PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 97th 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 give by Pastor Andrew Fitzgibbon from West Side Christian Church in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Andrew Fitzgibbon)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Senate Resolution 84, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. Senate Resolution 85, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. Senate Resolution 86, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. Senate Resolution 87, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. Senate Resolution 89, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. Senate Resolution 90, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolution 91, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. They are death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 88, offered by Senator Hutchinson. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 24, offered by Senator Murphy. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 25, offered by Senators Murphy and Righter. They are substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, Introduction of Bills.
Senate Bill 2480, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 1st Reading of this Senate bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are asking all Members within the sound of my voice to please be at their desks. Will all Members of the Senate please be at their desks? We have special guests to welcome to the Senate Chamber today. Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Pensions and Investments, reports Senate Bills 1278, 1613, 1672 and 1673 Do Pass. Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, reports Senate Resolution 37 Be Adopted. Senator Garrett, Chairperson of the Committee on Commerce, reports Senate Bill 1241 Do Pass and Senate Joint Resolution 3 Be Adopted, as Amended. Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bills 19, 1227, 1230, 1386, 1648, 1712 and 1741 Do Pass. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Bills 21, 23, 1293, 1322, 1323, 1668 Do Pass. Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities, reports Senate Bills 1602, 1762 and 1806 Do Pass. Senator Holmes, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Bill 1640 Do Pass. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Bills 1553 and 1607 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Madam Secretary, Messages from 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 passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 1466. We have received a like Message on House Bill 1488. They passed the House, March 2nd, 2011. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1222, offered by Senator Landek. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1488, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of these House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I’m renewing my call to all Members within the sound of my voice to please be at their desks. If all Members of the Senate could please be at their desks, we have special guests we are welcoming to the Senate Chamber today. We’d like you to be at your desks. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, President Cullerton in the Chair.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if I can have your attention, please, and if you could please take your seat. We 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 have some special guests I’d like to introduce and say a few words to us. As we all know, this past January, President Hu of the People’s Republic of China accompanied businessmen from his nation on an historic trip to Chicago to visit our great State and to discuss the role Illinois can play in the ever-expanding relationship that exists between our two countries. As we take these next important steps today, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Yang, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China to Chicago. Mr. Yang.
(Remarks by Consul General Yang)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ann Collins and students from McKendree University in the President’s Gallery. Dr. Collins is a Political Science faculty member and her students are visiting us from Lebanon today for a student lobby day. They are -- Lebanon -- McKendree’s actually in Kyle McCarter’s district, but I would ask that they stand to be recognized.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise and be recognized? Welcome to the Capitol. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise? 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
A point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I actually have two -- two tasks right now. The first is that, since Senator Sullivan is not here and since my wife is Nora Sullivan, I get to make the announcement that the Sullivan Caucus will have their big yearly event on Tuesday, March 8th, at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor from 5 to 9, and I do that on behalf of the Sullivans. I’m not a Sullivan, but -- so -- anyway…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) You are a welcome substitute for the Sullivan Caucus, Senator.
But more importantly, I -- I have a friend here. And Senator LaHood and I have a mutual friend in Brad McMillan, who is with the Principled -- Institute for Principled Leadership at Bradley University. And he is here with students. The students are Nicholas Spatowski - if they’ll stand in the back - Camille Ivy O’Donnell and Elizabeth Scoville. They’re from Bradley University. And would like to have the Senate give ‘em a big welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. McMillan and our guests from Bradley, welcome to the Senate Floor. Senator Crotty, for what purpose do you rise?
I, too, have an introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 State -- state your introduction, Senator.
Up on the Democratic side of the aisle, up in the gallery, we have Maureen Kelly, with St. Xav’s, and also five students from St. Xavier’s. One from my district, Tim. They’re in education, business and pre-med. So I’d love to have you welcome them to their first time in Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise to be recognized? Welcome to the Senate Chamber. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will the members of the Committee on Assignments please report to the President’s Anteroom immediately? The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Muñoz, for what reason do you rise? Senator Muñoz… SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Madam…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) I’m sorry. You’ll have to wait for Assignments to come back. Sorry. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senate will come to order. Senator Muñoz, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. For the point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Please state your point, Senator. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I have two ladies here with me this morning - Rosario Gomez, who is -- actually lives in my district, on my left; Veronica Sandoval, on my right, who lives in Senator Sandoval’s district. They were here yesterday with St. Augustine College and they will both be graduating this year, and they’re here today to come and talk to our Members about the MAP -- MAP program. If we can give ‘em a nice welcome, I would appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Senate Floor. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Well, today is a great day for the State of Illinois, especially the -- this Chamber, when we are graced with the beautiful and former State Senator and former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Halvorson, welcome back to the Senate Chamber. Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. It’s a similar point of privilege to Senator Muñoz’s.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
All right. I also have five people from -- students from Northwestern. They’re also here lobbying our Members on behalf 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 of the MAP grant. They would not have been in attendance to Northwestern without it. They are Jessica Allen, from Canton, Illinois, Senator Koehler’s district; Will Borges, from Elmwood Park, President Pro Tem Harmon’s district; Lauren Cantacessi, who is from Chicago, my district; Aaron Frank, from Bloomington, Senator Cultra’s district; and Zachary Moy, from Schaumburg, from Senator Millner’s district. I’d ask everyone to give them a warm welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise to be welcomed to the Senate? Madam Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Appropriations I Committee - Senate Bill 1946, Senate Bill 1947, Senate Bill 2291, Senate Bill 309 {sic} (2309) through Senate Bill 2311, Senate Bill 2339 through 2378, Senate Bill 2398, Senate Bill 2399, Senate Bill 2403 through Senate Bill 2407, Senate Bill 2412, Senate Bill 2414, Senate Bill 2416, Senate Bill 2423, Senate Bill 2425, Senate Bill 2427 through Senate Bill 2429, Senate Bill 2431 through Senate Bill 2433, Senate Bill 2436 through Senate Bill 2440, Senate Bill 2449 through Senate Bill 2451, Senate Bill 2454 through Senate Bill 2456, Senate Bill 2464 through 2472, Senate Bill 2475 and Senate Bill 2477; refer to the Appropriations II Committee - Senate Bill 1823, Senate Bill 1922, Senate Bill 1938, Senate Bill 1964, Senate Bill 1980, Senate Bill 2006, Senate Bill 2224, Senate Bill 2308, Senate Bill 2312 through Senate Bill 2338, Senate Bill 2379 through Senate Bill 2397, 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Senate Bill 2400, Senate Bill 2401, Senate Bill 2408 through Senate Bill 2411, Senate Bill 2413, Senate Bill 2415, Senate Bill 2417 through Senate Bill 2422, Senate Bill 2424, Senate Bill 2426, Senate Bill 2430, Senate Bill 2434, Senate Bill 2435, Senate Bill 2441 through 2448, Senate Bill 2452, Senate Bill 2453, Senate Bill 2457 through Senate Bill 2463, Senate Bill 2473, Senate Bill 2474, Senate Bill 2476 and Senate Bill 2478; refer to the Energy Committee - Senate Bill 1884; refer to the Environment Committee - Senate Bill 2106; refer to the Executive Committee - Senate Bill 170, Senate Bill 259, Senate Bill 665, Senate Bill 666, Senate Bill 1147, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendments 5 thorough 12, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 16, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 17, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 20 and Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 23; refer to the Executive Appointments Committee - Senate Bill 261; refer to the Local Government Committee - Senate Bill 92; refer to the Pensions and Investments Committee - Senate Bill 510; refer to the State Government and Veterans Affair {sic} (Affairs) Committee - Senate Bill 1669 and Senate Bill 1853; refer to the Transportation Committee - Senate Bill 953; re-referred to the Floor - Senate Bill 1349, Senate Bill 2155, and Senate Resolution 63; re-referred from Public Health to the Executive Committee - Senate Bill 1330; re-referred from Gaming to Executive - Senate Bill 1297. Signed -- signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Labor Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1122; refer to the Licensed Activities Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 153; refer to the Local Government Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 41 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 42. This is signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 2 of your printed Calendar is the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 41. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 42. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 74. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 83. Senator Wilhelmi. Senate Bill 100. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 106. Senator Kotowski. Senate Bill 115. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 123. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill -- 131. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 137. Senator Koehler. Senate Bill 145. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 1240. Senator Bivins. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1240. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1253. Senator Forby. Senate Bill 1292. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 1342. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 1364. Senator Bivins. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Senate Bill 1364. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senator Jacobs, for what purpose are you seeking recognition?
Point of announcement, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I’d just like to remind the members of the Senate Energy Committee, on Tuesday, March 8th, at 10 p.m. in Room 114, we’ll have a rare Energy Joint Hearing with the House Public Utilities to look at House Bill 14. I’d appreciate anyone -- it’ll be subject matter only, but I appreciate anybody that’d like to attend.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs, would you restate the time and -- and date on that, please?
Thank you, sir. Yes, that time, again, is March 8th, which is Tuesday, at 10 p.m. in -- in 114 in the Capitol. Thank you, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs.
10 a.m. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Still on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 1589. Senator Muñoz. On the top of page 3 of your printed Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading, Senate Bill 1643. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 1670. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 1699. Senator Millner. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1699. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1708. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 1732. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 1733. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 1739. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 1742. Senator Althoff. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1742. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1781. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 1794. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 1799. Senator Steans. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are moving to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. This is final action. I would ask all Members of the Senate to be at their desks. This is final action. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on the 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 bottom of page 3 of your printed Calendar begins the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 24. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 50. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 53. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 41. Senator Garrett. I apologize, that was Senate Bill 62. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 86. Senator Collins. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 86. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 86 implements a new deadline under the Abuse of Adults with Disabilities Intervention Act for the Office of Inspector General to deliver its annual report. Additionally, the bill amends the definition Section of the Act by clarifying “abuse”, “sexual abuse” and “physical abuse”; adding “financial exploitation” and “mental abuse”; and deleted -- and deleting “exploitation”. Senate Bill 86 is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services and the rationale for the legislation is for -- that the current definitions in the Act do not fulfill the legislative intent. I would -- I’m open for any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 86 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 86, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 133. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 155. Senator Forby. Senate Bill 161. Senator McCarter. Senate Bill 165. Senator Jacobs. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 165. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs, to explain your bill.
Thank you, sir. This is a TIF extension. I know of no known opposition. It came out of committee with full support. And hopefully it’ll be my last TIF bill for the year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Senator Burzynski. Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 165 pass. All 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 165, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1226. Senator Maloney. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
Senate Bill 1226. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Maloney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1226 involves increasing the enrollment at a very, very unique school in the Chicago public school system, the Chicago School for the Agricultural Sciences. This is the only school in the system that the State has authority over, because it was built with State funds, and the enrollment was capped out of concern for the community many, many years ago. But, the demand for additional spots for the community and to accommodate some additional special education classes, we’re asking the enrollment be raised from six hundred to seven hundred and twenty. I know of no opposition. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1226 pass. All 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 voting Aye, none voting No, 1 voting Present. And Senate Bill 1226, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator -- Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I move for the tabling of Senate Bill 1281, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator, that request is always in order. We’d welcome similar motions from any other sponsor wishing to table a bill. All those in favor of the Senator’s motion, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the bill is tabled. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1248. Senator Frerichs. Senate Bill 1337. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1337. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen. Senate Bill 1337 amends the Wildlife Code and sets a season limit on river otters. The State of Illinois reintroduced river otters, I think, about ten years ago and they have been -- they have multiplied above and beyond what they anticipated. There is no season on ‘em. They’ve gotten out of control. This puts a trapping season on ‘em. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise? 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Sullivan, it shows, I think, a measure of courage and confidence on your part - and you’ve been around for a little while now, like I have, too - on a slow day on a Thursday, to call a bill about hunting river otters, ‘cause people are kind of relaxed and there’s not that much to do and there’s a lot of jokes to be made. So -- but I have some serious inquiries about your bill. Right now, we allow for the hunting of river otters - is that correct? - in Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
No, we do not. And, actually, Mr. President, I need to do an amendment on this. I forgot we talked about it in committee. I’ll be -- go -- I’d be happy to go ahead and answer any questions, but I do want to remove this from the record right now. But if we want to have the discussion, we can. Up to Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, I think it’s appropriate he take the bill out of the record at this point. Do you have objections?
I have none, Mr. President. I look forward to discussing the bill later when it’s in the form the sponsor would like it 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 to be in.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Righter. Take the bill out of the record, Madam Secretary. Senate Bill 1361. Senator LaHood. Senate Bill 1372. Senator Luechtefeld. Senate Bill 1379. Senator Syverson. Senate Bill 1538. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1538. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty.
Thank you very much. Senate Bill 1538 directs the Governor to create the Management Improvement Initiative Committee that will be responsible for implementing the recommendations made in the Department of Human Services streamlined auditing report as required by House Bill 5124 from the last General Assembly. This committee will be responsible for eliminating obsolete, redundant, or unreasonable regulations, reports, audits, certifications, licenses, and/or work processes that the State human service agencies use. The Department of Human Services will be the lead agency responsible for supporting the work of this committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1538 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1538, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1576. Senate Bill 1585. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1585. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty.
Thank you very much. And Senate Bill 1585 allows physician’s assistants who have been delegated to perform medical examinations by his or her supervising physician or a licensed advanced practice nurse who has the written agreement with a physician to perform medical examinations to verify that a person with physical or mental disabilities may operate a motor vehicle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1585 pass. All 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 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1585, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1612. Senator Martinez. Senate 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Bill 1641. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1641. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. 1641 removes the definition of a “neighborhood vehicle”, provides that local units of government may authorize the operation of a low-speed vehicle. Currently, there’s two definitions - a “neighborhood vehicle”, a “low-speed vehicle”. This makes it one designation -- or one description of a low-speed vehicle. It also sets some limits as to what the municipalities can do with regard to those vehicles and it’s -- to my knowledge, there’s no opposition to it. Been working with the Municipal League on this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1641 pass. All 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 54 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1641, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1703. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 1744. Senator Luechtefeld. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
Senate Bill 1744. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1744 would eliminate the ability of a school district to have shorter days on the opening days of -- and the closing days of school. Many times, they will bus people in -- kids in for a half hour, for an -- for an hour, on the opening and closing days. This would -- this would force them to have school at least five hours on those two days. And we -- we talk about more -- more -- more classroom hours all the time and I -- I think this would at least make a difference. Hopefully people agree with that and I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1744 pass. All 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 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1744, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1753. Senator Mulroe. Senate Bill 1784. Senator Hunter. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we’re going to turn back to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Many of you were not with us and 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 didn’t have a chance to move your bills to 3rd Reading. We’re going to start at the top of the order, on the top of page 2 of your printed Calendar. At the top of the order is Senate Bill 41. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 42. Senator Garrett. Senate Bill 74. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 83. Senator Wilhelmi. Senate Bill 100. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 106. Senator Kotowski. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 106. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 115. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 123. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 131. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 137. Senator Koehler. Senate Bill 145. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 1253. Senator Forby. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1253. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1292. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 1342. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 1589. Senator Muñoz. Senate Bill 1643. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 1670. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 1708. Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary, please read the bill. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
Senate Bill 1708. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1709. Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1709. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1732. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 1739. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 1781. Senator Sandoval. Senate Bill 1794. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 1799. Senator Steans. With leave of the Body, we will return… With leave of the Body, we are going to return briefly to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. We skipped over Senator Martinez’s Senate Bill 1703. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to that order. Senator Martinez, you ready to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1703. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President and Members of the -- I think we have to do an amendment. There’s an amendment. No? 1703. Yes, there is an amendment. Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez, there was a committee amendment that was adopted in the committee. It is already a part of the bill. So we don’t need to adopt it on the Floor.
Yes, it was. Okay. All right. I just wanted to make sure, ‘cause it was on -- I just wanted to make sure it’s all right. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) If you are ready to proceed, we are ready to proceed.
I’m ready to proceed. Senate Bill 1703 creates the Conservation Police Operations Assistance Fund. The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to use money in the Fund to support any lawful operations of Illinois Conservation Police. The Fund is primarily supported by the fee that is already assessed by the clerk of the circuit court of each county to support State Police operations. This fee, which cannot exceed fifteen dollars, is charged to a defendant convicted of or granted supervision for any felony, traffic, misdemeanor, conservation, or local ordinance violation. It would apply -- it would apply the fee assessed for certain conservation violations to the Conservation Police Operations Assistance Fund, instead of the State Police Operations Assistance Fund. This is a -- this is an agreement between the Natural Resources 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 Department and the State Police, and I ask for your consideration.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1703 pass. All 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1703, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the order of Senator Martinez’s 3rd Reading bills is Senate Bill 1612. Senator Martinez, do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1612. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez, to explain the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1612 clarifies that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may put a lien on assets of a responsible parent with overdue support obligations despite any contrary provision of State or local law. This bill also amends the Public Act {sic} (Aid) Code to allow HFS to certify to the Department of Health and Human Services that a responsible parent is past due on child support and, therefore, can now be denied a passport. The 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 bill provides that the responsible parent must exhaust all administrative remedies before proceeding to judicial review. This is an initiative of the Department of HFS. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1612 pass. All 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 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1612, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your announcement, Senator.
Yes, I would like to announce that, upon adjournment, the Democratic Caucus will be meeting in the President’s Room.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Trotter. 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?
27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 13th Legislative Day 3/3/2011 No objections have been filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? 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. On the Order of Resolutions is Senate Joint Resolution 26. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 26, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads SJR No. 26)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Clayborne moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 26. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Clayborne moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 26. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 8th day of March, 2011. The Senate stands adjourned. 28