PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 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 gallery please rise? The invocation today will be given my Pastor Michael Keppler, Springfield Southern Baptist Church, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Michael Keppler)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Remain -- remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, May 24th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter moves the approve -- the approval of the -- the Journal just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 218, offered by Senator Bond and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Members. It’s a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Madam Secretary, Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Joint Resolution 59, offered by Senator Maloney. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) There will be a Rules Committee meeting immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Rules Committee meeting in the President’s Anteroom immediately. There will be a Rules Committee meeting immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Rules Committee meeting immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chair -- Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Appropriations II Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1132; refer to Commerce and Economic Development Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 783; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 617; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 254; refer to Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3588; and refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1519. Senator Debbie Halvorson, Chairman. May 25th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) For the purposes of an announcement: All committees that were reported on the Calendar today will be ninety minutes later 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 than posted on the Calendar - ninety minutes later than was posted. Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise?
Just to clarify that announcement that you just made. The Local Government will be meeting at 11:30 in Room 409, and also Human Services will be meeting in Room 400 at 12 o’clock.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. I just -- I’m just curious as to why we have to delay the committee hearings by ninety minutes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) I think that will be clarified in a very short time. Senator Watson.
Thank -- yes, thank you. Would it have anything to do with the fact that it’s 10:30 now and we were supposed to start at 9 o’clock? I mean, we were all here at 9 o’clock. I’m not sure what the problem is of getting this thing going, getting started. Pretty much a lack of organization, I would say, in the part of the Majority here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Dahl, for what purpose do you…
Personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 I have with me today four young gentlemen from the LaSalle/Peru area. Christopher Sampson, Jake Fries -- Fries, excuse me, Alex Somolski and Luke Hartauer. And up in the galley {sic}, we have a couple of their parents, Mary Fries and Kevin Sampson. Give ‘em a round of applause if you would.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Will our guests rise and will they be welcomed to the Illinois Senate? Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Announcement, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
Appropriations II will be meeting at 1 o’clock. I would assume we’re meeting in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of an announcement. Executive Committee will meet at 12:15 in 212. And -- and…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Yes, at 12:15, State Government and Veterans Affairs has been scheduled. And at 12:45, I believe -- 12:45, Education will be meeting today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of announcing that the Senate Revenue Committee will meet today at 12:15 p.m. in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you rise?
For purpose of an announcement, Mr. President. We -- like to announce that the Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee will be meeting today at 11:45 in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Just another announcement. Commerce and Economic Development will meet at 1:15.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. person {sic} (President). A point of personal… I’d just like to say that I have the greatest respect for the Senate Minority Leader Senator Watson, but when he announced everybody was here at 9 o’clock, Senator Hultgren and I were the only two people here at 9 o’clock this morning.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Radogno, for what purpose do you rise? 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007
Point of personal privilege and an announcement. Senator Millner…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State -- state your point.
Senator Millner will not be here. He’s at home with a family situation. And secondly, I wanted to bring attention to the fact that since we will not be in this Sunday, we will not be here to celebrate Dan Rutherford’s birthday. So perhaps we can all wish him a -- a happy birthday today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Happy birthday, Senator Rutherford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I have a question of Senator Rutherford. Since it’s his birthday, I would like to acknowledge that perhaps maybe the Chamber should think about having a license plate in his honor, and put the date on.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Rutherford, happy birthday. What purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. To respond to Senator Demuzio’s pleasurable opportunity. What I would suggest perhaps we do is have a universal birthday/charitable plate and then we can have it for every one of us when our birthday comes up -- instead of a special one just for me. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. This is to clarify basically why we’re going to be a little bit late in our starting of our committees. I will be asking for a Democratic Caucus…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Listen.
…in the President’s Office immediately.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you -- I’m sorry. I’ll go right back to you, Senator Righter. Senator Link.
The caucus will last approximately one-half hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to request a Senate Republican Caucus immediately in Senator Watson’s Office, duration approximately one-half hour, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Can I have your attention? Let’s be very clear that after the caucuses, the committees will begin to meet right after the caucus meetings, starting at 11:30. The Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. We will come back to the Senate Chamber for Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senate will come to order. Will all Members please come to the Senate Chambers? Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Crotty, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 4 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Wilhelmi, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary- Criminal Law, reports Senate Amendment -- No. 1 to House Bill 50 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3588 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Clayborne, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports Senate Amendments 2 and 3 to House Bill 828 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Meeks, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 254 and Senate Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 1775 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Silverstein, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 11 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 617 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 17 and Senate Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1519 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports a Motion to Concur in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 148 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Lightford, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Senate Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1647 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Schoenberg, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations II, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1132 recommend Do Adopt. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 873 and Senate Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1319 recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, reports Senate Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 783 and Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1259 recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Communications.
A letter dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Jacqueline Collins to temporarily replace Senator Kimberly Lightford as a member of the Senate Revenue Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. A letter dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Jacqueline Collins to temporarily replace Senator Kimberly Lightford as a member of the Senate Public Health Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. A letter dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ira Silverstein to resume his position on 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 the Senate Executive Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. A letter dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ira Silverstein to resume his position on the Senate Judiciary-Civil Law Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. A letter dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ira Silverstein to resume his position on the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. A letter dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ira Silverstein to resume his position on the Senate Licensed Activities Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., -- Senate President. A letter dated May 24th, 2007. Dear Secretary Shipley - Pursuant to Rule 3-2, I am making the following changes to the Minority membership of the following standing committees of the Senate: Judiciary-Criminal Law: Senator Kirk Dillard shall replace Senator John Millner as Minority Spokesperson. Judiciary-Criminal Law: Senator Randall Hultgren shall replace Senator John Millner as a member. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 These changes shall take effect immediately. Sincerely, Frank Watson, Senate Republican Leader.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 219, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. It’s a death resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 220, offered by Senator Crotty. It’s substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be going to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, picking up where we left off yesterday. Will all Members please come to the Senate Chambers? Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
For the purpose of a personal announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) State your point.
I am here. I want everyone here to welcome a great school in my district with a great assistant principal, Principal Jimenez, and the beautiful class of the future 2008, school -- Bateman School from the 20th District. Would you please rise and be welcomed by all my colleagues here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Will our guests in the galleries please rise? Welcome to Springfield. We will be going through House Bills 3rd Reading for the last time, so everybody be ready when it comes to your bill. Okay, our first bill, starting from where we left off on page 33, is House Bill 975. Senator Dillard. Senator Maloney, on House Bill 982. Oh! I’m sorry. Senator Dillard wishes to call House Bill 975. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 975. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. I’ll start us off here. This amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act and requires the Prisoner Review Board to inform the victim or any other concerned citizen, upon their written request, of a prisoner’s release on international transfer or exchange. I believe this is an initiative of Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine, and I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 975 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 975, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Maloney, on House Bill 982. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 982. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 982 requires the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Service to report to the General Assembly and the Governor regarding services to children with developmental disabilities, mental illness or severe emotional disorders. There’s a second part of the bill which would survey participants. That -- that part of the bill would be subject to appropriation. The purpose of this is to -- to see what extent children with these disabilities and illnesses can be better served in a less restrictive community home-based setting. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 982 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 982, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Dillard, on House Bill 991. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 House Bill 991. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam President. I took over sponsorship of this yesterday from Senator Millner, whom I think we all know is out because of an illness with -- with his spouse. But this bill also came from Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine. It’s intended to help cold cases or identifying missing cases. It deals with how blood and buccal specimens are taken. It’s not controversial, and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 991 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, 1 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 991, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bond, on House Bill 1011. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1011. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Bond.
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Thank you, Madam President. This is the net metering bill. It’s similar to the Senate bill we passed. And I believe we’ve put the -- the final amendment on this and we can send this bill back to the House. Ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1011 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 1011, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, on 1019. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1019. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam. The -- the original bill -- the language in the original bill is the same as it was. The amendment, which has been adopted, now becomes the bill; sets some standards for testing for E. coli in the slaughtering of animals in the State. This is based on the recommendations of a joint House/Senate Meat and Poultry Task Force. It also adds the definition of “contaminated” to the Act. And the -- it also grants the Department of Ag the authority to quarantine animals. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1019 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 1019, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Cullerton, on 1050. Senator -- we’ll -- with leave of the Body, we’ll return to 1074. Senator Sandoval, on 1080. Madam Secretary, read the bill. Senator Sandoval seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill -- no. The amendment has been adopted. I apologize. The bill is on 3rd Reading. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1080. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill -- 1080 amends the Vehicle Code/Juvenile Act as it relates to juvenile driving privileges for gang-related offenses. As a result of -- one of the gravest issues -- afflicting many communities throughout the State of Illinois, like in Decatur and Peoria and on the southwest side of Chicago, has been drive-by shootings by a number of people who are involved with gangs. This bill revokes the drivers’ licenses of people who have been - 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 - of gangbangers and people involved in criminal activity with the use of driving a vehicle. I’d ask your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1080 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 1080, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Munoz, on 1100. Senator Delgado, on 1259. Madam Secretary, read the bill. Oh! Senator Delgado seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1259 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 1259. Madam Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Delgado.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Delgado, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1259 retains the underlying bill, making changes to the Section establishing community revitalization board. Floor Amendment No. 1 allows the board to be comprised of up to eighteen members representing vital community interests. It also staggers the initial appointment terms. One-third will serve two years, one-third will serve three, and one-third will serve four. After that initial 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 appointment, new appointees or reappointed members will serve five-year terms. This amendment also makes technical changes and this was in response to committee members and their concerns, and now I believe we have a consensus piece.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Delgado moves the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1259. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 1259. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1259. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. I would just ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1259 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 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 1259, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Ronen, on 1284. Senator Clayborne, on 1292. Senator Clayborne, on 1292. Top of page 34. Senator Harmon, on 1319. Senator Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1319 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 1319. Madam Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The amendment is a technical amendment. It corrects a typographical error in the bill. I’d ask that it be adopted and we can discuss it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Harmon moves the adoption of Amendment No. 3 to House Bill 1319. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 1319. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1319. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1319, as amended, codifies the longstanding custom in Illinois that the party paying for title insurance is able to choose the provider. There’s been some debate among the title insurance industry as to whether or not this is the best way to achieve the -- an objective that all agree is a good objective. I’d like to -- pass the bill. If we find over the summer that there are better ways to do it, I’d be happy to revisit it, but I’d ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1319 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 53 Yeas, none voting Nay, 2 voting Present. And House Bill 1319, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared -- passed. Senator Martinez, on 1330. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1330. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. The amendment that I had adopted yesterday adds the Minority Leader in the Senate and the Minority Leader in the House of Representative shall appoint a -- appoint members to the task force. The bill requires the State Board of Education to convene a task force to help develop policies, procedures and protocol for addressing the educational and related needs of children and youth who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence. This bill, as amended, also requires in- service training once every two years to cover topics related to dealing with the needs of such youth.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1330 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 1330, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Kotowski, on 1384. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1384. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1384 creates the Agency Energy Efficiency Act and determines a goal for all executive branch State agencies to reduce energy use in State facilities by ten percent within ten years after the -- effective date of this Act by working with Central Management Services. The bill outlines the responsibilities of CMS and executive branch State agencies according to the new Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1384 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 1384, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, on 1406. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1406. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1406 is an initiative of the Department of 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Financial and Professional Regulation. It’s a -- a cleanup amendment to the Auction License Act with respect to license expiration dates and renewals and continuing education. I’m not aware of any opposition, and I’d ask for your Aye votes.
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. I was just kind of curious as to where Senator Sullivan stands on this particular piece of legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1406 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 Present. And House Bill 1406, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Wilhelmi, on 1491. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1491. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Wilhelmi.
23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1491 is a bill that allows a county board to determine and declare by ordinance a reduction in the maximum speed limit at any place or along any part or zone of a county highway whenever the county board, in its discretion and if there is an engineering study preformed by the county engineer, determines that the reduction in the maximum -- speed limit is reasonable and safe. This bill results from a -- a tragic situation at Laraway Road in New Lenox, Will County, Illinois, where a young girl, age ten, was killed in February on that stretch of road; where another young lady -- a young girl, fourteen-year-old, was hit on this stretch of road. The County of Will, along with the local municipalities in New Lenox, in Mokena and Frankfort, they feel this is very important to be able to let the counties do this. Now they’re going to have a study. They have to have a study performed. But they -- they need the discretion to reduce the speed limit. It’s only a reduction in the speed limit. I want to thank Senator Risinger who’s met with me on this issue. I want to thank him for his efforts and for his input. We’re going to continue to have discussions over the summer with Representative Kosel, and we’ll make sure that we work out the kinks and make sure that this is a good bill, and that we’re doing the right thing for the people of the State of Illinois and of Will County. I’d be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1491 pass. Those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 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 1491, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bomke, on 1499. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1499. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I explained yesterday the Floor Amendment 2 and, just briefly, contains provisions which were in Senate Bill 393, which passed the Senate 56 to 0. It was requested by the University of Illinois. I explained that yesterday. The underlining {sic} bill, House Bill 1499, amends the Vehicle Code. Provides that it shall not be unlawful for any person to drive an all-terrain vehicle upon any county or township road for the purpose of conducting farming operations to and from home, farm, farm buildings, and any adjacent or nearby farmland. Be happy to address any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1499 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, 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 none voting Present. And House Bill 1499, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Watson, on House Bill 1514. Senator Cullerton, on 1517. Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1517 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 1517. Madam Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. The amendment is an attempt at a compromise by changing the effective date of this bill by -- by adding six months to the effective date of this bill. Move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Cullerton moves the adoption of Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1517. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 1517. Madam Secretary, read the bill. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007
House Bill 1517. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill amends the Juvenile Court Act by raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Illinois by one year, from the youth’s seventeenth to the eighteenth birthday, but it is for misdemeanor offenses only. That is, it represents a compromise from past pieces of legislation. We’ve actually passed a bill out of the Senate, but it did not pass the House, that raised it for all felonies as well. This is a -- as a result, a compromise. We have also acknowledged that there could be minimal fiscal impact, and so as a result, we’ve postponed the effective date of the bill till July of next year. There are thirty-eight other states that the have age of juvenile jurisdiction to be eighteen. We, in most legal matters -- just about every legal matter you can think of, the -- you are -- the age of majority is eighteen. It is consistent to keep it at eighteen for misdemeanors as well. There are benefits to having juvenile court jurisdiction. There is more treatment for a seventeen-year-old youth so that that person doesn’t go out and commit another crime. We found out from meetings with the State’s attorneys that, quite frankly, when a seventeen-year-old is tried as an adult, that they’re the low man on the -- totem pole, they’re frequently dismissed, and they’re walking the streets. If they’re treated as a juvenile, 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 they actually could even be -- in some cases, even be incarcerated, if that’s what’s appropriate, but so -- so much more services are provided to that juvenile to make sure that they’re not a recidivist. So, there’s been some county boards that have been concerned about the cost, because it is indeed the county boards that have to pay for this. I have indicated to them that, first of all, it is so minimal. If -- if any county has a concern, it might legitimately be Cook, and we could certainly look, in the future, to -- as we see that we’re saving State dollars by not having people go to the criminal court -- I’m sorry, the -- the Department of Corrections, that perhaps we can assist the counties with some extra money. But for now, it’s the right thing to do. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) There any discussion? Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. I’m rising in support of this legislation. I think what Senator Cullerton and the juvenile justice groups want to do makes very much sense. But I want to warn the Membership that there are a number of groups that are opposed to this bill, although I’ll let Senator Cullerton explain. And I think most of their concerns might be fiscal rather than philosophical in their nature. But on my side of the aisle, I want everybody -- you can look at the proponent and opponent list on your own. But we’ve passed this bill before. It makes sense and I think most of the opposition, and Senator Cullerton can correct me if I’m wrong, is probably directed not at philosophy, but just at -- at the -- the plain and simple today’s cost, not looking at the total cost, ‘cause this bill 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 will clearly save society and taxpayers a lot of money, let alone save lives over time. But I just want people to understand and not be surprised that there are opponents to this bill. But nonetheless we’ve seen this bill before. Senator Cullerton has put in an immense amount of work on it, and I plan on voting Yes. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Madam President. I, too, rise in strong support of this bill. I -- I -- I think the point that Senator Cullerton brought out with regards to these services that one gets in the juvenile system as opposed to in adult -- in the adult system. If a -- if a seventeen-year-old is charged with a misdemeanor and treated as an adult, there are no services to reduce the recidivism of that -- particular individual versus if that young person, who is likely to be a high schooler - a high school senior or a junior - is treated as a juvenile as they should be, they will get the appropriate services, and I think this is just common-sense legislation. And as Senator Dillard pointed out, the opponents to this bill are opponents strictly on a fiscal argument and they cannot really substantiate that there’s going to be a significant fiscal cost to this at -- at all. So I -- I think we should do the common-sense thing and support this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Righter.
Thank -- thank you, Madam President. To the bill, please. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. I hope that at -- at least a few of you have had the opportunity to check back home with the folks that not only send you here, but the people who do the work on the frontlines with regards to law enforcement. I have done that. I know a number of my colleagues have done that as well, and what I’ve heard from back home as -- is that while they appreciate the sentiments that -- that drive this bill, they’re nevertheless opposed to that. The law enforcement entities that I talked to back home are faced with increasing degrees of violent crime and crime overall by people in younger ages. They do not believe that the answer to that lies in House Bill 1517, nor do I. I would encourage you also to check the list of those law enforcement groups that remain opposed to this legislation. For those reasons, I will be voting No. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Any further discussion? Senator Cullerton, to close.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. Just to make one final point. If a -- a seventeen-year-old -- under this bill, if a seventeen-year-old is charged as a juvenile, even if it’s only a misdemeanor, if the State’s attorney wishes to have them tried as an adult, they simply have to ask the court and convince the court to have them tried as an adult. So, this -- this is not going to be applied if there’s a serious misdemeanor that is something that the State’s attorneys are very, very concerned about. It they want to try them as an adult, they simply have to ask the court and they’ll do so. Now, this is -- this is a compromise. This is only misdemeanors. Thirty-eight states have 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 it for everything. We should join them. Please vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any -- question is, shall House Bill 1517 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 36 Yeas, 19 Nays, 0 voting Present. And House Bill 1517, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we will be turning to page 27, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. 1132. Senator Hunter seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1132 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 Senate Bill 1132. Madam Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Trotter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Trotter, to explain your amendment.
Thank you very much, Madam President, Members of the Senate. For those -- if I can get your attention. This is a supplemental -- a supplemental request. This is our -- and it represents our third attempt to pay some of our -- and address our financial responsibilities…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Excuse me, Senator Trotter. Excuse me. We cannot hear Senator Trotter explain a very important bill. Please keep it down. Senator Trotter. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007
…very -- thank you very much. Senate Amendment No. 2 appropriates 1.2 billion dollars to three agencies. This is, again, our third attempt to address some of our financial responsibilities to the Court of Claims, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Military Affairs. Specifically, it appropriates 7.7 million dollars from GRF to pay for twenty-eight military line-of-duty awards to the families of soldiers killed in the line of duty. To the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, it appropriates 1.2 billion dollars, which basically is the authorization to include for the Hospital Provider Fund for payments to hospitals under the hospital assessment of FY’07. And thirdly, it appropriates forty-five thousand dollars to the Department of Military Affairs in their commodities line. If there’s any questions, I’m certainly willing to respond.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Trotter moves the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1132. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Madam Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1132. Madam Secretary, read the bill.
32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Senate Bill 1132. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Madam Chair -- Madam President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. As Senator Trotter indicated, this amendment includes 1.2 billion dollars for three agencies, for the purposes of including payments of line-of-duty awards, the additional appropriation authority needed to make payments for the Hospital Assessment Program, and monies to purchase the Abraham Lincoln Medal of Freedom medals for Illinois Air -- Army and Air National Guard members that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. So there’s a total of 7.7 million dollars. It’s -- it’s -- it’s from the -- the GFR {sic} (GRF) funding, and I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any discussion? Senator Radogno.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. It’s great to be able to rise in support of something. I just want to point out to the Body that we can enthusiastically support good ideas that come forth from that side, and this is truly a good idea. The only downside here, it’s too bad our hospitals have had to wait two and a half months to -- in order to finally get their money. It’s right that we’re doing it right now. That’s a good thing. And secondly, it’s very appropriate that we’re voting on this today, right before our Memorial Day weekend, in order to make good on 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 our commitment to military families, those that have lost their lives in war, as well as the recognition program that the Department of Veterans Affairs has. So, I am urging everyone to vote Yes. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1132 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 Senate Bill 1132, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 221, offered by Senator Silverstein and all Members. It’s a death resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, thank you very much, Madam President. First of all, I want to wish everybody a -- happy Memorial Day and -- opportunity to get home. It will be good for all of us. But I would like to have a very short Republican Caucus in my office upon adjournment. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) That is always in order, Senator Watson, upon adjournment. Senator Jones. Senator Emil Jones, for what purpose do you rise? 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 222, offered by Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads SR No. 222)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Senator Jones moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Resolution 222. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Jones.
Yes, thank you, Madam President. We are very fortunate to have a person by the name of Joe Dominguez - I can’t pronounce his middle name - with the qualifications to fill the Sergeant- at- -- at-Arms post. Prior to coming to us, Joe was a Deputy Sheriff and Honor Guard Coordinator with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. During the time with the Sheriff Office, he received two medals of valor for his heroic deeds and exceptional meritorious conduct. He also received a unit citation award and numerous letters of appreciation. And Joe served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to the year 2002. He was a marksman -- instructor. That means he’d know how to shoot. Remember that, Frank. An engineer equipment operator. And again, received numerous awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. I hope you -- you will all join me in welcoming Joe to the Illinois Senate, and I believe he is a great addition to this great Body.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Welcome, Joe, to the Senate. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 222 be adopted. All those will say Aye. Opposed, 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Nay. The Ayes -- oh, it’s a roll call. All those who -- so the question is, shall -- Senate Resolution 222 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. The resolution is adopted. Madam Secretary, Communications.
A letter dated -- dated May 25th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to the provisions of Senate Rule 2-10, I hereby establish May 31st, 2007, as the 3rd Reading deadline for the following category of Legislative Measures: Category: All House Bills on the Order of 3rd Reading on the May 25th, 2007 Senate Calendar. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Madam Secretary, Messages.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mahoney, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 68. (Secretary reads HJR No. 68) Adopted by the House, May 25th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 Senator Link moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 68. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Link moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 68. All those in favor will say Aye. All opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, -- Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. Senator Watson, for what purpose do you rise?
Once again, thank you, Madam President. I think we should recognize Tracey Sidles back here, who has been our Sergeant-at- Arms and sort of Acting Sergeant-at-Arms while we’ve been searching for a replacement. And certainly want to wish Joe Dominguez good future and we will enjoy working with him. But I want to -- I think Tracey’s done a fantastic job…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) We all want to thank Tracey.
37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/25/2007 …and we ought to recognize that. Tracey Sidles.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HALVORSON) Tracey has done a great job for all of us while we were searching for a replacement. Thank you very much, Tracey. We all truly, really appreciate all your hard work. Pursuant to House Joint Resolution 68, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 4 p.m. on Monday, May 28th, 2007. The Senate stands adjourned. 38