PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The regular Session of the 95th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Reverend Fred Prince, First Church of the Nazarene, Springfield, Illinois. Reverend Prince.
(Prayer by the Reverend Fred Prince)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Maloney.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, June 7th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journal just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. Will all the Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We’re going to go to substantial Senate action. Would all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Floor? Would all administrative assistants please send your Senator to the Senate Floor? Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 243, offered by Senator Raoul and all Members. Senate Resolution 244, offered by Senator Dillard and all Members. Senate Resolution 245, offered by Senator Forby and all Members. Senate Resolution 246, offered by Senator Clayborne and all Members. Senate Resolutions 247 through 250, offered by Senator Demuzio and all Members. And Senate Resolution 251, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. They’re all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Joint Resolution 64, offered by Senator Luechtefeld. And Senate Joint Resolution 65, offered by Senator Clayborne. They’re substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 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 concurred with the Senate in the 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1305, together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1305. Passed the House, as amended, June 14th, 2007. We’ve received like Messages on Senate Bill 1523, with House Amendments 1, 3, and 4. Passed the House, as amended, June 14th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. 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 31. Offered by Senator Kotowski and adopted by the House, June 5th, 2007. We’ve received like Messages on House Joint Resolution 65, offered by Senator John O. Jones and adopted by the House, June 7th, 2007; and House Joint Resolution 70, offered by Senator Millner and adopted by the House, June 7th, 2070 -- 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. They’re all substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you seek recognition, Senator?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I know that for all of you who are in the Capital this summer, if you’ve had -- not had an opportunity to visit the State Museum, I would invite you to do so. You would be surprised to go through the free display - the climatic changes of Illinois over five hundred million years. And I think you’d be surprised that after the Ice Age, we went into a period of millions of years when Illinois did not get below thirty-two degrees, and we are now back in an Ice Age again. But you would find it extremely interesting. And I would encourage you - it’s just to the south of the Capitol - to take the time to go through the free display of the State Museum. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Thank you, Senator. Because of the nature of the House deciding not to do anything, we will have a lot of free time on our hands. So, if you have some other luxury places and wonderful things we can do while we’re here in Springfield, by all means, please let us know, because I’m certainly running out of things to do. Senator Cronin, for what purpose do you seek recognition, my friend?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
Well, my colleague’s remarks about the Ice Age sort of motivates me to make in inquiry, if I may. I know this is 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 overtime Session and we all, who have been around here for a while, understand what it’s about, but if there’s any intent to run this place professionally or in some semblance of business- like manner, would you kindly consider a modicum of courtesy and give us some kind of a schedule? People have, you know, families and business. And, you know, I know what we’re doing down here is very, very important, but I think if you want to be more professional and business-like, and gain the faith and trust of the public, a schedule would be a first -- would be a good first step.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Cronin, I certainly cannot argue with you. I have my son home from school. I would love to be with him also. A schedule would be a wonderful thing. Right now, I can tell you we will be here today. That is your schedule. Will all Members under the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? We’re going to go to Concurrences. We are going to go to Concurrences. If you want your bill called, you need to be on the Senate Floor. Please turn your Calendar to page 35. Will all Senators come to the Senate Floor? It is my intention, as Presiding Officer, to call these motions that are on Concurrences very, very soon. If you want your motion called, you need to be on the Senate Floor. This is your final warning. Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Assembly. I would like to introduce to you two Pages today. One of -- the gentleman is Cody Kay from Carlinville. It’s his first time to be here. And a special thank you to my granddaughter, Brooke, 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 who is here also paging today. So -- I would appreciate you giving them a warm welcome. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Welcome. Will all Senators under the sound of my voice come to the Senate Floor? Page 35 on your Senate Calendar. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senate Bill 34. Senator Sieben. Senate Bill 153. Senator Sieben. 153, on matter of concurrence. Out of the record. Senate Bill 234. 234. Senator Righter. 234. Out of the record. Senate Bill 434. Senator DeLeo. 434. Madam -- Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 434. Signed, Senator James DeLeo.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator DeLeo. SENATOR DeLEO: Thank you very, very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. And I hate -- I -- as I mentioned in the committee room the other day, I really -- I apologize to the Members of this Chamber. We’ve done this bill about seventeen times. This is the Dunning property bill. It passed out of here two years ago. It passed out of here a few months ago. It went over to the House. The only difference in this bill that we passed is that we’re deeding this property to the City of Chicago. We’re taking it back from that deal that they made fifteen years ago with the Alter Group, that it never became a technical park. We’re giving it to the City of Chicago, back for 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 a dollar. As I’ve -- we discussed, it’s only for public use. There’s a reverter clause. If it’s not used for public use, it goes back. The only difference in this wording: It was the City of Chicago and/or the Chicago Park District. This bill just says the City of Chicago. I ask to concur in Amendment No. 1 -- to House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 434, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: I would just like to thank the sponsor for all of his hard work. This did come through our committee. As the Minority Spokesperson, I would also urge this side vote Yea. And I’m glad to see that we do have some land conveyances. There are some others that are coming forward that we’d also like to see some support for. So I would urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) This is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 434. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 434. And the bill, having received the constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 531. Senator Dillard. 531. Senator -- Dillard. 531. Out of the record. Oop! No. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 531. Signed by Senator Kirk Dillard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. I’m -- I’m going to move to concur in the House amendment. What the House did is they added three words on how somebody can close out an estate that’s worth less than one hundred thousand dollars. They added three words. That’s what their amendment does. They’re -- it’s a good addition. It makes sure that all of the people who would have taken under a trust that would be closed out approve of what’s going on. So three word changes that tightens up the bill, and I would recommend, Mr. President, we concur.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? This is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 531. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 531. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 597. Senator Harmon. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Amendments 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 597. Filed by Senator Don Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The underlying bill, Senate Bill 597, creates the National Guard Veterans Exposure to Hazardous Materials Act to deal with the risk of -- posed by exposure to depleted uranium and other matters. As promised, we worked with the Adjutant General in the House to amend the bill to make it more workable for all interested parties. I’d ask you to support my motion to concur.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 597. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments No. 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 597. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
A -- a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
As you may have noticed, I had some help presenting that last bill. I didn’t have a chance to introduce my guests before we turned to that order of business, but I’d ask you to join me in welcoming my son, Don, one of my favorite constituents here, to the Senate. And -- and we’re also joined by Patrick McHatton, who’s the son of Bridget, who used to work in my office, who’s come around to pal around with us for the day. So please join me in welcoming them both to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Welcome, young men. Welcome to the Illinois Senate, little Harmon. Little Don. We see you got your mother’s hair. Senate Bill 677. Senator Millner. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in -- in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 677. Filed by Senator John Millner.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. President. This -- Amendment 1 adds to the bill by creating the Mental Health Court Treatment Act. It provides that the Chief Judge of each judicial district may establish a mental health court program and the format there of. Provides that a defendant may be admitted to the mental health court program if the prosecutor, defendant and the court all agree. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 677. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 677. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 684. Senator Link. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 684. Filed by Senator Terry Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. Basically, all this does is make a number of technical changes in the bill. I -- make the motion to concur.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Althoff.
Mr. President, to the bill: I would just like to remind my Members on this side of the aisle that this legislation, the concurrence is excellent, but some of us, when the bill originally passed out of this Chamber voted No, because it does include a pay raise. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Is there further discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 684. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 46 voting Aye, 4 voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 684. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 833. Senator Noland. 833. Senator Noland. Mike. Senator Noland. Out of the record. Senate Bill 853. Senator Maloney. 853. Out of the record. Senate Bill 996. Senator Raoul. 996. Madam Secretary, please read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 996. Filed by Senator Kwame Raoul.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 996 deletes all and becomes the bill. It amends the Circuit Courts Act to require a resident judge elected from a subcircuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County or the 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th or 22nd judicial circuits after January 1, 2008, to retain his or her residency as a registered voter in the subcircuit to run for retention from the circuit at large thereafter. I urge your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 996. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The House concurs in -- the Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 996. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1183. Senator Harmon. Madam Secretary, read the bill -- motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1183. Filed by Senator Don Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The underlying bill, Senate Bill 1183, amended the performance energy contracting provisions of our State law, which we’d enacted the Session before, to do two things: To include school districts in the same way we do universities and community colleges, and also to acknowledge that sometimes the provider of these contracts is separate from the lender. The House made some amendments that I had agreed to that clarifies some of the provisions related to that second piece on the -- the lender and the provider being different parties. I’d ask you to join me in my motion to concur in the House’s amendment. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1183. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1183. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1327. Senator Schoenberg. Senate Bill 1366. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 1424. Senator Halvorson. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1424. Filed by Senator Debbie Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Halvorson.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1424 started out as my odor-detection-dog bill, which I’d like to call the bomb-sniffing-dog bill, that eventually became the Department of Professional Regulation’s omnibus bill. It makes numerous changes -- changes to the Licensure Act. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions. I know that Senator Sullivan -- or, Senator Jones mentioned in committee, he thought that the thirty people who voted against the bill in the House, it was because of a fee increase. The fees are set by rule; 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 however, the applicant will have to pay a fee for fingerprints or a background check.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1424. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1424. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1453. Senator Harmon. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment -- Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1453. Filed by Senator Don Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The underlying bill, Senate Bill 1453, is a modernization of the Public Building Commission Act. The House amended it to address some technical issues raised by the Illinois Association of Realtors. I’m not aware of any opposition and would ask you to join me in concurring in the House’s amendment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1453. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1453. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1619. Senator Schoenberg. 1619. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1619. Filed by Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I move to concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1619. These are recommendations of the Procurement Policy Board to provide greater specificity on reporting requirements by setting a dollar threshold of twenty-five thousand dollars for real estate acquisitions to be published within the Procurement Bulletin by date certain after the deed is recorded. It gives greater detail on the actual purchase of real estate despite the exemption. And I -- be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1619. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 1619. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1625. Senator Ronen. 1621. Senator Ronen. Out of the record. Oh! Sorry. Senator Schoenberg. 1621. Madam Secretary, read the motion.
I move to concur with the House in their adoption of Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1621. Filed by Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Amendments No. 2 essentially become the -- become the bill, and they provide that the State would divest any pension -- any pension contribution from -- and prohibit any companies from investing in the energy-related sector of Iran - Iran -- the Country of Iran, which has specifically identified the democracy of the State of Israel as being targeted for extinction, which has denied the Holocaust ever exists through its leadership, which has consistently aided and abetted terror- related activity in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 The Country of Iran uses the energy sector of -- of its economic relationships specifically to fund its nuclear-based activity. And what this legislation would provide is that the Illinois pension funds would not invest in any companies that have investment in the energy-relected {sic} sector of Iran’s economy so that we can repudiate the Iranian effort to acquire nuclear means. I’d he happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Any discussion? Senator Brady.
Thank you, Mr. President. I stand in support of the gentleman’s legislation. I think this is an important piece of legislation that we send a strong message on. There were no opposition to this in committee. Please vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) He indicates he will. Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator Schoenberg, how does the language in this bill compare to the language that was struck down by the courts, not that long ago, with regards to our efforts with the Country of Sudan?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
Thank -- thank you for asking that. This proposal was 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 specifically crafted so as to not run into those difficulties that the initial Sudan legislation encountered in the federal courts. Specifically, it is limited to the State’s five retirement systems and -- and -- and companies that the United States government allows there to be an economic relationship with.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
Senator, do we have -- do you have any idea how much money you’re talking about? I mean, the -- if we have to divest, how much money are you talking about changing in terms of that -- in that regard?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Schoenberg.
The -- according to the State Board of Investment, this would impact potentially twenty to twenty-five companies, potentially, and preclude them from doing business with the State’s retirement systems. There is a -- an additional point of view that this would -- could potentially impact as many as a couple hundred businesses. As far as the immediate impact, that would be negligible. But what this does is it sets the parameters for -- for providing that economic leverage against the energy-based sector of Iran’s economy.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill: Wish to offer my 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 strong support. Encourage an Aye vote to this great piece of legislation that Senator Schoenberg has brought before this Chamber. I want to add to his remarks that Iran is responsible, by weighty evidence which supports this conclusion, that they are responsible for many of the IEDs that daily kill and maim our soldiers. They are also responsible for holding, without cause, United States’ citizens in prison. The -- the daily activities of this regime make them an outlaw according to international law and they are hostile to the United States and the principles for which this great nation stands. And I would ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) This is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1621. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments No. 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1621. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1625. Senator Ronen. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1746. Senator Delgado. 1746. Out of the record. Leave of the Body, we’re going to go back to Senate Bill -- Oh! I’m sorry. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, permit me to introduce two guests that we have in the President’s Gallery today. Our first guest is Dr. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, the Chairperson of the African American Studies at the -- at Western Illinois University, which is in Senator Sullivan’s district. Our second guest is Dr. -- Dr. Na’Allah’s father-in- law, Mr. Ahmad O. Kamal -- Kamal, the former Commissioner of Education for Kwara State Government in Nigeria. Mr. Kamal came to the U.S. to celebrate the completion of his daughter, Dr. Rahmat Na’Allah, medical residency and family practice here in Springfield. Let’s please welcome…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois Senate. Welcome. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I’m so pleased to have with me three Pages for today. All three, students at Frances Xavier Warde in your district, as well as in Mattie Hunter’s district. One is my son, Che Raoul, and his baseball and basketball teammate, Justin Jackson, and my daughter, who turns seven on tomorrow, Mizan Raoul.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) All right. Will our guests please rise and be welcomed to the Senate? And happy birthday, little Raoul. She’s so special. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you seek recognition, sir?
Thank you, Mr. President. A -- a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your point.
I also have a -- a Page for today. I only have one Page. Senator Raoul needs three, I guess. But I only have one Page for the day. Her name is Lauren Feddersen. She’s an eighth grader at -- at Virginia Junior High. She is the -- also the niece of Barbara Mason, our lady that mans our telephones and oversees us as well. And just a little footnote about Lauren, she is a -- quite the cattle expert. She shows cattle all summer long and she has won numerous awards at county fairs. I’d like everybody to welcome her to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Welcome to the Illinois Senate. Welcome. Handle that cattle, girl. Handle that cattle. With leave of the Body, we’re going to go back to two that we skipped. The first one’s on page 36 of your Senate Calendar. Senator Righter, on Senate Bill 234. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 234. Filed by Senator Dale Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Righter.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. Senate Bill 234 -- my motion to concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 234 is a technical change added in the House to make sure that all of the possible factors are allowed to be taken into account by the court. Senate Bill 234 passed the Senate by a vote of 56 to nothing earlier this spring. And I would appreciate a similar vote on this motion. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the House -- shall the Senate concur to House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 234. All those in favor, vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 234. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Jewell Hillery from WCIA/WCFN-TV seeks leave to video. Is leave granted? Leave is granted. With leave of the Body, we’re going to turn to page 38 of your Senate Calendar. Senator Maloney, on Senate Bill 853. Madam Secretary, read the gentleman’s motion.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 853. Filed by Senator Ed Maloney.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Senator Maloney. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 853 is the bill that established seventeen years of age as the standard GED testing age, and Amendment 1 simply adds that other acceptable identification may be allowed by law to take this test. So, this was a -- a concern of a colleague, Senator Delgado. We put this in in the House, and I would be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, this is final action. The question is, shall the Senate concur in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 853. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote Nay. And the voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. The Senate concurs in House Amendments {sic} No. 1 to Senate Bill 853. And the bill, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition, my friend?
For purposes of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) State your announcement, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. Would like the record to reflect Senator Rutherford is not with us here today. He is back in the district on legislative business.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) The record will so reflect. Communications, Madam 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Secretary.
Have a letter dated June 14th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ira Silverstein to temporarily replace Senator Susan Garret as a member of the Senate State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President. Have a like letter dated June 14th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ed Maloney to temporarily replace Senator Michael Bond as a member of the Senate Appropriations II Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HENDON) We are preparing to have a Rules Committee meeting in a few moments. The Rules Committee -- Senator Martinez, could you come to the Chair, please? Senator Martinez in the Chair. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. The Rules Committee will meet immediately in the President’s Anteroom. Would all the members of the Rules Committee, from both sides of the aisle, please come to the President’s Anteroom for a quick Rules Committee meeting? Senator Martinez in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Environment and Energy Committee - a Motion to Concur with House Amendments 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 678; refer to Judiciary-Civil Law Committee - a Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 68, a Motion to Concur with House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 333; and refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Joint Resolution 57 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to House Joint Resolution 24. Senator Debbie Halvorson, Chairman. June 14th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam -- Madam President. Purposes of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Just like to announce that at 3:15, Energy and Environment will be meeting in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Civil Law will meet today at 3 p.m. in Room 212. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, Madam Chair. Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Yes. State Government and Veterans Affairs will meet today at 3:30 in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Thank you. Senator Holmes, what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Please state your announcement.
Appropriations II will meet today at 4 p.m. in Room 212.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committees, the Senate will reconvene to receive committee reports and for further Floor action. We are coming back to the Floor for further Floor action. The Senate stands in… Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President, for recognizing me there, just - - just before the shoe dropped. The Senate Republicans would request a caucus in Senator Watson’s Office immediately, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MARTINEZ) That request is always in order. Senator Righter, just bear 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 in mind that the committee will take place at the times indicated, starting at 3 o’clock. At -- the first committee was starting at, I believe at 3 o’clock. Yes, sir, the first meeting at 3 o’clock. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Demuzio, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans -- Affairs, reports Senate Resolutions 199, 205, 206, 220, 228 and 240 Be Adopted; Senate Joint Resolutions 56 and 59 Be Adopted; Senate Joint Resolution 57 Be Adopted, as Amended; House Joint Resolution 11 Be Adopted; and House Joint Resolution 24 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Cullerton, Chair -- Co-Chairperson, and Senator Dillard, Co-Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary-Civil Law, reports House Bill 291 Do Pass; and Motions to Concur in House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 68 and House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 333 recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Clayborne, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Energy, reports a Motion to Concur in House Amendments 4 and 5 to Senate Bill 678 recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Madam Secretary, Messages.
28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 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 48. Offered by Senator Forby. Adopted by the House, June 5th, 2007. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Madam Secretary, Communications.
A letter -- letter dated June 14th, 2007. Dear Madam Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 3-2(c), I hereby appoint Senator Ed Maloney to temporarily replace Senator Michael Bond as a member of the Senate State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. This appointment is effective immediately. Sincerely, Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) There will be a Rules Committee meeting in the President’s Anteroom immediately. Rules Committee meeting in the President’s Anteroom immediately. Senator Martinez in the Chair. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Halvorson, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Re-refer to Rules Committee from Appropriations II Committee - Senate Bill 1110, 1120 and 1140; and Be Approved for 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 95th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 55th Legislative Day 6/14/2007 Consideration - Senate Bills 1110, 1120 and 1140. Senator Debbie -- Debbie Halvorson, Chair -- Chairman. June 14th, 2007.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a Supplemental Calendar 1. On House Bills 2nd Reading, House Bill 291. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 291. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 10 a.m., tomorrow, June 15th, 2007. The Senate stands adjourned. 30