PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Rabbi Michael Datz, Temple -- B’rith Sholom, Springfield, Illinois. Rabbi.
(Prayer by Rabbi Michael Datz)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, March 22nd, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Hunter.
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 HENDON) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
Behind the Senate Democrats in the gallery is the Springfield Grant Middle School eighth grade boys basketball -- the 2007 4A State championships {sic}, with a record of twenty- five and one, Athletic Director Rick Sanders, Head Coach Tives Gardner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests in the galleries please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois Senate? Congratulations, young men. Congratulations. That’s an excellent record. Now, next season get rid of that one loss. Senator Dahl, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point, sir.
Behind me up here, today we have with us 4-H members from Mendota, and -- and there are probably some other 4-H members from the 38th District that I don’t recognize up there, but if they are, would they please stand, too?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Welcome. Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I’d like to introduce to the Body my Page for today, Samantha Patel, from Western Springs. She’s a seventh grader at McClure Junior High.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guest please rise and be welcomed to the Senate? Senator Bond, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Senator?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I have some guests in the gallery up here from Grayslake, Illinois, from the 4-H Club. Natalie Geoffroy and JonMarie Geoffroy, from Grayslake, and the sixth grade Red-Tailed Hawks group.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Senate? Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Go right ahead, Senator Bond.
I’d also like to introduce my daughter, Georgia Kate, who is four years old, and she’s going to be working today as an Honorary Page. Like to offer a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Hello, Georgia. Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Just as sweet as she could be. Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Also on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your -- state your point.
And today I also have two Pages with me. This is Devan. She’s a fifth grader. And this is her sister, Jenna, who is a freshman and a very good volleyball player. And the two of ‘em are great students. And also accompanying them is her mom -- their mom and dad. Their mom, Jackie, and their dad, Jim Martin. Jackie is my Director in my office back home. So, welcome them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Guests please rise and be welcomed to the Senate. Proud mother and father of these two wonderful young ladies. Welcome. Senator Hultgren, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Go right ahead. State your point.
Thank you. I’m very pleased as well to have a couple Pages with me today. Suzanna and Jack Duggan are from Winfield, Illinois. Suzanna is a seventh grader at Monroe Middle School. And Jack is a fourth grader at Pleasant Hill School in Wheaton. And also, their parents, Mr. & Mrs. Duggan are up there. And their brother, Daniel, is up here. So please join me in welcoming them to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senate? The parents and the young people as well. Welcome. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you seek recognition, ma’am?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Go right ahead.
I have with me a legislative aide today, Arek Lucich. He’s sixteen years old. He recently just obtained his Eagle Scout status. He is interested in the environment and also, more importantly, he is interested in protecting it. May we welcome him to Springfield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Welcome to Springfield, young man. Welcome. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to take the time right now to acknowledge very special guests who are here with me today. We have some students and teachers from Courtenay School in Chicago. They are here today with 4-H. Could you please give them a round of applause?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise from Courtenay School. Welcome to the Illinois Senate. I was in 4-H when I was younger. Two, three years ago. Senator John Jones, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 …your -- state your point, sir.
Well, I -- I would hope that all the Senators received an apple today. I -- I hope everybody received an apple today, because hopefully today we’re going to do Senate Bill 199, which the fourth-grade class from Woodlawn Grade School in Jefferson County is right above you, Mr. President, along with the Superintendent, Rod Stover, and their teacher, Mr. Richardson, and they are the ones that came to me with this apple, that said we need a State fruit in Illinois. So, I hope that everybody enjoys their apple today, and I’d like to welcome the fourth- grade kids from Woodlawn Grade School.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise from Woodlawn Grade School. And thank you for the apple. An apple a day - that’s what we need around here. Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Okay. And lastly, and then we’re going to get to 2nds or 3rds, Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I rise today in recognition that Sunday, March 25th, marked the 200th Anniversary of the end of the transatlantic slave trade. And during one of the darkest chapters in -- in human history millions of -- millions were traded like a commodity, exploited and murdered. And while this is an important date in our history, I ask that we not forget that -- that various forms 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 of slavery are still a common practice in many parts of the world, such as human trafficking. The various forms of modern slavery which exploit even the youngest victims are developing into an international trade, earning billions of dollars at the expense of millions of those victims and their shattered innocence. It is my hope that the Leaders in this Chamber, as well as boardrooms, courtrooms, and -- and the like across the world, would take a proactive approach in policy development towards preventing the reoccurrence of the massive human suffering that this anniversary recognizes. Remember, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." And that was a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1963, Letters {sic} (Letter) from the Birmingham Jail. Thank you for your attention and consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, Senator Hunter. Members of the Chamber, we’re now about to go to -- oh! Channel 20-ABC News seeks leave to record. Leave is granted. Leave is granted. Madam Secretary, Messages.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 33. We’ve received like Messages on House Bills 961, 975, 978, 979, 986, 991, 1041, 1058, 1074, 1076, 1082, 1084, 1138, 1232, 1236, 1238, 1241, 1243, 1246, 1251, 1254, 1256, 1257, 1284, 1288, 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 1301, 1308, 1313, 1348, 1355, 1363, 1384, 1399, 1423, 1425, 1452, 1456, 1481, 1491, 1499, 1525, 1538, 1540, 1545, 1554, 1610, 1611, 1630, 1643, 1660, 1666, 1670, 1673, 1705, 1729, 1741, 1768, 1790, 1882, 1917, 1922, 1923, 1926, 1947, 1969, 1972, 2023, 2035, 3374, 3394, 3454, 3487 and 3593. All passed the House, March 22nd, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 116, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolution 117, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. Senate Resolution 118, offered by Senator Harmon and all Members. Senate Resolution 119, offered by Senator Lightford and all Members. And Senate Resolution 120, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. They’re all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Any additional resolutions, Madam Secretary?
Senate Resolution 121, offered by Senator Haine and all Members {sic}. It’s substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 33, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 182, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 351, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 427, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 634, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 679, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 808, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 819, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 895, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 961, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 978, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 979, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 991, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- I’m sorry. House Bill 1058, offered by 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1074, offered by Senator Halvorson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1082, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1138, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1232, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1238, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1243, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1254, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1256, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1293, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1301, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1308, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1313, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1348, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1355, offered by Senator Noland. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1363, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1384, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1399, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1423, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill -- 1491, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1499, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1525, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1538, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1540, offered by Senator Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1611, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1630, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1670, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1729, offered by Senator Maloney. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1790, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 House Bill 1882, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1922, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1923, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1969, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3394, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3454, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3487, offered by Senator Bomke. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3593, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I’d like to welcome today in our gallery behind you - it’s actually one of your schools in your district - Marshall High School. And they’re also joined by the University of Illinois Extension Program. If we could both welcome -- the Chamber to welcome those groups. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois Senate? Welcome. Welcome, Marshall High. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Inquiry of the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your inquiry, sir.
Mr. President, per our conversations we had a few minutes ago - thank you, sir - it -- it’s the Senate Republicans’ intention to call for a caucus at some point soon. It’s my understanding, again, from our conversations that it’s the Chair’s intention to do 2nd Readings, go through the Calendars on 2nds and then 3rds. I wonder if it would be appropriate for you and convenient for you, Mr. President, ‘cause we’re always trying to make sure that things are convenient for you, that we have a caucus between 2nds and 3rds.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) I most certainly will -- will grant you a caucus at some point this early afternoon. And I’ll get back with you on exactly what time, but I most certainly will accommodate you and we will probably do it between 2nds and 3rds. And how much time would you need? Thirty minutes would be nice for the Chair. Remember, you said you’re going to accommodate me. So, is that thirty or a forty? Senator -- Senator Righter.
We’re -- we’re within ten minutes of that. Forty minutes, if you might, Mr. President. Appreciate it very much. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) That -- that will be fine.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. Again, for a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
Thank you. Like many other legislators, I, too, have a contingency -- a 4-H organization group from McHenry County who is in the gallery behind the Senate Democrats. If we could give them a warm welcome and acknowledge their presence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Would our 4-H members from Senator Althoff’s district rise and be welcomed to the Senate? Welcome to the Illinois Senate. We’ll now go to 2nd Readings. Please turn your Calendars to the top of page 2. Top of page 2, on the Order of 2nd Readings. Senate Bill 16. Senator Munoz. Out of the record. Senate Bill 26. Senator Burzynski. Out of the record. Senate Bill 117. Senator Cullerton. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 133. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 175. Senator -- I’m sorry. I thought that was a no. Back to Senate Bill 133, please. Senator Garrett. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 133. (Secretary reads title of bill) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Garrett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Garrett, to explain Floor Amendment No. 1. Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. Amendment No. 1 basically says that Illinois will provide vaccines and immunizations that will be thimerosal-free.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Garrett moves the adoption of Amendment -- Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 133. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. And the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further -- amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is awful noisy in here today. I do want to point that out. Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 State your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. Behind me in the gallery is the St. Clair County 4-H Club, the Turkey Hill Busy Bee {sic} (Bees) Club of Freeburg, the 4-H Friends of Belleville and the Centreville Mustangs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois Senate? Welcome to the Senate. Please, do come again. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Go right ahead and state your point, sir.
I also have some 4-H -- 4-H’ers from my district. Fulton County 4-H are scattered, I think, throughout the gallery up here. And I also have -- I know some other counties here represented as well. I’m not sure I’ve got ‘em all listed, but I would like to welcome the Fulton County and the other 4-H’ers from my Senate district here today to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) …our 4-H members from Fulton County and other counties please rise and be welcomed to the Senate. In Senator Sullivan’s district. Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Returning to 2nd Readings. Senate Bill 175. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval. 175. Moving right along then. Senate Bill 177. Senator Raoul. Senator Raoul. 177. Out of the record. Senate Bill 194. Senator Sieben. Senator Sieben, on 194. Out of the record. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senate Bill 201. Senator Sieben. Senator Sieben. Out of the record. Senate Bill 210. Senator Dahl. Senator Dahl, on 210. Out of the record. Senate Bill 216. Senator Sieben. Out of the record. Senate Bill 230. Senator Collins. 230. Madam Secretary, please read the bill, on Senate Bill 230. Senate Bill 230.
Senate Bill 230. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 243. Senator Ronen. Out of the record. Senate Bill 268. Senator Collins. 268. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 268. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Environment and Energy adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Collins, to explain… Have there -- been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 310. Senator Sullivan. 310. Senator Sullivan. Out of the record. Senate Bill 314. Senator Maloney. Senate Bill 328. Out of the record. Senate Bill 346. Senator Sieben. Out of the record. Senate Bill 357. Senator Haine. 357. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 357. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Environment and Energy adopted -- Committee Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 385. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 385. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Haine, to discuss your amendment.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This, of course, is a licensure bill for midwifery, certified -- I’m sorry, a midwifery licensure. And it -- Amendment No. 4 adds some credentialing requirements, namely sixty hours of college credit and approved pharmacology class related to home birth. And there’s a few other things, but that’s the main component. I promised that in committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine moves approval of Amendment No. 4 -- adoption and approval No. -- No. 4 to Senate Bill 385. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. And the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 392. Majority Leader Halvorson. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 392. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Personal privilege, Mr. President. Real quick, I -- I forgot to express my appreciation for the mothers and the fathers and the babies from the Amish community from Senator Righter’s district who came all the way down here to lobby for the midwifery bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you. Will our guests please rise and be acknowledged? And welcome to the Illinois Senate. Welcome. Moving right along. Senate Bill 417. Senator Dillard. Senator -- Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 417. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Dillard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Dillard, to explain Floor Amendment No. 2. Senator Dillard. Senator -- Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a technical amendment and 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 also takes out libraries from the bill, and I would move its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Dillard moves adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 417. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. And the amendment is adopted. Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 463. Senator Millner. 463. Madam Secretary, read the bill. Out of the record. Out of the record. Senate Bill 484. Senator Sieben. Out of the record. Senate Bill 494. Senator Jacobs. Out of the record. Senate Bill 570. Senator Sullivan. 570. Out of the record. Senate Bill 581. Senator Wilhelmi. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 581. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) …there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 591. Senator Viverito. 591. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 591. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 593. Senator Cullerton. I apologize. There’s -- a fiscal note has been filed on that bill. Moving right along. Senate Bill 615. Senator Clayborne. 615. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 616. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 647. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 647. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Pensions and Investments adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
…further -- no further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 697. Senator Wilhelmi. Senate Bill 698. Senator Sullivan. 698. Senate Bill 710. Senator Hultgren. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 710. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 719. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 719. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Pensions and Investments adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 753. Senator Halvorson. 753. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 753. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Halvorson, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This basically moves community colleges to be considered local government, instead of a State agency, when it comes to filing their ethics report.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Halvorson moves approval of Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 753. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 764. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 764. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Crotty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Crotty, to explain your amendment.
Thank you very much. This amendment -- well, Amendment 1 -- Amendment No. 2 is going to replace Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator, the only amendment before us right now is Amendment No. 1. Could you give us one second? Amendment No. 2 is in Rules. It’ll probably be released later today. So, we’re going to take it out of the record and come back to it. Senate Bill 765. Senator Crotty. With leave of the Body, we’re going to pass from Senate Bill 1084 to Senate Bill 1093. We’ll now come to the bottom of page 4. Senate Bill 1189. Senator Halvorson. 1189. Madam Secretary, 1189. Senate Bill 1189. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1189. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1190. Senator Halvorson. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1190. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1208. Senator Radogno. 1208. 1208. Senate Bill 1249. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 1249.
Senate Bill 1249. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Labor adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1324. Senator Schoenberg. Senator Schoenberg. Senate Bill 1327. Senator Schoenberg. Senate Bill 1347. Senator Haine. 1347. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1347. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Financial Institutions adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1348. Senator Munoz. Senator Munoz. 1348. Senate Bill 1384. Senator Raoul. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 1400. Senator Jacobs. 1400. Senate Bill 1455. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval. 1455. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1455. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Sandoval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval, to explain your amendment, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Amendment No. 1 takes into consideration the comments of the committee and it makes, as relates to the bill, these low-interest loans to Illinois student. Amendment No. 1 allows Illinois residency be determined by the same standard used to define residency for purpose of in-State public university tuition. It also allows for eligible students that -- are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and it also allows for loans to be offered at a low- interest rate determined by ISAC. The limits of the amount a 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 student can borrow is up to five thousand per year and requires payment within fifteen years, and it also will allow for a -- a - - a six-month grace period after graduation for payments to begin. I’d ask your consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none - - Senator -- seeing none, Senator Sandoval moves adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1455. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you seek… Senate Bill 1471. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1471. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? Senator Kotowski, to explain your amendment. Madam Secretary.
Senate Bill 1471. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Committee -- Committee Amendment No. 1. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 2 updates the citation for antique firearm to reflect a more detailed…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski, hold on just -- just one moment, please. The Chair made a -- an error. Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Kotowski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski, to explain your amendment, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 2 updates the citation for antique firearm to reflect a more detailed definition found in 27 Code of -- Federal Regulations 478.11. Removes the registration requirement for .50 caliber rifles owned before the effective date of the Act, and changes references in the grandfathering provision to include cartridges as well as rifles. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Inquiry of the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your inquiry, sir.
29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 It’s our understanding that -- that notes have been filed on this legislation. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The Chair -- the Chair just received a fiscal note. It was rather tardy, sir. So, I -- the fiscal note was -- was too late to be considered. Senator Righter.
It’s my understanding -- procedurally, Mr. President, that as long as the bill is on 2nd Reading, the note is timely. The bill is still on 2nd Reading and our understanding of the rules would be, even though the amendment’s been adopted, that the bill must remain on 2nd Reading until the notes are answered.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator, out of respect for you, we will certainly hold this on 2nd Reading. But if a fiscal note is going to be filed, the Chair would appreciate a timely filing of that fiscal note. Senator Righter.
I suppose going forward, Mr. President, we ought to have some clarity on this. Is there somewhere in the rules, or some procedure that you can indicate to in writing, where filing a note while the bill is still on 2nd Reading is not timely?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator, as you know, the presiding officer of the day has the responsibility to move the business of the Senate. I’m simply asking that if you will file -- if a fiscal note is to be filed, that you file it in a timely manner. Simply -- as simple as that. You file it in a timely manner, it most certainly will be considered, sir. Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you seek 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon. Just on a parliamentary inquiry. So, is Senator Kotowski going to take this out of the record?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) No. We’re going to move the -- the -- we’re going to amend the bill and -- and hold it on 2nd. Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. Then if we’re going to do that, can I ask, may the sponsor yield for one quick question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Dillard, would you repeat that? I’m sorry. I had another conversation going right here.
Would Senator Kotowski yield for one quick question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Kotowski, is the proper way to characterize this Floor amendment, that you’re narrowing the scope of this ban so that some Members who are probably vehemently opposed to Senate Bill 1471 could feel comfortable with -- or, voting for this amendment, ‘cause it probably narrows the -- the scope of your bill? Is that what this does?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you. The -- the goal of the amendment is to ensure 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 that we don’t criminalize existing law-abiding gun owners.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Kotowski moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1471. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Next bill. Senate Bill 1494. Senator Althoff. 14 -- Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1494. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1504. Senator Forby. Senate Bill 1508. Senator Crotty. 1508. Senator Crotty. 1508. Senate Bill 1543. Senator Sieben. Senate Bill 1553. Senator Frerichs. 1553. Senator Frerichs. Senate Bill 1578. Senator Bond. Senate Bill 1583. Senator Garrett. Garrett. Senate Bill 1587. Senator Frerichs. Senate Bill 1591. Hendon. Skip it, please. 1593. Hendon. Pass. Senate Bill 1625. Senator Ronen. 1625. Senator Ronen. Senate Bill 1699. Senator Wilhelmi. 1699. Senate Bill 1729. Senator Link. Senator Link. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, moving right along. Senate Bill 1733. Senator Link. Senate Bill 1746. Senator Delgado. 1746. Madam Secretary, read 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 the bill, please.
Senate Bill 1746. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Senator Halvorson, with an announcement. Announcement. Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want the record to reflect that Senator Silverstein is not here due to health reasons.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) So noted. The Republicans have requested a caucus between 2nds and 3rds. That is granted. The -- the Senate will reconvene at 2:30. They requested forty minutes. It is now ten to two and we’ll be looking for everyone back at 2:30. The Senate will at recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 122, offered by Senator Emil Jones and all Members. It’s a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Resolutions Consent Calendar. Will all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Would all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? All administrative assistants, please let your Senators know we are back in Session. Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1257, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Will all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Will all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We are about to go to Resolutions and then 3rd Readings. For the information of all the Democrats, the Republicans are out of caucus on -- and on the Senate Floor. Will all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Will all Senators under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? You must know, if you’re not here, your bills will be passed over. If you want your bills passed, you need to come to the Senate Floor. On page 43 of your Calendar is the Order of Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions. Senator Cullerton, do -- do you wish your resolution considered, sir? Madam Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 53.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Resolution 53 supports programs to prevent violent crime among Illinois juveniles and teaches them about criminal law and the criminal court system in order to educate them about the ramifications of making wrong choices. It talks about the statistics that -- showing that early prevention programs are most effective to prevent juveniles from committing violent crimes. There are no juvenile justice programs available in Illinois. And -- and Chicago TAP, in collaboration with the Chicago Bar Association, has identified juvenile crime prevention as a top priority to reduce juvenile crime and prevent overall crime. I move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves the adoption of Senate Resolution 53. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. On page 43 of your Calendar is Senate Joint Resolution No. 9. Senator Hunter. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 9. The Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 No Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Hunter, to explain your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution basically creates the Illinois Justice Study Committee to study multiple issues and concerns related to wrongful convictions and the Committee is to submit its final report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31st, 2008. Basically, these are all non-capital wrong conviction cases that have been resolved as of effective date of this resolution and which resulted from DNA testing. I know that Senator Dillard last week had a concern about it, in which I pulled it, but I understand that he no longer has the concern. And I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. As the great Senator Hunter said, I have no objections to this any longer. I just -- and I very much, Senator Hunter, Mattie, I -- I appreciate you pulling it out of the record so we had time to look at it. And, like you, you know, as Dr. King said, injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. And I certainly support Senate Joint Resolution 9 and look forward to seeing what results this commission comes forward with to make sure that no one who does not deserve to be convicted of a crime in Illinois, whether it’s capital or otherwise, ever spends one day behind bars they do not deserve to spend. So, Senator Hunter, again, thank you very much for the 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 courtesy of taking it out of the record. And I rise in support of this resolution. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there further discussion? Seeing none, it is the opinion of the Chair that this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, and therefore a roll call must be taken. Those in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 9 will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 9, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 14. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 14. The Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1 -- I’m sorry. Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Wilhelmi.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Have there been any more amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Wilhelmi moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Joint Resolution 14. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Senator Wilhelmi, on his resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 14, as amended, creates the Re- sellers’ Electronic Reporting Task Force, which will study the various systems, technologies and methods of operation for providing law enforcement with timely access to information relating to the sales of personal property by pawnbrokers, auction services, consignment sellers, and others. The amendment basically states that it’ll create a statewide system for the collection of nationwide sales-related information. This information simply will help law enforcement to crack down on criminals who steal personal property and then try to sell it at pawnbrokers and second-hand sellers. And they will report back to us by the end of the year 2008. I know of no opposition and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? It is the opinion of the Chair that this resolution requires expenditure of State funds, and therefore a roll call must be taken. Those in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 14 will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 22. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. We will now go to the Order of 3rd Readings. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, will you please turn to page 8 on your -- Senate Calendar? The bottom of page 8. Senate Bill 165. Senator Sandoval. Top of page 9. Senate Bill 166. Senator Radogno. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 166. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill is actually -- came to me from a constituent whose young child was left on a school bus. And I have subsequently found out that that is an extremely common occurrence across the State and across the nation. So, this bill simply requires that all school boards have in place a policy to ensure that the bus is checked. It can be as complex as an alarm system, which they sell, or it can be as simple as putting an index card at the back of the bus that the driver has to retrieve and turn in when they turn in the keys. But something to ensure that the driver checks the bus before they actually turn in the keys and we don’t leave children. Would ask for your favorable support. There’s no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 166 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 166, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 169. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 169. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st -- 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the State Finance Act. It’s the Illinois Professional Golfers Association Junior Golf license plates bill, which passed out of here last year with flying colors. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) There any discussion? Senator Rutherford.
Thank you. Would the sponsor yield, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Indicates he will. Senator Rutherford.
Senator Link, we’re back on this bill again this year. It passed out of here last year. What happened to it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Link. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Well, it was such a good bill the House sponsor decided to join us over here in the Senate, because he was such -- it was such a good sponsor in there. So, I -- I don’t know what he did over in the House with the bill, but it didn’t make it over in the House. So, it’s now being brought back and hopefully it will pass in the House this year and get onto the Governor’s desk.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Rutherford.
Thank you. Senator Link, I’m sure this thing’s going to fly out of here and I’m going to be a No again on it this year as I was last year. We have so many specialty license plates in the State of Illinois. The proliferation is just out of hand. In fact, we just passed another bill last week setting up a steelworker specialty license plate. This July 1st will celebrate a ten-year anniversary in which the universal charitable plate has gone into effect. This is a piece of legislation that the law enforcement community supports and opposes the creation of all of these specialty license plates. If the Secretary of State of Illinois would promulgate the rules to implement the specialty universal license plate, we can accommodate this junior golfer attempt, we can accommodate the steelworkers, we can accommodate the Rotarians, blue cross, Red Cross, amnesia, anything else that may have a good charitable worthy cause tied to it, as, Senator Link, I know your bill does. It just provides a much more secure, sound process in which law enforcement can use to follow what the various specialty license plates are. So, Senator Link, I commend you and the junior 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 golfers and what the cause and purpose is, but another new plate on the road is definitely not the direction to go. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Viverito.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. I certainly would like to compliment Senator Link. The -- Chick Evans Scholars are probably the most desirable of anybody in the field of -- that golfs knows that these young men aren’t usually caddies. They are guys that -- and -- young boys and girls that are given scholarships to go onto the different universities. Many of them become doctors and lawyers and are -- are -- are very significant in -- in what they get and what they deserve. And I think Senator Link should be commended for creating an atmosphere to encourage young people to learn how to play golf and to become better citizens.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 169 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 -- 59 voting -- 49 voting Aye, 7 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 169, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 170. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 170. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a bill that we worked out with the Illinois Tollway and Pace, and we worked out an agreement with them as far as how they would -- Pace would not be paying for tolls on -- in agreements with the Tollway department, but it was brought forth that we should codify this into law. It’s an agreement with both departments. There is no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Bomke.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: This came out of committee with no opposition. I know Senator Link has worked on this over the last year and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 170 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 170, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 171. Senator Link. Senate Bill 172. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 172. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill is the legislative response to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s graduated driver’s licensing task force. In January, this group, composed of legislators and experts on driving throughout the State, made this unanimous recommendation. And I want to say at the outset that there was a gentleman who was on that committee by the name of Michael Karlin, who unfortunately died a few weeks ago. He had started a foundation in his son’s honor called “Brakes for Brett”. He became a leading parent advocate in the national effort to educate teens and parents of the dangers of reckless teen driving. And unfortunately, he died March 15th. And at Jesse White’s request, we want to sponsor this legislation in his name. The legislation is very far- reaching. It would give our State one of the most comprehensive graduated driver’s licensing programs in the nation and make us a model for other states to follow. Several recent studies concluded that comprehensive graduated driver’s license programs reduce teen traffic fatalities. The latest study was just conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and says that states with the nation’s toughest -- teen driving laws have more than a third fewer crashes causing death. Here’s what the bill does. It extends the permit phase from three months to nine months. Several studies have shown that a permit phase of nine to twelve months is a preferable time for a young novice driver to accrue valuable driving experience. Provision number two shifts the nighttime driving restrictions from 11 to 10 p.m. on 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 weekdays and from midnight to 11 on weekends. It also extends the nighttime driving restriction to include seventeen-year-old drivers and those who fail to graduate from the initial licensing phase. It’s -- it’s important to point out, however, that this nighttime driving restriction does contain exemptions for traveling to and from school-sponsored activities and work. The risk of fatal crashes involving sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds is three times higher from 10 p.m. to midnight. That’s the reason for the change. We have passed a law, a number of years ago, that has worked to cut down on our number of fatalities of young people who first get their license, and that is to limit the number of passengers in a car for a young driver. This bill would make that period twelve months where a new driver could have one unrelated teen passenger. There certainly are and continue to have the exemptions for family members. The next provision would require student drivers to complete a minimum of six hours of actual on-the-street driving with a certified driver education instructor. This is obviously based on the foundation of a teen’s driving habit as it’s formed during this critical period. And while simulators and ranges are -- are valuable, they’re not a suitable substitute for behind-the-wheel experience. The Chicago Tribune has done a study in a long-term project of bringing to our attention the tragedy of young teen drivers’ fatalities. They discovered in their report that, in some instances, student drivers were getting less than two hours of on-the-street driving experience with a certified driving instructor. They need more experience than that. This bill also implements a true graduated driver’s licensing system that requires new drivers to earn their way from one stage to the 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 other. Under this proposal, once a teen is issued a learner’s permit, he or she would be required to drive conviction-free for nine months before becoming eligible for a driver’s license.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator, could you rap it up, please? We’d appreciate it.
Well, I just -- just one more important part. Establishes tough new penalties, -- including license revocation and vehicle impoundment, for drivers who are involved in street racing. Once again, Mr. President, I appreciate the time, but it is a very significant bill and be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will. Senator Burzynski.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. And -- and the sponsor did indicate, this is a pretty far, wide-sweeping bill. It is an important bill. I know that Senator Cullerton over the years has -- has passed a lot of legislation relative to teen driving, safety in automobiles. And I commend him for that. But I would like for him to answer a question or two. Senator, what is the penalty for an individual under the age of twenty or twenty-one - - I’m trying to remember if this is the bill that deals with that. If they have two drive -- two moving violations prior to 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 the time they’re nineteen, that their license will be suspended. Is -- is that this particular piece of legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
It suspends the driver’s license of those under age twenty- one for any traffic conviction that occurs after the driver had served a suspension for receiving two traffic convictions for moving violations. So, it’s the third time that they would have violated that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. And for a point of clarification, does that mean after they’ve served -- I -- I -- I wasn’t sure if I heard this correctly. It’s after they have served their -- their probationary time and they receive that, or can they receive those moving violations during the probationary time and then the third violation when they’re age twenty or whatever?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
After the driver has served a suspension for receiving two traffic convictions for moving violations within twenty-four months, then their license would be suspended if they’re under age twenty-one.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.
47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Thank you. That -- that did clarify. That’s the bill that I thought it was relative to the suspension of -- for moving violations within -- three within a twenty-four-month period. You know, I just want -- to the bill, Mr. President. I just want to -- to state that, again, I do understand the Senator’s concern. In my district, in the last month or so, we’ve seen two or three accidents by distracted teenage drivers, where they have perhaps crossed the center line where perhaps they’ve run into another automobile - whatever the case might be - resulting in serious injury and, in at least one case, death, that I’m aware of. I realize the significance of the -- of the legislation, but I also think that we need to tread very easily when we start looking at extending some of the probationary periods, some of the offenses, and some of those other things that -- that we hold people responsible for. This does, in my opinion, speak to the problem that we have with parents taking responsibility for their children, as to making determinations as to whether or not they should even be driving. And I would suggest that we have way too many parents that after they’ve assisted those children with the time -- required time behind-the-wheel driving that they’re supposed to have with a supervised -- or, supervised with an adult, that they just kind of wash their hands of their kid’s driving habits at that point. And I really believe that we need to focus the responsibility as to whether or not that kid should be driving -- that young person should be driving with the parents that are giving them the keys to that car in many cases. So, while I understand the Senator’s intent, recognizing that there are issues and problems out there, I think that perhaps the bill goes a little too far and we need to make -- individuals, 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 parents in particular, of those sixteen-, seventeen-, eighteen- year-olds take more responsibility for them. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Jacobs.
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Indicates he will yield. Senator Jacobs.
Senator, does this bill affect children under eighteen or children under twenty-one?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
If affects both in different parts of the bill. The -- that -- which is consistent with what we now have. We now have a Graduated Driver’s Licensing Act. This strengthen -- strengthens that and -- and that Act does affect children in both -- both categories.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Jacobs.
…what -- what you’re trying to do here. My problem is, is that this government is willing to send an eighteen-year-old man or woman to Iraq to face death, but we don’t believe -- but we believe they should be treated differently on a license. So, it seems to me that if we would move that to eighteen, Senator, I would have an easier time voting for it and would consider it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Brady.
Thank you, Mr. President. I stand to speak for the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) To the bill. Senator Brady.
Thank you. I stand in support of Senator Cullerton and Secretary White’s Office and the task force. This is not typically the type of legislation which I support, but this became very apparent to me that it was needed. A county that I represent, Tazewell County, suffered fifteen fatalities in fifteen short months. Legislation like this would have gone a long way to helping prevent those fatalities and I’d ask you all to support it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Cullerton, in looking at your bill, at the bottom of page 11 and the top of page 12, there is new language in there about impounding a vehicle. It’s my understanding that that relates to the new crime of street racing that you’re creating in the bill. First, does current law allow a peace officer who, let’s say, pulls an individual over for driving sixty-five in a twenty-five to impound that person’s vehicle? 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
For -- I -- I have to follow up with a question with you. You mean for the equivalent of what is street racing? Is that what your question is? ‘Cause this creates a new offense of street racing and -- and I don’t -- so, I don’t know, since we’re creating a new offense, if you’re asking about what the equivalent activity is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
Okay. Let me -- let me back up a little bit. Would driving sixty-five in a twenty-five be defined as street racing under the bill as you’ve put it before us?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
I have to look for the definition. I’d like to read it before I answer the question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
Well, on page 73 of the bill, we define street racing and aggravated street racing. And it’s a couple of pages long. Specifically, are your -- asking about whether or not a specific speed triggers a certain penalty? Is that what you’re asking about?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Righter.
I guess my point, Senator, is -- is that, are there other areas in the -- in the law where we allow a peace officer to decide whether or not to impound a person’s vehicle for something like street racing. And I was trying to make an analogy. Maybe it’s not a very good analogy, but an eighteen-year-old driving sixty-five in a twenty-five obviously poses a significant threat to the public around -- around them. What’s the difference between that and the street racing that compels you to say, in the case of street racing, we need to actually be able to impound that vehicle?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
Well, surely we’re not talking about speeding here. We’re talking about the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other. Okay? So, we’re -- we’re -- we’re not just talking about some teenager who’s speeding on an interstate. And -- and that’s where -- that’s where the definition of street racing is found and that’s what triggers the penalties that -- that we talked about.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
Well, I do think there’s a -- there’s a point to make there, Senator, because if I -- if I’m -- if a young person is speeding sixty-five - and I said in a twenty-five, so that’s clearly not 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 an interstate - so, through downtown at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, I think that you can argue that that poses a much greater threat to the public than two vehicles racing side by side on an interstate at 3 o’clock in the morning. And I guess I’m trying to get a feel for you -- your judgment of why street racing, regardless of the time or the circumstances under which it occurs, is more dangerous or at least warrants a more severe penalty, i.e. impounding the person’s vehicle, than that kind of conduct like the -- the speeding I described.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
I think it’s fair to say that the -- that the task force heard testimony throughout the State that -- specifically dealing with the issue of street racing. And it -- and this is why we defined it. It actually probably is much more serious on a county highway to have two cars getting -- engaged side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive race than it would be to -- to even have someone speeding on an interstate, which is, as it turns out, even though they’re speeding, one of the safest places to drive in the State. So, the answer is, we are addressing this by the definition of street racing. We do have the forfeiture provisions and we don’t have the similar forfeiture positions -- provisions for speeding.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. The other area I want to discuss with you, Senator Cullerton, has to do with the bill increases 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 the length of time that an individual under eighteen won’t get a graduated driver’s license if they commit a seatbelt violation or a moving violation. Now, as I understand it, you’ve made two changes there. One, you’ve moved that period for which they have to wait for the graduated driver’s license by -- from six months to nine months. So, you’ve extended that by ninety days. And then you make that -- the trigger for that, not just a serious violation of the Vehicle Code, but what appears to be just about any violation of the Vehicle Code. My question to you is, I mean, what significant difference do you think it’s going to make to hold that license for another ninety days?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
Well, this is during the permit phase, when someone is obviously accompanied by an adult and they are about to get the privilege of a driver’s license. And so we want to make sure that we impress upon them the significance of following the traffic laws. This is the most important time we can do that. And so I think that provision is appropriate. It -- it extends - - the license shall be issued for three -- you have to wait three more months if you -- if you’re under eighteen and you’ve been convicted of a moving violation, or a seatbelt violation. I -- I just think it’s designed to emphasize the importance of not breaking those traffic safety laws.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, rise in strong support of 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 this legislation. Every day I think -- every weekend we hear about the cash fatalities -- crash fatalities that are existing all over the State of Illinois. And when you read numbers - in the nation in 2005, three thousand four hundred and sixty-seven drivers ages fifteen to twenty died in motor vehicle crashes - I think it’s important that we protect our young ones that are just learning how to drive. I think that we need to do more. I got to commend Senator Cullerton on an -- on a bill that I think is another way that we can get our young people to understand the -- what responsibility they have when it goes into -- into driving on the streets of Illinois or any streets all over the -- this -- the U.S. So, I really want to say it’s important. I think this is a step in the right direction - the more safety nets we put in place for our young ones and the responsibility. I think we’re going to read more and more about the fatalities that exist out there based on the accidents, but I think we’re going to hear less and less of our young people dying here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate, for the time. I want to thank actually the Tribune for highlighting these issues. I want to thank Jesse White for putting together the task force. This is -- these crashes are the number-one cause of death among our adolescents, and it’s a very significant piece of legislation and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Question is, shall Senate Bill 172 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, 2 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 172, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 174. Senator Righter. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 174. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. Senate Bill 174 is a reaction to a Appellate Court decision out of the 5th District of Illinois from the fall, I believe, of 2005 that specifically adds the words “peace officer” to those individuals who would be covered under the threatening public official -- threatening of a public official criminal statute. This exact bill -- or, the exact language, excuse me, was passed by this Body last year on a unanimous roll call. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 174 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 174, having received the 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Mr. President, I would ask the indulgence of the Chair. I was talking to a pretty young Page here and punched the No and I meant to punch the Yes. And these two little girls are doing a wonderful job and I’m not exactly performing mine as well as their performing theirs. So, I’d like to be recorded as a strong affirmative in that vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The record will so reflect. The record will so reflect your intent. Senate Bill 184. Senator Righter. Senate Bill -- out of the record. Senate Bill 198. Senator Garrett. Senator Garrett. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 198. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Garrett.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This bill increases the State reimbursement to school districts for employing certain types of special education staff. It also establishes that future increases in the reimbursement amount will be automatic and tied to the Consumer Price Index. As amended, it also includes that staff working on behalf of children eligible or special education, including children whose placement has been determined in hospital or some {sic} (home) instruction, are 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 eligible for the reimbursement schedule established in this bill. And I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) There any discussion? Senator Cronin.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I rise in support of the bill. And I just want to point out that this provides a thousand dollars more for those certified employees who work with or on behalf of students with disabilities. Now, the Governor has a budget and he -- he is proposing an increase as well. This is a separate bill from what he’s proposing. Interestingly, and I’m sure the Senate sponsor has noted this, that the Governor’s budget request goes from eight thousand dollars to thirteen thousand one hundred and seventy dollars in one year, year one. We sort of ramp it up over one, two, three, four, five, six years here. So, I hope you work with your Governor. But I rise in support of this bill. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 198 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 198, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 199. Senator John Jones. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 199. (Secretary reads title of bill) 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator John Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. First off, let me -- let me thank a couple of people and -- and then a group. I want to thank Senator Debbie Halvorson, our Majority Leader, for working with me over the past couple of weeks in trying to figure out what day this bill would be called for a vote. And then I -- I want to thank the Senate for their indulgence today. Hopefully most of you received an apple today. If you didn’t, I still have several of ‘em in my office downstairs and we will get you one. But also in the gallery is the fourth-grade class of Woodlawn Grade School, Woodlawn, Illinois, in Jefferson County, that actually came to me with this bill. And so, Senate Bill 199 actually creates the Illinois State fruit, which we do not have a State fruit. The fourth-grade class of Woodlawn Grade School did quite a bit of research on this and they come up with the GoldRush Apple, and if you haven’t tasted this apple, we have some of ‘em down in the office and we’d be more than happy to -- to provide you with one. But the GoldRush Apple was developed on June the 15th of 2001 through the University of Illinois and the University of Purdue. And the bill simply creates the GoldRush Apple as the State fruit. Thank you very much. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 199 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 199, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. That was a great round of applause for an apple, Senator. Senate Bill 200. Senator Cullerton. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 200. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill -- moving right along. Senator Cullerton? No. Out of the record. Senate Bill 206. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 206. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. -- or, Mr. President. Senate Bill 206 is -- is an attempt to put some additional money into our county fairs. There’s a hundred -- I believe, a hundred and six county fairs in the State of Illinois. They used to be fully funded, but over the years their -- their funding has been diminished, and this program -- this bill is a -- is a scheduled increase over the course of the next five years to bring them up to the levels that they were at back in -- in -- in ’84 and ’85. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Radogno.
60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Senator Sullivan for bringing this forward. As you may recall, Senator Righter and myself sponsored this bill last year. It really does make these county fairs much closer to being whole and they’re an important and integral part of the fabric of the -- the -- the State. So, thank you, and I would urge a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. I, too, rise in support of this bill. Like Senator Radogno said - and I know Christine had a similar bill last year that was sort of stuck in the Rules Committee - county fairs are an integral part of Illinois’ history, and it’s not just the downstate rural areas like Senator Sullivan represents, but counties like mine. With a million people in DuPage County, for many of my children, it’s the only way they actually get to see. And, you know, these animals that are on exhibit at the county fair come in from a variety of other counties to the west of metropolitan Chicago. And Senator Sullivan, I commend you for trying to pump a little bit more money into what I believe is a very educational and wholesome activity touting agriculture, our number-one job creator here in Illinois. But there’s many reasons to be for this and I rise in support of Senate Bill 206.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 206 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 206, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The Chair would appreciate if you are succinct with your discussions today. Senate Bill 207. Senator Holmes. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 207. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Holmes.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 207 would create the smart city investment fund through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Department would establish a grant program for urban preservation and redevelopment grants, as well as grants for green technology. The Department would work in cooperation with local municipalities in order to provide funds to meet public infrastructure and downtown improvement needs. The smart city investment trust fund serves as an incentive for local government to enact programs that correspond with long-term community planning and revitalization goals, as well as to mitigate urban sprawl development. I would be happy to entertain any questions. And this is not my first bill anymore.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank -- thank you, Senator. Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Mr. President. This -- this bill passed out of 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Commerce and Economic Development unanimously and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Mr. President. Would the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) She indicates she will yield. Senator Risinger.
As I read this, there’s no appropriation in the bill. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Holmes.
It -- it would be pending appropriation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Risinger.
You know, as I read this, isn’t there -- can’t DCEO do this now? What does this bill actually do? It seems to me like they have the powers to do this now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Holmes.
This -- this bill basically was -- this bill was written along with business and labor in -- in many of the communities that I represent. So, obviously, the communities have not been finding this something that they’ve been able to do. So, this is something they’re looking to do. And again, it is urging green 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 and redevelopment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Risinger.
Thank -- thank you. To the bill: I understand that -- why they’d want this. I -- I’m just surprised that they -- you know, the administration just can’t do this without legislation. It -- it appears to me there isn’t need for legislation for DCEO to move this forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Holmes, to close.
I just want to say thank you and I would urge a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 207 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? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 207, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 208. Senator Holmes. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 208. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Holmes.
64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senate Bill 208 is the green cities grant program. And again, this legislation provides State grants also through the Department of Commerce. And it provides the Department will make grants to municipalities whose buildings conformed with nationally recognized and accepted green building standards or systems. It would include such things as the LEED system. But others would also be able to be used. The grants may apply to new construction, existing buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell development, homes, schools, or neighborhood development. And this is basically a -- a -- a plea, because energy-efficient buildings have reduced operating costs and they also allow for healthier and more productive occupants, and they conserve our natural resources. I would, again, urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) There any discussion? Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, too, passed unanimously out of Commerce and Economic Development, and I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I just want to point out, you see that Senator Holmes this time with this bill - if you look at the actual bill, it’s only one page long - and she doesn’t have any language in here about this Act taking effect upon becoming law. She doesn’t have any language in here about that. She’s apparently learned her lesson. She’s 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 removed that. And so, I don’t know what -- how this Act becomes law, ‘cause there’s nothing in here about it becoming law. I don’t know how it’s ever going to become the law and I think it’s something we better consider an amendment in the House to correct that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator smart, cool and green. Senator Murphy. Senator Holmes, to close.
I would urge an Aye vote, and -- and I would thank the Senator for pointing out the shortcomings, once again, of my bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Question is, shall Senate Bill 208 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 208, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 211. Senator Crotty. Senate Bill 214. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 214. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Haine.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 the Senate. Senate Bill 214 is an initiative of the Illinois State Dental Society. It adds additional requirements into the law for any assistant who is monitoring patients receiving dental treatment while under conscious sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. It also amends the Act to prohibit a dentist from advertising “sedation dentistry” or similar terms unless that dentist holds a valid and current permit issued by the Department to administer the same. So, that’s what it does. That’s all it does.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) There any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator Haine, it’s -- it’s my understanding that the Illinois State Medical Society had opposed the bill in committee. Is -- can you tell me, a, if that’s true; and b, if it is, is that still the case?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Haine.
The Medical Society? I don’t remember. I don’t think so. I think there was a slip entered by the nurse anesthetists at some point, but I’m not sure about that. I don’t believe so, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
I’m concerned about the nurse anesthetists as well, Senator Haine. So, what was their objection?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Haine.
Well, I’m getting this -- I’m getting this secondhand, so I shouldn’t be speaking for them. But my presumption was that somehow they thought it would be safer if a nurse anesthetist was brought in to administer the anesthesia. But the law requires a dentist to administer it. A dentist is a doctor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator -- Senator Haine, to close.
Well, this establishes training, additional training monitored by the -- the Department for those assistants that are monitoring people that are awaiting recovery. That’s all it does. It’s just -- the -- the dentist already has this authority.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 214 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote No. The voting -- the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 214, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 215. Senator Jacobs. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senate Bill 215. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Jacobs.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 215 is a bill that allows MidAmerican Energy in my neighborhood to go into a energy conservation program. This is an area that Illinois has been a little bit behind on. It’s a pilot program. After three years, the ICC will take a look at it, and if it works, we’re going to - - like to implement it statewide. I’d ask for your favorable support. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Risinger.
Yeah. To the bill: This bill passed out of committee without any negative votes. It’s a good bill. Something we probably should have been done -- been doing sooner. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 215 -- pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 215, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Noland, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point, sir.
To announce the presence of a couple of constituents of mine. This being the first opportunity I had to announce -- I have had to announce folks here in the gallery. I have Candise Zin, a student at Barrington High School, and I have Christa Taylor, supervisor, and others here from the Lake County Center for Independent Living. Like to provide them a warm welcome here from the Senate and thank them for coming down here and seeing me. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Will our guests please rise and wave your hand and be recognized to the -- welcome to the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill -- we did 215. 220 - is it? - 220. Senator Martinez. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 220. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 220 amends the Local Planning Technical Assistance Act to provide for the reimbursement of school districts for the increased additional 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 educational cost associated with affordable housing. Last year this Body passed the State’s first housing policy, the comprehensive Housing and Planning Act. Central to that, Ladies and Gentlemen, were two key ideas: prioritizing the housing needs of underserved constituents and ensuring that relevant State departments coordinate to encourage municipal leaders to advance the State’s housing goals. The Good Housing Good Schools advances those two ideas by providing a new and compelling incentive to local leaders working to preserve and expand quality affordable housing options. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) She indicates she will yield. Senator Sieben.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I stand in support of the Senator’s legislation. We did vote unanimously to send this bill out of committee. We do have one question and obviously like many good initiatives this Session, many good ideas, this one is subject to appropriation. And I guess our question would be that the -- our staff had -- has estimated approximately a cost of about five million dollars to bring this program on line. So the question for the sponsor is, can you give us some indication of -- of what support you expect to find from the Governor and where you expect to find money in the budget to fund this worthy program? 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Martinez.
Senator, thank you very much for the question. I think we’re -- with this bill we’re going maybe a possibility of two years. You know, when you talk about developments that meet the criteria for this bonus, in 2006, according to the State’s annual -- State’s annual report, there were less than twelve hundred new homes developed that would have qualified for this incentive. Illinois would have spent less than 1.5 million. So, I think by bringing the numbers down -- and the Governor has always been a very strong proponent on affordable housing and this is a way to give some money back to the school districts that -- that really -- basically really need it when it comes to affordable housing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 220 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, 6 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 220, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 222. Senator Raoul. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 222. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Raoul. 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Is there an amendment, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) There -- there is no Floor amendment at this time. Senator, it may be in Rules. You want to -- take it out of the record and come back? There will be a Rules Committee meeting soon, today. So perhaps… Senator Raoul. Out of the record. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement. I want to…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Make your announcement.
Thank you. I would announce that Appropriations I will be meeting -- thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator is making an announcement - a committee meeting announcement. Senator Trotter.
Right. At 4 o’clock this afternoon or -- immediately under -- after adjournment, we’ll be meeting in Room 212 for Appropriations I.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Appropriations I will meet in Room 212 at 4 p.m. or immediately upon adjournment. To -- back to 3rd Readings. Senate Bill 229. Senator Silverstein. 229. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 233. Senator Radogno. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Senate Bill 233. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill creates the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act. MRSA - and I just have to say this once - is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is one of the super bugs that are prevalent in hospitals today. MRSA is one that is growing very rapidly and out of control. And so this bill would seek to test people that are admitted to intensive care units and isolate and treat those patients to inhibit the spread. And then, of course, we would require reporting so that we are certain that we’re making progress along those lines. It is supported by the Hospital Association, the Medical Society and the veterans’ hospitals are beginning to do this already with good results. So, I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.
Would the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) She indicates she will yield. Senator Trotter.
Thank you. Think we can all appreciate the intent that the Senator is -- is doing here today, and that is bringing reduction 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 in these MRSA infections. As your legislation reads, you would like to have these individuals, once they have been screened and if they prove positive, to go into intensive care units. No?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
No. When you enter an intensive care unit, you would be tested, and if you test positive, you would be isolated and treated.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.
With this, just from some of the notes that I’ve had and some of the people I’ve spoken with, that they -- the clinical trials that they’ve had put on by the National Institute of Health, which is the leading research arm for the Human and Health Services, has announced that they show no benefit from routine screening for MRSA.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Thank you. The literature is actually mixed on that. In the Netherlands, they’ve done it and had a dramatic reduction in the number of MRSA cases.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.
And I guess that goes to my point. Now, we have -- there is mixed results in doing this right now. What is happening, I 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 understand, is the hospital report card will be coming out sometime near the end of this year, which would be looking at trying to reduce infections across the board. So, to pass legislation now for this one virus or infectious disease would seem unnecessary if we, in fact, are going to wait to get a more definitive report coming out the end -- end of the year on the Hospital Report Card Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Well, thank you. First of all, in 2006 there were eleven thousand cases of MRSA, an increase of fifty-four percent since ’03. So, this is a disease that is spreading much faster than any of the other super bugs. To continue to wait and study the issue doesn’t make sense when there are actually things that we can actively do to intervene and prevent these infections from spreading. And as I mentioned, the VA hospitals are already doing it with good results. There are some hospitals throughout the State that have done it on their own. And again, it is supported by the Hospital Association, the Nurses Association, the -- the Medical Association. So, I think there are a lot of folks that see the value in this approach. We can’t just continue to wait and study and hope that it goes away.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.
And, Senator, I -- I agree with you. One, hospitals are no place to be unless you’re really sick. I mean, there are a lot of viruses, a lot of things that you can get an infection from. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 And that was the whole purpose of this hospital report card. It’s not as if they’re -- we’re going to continue the study. There’s a study that is ongoing and its results will be coming back in which we can address many of these infectious viruses that -- that are in the hospitals. And I think that we may be just moving too fast now, where we’re just going to have to do this all over again in Veto Session or in -- at the -- the beginning of next year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter, was -- were those your concluding remarks?
That was just my…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Or was it a question? I’m… Okay. Senator Pankau.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President. I urge an Aye vote on this bill. I had a recent experience myself with MRSA and was in the hospital for a week. And I can tell you, this is a growing problem and I think this bill, although not the perfect bill, is a very good start to attacking this ever-growing problem. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) She indicates she will yield. Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Some of the information that I 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 received indicates that the testing for this, or the screening process, contains a lot of error. There’s a number of false positives. And I understand that when they do test positive, they’re -- people are automatically put in isolation. Is that correct? And do you have that similar information, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
I do not have information that there is high false positive. In fact, we had some hearings on it and this never came up. But it is true, if you test positive, you would be isolated and treated. But keep in mind, once -- when you’re in ICU, you’re isolated to begin with. So, it’s not as onerous as it sounds. And secondly, if there’s more than one MRSA patient, they can be housed together. So that, again, in terms of the drain on the resources of the hospital, it’s not as significant as some people have portrayed it to be.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Chair is having trouble hearing. I’m certain you are having, as well. Could you please minimize your conversations? Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. So the information you have is -- is not on the false positives? Okay. All right. The information I did get was that there is -- in the screening test, that thirty to forty percent of these tests result in false positive, which means that people may be placed in isolation that really don’t need to be there. I think we need to look at this a little more. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Viverito.
Mr. President, will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) She indicates she will yield. Senator Viverito.
Senator Radogno, you know, I have the most respect for you, but I don’t know if you’re familiar that -- are you aware of the fact that in the Netherlands, where this approach has been used, overall hospital infection rates are no better and, in some cases, worse than any other country?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Yeah. Their overall rate is higher. Their MRSA infections are under control. And this is what we’re trying to target - MRSA. And the reason we’re targeting it, again, is because it is the most prevalent one. And don’t forget, when we’re talking about these hospital-acquired infections, it adds to the morbidity, mortality and to cost of hospital stays. So, it’s important we get it under control. It has worked in the Netherlands with respect to MRSA, not obviously with the other hospital-acquired infections ‘cause they weren’t dealing with those.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Viverito.
Senator, isn’t it also true that there has been some 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 involvement in promoting from industry for the purpose of using Evanston Hospital as a -- kind of a catalyst for this, and a lot of those individuals have been given some special concession to be able to do that at the Evanston Hospital?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Well, I have no knowledge of that and it was not brought up during the hearing that we had, nor during the committee hearing that we had. Evanston Hospital is one hospital that’s doing it and, again, has had good results with reducing the number of MRSA infections.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Viverito.
I rise for the -- really the last time. But wouldn’t you say that the legislation passed will result in high profits for some of these people that are pushing this screening?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Well, I can’t speak to the profits that some people might make, but I can speak to the fact that it will save lives, it will contain healthcare costs because we’re not continuing to spread these super bugs, which are a huge problem. And again, the increase in the last three years has been over fifty percent. We need to start to deal with this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator -- Senator Viverito. Most certainly, Leader. 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Viverito.
I -- I am suspicious when a special interest group is pushing for something like this. I just don’t think it’s something that we should pass today. I think it’s something we should really take a long hard look at before we vote Yes on this. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
Question for the sponsor. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) She indicates she will yield. Senator Schoenberg.
Senator, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and the Association of {sic} (for) Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology have -- have developed a joint position on how to treat the MRSA issue. That position is at odds with your legislation. Could you explain why the epidemiologists are wrong and this legislation is right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno.
Well, they made it very clear the reason they were opposed to it is they didn’t want to have any kind of a mandate. They advocate hand hygiene, which we’ve been trying to control these hospital infections with for several years and it simply isn’t working. So, what they’re really opposing are the mandate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you. The -- actually I -- I think that their basis of their epidemiologists’ opposition is far deeper rooted in that. If you read the position statement of these two associations who -- of healthcare professionals, they felt that these protocols would be more appropriate with higher -- with -- in instances of higher risk populations in higher risk situations. I know I represent Evanston Hospital. Comparatively speaking, there are relatively few higher risk patients than in many of the other hospitals throughout the State. So, I think it goes beyond just this one -- the -- those who are on the front lines dealing with this issue don’t want to be handcuffed with a mandate. Quite the contrary, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, what they’ve argued is that they want to apply the resources in those higher risk situations where, in fact, it is more suitable. I -- I -- I give the sponsor some credit, in that I feel that she has scaled back the original version of the bill than what -- than what we’ve seen previously through the amendment. But at this point, I would have to say, in all due respect, that if the epidemiologists and those who are on the front lines of infectious disease control are -- are in opposition to this, then maybe the time just isn’t ripe for something this sweeping. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: I also worked with the Senator on this particular issue and attended the hearing 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 that we held in Chicago and listened to the different hospitals and medical groups come forward with their reasons why this was not a good idea. None of the information or evidence they provided us was really compelling. In fact, I -- I would actually say that they came up with reasons not to support this - because there was a report coming out; that it would be expensive, that, in fact, we don’t have all the right evidence - and -- and they looked to other countries as to prove that this isn’t necessary at this particular point in time. And I would say that this is the time to move forward, because, in fact, if we don’t, we are going to be coming back year after year after year. This is all at the risk of making sure that our patients are as healthy as possible when they’re -- in the hospital. This is the first step in this State to make sure that this happens. So, I urge everybody to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a couple of clarifications. Senator Schoenberg had mentioned the idea that the epidemiologists wanted this focused on high-risk populations. We have done just that. The original bill -- the original concept was screening everyone. It is limited to ICU patients alone. So we have focused it on the high-risk populations. I also want to point out that it was not any profit-making company or advocate that brought this bill forward. It was patients that have suffered from this disease and the devastating effects of it. If you don’t die, you most certainly will end up with long-term consequences. And again, it -- it’s bad for people and it costs 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 a lot of money in the healthcare system. This is something we’ve been trying to get under control with hand washing, which is what the epidemiologists are recommending, for a long time. It simply isn’t working. So I think -- the time to act is now. We can save a lot of lives and we can save a lot of money. So I would urge you all to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 233 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 46 voting Aye, 4 voting Nay, 6 voting Present. Senate Bill 233, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator -- Senator Sandoval, do you -- what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to be recorded as a No vote on that bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The record will so reflect your intent. Next bill on 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 234. Senator Righter. Senate Bill 241. Senator Forby. 241. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 241. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Thank you, Mr. President. This bill affects the original intent in Y’07 {sic} budget regarding Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. But there was a drafting error. This error must be corrected so they can accept the funds which was appropriations to them. Right now they cannot. Senate Bill 241 revises the original language in ’07 budget regarding Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. This bill is not about money or increased funding. It allows funds to be spent for ordinary operating costs for the Center, in addition to the methamphetamine program. Thank you, and if there’s any questions, I’ll try to answer ‘em.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield for a few questions?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Senator, I seem to recall some of this discussion last year when this bill came through Appropriations Committee. My understanding was the bill was simply for -- or this particular appropriations was simply for methamphetamine treatment. And that’s the way I recall this being presented to the Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
What the bill was, four hundred thousand dollars of it was 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 for a methamphetamine program. The other 1.1 million dollars was operation of Benton Juvenile Detention Center. That’s why -- that is why we’re changing this wording now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Let me ask you this, this, as I understand, is the only time where the State is providing an appropriation above and beyond what the courts do for the operation of a juvenile detention system. Can you tell me why we’re doing that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
Only thing we’re doing here - this does not change; they’ve turned into -- a budget every year - this is just strictly for operation costs so they can keep the Center running.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.
Senator, I hate to differ with you, but this is different. They are the only -- this is the first time this supplemental appropriation’s been made and they are the only detention center that receives an appropriation in addition to what they receive from the courts for the operational expenses of a juvenile detention system. I’m just asking why, what’s the problem?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 I never knew there was a problem, but that was so -- Cook County receives money same as my -- my Benton Juvenile Detention Center. So, they’re not by theirself.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Yes, they are. Because Cook County does not receive funds from the court system to run their juvenile system. So, it is different. This is above and beyond what they receive from the court system. Since I can’t seem to get that answer straight, Senator, can you tell me, then, what the total operations budget is for the Franklin County Juvenile Detention System?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator -- Senator Forby.
I cannot tell you exactly what the money is for, because I do not know how much the judicial system puts out in wages. But for the operation expenses for this juvenile detention center and the methamphetamine is 1.5 million dollars. Plus, this takes care of twenty counties in my district. It’s just not for the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski, to the bill, sir. Senator Burzynski.
No. It’s another question. But I -- I’ll -- then after that it’ll be back to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Go right ahead -- go right ahead, Senator Burzynski. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
Thank you, Mr. President. Just in response to that: They already receive six hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars approximately from the Supreme Court budget. This will give them another 1.1 million in operational expenses. And I just can’t understand why we’re underwriting the expenses for this particular system, juvenile detention area, when we’re not for the others in the State. There are several others. There are sixteen county detention centers. Fifteen, in addition to Franklin, that don’t receive this kind of consideration. And I’m not sure why it’s necessary, why their operational expenses are so far out of the realm of possibility of being funded by the six hundred and whatever it is, eighty -- eighty-five million -- eighty-five thousand dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski, was that to the bill or a question? Okay. Senator Forby.
This is the only juvenile detention center in the State of Illinois that has a methamphetamine program in this. And this -- you know, if there’s nothing for these kids to go, this place shut down, there’s no place to put these kids in this methamphetamine program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski, to the bill, please, sir. Thank you, sir. Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President, for your tolerance. This is to the bill. There is four hundred thousand dollars for the meth 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 center. That’s all that is in this. Not that additional 1.1 million in addition to the six hundred and eighty-five thousand. So, there already is the money for that. So, I don’t think -- I would have a tendency to disagree with you that this is the only place and that 1.1 million is necessary for the methamphetamine aspect of this. So, I think there’s a lot of concern from my standpoint - fifteen other downstate juvenile detention centers that are not receiving additional dollars. And I’m asking why it’s necessary in this one. Thank you. Until I get that clarification, I find it very difficult to vote for the bill. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. If I could, maybe I can help get a little clarification. Sheridan Correctional Center is our premier correctional center that gives treatment for -- drug treatment for patients - no, it’s not patients - for -- for their inmates. And because of that, there’s a different cost that is involved. You have different counselors that have to be on staff. You need individuals, one, to -- to deal with that kind of -- of treatment that the detainees would need. So, what I’m hearing is that this center -- this juvenile center is the juvenile version of our Sheridan. So, there would be different costs than the -- the other centers throughout the State. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.
And I would also -- I think I heard you say that this isn’t just for Franklin County; that there are twenty other counties that you service. They’re not -- and -- and also, that these other areas in which these detainees come from, they are not just from your district. So it’s just quite a broad spectrum of where all these individuals come from.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter, to the bill.
Just -- just to the bill: To me, there is justification there for -- for why there’s more dollars that are needed for this particular center that is certainly delivering a service that the other fifteen juvenile detention centers are not delivering here in our State. We know in southern Illinois that they have a very large meth problem. We know that it has no only decimated communities, but it certainly has decimated lives, and I ask for a -- and encourage an Aye vote for this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill does put us sort of on 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 a slippery slope of going from a pilot program to paying for operations. Operations - not just the cost of the methamphetamine part of Senator Forby’s detention facilities, but actually operations. But putting those concerns aside, I know the Supreme Court thinks that the language in this bill is too vague. So the Supreme Court has issues with this. But more importantly, Senator Forby, Senator Dale Righter has, on multiple occasions over the last couple of weeks, had a motion pending to discharge Senate Bill 1836. And that bill, Senator Forby, I think you ought to amend onto Senate Bill 241. His motion is now probably two weeks beyond the date that Illinois is supposed to make 1.2 billion -- 1.2 billion in payments to our local hospitals. And Senator Forby, I got a printout of the Legislative District No. 59…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard, if you would stay with this bill, the Chair would certainly appreciate it. We are all aware of what Senator Righter is trying to do. A noble cause. But could you please speak to the -- to this bill? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. Normally I would never disagree with you, but Senate Amendment No. 1 is filed to this very bill, Senate Bill 241, that would immediately put thirteen million dollars into Legislative District 59’s hospitals. So, Senator Forby, I don’t want to tell you how to do your business, sir - you get reelected easily - but I think you ought to wait a day, put Amendment No. 1 on this bill, and in addition to the million you’re going to get for your juvenile detention facility, you can 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 take another thirteen million back to your district, your district’s hospitals that have been waiting a couple of weeks for thirteen million bucks. And I’ll tell you, I’d like to have the interest on thirteen million dollars for two weeks. And you know, I would reluctantly rise and urge my side of the aisle to vote Present or No on Senate Bill 241 until we get our hospitals throughout Illinois the 1.2 billion dollars that they’re owed from Governor Blagojevich. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Jacobs.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in strong support of Senator Forby’s bill. I would like to point out to the Department of Corrections, to the Governor of Illinois and to my colleagues that I sit in a district that has a brand-new state- of-the-art prison built in 2001, hundred and forty million dollars, that sits primarily empty. So, I’m hoping, at some point, we can get to that discussion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator John Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just -- I rise in support of Senate Bill 241. Senator Forby and I have worked together on this juvenile center in -- in Franklin County. It does benefit several counties in my district and -- and throughout southern Illinois. And so I just rise in support of Senate Bill 241.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Forby, to close.
92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Thank you. I appreciate and I -- I -- I understand what everybody’s saying here today. But all I am trying to do today is just get an error changed in wording. I am not trying to do anything with money. What was appropriated, what was -- was done back in ’06. All I want to do today is just get the wording changed so this juvenile detention center can have operating cost money. I appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 241 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 41 voting Aye, 11 voting Nay, 3 voting Present. Senate Bill 241, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chairmen of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 201, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 216 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 824; refer to Commerce and Economic Development Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1097 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1606; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 194, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 306, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 396, Floor Amendment No. 1 to 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senate Bill 398, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 424, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 538, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 543, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 671, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 841, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 843, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 844, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 850, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1833 {sic} (1183) and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1426; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 680, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1184, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1241, Floor Amendment No. 1 to -- and 2 to Senate Bill 1257 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1400; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 500, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 593, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1625, and Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1751; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 310, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 388, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 546, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1169, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1224 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1347; refer to Higher Education Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 313, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 325 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 326; refer to Housing and Community Affairs Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 688; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 108, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 124, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 147, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 544, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 574, Floor -- Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 581, Floor Amendment No. 2 to 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senate Bill 591, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 595, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 765, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 776, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 867, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 934 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1245; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 21, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 811, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 935 and Floor Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1208; refer to Judiciary- Civil Law Committee - Floor Amendment No. 5 to Senate Bill 330, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 333, Floor Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 481, Floor Amendment No. 5 to Senate Bill 486, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 996, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1306 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1434; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 121, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 165, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 300, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 450, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 665, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1005, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1006, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1095, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1348, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1391 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1397; refer to Labor Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1249, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1529 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1734; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 128, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 155, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 211, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 509, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 573 and Floor Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 745; refer to Local 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Government Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 113, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 417, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 662, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1250, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1508 and Floor Amendment No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1746; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 488, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 810, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 826 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1383; refer to Public Health Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 243, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 264, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 937, Floor Amendments 2 and 3 to Senate Bill 1324 and Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1566; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 101, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 267, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 327, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 794, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 795, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1395, Floor Amendments 2, 3 and 4 to Senate Bill 1429 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1514; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1448, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1479, and -- and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1621; and refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 314, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 435, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 639, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1173 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1527. And pardon me, a correction: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 201. Be Approved for Consideration, Debbie Halvorson, Chairman. Dated 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 March 27th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Halvorson, for what purpose do you rise?
For purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
I just want to announce that tomorrow Executive will be meeting in Room 212 at 2 p.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Executive at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Senator Cullerton.
Mr. President, I have an announcement. I’d like to start off the morning with the Judiciary Committee meeting at 9:30 in Room 212. The Judiciary-Civil Committee would meet at 9:30 in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Lightford.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement. Education will meet tomorrow at 3:30 in Room 212. Education, tomorrow at 3:30, in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Meeks.
Thank you, Mr. President. For the purpose of an announcement. Tomorrow, at 1 o’clock, the Senate Human Services Committee will meet at 1 o’clock in Room 400. 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to make an announcement. The Senate Higher Education Committee will meet tomorrow at 6 p.m. in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Mr. President. For purpose of announcement. Committee on Commerce and Economic Development is meeting tomorrow at 5 in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President. For a point of announcement, please. Purpose of an announcement. The Financial Institutions Committee will meet tomorrow in Room 400 at 5 p.m.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Crotty.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also have an announcement. Tomorrow morning, at 9:30, Local Government will be meeting in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Wilhelmi.
Mr. President, purpose of an announcement. The Judiciary- Criminal Law Committee will be meeting tomorrow morning at 11 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 a.m. in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I just want to reiterate that Appropriations I will be meeting immediately upon adjournment in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Jacobs.
Purpose of announcement. Housing and Community Affairs will meet at 11 o’clock in Room 409, sharp.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is that tomorrow, Senator Jacobs?
11 a.m., tomorrow.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Thank you for the clarification. Senator Demuzio.
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose for an announcement. The State Government and Veterans Affairs will meet tomorrow at 2 o’clock in Room 400. Thank you. Or, 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Garrett.
Thank you, Mr. President. For purpose of announcement. Public Health will be meeting tomorrow morning at 9:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. Committee announcement. The Ag and Conservation Committee will meet at 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for the purpose of an announcement. The Appropriations II Committee will meet tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. in Room 212. Dinner will not be served. Appropriations II, 6 p.m. Dinner will not be served. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to announce that the Senate Revenue Committee will meet tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Licensed Activities Committee will meet tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. 3:30.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to announce that the Insurance Committee will meet tomorrow at 6 p.m. in Room 400. Thank you. 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for the purpose of announcement. The Senate Committee on Pensions and Investment will meet tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bond.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise for purpose of announcement. Senate Transportation Committee will meet tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Holmes.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to announce that the Senate Labor Committee will be meeting tomorrow at 3:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Garrett. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you very much. Want to -- purpose of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
Thank you. I would like to announce that tomorrow, at 1 o’clock, in Room 212, Energy and Environment will be meeting.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 23rd Legislative Day 3/27/2007 There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 9 a.m. tomorrow, March 28th, 2007. The -- the Senate stands adjourned. 102