PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 96th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will the -- will our guests in the galleries please rise? Our invocation today will be given by Pastor Daniel Shelton from South Side Christian Church, in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Shelton.
(Prayer by Pastor Daniel Shelton)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Pastor. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs, to lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please be seated. Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate -- Senate Journals of February 5th and 6th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
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 HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to approve the Journals just read by the Secretary. There being no objection, so ordered. WAND-TV and WICS Channel 20 in Springfield seek leave to record the 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Munoz, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your announcement.
Mr. President, I’d like it for -- for the record, Senator Silverstein will be absent today. He is out of town with his family.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hendon, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just an observation. Just want -- this is your first day in the Chair. Isn’t that right? You -- you -- you look a little like Phil Rock up there. I just thought I’d… The glare -- Jimmy D said the glare is, you know, amazing. But just wanted to let you know you’re doing a great job on your first day. But I really thought that was Phil Rock up there. Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to let you know.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. I will seek your advice on the appropriate powder. Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, on a purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 Please state your announcement.
Well, you look charming, Mr. President, to come so far from Oak Park. And so, just so proud to be an Oak Parker with you on today. So keep up the great work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 55 and 56, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. Senate Resolution 57, offered by Senator Demuzio and all Members. Senate Resolutions 58 and 59, offered by Senator Lauzen and all Members. Senate Resolution 60, offered by Senator Dahl and all Members. Senate Resolutions 61 through 72, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. Senate Resolution 73, offered by Senator Link and all Members. And Senate Resolution 74, offered by Senator Bond and all Members. They’re all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Can we please have some quiet in the Chamber? Resolutions Consent Calendar.
And Senate Resolution 75, offered by Senator Bond. Senate Joint Resolution 12, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 Senate Joint Resolution 13, Constitutional Amendment, offered by Senator Lauzen. Senate Joint Resolution 14, Constitutional Amendment, offered by Senator Lauzen. And Senate Joint Resolution 15, Constitutional Amendment, offered by Senator Hendon. They’re all substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1264, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1265, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1266, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1267, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1268, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1269, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1270, offered by Senator Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1271, offered by Senator Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1272, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1273, offered by Senator Dillard. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1274, offered by Senator Murphy. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1275, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1276, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1277, offered by Senator Rutherford. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1278, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1279, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1280, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1281, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1282, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1283, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1284, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1285, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1286, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1287, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 Senate Bill 1288, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1289, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1290, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1291, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1292, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1293, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1294, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1295, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1296, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1297, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1298, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1299, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1300, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1301, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1302, offered by Senator Cullerton. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1303, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1304, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1305, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1306, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1307, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1308, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1309, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1310, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1311, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1312, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1313, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1314, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1315, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1316, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 Senate Bill 1317, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1319, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1320, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1321, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1322, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1323, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1324, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1325, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1326, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1327, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1328, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1329, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1330, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1331, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1332, offered by Senator Dillard. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1333, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1334, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1335, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1336, offered by Senator Munoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1337, offered by Senator DeLeo. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1338, offered by Senator DeLeo -- I’m -- I’m sorry, Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1339, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1340, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1341, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1342, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1343, offered by Senator Dillard. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1344, offered by Senator Dahl. (Secretary reads title of bill) And Senate Bill 1345, offered by Senator Murphy. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please give the gentleman your attention.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I rise on a point of personal privilege. We are honored to be joined today by my Page for the Day, Brad Erickson. Brad is in sixth grade at the Park View School in Morton Grove. His hobbies include scouts, football and the baritone. And his interests include ancient history. So, perhaps some of us can teach us -- teach him a thing or two. He’s joined today by his father, Robert Erickson, who’s behind me in the -- on the Senate {sic} side of the gallery. Please give them both a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests please rise? Welcome to Springfield. Senator John Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege for an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
Well, first off, congratulations to you on your first time in the Chair up there. But I would like to bring the attention 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 to the Body that, tomorrow morning, we’ll have the Sportsmen’s Caucus breakfast downstairs in Rathskeller. For the new Members that are not members and would like to join, it’s a twenty-five dollar fee for one time only, and we would welcome you all to be down in the Rathskeller at 7:30 in the morning for the Sportsmen’s Caucus breakfast. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator, for your announcement. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
I would just like to echo everything that’s been said today. I’m very excited to see you in the Chair, especially since you’ve been such a -- a great leader and mentor to so many of us. I’m very excited for you. And also like to say, it’s about time we got a handsome bald guy up there in the President’s Chair. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. If I keep blushing, I won’t need to use Senator Hendon’s makeup powder. So… Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 First of all, I, too, want to congratulate you, President Harmon. That has a nice ring to it. Great to see an individual who came into this Chamber with me the same year, same class, it’s great to see you up there. Congratulations. I also would like to introduce -- I have a guest with me here this afternoon as well. John Froelich. He’s an orthopaedic surgeon, in his third year of residency here in Springfield. He’s originally from Goreville, Illinois. I think that’s Senator Forby’s district. John is -- I’ve had -- get -- had the opportunity to get to know him over the last couple years. He is married to the former Sara Nelson, now Sara Nelson Froelich, who works for Senator Durbin’s office. And John is -- has a little free time this afternoon and going to spend some time here in Springfield. I’d like everybody to welcome him to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Welcome, to our guest. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point.
Thank you very much. And I, too, would like to add my congratulations to see you up there. And unlike Senator Kotowski, I think it’s a member of the redheaded caucus, ‘cause we can still tell you have red hair. An announcement: Tomorrow morning’s going to be a busy morning. There is also a Local Government Caucus breakfast at the Illinois Municipal League, beginning at 7:30. All of us who were formerly local elected 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 officials need to remember how we got here and why it’s important to still protect our local units of government. So I invite all of those people who were former elected local government officials. 7:30 tomorrow morning at the Illinois Municipal League. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you for your announcement. Senator Viverito, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I just would like to congratulate you on your new leadership role and wish you the very best. And we’re all very proud of you and I know you’re going to do a great job for us.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you very much, Senator. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. Mr. President, if -- with your indulgence, I have two matters I rise on personal privilege. The first is to introduce a young man who’s going to be interning with me here this spring. He’ll be spending a lot of time in Springfield with us while we’re here in Session. That is Myles Hastings. Myles is a native of Mattoon. He is a senior at the University of Illinois, majoring in Health Care Administration. So, if the Senate, first, would give Myles a warm welcome, I’d appreciate 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Let’s please welcome Mr. Hastings to the Senate. Senator Righter, you have a -- an even more serious announcement to make. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could please give the speaker your attention.
Thank you, Mr. President. As some in this Chamber may know, Sunday morning two members of the Illinois Army National Guard were killed in action in Afghanistan. Both of those soldiers were residents of my Senate district. And I’d like to take just a moment, with your indulgence, Mr. President, to talk a little bit about these gentlemen. The first was Staff Sergeant Jason Burkholder, who was twenty-seven years old. He was a resident of Marshall in Clark County. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2000, right out of high school. And then after his time with the Marine Corps was finished, became a member of the National Guard in 2004. He leaves behind a wife there in the City of Marshall. The second was First Lieutenant Jared Southworth of Oakland, Illinois. He was twenty-six years old. He was married with four young children. He enlisted in the National Guard in 2000, after completing higher education both at Lakeland College and Eastern Illinois University. It’s my hope, Mr. President, a little later in the day, to make contact with the casualty officers for both of these gentlemen and ultimately their widows. And I will convey at that time that the Illinois Senate has them in our thoughts and prayers. I would also request at this time, Mr. President, if it’s appropriate, a moment of silence on behalf of both of 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 these gentlemen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for a moment of silence to reflect upon our fallen soldiers. (Moment of silence observed) The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will the members of the Committee on Assignments please come to the President’s Anteroom immediately? Senator DeLeo in the Chair. (SENATE STANDS AT EASE)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DeLEO) Senator Harmon in the Chair. (SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senate will please come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Senate Bill 282; refer to Appropriations I Committee - Senate Bills 98, 237 and 313; refer to Appropriations II Committee - Senate Bills 210, 225, 248 and 287; refer to Commerce Committee - Senate Bills 78, 256 and 265; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Senate Bills 72, 211, 298, 310, and Senate Joint Resolution 6; 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 refer to Education Committee - Senate Bills 182, 186, 187, 226, 235, 238, 261, Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 152 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 35; refer to Elections Committee - Senate Bills 80 and 176; refer to Energy Committee - Senate Bill 217 and Senate Joint Resolution 4; refer to Environment Committee - Senate Bills 125 and 255; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bills 28, 33, 45, 49, 50, 61, 96, 138, 206, 269, 305, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 9, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 10, and Senate Resolution 46; refer to Executive Appointments Committee - Senate Bill 189; refer to Financial Institutions Committee - Senate Bills 229, 251, 252, 253 and 268; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Bills 204, 263, 277 and Senate Joint Resolution 8; refer to Human Services Committee - Senate -- Senate Bills 209, 231, 314, Senate Joint Resolutions 3, 5 and 7, and Senate Resolution 48; refer to Insurance Committee - Senate Bills 136, 240 and 258; refer to Judiciary Committee - Senate Bills 184, 188, 239, 241, 243, 259, 266, 267, and House Bills 308 and 398; refer to Labor Committee - Senate Bill 258 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 43 -- I’m sorry, Senate Bill 257 and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 43; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Senate Bill -- Senate Bills 122, 137, 289, 290 and 318; refer to Local Government Committee - Senate Bills 230, 246, 264 and 286; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Senate Bills 205, 214, 234, 245, 250, 274, 299, 302, 303, 304, 319, 320, and Senate Resolution 54; refer to Public Health Committee - Senate Bills 150, 181, 212, 216, 224, 254, 270 and 276; refer to Revenue Committee - Senate Bills 57, 58, 59, 60, 86, 88, 183, 207, 227, 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 242, 317, and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 89; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Senate Bills 190, 260, 262, Senate Resolutions 49 and 50; refer to Telecommunications and -- I’m sorry, refer to Transportation Committee - Senate Bill 29, 36, 76, 179, 236, 272, 273, Senate Joint Resolution 2, 19 {sic} (SR 19), and Committee Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 148. James Clayborne, Chairman. February 10th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I move to waive -- waive all posting requirements so that House Bill 308 and House Bill 398 can be heard in the Senate Committee on Judiciary on February 10th, 2009.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne moves to waive all posting requirements so that Senate {sic} Bills 308 and 398 can be heard today in the Senate Committee on Judiciary. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. Returning now to the Order of Committee Announcements. Senator Wilhelmi, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. And at the risk of being 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 redundant, I want to congratulate you on your leadership position and add the sentiment that you look very good up there. And I -- I’m very happy you’re there. Now, purpose of an announcement, Mr. President. The Judiciary Committee will be meeting today at 2:30 in Room 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senate Judiciary Committee will meet today at 2:30 in Room 400. Senator Meeks, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you so much, seatmate. And I join the chorus of others who welcome you in the Chair today. The Senate Education Committee will meet at 4 o’clock in Room 409. That’s Education at 4 o’clock, Room 409. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Sandoval, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your announcement, Senator.
The Committee on -- the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee will meet today at 4 o’clock in Room 400. Transportation Committee, Room 400, 4 o’clock.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. For purposes of clarifying the schedule today, we intend to recess to go to committees. We will come back to the Floor to advance legislation, but not take final votes. We will go to committees again after the Senate 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 has returned. So the Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. It’s our hope to return at approximately 3:30 if the committees are expeditious. We will reconvene to receive committee reports and for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Wilhelmi, Chairman of the -- Chairman of the Committee -- Committee -- Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Bill 174 Do Pass and House Bills 308 and 398 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) WAND seeks leave to record the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. On the Calendar is the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading. They’ve been distributed to Members’ desks. House Bill 308. Senator Cullerton, do you wish to proceed? He wishes {sic} that he does. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 308. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Next on the Calendar is House Bill 398. 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 Senator Clayborne, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he wishes to proceed. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 398. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senator Clayborne.
Point of personal privilege. A motion, I’m sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your motion, Senator.
Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I move to waive all posting requirements so that the legislative measures referred in posting for hearing in the Licensed Activities, Revenue, and State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee may be heard tomorrow, February 11th, 2009, at earlier times, to be announced by each committee chairperson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) You’ve heard the gentleman’s motion. Is there any discussion? Senator Burzynski, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. An inquiry of the speaker.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The -- the gentleman indicates he’ll yield. Senator, 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 please state your question.
Thank you. Senator, I know that earlier today that there was a motion to suspend the rules for allowing a couple of bills to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Now, at that time, I think we were very well aware and perhaps our side of this aisle knows what these bills are that you’re trying to waive the posting requirements for. But I’m not sure that I’m aware why we’re waiving posting requirements once again for committees that are meeting tomorrow. And perhaps you could shed some light on that or -- or Mr. President could, or -- or whatever.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.
Basically, we’re just trying to be -- to -- to get out of here a little earlier tomorrow. So we’re consolidating the schedule to accommodate Members and to do the business much earlier and get out of here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, I -- I can appreciate the fact that we want to accommodate Members. But it would appear to me, without having knowledge of what the bills are that are being posted tomorrow, that there’s another group of people that we want to accommodate as well, and that’s our constituents who might want to provide input on the legislation and on a twenty- four-hour notice might not be able to be here tomorrow. So, 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 that’s -- that’s my concern. It’s not about us; it’s about the people we serve.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.
Senator, these bills have been posted in these committees for five and a half days.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Burzynski.
Well, then maybe I misunderstood your motion. If -- if they’ve been posted, then why are we suspending the rules so they can be heard tomorrow, if they’ve already been posted?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.
Because we’re scheduling the committees a few hours earlier than they were originally scheduled -- or posted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank you. I think I’ve seen the light now. We’re not actually going to be hearing these bills any day sooner, or anything like that. We’re merely moving up the times of the committee hearings. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne.
That is correct. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Burzynski.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for the explanation and bearing with my questioning because I wasn’t just exactly sure where we were going. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) You’ve heard Senator Clayborne’s motion to waive all posting requirements subject to the underlying legislative matters. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 1318, offered by Senator Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1346, offered by Senators Wilhelmi, Hutchinson and Radogno. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1347, offered by Senator Syverson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1348, offered by Senator Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1349, offered by Senator Hendon. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1350, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1351, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill -- 1352, offered by Senator Viverito. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1353, offered by Senator Viverito. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1354, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1355, offered by Senator Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1356, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1357, offered by Senator Risinger. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1358, offered by Senator Pankau. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1359, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1360, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1361, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1362, offered by Senator Syverson. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1363, offered by Senator Trotter. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1364, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1365, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1366, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 Senate Bill 1367, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1368, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1369, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1370, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1371, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1372, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1373, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1374, offered by Senator Cronin. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1375, offered by Senator Millner. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1376, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) Senate Bill 1377, offered by Senator Demuzio. (Secretary reads title of bill) And Senate Bill 1378, offered by Senator Bond. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) We’re now turning to the Order of Committee Announcements. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you rise?
25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 96th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 12th Legislative Day 2/10/2009 For the purpose of an announcement. The -- the Licensed Activity {sic} Committee will meet at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Room 409. 1 p.m. tomorrow, -- today’s -- Thursday -- Thursday, in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez, that’s Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Room 409, Licensed Activities. Senator Demuzio, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. And I, too, wanted to say it’s nice to have you in the Chair. Congratulations. I would like to make an announcement that State Government will be meeting tomorrow at 1:30 in Room 409.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Meeks, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you so much, Mr. President. The Senate Revenue Committee will meet tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Room 400. Revenue at 1 p.m. in 400.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11th, 2009. The Senate stands adjourned. 26