PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Dan Haas, from Aurora Community Church, from Aurora, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Dan Haas)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Can I have your attention? All Members please be at your desk. We will be going to 3rd Readings. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Senate Resolution 201, offered by Senators Emil Jones, Haine, and all Members. It’s a death resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1844, offered by Senator Burzynski. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) House Bills 1st Reading. Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
A announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Senator Silverstein will be absent today due to religious reasons.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator. Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1017, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1664, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1868, offered by Senator Clayborne. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2671, offered by Senator Noland. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2982, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3022, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) And House Bill 3665, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Can I have your attention? All Members of the Senate at the sound of the voice, please be ready to move your bills. We are going to 3rd Reading. Have all Senators please come to the Senate Floor. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to House Bills 3rd Reading. Please turn your booklet to page 31. At the bottom of the page, House Bill 4. Senator Link. Senator Link? House Bill 17. Senator Ronen. Senator Ronen, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 17. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Ronen.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill has to do with persons who are at mental health -- facilities being treated for alcohol and substance 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 abuse. This requires the Department to set forth a -- a plan where an appropriate referral might be for people to leave, but they are not allowed to keep people in the facility if that program is not available. We don’t believe there’s going to be a -- any significant fiscal impact of this bill. And I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 17 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 17, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
Yes, I’d like to introduce a young man from Bradley University who lives in Tazewell County actually, but is quite an impressive young man. He’s next year’s Student Body Treasurer of -- of Bradley University and I’d like to give you -- have you give a warm welcome to Josh Cox.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Welcome to the Senate. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 …you -- thank you, Madam President. For purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Thank you. Would like the record to reflect that Senator Dahl is not with us today due to illness.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Madam President. I’d like to introduce Trey Rogers, my Page for the Day.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Will everyone please welcome this young gentleman to the Senate? Continuing on page -- top of page 32. House Bill 18. Senator Lightford. Senator -- Lightford, on House Bill 18. Senator Viverito, on House Bill 25. Out of the record. House Bill 38. Senator Holmes. Out of the record. Senate Bill -- I’m sorry. House Bill 49. Senator Hendon. Senator Hendon. Madam - - Madam Secretary, read the bill.
5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 House Bill 49. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. This -- House Bill 49 allows adopted children to have the same rights as other children when it comes to pensions and -- and insurance. I believe it’s time to treat adopted children in the -- in the right way in this State. And I would answer any questions, but I appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 49 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The -- the voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 52 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 49, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Just for clarification, there was 52 Ayes on the last bill. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 50. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 133. Out of the record. Senator Demuzio, on 137. House Bill 137. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 137. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Senator Demuzio.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. House Bill 137 amends the Legislative Materials Act regarding the legislative Chamber chairs. It authorizes the Clerk of the House of Representative and the Secretary of the Senate to sell Chamber chairs to Members of each Chamber at the original cost through December the 31st, 2010. It’s changing the date, currently it was ’02.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 137 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, House Bill 37 {sic}, there are 53 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 137, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 174. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 174. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 174 provides that when an individual knowingly uses a false or an altered driver’s license or other ID to purchase a targeted methamphetamine precursor, the -- it increases the penalties for that. A first 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 offense is a Class 4 felony; a second offense, a Class 3; and a third and subsequent offense would be Class 2 felonies. With the amendment that we put on in committee, this makes this identical to Senate Bill 55, which passed out of this Chamber 56-0.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 174 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 174, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Trotter, on House Bill 192. Out… Senator Sieben, on House Bill 201. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 201. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sieben.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 201 amends the Wildlife Code to prohibit remote control hunting. This legislation is identical to Senate Bill 518, sponsored by Senator Cullerton, which passed here 58 to nothing. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sieben, hold on one second. We need to quiet it down a little bit. Thank you. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
Thank you. I’d ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 201 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, we have 52 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 201, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 217. Senator Sieben. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 217. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sieben.
Thank you very much, Madam President. This legislation amends the Vehicle Code. Provides that the postmark is the determining factor on whether or not the Secretary of State received the transfer of title certificate within twenty days of the vehicle sale. Supported by the IBA, the Community Bankers, and the Credit Union League. I know of no opposition and would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 217 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are -- 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 217, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your privilege.
On Senate Bill 201, I did not reach my switch in time. I would hope that the record could reflect my intention to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) The -- the record will reflect -- will reflect your intention. Thank you, Senator. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 250. Senator Hultgren, on House Bill 254. Out of the… Senator Harmon, on House Bill 260. Out of the record. Senator Link, on House Bill 263. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 272. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 272. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 272 requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to establish and 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 administer a guardsman and reservist homebuyer assistance program. Under the program, an eligible applicant may apply for a lender -- apply to a lender approved by the Authority for financial assistance in the form of a grant for a portion of the down payment on the purchase of a home. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 272 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 272, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Channel 20 News channel seeks permission to record -- video -- record the proceedings. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Continuing on page 33, we have House Bill 277. Senator Clayborne, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House -- House Bill 277. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. -- Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 277 authorizes the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to disburse payments from the Underground Storage Tank Fund to any bank, financial institution, lender, or other person 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 that provides factoring or financing to -- to an owner or operator or to a consultant of any owner or operator if the Agency has formed a priority list for payment out of the Underground Storage Tank Fund. It also provides that the Agency shall create forms for such disbursements and create parameters for participation in such a program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 277 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 277, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 290. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 290. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 290 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Allows for an income tax deduction to be taken for compensation paid for service in the National Guard of any state in the United States. Currently, that deduction can only be taken for the -- for service in the Illinois National Guard. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Any discussion? Senator Lauzen.
Thank you, Madam President. I just let the -- I would like to let the Senate know that this came out unanimously out of the Revenue Committee 8 to 0. I recommend an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 290 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 290, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 293. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 293. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 293 amends various Sections of the Vehicle Code with regard to publication of registration information, personalized and vanity license plates for small trailers, staggering registration dates, and issuing corrected titles. More of a technical cleanup bill than anything.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Bill 293 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 293, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Clayborne, on House Bill 316. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 316. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 316 provides that the appropriate sitting {sic} authority is the county board of the county or governing body of the municipality in which the facility is to be located as of the date when the application is filed for sitting approval -- for -- I’m sorry, for siting approval. The purpose of this bill is to address a reoccurring situation in which a -- a siting application is filed and a subsequent change in zoning or annexation by an adjacent local government is enacted specifically in attempt to defeat the siting application. We passed a similar bill like this out last Session 40 to 11.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, those in -- the question is, shall House Bill 316 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. I’m sorry. Senator Lauzen, do you have a question? 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
Yes, I -- I’m sorry to interrupt. Our -- our analysis -- Senator, our analysis says that what this bill would do is prevent newly created cities from forming in unincorporated county areas to oppose new landfill siting, and that Enviro -- the Environmental Council is opposed to this. I don’t know if that’s, you know, accurate and up to date, but could you shed some light on that for us?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Clayborne.
You’re -- you’re correct. Basically, what happens is if they file their application today, then that governing body would control. You couldn’t have a subsequent annexation of the property to try to defeat the application. So the siting authority would be that community that was filed at the time of the application.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 316 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 53 voting Aye, 2 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. House Bill 316, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 320. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 320. (Secretary reads title of bill) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 320 simply changes the time of acceptable deer hunting to a half hour after sunset. Current law allows hunting up to the time of sunset.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill… I’m sorry. Senator Murphy, do you have a question?
Question of the sponsor. What’s the rationale for extending it to half hour after sunset?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Currently, Senator, thirty-nine other states do this. Simply, it -- it has to deal -- deal with there’s traditionally - - there’s -- there’s plenty of light to continue hunting a half hour after sunset, so it just increases the time that a person can actually be out hunting.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Murphy.
In those -- excuse me, in those other thirty-nine states, is there any sort of study or -- or -- or indication that there are increased risks of -- of accidents in that additional half hour?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Senator Sullivan.
Not that I’m aware of.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further discussion? Senator Sieben.
Well, thank you very much, Madam President. I stand in strong support of the gentleman’s legislation. In response to the previous question, from a practical standpoint, the best deer hunting time of day is the hour before and after sunrise, the hour before and after sunset. This is when the deer are normally, you know, moving in and out of the timbers. They’re available to shoot. With the type of sights that are available today, the fiber optic type sights, they tend to gather light and make it much more effective, and I don’t think there’s any indication that there would be any increase in accidents at that time. It would probably help reduce the size of the deer herd a little bit more and improve the success rate of the -- of the hunter. So I stand in strong support and urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further discussion? Senator Garrett.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. To the bill: I’m going to vote in support of this bill, but I think it’s just another example. I did have a -- a bill that would help control the deer in northern Illinois and a lot of the guys that are going to be supportive of this bill - and I think we should be supportive of it - voted against it. And this bill allows you more options to control your deer and to continue through the hunting season. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 And I appreciate that and I think suburban legislators do as well. So as I vote for this bill, I hope when my bill comes up for reconsideration that you will also take that into mind. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator Garrett. Any further discussion? Senator Sullivan, to close.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to just say thank you to Senator Garrett for her support on this legislation. The -- the -- the -- the question with the legislation she is speaking in regards to, her legislation, actually is taking control away from the Department of Natural Resources. The Department is in support of this legislation, and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Garrett. The question is, shall House Bill 320 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 54 voting Aye, 2 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 320, having received the required -- constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, on House Bill 328. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 328. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Righter. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 328 is much like legislation that passed the Senate unanimously a little bit earlier this spring. It would add a law enforcement official to the definition of public official for -- for purposes of the crime of threatening a public official. It does have special qualifying language in it for a law enforcement officer, in recognition of some of the conflicts that law enforcement officers sometimes get themselves into. I’d be happy to answer any questions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 328 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 328, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hendon, on House Bill 335. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 335. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Hendon.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 335 allows the law enforcement bodies in -- in -- in this State to take a look at the provisions in the racial profiling traffic study so that they 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 can determine if they have a problem or not. This is supported by the State Police. I’d be happy to answer any question. I’d appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 335 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 335, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 33 towards the bottom, we have Senator Forby on House Bill 351. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 351. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Forby.
Thank you. House Bill 351 allows municipalities and counties to join together to start a co-op so they can buy power. I don’t know of any opposition to this. This -- this is for the whole State of Illinois - any cities that want to combine with each other or counties want to -- to combine with each other so they can buy power like a nonprofit organization.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any questions? Senator Righter.
20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Thank you, Madam President. Inquiry of the Chair. Could the Chair advise the Body as to the status of Floor Amendment 2? We’re not clear on whether or not it’s been adopted onto the bill or not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) I’ll give you an answer in one second. Senator Righter, Floor Amendment No. 2 has not been adopted. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President, if I might follow up. I guess we’re not -- it was our understanding the intention was that Amendment 2 would be adopted onto the bill before it was going to be -- I’m not suggesting the sponsor gave us a commitment, that was just our understanding. If that’s not the case, then -- then…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) No. Floor…
Okay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Floor Amendment No. 2 was never adopted.
Okay. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Forby, to the bill.
I -- I think I just explained the bill. Is that the cities or the counties can join together and have a co-op and have -- have their own power co-ops, what this bill does, and it’s good for the State of Illinois, the whole State. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 351 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take -- take the -- take the record. On the question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 351, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan -- I’m sorry, I’ll go right back to you. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I would just like to point out that Senator Ed Maloney, whose birthday was yesterday, I’m just very honored of the fact that he is a man of his word. We bet on the Cubs/Sox game last weekend, and he said if the Cubs were to win the series, which they did, that he would take me out for a pizza. And I just want you to know he delivered on his promise today. I have a combination pizza, Italian sausage and pepperoni, and upon my being able to get a microwave in my office, I look forward to making it and relishing in the fact that the Cubs prevailed. Thank you for living up to your end of the bargain, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) He’s a man of his word. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 362. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 362. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 362 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Clerks of Courts Act. It holds that any person who knowingly provides false information to the Secretary of State on an application for vehicle title or registration is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall not be fined less than five hundred dollars. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 362 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 362, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate -- Senator Althoff, on House Bill 369. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 369. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Madam President. House Bill 369 amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Beginning 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 January 1st, 2008, no person can sell a gift certificate or gift card that is subject to an expiration date earlier than five years or subject to a post-purchase fee. The face value of a gift certificate or a gift card may not be reduced in value earlier than five years, and the holder of a gift certificate or gift card may not be penalized in any way for nonuse or untimely redemption of the gift certificate. Be happy to answer any questions. I know of no objections to the legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 369 pass. Those voting in favor will vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 56 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 369, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With the leave of the Body, we are going to return back to page 32, the middle of the page. House Bill 192. Senator Trotter. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 192. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 192 addresses multidrug-resistant organisms. It amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act, 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Act, University of Illinois Hospital Act, the Hospital Licensing Act, and the Hospital Report Card Act to address the issue of multi-resistant organisms in health care settings. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, multidrug-resistant organisms, MDROs, including MRSA, are microorganisms, predominately bacteria, that are resistant to one or more classes of antimicrobial agents. These pathogens are generally resistant to most available antimicrobial agents. Excuse me. And prevalence to the MDROs in hospitals and medical centers has increased steadily. Patients vulnerable to this colonization of infections include those with severe disease, specifically individuals with compromised host defenses and underlying medical conditions. This bill requires hospitals to perform an annual risk assessment to ensure that the most important infection control problems are recognized and addressed. It incorporates the best practices of the medical profession. It’s endorsed by the CDC, the -- the Hospital Infection Control Practice Advisory Committee as well, and it deals with a flexible approach dealing with aggressive action and not a one-size-fits-all narrowly focused approach.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Can we please quiet it down a little bit in the Chamber? Can I please have your attention? Can you please quiet it down a little bit in the Chamber, so we can hear what the Senator is saying? Senator Pankau, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a question? 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) The sponsor indicate he will.
Senator, when this came up in committee, it was not a unanimous vote, and basically there was a -- a lot of testimony, basically about MRSA, that the experts that you had there during the testimony…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Pankau, let me interrupt you for one more second. Please, can we keep it down a little bit in this Chamber? We need to hear the discussion. Senator Pankau.
Basically, the discussion in committee, which was not unanimous, was that your expert testified that we need to address all infectious diseases, not just zero in on one particular one, mainly MRSA. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter.
That is correct, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Pankau.
And what kind of price tag did this exploration and addressing of all the viral -- of all the infectious diseases -- how much is this going to cost us?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator -- Senator Trotter.
26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 It’s -- it’s not a cost that we have to basically incur. It is one that hospitals do, and hospitals have unanimously said they would rather do a comprehensive approach in addressing these drugs -- excuse me, these infections than looking at just one, because it would be cost-prohibitive for those hospitals that are doing a good job and already doing the -- the research and -- and the infectious control issue -- addressing the infection control issues.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Pankau.
But your bill does not outline what this comprehensive approach is. You’re kind of leaving it to every hospital to do a comprehensive approach. Correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter.
That is absolutely incorrect. As a matter of fact, the… (microphone malfunction) Again, that -- that being, that is absolutely incorrect. This will be incorporating the guidelines set forth by the CDC, as well as addressing -- using the guidelines set forth by the Infectious Control Center out of Atlanta. So this is a comprehensive one, addressing and using best medical practices.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Pankau.
And you’re saying that our hospitals are not doing that now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Senator Trotter.
Just to the contrary, they are doing this now. What this is -- my bill does is expand it for those hospitals that have not kept up with, again, the -- the best practices that are out there, and includes all of those microorganisms that are causing -- that are drug-resistant. So they -- they are doing it. We’re asking that they expand their scope of services using the -- the best practices.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Pankau.
So if they are already doing it now, and your bill outlines again what they are doing now, how come we have had such an outbreak of MRSA and some of the others that are so resistant?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter.
MRSA is a very aggressive infection and it has impacted some areas, but the hospitals that have been utilizing these best practices have done a -- a wonderful job in containing that, containing that particular infectious disease. However, there are others out there who -- that are equally as aggressive, and what we’ve done with this legislation is include them to be reviewed of how fact -- or, how fast they are impacting on our hospital and our vulnerable communities out here. Not that they haven’t been doing it, but we want them to take a more aggressive look at this -- these diseases.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Senator Pankau.
To the bill, Madam President. As a person who had a bout with MRSA earlier this year, if all we’re doing is doing the same thing that we are doing right now, and basically putting in a bill what we’re doing right now, I can tell you it’s not working. I, unfortunately, with all due respect to the sponsor, urge a No vote on this and I will be voting No. I think we have other bills out there that put in place a procedure whereby we can start to reduce this. Do we need to look out for the other ones? Yes, but they haven’t shown themselves yet, and the infectious disease doctors in our hospitals around the State will be aware of it. They are already following the CDC guidelines. We need to take action on the ones that are out there now. I urge a Negative vote on this particular bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter.
With all respect to the Senator, and -- and of course we all have empathy for the -- if she had, in fact, been impacted by the disease MRSA, but that is a single disease. There are multiple diseases out there that are impacting on -- on communities throughout this State. This takes that approach, so we not only just capture what might have been at fault with yourself and in your hospital, but also looking at those other diseases that are -- are equally as bad. So this is, again, a -- not just looking at it, but it says in the next three years that a surveillance has to be done by all hospitals associated in the community. And this would be a -- an important step of understanding the 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 epidemic of not only MRSA, but the other spreading diseases as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Radogno.
…Madam President. I just want to talk a little bit about the conversation in committee and try to illuminate a little bit why this was such a spirited discussion there. There’s really nothing wrong with the bill that Senator Trotter is presenting, and in fact, it’s good that there’s a lot of attention being paid right now to nosocomial infections. They are a huge problem. MRSA is but one of those infections. Earlier this year we passed a bill out of here that dealt with MRSA only. It was a much stronger bill in terms of what hospitals actually had to do in terms of identifying that organism and treating it. This is a much more general bill. It’s not nearly as aggressive. It is not in conflict with the bill that we passed out of here regarding MRSA. The only concern about both of those bills getting to the Governor’s desk is we would want both of them to be signed. So on the one hand, we’re dealing with the broad range of nosocomial infections, but on the other hand, we’re also addressing MRSA, which is the one that’s spiraling out of control. Because of the discussion though, too, I should also let the Body know we are working on a compromise bill that will include a -- a focus on MRSA, but will allow health care facilities, if they identity other infections as being more prevalent, to focus their resources in that direction. So, while, I did vote against this in committee, I don’t think it’s a bad bill. It simply doesn’t go far enough, and I hope that we 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 don’t find it to be a replacement bill for the one we passed out of here dealing with MRSA. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in strong support of the bill. I think that Senator Trotter’s approach deserves a great deal of credit, because it acknowledges that the scope of this problem goes beyond MRSA and that -- different health care institutions and hospitals have different sets of circumstances and need that adaptability in order to effectively confront that. This is an excellent complement to a law that we passed not that long ago which establishes for hospital report cards, which will really go a great distance towards holding hospitals accountable, essentially having them look in the mirror and ask themselves, because they have to be accountable to the entire public, as to whether they are doing -- taking all the necessary steps in order to mitigate the spread of infection within their -- within their facilities. I -- I would venture to guess that there’s a lot more that hospitals could do in the area of controlling the spreading of infections that they’re not doing, without even handing us a report card. And that’s why this bill is an excellent complement, which will provide that hospitals will be able to take the necessary steps based on the circumstances that are at their facilities. So I rise in support of this and -- and I think it’s a more balanced and reasonable approach than some of the other things that we’ve seen. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any further discussion? Senator Trotter, to close. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
Just ask for an Aye vote, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) The question is, shall House Bill 192 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, we have 54 voting Aye, 3 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 192, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an introduction, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Go on ahead, Senator -- Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. We have an honored guest on the Floor with us today. Our State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has joined us. I understand he’s here to ensure that we all have our recommended daily allowance of cheesecake, as he’s hosting Cheesecake Day in his office from 1 to 3. And on behalf of Coach Hendon, I would -- encourage anyone playing softball not to over do it. But please join me in welcoming the State Treasurer to the Floor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Welcome to the Senate Chambers, Treasurer. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I rise on a point of personal privilege, please. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
First, Madam President, I want to thank the State Treasurer for coming onto the Floor to help welcome my eighth graders from Palestine Junior High School, who are up above the Democrat side over there. If they -- if the Senate could give them a warm welcome, as well as the State Treasurer, I’d appreciate it very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Will our guests please rise? Welcome to the Senate. Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you rise?
Inquiry of the Chair, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your inquiry.
Thank you. Last Thursday, there were two motions filed to discharge House Bills 1 and 3. They have apparently not been read into the record yet and they’re not on the Calendar, so I’m wondering when that will happen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Radogno, we’ll get back to you. Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise?
On a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 I would like to ask that the Senate welcome Mattie Mermall from Montessori School, Near North Montessori. She’s an eighth grader and she’s here paging with me this afternoon. Her mother works for the Cook County State’s Attorney. Some of you may know Meribeth. Please welcome Mattie.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Can we all welcome this beautiful young lady to the Senate Chamber? Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
I would like to introduce to the Senate a -- a guest -- a guest today from Aurora, Illinois. Joe Neukirch is a history teacher at West Aurora High School. He’s not only a teacher, but also a -- a -- an outstanding swim coach, and he joins us to see part of the legislation process. So, Joe Neukirch.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Can everyone please welcome him to the Senate Chamber? Senator Frerichs, for what purpose do you rise?
I rise for a point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your point.
Thank you very much. I would like to welcome a couple of folks from my district who are here today, dedicated to protecting our Second Amendment rights and are here to take part 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 in the legislation process. They are Frank Wright, Valinda Rowe and John Naese, up in the gallery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Will the guests please rise and -- and will the Senate please welcome them to Springfield? Continuing on the -- on top of the page 34. House Bill 374. Senator Link. Out of the record. House Bill 376. Senator Clayborne. Madam, read -- Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 376. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. This is an initiative of the State Treasurer. It changes requirements concerning how College Savings Pool is administered in Illinois. It limits contributions into the program based upon the IRS guidelines and -- and allows qualified out-of-state qualified tuition programs to be exempt from Illinois taxation when determining -- adjusted gross income. I would ask for your favorable support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 376 pass. Those in favor, vote Aye. Those opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, we have 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 House Bill 376, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jacobs, on House Bill 405. Out of the record. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 415. Out of the record. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 427. Out of the record. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 439. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 439. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill actually surprised me that it was necessary. It’s a very simple bill and it increases the penalty for the discharge of a firearm from a motor vehicle to a Class 3 felony from a Class 4 felony. We hear a lot about drive-by shootings and it’s the method of choice, especially among street gang members…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Dillard, can you please hold a moment? I’ve been asking very patiently here. We cannot hear what Senator Dillard is saying. Can we please quiet it down a little bit, please? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. Must have a good bill, a lot of people are up here wanting to get on as hyphenated cosponsors. Remarkably there was not an enhanced penalty for drive-by 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 shootings in the Illinois statutes. This bill would take the penalty up one notch in the felony system for discharging a firearm from automobiles. And we obviously know that the gangbangers’ method of choice for spraying death and destruction among parts of our communities is often the drive-by shooting. So I urge this change in the law and we need to have an enhanced penalty for anybody who discharges a firearm from a vehicle. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 439 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there is 47 -- I’m sorry, 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 439, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link, on House Bill 497. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senator Righter, on House Bill 539. Can you -- Senator Righter, one second. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. While we have one of Madigan’s mushrooms on the Senate Floor -- one of Madigan’s mushrooms is standing right here, “Fritchey Fries”, who is over here talking stuff, that the “S” on our hat meant second place. So it’d be a good time to announce that tonight, at 5:30, we will show Madigan’s mushrooms that we are the upper Chamber, the House of Lords. We will defeat the House today in Lincoln Park in our annual softball team {sic}, or I will walk across the other side and kiss Madigan’s mushroom’s butt on the House Floor. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator Hendon. Okay. Senator Righter, on House Bill 539. Do you wish to proceed?
I do, Madam. Inquiry. Could I make an inquiry of the Chair first? Does -- does the Chair have the ability from where you’re at to adjust the volume on some of the microphones here in the Chamber?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) I’m sorry, I did not hear your question.
Can you turn mine up and turn one those on the other side down a little bit? Thank you. Yes, ma’am, I’m ready to proceed when you are.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 539. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 539 is a simple change to the Uniform Peace Officers’ Disciplinary Act. Specifically, it would amend the definition of “officer” to include Secretary of State sergeants, lieutenants, commanders, and investigator trainees. I’ll be happy to answer any questions. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 539 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 539, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Delgado, on House Bill 570. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 570. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. On Senate Bill -- or, House Bill 570 is subject to appropriations. We discussed it yesterday. The bill calls for the Department on Aging to create a program specifically designed to ensure the availability of congregate and home-delivered meals in communities with populations under five thousand residents. The Department may enter into agreements with the Area Agencies on Aging, which will then work with local entities such as restaurants, cafes, churches, nursing homes, et cetera to provide nutrition -- nutrition providers, among others, to ensure underserved seniors have access to meals. And I would ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 570 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 570, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, on House Bill 576. Out of the record. Senator Clayborne, on House Bill 617. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 652. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 652. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Cullerton.
Yes, thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill is supported by the Department of Aging and AARP. It amends the Illinois Act on Aging by creating the Community Care Program, which is intended to prevent the unnecessary institutionalization of people over sixty, as well as people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. It would -- without -- the Department of Aging tells me that this is without any additional funding that new services can be provided under the bill, such as personal assistant services, more flexible senior services. And this is because of the flexibility changes, and as a result, it would not require any more -- more State dollars. It also provides that the Department of Aging shall require as a 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 condition of eligibility to receive the services that they must apply for medical assistance under the Public Aid Code. It’s been worked out with -- so that there’s no opponents. I think it’s a very good idea and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 652 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 652, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Demuzio, on House Bill 670. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 670. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Demuzio.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. House Bill 670 amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act regarding the Illinois Service master -- Servicemember Task Force. The Task Force is to be created within the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Task Force is to investigate reentry into civilian life for service members who have been engaged in an active theater. The investigation is to include the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness, disabilities, and other issues the Task Force finds -- relevant to the reentry process. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 670 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 670, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Moving to the top of page 35, we have House Bill 703. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senator Forby, on House Bill 734. Out of the record. Senator Link, on House Bill 743. Out of the record. Senator Cronin, on House Bill 792. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 792. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Cronin.
Thank you very much, Madam President. House Bill 792 is an initiative of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and it seeks to provide annual financial reports to follow generally accepted accounting principles instead of a special system. I’m happy to answer any questions. This is a good government initiative. It passed unanimously in the House, and I know of no opposition. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Bill 792 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is now open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On the question, there are 57 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 792, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wilhelmi, on House Bill 804. Out of the record. Senator DeLeo, on House Bill 811. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on House Bill 822. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on 824. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on House Bill 828. Out of the record. Senator Cullerton, on House Bill 830. Out of the record. Senator Link, on House Bill 841. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 841. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Madam Secretary, excuse me, but the -- Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 841 to the Order of 2nd Reading for the purpose of an amendment. Hearing no objection, leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 841. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. This just clarifies the current 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 law. Be more than happy to explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Is there any -- any discussion? Seeing none, Senator Link moves the adoption of Amendment 2 to House Bill 841. All those - - all those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 3rd Reading. Now on -- the Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Antechamber. Rules Committee immediately. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chairman -- Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 822; refer to Education Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 847, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 38, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1330 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1648; refer to Environment and Energy Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1011; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 2 {sic} (1) to Senate Bill 890, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1042, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1670; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 497; refer to Human Services Committee - a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 6, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 773, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 734, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 982, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1628 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1775; refer to Insurance Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 873; refer to Judiciary-Civil Law Committee - Floor Amendment No. 6 to House Bill 830 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 3627; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 88, Motion to Concur with House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 300, Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 100, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1013, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1014, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1023, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1080, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1517 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3512; refer to -- Labor Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1855, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 834 and Floor Amendment No. 5 to Senate Bill 1314; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment -- House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 214 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1406; refer to Local Government Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendments -- House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 249, Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 263, Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 305, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 883 {sic} (833), Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 835, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 4, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 405, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 876, and Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to House Bill 1542; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 and 4 to Senate Bill 377 and Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 804; refer to Public Health 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 928, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 929 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 941; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to Senate Bill 17, Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 775, Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 797, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1519 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3091; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 148, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 743, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1384, Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 3490 and Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3618; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment No. -- Floor Amendments No. 2 and 3 to Senate Bill -- 1173, Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 133 and Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1499. Senator Debbie -- Debbie Halvorson, Chairman. May 23rd, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Madam Secretary. Senator Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purposes of two announcements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State the two announcements, please.
The Judiciary Committee-Civil Law will meet at 1 o’clock in Room 212. And tomorrow at noon, the -- as Senator Haine would pronounce it, the Insurance Committee will meet at noon - at 12 o’clock.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you rise? 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
Thank you, Madam President. For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State your announcement.
Thank you. The Public Health Committee will meet at 1 o’clock in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise?
On the point of an announcement. Local Government will meet at 1 o’clock in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Majority Leader Halvorson.
Thank you, Madam President. I have an announcement. The Executive Committee will meet tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, 10:30.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Sullivan, what purpose do you rise?
For an announcement. The Ag and Conservation Committee will meet at 3:30 in Room 409. That’s today at 3:30 in 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator -- Ronen, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State your announcement. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
The Licensed Activities Committee will meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 11:30. 11:30, Thursday, Licensed Activities.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
For point of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State your announcement.
Environment and Energy will meet today at 3:30 in Room 212. Again, at 3:30 in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Meeks, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Chairman. Inquiry of the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) State your inquiry.
Is there a place to hide from Senator Hendon if you really don’t want to play in the game?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) No, there is no hiding.
All right. Well, then, the Human Services Committee will meet today at 5:30 during the time of the game. Human Services will meet today at 3:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Human Services will meet at 3:30. Thank you, Senator Meeks. 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, thank you, Madam President. Purpose of two announcements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state the two announcements.
Yes, tomorrow, Thursday, State Government and Veterans Affairs will meet at 10:30 in Room 409. And also on Thursday at 11:30, Education will be meeting in 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator Demuzio. Senator Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you rise?
For an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee will meet today at 2 p.m. in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Madam President, for the purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Committee on Pensions and Investment will meet today at 3 o’clock in Room 400. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Revenue Committee will meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 10:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you, Senator. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Financial Institutions Committee will meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 12:15 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Bond, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Transportation Committee will meet today at 2 p.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 44th Legislative Day 5/23/2007 Thank you. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Labor will meet Thursday at 11:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. For purposes of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Thank you, Madam President. The Senate Republicans would request an immediate caucus in Senator Watson’s Office for forty- five minutes please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) For forty-five minutes. That request is always -- is always in order. Can I have your attention? The Republicans will be caucusing for forty-five minutes. The committees will start on time at 1 o’clock as the indicated time. Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12:30, tomorrow, May 24th, 2007. The Senate stands adjourned. 51