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 the -- our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Father -- Pastor Dan Rak, Trinity Vineyard Christian Fellowship, in Saint Charles, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Dan Rak)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney, to lead in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal, please.
Senate Journal of Thursday, May 10th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Good afternoon, Senator Hunter. How are you?
Fine, Mr. President. How are you?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Pleasure to see you.
Pleasure is mine, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Hunter.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions, please.
Senate Resolution -- 181, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. And Senate Resolution 182, offered by Senator Millner and all Members. They’re both death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Resolutions Consent Calendar, Madam Secretary. Madam Secretary, continuing on Resolutions.
Senate Joint Resolutions 53 and 54, offered by Senator Demuzio. They’re substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports, please.
Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, reports House Bills 1259 and 1497 Do Pass. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports House Bill 1662 Do Pass; and House Bill 497 Do Pass, as Amended. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator Cullerton, -- Co-Chairperson, and Senator Dillard, Co-Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary-Civil Law, reports House Bills 1071, 1797, 1798 and 3621 Do Pass; and House Bills 619, 830, 1462, 3393 and 3627 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports House Bills 12, 263, 334, 553, 620, 699, 792, 840, 876, 962, 1562, 1608, 1666, 1671, 1673, 1685, 1752, 1753, 1872, 1876, 1881, 1917, 1923, 2782, 2918, 2920, 3425, 3573 and 3597 Do Pass. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports House Bills 192, 642, 680, 951, 1254, 1628, 1643, 1711, 1759, 2241, 2242 and 3604 Do Pass; House Bills 1256 and 1279 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 5 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Wilhelmi, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary- Criminal Law, reports House Bills 50, 156, 170, 194, 439, 449, 539, 572, 622, 855, 900, 975, 991, 1050, 1080, 1236, 1289, 1517, 1557, 1641, 1684, 1979, 2734, 2858, 3382, 3454, 3512, 3586, 3588 and 3766 Do Pass; and House Bills 39, 174, 722, 977, 1403 and 1717 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Munoz, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports House Bills 30, 161, 217, 226, 362, 536, 663, 1475, 1553, 1657, 1835, 1864, 1875, 1900, 2035, 2044, 2783, 2808, 3131, 3383, 3395 and 3667 Do Pass; and House Bills 1116, 1491, 1499 and 3412 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Pensions and Investments, reports House Bill 3578 Do Pass; and House Bill 1960 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reports House Bills 411, 742, 928, 985, 1359, 1542, 1719, 1855, 1919 and 3165 Do Pass; and House Bills 374, 820 -- and 1911 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Madam Secretary, Communications, please.
Yes, I have a letter -- letter -- a letter dated May 14th, 2007, from Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator James Clayborne to resume his position on the Senate Executive Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. I have another letter dated May 14th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I -- hereby appoint Senator James Clayborne to resume his position on the Senate Insurance Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. And a final letter dated May 14th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator James Clayborne to resume his position on the Senate Pensions and Investments Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Rutherford, for what purpose you seeking recognition, sir?
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Mr. President, thank you. I’d like to make an introduction, if I may, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your introduction, sir.
Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate to welcome Kelsey Buchanan who’s here visiting us from the City of Washington. Her aunt Charla is in the gallery, who we’ve gotten to know over the time period in her participation with the Illinois Credit Union League. So if the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate would welcome Kelsey, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Our guest in the galleries please rise and be recognized and our guest on the Floor. Welcome to Springfield and welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Would all Members within the sound of my voice please return to the Senate Floor? We’d ask all Members to come to the Senate Floor. We will be doing 3rd Readings, final passage, very shortly. We ask all Members please come to the Senate Floor immediately. Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 224, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 247, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 626, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 664, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 House Bill 896, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 988, offered by Senator Raoul. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1141, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1290, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1327, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1338, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1351, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1551, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1580, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1639, offered by Senator Lightford. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1805, offered by Senator Ronen. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2859, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3086, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3399, offered by Senator Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3446, offered by Senator Halvorson. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3666, offered by Senator Sieben. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. If I could ask the Membership to turn to page 40 of your Calendar. Page 40 of your Calendar is House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bills 2nd Reading. On the top of page 40. On the top of page 40 on House Bills 2nd Reading is House Bill 4. House Bill 4. Senator Link. Senator Terry Link. Out of the record. House Bill 9. Senator Haine. Senator Bill Haine, on House Bill 9. Out of the record. Senator Carol Ronen. Senator Carol Ronen, on House Bill 17. Madam Secretary, out of the record. House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 18. Senator Lightford. Senator Kimberly Lightford, on House Bill 18, ma’am, on 2nd Reading. Out of the record. Senator Viverito. Senator Viverito, on House Bill 25, sir. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on House Bill 28, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 28. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 29, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Holmes, on House Bill 38, ma’am, on 2nd Reading. Senator Holmes. Out of the record. Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon, on House Bill 49, 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 49. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 118, sir. Senator John -- out of the record. Senator Pankau, on House Bill 120, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 120. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Maloney, on House Bill 121, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 121. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard. Senator Kirk Dillard, on 126. House Bill 126, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 126. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll ask you to turn your Calendars to page 41. Top of page 41 comes House Bill 133. Senator Demuzio. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 133. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Leave of the Body - Senator Link was off the Floor - we will return to page 40. On the top of page 40 is House Bill 4. House Bill 4. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Returning to page 41 of your Calendar. On the top of page 41 is Senate {sic} Bill 137. Senator Demuzio. Senator Demuzio. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 137. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, for what purpose you seek recognition, ma’am?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Please state your point.
I thought I might take this opportunity, while we were awaiting some of our Members to arrive on the Floor, to recognize a very important birthday today. We have a Member on this side of the aisle who is celebrating today his birthday. So if we might take a moment and wish Senator Bill Brady happy birthday, that would be wonderful.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, could I have your attention 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 please? We have a special guest. I’d ask all Members please be in their seats. I’d ask staff to retire to the rear of the Chamber. All staff, please retire to the rear of the Chamber. Members please be at their desk, please be at their seats. All Members please be in their desk. Senator Millner, would you join us today, sir? Senator Righter. Senator Silverstein. Senator Cullerton. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very, very pleased today to have some very special guests from the Republic of Rwanda and their hosts from the Food for the Hungry organization. Their delegation has spent the last several days visiting in Senator Watson’s district in -- focusing on agriculture in our country. I’m pleased to turn the podium over to Senator Watson who will introduce the -- Governor Mutsindashyaka and his traveling party. Senator Watson.
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. And I am very honored today to introduce to you Governor Mutsindashyaka of the -- Governor of the Eastern Province of the Republic of Rwanda, and some of the local officials from Rwanda, and a Food for the Hungry delegation. Food for the Hungry works in more than forty- five developing countries, providing disaster and emergency relief, but they also work to implement sustainable development programs to help transform communities. I am pleased that my hometown of Greenville and Greenville College is involved with the organization and the exploration of this new partnerships. The -- the Country Director for the Food and Hungry program in Rwanda and Burundi is -- is Dwight Jackson. Dwight, former faculty member at Greenville College, and he’s with the group today, along with Dan Jewett, who is a businessman from 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Greenville. Dan, please raise your hand. And Jill Franks. Jill is the County Board Chairwoman of Bond County. And it was Dwight who said to me that Rwanda needs what Bond County knows. And Rwanda is the “Land of a Thousand Hills”; it’s landlocked, rural community of about ninety percent of its eight million people engaged mainly in what we would consider to be subsistence agriculture. So what better place for these elected officials and governmental representatives to come than to the heartland of the United States, right here in Illinois, to discuss agriculture and agribusiness. Since arriving on Thursday evening, the Governor and his delegation and traveling -- party have attended a seminar focusing on how agribusiness, farmers and government work together for agriculture development. They have toured and seen seed companies and met with nonprofit organizations. Today, the delegation met with members of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Legislators engaged in international business interests. And I’m -- thank our Members for taking the time to visit with them. So I’m pleased to introduce to you Governor Mutsindashyaka and -- who will introduce his traveling partners and share a few words with you. Thank you very much.
(Remarks and Introductions by Governor Theoneste Mutsindashyaka)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could ask you, once again go to your Calendars. On page 41 is House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 147. Senator Koehler. Senator Koehler, on House Bill 147. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 147. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 166. Senator Bond. Senator Bond, on 166. Senator Bond, on House Bill 166, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 166. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 182. 182. Senator Hunter. Senator Mattie Hunter, on House Bill -- out of the record. Senator Sieben, on House Bill 201, sir. House Bill 201. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 201. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 202. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 202. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Hendon, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Mr. President. You know the annual House/Senate softball game is next week. And since we have one of the House chickens on the Senate Floor, former Senator Bobby Molaro, now a Member of the lower Chamber, in the House - he’s no longer a Member of the upper Chamber, the “House of Lords” - I thought it would be an appropriate time to announce softball practice today. We know the House Members are in their offices cowered around their little speakers, listening to us right now, but one of ‘em happens to be on the Floor and he happens to play for the House - not that good, I might add - but he happens to be the pitcher for the House. So we’re going to make sure that while Bobby Molaro is here, he will know that next week we will knock his balls out of the park. We will bring the trophy back to the Senate where it belongs. So today, boys and girls, men and women of the Senate, practice in Lincoln Park, straight down 5th Avenue {sic}, exactly where the game is going to be, 5:30. We have to return to our true position as the authorities around here, the rulers 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 of Springfield. We must defeat the House this year. Now some of you rookies have never been out there, like Kotowski, and Frerichs, we got a few. We want to see what you can do - Bond - we want to see what you can do. We got a good firm team this year, bipartisan, male and female. I also have the yearbook here, goes back. You got Adeline Geo-Karis in a miniskirt. You got Pate Philip in some Speedos in here. You want to look through this book. You need to understand the fine tradition in the Senate. And next week, on the 23rd, we will beat the House in our annual softball team or die trying. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you, Senator Hendon, for that very calm and placid announcement. Continuing on House Bills 2nd Reading is House Bill 250. Senator Althoff. Senator Pam Althoff, on House Bill 250. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 251, ma’am. Senator Althoff, on 251. Senator Althoff, on 251. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 251. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Hultgren, on 254, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 254. (Secretary reads title of bill) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on 272. Senator Sullivan, on 272. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 272. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator James Clayborne, on 277, sir. Senator James Clayborne, on 277. Out of the record. Senator Hunter. Mattie Hunter, on 281, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on 282, sir. Senator Haine, on 282. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 282. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Ask you to turn your Calendar to page 42. On the top of page 42 are House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on 290, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 290. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on 293, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 293. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator John Jones, on 297, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 297. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Susan Garrett, on House Bill 304, ma’am. Senator Garrett, how are you today? Good to see you, Senator Garrett. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 304. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator James Clayborne, on House Bill 316. Senator James Clayborne, on 316. Out of the record. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator John Sullivan, on 320, sir. House Bill 320. Madam Secretary, please read that bill.
House Bill 320. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on House Bill 328, sir. Senator Righter. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 328. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Hendon, on House Bill 335, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 335. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Forby, on House Bill 351, sir. Senator Forby. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 351. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz. Senator Anthony Munoz, on 358, sir. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on 369, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 369. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton. Senator John Cullerton, on House Bill 375, sir. Senator John Cullerton, on 375, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 375. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator James Clayborne, on 376, sir. Senator James Clayborne, on House Bill 376, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 376. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reported. I’m sorry, 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 415, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 415. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you to turn your Calendars to page 33. On the top of page 33 of your Calendar is House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 427, sir. House Bill 427. It’s currently on 2nd Reading. You want to move it to 3rd Reading, sir? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 427. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …Reading. House Bill 438. Senator Burzynski, on 438, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 438. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Schoenberg. Jeff Schoenberg, on House Bill 463, sir. Out of the record. Madam Secretary, please read House Bill 463 for Senator Yo.
House Bill 463. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) That was with leave of the Body, we returned to House Bill 463. Senator Frerichs, on 470. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 470. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 508. Senator Garrett. Senator Susan Garrett. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 508. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 consideration?
…further -- no further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Kotowski, on 517. House Bill 517, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 517. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator John Cullerton, on House Bill 518, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 518. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 570, sir. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 570. You want to move it to 3rd, sir? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 570. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Susan Garrett, on House Bill 574, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 574. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on 576, ma’am. House Bill 576. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 576 -- 576. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on 586. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 586. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator James Clayborne, on House Bill 616, sir. Senator James Clayborne, on 616. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 616. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 617. Senator James Clayborne. Senator James Clayborne, on 617, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 617. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz, on 624. House Bill 624. Senator Anthony Munoz. Out of the record. WICS-TV, here in Springfield, requesting permission to videotape the proceedings. Seeing no objections, so ordered. Turn to page 44 of your Calendars, Ladies and Gentlemen. House Bills 2nd Reading. We will continue on House Bills 2nd Reading. On the 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 top of page 44 of your Calendar comes House Bill 625. Senator Silverstein, do you wish -- Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 625. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 634. Senator Frerichs. Senator Frerichs, on 634, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 634. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 652. Senator John Cullerton. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 652. (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 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator James Clayborne, on 654, sir. Senator James Clayborne, on 654. House Bill -- 654, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 654. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted -- Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 670, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on 682, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 682. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator John Jones. Senator John Jones, on House Bill 709, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 709. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 724. Senator Hunter. Senator Mattie Hunter, on House Bill 724, ma’am. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 724. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes, on 733. House Bill 732, excuse me. Correction: House Bill 732. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 732. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Forby. Senator Gary Forby, on House Bill 734, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 734. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Koehler, on 736, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 736. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 743, sir. Out of the record. House Bill 759. Senator Susan Garrett, on 759, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 759. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll continue on House Bills 2nd Reading on the top of page 45 of your Calendars. Senator Frerichs, on House Bill 802, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 802. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 809, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 809. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on 817, ma’am. House Bill 817. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 817. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 822, sir. Madam Secretary, please read that bill.
House Bill 822. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture and Conservation adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …you. 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne. James Clayborne, on House Bill 825. Senator James Clayborne, on House Bill 825, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 825. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. House Bill 828. Senator Frerichs. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 828. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Susan Garrett, on 892. House Bill 892, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 892. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 894, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 894. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 909, ma’am. Please -- Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 909. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator John Cullerton, on House Bill 913, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 913. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Has there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator James Meeks, on House Bill 937, sir. How are you this afternoon, sir? Nice to see you. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 937. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on 943, ma’am. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 943. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Hendon. Senator Rickey Hendon, on 950, sir. House Bill 950. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 950. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Jeff Schoenberg, how are you today, sir? House Bill 978, sir. Out of the record. Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on House Bills 2nd Reading on 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 the top of page 46 of your Calendar. Senator Maloney, on 982, sir. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on 984, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 984. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on 987, sir. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 987. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. 1004. House Bill 1004. Senator Dahl. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1004. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1009. Senator Sandoval. Marty Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Bond, on 1011. House Bill 1011. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on 1019, sir. Senator Sullivan, on 1019, sir. Out of the record. Senator 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Sullivan, on 1020. House Bill 1020. Excuse me, leave of the Body, can we return to House Bill 1019? Madam Secretary, let the board indicate House Bill 1019. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1019. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Now on House Bill 1020. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1020. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on 1024, sir. …Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1024. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Susan Garrett, on 1030, ma’am. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 House Bill 1030. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) …been any Floor amendments approved for consideration, Madam Secretary?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Forby, on 1031, sir. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1031. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Thank you. 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on 1058, sir. Out of the record. Senator Halvorson, on 1074, ma’am. Out of the record. Senator Halvorson, for what purpose you seek recognition, ma’am?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) State your point.
I just want to mention to the Body that yesterday one of our Members had a birthday and -- and I guess it was nice that we had 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 canceled Session because he could spend the day with his family. I would like for the Body to wish A.J. Wilhelmi a belated birthday. He’s still in his thirties.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Very happy birthday, Senator Wilhelmi. Very, very happy birthday from the entire Senate. Senator Koehler, for what purpose you seek recognition, sir?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) State your point, sir.
Since we’re talking about birthdays, I wonder if I could mention - and I was going to try to introduce the former Senator from the 46th District - George Shadid has his seventy-eighth birthday today - but he’s not here. So if you have his cell phone, please call him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) We’d like to wish Senator -- former Senator George Shadid a very happy seventy-eighth birthday. If you can hear us, George, happy birthday. Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would request a Democratic Caucus in the President’s Office immediately, and I know Senator Shadid would still be late for that one even though it’s his birthday. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Okay. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate Democrats have requested a caucus immediately. That request is always in order. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 All members of Senate Democrat -- report to Senator Emil Jones’ Office immediately for a caucus. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. The Senate Republicans would request a caucus immediately in Senator Watson’s Office. We’d request about thirty minutes. It’s my understanding that’s about how long you are anticipating for yours, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) That’s correct.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Righter has asked for a Republican Caucus. That request is always in order. Senate Republicans will meet immediately in Leader Watson’s Office for a Republican Caucus. We will stand at recess to the call of the Chair and hopefully we will be back here about the hour of 2 o’clock. The Senate stands in recess till call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senate will come to order. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Chambers? We will continue on House Bills 2nd Reading. If everybody could turn their Calendar to page 47. Top of page 47, on House Bills 2nd Reading, is House Bill 1100. Senator Munoz. Senator Haine, on 1124. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on 1124. Madam Secretary, 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 read the bill.
House Bill 1124. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hunter, on 1138. Senator Clayborne, on 1146. Senator Bond, on 1242. Senator Lightford, on 1268. Senator Ronen, on 1284. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1284. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne, on 1292. Senator Hunter, on 1293. Senator Demuzio, 1301. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1301. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Human Services adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 1303. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1303. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on 1319. Senator Martinez, on 1330. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1330. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Lightford, on 1332. With leave of the Body, we will go up to the top of page 47 on Senator -- Senator Munoz, on House Bill 1100. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1100. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 48. Senator Harmon, on 1347. Senator Bomke, on 1363. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1363. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 1366. Senator Harmon, on 1406. Senator Crotty, on 1423. Senator Trotter, on 1425. Senator Collins, on 1455. Senator Garrett. 1460. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1460. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Ronen, on 1509. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1509. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Watson, on 1514. Senator Harmon, on 1519. Senator Pankau, on 1535. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 1535. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Crotty, on 1539. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
Senate {sic} Bill 1539. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 49. Senator Raoul, on 1555. Senator Link, on 1558. Senator Lightford. 1559. Senator Frerichs, on 1630. Senator Koehler, on 1637. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1637. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on 1638. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1638. (Secretary reads title of bill) 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cronin, on 1647. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1647. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on 1651. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1651. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Watson, on 1656. Senator Jacobs, on 1670. Senator Koehler, on 1708. 1708. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1708. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 1741. Senator Martinez, on 1743. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1743. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on 1744. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1744. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on 1756. Top of page 50. Senator Ronen, on 1758. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1758. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Crotty, on 1775. Madam Secretary, 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 read the bill.
House Bill 1775. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Luechtefeld, on 1778. Senator Link, on 1822. Senator Demuzio, on 1832. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1832. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on 1833. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1833. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on -- House Bill 1839. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1839. (Secretary reads title of bill) 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Demuzio, on 1847. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1847. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, on 1877. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1877. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne, on 1888. Senator Garrett, on 1910. 1910. Senator Garrett. Senator Sullivan, on 19… Senator Garrett, on Senate -- House Bill 1910. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1910. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 3rd Reading. Senator Sullivan, on 1922. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1922. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on 1926. Senator DeLeo, on 1947. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1947. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee -- the Committee on Licensed Activities adopted Committee Amendments No. 1 and 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 51. Senator Bomke, on 1969. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1969. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendments No. 1 and 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, on 2023. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2023. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 2036. Senator Demuzio, on 2106. Senator Demuzio, on 2179. Senator Demuzio, on 2194. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2194. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 2304. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2304. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Committee Amendment No. 1. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further -- no further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Meeks, on 2307. Senator Silverstein, on 2786. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2786. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on 2787. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2787. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hultgren, on 3091. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3091. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Forby, on 3132. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3132. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 52. Senator Cullerton, on 3434. Senator Garrett, on 3455. Senator Garrett, on 3463. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3463. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, on 3487. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3487. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on 3490. Senator Forby, on 3504. Senator Forby. No? Okay. Senator -- so, Senator Forby, on 3504. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 3504. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on 3614. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3614. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture and Conservation adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on 3624. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3624. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Noland, on 3638. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 3638. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 3649. Senator Martinez, on 3654. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3654. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Committee Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Viverito, on 3658. Senator Althoff, on 3678. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3678. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sieben, on 3721. Top of page 53. Senator Althoff, on 3728. Senator Viverito, on 3729. Senator Murphy, on 3730. We all have a Supplemental Calendar and we will 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 continue on House Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Martinez, on… We will stand at ease for a second. Senator Martinez, on House Bill 12. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 12, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 30. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 39. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 50. Senator Hultgren, on 156. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 156. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 161. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 161. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Peterson, on 170. Senator Sullivan, on 174. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 House Bill 174. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on 192. Senator Hultgren, on 194. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 194. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sieben, on 217. Senator Delgado, on 226. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 226. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 263. Senator Althoff, on 334. Senator Sullivan, on 362. Senator Link, on 374. Senator Haine, on 411. Senator Dillard, on 439. Senator Hultgren, on 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 449. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 449. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on 497. Senator Koehler, on 536. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 536. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 539. Senator Althoff, on 553. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 553. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Brady, on 572. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 572. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on 619. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 619. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Civil Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Righter, on 620. Senator Cullerton, on 622. Senator Haine, on 642. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 642. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on 663. Senator Garrett, on 680. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 680. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Koehler, on 699. Senator Dillard, on 722. Senator Frerichs, on 742. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 742. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cronin, on 792. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 792. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Althoff, on 820. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 820. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Labor adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on 830. Senator Millner, on 840. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 840. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on 855. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 855. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Noland, on 876. Senator Noland. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 876. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Murphy, on 900. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 House Bill 900. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 928. Senator Hunter, on House Bill 951. Senator Koehler, on 962. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 962. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 975. Senator Sandoval, on House Bill 977. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 977. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
A -- on a point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 wish to ask you to welcome the students, the teachers and the parents of the students at St. Boniface School in Edwardsville, Illinois, the county seat for fair Madison County. They’re up here in this gallery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise? And welcome to Springfield. Senator Forby, on House Bill 985. Senator Millner, on House Bill 991. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 991. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 1050. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 1071. Senator Sandoval, on House Bill 1080. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1080. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on -- House Bill 1116. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1116. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator John Jones, on House Bill 1236. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1236. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on House Bill 1254. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1254. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 1256. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1256. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 1259. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1259. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sandoval, on -- House Bill 1279. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1279. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on 1359. Mr. Secretary, 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 read the bill. Oh! I’m sorry, I missed one. Senator Pankau, on Senate {sic} Bill 1289. Senator Cullerton, on 1359. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1359. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Sieben, on House Bill 1403. Senator Hunter, on House Bill 1462. Senator Bomke, on House Bill 1475. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1475. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 1491. Senator Collins, on House Bill 1497. Senator Bomke, on House Bill 1499. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1499. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 1517. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1517. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we’ll come back to House Bill 1542. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 1553. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1553. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on House Bill 1557. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1557. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 1562. Senator 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Lightford, on House Bill 1608. Senator Schoenberg, on House Bill 1628. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1628. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Munoz, on House Bill 1641. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1641. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Pankau, on House Bill 1643. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1643. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on House Bill 1657. Senator Collins, on House Bill 1662. Senator Cronin, on House Bill 1666. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1666. 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator DeLeo, on 1671. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1671. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 1673. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 1684. Senator Link, on House Bill 1685. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 1711. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1711. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 1717. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1717. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 1719. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1719. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 1752. Senator Link, on House Bill 1753. Senator Collins, on House Bill 1759. Senator Raoul, on House Bill 1797. Senator Raoul, on House Bill 1798. Senator Maloney, on House Bill 1835. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 1855. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 1864. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 1872. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1872. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Rutherford, on House Bill 1875. Senator Link, on House Bill 1876. Senator Garrett, on House Bill 1881. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 1900. Senator Harmon, on 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 House Bill 1911. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1911. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Labor adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 1917. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 1919. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1919. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on House Bill 1923. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1923. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, on House Bill 1960. Mr. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1960. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Pensions and Investments adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Millner, on House Bill 1979. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 2035. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2035. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to House Bill 2044. Senator Jacobs, on House Bill 2241. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2241. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 3rd Reading. Senator Jacobs, on House Bill 2242. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2242. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Cullerton, on 2734. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2734. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 2782. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2782. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator John Jones, on House Bill 2783. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2783. (Secretary reads title of bill) 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 2808. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2808. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 2858. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2858. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Jacobs, on House Bill 2918. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2918. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on House Bill 2920. Senator Holmes, on House Bill 3131. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 3131. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Frerichs, on House Bill 3165. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 3382. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3382. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on House Bill 3383. Senator Raoul, on House Bill 3393. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3393. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary-Civil Law adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 3395. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 3412. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 3412. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Garrett, on 3425. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3425. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Millner, on House Bill 3454. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3454. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Haine, on House Bill 3512. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 3512. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Dahl, on House Bill 3573. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3573. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 3578. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3578. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Watson, on House Bill 3586. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 3588. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3588. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Burzynski, on House Bill 3597. Senator Burzynski. House Bill 3597. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3597. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Silverstein, on House Bill 3604. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3604. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Maloney, on House Bill 3621. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3621. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Trotter, on House Bill 3627. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 3667. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 House Bill 3667. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 3766. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3766. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. We will now be going to House Bills 3rd Reading. Again, if you are not on the Floor, please come to the Senate Chambers. If everybody can open up to page 32, middle of the page, House Bills 3rd Reading, we will be starting at the beginning. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 6. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 6. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 6 describes that within the crime of stalking, it would expand the definition of “places a person 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 under surveillance” to include placing an electronic tracking device on the person or the person’s property. This bill stems out of a situation where a spouse in a divorce proceeding had a tracking device put onto her vehicle and that would allow that person to be tracked electronically. We think that under the definition of “places a person under surveillance”, it should not only be physical, but it also should be electronic. I’d be happy to answer any questions, and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Millner.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of the bill, as it also unanimously came out of our committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any other discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 6 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 6, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on House Bill 32. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 32. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you, Madam President. This is the -- the funding source for -- that would be for the -- Senator Adeline Geo-Karis Marina up in Zion. This would be a formula to implement a ten- year program for the maintenance and reconstruction of this park. I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions on it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Senator, I -- I noticed on my analysis that the Republicans were not in support of this. Can you tell me why?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
It surprises me that they would never be in support. I don’t know why. But I think the reason that they took their support, and I don’t think it -- that they weren’t in support, they voted Present in committee, and the reason we did is that we changed back the chargeback part of it. And that’s the reason they voted Present on it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. To the bill: So -- so then it’s my understanding that this bill will be subject to fund sweeps or could be. Thank you. 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 32 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. And House Bill 32, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 33. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 33. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 33 would require the Department of Natural Resources to establish specifications for signs and devices that provide warning to persons using public waterways. DNR will also be required to establish State safety standards for dams that are not subject to federal regulation regarding safety. It also authorizes DNR to enforce exclusion zones around dams that will result in violations being a Class A misdemeanor. Many of you may have read some of the terrible, tragic deaths that occurred in some of our dams - one in the -- Yorkville area, also one in the Wilmington area. These dams are dangerous. We need to give signage and notification to people to let them know how dangerous these dams are. I’d be happy to answer any questions, and I ask 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 33 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 33, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Holmes, on House Bill 132. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 132. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 223 provides that institutions of higher education with approved teacher education programs may engage…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Holmes.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) What is the bill number you just read?
I’m sorry. House Bill 223.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 This is 132.
I’m sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Would you like to call 132?
No, I’m going to hold off and I will wait until I call…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Okay. Senator Millner, on House Bill 162. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 162. (Secretary reads title of HB 167) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam Chairman. House Bill 162 provides that officers, agents or employees of the federal government commissioned by federal statute to make arrests for violations of federal criminal laws shall be considered peace officers under the Code when the commission of any offense, rather than a felony, under Illinois law is directly observed by the person. And this law is -- will allow federal agents to assist local law enforcement entities in arrests regardless of the type of offense. It will not limit types of arrests the federal agent can help on only to felonies. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Before I ask if there’s any discussion, I would like Mr. 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Secretary to clarify the bill. House Bill 162.
This is House Bill 162. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 162 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 162, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on House Bill 169. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Oh! I apologize. Senator Koehler, on 167. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 167. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a bill that allows a surviving spouse and each surviving parent and one sibling of a person who died while serving in the U.S. Armed -- Forces to be issued a set of Gold Star license plates when requested. I know of no opposition, and I’d appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 167 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 167, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 33, House Bills 3rd Reading, is Senator Link, on House Bill 169. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 169. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This increases the amount to twenty thousand, from five thousand, for which public works districts may expend for construction work or equipment following -- following a public bid. This just coincides with all the other departments that we have raised. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is -- is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 169 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. House Bill 169, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Millner, on House Bill 181. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 181. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. House Bill 181 provides that the amount of credit to be applied against the sentence of imprisonment or periodic imprisonment when the defendant served a term or partial term of periodic imprisonment shall be calculated upon the basis of the actual days spent in confinement rather than duration of the term. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 181 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 181, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hendon, on House Bill 204. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 204. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon. 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 204 establishes the men’s health initiative program. It’s a good bill. It’s patterned after the programs for women in the Department of Public Health. Often men are so macho, or whatever, they don’t go to the doctor, we don’t get ourselves checked out, and it will just save a lot of lives. I appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. I’m a little concerned about Senator -- Hendon’s health. Can I ask him a couple questions please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Thank you. Thank you. Senator Hendon, can you give us an idea of what the Department is saying this will cost and where that money might come from?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
…the Department has testified that it will cost about a hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars. They’re not opposed for -- to it. In fact, they’re seeking a federal grant that would even cover that cost, my friend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Righter.
84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator, last question. Not to inquire too hard into your personal health status, but are there any particular areas that your constituents are telling you have been shortchanged in this regard and -- and where you think this might go?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Well, I’m glad you are not asking about my personal health, but let me let you know, I am one hundred percent in good health. In fact, you will see when we play the House in the softball game, I’m all that and a box of crackers, so I’m ready to go. But some men have problems with their health that they don’t like discussing or going to the doctor about - prostrate {sic} and other things - and this will just have one person designated in the Department of Public Health to help men with those issues.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau.
…you. Will the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, in the committee discussion, I think the point was brought up that - just like you replied to Senator Righter, that you feel good - men feel good, so they don’t go to the doctor, they don’t get -- regular checkups, they don’t anticipate something ahead until they don’t feel good. And I thought one of the purposes of this bill was to encourage men to go and get those annual checkups every year, even though they’re feeling 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 good, so that down the road they can catch something that might be happening early. Is that indeed the purpose of the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Yes, Senator Pankau. I’m glad you brought that up. You are absolutely right. There will be more information out there for men, more information to get them to go and get themselves checked out no matter how they’re feeling. And we believe that this -- getting the information to them and giving them more dialogue, brochures and that kind of thing will help -- would help men a lot get past that macho roadblock that they have when it comes to our health.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There any other discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 204 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 204, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Mr. -- Mr. President, for what purpose do you rise?
Yeah. Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege. I’d like to -- the Body to give a warm welcome to the Supreme Court Justice, Anne Burke, who is on the Floor today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome to Springfield, Justice Burke. Senator Collins, on House Bill 209. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 209. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 209 mandates DHS, in corporation {sic} with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, to implement the Medicaid provisions of the federal Family Opportunity Act. Basically what it does, a new eligibility category will permit states to expand Medicaid coverage to children with disabilities up to age eighteen who would be eligible for SSI disability benefits but for their income or resources.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. To the bill: This came out of committee unanimously. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any other discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 209 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 209, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sieben, on House Bill 215. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 215. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sieben.
Thank you very much, Madam President. This legislation amends the Livestock Management Facilities Act concerning the storage of livestock manure waste in facilities and the amount of capacity required. It is supported by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the Environmental Council, Department of Agriculture. I know of no opposition, and I’d ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 215 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 215, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Holmes, on House Bill 223. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Holmes.
88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Thank you so much. I was so eager to present this, but we’ll do it now in order. House Bill 223 provides that institutions of higher education with approved teacher education programs may engage pre-service teacher candidates in tutorial services. The bill also allows these students to receive payment for each tutorial service while also receiving academic or clinical experience credit. This legislation opens new clinical opportunities for education majors by providing them expanded opportunity for qualifying clinical hours. By allowing education majors to receive payment for tutoring services, the legislation reduces the financial burden facing many working students, who in addition to college classes, also volunteer in the K through twelve system in order to obtain their clinical hours. I would request an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 223 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 223, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 236. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 237. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 237. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator Hultgren.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a bill that deals with librarians being able to give over information when there is a situation of imminent danger in a library. It’s very limited. We had a situation in one of our Naperville libraries where an improper act was taking place. This is limited only to identifying someone who potentially has done something that could be dangerous to other patrons. So I’d ask for support of the Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any…
There are no opponents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 237 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 237, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Millner, on House Bill 239. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 239. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Millner. 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
Thank you, Madam Chairman. House Bill 239 provides that the State’s Attorney may use fees collected through the bad check diversion program for paying the expenses of the program or for use in the enforcement and prosecution of criminal laws. And I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 239 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, and none voting Present. And House Bill 239, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martinez, on House Bill 257. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 257. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 257 - the exemptions from the act on private sales of single-family homes and certain small apartment rentals are still subject to the prohibitions on publication of an intent to engage in unlawful discrimination on real estate transaction. Owner -- owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units are exempt from the prohibition on real estate transactions, except for the 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 prohibitions on the publication of the intent to engage in unlawful discrimination. Many of these cases that are currently exempt under State law, but not under federal law, involve posting on the Internet where the owner or agents advertise to rent or to sell a unit and make a blatantly discriminate -- discriminatory statement. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 257 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 257, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, on House Bill 258. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 258. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 258 makes a provision for a matching grant program for school districts for training teachers and other school personnel in -- administering CPR or learning to operate an automatic external defibrillator. I’d ask for your Aye vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau. 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
Thank you, Madam President. To the sponsor: Would he yield for a question or two?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, you took out a portion of this. Did you not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Koehler.
It says subject to appropriation. Is that what your question is?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau.
No, I thought the part was for forest preserves and park districts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Koehler.
I don’t think that’s this bill. That’s a different -- that’s a different bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Pankau.
Okay. This bill passed out unanimously. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 is, shall House Bill 258 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 258, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 260. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 264. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 264. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Crotty.
Thank you very much. House Bill 264 designates each September as Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 264 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 264, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Top of page 34. Senator Hendon, on House Bill 270. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 270. (Secretary reads title of bill) 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 270 expands the offense of unlawful contact with streetgang members. As you know, there’s a lot of violence in -- especially in the inner city, mostly related to street gangs. And this would include a person ordered to refrain from contact with streetgang members either as a condition of parole or -- on -- on bail. And I’d appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 270 pass. 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 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 270, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Noland, on House Bill 285. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 285. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Noland.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Senate {sic} Bill 285, succinctly, allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to, 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 subject to appropriation, establish and operate a renewable energy grant program to assist school districts in the installation, acquisition, construction, and improvement of renewable energy resources in our public schools. Examples of energy resources include solar, geothermal, and wind energy. I know of no opposition. This is -- proponents are School Management Alliance, the Illinois High School Districts Organization, the American Institute of Architects. Again, this is subject to appropriation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 285 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 285, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Before we go on to Senate Bill 286, I would really appreciate everybody quieting down. There’s a lot of noise and we cannot hear it. Senator John Jones, on House Bill 286. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 286. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator John Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 286 provides that a business will be classified as an “adult entertainment facility” 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 when twenty-five percent or more of the business stock-in-trade its books, magazines, and films for sale, exhibit, or viewing on- premises are sexually explicit material. Currently to be classified as an adult entertainment facility, the primary business of the store must be of -- pornographic nature. Adult entertainment facilities are not permitted to be located within one thousand feet of a school, daycare center, cemetery, public park, forest preserve, public housing, or a church. And some businesses have skirted this requirement by not primarily selling -- pornographic material, but whose inventory is substantial.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 286 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 286, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Raoul, on House Bill 295. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 295. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 295 extends the repeal date of the LIHEAP fund to December 31, 2013. I know of no opposition. I urge your support. 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 295 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 295, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Crotty, on House Bill 310. Senator Link, on House Bill 333. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 333. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill clarifies that a roll-back tow truck must be registered for the gross weight of the truck and the disabled vehicle being carried on the truck. The bill also clarifies the criminal penalties for the violation of the laws governing the vehicle dealership. I’ll be more than happy to answer any question. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 333 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 none voting Present. And House Bill 333, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on House Bill 352. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 352. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 352 would allow credit unions to amend its bylaws to provide for election of directors based on one vote per member for all its members. I know of no opposition to the bill. I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 352 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And House Bill 352, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Noland, on House Bill 357. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 357. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator Noland.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 357 amends the School Code to extend the period during which the school board of any district here in the State can transfer money between the educational fund - only three funds, I -- should underline and emphasize - educational fund, operation fund/maintenance fund or transportation fund to meet any purpose. It would extend the deadline by three years, to June 30th, 2010. Does not affect the City of Chicago.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Madam President. Could the sponsor -- a question for the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield.
Senator, why were these funds initially set up if we’re able now to transfer through this piece of legislation? Why were they originally set up separate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Noland.
Well, that would be a matter of legislative record, which I am not privy to at this point.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen.
100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator, you’re proposing making a change that would allow a -- the accounting systems for schools are set up in a very specific way. This is a very major change that would allow transfers to take place among all these funds. This is not something that is some kind of ancient history. We’re about to change it, if this goes through, in a very dramatic way. Could you give us some of your thoughts about -- it’s been one way for many years and maybe it’s time that we change it. But why was it set up the way of having separate funds? Now they’ll be able to transfer. Right? This is a major change, I think, and so I’m asking you to give us some guidance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Noland.
To speak directly to your question, Senator. First of all, this would only extend the deadline by three years, to June 30th, 2010. So this -- this bill does sunset. Now the -- the three funds that we’re -- we’re discussing here are still subject to local hearing review. So the local control is still in effect. This is not something that is necessarily -- sanctioned -- at the State level regarding the transfers. So there are no wholesale transfers between these funds, you know, from the -- at the State level, but they are a matter of local discretion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 357 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, 1 voting 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Present. And House Bill 357, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on House Bill 364. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 364. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam Secretary. This deletes the January 1st, 2008 sunset date on the collection by sellers on new -- new or used tires for the retail of -- a fifty-cent per tire for deposit of Emergency Public Health Fund. This is basically the West Nile virus bill. I know of no opposition. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Risinger.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill: The bill came through Energy and Environment. There was one No vote. There was a little bit of concern. One of the concerns is about the -- the fund has been swept before. The West Nile portion of it has not been swept, but the -- the tire fund has been swept. And there was a real question about, with sweeping of the funds, why couldn’t we just leave the funds in place and then maybe not have to have this increase. But in any case, it is a worthwhile thing to do. We need to continue to fight West Nile virus, and so I urge an Aye vote. 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Watson.
Yes, thank you very much, Madam President. Along that same line, I just noticed here, Senator Link, that the -- the used tire fund, well, 3.2 million - 3.2 million - was taken out of the fund in a sweep in fiscal year ’05, 1.9 million in fiscal year ’06, and so far in fiscal year ’07 seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. So I -- I would have to assume that the intent of this fund is not being lived up to because of this raid that’s taking place, and I’d just like to have your comments on that if you would.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. I have been assured that the West Nile portion of this has not been touched, that the allotted money has been given to the appropriate counties throughout the entire State. Each public health authority has been given this allotted money. I don’t know of any county that has not gotten its money at an appropriate amount of time. It has fought what this is a very deadly disease. I think that we are combating this disease in an appropriate manner and I would hope that we would continue this, and I think that the agency has been very diligent in making sure that this takes place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 364 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Yeas, 3 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And House Bill 364, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 365. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 365. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 365 provides that conservation districts in counties that are adjacent to Cook may be elected instead of appointed. This only affects -- affects one conservation district, which is McHenry County Conservation District. This legislation actually passed out of both of the Chambers last Session. Unfortunately we failed to act on it during Concurrence. I would urge an Aye vote. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 365 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 365, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 371. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
House Bill 371. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Althoff.
Thank you. House Bill 371 provides that an applicant under eighteen years applying for a State ID card shall only pay one- half of the fee charged, which reduces it from twenty dollars to ten dollars. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 371 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 371, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on House Bill 405. Senator Collins, on House Bill 407. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 407. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. House Bill 407 requires the 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to consider reserving and targeting State business incentives to areas with high unemployment or low income when awarding grants for any economic development purpose. This legislation basically is permissive. And one of the questions that came up for clarification in the committee, they wanted to know whether or not it favored metropolitan areas or -- in contrast to downstate locales, and that is not the case. It’s based strictly on unemployment rates. I know of no opposition, and I would appreciate an affirmative vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 407 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 407, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, on House Bill 421. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 421. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 421 requires local law enforcement officers to be notified by DCFS of calls placed in the central register meeting the criteria for a report within 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 twenty-four hours. The Act also specifies that -- reports alleging death of a child to serious injury to a child, including, but not limited to, a number of other kinds of abuse. Under House Bill 421, local law enforcement agencies would be able to concurrently investigate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect without regard to whether DCFS determines that the report is indicated or unfounded or undetermined. I would ask for your support on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
Thank you, Madam President. I urge a strong Aye vote to this. The faster the police know about it, the better it’s going to be for everybody. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 421 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Yeas, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 421, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving right along to the top of page 35, we have Senator Schoenberg, on House Bill 425. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 425. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 425 improves integrated pest control management laws for -- which are existent for schools and child care facilities. It expands and clarifies notification requirements for this alternative pest management. It promotes the ability for facilities to implement an IPM plan and meet their compliance requirements. It designates a responsible person for each facility to oversee the integrated pest control programs, and it trains personnel at schools that require -- that request exemption from the law to improve on -- gives them direction on how to improve their pest control and student health at their respective facilities. There’s no known opposition to this. It’s supported by the Safer Pest Control Project, the Illinois Environmental Council, a number of other environmental health advocacy groups. And I urge your favorable consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
Thank you. Again on this one, I urge a strong Aye vote. The faster we know what’s in the pesticides, our children will be better off for their learning experience. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 425 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 Yeas, none voting Nay, 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 none voting Present. And House Bill 425, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Emil Jones, on House Bill 426. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 426. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Mr. President.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 426 is the change in our primary date for the State of Illinois. It changes the primary date to Tuesday, February the 3rd, {sic} (5th). And that primary date will put us in concert with many other states across this nation, so that the voters of Illinois will have an impact as to who their nominees shall be for our respective parties. Also included in Senate -- House Bill 426 is a provision that requires the State Board of Election to certify Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates for the Republican Party, so that they will be able to appear on the November election, in the event they have a candidate. And it changes our -- our filing reports for our campaign finance reports. It moves it up eleven days, to July the 20th and January the 20th. And also it -- it changes the date for our contributions over five hundred dollars. So it will be -- will be replaced by pre-election reports for general primary election between January -- January 1 and the primary election. And as it -- as it relate to printing and mailing by Members of the General Assembly, that date is also changed, which will impact how you send out brochures as it 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 relate to State-paid brochures as it relate to the election. That’s what it does basically. It put the -- it -- it puts Illinois voters in position wherein they can determine who those candidates shall be, and I’ll answer any questions you may have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) …bill.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I know we’re going to blow through a lot of bills on the Calendar today. I think this is clearly the most significant one we’re going to see, not just today, but at least certainly this week as well. This is about changing the process by which we pick our elected leaders. And I just want to review for a minute what it is we’re doing, what it is we hear from home, from our constituents, about elections, and how we’re responding to that. First of all, the system of elections is a public process. It exists for the public good. And if we strip away the varnish that’s kind of been put on here in the last few months in the debate on this issue, we’ll recall that this -- or, this matter finds its origin in a speech that was made on the House Floor, over in another Chamber, on the day the General Assembly -- the new General Assembly was sworn in by the Speaker of the House, who said he thought it was a good idea for us to move the primary forward in order to give a candidate of one party a better opportunity to seize his party’s nomination for President. And let’s not kid 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 ourselves. That’s where this idea started. I think it’s a bad idea to move a public process for one person. Secondly, Ladies and Gentlemen, back home, what do our constituents tell us about campaigns? They tell us they’re too expensive and they get tired of getting hitting -- hit up for campaign money all the time. This will make campaigns more expensive. And they get tired of hearing the negative TV ads month after month, after month, after month. This will make those campaigns longer. Ladies and Gentlemen, this bill will make it more likely that your constituents and mine are getting negative mail pieces in their mailboxes and pulling those out with their Christmas cards. Is that what we want to do for constituents? I don’t think that’s what we want to do for our constituents. Madam President, there’s been a lot of rhetoric about Illinois needs to move to the front because we need to be players in the Presidential primary system. But if you’ll take a look, there are a long list of states that have already decided to move theirs forward not just to this day, but ahead of this day as well. If our goal is to try to be at the forefront, then we are running a race that has no finish line, whatsoever, and we will continue to move this process forward and forward. And that may make us feel better about ourselves. It may make us feel a little better about some of the candidates we’re supporting, but it will be a tremendous disservice to our constituents. For those reasons, I urge a No vote. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Madam President. You know, I certainly 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 appreciate the desire of some folks to leapfrog forward so that primary votes, especially in Presidential elections, count for more. But I -- I have to agree with the previous speaker that when we listen to what our constituents tell us, campaigns are too long, they’re too expensive and this is just going to lengthen that campaign cycle and -- and the duration. But there’s another thing that’s important here. The people -- the - - the people who vote control the candidates up until the time that the nomination is made in a primary. After a nomination is made, then the party has a much bigger role as far as who’s going to run for -- in the general election. Moving it to February 5th means that there’s going to be, I believe, about a ninth-month period of time that the parties - both the Republicans and the Democrat establishment parties - are going to have a longer period of time that they’re basically in control of the process. For the three reasons of too long, too expensive and too much control by the parties, I would recommend a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. I’m -- I’m almost in shock here that bright and intelligent Republicans would want to leave Illinois back behind other states. I mean, this is Illinois. We should be ahead of other states. Other states are moving up their primary. What are we supposed to do? Just stand pat, just leave Illinois where it’s insignificant when it comes to such an important race - President of the United States. I -- I’m -- I’m perplexed. And -- and to hear someone say its being done for one person is -- is outrageous. We’re doing it for the State of 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 Illinois. But if people fear Barack Obama that much, well, you don’t have to vote for him. You weren’t going to vote for him in the first place. No one is doing it for any individual. It’s so the State of Illinois can be a role player in the Presidential election, and I’m just shocked that some would want to keep us behind. So maybe you should propose that we move it back even further behind, so we’ll be further behind the rest of the country. And as far as negative mail, all you have to do is just don’t send out any. I’m sure your constituents are tired of getting campaign mail from you anyway, positive or negative. So just don’t send out any -- any campaign mail. Don’t buy any TV commercials, but I’m certain that you will be doing both. I urge an Aye vote. This is good for the State of Illinois, not for any individual. But if it happens to help a former Member of this Body, then so be it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Watson.
Yes, thank you very much, Madam Chairman. It almost scares me to get up and talk after the -- the previous speaker when I’m going to talk in support of this legislation. I don’t know that that’s happened very often. Personally, I -- I’ve always felt that when you think of New Hampshire, South Carolina, Iowa, Nevada - not exactly what I would call a mainstream of political thought in this country - and over the past, they’ve always been the states that have really determined who the candidate may be for both parties. I think that Illinois has taken a backseat over the years in -- in -- in being involved. And we’ve seen it happen over and over again, at least in our primaries and I would 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 assume in yours also, where this -- we just don’t become a part of the process and the people that we support early on are -- are gone or dropped out by the time it comes to -- to Illinois. So it may be for the wrong reasons. I do agree that -- that I -- and I -- Barack Obama, the fact that he’s running for President, that’s fine. But I do believe that this is being done for the wrong reasons, is to help him, and that -- that’s been said by many people and -- and I just don’t think that’s the right reason to do it. Personally, I would rather see us go to the -- what Iowa does, kind of a caucus or a -- or a preferential poll, or something to get really the grassroots of both parties involved in the process, where you get really the ground troops out there in getting it done. And I think that would help both parties. I think it would help the organizations on both sides. But that isn’t what we have before us, and I think it’s the right thing to do and I support the President in his efforts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Link.
…you, Madam President. I -- I stand before you as strongly supporting this piece of legislation. I’ve done a lot of interviews pertaining not only to this upcoming election, but I did an interview the other day on this particular piece of legislation. And the reporter actually gave me a little bit more of an insight - and it was a national reporter - and he was talking to me about how he said other states have been passing this. And he said a legislator in Florida stood up and he said, “Florida needs this because Florida represents the complexion of the United States and that’s why we need to be out in the 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 forefront.” And this reporter said he’s heard this in other states. So he said he went to look at this, and he said -- and he tried to figure out what state actually does mirror the United States. And he said to me, he said, “What state do you think it is?” And I said, “That’s easy.” I said, “Illinois.” And he says, “You’re right.” And I said, “I could tell that” - no offense to my colleagues over there - I said, “I could tell that from my own Democratic Caucus.” I said, “We represent every section of the State of Illinois. We represent every ethnic, every race, all genders, education levels. We represent the United States of America in this caucus.” When we’re talking about moving up, we’re talking about deciding who are the two finalists going to be, the two people who are going to be -- be representing their parties in November. Instead of sitting back and waiting and it having been decided for us, and hear the statement that we hear for the last I don’t know how many years - Which of the lesser of two evils are we going to vote for? - this time we can decide who those individuals of great statue {sic}, of either side you might think of, should represent our parties in the general election. And I want to clear something up. If Illinois is doing this for one person, what’s Florida doing? What’s California doing? What’s New York doing? What’s all the other big states doing? Have they already conceded to Obama, because they’re all moving up to February 5th. Are they all moving in favor of him? If they are, thank God, because this election’s over then, and I hope it’s that way. But we’re doing this for the right reason. Illinois is one of the largest states. It’s the bellwether of the United States. We should decide who the candidates are going to be in November. We should 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 have 59 Aye votes on this. I recommend a strong Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. I -- I -- I think the discussion is kind of interesting. I -- I find myself in a little bit of a tough situation. I disagree with my Leader over here, Frank Watson, and I -- but I do feel good about the fact that I disagree with Senator Hendon. That does help me somewhat. You know, I -- I -- I’m amazed that -- of the discussion. Let -- let’s just say what it is, and -- and -- and, you know, maybe it is good. Maybe it is good that we’re trying to help someone here in Illinois. He happens to be of the other party. I doubt seriously if some of the -- rhetoric would be the same, especially on the other side, if there was a Republican -- former Republican Senator here in Illinois running for President. I don’t think it would be. In fact, it probably would be the -- I think it’d be the opposite in many cases. Again, let’s just say what it is. You know, I’ve always felt that the primary was too soon, not -- not necessarily for a Presidential election, but just for the general good of -- of politics in -- in the State. You know, we -- we have -- it -- elections are way too long. Everyone knows that. Everyone agrees with it. Our constituents agree with it, and in the process, they become so expensive. So, you know, there are good reasons, I think, and some of you have stated them, why we want to do this for -- for Senator Obama. But there are also a lot, a lot of bad reasons, I think, of why we’re doing it, and the rhetoric is always kind of funny. And -- 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 and always, obviously, depends on politics how it -- how it comes out. So it -- this is going -- this is going to pass. We know that. But, again, I -- I do not think for the -- just for the State in -- in general that this is a -- a good bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jacobs.
Thank you, Madam. We’re not here to help Barack Obama. We’re here to help the people of Illinois. We better get on board before this train leaves. In all deference to my friends in South Carolina and to my friends in New Hampshire, Illinois is the heartland. And we ought to be a player in this race. I want to tell you, I sit on the Iowa border, so I watch those elections. And while some of my friends may love the idea of a caucus, I love the idea of Illinois voters going to the polls in a cold February snow, because it’s boring and there’s nothing to do. Maybe we can have a great time. And I’m looking forward to voting for Barack Obama for President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Murphy.
To the bill. Thank you, Madam President. I am not a national political figure of the stature of my good friend Senator Link who gets interviewed by these national magazines. But what I -- what I do know - and -- and again a lot of people have made good -- good points as to why -- that’s true… There have been very good reasons stated here as to why to vote for this bill. There have been some good reasons why we should be opposed to this bill. A couple of the reasons I am opposed to 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 this bill that haven’t been covered: First and foremost - I’ll sound the alarm to everybody - when, not if - when somebody starts campaigning during the holiday season for a February 5th primary and the people in your district start screaming bloody murder, they’re going to want to know who’s responsible for bringing politics into my holiday season. That’s number one. Number two, again, it strains credibility, you know, be -- to the breaking point to suggest, after the Speaker said on the first day of this Session, that we were expressly doing this for one person. That’s fine. That’s not really my main problem. The biggest problem here is, and nobody has touched on this yet, is this is the incumbent protection plan. You can’t even get a sign in the ground before February 5th in Illinois. How are you ever going to have name ID to run against an incumbent in what’s about a four-week election with the Super Bowl two days before the election taking one of these days away. You can’t -- you can’t - - you can’t seriously take on an incumbent in a -- in a primary with a February 5th date. If we’d have separated this out for Presidential years, it might have been a little bit more reasonable, but I urge a No vote for those reasons.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senate President Jones, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. I do appreciate the lively discussion. But what’s so shocking to me is that we’re talking about a national election, not a local election. And we’re talking about whether or not we are lengthening the process of the national election. If we do nothing, absolutely nothing, the campaign will still be just as long around this nation. All this 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007 bill does is simply put Illinois, the bellwether State, in position to say who the nominees of our respective parties shall be. Now, if you don’t want to be involved in selecting your nominee, you want to lay back and wait till the rest of the country pick your nominee for you, then you lay back. But the -- the Minority Leader and I agree, this is the right thing to do. The bill does not say Obama. I don’t know who will come into the forefront for your party’s nomination, because some -- you may not have one. You just may not have one. But we are giving you the opportunity to select one just in case you haven’t found one as of yet. So that that person can go in, say, “I got the strong support of the people of Illinois of my party.” It’s a good bill. It deserve a unanimous vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) The question is, shall House Bill 426 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 Yeas, 10 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. And House Bill 426, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. There being no further business to come -- oh! I’m sorry. Senator Hendon.
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. It’s something that Senator Luechtefeld and I can agree on. Because of the bad weather, softball practice has been canceled for the night and we’re going to pick it up maybe Thursday. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Viverito. 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 39th Legislative Day 5/15/2007
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to make an announcement for all of you good-looking men and women. Tomorrow morning at 10:30, your picture is going to be taken. I hope you’ll wear the best tie, the best suit, and have your hair all fixed. 10:30, tomorrow morning. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 a.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, May 16th. The Senate stands adjourned. 120