I want to thank my cosponsor, Senator Millner. I certainly respect the fact that he is in law enforcement. He’s been at the scene of fatal accidents and -- and red light runners and fatalities and I certainly think that that experience alone is enough to convince people to support this legislation, which is based on cutting down on -- on fatalities. Just want to reiterate, for Senator Righter’s edification, there’s a misunderstanding perhaps, the -- with the 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Police Training Standards Board. This in no way inhibits police officers from giving tickets for red light running. They continue to do it. They’ve increased their tickets in the City of Chicago even after these cameras have been installed. There’s no diminution at all in the money that goes to their -- their Board. I would ask, once again, for a favorable vote. Thank you.
The question is, shall House Bill 4835 pass. All 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 31 voting Aye, 23 Nays, 1 voting Present. This bill, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4835, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Mattie Hunter, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
We have some very important guests visiting with us today from cities throughout the State. They are none other than the ladies of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the International Connection Committee, who are here visiting with us in Illinois, celebrating their eighth annual AKA Day at the Capitol. They’re -- they’re all over in the -- they’re in the President’s gallery, as well as our guest gallery. Will we please -- would you please welcome our guests to the Chambers?
Will our distinguished guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Hendon, what purpose you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
State your point.
I would like to introduce the Clerk of the Circuit Court from Cook County, the Honorable Dorothy Brown, and welcome her to 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 the Senate.
Will our guest please rise, be welcomed by the Senate? Senator Schoenberg, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of personal privilege.
State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. As many of the Members of this Chamber know, in fact forty-seven of us have agreed to sign on to legislation calling for expanding Amtrak Passenger Rail Service throughout the State, a very key player in that final outcome has joined us today. I’m pleased to announce that joining us as a guest is the CEO of Amtrak, Mr. David Hughes. Please give him a very enthusiastic welcome and perhaps he’ll be able to help us accommodate our request in Washington. Thank you.
Will our guest please rise, welcomed by the Senate? Senator Geo-Karis, what purpose you rise?
Mr. President, a point of personal privilege.
State your point.
In the back -- in the gallery in the back on top is my campaign manager and good friend, Attorney Louis G. Atsaves - A- T-S-A-V-E-S. I’d like you to welcome him here to Springfield.
Yeah. Will our guest in the gallery please rise, welcomed by the Senate? Will the Members of the Rules Committee - the Members of the Rules Committee - kindly convene in the Antechamber for a meeting? The Members of the Rules Committee. All -- all the Members of the Rules Committee kindly convene in the Antechamber for a meeting. Senator Burzynski, what purpose you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like for the record to 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 reflect that Senator Rauschenberger is away from us today and tomorrow on official business for the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Yeah. The record shall so reflect. Oh, Senator Watson, what purpose you rise?
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege, if I might, sir.
State your point.
I would like to personally welcome members of the Illinois Republican National Hispanic Assembly and their guests to the first Senate Republican Caucus Hispanic Legislative Day. And in -- specifically I’d like to introduce Gloria Campos. They’re in the gallery, I believe on the Democrat side in the back, I believe. Gloria Campos.
Will our guests on the right side kindly stand and be welcomed?
We’ll move ‘em over to this side, Mr. President, to make sure that -- anyway, it is Gloria Campos, who is the chairman of the Illinois Hispanic Republican -- Assembly; Dr. Monica Silva, Aurora Township trustee; Juany Garza, who is Aurora alderman; Cesar Aguilar, who is the Chairman of the Will County Chapter of the Illinois Hispanic Republican Assembly, and I’d like to especially thank John Aguilar, who is the past Chairman of the Illinois Republican Hispanic Assembly, and Steve Orlando, Treasurer of the Will County Chapter of the -- of the Illinois Hispanic -- Republican Assembly, for organizing this event today. So, I’d like for us to welcome our guests, if you would, sir.
Will our guests please rise and be welcomed by the Senate? Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 626.
Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Viverito, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 626. Signed by Senator Viverito.
Mr. Secretary, Messages.
Communication from the President, dated March 29th, 2006. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Rickey Hendon to resume his position on the following Senate Committees: Executive Appointments, Executive, Labor. These appointments are effective immediately. Signed by President Jones. I have like Communications, all dated March 29th, 2006, with respect to appointing Senator Kimberly Lightford to resume her position on the following Senate Committees: Education, Financial Institutions, Higher Education, and Labor; and Senator Mattie Hunter to resume her position on the Committees of Health and Human Services, Housing and Community Affairs, Pension and Investments, and State Government. All appointments are effective immediately. Signed by President Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) We will return to the Order of 3rd Reading on page 14. House Bill 4853. Senator Ronen. House Bill 4960. Senator Righter. House Bill 4971. Senator -- Senator Wilhelmi. House Bill 4977. Senator Harmon. House Bill 5220. Senator Munoz. House Bill 5249. Senator Dillard. House Bill 5274. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5274. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 5274 raises the single axle weight of a tagged axle on a four-axle ready-mix truck that is registered as a special hauling vehicle. This bill is about safety and it will allow trucks to travel all the State roads without changing their axle setting as we go from one road classification to a next. This is why there is a need for the ability to redistribute the weight on these trucks per the tolerance per axle. The axle limits in this bill will -- will allow us -- all these trucks to travel on all State classifications without changing the axle pressure. This bill will not allow additional gross weight. I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill passed through the -- identical bill passed through the House and the Senate last year. The Governor vetoed it and he vetoed it because the Township Officials wrote a letter about having to post mini-bridges if this bill passed. I found that to be untrue and I held a meeting with the chief structural engineer from IDOT, a county engineer, some members of the industry, and we talked about this legislation. This bill does not increase the gross weight on -- on -- allowed on any bridge, so there will not be necessary posting -- additional posting for any structures. This bill does allow some increased weight on certain axles, but it does not allow for the overall gross weight to increase. The -- the county acknowledged that that was the case. IDOT is now neutral. The county and the township and the municipalities are still not for the bill. They’re not for the bill because they don’t want to add any additional pressure or anything on their structures. I think their frustration, in talking to them, is they really don’t have enough money to maintain their -- their streets and their bridges. The truth of the matter is, this particular bill and the passage of this bill is not the heaviest weight that goes on their bridges and this is not the truck that will break the bridge down. I intend to vote for this bill. I think it is a 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 safety measure. I think it’s one that we need to pass, but I also agree with the locals that they need more funding for their bridges and their streets. We have put fifteen million dollars in the local bridge fund since 1979. We can build less than half the structures that we need with the fifteen million dollars that we could in 1979. That’s another issue that needs to be addressed at another time, but I think it comes out in every time you see one of these bills, the frustration from the locals of not being able to take care of their streets and their bridges. But, again, I think this is a good safety bill and I intend to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. President. A number of years ago, while I was still in my former position as police chief, we noticed the safety concern of drivers having to adjust the back -- tag axle of concrete trucks. Sometimes they did it correctly; sometimes they didn’t. Became a safety concern. Sometimes they come around a curve, the truck would flip over, drivers were confused as to how to adjust it properly. This bill makes it simple. It’s adjusted one time, when they leave that concrete plant and they drive. One thing we should know about concrete trucks is that two percent of all the trucks driving on the roads are concrete trucks and one percent of that time they’re loaded with -- with their concrete. Well, what happens now is that they have the single setting. They can drive from place to place. It does not increase the gross weight of the vehicle. And was -- we met with the Department of Transportation and talked to the engineers. They felt comfortable in -- in that particular issue. It’s passed the Senate before. It’s passed the House twice before, and I would certainly urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Kind of a -- a question to the sponsor and I want to read a statement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Sponsor indicates he will yield. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
This is from the Illinois Association of County Engineers and perhaps Senator Risinger covered this earlier, but it says, “House Bill 5274 would allow these increased weights on all local roads where there would not need be a permit. It does not, however, allow these same trucks to travel on the interstate highway systems due to the Federal Bridge Formula.” Is that correct? If we pass this legislation, they’ll be allowed to travel on local roads without permits, but is this correct, they won’t be allowed to travel on interstate highways?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Link.
I’m checking it right now. They -- yeah -- I’m just getting corrected. They can travel on the interstate highways right now and we’re not changing the gross weight. So, yes, they can travel on the interstate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Mr. President. A -- a couple of questions for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Sponsor indicates he will yield.
Senator, who is bringing this piece of legislation forward? We have the County Engineers, you know, with the obvious objection that this is going to put more stress on our bridges. Who is bringing this forward? Why -- who is this important for and to, and what -- what do you think their motivation is in bringing this forward?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Link.
Well, the Illinois Ready Mix Concrete Association and the trucks are put in here, and the motivation is very simple, as I said in my opening remarks, and it’s called safety. And as two expert colleagues on your side mentioned - and Senator Millner, who’s the cosponsor of this bill, who comes from law enforcement, 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 who understands the safety factor, and Senator Risinger, who is former engineer with IDOT, who understands the stress -- factors on the roads - understands that this is a safety factor. It is adding no more gross weight to it, but the main, main factor in this whole thing is the safety in this, and I think it’s a positive step forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Lauzen.
If this is a safety factor, and if these have been trucks that have been on the road -- on other roads in the past in different form, why has this legislation been defeated in the past and why has the Governor -- I understand last year the Governor vetoed it. If it’s so easily understood as being a safety factor, as -- as -- as opposed to perhaps profit factor or motivation, why was it voted down in the past and why was it vetoed by the Governor, I believe, a year ago?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Link.
Well, I hate to correct my esteemed colleague, but it has never been defeated. It’s passed the House twice, the Senate once and it’s been vetoed by the Governor. It’s never been defeated in either Chamber. Both Chambers have realized that this is a safety factor and have passed it at both times and realize that this is an important piece of legislation. The Governor, who you got to remember, and IDOT, has many different - - different groups in there and I think got advice from once {sic} group in IDOT, instead of another group, and now once these groups got together, that’s why they have formed a neutral opinion on it and that’s why we’re coming in here to pass this bill, for what I feel will be the last time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you very much. Then to the bill: First of all, I -- I admire my colleague. I appreciate working on legislation with him. I disagree with him. I rise in opposition to this bill. When our county engineers come to us and they say, you know, 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator -- or, Senators, we want more money for our bridges because you keep passing legislation that -- that is going to damage the roads and bridges to a greater degree. I understand that garbage trucks have to go through, that emergency vehicles have to go through, but for us to increase the -- the damage that’s going to occur to these bridges and roads, I just wonder why we would do something like this, other -- I mean, if -- as long as we recognize in voting for this bill that our counties will come to us asking for more money to repair what we’re breaking. So, I -- I suggest a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Link, to close.
Thank you. I, first of all, want to thank my cosponsor, Senator Millner, for his expertise in this subject matter. And I also want to thank Senator Risinger for taking the -- the leadership in having meetings with all of these individuals and getting the facts out and standing up here and telling everybody it -- with his expertise in this to have an affirmative vote on this because he understands the process and what goes on in this. And we’re talking about a safety factor here. We’re not talking about any additional gross weight of these vehicles. These bridges that they’re talking about are posted bridges. If somebody goes over with a vehicle over a gross weight that is posted, they’re in violation of the law anyway. This is a safety factor. It’s something of a positive nature and I think we should pass this out today, put it on the Governor’s desk, get it signed and have safer vehicles on the road. I ask for an affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) The question is, shall House Bill 5274 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 48 Ayes, no - - 6 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 5274, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Halvorson, on House Bill 5283. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 House Bill 5283. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Last year we passed Senate Bill 572 that gave tax exemptions to building materials when building an intermodal; however, the Department of Revenue found that we hadn’t clarified it. So, this is a cleanup -- piece of cleanup legislation to clarify the different tax use Acts and I would just hope that everybody would give me their affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5283 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 55 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 5283, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 5284. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 5299. Senator Roskam, on House Bill 5336. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5336. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Roskam.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 5336 is an initiative of the Governor and it is meant to address a problem where law enforcement badges, and so forth, are being abused; in other words, when people falsely impersonate a law enforcement officer and gain the trust of someone. Essentially, what the bill does, it provides that law - - or false impersonation of a police officer, false impersonation of a police -- peace officer while carrying a deadly weapon, and aggravated false impersonation of a peace officer would be -- 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 would be -- would be offenses. We’re bringing the federal officials into this statute. I know of no opposition. Passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously. And I urge its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 5336 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 55 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 5336, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator DeLeo, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR DeLEO: For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) State your point. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Assembly, if I could have your attention for a moment. We -- we -- as we all know, and you can look at the beautiful flowers on Senator Geo-Karis’ desk, we will be doing a -- honoring her a little later in the day on her birthday. But Senator -- President Emil Jones had an authentic Greek luncheon prepared and all Members are invited to please indulge on behalf of Senator Geo-Karis’ eighty-eighth birthday. The President has in his -- in his office - the office is open - authentic Greek luncheon in honor of your birthday, Senator Geo-Karis.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Happy birthday, Senator. And the luncheon is in the President’s Office. So you’re welcome to step over for lunch. Senator Geo-Karis.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. May God bless all of you with good health, happiness and success in your endeavors and thank you, thank you, thank you for remembering me. God bless all of you and God bless America.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 5337. Senator Trotter, on 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 House Bill 5342. Senator Haine, on House Bill 5348. Senator Halvorson, on House Bill 5377. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 5506. Senator Hendon, on House Bill 5524. Senator Hendon. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Inquiry of the Chair, Mr. President. Thank you. I noticed, Mr. President, on page 18 of the Calendar, at the bottom of the page, there’s an order entitled Motions to Discharge Committee. I wonder if you could tell me and the Members on this side of the aisle when we might be moving to that order.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator, I will have to get back to you on that question. I don’t have a response for you right now. Senator Righter.
I appreciate that, Mr. President. Yesterday I made the -- I -- I think, a similar inquiry and was given somewhere in the -- nature of a -- the same response. Do you think you can get back to me before we adjourn the Senate Session today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) We will attempt to do that. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions. Mr. Secretary, do you have any resolutions?
Senate Resolution No. 695, offered by Senators Rutherford, Emil Jones and Watson and all Members. (Secretary reads SR No. 695)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Rutherford moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 695. Those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Rutherford now moves for the adoption of Senate Resolution 695. Is there any discussion? Senator Rutherford.
Mr. President, thank you. Geo, you are a matriarch. We appreciate you. Happy birthday. Happy Adeline Geo-Karis Day. And let’s all get up on our feet and sing happy birthday to Geo, shall we? 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 (Senate Sings Happy Birthday)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Emil Jones.
Yeah, thank you, Mr. President. It’s a great honor to join in with my colleagues in sponsoring this resolution to support my good friend and my classmate of ’73, and honor her on her eighty- eighth birthday. Geo and I have been friends for many years. And in this great university, you learn from your colleagues, and I knew about her military record and -- and her being a lawyer when we served in the House because Geo came by my desk one day and she said to me, she said, “You know, you must understand why we need certain types of legislation,” she said, “because I am a female serving in a position that’s traditionally held by males. Not only I served in the military, but also serving as a lawyer.” So we’ve had that strong bond all these years. And the -- the old Southern Air, Geo, I -- I recall when the -- I was there one evening and you came in late that evening, and she said to me, “You know, you are my Mediterranean cousin,” and she said, “your brothers got me,” and I didn’t know what she meant, but I think someone had mugged her back then. But Geo and I have been close all these years. I tried to get her to come on this side of the aisle and -- where we could be even closer, but, you know, we -- we -- we really want to wish you a very happy eighty-eighth birthday. And I recall a few years ago, right after the movie Jaws came out, Geo arranged for Members of the General Assembly to come up to Waukegan, I believe it was, and -- on a coho fishing tour and I -- I thought at that time when I was out on that lake, it was foggy that day, and I was really concerned about “Jaws” out there, Geo. I said she must be trying to get rid of us. But her service in this Body, the service to the people of the State of Illinois and later this day, Geo, you have flowers today, but I believe that one should be given their flowers while they can see ‘em, while they can smell ‘em. So, in committee later today, that same park that you invited us all up to participate in coho fishing, we’re going to name that park “The Adeline Geo-Karis Illinois State Park”. And that -- that amendment will be heard in committee today and -- so that we can 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 do this on your birthday while you’re still with us, while you’re still serving in this Body. And it’s a great honor for me to be the sponsor today on my good friend’s behalf, my Mediterranean cousin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, Senator Geo-Karis, you know I have confessed my love to you a million times. I would do it again, but I risk making the New York Times, so I’ll just say happy birthday and you don’t look a day over thirty-nine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Geo-Karis.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate and friends, I’m very honored to have my friend, Emil Jones, speak of me. To have Senator Watson on my behalf. And all I can tell you is that although I’m eighty-eight years of age, I feel like twenty-eight. And I -- I’m overwhelmed. I thank you for the Senate resolution. Thank you for the naming of the park, and all I can tell you is that I’m completely overwhelmed. I don’t deserve it because others have done more. However, I’m very, very grateful and very grateful for the Greek food that Emil Jones got for me and I hope you all enjoy it, and I just want you to know that I have no regrets. I’m eighty-eight. I feel like twenty-eight and I’m still looking and -- and Emil is single - no, he’s not, he’s married now, by golly. I wish him well and his wife, and Frank Watson and him and his wife, and all the other folks here. I wish you all well. I wish you great health, happiness and success in your endeavors and thank you, thank you, thank you for honoring me today the way you have. God bless you and God bless America.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Senator Geo-Karis.
Have -- I have over here a custard-filled cake for all of you. So please come and have a piece of cake.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) Thank you, Senator. 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
For all of you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DEL VALLE) The question is, shall Senate Resolution 695 be adopted. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is unanimously adopted. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committees, the Senate will reconvene for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
The Senate will now come to order. Will the Members in their offices please come to the Floor? We are about ready to resume business for today. Mr. Secretary, Messages.
Communication from the Minority Leader, dated March 29th, 2006. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Dale Righter to temporarily replace Senator Ed Petka as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This appointment is effective immediately and will expire on March 30th, 2006. Signed by Frank Watson, Senate Republican Leader.
Committee Reports, Mr. Secretary.
Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 857, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 859, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 861 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4987 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 916 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 848, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 874 and Senate Amendment No. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 1 to House Bill 4960 recommended Do Adopt. Senators Cullerton and Dillard, Co-Chairpersons of the Committee on Judiciary, report Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 622, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1088, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1143, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1144, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1145, Senate Amendment No. 5 to House Bill 1299, Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 2067, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4193 and Senate Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 4222, Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4238, Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4298, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4398, Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4438, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4788, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5249, and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5342 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Munoz, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 624, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3126 and Senate Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 5506 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Community Affairs, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4719 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Pensions and Investments, reports Senate Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 789 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 796 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Clayborne, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 929, Senate Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1028, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4977 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5555 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Ronen, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Human Services, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 927, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1001, Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4186, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4195 and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5348 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Sullivan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 5407 recommended Do Adopt. 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Senator Silverstein, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 626, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 946, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1089, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1204, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4449, Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4752 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5524 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 860 {sic} (680), Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 711, Senate Bill -- Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 837, Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 842 and Senate Amendment -- No. 2 to House Bill 4789 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 623 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4461 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 882 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4406 recommended Do Adopt.
Resolutions, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Resolution 693, offered by Senator Lauzen and all Members. Senate Resolution 694, offered by Senators Peterson, Link, Geo-Karis, Garrett and all Members. Senate Resolution 696, offered by Senator Petka and all Members. Senate Resolution 697, offered by Senator Watson and all Members. And Senate Resolution 698, offered by Senator Sullivan and all Members. 698. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
Resolutions Consent Calendar.
And Senate Joint Resolution No. 88, offered by Senator Sullivan. It is substantive. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
House Bill 1st Reading.
House Bill 4258, offered by Senator Cronin. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
For all those Members -- Members still in their offices, we will be going to the Calendar for House Bills 2nd Reading. This is the last call for House Bills 2nd Reading. Last call for House Bills on 2nd Reading. If you’re in your offices, kindly come to the Senate Floor. We will not be getting back to House Bills 2nd Reading. This is the last call. Senator Hendon, what purpose you rise?
Purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
Proceed.
Executive Appointments will meet tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m., in Room 212. Tomorrow morning, 8:30 a.m., 212. Be on time.
On -- on page 15 of the Calendar, House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 4193. Senator Miguel del Valle. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4193. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Has there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator del Valle.
Senator del Valle.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment was worked out with the Illinois State Police and it basically establishes a -- 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 a twelve-month timeline for the implementation of the Act, as well as an immediate effective date.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator del Valle moves for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4193. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. No Nays. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further amendments?
No further amendments, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4195. Senator del Valle. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4195. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator del Valle.
Senator del Valle.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment creates an Advisory Committee on Children’s Health Insurance Programs within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator del Valle moves for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4195. All those in favor -- signify by saying Aye. No Nays. The Ayes have it. The amendment is -- is adopted. Are there any other amendments?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4204. Senator Axley. House -- House Bill 4339. Senator Lightford. Mr. Secretary, read the 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 bill.
House Bill 4339. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4406. Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4406. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there any -- any amendments been approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Collins.
Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4406 is in agreement with Members of the committee to bring the legislation in order with Senate Bill 2351 that passed out of the Senate. It meets the other qualifications and it was agreed upon.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Collins moves for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4406. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. 3rd Reading. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4461. Senator Harmon. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4461. 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Harmon.
Senator Harmon, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The underlying bill provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity should conduct a study of the State’s capacity for training nurses. The bill would make the provisions permissive and subject to appropriation.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator -- Senator Harmon move for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4461. All in favor, signify saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4527. Senator Clayborne. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4527. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4752. Senator Garrett. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4752. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
Senator Garrett, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment really just shells the bill.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? All those in favor of the amendment, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4788. Senator Lightford. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4788. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Lightford.
Senator Lightford, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 basically presents the compromise of how this action would take place. It provides that the Department of Public Health would initiate the program and it gives guidance on how they should implement the compromise. It provides that a current compromise agreement shall be nullified and that any future agreement prohibited if the owner -- if the person who owes fails to adhere to the agreement. I’d be -- 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 happy to answer questions.
Any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Lightford moves for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4788. All in favor, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The -- amendment is adopted. Has there been any -- any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No -- no further amendments, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4789. Senator Harmon. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4789. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Harmon.
Senator Harmon, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. The underlying bill seeks to re- enact the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption that was overturned by the Olender decision. The House had sent over a bill that not only re-enacted it, but increased various dollar amounts and -- income thresholds. We are simply doing it a bit differently and I look forward to debating the bill more fully on 3rd Reading.
Is there any -- any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves for the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4789. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President. 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
3rd Reading. House Bill 4974. Senator Lightford. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4974. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 4987. Senator Bomke. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4987. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Bomke.
Senator Bomke, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment 1 simply defines “behavior analyst”, which means a person who is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Bomke move for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4987. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President. 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
3rd Reading. House Bill 5216. Senator Axley. House Bill 5370. Senator Lightford. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 5370. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. House Bill 5382. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5382. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. House Bill 5407. Senator Sieben. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5407. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Sieben.
Senator Sieben, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 2 becomes the bill and includes the language drafted by the Department of Natural Resources to create an Apprentice Hunter License Program. I know of no objection and I would move for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sieben move for the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to -- to 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006 House Bill 5407. All in favor, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments…
No further amendments, Mr. President.
3rd Reading. House Bill 5550. Senator Lightford. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5550. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
3rd Reading. House Bill 5555. Senator Clayborne. Read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 5555. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. There are no committee amendments.
Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Clayborne.
Senator Clayborne, explain the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. It creates a consumer bill of rights as it relates to water -- water companies. It’s an agreed-to bill by all parties.
Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Clayborne move for the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 5555. All those in favor, signify by saying Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President. 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 94th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 94th Legislative Day 3/29/2006
3rd Reading. We have concluded our business for the day. The Senate will stand adjourned. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate will stand adjourned until the hour of 10:00 a.m., March 30th. 10:00 a.m., March 30th. The Senate stands adjourned. 59