PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Rick Wenneborg of Chatham Christian Church, in Chatham, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Rick Wenneborg)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney, to lead in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal, please.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, March 7th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Good morning. Senator Hunter.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions, please.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senate Resolution 87, offered by Senators {sic} Koehler and all Members. It’s a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Cullerton, Co-Chairperson, and Senator Dillard, Co- Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary-Civil Law, reports Senate Bill 365 Do Pass. Senator Clayborne, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and -- and -- and Energy, reports Senate Bills 456, 526, 680, 1241 and 1592 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 303 and 1704 Do Pass, as -- Amended. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of -- of the Committee on Human Services, reports Senate Bills 234, 243, 574, 640, 1253, 1497 and 1618 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 244, 581, 595 and 1579 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Silverstein, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Bills 311, 500 and 1159 Do Pass. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Bill 1279 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Ronen, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports Senate Bills 149 and 214 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 573, -- 1225, 1226 and 1424 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bills 17, 445, 561, 1248, 1267 and 1360 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 1680 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Bills 398, 543, 1426, 1463 and 1482 Do 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Pass; and Senate Bills 79, 198, 266, 396, 505, 641 and 1165 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Senate Bills 433, 729, 1446 and 1455 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 313, 325 and 326 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Bills 1304, 1326, 1381, 1619, -- 1620, 1621 and 1665 Do Pass; Senate Bills 1358 and 1448 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Resolutions 53 and 54 Be Adopted; Senate Resolutions 51 and 53 -- I’m sorry, 51 and 52 Be Adopted, as Amended; Senate Joint Resolutions 1, 3, 5, 21, 22, 28 and 30 Be Adopted; and Senate Resolutions {sic} (Joint Resolutions) 2, 6, 9, 14 and 26 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, reports Senate Bill 499 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 208 Do Pass, as Amended. And Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports Senate Bills 388 and 1464 Do Pass; and Senate Bill 1224 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Could we have your attention please, for the purposes of an announcement? It’s the intention of the Chair to do 2nd Readings immediately, going into 3rd Readings, which will be final passage. So we’d ask all Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor immediately. We’re going to the Order of 2nd Readings, following by 3rd Readings, final passage. Once again, all Members within the sound of my voice, please retire to the Senate Chambers. Madam Secretary, Messages.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has -- has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill -- 181. We received like Messages on House Bills 182, 204, 209, 212, 217, 277, 281, 295, 304, 358, 364 and 464. All passed the House, March 7th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. In the President’s Gallery, right behind you, we have today the Taylorville and Edinburg High Schools. They’re here visiting us. They’re the Gifted Program. And I’d like to welcome them to the Illinois State Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Our guests in the gallery please rise to be recognized. And welcome to Springfield. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, as previously announced, the Senate will now go to Senate Bills 2nd Reading. We’ll go to page 2 of your Calendar, your printed Calendar on your desk. On the top of page 2 comes Senate Bill 7. Senator Demuzio, do you wish to proceed on Senate Bill 7, ma’am? Senator Demuzio, do you wish to move Senate Bill 7? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 7. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Just a minute, Madam Secretary. Out of the record. Senator Burzynski, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Thank you. Today, with me here on the Senate Floor, I have a young man, Ales -- Ales Sokolov from Belarus, and he’s here studying at Dayspring Bible College. And I’d like for us to… Welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen, returning to Senate Bills 2nd Reading, at the top of page 2 is Senate Bill 15. Senate Bill 15. Senator Don Harmon, do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senate Bill 16. Senate Bill 16. Senator Munoz. Senator Munoz, on Senate Bill 16. Out of the record. Senator Sieben. Senator Todd Sieben, on Senate Bill 34, sir. Do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senator Sandoval. Senator Martin Sandoval, on Senate Bill 82. Out of the record. Senator Don Trotter. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 83, sir. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 88, sir. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 88. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator -- Silverstein -- Syverson, I’m sorry. Senator -- Syverson, on Senate Bill 113, sir. Senator Syverson, on 113. Out of the record. Senator Silverstein, on 137, sir. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 137. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Housing and Community Affairs reports Senate Amendment 1 Do Pass. No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, could you correct the record on Senate Bill 137, please? Senator Silverstein. 137.
Senate Bill 137 did not have an amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on Senate Bill 142. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 142. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 150. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 150. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. …Sandoval, on 165, sir. Senator Martin Sandoval. Senator Raoul, on 177, sir. Out of the record. Senator Sieben, on -- Senate Bill 194, sir. Senator Todd Sieben. Out of the record. Senator Todd Sieben, on Senate Bill 201. Senate Bill 201. Out of the record. Senator Martinez, on Senate Bill 220, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 220. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 222. Senator 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Raoul, on 222. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, on -- continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, on -- now on the top of page 3 of your Calendar. Senator Silverstein, on 229, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 229. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judicial-Civil Law -- Judiciary-Civil Law adopted Committee Amendment No. 1 {sic} (2).
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Radogno, on 233. Senator Radogno, on 233, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Luechtefeld, on 253. Senator Luechtefeld, on 253, sir. Out of the record. Senator -- Leader Watson, on Senate Bill 267. Senator Frank Watson, on Senate Bill 267. Out of the record. Senator Hultgren, on 273, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 273. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on Senate Bill 281, sir. Senator. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
Senate Bill 281. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture and -- Conservation adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard, on Senate Bill 285, sir. Senator Kirk Dillard, on 285. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 285. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, 3rd Reading. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 300, sir. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 300. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Link. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 307. Senator Terry Link, on Senate Bill 307. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on 310, sir. Out of the record. Senator Hultgren, on 364, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 364. (Secretary reads title of bill) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on 380. Senator Syverson, on 380. Senate Bill 380, sir. Out of the record. Senator Susan Garrett. Senator Garrett. Good morning, Senator Garrett. How are you? Would you be interested in moving 382 today? Out of the record. Leader Halvorson, on 392, ma’am. Senate Bill 392. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on 393, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 393. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval. Martin Sandoval, on Senate Bill 423, sir. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Demuzio. Senator Demuzio, on 426, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 426. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 2nd Reading, we’ll now turn to page 4 of your Calendar. At the top of page 4 is Senate Bill 437. Senator 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Maloney. Out of the record. Senator Hultgren, on 441, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 441. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on 452, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 452. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on 454, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 454. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Wilhelmi, on 473, sir. Senator Wilhelmi. Out of the record. Senator Jacobs. Senator Jacobs, on Senate Bill 488, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 488. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link, on 509. Senate Bill 509. Senator Terry Link, on 509. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 521, sir. Senator Cullerton, on 521. Out of the record. Senator Dillard. Senator Kirk Dillard, on 533, sir. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on 540. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 540. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation reports Committee Amendment No. 1 adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on 545, sir. Senator Willie Delgado, on 545, sir. Out of the record. Senator Delgado, on 547. Senator Delgado, on 547. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 572. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 572. (Secretary reads title of bill) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator John Millner. Senator Millner, on 580, sir. Senator Millner, on 580. Do you wish to proceed? Are you sure? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 580. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Madam Secretary. 3rd Reading. Senator John Cullerton, on 585, sir. …Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 585. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No -- no committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Viverito, on Senate Bill 599, sir. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 599. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 2nd Reading on the top of page 5 of your Calendar. On top of page 5 of your Calendar is Senate Bill 612. 612. Senator Althoff. Senator Althoff, do you wish to proceed? Good morning. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 612. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Leave of the Body, 644, we’ll skip and come back to. Madam Secretary, Senate Bill 649. Senator Sullivan, on 649. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 650. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 650. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link, on Senate Bill 661. Senator Link, on 661. Out of the record. Senator Link, on 662. Senator Link, on 662. Out of the record. Senator Koehler, on 665. Out of the record. Senator Maloney, on 673, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 673. (Secretary reads title of bill) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor -- Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Bond, on 678. Senator Michael Bond, on -- wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 678. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Wilhelmi. Senator Wilhelmi, on 705, sir. You’re sure? Out of the record. Senator Halvorson, on 725… 725. Out of the record. Senator Hultgren, on 738, sir. Wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 738. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 1179. Senator Terry Link. Out of the record. Senator Collins. Senator Jacqui Collins, on 1228. Senator Collins. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on 1244, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1244. (Secretary reads title of bill) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval. 1293. Senate Bill 1293. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Schoenberg, on 1328, sir. Would you like to proceed today, Senator? You would. Thank you. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1328. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Channel -- News Channel 20, here in Springfield, ABC seeking leave of the Body to videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on -- Senate Bills 2nd Reading, on the top of page 6 of your Calendar comes Senate Bill 1348. Senator Munoz. Senator Munoz, on 1348. Out of the record. Senator Raoul, on 1384. Senator, on 1384. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval, on 1428. Senator Sandoval. 1428. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 1430, ma’am. Would you wish to proceed with this bill? She indicates she does not. Out of the record. Senator Wilhelmi, on 1545, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill -- 1545. (Secretary reads title of bill) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on 1553. Senator Frerichs. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs. 1559. Out of the record. Senator Garrett. Senator Garrett, on 1580. I know you’re very busy. Out of the record. Nice to see you, Senator Garrett. Senator Schoenberg, on 1617, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1617. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on 1653, sir. Senator Raoul, on 1653. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 1687, sir. Do you -- he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1687. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Housing and Community Affairs -- adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No Floor amendments reported, Mr. President. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Down in the Rotunda the Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnership showcase individuals from throughout the State, are down there with displays. And I have three constituents from my district here up in the gallery. I’d like to introduce ‘em: Vicki Phillips, Phyllis Batterton and Angie Van Brooker. They’re up in the gallery here. I’d just like the Senate to welcome them here…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests in the galleries please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, to fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advice and Consent. Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated February 9th and February 23rd, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Thank you. Senator Hendon moves the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 appointments set forth in the Messages from the Governor dated as stated, February 9th and February 23, the year 2007. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman -- Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 9th, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise -- advice and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 9th, 2007, I will read the salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be -- to be the Director of the Department of Labor for a term commencing January 31st, 2007 and ending January 19th, 2009: Catherine Shannon. To be members of the Prisoner Review Board for terms commencing January 31st, 2007 and ending January 21st, 2013: Jesse Madison and Norman Sula. To be a member of the Property Tax Appeal Board for a term commencing January 31st, 2007 and ending January 21st, 2013: Kevin Freeman. To be Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for a term commencing December 15th, 2006 and ending January 15th, 2007: Tammy Duckworth. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointments from 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 the Governor’s Message of February 9th, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 9th. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 3 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise -- consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, for a correction. I’m sorry. There was 56 Yeses, 0 Nays, 0 Present, 3 not voting. Not 3 Nays. 3 not voting. The record will show -- so indicate. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 23rd, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advice -- do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 23rd, 2007, I will read the salaried appointments of 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be members of the Illinois State Mining Board for terms commencing February 20th, 2007 and ending January 19th, 2009: Jerry Cross, Kenneth Fritzsche, Don Stewart, George Teegarden and David Webb. Mr. President, having read the salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of February 23rd, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 23? All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 Nays, -- 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Madam Secretary, continuing on Committee Reports, please.
Senator Hendon, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments, to which was referred the Governor’s Message of February 23rd, 2007, reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to the following appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Thank you. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, with respect to the Governor’s Message of February 23rd, 2007, I will read the non-salaried appointments of which the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent: To be a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education for a term commencing February 13th, 2007 and ending January 31st, 2013: Carrie Hightman. To be a member of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority for a term commencing February 13th, 2007 and ending January {sic} (June) 1st, 2011: Robert Novelle. Mr. President, having read the non-salaried appointments from the Governor’s Message of February 23rd, 2007, I now seek leave to consider the appointments on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointments just read from the Governor’s Message of February 23. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 58 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointments just read. Senator Hendon.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon moves the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, as previously announced from the Chair, we will be going to Senate Bills 3rd Reading. This is final passage. 3rd Reading. Final passage. I’d ask everybody please - - all Members please be in their seats. We’re going to go to Senate Bills 3rd Reading, final passage. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll turn to page 6 of your Calendar. In the middle of page 6 comes Senate Bill No. 1. Senator Lightford, on Senate Bill No. 1. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senate Bill No. 2. Senator Jeff Schoenberg, on Senate Bill 2, sir. Out of the record. Senator Trotter. Senator Don Trotter, on Senate Bill No. 3. Senator Trotter. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill No. 5. Senate Bill No. 5. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll go to page 7 of the Calendar, top of page 7 of your Calendar. Senator Demuzio, on Senate Bill 6, ma’am. Do you wish to proceed? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 6. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 6 amends the Public Aid Code regarding the access to psychiatric mental health services. Presently, this bill is identical to House Bill 462, which passed out of the House with a hundred and fourteen or more votes. What -- what we really -- what we recognize now is that currently the Medicaid program permits reimbursement for medical telemedicine consults, but not for psychiatric conditions. We know that through a study of a -- our health task force that services in many of our areas are not available when it comes to psychiatric care. And so what this would do is to do telemedicine, which would provide services.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any -- Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the bill. The bill did pass out of the Senate’s Public Health Committee unanimously and I would urge its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Demuzio, to close, ma’am.
Again, I would ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. The question is, shall Senate Bill 6 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 6, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Halvorson, on Senate Bill 10, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator James Clayborne, on Senate Bill 11, sir. Out of the record. Senator Martinez. Senator Iris Martinez, on Senate Bill 18, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 19, sir. Out of the record. Senator Don Harmon, on Senate Bill 20, sir. Out of the record. Senator Brady. Senator Brady, on Senate Bill 38, sir. Senator Bill Brady. Out of the record. Senator Susan Garrett. Susan Garrett. Senate Bill 47. Do you wish to proceed, ma’am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 47. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading -- 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. Actually, this is just a cleanup bill. It -- Senate Bill 47 repeals certain provisions of the Public Aid Code concerning market rate survey for child care, a plan to modify child care rates, and a -- longitudinal - I can’t say that word - study of the implementation of TANF and related welfare reforms. It’s supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Garrett. Is there any discussion? Is 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Senator Susan Garrett, to close.
I might just ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 47 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 47, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Maloney. Senator Maloney, on Senate Bill 48, sir. He’s -- indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 48. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 48 raises the dollar amount above which school districts must -- school district contracts must be let for competitive bidding from ten to twenty- five thousand dollars. This is permissive, meaning that the school boards can set a lower threshold if they choose. We have done this for park districts, library boards, and this is a natural extension for the school boards. The last time this was 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 raised was during the 87th General Assembly in 1991-92. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Maloney. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 48 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 48, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 50, sir. Out of the record. Senator Watson, on Senate Bill 54, sir. Out of the record. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link, on Senate Bill 56, sir. Senator Link, on 56. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 71, sir. Senator John Cullerton, on 71. Senator Don Harmon, on Senate Bill 73. Senator Harmon, on 73. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Collins. Senator Jacqui Collins, on Senate Bill 75. Senator Collins. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 76. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, top of page 8 of your Calendar. Top of page 8 on your Calendar. Senator Maloney. Senator Maloney indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 80. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is simply a bicycle safety measure bill, which states that a driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction maintains a distance of three feet between the bicycle and the individual. The bicycle rider must be as far over to the right as possible, and this simply changed the universally accepted hand signal of a right turn to indicate that simply pointing with their right hand out that they are going to make a right turn. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Maloney. Senator, thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 80 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 80, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 97, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 97. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is an initiative of the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, but it applies throughout Illinois where car theft is a problem. It allows an exception to the eavesdropping statute in a very limited situation of the police using bait cars which are equipped with audio-visual cameras inside the vehicle to catch people who are in the act of stealing an automobile. Doesn’t do anything other than that. They have to have already committed a crime by being inside the car. Prosecutors have a difficult time proving these cases when they stop folks who steal the cars because they say, “Well, I just found this car”, “Someone gave it to me.” So this will ensure that they are given enough evidence to -- to convict, and a car thief is responsible for many car thefts, driving up the cost of insurance. And this task force is a public/private partnership. Thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Haine. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 97 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 97, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, sir?
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Thank you very much, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'd like to reintroduce or to welcome home Sara Knoles and Jim Holton, who are visiting from Orlando, Florida. They’re sitting in the gallery right there. I had the great pleasure of working with Sara when she worked on the Senate Republican staff and her mom is Helen Strubbe. So if we could greet Sara and Jim back to the Senate, I would appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our guests please rise and be recognized? And welcome home. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, on the top of page 8 of your Calendar comes Senate Bill 108. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 108, sir. Out of the record. Senator Trotter, on Senate Bill 110, sir. Senator Don Trotter, on 110. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Hultgren, on 116. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 116. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hultgren.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This is a 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 -- a pretty simple bill dealing with gang tattoos. It’s a significant problem with former gang members who are trying to get out of the gang system. Many of ‘em have markings, tattoos and things. What this is setting up is a task force - bipartisan task force - to be able to address how the State can help people remove these tattoos. I’d ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Peterson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just would like to add that this bill passed out of committee unanimously and I urge both sides of the aisle to support it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Dillard, for what purpose you seek recognition? Is there any further discussion on Senate Bill 116? Seeing none, Senator Hultgren, to close, sir.
Just ask for your support. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 116 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish on his first bill? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 116, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
First, Mr. President, I would like to announce Senator Pankau’s excused absence. She is ill, has been for the entirety of this week, and that is why she is not presence -- present with us here today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The record will so reflect.
The -- the second issue, if I might, Mr. President, as -- as you know, that was Senator Hultgren’s first presentation of a piece of legislation here as a Member of the Illinois Senate. Obviously, a number of us were not quick enough to our switches in order to dish out the appropriate abuse. So what we would like is leave from you, Mr. President, to make sure and have that opportunity to do it the next time he comes before the Chamber with a bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) That will be taken into consideration. Senator Dillard.
Thank you. Just on a point of personal privilege. I agree with Senator Righter, and -- and, actually, Randy Hultgren is going to get the Stan Weaver “mumble-the-bill” award… You’ll be a very fine Senator if you can keep doing that. But I wanted to inform Senator Hultgren that in the back of the Chamber here, in the men’s restroom, you can have your House gang member tattoo removed. And, you know, I’m going to warn all the new freshmen 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 here - we got a lot of new members - you go back here and you get your tattoo back here, your Senate tattoo back here. So, Randy, you can go have the House one removed and get the Senate one put on your other arm.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Cullerton, what…
I have a parliamentary inquiry. Senator…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your inquiry, sir.
…isn’t -- isn’t there a way that those people who voted for Senator Hultgren’s bill could somehow reconsider that vote so we could come back and have an actual debate on the bill? Isn’t there some procedural way we could do that? And maybe Senator Hultgren might even voluntarily join in that -- in that motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Let me consult with my part-time parliamentarian. Senator Hendon.
Mr. President, I -- having voted on the prevailing side, I move to reconsider the vote on Senate Bill 116.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Schoenberg, are you seeking recognition, sir? Okay, Senator Hultgren, as you can see from the Body, you got off very easy today. But in -- the Senate Chamber’s a little different than the House Chamber and we have what’s called here, Senator Hultgren, it’s called the Cronin rule. And the Cronin rule is, if you get up and speak on a person’s first bill, you must be 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 funny. So using Senator Cronin’s rule, we’ll continue on Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the top of page 8. Senator Susan Garrett, on 122. Do you wish to proceed, ma’am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 122. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 122 simply adds school counselors and school counselor interns to the School Code’s definition of professional workers. There is no disagreement that -- this was just basically overlooked. So it’s just a matter of housekeeping.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 122 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeses, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 122, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 124, sir. Out of the record. Senator Raoul, on 129, sir. Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 129. 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 129, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a -- Senate Bill 129 is a bill that has to deal with what -- I never thought I would be able to characterize as -- anything as bad heroin, because all heroin is indeed bad, but we’ve learned, in the City of Chicago recently, that there’s been a number of deaths as a result of fentanyl-laced heroin. And Senate Bill 129 aims at trying to address this increasingly bad problem of bad heroin. Senate Bill 129 provides that three years shall be added to the term of imprisonment and the maximum sentence shall be increased by three years if a substance containing a controlled substance contains any amount of fentanyl. I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Millner, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to add that the committee voted unanimously for approval of this bill and I, too, urge its support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. Senator Raoul, to close.
I ask for your support. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 129 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 129, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator John Jones, on Senate Bill -- Senator John Jones, on Senate Bill 132. Out of the record, sir. Senator Cronin. Senator Dan Cronin, on Senate Bill 138, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 138. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Cronin.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I’m delighted to present this bill that enjoys bipartisan support. I thought it was a Cronin-Harmon, but it’s a Cronin-Pankau-Harmon-Maloney, and I invite all my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me with this bill. This is a bill, you may recall, is really a reintroduction of a bill that we considered in the 94th General Assembly, which passed the Senate fifty-nine to nothing. It picked up seventeen House sponsors from both sides of the aisle and then it -- and then, for some reason, it died in the House Revenue Committee. But this is really a good policy and I 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 strongly urge you to -- to -- to consider supporting it. Basically, it -- it provides that the Illinois Income Tax create - the Act - that we create an income tax credit to reimburse teachers for their out-of-pocket classroom expenses. It would apply to the 2007 tax year. It sunsets in five years, so we get a chance to reevaluate how it’s working. Eligible teachers include all elementary, secondary schoolteachers, homeschoolers, parochial schoolteachers. If you’re a teacher, this applies to you, period. The credit is equal to fifty percent of the total non-reimbursed classroom expense in excess of two hundred and fifty dollars. The maximum amount of the credit is five hundred dollars, nonrefundable, no carryforward. It’s a great bill. I ask for your favorable consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Cronin. Is there any discussion? Senator Hendon, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just to let the Members on this side of the aisle know that I spoke with the sponsor and we’re okay with this bill now. So we can all vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Senator Harmon, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise also in support of the bill. I’ve joined Senator Cronin as a chief cosponsor. It passed out of the Revenue Committee without opposition and I, too, join Senator Hendon in urging your Aye votes. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hendon, are you seeking recognition again? Malfunction. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 138 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 138, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 140. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 140. Out of the record. Senator Collins. Senator Jacqui Collins, on 143, ma’am. She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 143. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 143 is patterned after the criminal history background check requirements for public schools. It requires non-public schools seeking State recognition to mandate background checks for job applicants. This bill is subject to appropriation and the State Superintendent shall reimburse non- public schools for the fees paid to obtain criminal history records checks. Ordinarily, there’s a twenty-dollar fee for each 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 fingerprint-based checked {sic} under the Uniform Conviction Information Act. Just as a -- a reminder, a refresher with the Senate -- my -- Senate Members, last Session we passed out of -- this bill, cosponsored by my colleague Senator Lauzen. It passed out of the 94th General Assembly but was never released in the House because the Illinois State Police had issues with their ability to access FBI information and FBI records. But this bill takes in consideration the federal ruling of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act that has been passed on the federal level that gives now the Illinois State Police access to those records. All is required is that a -- a letter from the Governor to access those records. So this bill came back to us with the recommendation and the support of the Illinois State Police, and that’s why we’re taking this opportunity to move forward. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Collins. Is there any discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
To -- thank you, Mr. President. To speak in support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill.
I’d just like to thank Senator Collins for her perseverance and her thoroughness in bringing this to such a good conclusion and signing up everybody’s support. I ask everyone to vote Yes and thank you to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing no 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 further discussion, Senator Collins, to close, ma’am.
I welcome your support for this bill. As a product of the parochial school system, I feel that all children, whether in private, parochial or public schools, should be guaranteed that they will be in a safe environment. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 143 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 143, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Risinger, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.
In the back gallery, we have a group of students from my district: Bureau Valley High School, along with their instructor, Mike Goessman. Would you please give them a Springfield welcome?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests in the gallery please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Okay, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Ladies and Gentlemen, is Senate Bill 144. Senator Demuzio. She indicates she wishes to proceed -- she indicates she’d liked to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 144. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Demuzio.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 144 amends the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan, or CHIP, as we all know it. What this does is to increase the benefit from 1.5 million dollars to two million dollars. CHIP has indicated that the standard market -- market lifetime maximum amount does indicate that they can handle anywhere between two and five million dollars. And so we also know that they can increase this lifetime maximum two -- two million dollars, reflecting what happens in the standard market. I ask for a favorable vote to increase this benefit.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the Lady’s asked for a favorable roll call. The question is, shall Senate Bill 144 -- 144 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 144, having received 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sieben. Senator Todd Sieben, on 153. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 153. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. Senator Sieben.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, Senate Bill 153 amends the Downstate Teachers Article of the Illinois Pension Code to allow a teacher to establish credit in the Teachers’ Retirement System for leaves of absence due to pregnancy taken in public schools outside of Illinois. It is supported by the IEA, the IFT and the Teachers’ Retirement System. There is no opposition. I’d ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Raoul, for what purpose you seek recognition?
To the bill. This -- this bill passed the Pensions and Investment Committee unanimously. I encourage support of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you, sir. Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose you seek recognition?
42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Thank you. Senator, this is for -- this provides pension credit for teachers who had taken maternity leave in out-of-state schools. What’s the policy for teachers who take leave within school districts in Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Sieben.
Yes, thank you for your question, Senator. It would be the exact same policy for teachers that take that maternity leave in the System. We’ve -- part of what we’ve worked out here is making that match with the TRS System and that’s how we gained their support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose you seek recognition?
For a question, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator, is this -- I -- I assume, because it has the support of the Pension Funds, that the person who’s going to receive the benefit has to pay the present value of the future benefit over time? Is that how it’s calculated? So there’s no unfunded liability exposure? 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Sieben.
Yes, that’s absolutely correct. The teacher wishing to buy this credit pays all costs - the employer and the employer {sic} cost of this -- this benefit.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, any further discussion? Seeing no further discussion, Senator Sieben, to close, sir.
Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 153 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 153, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the bottom of page 8 is Senate Bill 158. Senator Susan Garrett, on Senate Bill 158, ma’am. Do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, on the top of page 9 of your printed Calendar is Senate Bill 162. Senator Maloney, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 162. (Secretary reads title of bill) 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 162 provides that, in addition to grants to medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry and nursing schools, grants may be made to psychology and other mental health-related programs. The -- the current language is vague and this simply clears that up. It simply adds psychology to the health-related education grants. This is supported by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This same legislation passed out of the Senate fifty-nine to zero last year. I would be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill. We did support this bill in Higher Education. As the Sponsor’s pointed out, we’ve all already voted for this bill - well, most of us have - once in the past general Session. I just encourage an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Maloney, to close, sir.
Appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. The question is, shall Senate Bill 162 pass. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 162, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 169. Senate Bill {sic} Link. Out of the record. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 170, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 172, sir. Senator John Cullerton, on 172. Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Righter. Dale Righter, on 174, sir. Out of the record. Senator Rickey Hendon. Senator Rickey Hendon, on 182. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 182. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hendon.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. This creates a non- appropriated fund, the Minority Film Support Fund, and it allows for the Treasurer to help fund films for minorities and help build up the film community here in the State of Illinois. And I urge a -- an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the gentleman asks for a 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 favorable roll call. The question is, shall Senate Bill 182 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 182, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter. Senator Dale Righter, on 184, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Jones, on 199, sir. Out of the record. Senator Bomke, on Senate Bill 202. Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 202. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 202 simply amends the Wildlife Code to prohibit the taking of any albino or all-white deer, which is entirely white except for its hooves, tarsal glands, part of the head, in Illinois. This would make Illinois consistent with Wisconsin’s law. I know of no opposition, but be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 202 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 202, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan. Senator John Sullivan, on Senate Bill 206, sir. Out of the record. Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes, join me. On Senate Bill 207, out of the record. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 223, sir. Senator Haine, do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) On the bill.
Yes, Mr. -- Mr. President…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) And the bill is -- the bill is currently on the Secretary’s Desk. Senator Haine.
…President, that is the -- that’s the bill right there and I’d like to go through it page by page, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Please take your time.
Okay. I thank you, sir. This bill is a General Revisory Bill of the Legislative Reference Bureau. It contains no substantive changes in the law. It combines multiple versions of Sections that are duplicative and it renumbers Sections, corrects obsolete cross-references and technical errors, and stylistic changes. That’s all the bill does, and I would ask for an Aye vote. If I don’t have an Aye vote, I will read the entire bill. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank -- thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Peterson, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. To -- to the bill. The State Government Committee, both Republicans and Democrats, read this bill thoroughly. There’s -- subsection (j) and also subsection (m), there was some question, but we met this morning at 6 o’clock and we agree that that doesn’t pose a problem. So we all will join you in supporting this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine, to close, sir.
Ask for an Aye vote. Thank you very much for your diligence, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Question is, shall Senate Bill 223 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 223, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Millner, on Senate Bill 226, sir. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 226. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 226 amends the Illinois Controlled Substance Act to add salvia divinorum as a Schedule I controlled substance, listed under a subsection as a hallucinogenic substance. And the bill was brought to me by a sheriff whose chief deputy’s son walked into a store and just purchased it, took the drug, hallucinated, went into a deep depression. And then subsequent to that, I learned of many other cases where this has happened, where people can walk into these stores, order it on the Internet, and are able to hallucinate, drive their cars, whatever else they want to do. We just wanted to add this to the Schedule I substance. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none -- seeing none, the question is, shall 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senate Bill 226 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 226, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Watson, on Senate Bill 247. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 247. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Leader Watson.
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. This extends the life of a -- TIF district that was created by the Village of Mt. Zion on February -- on -- excuse me, January 13th, 1987, and it increases it another twelve years, which is a standard procedure for us here. All the local letters that -- have been filed in support by the units of local government. And this passed unanimously out of the Revenue Committee, and would appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. Is there any discussion? Senator Harmon, for what purpose you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just to report to Members on our side of the aisle, this did indeed pass out of the Revenue 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Committee without any objection and we did have all of the letters. Thank you, Senator Watson. So I would urge you to support the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 247 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 247, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Millner, on Senate Bill 249, sir. Do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 249. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. President and -- and Members of the Senate. What this bill does, it amends the Water Commission Act by providing that the territory of a water commission shall not include territory within a municipality that constructs and operates its own water system. What had happened, the City of West Chicago has never been part of the DuPage County Water Commission - never was, never will be - yet they’ve been taxed to a tune of approximately twelve million dollars so far. They want 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 to opt out of the system. To do so, they’ve invested over thirty million dollars in their own system, but yet the DuPage Water Commission continues to tax ‘em. They simply want to get out, and I would certainly urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. If the sponsor would yield for a question, I’d appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator Millner, is anyone opposed to this bill and does the DuPage Water Commission itself have a position on your legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Millner.
Thank you for that question. The DuPage Water Commission wrote a letter to me. They never slipped it, but they said they weren’t comfortable with the language. I’ve been in contact with the chairman of the board to try to find language that they would be comfortable with; however, it has not been brought to my attention. So, I said I was going to continue doing this bill through 3rd Reading, pass it into the House, and if there’s suggested language at that point, we would certainly look at it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any further discussion? Any further discussion? 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Seeing no further discussion, Senator Millner, to close, sir.
I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 249 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 249, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Bottom of page 9, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Luechtefeld, on Senate Bill 252, sir. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 252. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 252 amends the Volunteer Emergency Worker Job Protection Act to add additional positions to the list of those that qualify as -- and -- and -- and are defined as “volunteer emergency workers”. Those added include a volunteer member of the county and municipal emergency services and disaster agency pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, an auxiliary 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 policeman appointed pursuant to the Municipal Code, and an auxiliary deputy sheriff appointed by a -- the county sheriff pursuant to the County Code. Would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Senator Peterson, for what purpose you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please, to the bill, sir.
The committee voted this out unanimously, and we ask all to support it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) There any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? Seeing no further discussion, Senator Luechtefeld, to close, sir.
Would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 252 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 252, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we’ll now turn to page 10 of your -- top of page 10 of your Calendar. The top of page 10 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 is Senate Bill 255. Senator -- Senator Althoff, do you wish to proceed, ma’am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 255. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 255 provides that the Local Government Consolidation Commission report its findings on or before December 31st, 2007. The report was originally due December 31st, 2006. Unfortunately, we have many more hearings to conduct and time for the report to be filed. I’d appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 255 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 255, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Crotty, on Senate Bill 259. Do you wish to proceed, ma’am? Nice to see you today. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 259. 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
Thank you very much. In November of 2005, revisions to the Illinois Elevator Safety Act were enacted. The 2005 legislation contained a grandfather clause for the issuance of elevator mechanics’ licenses that expired May 31st, 2006. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was delayed in implementing the rules and the May 31st, 2006 deadline passed without procedures for issuing those licenses, so the State Fire Marshal’s Office extended the grandfather deadline on the basis of a specific court case, but JCAR was uncomfortable with the -- that decision and indicated that legislation to correct the problem should be considered. Senate Bill 259 extends the grandfather clause to December 31st, 2007, and it validates any licenses issued from May 31st, 2006. It also, at the request of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, the word “design” had been stricken from the area of the statute, because the engineers really consider that to be -- pertain to them exclusively. And in November 2005, we -- the persons with disabilities was added to the board. The senior citizen groups also wanted a senior citizen added to that Elevator Safety Board, so we’re also doing that. I would ask for a Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rutherford, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Mr. President, thank you. I just -- a brief question to the sponsor. Senator Crotty, there was…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates she’ll yield for a question, sir.
Thank you. There was some constituents that had some issues with regards to the timing under such a -- a licensing Act, and because of the extension that you’re putting forward in this amendment, this will resolve the problems that some of these individuals were facing. Is -- am I correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
Yes, that does, Senator. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Rutherford.
This has been quite a complicated and somewhat contentious issue over the last number of years, and because of the efforts of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, I think we have come to a fine conclusion. And, Senator Crotty, I stand in support of your legislation. Thank you for seeing that this is all rectified now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
…Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Further discussion? Any further discussion? Senator 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Garrett. Senator Garrett, the blue button’s the Page button. The white button’s to speak. Seeing no further discussion, Senator Crotty, to close, ma’am.
I just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. The -- Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 259 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeses, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 259, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 263. Do you wish to proceed, sir? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 263. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This is a bill that amends the Airport Authorities Act to create the Greater Metropolitan Airport Authority in place of the Greater Peoria Airport Authority. And what this does is expands the boundaries to all of Peoria County. And the reason this is important is that when the original Authority was established 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 back in 1950, it was -- of course, reflected the smaller size of -- of Peoria at that point. Since Peoria has expanded many times over in the -- in the last decades, the taxing body is now a -- a very small area, and so people who probably least use the airport are paying most of the taxes and those that use it the most are not. So this corrects that. And so, since this is the new kindler {sic} and gentler Illinois State Senate, I would ask for the same consideration as Senator Hultgren. I move for approval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Any discussion on the gentleman’s first bill? Senator Risinger.
Yes, Mr. President. I stand in support of the bill. I think this is very important to our area. It’s important for economic development. It’s similar to what was done in DuPage County some time ago to expand the boundaries into the full county. I -- I do point out though that, you know, the Senator is proposing a bill that’s going to raise taxes in my district while lowering taxes in his district, and I really question the - - whether that ought to be his first bill or not. You know, it - - we’re going to really see how skillful he is in trying to get this done. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Any further discussion? Majority Leader Halvorson, are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
Thank you, Mr. President. I have a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, ma’am. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
Senator Koehler - Where are you? Oh! - you know, I notice that this is about an airport authority. You know what, there’s an airport that’s going to be built in my district and, you know, I’m just really concerned you’re trying to dissolve authorities. Does this have anything to do with the airport that is going to be in Peotone?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
This -- there is no need for any other airport since the -- central Illinois is kind of the major area now that it’s bringing a lot of traffic down to it. So, I don’t -- I don’t know that this changes anything. People do prefer to fly out of Peoria for most part. So…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Senator Koehler. I was just worried, you know, because the person you’re taking the place of has just always been so cooperative with everybody in this Chamber. So, we appreciate the fact that you have taken Senator Shadid’s place, because I -- I think this could be a huge improvement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine, are you seeking recognition, sir?
Will the Senator yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor -- sponsor will yield for a question, sir. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
Yes. Will he? Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Yes, he will.
Is George Shadid going to be on this new commission?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
I’m not able to really comment on that at this point. I -- I don’t think so.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Right. It -- I -- I detect a -- a -- an effort to veil this new board with that answer, Senator. Without being argumentative. I apologize for the argumentative nature of my query. We -- we want know when George knew this and where he was.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
Senator Haine, I -- I’ll take that under advisement and I’ll get back to you on that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Haine.
Last question, Mr. President, and to the sponsor, is, shouldn’t this be an eminent domain bill? 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
Aren’t you seizing the property of one entity and giving it to another?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
No. I think that it’s -- actually, Senator Risinger was right, is that the -- it does raise his taxes and it lowers my taxes. So, that is correct. But, no, it does not -- it’s not a taking.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Any further discussion? Senator Sieben.
Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. A few questions for the sponsor. I have a lot of people in my district that are private pilots and members of the general aviation community and have had quite a bit of concern over the last several years about unannounced closings of airports. And I just wanted to ask you if there’s any impact of your bill on general aviation and their ability to access this airport.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
…don’t -- I don’t think so. In fact, Air Force One was just there recently. It’s -- it’s wide open to anybody who wants to use it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senator Sieben.
Well, I’m -- I’m happy to hear that. So, in your opinion, as far as you know, the mayor of your fine city doesn’t have any plans to, you know, close this airport in the middle of the night, unannounced to the general aviation community?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
I don’t think so. Generally, we -- we do things a little different downstate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Sieben.
I’m very happy to hear that and I hope you can be with the rest of us downstaters on a good many issues. Thank you, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen, you seeking recognition?
Thank you. Question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) I’m not used to you over here. I…
I know. Me neither.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) I miss you from over here.
I know. I miss you, too. 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Lauzen.
Senator, you know, welcome to the Senate, and I think that you’re going to be a -- a wonderful addition. I do apologize, but I do have to ask you actually a couple of serious questions about the bill. Is it a net tax increase?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
Yes. Yes, it is. There would be an additional five hundred thousand dollars. It would lower taxes in the area right now that is currently paying the tax, but it would create additional revenues which would be used for developing further the strategic plan for the airport.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen.
Then, my second question would be, is there -- is there some type of referendum to ask the people who are now going to be in the taxed area? Do we ask their permission? Are they represented before we go forward with the tax on ‘em? I -- I can understand the sense of what you’re doing, but is there some mechanism to ask the people’s permission before we tax -- or before that area taxes them?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
As -- as a serious response, they are represented very well 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 by Senator Risinger.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen.
Actually, I -- I do need to know if there is a mechanism of a referendum or something that the people can voice either their support or opposition to the proposal before it goes forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Frerichs {sic}.
Thank you. No, there is not a referendum mechanism on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen.
Then -- then, finally, just to the bill: Senator, I really do admire you. I -- I -- I think you’re a great addition. There will be some of us who will vote No, not as a reflection on the sponsor, but just that we typically will vote No on tax increases. But I congratulate you. I -- I wish you success in your entire career on -- with the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …Raoul, you seeking recognition, sir?
Yes, Mr. President. Sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield for a question, sir.
Senator, I had the opportunity to sit next to Senator Meeks over the last couple of Sessions and I -- I’ve learned that 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 pastors are usually concerned for -- for the least of these, and you’re creating a Greater Metropolitan Airport Authority. Is somebody going to create the lesser metropolitan airport authority?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler.
Well, see, right now it is in a sense of lesser. You know, most people in Peoria don’t realize that they’re not paying the tax on this. It’s one of those unique kind of things. And so -- they will now. And it does -- again going back to Senator Risinger’s point, the least have been paying the most and now it’s a chance for everybody to have a fair share.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, last -- our last person seeking recognition is Senator Crotty. Senator Crotty. They always save the best for last.
Thank you very much. You know, Senator Koehler, we’ve always had a -- a -- a Senator sitting in the front row that would always come to the defense of the -- the freshmen legislators. So I’m going to try to sort of be Senator Geo- Karis. And she would say, “All right, now please leave this young man alone. He’s worked hard for his constituents and this is a great piece of legislation and we should all join in and support this fine piece of legislation.” Good job, Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Koehler, to close, sir.
67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 I -- I do have Senator Shadid on speed call and I’m thanking you that you did not make me go there. So, I would just ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 263 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, 7 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 263, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 270. Senator Crotty-Geo-Karis, do you wish to proceed, ma’am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 270. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
Thank you very much. There was a -- an amendment on here -- on the bill. I -- I think it’s -- it’s part of the bill now. And all the amendment did is that it -- it really put in the lot number and a description. But Senate Bill 270 amends the Water Reclamation District Act by enlarging the district to include the Crawford Countryside Sanitary District. These constituents of mine had already passed a referendum to do this, so this piece of 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 legislation allows the district to offer their services.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 270 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Oh! There is discussion. Excuse me. Senator Althoff, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma’am?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Sponsor will yield for a question, ma’am. And I apologize. I didn’t see your light flashing.
That’s quite all right. Senator Crotty, I know you did make this statement, but just for the record and for Members on this side of the aisle, even though this was a referendum and it passed, it is a tax increase. Correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
Well, it’ll be the -- whatever fee it would be to now finally be able to join in on the Water Reclamation, on their sewer services. So, I would imagine. Yes. That’s okay. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Lauzen, are you seeking recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just -- just for clarification. Is this the normal -- I mean, is this the normal procedure, that 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 an area that wants to be included in the Reclamation District does a referendum, and then once the referendum is over, then we need to pass a law that allows them to then apply those fees that were the subject of the referendum?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Crotty.
Yes, it is. The Water Reclamation District had brought this to me after the constituents had many negotiations with -- and many talks, I mean, with them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, seeing no further discussion, Senator Crotty, to close, ma’am.
I would just ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 270 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 270, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bomke, on 274, sir. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 274. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 274 amends the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Provides that it is a Class 3 felony to knowingly attempt to possess, procure, transport, store, or deliver anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container. This law would make it consistent with other penalties for illegal use of anhydrous ammonia, and I know of no opposition and would appreciate an Aye vote. And will take any questions if there are any.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the gentleman’s -- question is, shall Senate Bill 274 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 274, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Crotty, on Senate Bill 284, ma’am. Do you wish to proceed? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 284. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senator Crotty.
Thank -- thank you very much. Senate Bill 284 is -- should be a pretty familiar bill; we’ve carried it here for the last four Sessions. But it -- it requires DCFS to develop a project for the operation of three CILAs for adolescents who have been diagnosed with autism. A resident must be between the ages of thirteen and eighteen. The homes must be situated in three separate geographical areas of the State and feature family involvement based on the service and the support contract signed by the adolescent’s family and provider. The homes must include a behavioral therapist on staff who must be a resource for all three facilities. It also -- as the homes must be furnished with therapeutic and support services. And it’s -- this project is also subject to appropriation. The question was brought up about it being a pilot project. As I looked at the bill, this is not a pilot project. It is a project. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Senator Crotty, to close.
Again, I just ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, the question is, shall Senate Bill 284 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 284, having received the required constitutional 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 majority, is declared passed. Continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, in the middle of page 10 is Senate Bill 299. Senator Halvorson, do you wish to proceed? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 299. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 299 permits nonpartisan civic organizations that meet certain criteria to be able to appoint pollwatchers for both the primaries and the general elections.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, ma’am.
This is an excellent piece of legislation. I’m happy to be a chief cosponsor with Senator Halvorson. It’s a wonderful organization and it did pass out of committee unanimously.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) There any further discussion? Seeing no further discussion, Senator Halvorson, to close. 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
I just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay, the question is, shall Senate Bill 299 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 299, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link, on Senate Bill 304. Out of the record. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 305. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on 309, sir. Senator Sullivan, on Senate Bill 309. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 321, sir. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 321. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 321 is an initiative of the State Treasurer’s Office and the State Treasurer himself came to testify in committee. It amends the State Treasurer Act to add a new Section on investment transparency. It, quite simply, requires the Treasurer to post certain information about the 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 investments made by the Treasurer on behalf of the State online - information such as the amount of funds held, how they’re allocated, their current and historic returns, and similar information. I’m not aware of any opposition and I’d ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Peterson, for what purpose you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President. This is an excellent initiative of the Treasurer’s Office. It passed out of committee unanimously and I recommend all vote for it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? Seeing no further discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 321 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 321, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator John Cullerton. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 333. Senator Cullerton, on Senate Bill 333. Out of the record. Senator Trotter. Senator Don Trotter, on Senate Bill 335. Mr. Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 335. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 335 amends the Newborn Infant Protection Act regarding public signs. It requires that each hospital, fire station, emergency medical facility and police station that is currently mandated to accept a relinquished newborn infant under the Newborn Infant Protection Act to post a sign in a -- conspicuous place on the outside of the building. It asks DCFS to work with the Abandoned Baby Foundation, providing details for the specificness -- for the specifications, excuse me, for the signs and where they will be placed to make them uniform. And I ask for its passage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 335 pass -- shall Senate Bill 335 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 335, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, are you seeking recognition, sir?
Yes. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) State your point, sir.
76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 In -- in the gallery, there are some students from Senator Hendon’s district, from Crane Technical High School, who are here with the American Lung Association. I ask that they be recognized.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Lauzen, are you seeking recognition also, sir?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. We also have student leaders from Geneva High School, along with their teacher, Miss Swidenbank. They’re in Springfield today attending the Capitol Forum on America’s Future. I ask that the Senate please welcome them to Springfield. They’re sitting…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests rise and be recognized? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Now comes on page 10 of the -- going back to page 10 of the Calendar, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. On the bottom of page 10 is Senate Bill 336. Senator Harmon, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 336. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senate. Senate Bill 336 is identical to Senate Bill 2071, which passed out of the Senate unanimously in the last General Assembly. It amends the Illinois Procurement Code with respect to the duration of contracts for bond insurance relating to housing bonds. Currently, we cannot enter into contracts for more than ten years. However, with housing bonds, they’re issued for a period of thirty to forty years, and if we cannot enter into a -- a long-term installment contract for the insurance related to those bonds, we need to pay the premium all up front. It’s a very pricey premium. Moreover, those housing bonds are often refinanced before they reach maturity, which means we have forfeited the remainder of the -- the payment on the premium. This is a good cost-saving innovation for the State and I would ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Peterson.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: This is an excellent bill. Mr. Harmon has done a great job on putting it together with his colleagues and I recommend a do pass on this side of the aisle. It should get all our support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 336 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 336, having 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On the bottom of page 10 of your Calendar is Senate Bill 337. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 337. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 337. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 337 amends the Probate Act. Currently, a -- a -- a guardianship can be sought for a person suffering from certain developmental disabilities. This bill would expand that definition to include those suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects. The idea came from a constituent who would seek guardianship of his son. I am not aware of any opposition to the bill and I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 337 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 57 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 337, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, that has -- we have now completed 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senate Bills 3rd Reading for this day. Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1761, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1762, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1763, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1764, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1765, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1766, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1767, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1768, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1769, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1770, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1771, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1772, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1773, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1774, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1775, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1776, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1777, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1778, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1779, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1780, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1781, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1782, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1783, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1784, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1785, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1786, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1787, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1788, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senate Bill 1789, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1790, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1791, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1792, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1793, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1794, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1795, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1796, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1797, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1798, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1799, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1800, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1801, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1802, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1803, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1804, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1805, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1806, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1807, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1808, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1809, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1810, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1811, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1812, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1813, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1814, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1815, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1816, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1817, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Senate Bill 1818, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1819, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1820, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1821, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1822, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1823, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1824, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1825, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1826, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1827, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1828, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1829, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1830, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1831, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1832, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1833, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1834, offered by Senators Trotter, Schoenberg and Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1835, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading -- 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading, please.
House Bill 4, offered by Senator Link. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 9, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 28, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 32, offered by Senators Link and Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill -- or rather, House Bill 160. (Secretary reads title of bill) Offered by Senator Forby. House Bill 174, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 295, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 316, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 330, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 408, offered by Senators Risinger and Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 421, offered by Senators Koehler, Althoff and Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 464, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 497, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 653, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 House Bill 743, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1019, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1020, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1750, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions, please.
Senate Resolution 88, offered by Senator Demuzio. Senate Resolution 89, offered by Senators Harmon and Hendon. And Senate Resolution 90, offered by Senator Harmon. They’re all substantive resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, has there been any objections filed to the resolutions on the Consent Calendar, sir?
Mr. President, there have been no objections filed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Is there any discussion? If not, the question -- shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolutions are adopted. 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 16th Legislative Day 3/8/2007 Mr. Secretary, on the Order of Resolutions, please.
Senate Joint Resolution 36, offered by Senator Halvorson. (Secretary reads SJR No. 36)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Halvorson moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 36. Those in favor will say Aye. Those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Halvorson moves the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 36. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. And the Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Pursuant to -- Senate Joint Resolution 36, the Senate stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 13th, the year 2007, at the hour of 12 noon. 90