Illinois Senate Floor Debate — May 10, 2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Paul Black, Jerome United Methodist Church, here in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney, to lead the Pledge.

(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Good afternoon, Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter.

Good afternoon, Mr. President. I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. Being no objection, so ordered. ABC News Channel 20 here in Springfield asking leave of the Body to videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is 1  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 granted. …Secretary, Resolutions, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Resolutions Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator John Jones, for what purpose you seeking recognition, sir? 3  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield, Illinois. Senator John Jones, for what purpose you seeking recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please -- please -- please state your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? Please rise and 4  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 be recognized? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. I see a former labor leader and an IDOT official, Mr. DiIacova, joining us. Mr. DiIacova, welcome to Springfield today, sir. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would the Members of the General Assembly please rise and recognize Lance Corporal? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate, sir. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. That request is in order, sir. Ladies and Gentlemen, the -- the Senate Republicans have requested a caucus immediately in Leader Watson’s Office. Ask all Senate Republican Members report to Senator Watson’s Office. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair at the hour of 2:30. Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) For the purposes of an announcement: I’d ask all Members within the sound of my voice, please return to the Senate Floor immediately. We will -- going to Senate Bills 3rd Reading final passage. Would all Members please report to the Floor immediately? Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, if you turn your Calendar, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. I’d ask the Members please turn your Calendar to page 30 at the bottom of page 30 is Senate Bill 1246. 1246. Senator Terry Link, would you like to proceed on Senate Bill 1246? Madam Secretary, out of the record. Senator Noland. Senator Noland, on 1267. Senator Noland, on 1267. Would you like to proceed, sir? Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we’ll go to page 31 of your Calendar. Page 31 on your Calendar comes Senate Bill 1279. Senator Don Harmon. Senator Don Harmon, on 1279. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton. Senator John Cullerton on Senate Bill 1291, sir. You wish to proceed? Out of 6  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 the record. Senator Jacobs. Senator Hunter, for what purpose are you seeking recognition, ma’am?

Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point.

We have in the gallery, and I’m sure everyone in the building has noticed all of these fine young people who have been running all over the Capitol. They represent the Illinois Youth -- the Illinois Council of Area Projects and the Chicago Area Projects throughout the State of Illinois. So, will the guests in the balcony please rise to be…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Will our guests in the galleries please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Okay, continuing on Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1314. Senator Jacobs. Out of the record. Senator Munoz. Senator Munoz, on 1318, sir. Senator Munoz. Madam Secretary, he indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Munoz, to the bill, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen to the 7  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senate. This bill targets repeat offenders or people who continuously abuse disability parking placards and license plates. The bill also clarifies the proper usage of placards and disability license plates by making them not transferable and requiring the authorized holder of the placard or disability license plates to be present and to enter or exit the vehicle at the time the parking privileges are to be used. The issue at hand is that there is no progressive fine for violations. Now it is the same fine whether you are not commit the first time offense or it is your fifth offense. This bill keeps the first- time offense fine at five hundred dollars, second offense would be seven fifty and third or -- subsequent offense would result in a thousand-dollar fine. I know of no opposition and I will answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. The Chair would like to recognize one of the famous trial lawyers, Steve Pearlman. Steve Pearlman, welcome to Springfield. Senator Bomke, for what purpose you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Any further discussion? Senator Haine. Seeing no further discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate 8  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Bill 1318 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1318, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point, sir.

I would ask the -- our -- our Senate Chamber to welcome four youths, in fact, all of the youths. I want to name just four - Alexis Hoven, Jarrod Mangrum, Paige Wendell and Mary Flanigan, who are from not only Alton, but from my neighborhood, and the many other young people that came up from the Alton area for Youth Democracy Day. And I think that our gallery is filled with young people observing democracy and certainly they’re going to be the future of this great land that we call the greatest democracy on earth. I would like a welcome for them, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Would our guests from Alton, Illinois, please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Demuzio, how are you ma’am?

How are you? Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 9  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 …purpose do you seek recognition?

Yes, a point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) State your point, ma’am.

Yes, I’m very proud to have a guest here in the gallery today from Jersey County and the Jersey County Business Association. And I’d like to have them rise. They’re seated up -- right over here on this side, and let’s give them a warm welcome.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our guests from Jersey please rise and be recognized? Welcome to Springfield. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise, ma’am?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) She chose to be with the big tippers. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen, could I ask all staff to retire to the rear of the Chamber? Please take your 10  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 conversations -- hold your conversations down for a minute. All Members please be -- all Members please be in their seats. I’d ask -- we have a special presentation at this time. Senator Silverstein in the Chair.

Thank you, Senator DeLeo. I -- I -- I’m joined with my other colleague, Senator Schoenberg, here. We have the honor today of introducing to you the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Barukh Binah. A member of the Israeli Foreign Service since 1979, Mr. Binah has held various positions in diplomacy, research, policy planning and media relations. Overseas posts include an appointment as an Israeli Spokesman and Press Officer in New York. In 1992, he was assigned to Washington, D.C. as a Counselor for the Congressional Affairs at the Embassy of Israel. He later became the Embassy’s Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs. And on August 24th, 2005, he assumed his new position as General Consul of Israel in the -- to the west -- to the Midwest, which is based in Chicago. In -- in Jerusalem, Mr. Binah served as Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of Press Division. He also served as a Director of the North American Affairs. He has held various research and policy positions, including Comptroller of Research Quality. And since 2002, he has served as the Head of the International Affairs Bureau in the Center for Political Research for -- of the Foreign Ministry. Mr. Binah holds degrees from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Haifa University. In 1998, he graduated from the - - Israel’s National Defense -- College, where he wrote a dissertation, Israel and the American Jewish Community: a Brotherhood in Distress. He has served as Consul of the -- 11  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Israel Oriental Society and has contributed to its literary periodicals. Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish you’d give a warm welcome to the Consul General from the Midwest, Mr. Binah.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Collins, for what purpose do you seek recognition, ma’am?

Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point.

Thank you. If my colleagues would indulge me, I have members here - a part of the Chicago Area Projects, but they are members of my church - five eighth graders: TeAndre Martin, Tadar Muhammad, Eric Jones, Quinton Jordon, Aamir Walton, with their director of the Arch of St. Savino, Leonard Langston, a graduate of Morehouse, the same university or college that Dr. Martin Luther King graduated from. I would like for my colleagues to welcome them to Springfield.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …our guests in the galleries please rise and be recognized? And welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have some work to do, so let’s go -- turn Calendars to page 31 of your Calendars - Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bills 3rd Reading. In the middle of page 31, comes Senate Bill 1328. Senator Schoenberg, do you wish to proceed with that, sir? Out of the record. 12  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator John Cullerton. Senator John Cullerton, on Senate Bill 1364, sir. Do you wish to proceed with that? Representative Feigenholtz, it’s nice to see you. Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator John Cullerton, wish to proceed with that? Out of the record. Senator Harmon. Senator Don Harmon, on 1392, sir. You wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary -- I’m -- excuse me -- out of the -- sponsor indicates out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 1397. I think the gentleman seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1397 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purposes of amendment. Is that correct, sir? Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1397. Madam Secretary, has there been any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon, to explain Floor Amendment No. 2, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment 2 becomes the bill. I’d ask that we adopt it and debate it on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1397. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments -- approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1397. Senator Harmon, do you wish proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon, to the bill, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The driving force behind Senate Bill 1397 is actually a constituent of mine, Muriel Schnierow, a passionate advocate for children and -- to fight against predators. Several years ago after -- in the wake of the abduction of Jessica Lunsford, the State of Florida adopted Jessica’s Law among the most comprehensive sex offender legislative measures in this -- in the country. Since then, we’ve spent a great deal of time here working to make sure Illinois law is in harmony with federal law, but at the same time, adopting the best elements of Jessica’s Law. We’ve done a great deal of work in the bill that’s before us today. Senator Brady and I are continuing to work on some bipartisan amendments. We’ve simply run out of time to deal with them in the Senate. We’ve secured the support of a cooperative House sponsor who will make sure we are able to work with those amendments on the other side of the building. I’d ask your support and let us send this bill to the Senate -- from the 14  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senate to the House so that we can finish the work we’ve begun. I ask for your Aye votes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. Thanks. Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1397 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1397, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on Senate Bill 1400, sir. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval. Marty Sandoval, on 1428, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 1429, sir. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, turn your Calendars to page 32 - Senate Bills 3rd Reading. On the -- top of page 32, is Senate -- Senator Althoff. Pam Althoff, on 1430, ma’am. Do you wish to proceed? Out of the record. Senator Mattie Hunter, on Senate Bill 1435, ma’am. Senator Hunter, while you’re preparing, Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?

Purpose -- purpose of a quick announcement, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please -- Ladies and Gentlemen, we have your attention? Senator Hendon, for an announcement, sir.

Behind you in the President’s gallery is some young people from my district, the Agape Youth Development team. Give them a big hand by welcoming them to the Senate. 15  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Would our guests in the galleries please rise and be recognized? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Welcome to Springfield. Senator Hendon.

Quick reminder for all the guys and ladies who are playing on the softball team, bring your sports gear next week. We’re going to have our practice either Tuesday or Wednesday. And the game is the week following that. And we going to crush the House, so be prepared.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter, on 1435, ma’am. Are you seeking leave to return this to the Order of 2nd Reading? Yes, she is. Madam Secretary, we’ll return Senate Bill 1435 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of -- of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1435. Madam Secretary, has there been any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. Senator Hunter, to explain Amendment No. 1, ma’am.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1435 retains this bill, as introduced, and I’ll explain it more on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Senator Hunter moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1435. All those in favor will say Aye. All 16  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, has there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1435. Do you wish to proceed, ma’am? She indicates she wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hunter, to the bill, ma’am.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. As amended, the Business Corporation Act and the General Not For Profit Corporation {sic} (Act) -- to prohibit the Secretary of State from allowing another company to use the name of a domestic corporation that has undergone administrative dissolution until the end of a three-year reinstatement period. We simply changed the time from five years to three years.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1435 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have 17  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are, 56 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1435, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hunter, on 1436, ma’am. Senator Hunter, would you… Out of the record. Senator Sandoval. Marty Sandoval, on Senate Bill 1446, sir. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval, on 1448. Out of the record. Senator Harmon. Senator Don Harmon, on Senate Bill 1454, sir. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval, on 1455. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Lightford, on 1462, ma’am. Senator Kimberly Lightford, on 1462. Out of the record. Senator Kotowski, on 1471, sir. Out of the record. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford, on 1473, ma’am. Senator Lightford, on 1473. Out of the record. Madam Secretary. 1475. Senate Bill 1475. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. Senator Demuzio, on 1478, ma’am. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, turning to page 33 of your Calendar - Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the top of page 33, is Senate Bill 1482. Senator Lightford, on 1482. Out of the record. Senator Althoff. Pam Althoff, on 1493, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 1494, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Wilhelmi, on 1497. Senator Wilhelmi, on 1497, sir. Out of the record. Senator John Cullerton, on 1527, sir. Out of the record. Senator Forby. Senator Gary Forby, on 1529. Senator Gary Forby, on 1529, sir. Do you want… Madam Secretary, the gentleman will seek leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1529 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purposes of amendment. Is that correct, Senator? Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1529. Madam Secretary, has there been any amendments approved for 18  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Forby, on Floor Amendment No. 2, sir.

Floor Amendment No. -- 2 becomes the bill. I will explain it on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Senator -- Forby moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1529. All those in favor will say Aye. All those opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, comes Senate Bill 1529. Senator Forby, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Forby, to the bill, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President. Requires contractors to keep payroll from five years instead of three years. All it does is 19  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 that contractors keeping payroll -- keeping the payroll reports for three years - this makes it five years and technical change. This is a cleanup of the bill for the Department of Labor. Far as I know now, there’s no opposition to this bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Hultgren, for what purpose do you seek recognition?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) To the bill, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you, Senator. Senator Forby, to close, sir. The gentleman -- seeing no further discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1529 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Madam Secretary, please take the record. On that question, there are 55 Ayes, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1529, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Susan Garrett, on 1583, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Hendon in the Chair.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 20  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 1587, Senator Frerichs. 1587. 1606, Senator Dahl. 1606, Senator Dahl. 1620. Senator Schoenberg. 1620. Senator Schoenberg. 1675. Senator Collins. 1687. Senator Harmon. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we’re going to move at a very brisk pace. Be ready. 1692. Senator Harmon. 1692. 1697. Senator Jacobs. 1697. Senator Jacobs. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Jacobs.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1697 exempts gas used by any business enterprise as designed by the Standard Industrial Classification Manual prepared by the federal Office of Management and Budget. I know of no known opposition. I appreciate your support.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1697 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 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1697, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1701. Senator Collins. Senate -- Senate Bill 1733. Senator Link. 1733. Senator Link. Out of the record. We will 21  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 now turn to the top of the order, Ladies and Gentlemen, please -- turn your Calendar to page 2. Page 2 on your Senate Calendar. And if you want your bill called, you need to -- you need to be ready and -- and call it today. Senator Brady, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator -- Senator -- Senator Brady. Senator Brady. We both know today’s “go home day”. I plan on getting us out of here. If Senator Jones decides to call his bill, then you can speak on it. If he does not, that’s -- simply up to him. So, sir, please do not make this any longer and more drawn out than it has to be. Senator Brady.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, Senator Brady. Let’s move on. Madam Secretary. Now before you is Senate Bill 2. Senate Bill 1. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2. Top of page 3, Senator Schoenberg. Senator Schoenberg. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3, Senator Trotter. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Senate Bill 5. Senator Trotter. Out of the record. Senate Bill 7. Senator Demuzio. Senator Demuzio. Senate Bill 10. Senator Halvorson. Senator Halvorson. Senate Bill 10. Senate Bill 11. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 15. Senator Harmon. Madam Secretary, read the bill. …Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 15 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 15. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate -- Amendment No. 1 becomes the bill. I’d ask that it be adopted and we can debate it on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves 23  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 15. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment 2 makes some technical changes to the bill, as amended by Floor Amendment No. 1. Again, I’d ask it’d be adopted and we can discuss it on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 15. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 15. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 15 creates the Perinatal Mental Health Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act to address what is commonly referred to as postpartum depression. It was brought to my attention by a mom who I grew up with, but who lives now in Senator Lightford’s district. She had suffered a bout of perinatal or postpartum psychosis. The bill in itself is very simple. It provides for assessment of pregnant moms and new moms by the various doctors that they see. We have one amendment left to make in the House to satisfy some concerns raised by the Medical Society, but once we do that, we will have overcome all the objections to the bill. I’d ask for your Aye votes so that we can finish the process and enact a very good law.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will. Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon. 25  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007

Thank you, Mr. President. I’m sorry, Senator, I thought that I said that. It will provide for the routine assessment of -- of pregnant moms, expectant moms, and new moms by the doctors that they see for the symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, Senator, as I said in my opening remarks, there is one more amendment we need to make in the House to satisfy those concerns raised by the Medical Society. We are happy to ensure that there’s no prohibition on assessing an expectant mother during the second trimester. It’s pretty clear to me from the bill that if one doctor in the practice has done it, then every doctor in the practice wouldn’t have to do it, but we’re happy to make sure that the language reflects that intention.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, Senator, we have a very cooperative House sponsor, one of my State Representatives, and she has indicated a willingness to ensure that the bill that is sent to the Governor’s desk reflects the agreements we’ve reached.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Pankau.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 15 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 55 27  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 15, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 17, Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 18, Senator Martinez. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 26, Senator Burzynski. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Risinger.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 26 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 46 voting Aye, 8 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. Senate Bill 26, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 27. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Crotty.

29  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Thank you, very much. Senate Bill 27 amends the Property Tax Code concerning the payment of refunds. Provides that upon a request of a school district whose revenues are affected by the refund, the collectors shall not within any twelve-month period make refunds in excess of a hundred thousand dollars due from taxes that were collected for that school district for any particular parcel if the refunds are attributable to more than one taxable year, but instead, the collector must divide the refunds due to any final orders of the property tax appeal board or a court into at least twelve-month periods as the number of taxable years for which the refunds are due.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Lauzen.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 27 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 55 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 27, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. …Bill 61, Senator Haine. Senator Haine. Senate Bill -- Senator Brady, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 30  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Go right ahead, Senator Brady.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The record will so reflect. Senate Bill 100, Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 123, Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary -- no, out of the record. Senate Bill 125. Senator Link. 125. Senator Link. Senate Bill 133. Senator Garrett. Garrett. 133. Senate Bill 141. Senator Silverstein. 141. Senate Bill 146. Senator Demuzio. Senate Bill 147. Senator Demuzio. Senate Bill 165. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval. 165. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Sandoval seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 165 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 165. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Millner, to explain Amendment No. 1.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Millner seeks leave of the Body -- I mean Senator Millner seeks adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 165. 31  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 165. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 165 amends the Criminal Code Act as it relates to criminal damage to property and criminal defacement of property. As a matter of expediency, I’d ask your favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 165 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 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 165, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 175, Senator Sandoval. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 175 amends the Energy Assistance Act as it relates to an outreach program. For purpose of expediency I’d ask your favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 175 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 175, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Meeks, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?

Thank you so much, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.

Today is the birthday of Senator Kimberly Lightford. And I want everybody to wish her a happy birthday. Senator Lightford, it’s her birthday today.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 33  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Lightford. Happy Birthday to you. How old is she today, Senator Meeks, seventy -- seventy-one?

I -- I’m not quite sure, but I know that there’s cake in her office, so count the candles and then we’ll be able to reach that.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) …was down there. There wasn’t enough candles. She didn’t put candles on the cake. Happy Birthday, Senator Lightford. And there is cake in her office and a little Champale, too. All right. Moving right along, Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 200. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 229. Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Silverstein.

Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Code of Civil Procedure to clarify and streamline the rights of creditors, debtors and employers. It will allow a judgment creditor to recover a corporate judgment debit property from {sic} (for) the creditor’s use. It also has the -- streamlines other processes regarding citation proceedings and the collection of judgments. Take any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 34  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 shall Senate Bill 229 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 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 229, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 230. Senator Collins. Senate Bill 234. Senator Righter. Madam Secretary, please read the gentleman’s bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? The question is, shall Senate Bill 234 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. 35  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 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 234, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? Senate Bill 268. Senator Collins. Senate Bill 311. Senator Cullerton. 311. Senate Bill 322. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 328. Senator Hendon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 346. Senator Sieben. Out of the record. Senate Bill 378. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 399. Senator Demuzio. Senate Bill -- out of the record. Senate Bill 399. Senator Demuzio. Out of the record. Senate Bill 445. Senator Martinez. Out of the record. Senate Bill 482. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 487. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 494. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 536. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 537. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 539. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 549. Senator Delgado. Senate Bill 551. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 570. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 593. Senator Cullerton. 593, sir. Madam Secretary, recall? Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 593 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purposes of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 593. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton. 36  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007

Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This retains the underlying bill and exempts as places of public accommodation, proprietor-occupied buildings with five or fewer units for rent or hire and sectarian adoption agencies. This is a request of the -- some of the committee members, and move for its adoption.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves adoption of Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 593. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 593. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill updates the current definition of “public accommodations” to conform to the definition used in the ADA that already applies to Illinois public accommodations. It goes no further than existing 37  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 law. It’s supported by Equip for Equality, Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, Access Living, the AIDS Foundation, Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and a number of other organizations. I ask for an Aye vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 593 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 593, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 607. Senator Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill. Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 607 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 607. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill is a recodification of the DUI Law, as well as the vehicle forfeitures and it’s just a recodification, not any substantive changes, with the exception of vehicle forfeitures there are a couple of minor changes with this amendment. It provides protection from forfeiture for the spouse of the owner of a forfeited vehicle who makes a showing in court that the seizure would be a hardship to the family. I move for its adoption.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 607. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 607. Madam Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

39  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This is a initiative of the Cook County State’s Attorneys Association, supported by the State Police. It’s a recodification of the DUI laws with no substantive changes and the -- some minor changes to the vehicle forfeiture, the spouse protection, as I indicated earlier, and some clarification that the State’s attorneys have the authority to release seized vehicles under settlement agreements with their owners. Move for its passage.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) There any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 607 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 56 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 607, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 629. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 632. Senator Harmon. 632. Senate Bill 635. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 637. Senator DeLeo. Senate Bill 650. Senator Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 650 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 650. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) …Cullerton.

40  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Yes. Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This amendment was suggested actually, I think, by Senator Righter in the committee. This bill deals with medical marijuana. This amendment was an effort to tighten up the eligibility to be a primary caregiver for -- and -- and would -- say that if someone is a primary -- they cannot be a primary caregiver if they’ve had a drug-related conviction in the past. So I’d like to adopt the amendment and then explain the bill on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 650. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any -- further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 650. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

Thank you, Mr. President. We may have to slow down just a little bit for this one because it’s potentially controversial, obviously. This is a bill that deals with medical marijuana. 41  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 I’ll just tell you just briefly what it does. It -- it -- it says that a qualifying patient or a patient’s caregiver would not be subject to arrest if they possess medical -- marijuana for the use -- for medical purposes. They are limited to twelve plants, 2.5 ounces of useable cannabis. To be a qualifying patient, they have to have been diagnosed with a serious debilitating medical condition. They -- Department of Public Health issues a registry card to the person and it has to be with a written certification of a physician. The Department would develop rules and it also authorizes for the non-for-profit dispensaries under the Act to be available to provide the marijuana to the patients. -- I -- I -- I think…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Go ahead, Senator Cullerton.

I’d be happy to answer any questions.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

I would say that would be covered by the Department of Public Health developing rules and I’m sure they could do that through the State Police.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

You know, I really -- I think you did raise that question before and I don’t -- I don’t know if we addressed that in -- in this bill. I think what we’re talking about -- I -- I guess the reason for that is what we’re talking about are people who have some very serious illnesses that they probably won’t expect to be recuperating from - people who have -- have cancer, who are -- are -- are doing chemo, perhaps might be someone who could recuperate, people who have MS, hopefully could recuperate, but I don’t think we have specifically addressed that. It’s probably a good point. I imagine we could say that this thing could be renewed every year - it’s not in the bill now - just to determine that the person still was in need for it.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 43  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

Not terminal, but it is defined in the statute and it’s a very debilitating is defined in the statute and it’s very serious, not just someone who has a headache and decides they want to get a doctor to sign a prescription. This is meant to be limited and that’s why I indicated I tried to make this a very tightly drafted bill compared to what they have in California, which is like one sentence long. So, that’s -- that’s my answer. It’s -- it’s a debilitating chronic disease. It would be a chronic or debilitating disease or medical conditions that produces severe chronic pains, severe nausea, seizures, epilepsy, severe muscle spasms, the type of things that are characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease. It’s -- that’s who it’s meant to cover and you need to get a physician to sign a written prescription, if you will.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

If I understand your point, if the -- if the patient is deceased, then -- then it’s illegal for the caregiver to possess any marijuana and actually the penalties for violating this Act are even higher than the current existing penalties for possession of marijuana.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter, to the bill, sir. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Go right ahead, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Certainly, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

I’m very glad you asked that question. That bill was drafted back in 1978 with none of the protections that I feel we have in this bill. And it -- you’re right, it wasn’t implemented by the executive branch, but it did pass amazingly -- it passed the House in 1978 with a hundred forty-one to sixteen. It passed the Illinois Senate in -- in that same year. They had -- Senator Pate Philip voted for the bill. Senator Weaver voted for the bill. It had only four negative votes and unfortunately it wasn’t implemented by the Department. So, it -- it is -- it is interesting. I was going to actually raise that in closing, but the reason why we shouldn’t just ask the executive branch to implement it, because we don’t have the protections that we have in -- in this bill - the criminal penalties, the requirement that there be -- be a physician sign -- to sign the prescription. That’s -- that’s why I thought it would be better to go ahead with this bill, which, by the way, is -- there’s the, I believe, thirteen states now - with New Mexico just recently - has a bill that -- just like this.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 46  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Righter, to the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Discussion? Senator Jacobs.

Thank you, Mr. President. I -- a question of the sponsor.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Jacobs.

Senator, is it your thought that -- that people who are sick should be treated like criminals?

Well, I certainly don’t think they should. No.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Jacobs.

…Williams, a talk show host, revealed on television that he has Multiple Sclerosis and he’s having searing pains in his leg and his doctor has said that he should use -- medical marijuana. Now, you know, the good Senator makes a good point. Some drugs 48  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 shouldn’t be legal, but I would point out that OxyContin is legal, heroin is legal. You can get anything you want from a doctor, but for a plant that we grow indigenously in Illinois, it doesn’t make much sense to me.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton.

I -- I only know that the -- on Multiple Sclerosis I had people down here, you know, lobbying us last week and I asked them to find out if there was an official position by their national organization, and they came back and said that there was not. So, that’s the only one I can address. You know, let’s face it. This -- this thing flew out of here in 1978 because 49  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 there was a different atmosphere about -- about this issue. There’s -- all of those organizations could have people on their boards that -- that, you know, feel that this is in somehow an encouragement for spreading drugs in our culture or that it’s going to encourage young people. I just don’t happen to believe with that. So the point is there might be a different agenda on those boards that would result in them taking that position. My only information on this was -- came from the people that came down and testified in -- in Springfield, who had these diseases who said they needed this.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Murphy. Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Trotter.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. And we’ve talked about, one, that there have not been any kind of reports or studies done on this. Quoting from an -- the editorial from the Chicago Tribune, it says that there was a 1999 report by the Federal Government Institute of Medicine which concluded scientific data indicate the potential therapeutic value of cannabinoid drugs -- primarily THC for pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting and 50  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 appetite stimulation. Also, there was a study done just as recent this year that was in the Medical Journal from a Dr. Abrams. Dr. Abrams said that -- had a -- randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled trial, which was designed to consider the gold standard of medical research and -- and a majority of his patients had a greater than thirty percent reduction in pain after smoking marijuana. For many, the level of relief means having a significantly improved quality of life and for some, actually patients returned to careers cut short by the pain that they had rendered. So there has been studies and one as recent as February 13th. So there is proof that this can work.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cullerton, to close.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Appreciate the time. First of all, I wanted to address some of the issues raised in debate. The -- the Senator talked about a pill that exists that people can take. We had testimony from this lady, -- Julie Falco. She is in the -- featured in the Sun-Times article. Came twice to Springfield. She has Multiple Sclerosis. She is my expert. She said she eats marijuana and it’s the only thing that relieves her pain. And she is a person who apparently, and this is going to come not as a shock to you, apparently it’s not very hard in our society to obtain marijuana. And -- so people who have these diseases are getting it. The only issue is whether or not we should have it be a crime for them to possess it. So, that’s the -- the -- that’s what the point is. The California law, you know, they have referendums out there, guys, they don’t have the -- they pass laws without the give and take 51  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 and the committee system that we have here. Some -- they passed this thing and it’s being abused. I admit that. That’s why we have a piece of legislation that’s meant to be tight. The most compelling argument for this bill came from a woman in the Connecticut Legislature - a state representative - who came here and testified. Last year, she came here and lobbied some of you. She happens to be a Republican. Her husband died of cancer. For a year, she was forced at -- at his request to go out and get marijuana, illegally obviously, and present it for her husband to relieve the pain. That’s why -- and she’s in the legislature and she’s breaking the law, and she came here to testify for this bill. It was the most compelling argument I -- I -- for this bill that I -- I’ve seen. The -- I don’t believe that by doing this, come on, we’re not going to encourage young people to all of a sudden think this is a -- something they should all go out and start doing, if they’re not already. It’s just meant to be - - provide compassion for the people who are -- who are suffering. If you really feel, because of whatever reasons, even though there’s a overwhelming support from the editorials, even though the polls show that -- two-thirds of the people or more think this is a good idea, if you still can’t vote for it for whatever political reasons, then vote Present and show that you -- at least you -- you care about the -- the patients who would be -- benefit from this bill. Thank you.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 650 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. And 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 52  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 are 22 voting Yea, 29 voting Nay, and 4 voting Present. Senate Bill 650, having not received the required constitutional majority, is declared failed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we spent half an hour on that bill. We do not -- we know it’s important, but we do not intend to spend that much time on anything else today. Senate Bill 660. Senator Link. 660, Senator Link. Out of the record. Senate Bill 661. Senator Link. Senate Bill 663. Senator Link. Senate Bill 698. Senator Sullivan. 698. Senate Bill 673. Senator Hultgren. Senate -- 678. Senator Hultgren. Out of the record. Seven -- Senate -- that was Senate Bill 738. It’s out of the record. Senate Bill 751. Senator Demuzio. Senate Bill 752. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill -- with leave of the Body, please turn to page 8 of your Calendar. We’re going to go to Senate Bill 767. Senator Demuzio. 767. Out of the record. Senate Bill 7… With leave of the Body, we’re going to continue down on that same page. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir? Just a moment, please. There’s been a change in sponsorship on Senate Bill 767. The new sponsor is Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, Senator Kotowski seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 767 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 767. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski.

53  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Mr. President, the amendment becomes the bill. Permission to talk about it on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Kotowski moves adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 767. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 767. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski.

Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 767 is a -- is a quality good government -- transparency in -- in -- transparency in the way we do business here in Springfield. It’s got great bipartisan support. It requires the Procurement Policy Board to maintain on its official website a searchable database containing all information required to be included in the Illinois Procurement Bulletin with regard to contracts let and awarded in emergency purchases. The posting of procurement information on the website and on the online 54  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 electronic bulletin must be prior to the execution of the contract or for emergency purposes within three business days after the execution of the contract. Each agency with a chief procurement officer must provide the Board information and resources necessary and in a manner to effectuate these requirements.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Radogno.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski.

I -- I met with the Procurement Policy Board today. They said they’re -- they’re willing to work with all the different departments together to assemble the resources in order to make this happen. The issue here is the cost should be minimal and the ability to get it done should be -- we should be able to get this done in a timely fashion and good government it may -- it may cost some money, but the point is we’re going to be able to save money in the process.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Radogno. 55  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Kotowski.

At -- at this point, what we’re going to be doing is working with -- working with the Budget Department to make sure that we have the resource necessary to make it happen and -- and possibly secure a staff person in order to make this happen.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 767 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 54 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 767, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we’re going to go down and skip to 775. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Page 15 of your Senate -- with leave of the body, we’re going to go page 15 of your Senate Calendar. Senate Bill 884. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we’re going to go to the bottom of page 936. Senator Martinez. 936. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, and be a little patient, we are almost done. Isn’t that wonderful? Page 30 of your Senate Calendar. Senate Bill 1166. Senator Raoul. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1173. Senator DeLeo. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1188. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1189. Senator Halvorson. 1189. Senate Bill 1190. 56  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Halvorson. Senator Halvorson. 1190. Senate Bill 1230. Senator Cronin. 1230. Senator Cronin. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1237. Senator Delgado. Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1246. Senator Link. Out of the record. -- Senate Bill 1267. Senator Noland. Out of the record. Top of page 31. Senate Bill 1279. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1291. Senator Cullerton. 1291. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1314. Senator Jacobs. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1328. Senator Schoenberg. Schoenberg. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1364. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1392. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1400. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 1428. Senator Sandoval. Mr. Secretary, Senator Sandoval seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1428 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1428. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1428 amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. For purpose of expediency, I’d like a favorable consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sandoval moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1428. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, 57  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval, on Amendment No. 2.

For -- for purpose of expediation {sic}, I’d like to -- favorable consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sandoval moves adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1428. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1428. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I ask your favorable vote. Thank you. 58  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1428 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 55 voting aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1428, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1429. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1430. Senator Althoff. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1436. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1446. Senator Sandoval. 1446. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. -- Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1446 amends the Public Community College Act and it creates the We Want to Learn English Initiative, subject to the appropriation. I’d ask your favorable vote.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1446 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 49 voting Aye, 2 voting Nay, 59  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 none voting Present. Senate Bill 1446, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1448. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1448 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1448. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1448 creates the Access to Governmental Services Act. I’d ask your favorable consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Peterson. Any discussion? Senator…

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) This -- on the amendment, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, sir, and I’ll come right back to you. Senator Sandoval seeks -- moves to adopt Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1448. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The 60  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 amendment -- the Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendment approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval, on Amendment No. 5.

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask your favorable consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sandoval moves adoption of Amendment No. 5 to Senate Bill 1448. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1448. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 61  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Peterson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Indicates he will yield. Senator Peterson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Senator Peterson, I agreed to -- in committee to work with the House sponsor on that subject matter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Peterson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval. Yes. Senator Peterson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1455 establishes a Higher Education Revolving Loan Fund act in the State treasury. I’d ask your favorable consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sandoval moves adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1455. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1455. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask your favorable consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Discussion? Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sandoval, to close.

Ask your favorable consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Question is, shall Senate Bill 1455 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 30 voting Aye, 20 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 64  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 1455, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill -- my good friend, Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you rise, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) A man after my own heart. Senator Burzynski has requested a verification. Will all Members be at their seats? Mr. Secretary, please read the affirmative votes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Does the -- my esteemed colleague, Senator Burzynski, question the presence of any Member voting in the affirmative?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Who was that, sir?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator, yes, is that Senator Raoul right there? With the receding hairline, that’s him. That’s -- a little shave maybe. Senator Raoul -- is Senator Raoul in the Chamber? Senator Kwame Raoul is he in the men’s room? Telephone? Senator Raoul.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Raoul.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Not. Mr. Secretary, strike the name from the roll. Does the Senator question the presence of any other Member voting in the affirmative?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) On a verified roll call, there are 29 Ayes, 20 Nays, and none voting Present. Senate Bill 1455, having not received the required -- constitutional majority, is declared failed. Senator 66  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Sandoval.

Thank you, Mr. President. In the name of all students in Illinois, I’d ask Postponed Consideration.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Postponed Consideration. Senator Sandoval requests that Senate Bill 1455 be postponed. The bill will be placed on the Order of Postponed Consideration. 1471. Senator Kotowski. 1462. Senator Lightford. Birthday Senator. Out of the record. -- 1462 is out of the record. 1471. Senator Kotowski. Out of the record. 1473. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. 1475, Senator Lightford. Out of the record. 1478. Senator Demuzio. Out of the record. 1482. Senator… Out of the record. 1493. Senator Althoff. 1494. Senator Althoff. 1497. Senator Wilhelmi. 1527. Senator Cullerton. 1583. Senator Garrett. 1587. Senator Frerichs. 1606. Senator Dahl. 1606. Out of the record. 1620. Senator Schoenberg. 1675. Senator Collins. 1687. Senator Harmon. 1692. Senator Harmon. …more to go. 1701. Senator Collins. 1733. Senator Link. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we’re going to return to page 5 of your Senate Calendar is Senate Bill 487. Mr. -- Senator Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 487 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 487. Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 67  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment becomes the bill. I’d ask to adopt it and debate it on 3rd Reading.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves adoption of Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 487. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 487. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I appreciate your indulgence in returning to this. Senate Bill 487 is a rewrite of the Carbon Monoxide Detector and Alarm Act that we adopted last year. It addresses concerns raised about the practical aspects by the Hotel and Motel Association, as well as the Long Term Care Industry. Whether you liked the bill last year or not, it is a better bill because of 68  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 our rewrite, and I’d ask for your Aye votes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there a brief discussion? Yes, Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Indicates he will yield for a question. Senator Burzynski.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, Senator, we are -- we are adapting the requirements to the reality that certain settings require different types of systems. We’re just comporting to a - - a reality without compromising safety. In addition, we’ve made one of the noncompliance issues a -- a petty offense, rather than a misdemeanor. That’s for purposes of civil enforcement.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Burzynski -- or, Senator Rutherford.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Rutherford.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President. No, there are no additional places. There are alternatives that make sense in the context of that particular building.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 487 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 50 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 487, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, you have a Supplemental Calendar on your desk. Please pull it out. On -- I’m sorry, President Jones, sir.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Session on Tuesday. Monday is cancelled. Senate Bill 1395 should be on your desks. The Supplemental Calendars have been distributed. Senator Harmon, you wish to proceed? Yes. Okay. Now on the Order of Concurrence, Mr. Secretary, please read the motion.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 71  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senate. When Senate Bill 1395 left the Chamber, it was a cleanup bill for the Department of Revenue. In the House, it was amended to address the situation in Senator Syverson’s district. The City of Rockford adopted a front-door referendum. Because it was an April election, it -- there’s a disconnect between the date of the election and the date for submitting your paperwork to the Department of Revenue in order to be able to collect the tax on July 1st. I’m happy to help the City of Rockford to accommodate their request and to use this bill as a vehicle, and I’d ask you to join me in my motion to concur in the House amendments.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will yield. Senator Murphy.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

I have not spoken to the Governor about this. Whether the Governor chooses to sign the bill or to veto it, I would hope it would be done in a way that leaves time to address the issue in a 72  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 timely fashion. I suspect when we see the votes on the board, we’ll know that we would have the votes to override a veto if necessary, but I would hope we would take the simpler path of it being signed into law.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Lauzen.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Further discussion? Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Indicates he will. Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.

Thank you, Senator. As I indicated in Committee, this amendment has been attached to a bill of mine, and I’m happy to help accommodate Senator Syverson’s interests. I am not familiar with the particulars of the referendum in Rockford. I’d be happy to defer to Senator Syverson or if you all would like me to take it out of the record, we could do it that way, too.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator -- Senator Syverson. Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon or Syverson, whichever can address it. Wave your hand in the air. Senator Syverson.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon, to close.

I would ask for your Aye votes.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Question is, shall -- this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 to Senate Bill 1395. 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, 1 voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments No. 1 to Senate Bill 1395. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. -- Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 76  STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 38th Legislative Day 5/10/2007 Senator Link moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration of -- adoption of House Joint Resolution 59. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules have -- are suspended. Senator Link moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 59. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed will say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolutions on the Consent Calendar?

PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, say Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The resolutions are adopted. Pursuant to House Joint Resolution 59, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on Tuesday, May 15th, 2007. The Senate stands adjourned. 77