PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The -- the regular Session of the 97th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Paul Olson, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Paul Olson)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The Pledge of Allegiance, to be led by Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Melissa Len {sic} (Leu) with the Illinois Statehouse (News) requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, March 30th, 2011.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Good morning, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending approval -- or, arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Madam Secretary, 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Committee Reports.
Senator Kotowski, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations II, reports Senate Bills 2315, 2319, 2324, 2332, 2333, 2334, 2335, 2336, 2337, 2390, 2391 {sic} (2392), 2394 Do Pass. Senator Holmes, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Resolutions 93, 109, 120 and 127 Be Adopted; and Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1270 and Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1853 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 147, offered by Senator Brady and all Members. Senate Resolution 148, offered by Senator Luechtefeld and all Members. Senate Resolution 150, offered by Senator Murphy and all Members. Senate Resolution 151, offered by Senator Murphy and all Members. Senate Resolution 152, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 153, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 154, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 156 -- 155, offered by Senator Koehler 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 and all Members. They are death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Madam Secretary, Messages from the House. Madam Secretary, Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 149, offered by Senator Pankau. And Senate Resolution 156, offered by Senator Jacqueline Collins. They are substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 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 141. We have received like Messages on House Bills 144, 197, 234, 237, 1101, 1157, 1215, 1228, 1233, 1256, 1375, 1425, 1485, 1526, 1560, 1577, 1662, 1670, 1689, 1708, 1761, 1825, 1831, 1876, 2053, 2089, 3022, 3041, 3050, 3091, 3115, 3152, 3155, 3179, 3186, 3222, 3256, 3314, 3334 and 3411. They passed the House, March 30th, 2011. Mark Mahoney, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Chris Brooks with WICS-TV requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Madam Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
House Bill 141, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 144, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 197, offered by Senator Schmidt. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 237, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1215, offered by Senator Crotty. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1375, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1485, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1577, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1689, offered by Senator Hutchinson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1708, offered by Senator Murphy. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1761, offered by Senator Wilhelmi. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1825, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1831, offered by Senator Garrett. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1852, offered by Senator Brady. (Secretary reads title of bill) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 House Bill 2089, offered by Senator McCann. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3010, offered by Senator Schoenberg. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3041, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3050, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3091, offered by Senator Emil Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3139, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3179, offered by Senator John Jones. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3186, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3256, offered by Senator LaHood. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of these House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The members of the Committee on Assignments will come to the President’s Anteroom immediately. Senator Sandack, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Personal -- excuse me, good morning, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Please state your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. It’s my pleasure to welcome Ashley Gregory today to the Senate. She’s my Page for the Day. Ashley’s from Urbana, Illinois. She goes to Urbana High School. She excels in track, cross country. Has an artiste twist to her. She wants to go to New York and go to -- to become a -- either a photographer, maybe a culinary artist. She has some pretty cool and eclectic tastes. A very bright, promising, young lady, who I’m asking my colleagues to welcome, please, to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield. Hope you enjoy your day here. Thanks for coming. Senator Sullivan -- Sullivan, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a -- a school class visiting here today from Southeastern -- Southeastern, which is over in Hancock County. It’s a junior high class, an eighth grade class. They’re up in the gallery to our -- to my right. These -- these young students, I was -- just met with ‘em out in the Rotunda area and they are studying the -- the Illinois Constitution. I gave ‘em some questions -- I asked ‘em some questions. They did a great job of answering those questions, so they’re doing a -- their teachers and staff are doing a great 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 job. Also I want to point out that this -- their school was destroyed by a fire several years ago, completely destroyed by a fire, and they have rebuilt with the help of the State and CDB and the help of the folks in this Chamber here. We were able to get ‘em some temporary classrooms and then a permanent new building. And I would love to have the Illinois Senate welcome these bright young students from Southeastern.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please stand and welcome to Springfield. Thanks for being here today. Hope you enjoy your day. Senator Schoenberg, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Mr. President, on the day after Evanston Day, I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point, Senator Schoenberg.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, today we are blessed with an embarrassment of riches from the other north suburban communities in my Senate district. I’m pleased to introduce not one, not two, not three, but four Pages from my district today. Today they’ve come in bulk. But I’d like to introduce Nathaniel Schetter. Nathaniel is a sixth grader at the McCracken Middle School in Skokie. His interests include history, government, Boy Scouts, drama and baseball. He wants to possibly go into politics. So you should make sure you all get to know him. I’m also joined by Ty Jablonski. Ty is a -- a seventh grader at Springman School -- at Springman Junior High in Glenview. Ty has one of my favorite personal interests. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Ty’s a hockey player. He also is an honor student and his objectives are to work hard, have fun and play college hockey, and all of those are quite laudable. Finally, I’ve been joined by a brother and sister team of Jason and Jocelyn Brickman, who live in Wilmette. Jocelyn is an eighth grader at Wilmette Junior High. She’ll be going to New Trier next year. Aside from her academic excellence, she aspires to be either an animator or an ESPN sports announcer, so it’s quite conceivably that she’ll be covering one of Ty’s hockey games one day. And then her brother, Jason, is a -- is a very modest guy who aspires to be a Supreme Court justice. So if anybody happens to talk to President Obama anytime soon, please let’s make sure we put Jason on the short list. We’re joined with their parents -- some of their parents and family members today. Can we give all of these four outstanding young people a warm Senate greeting? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield. Hope you enjoy your day. Good luck to you. Thanks for coming. Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For the purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your announcement.
Many -- many of the Members here are -- are members of the Legislative Education Caucus. While we will not be in Session next Tuesday, if you’re coming to town early next Tuesday evening, we have a meeting and we’ll discuss some topics most 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 relevant to education, including the P-20 Council progress report, the university tuition waivers, the school report card - - progress of the school report card reform, and the concept of budgeting for outcomes. All interested Senators should attend on behalf of Senator Althoff and I. It will be April 5th at 7 o’clock in Room 413 in the Stratton Room {sic}. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The Senate will stand at ease for the purpose of Committee on Assignments. Senator Sullivan in the Chair. (at ease)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Clayborne back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The Senate will come to order. Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to the Commerce Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 54; refer to the Education Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 79 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2135; refer to the Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 172, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1449, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1569; refer to the Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1622; refer to the Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1259, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1694, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1877; refer to the Labor Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2070; refer to the Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1286. 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Signed by Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) We’re a little loud. We’re a little loud. Thank you. Senator Sandack, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. It being spring break, we’ve had a lot of visitors, and I’d like the Senate to recognize some families from Downers Grove. The Sommas - Larry, Beth, Avery, Clark and Ryan - and the Lloyds - Joe, Sally, Lucy and Will - are from my town, Downers Grove, and they’re visiting the capital city, so I’m hoping we can give them a nice Senate welcome, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please stand and -- and welcome to Springfield. Thanks for coming. Hope you enjoy your day. Thank you. Senator Millner, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point, Senator Millner.
First off, good morning to you. You look very nice up there. And I’d like to introduce my Page, Jake Johnsen, age seventeen. And he attends the Downers Grove South High School. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 He’s a constituent of Senator Sandack. He’s a distance runner on the track and field team. He enjoys leadership groups and learning more about politics and how government works. He’s a great Page. We’ve had him here once before in our Chamber and I would like to give him a nice warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield. Hope you enjoy your day. Thanks for coming. Senator Duffy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) State -- please state your point, Senator Duffy.
Mr. President, I’d like to welcome three of my Pages that are here for the day - Chris Nowacki, Kevin Dispensa and Andrew Trulock. Chris is a sophomore at Adlai Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. He plays soccer and lacrosse. He’s on the Congressional Debate Team. And he works on campaigns and is one of the reasons why Congressman Dold was successful when he ran for Congress. I’d also like to welcome Kevin. Kevin’s a sophomore at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville. He runs cross country. He likes rock climbing. He’s a senior patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop 32 and he’s working to achieve his rank of Eagle Scout. And then my final Page of the Day is Andrew. Andrew is a junior at the Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville. He’s a member of the construction club. He likes video games. He’s a patrol leader in the Boy Scout Troop 32 and he’s also working to achieve his rank of Eagle Scout. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Could everybody please welcome the three Pages? Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield. Hope you enjoy your day. Thanks for coming. Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker {sic}. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
In the gallery today, we have Bruce Gibson from Malden, Illinois. Good morning. And Bruce is here representing the Cemetery’s Association. So we’d like to give him a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield. Thanks for coming. Enjoy your day. Senator Schmidt, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
A point of personal privilege, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
I have with me today a Page. It’s a busy week down here with spring break. I have Allison Mills, who is from Lindenhurst, Illinois. Her parents, Ed and Heidi, are right behind me in the audience. You can stand up if you like. Allison is ten years old. She goes to Oakland Elementary School and her favorite -- her favorite subject is math. So I thought 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 maybe we might be able to utilize her while we’re doing our budget meetings, so I told her to hang around today. And she is very good friends also with Representative Osmond from Antioch. So I’d like to please -- have you all give a nice warm welcome to Allison from Lindenhurst.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield, Allison. Thanks for coming. Hope you enjoy your day. Senator Bomke, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point, Senator Bomke.
I’m told, in the gallery, we have joining us today, LuAnn Johnson, with the Oak Ridge Cemetery, and Tori Tisdale and Allen Dean with the Menard County Cemetery. And I’m not sure where they are, but…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield.
There they are. There they are. They’re right back here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Okay. Welcome to Springfield. Thanks for coming today. Enjoy your day. We will proceed to -- Secretary’s Desk, Resolutions, at the bottom of page 71. Senator Muñoz, on Senate Resolution 52. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 52, offered by Senator Muñoz. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Muñoz, to explain. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank…(microphone cutoff)…Mr. President. Senate Resolution 52 designates the first Wednesday in May as Disabled Peace Officers Recognition Day in Illinois, recognizing the ongoing bravery and sacrifice of police officers living with disabilities received in the line of duty. It encourages the citizens of Illinois to observe the day of recognition with civic remembrances to acknowledge the gratitude to their sacrifices.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 52 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Koehler. Top of page 72. Senator Koehler, on Senate Resolution 58. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 58, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 58 proclaims April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in Illinois. This was presented to me by the Central Illinois Parkinson Support Group and the Parkinson’s Action Network. There are over a million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a disease that is progressive in it’s neurological movement 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 disorder of the central nervous system. We all know people in our communities who are afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 58 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator McCarter, on Senate Resolution 63. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 63, offered by Senator McCarter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator McCarter, to explain. SENATOR McCARTER: Senate Resolution 63 talks about the issues that we’ve had at Menard prison and -- just in the -- that have been revealed throughout numerous reports from the Belleville News-Democrat in the last few months. And I think it expresses the need for us to seriously address this, not just for saving -- saving money for the State, but for holding our own employees accountable. And I ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 63 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Kotowski, do you wish to proceed on Senate Resolution 70? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 70, offered by Senator Kotowski. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Kotowski, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon. Senate Resolution 70 encourages U.S. Congress to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. The resolution calls for reforms that require chemical manufacturers to provide health and safety data to consumers; that require immediate action to reduce or eliminate the most harmful chemical products; that preserve states’ authority to operate protective chemical programs; that establish a chemical safety standards to protect children and the unborn; that fast-track approval of safer chemicals and invest in green chemistry research; and that develop action plans to reduce exposure in hot spot communities.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 70 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Harmon, on Senate Resolution 118. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 118, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Harmon, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 118 creates a special Senate Procurement Committee to be -- consist of three members appointed by the President and three members appointed by the 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Republican Leader. The intent is to serve as a clearinghouse to collect concerns about the procurement reforms enacted last year and to see if there are any responses that we need to take. I’d ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 118 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. We will proceed to Supplemental Calendar No. 1. Senate Resolution 93. Leader Radogno. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 93, offered by Senator Radogno.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Radogno, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution No. 93 designates March as Social Worker Month -- Social Work Month in the State of Illinois, honoring the twelve thousand social workers that we have in this State. And I am proud to say I’m one of them and would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 93 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Holmes, on Resolution -- Senate Resolution 109. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senate Resolution 109, offered by Senator Holmes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Holmes, to explain.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 109 supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, which is March 14th through the 20th. And the resolution recognizes and reaffirms our commitment to combat multiple sclerosis by promoting new educational programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. And I want to thank my cosponsors whose lives have also been touched by MS.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 109 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Schoenberg, on Senate Resolution 120. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 120, offered by Senator Schoenberg.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Schoenberg, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. You may recall, a couple of days ago, we were joined, as our guests, by the courageous members of the Children’s Oncology Center and their staff and parents. Senate Resolution 120 is an initiative of theirs, which proclaims the week of March 27th through April 2nd as Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Week. We -- as we alluded to earlier, there’s been an increase 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 in the incidence of children diagnosed with all forms of invasive cancer, and at the same time, we’ve also seen that the five-year survival rates for all childhood cancers have increased significantly from fifty-eight percent in 1975 through 1977 to just under eighty percent in 1996 and 2003. While some of this is attributed to advances in medicine, a lot of it is also attributed to the tremendous personal inner strength and perseverance that these young people have. So I’d ask you all to please join me in supporting Senate Resolution 120. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 120 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Harmon, on Senate Resolution 127. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 127, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Harmon, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 127 designates March as Illinois Poison Prevention Month. Since we’re operating on standard Senate time, it’s still appropriate for us to do so and I’d ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 127 pass. All those in favor will vote 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. With leave of the Body, we will proceed to page 21, Senate Bills 3rd Reading. All Members at -- at the sound of my voice, who haven’t made it to the Floor, please come to the Floor. We will skip down to Senate Bill 19. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 19. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This -- this bill actually removes the requirement that a senior citizen file for their exemption every year. This is just to do with age, not to do with their income or whether it’s their home. Last year, there was -- last year, the -- there was a bill introduced that extended a seven percent cap. This is for Cook County properties only. It also provided for the additional requirement that seniors file an exemption each year to prove their age. This bill would remove that requirement and I’d ask -- the Cook County Assessor and the Cook County Board President are in favor of this. I do not know of any opposition and I’d ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Senator Haine.
Will the sponsor yield for some questions? 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Haine.
Senator Mulroe, is this your first bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Do I have to answer that question? Yes, it is.
Now I want you to define the word “senior” in this bill. Is this -- if I move to Chicago -- if I lost my marbles and happened to move to the north side of Chicago, would -- how would this bill affect me?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Well, when you reach that grand age of sixty-five, this would allow you an exemption for your -- on your tax bill, which would reduce the taxes that you pay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine.
Senator Mulroe, so this is analogous to the free rides for seniors on the CTA, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Another free ride…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senator Mulroe.
No. This has nothing to do with buses.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine.
Is the -- is -- you said the Mayor of the City of Chicago’s for this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
No. Actually, I -- what I said was the Cook County Assessor and the President of the Cook County Board are in favor of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine.
So the Mayor of Chicago is against this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
No -- no. I didn’t say that either.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine.
Do you know or have reason to know whether the Mayor-elect of the City of Chicago, the soon-to-be-crowned City of Chicago Mayor, Mr. Emanuel, is he for this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senator Mulroe.
At this point, I -- I would not want speculate on his -- his beliefs, but I think everyone in the City of Chicago and County of Cook would be in favor of this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Haine.
My last question is this: This only applies to residents of Cook County. That means my citizens are being excluded. Can you give us a reason for that? And are you willing to consider a -- an amendment to this bill allowing concealed carry for my citizens?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Actually, this bill does provide that every other county could, by resolution, adopt the same thing that we’re doing here today regarding the senior citizen exemption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Murphy.
Question of the -- question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Murphy.
I’m pretty sure I can’t bring anywhere near the humor that Senator Cronin {sic} just brought. But I guess the first question of the sponsor is, I mean, do you -- do you have any 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 shame whatsoever, sir?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Can you clarify that question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Murphy.
A lawyer as well. Very -- very lawyerly answer. No, I mean, my question goes to the point that I understand this is your first bill and you want to pick a winner and you want to pick something that’s going to fly out of here, but to shamelessly bill-jack my idea for your first bill. So I ask, Senator, with this wonderful idea for property tax relief for our seniors, do you have any shame?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I think I talked and asked that we try to join or combine our bills and you be a cosponsor, but you refused.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Murphy.
To the -- to the bill, Mr. President. Actually, I am a proud cosponsor of this bill. It is a great bill. I am pleased that it has a good sponsor. I encourage everyone to give an Aye vote. You know, once you become a senior, I’m pretty sure you don’t lose that status. So the idea that you make people have to go through this more than once is kind of silly. Senator 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Mulroe’s got a great bill here. Congratulations on this bill and on your career and the passage of your first bill and I encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) To the bill.
Senator Mulroe, I -- I’m probably inclined to support this bill, but I’d -- I’d like to know why you’re intent on discriminating against people who are under forty?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I think you addressed the President and said “to the bill”, so I -- I haven’t yielded at this point.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Hutchinson.
That was really good. That was really good. Right. But I still want to know why you haven’t introduced anything that would help people under forty and their property taxes?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I’m happy to help everyone, especially everyone in this Chamber, but just one step at a time. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Senator Mulroe. I would just like to say it’s been a pleasure getting to know you and welcome to this Floor. I know you’re going to have a whole bunch of other really good bills that you’ll be proud of and so will we for you carrying them. Welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Dale Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator Mulroe, I want to follow-up on some questions that were asked by Senator Haine. This applies only to Cook County, is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Righter.
Based not only on the legislative map that exists today, but the legislative map that your side is drawing, and I’m sure you’ve already seen, have you consulted with all the Members of the General Assembly whose new districts will be in Cook County 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 to see if they’re okay with this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Righter.
So you know who will be in Cook County under the new map and you’ve not consulted with them? Who will they be, Senator Mulroe?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I’m not aware of everyone that’s going to be in Cook County based on the redraw at this time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Righter.
Let me ask you a question. If this becomes law, Senator, and there is someone in my district who receives the exemption now and who moves to your district, must they apply to the Assessor’s Office in order to receive the exemption? Because clearly -- I mean, I understand, the theme behind your bill is once you turn that age, obviously you’re not working backwards on the -- on the clock. So must they apply in your office in Cook County?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
Yes. The idea is to have them file once, and only once, because they don’t get younger, but they need to get recognized or an application needs to get made so the Assessor knows that the person moved into that residence and is over sixty-five.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Righter.
Well, Senator, that’s where I’m confused, because if the rationale is your bill is to require the senior to only apply once because it recognizes that there -- once they turn sixty- five, they’re not coming back, why are you making them apply again? They’ve already applied in my district. Everyone in my district knows they’re sixty-five. So when Uncle Harry moves to your district, why does he have to apply again?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
The exemptions are made by county, so they -- the counties don’t interact or exchange information, I guess.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Righter.
I am sure, Senator, that one of your next pieces of legislation will be to require those counties to have that kind of communication so we can provide for more efficiency in State government and I look forward to working with that and other legislative initiatives. Congratulations, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Lightford.
Thank you. Senator Mulroe, do you recognize, in your legislation on page 3, that you have allowed seniors to double- dip. If they are in an assisted living program, they can still receive this amount of resources off of their last-known property?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
That’s not the intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Lightford.
Can you please tell us what’s the intent of the legislation, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
The intent of the legislation is to have a senior, once they hit sixty-five, to file an -- an exemption application once and not to have to do it again, because they’re not getting any younger, and to reduce the burden on the senior from handling the paperwork from the Assessor and giving it back, and also to save Cook County money from actually having to handle the 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 paperwork every year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President. But the bill, on page 3, indicates that they can receive a reduction and be a double- dipper. Do you need to make an adjustment here, Senator?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I -- I don’t read the bill that -- that way, but I’d be happy -- I think I need to talk to you a little bit about it, if that’s the way you’re reading it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Lightford.
Will you be speaking to me before the President calls “who all have voted a wish”?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I’d be happy to speak with you. All right? Actually, we’re speaking now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Lightford.
Then, Senator Mulroe, if you can look to page 2, you also have it where this individual would receive a Class B misdemeanor. Are you looking to lock our seniors up? 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator -- I mean, Senator Mulroe.
Only if they need a facility to be kept warm and provided three foods -- three meals a day and a -- a free place to -- to sleep.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Lightford.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, to the bill: This is a bad bill. I believe we’re trying to put seniors and -- lock them up and provide for them a Class B misdemeanor if they double-dip. I think the sponsor should pull this bill out of the record, make some adjustments with the top of page 3. I’ll be voting No. I encourage all of you to do the same. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul.
Sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will -- yield, Senator Raoul.
Hi. Hi, neighbor. I want to pick up where Senator Lightford left off. Is -- is -- is this a penalty enhancement?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Not -- not the way I read the bill. And I -- as we talked 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 about it, you know, being now new seatmates, I thought you would treat me nicer than -- than you are right now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul.
You know I don’t like penalty enhancements, but it appears that your bill not only is an enhancement, but it removes discretion from seniors. What if seniors want to apply every year? You’re not going to allow seniors to make their own decision? You don’t think they’re in good state of mind?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
No. I -- I believe they would have the discretion to file paperwork if they chose to do so.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul.
Well, it’s my understanding your bill gives the discretion to the Assessor. Is that right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
No. It’s -- it’s actually not the discretion. The Assessor‘s not required. So it -- it would actually give the discretion and the choice back to the senior.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul.
32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 So the Assessor doesn’t have a discretion whether or not to allow this to automatically renew?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
No. We’re removing the requirement that a senior have to apply for the exemption every year. So, it will automatically renew.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul.
What if the Assessor has a problem with that? I was just with him last night and he told me he has a problem with not having the discretion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I’ll suggest that he talk to my seatmate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul.
One last question. Have you spoken to Forrest Claypool on this matter?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
That would be a no.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul. 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
I -- I suggest you pull the bill out of the record until you have an opportunity to consult with him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Thank you, Senator Raoul. At the back of the Chambers, we have our Treasurer, former Member of this Chamber, Dan Rutherford. Welcome, welcome, Treasurer. Senator Link, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Link.
My first question is, Senator Mulroe, have you or staff done any research on this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Link.
I -- I -- I’d just like to question a little bit of your research. Do you realize that you’re repealing a bill and do you realize who the sponsors of the original bill were?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I am aware of that. 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Link.
Well, the original sponsors of this bill were myself, was the sponsor; the cosponsor was the President of the Senate; and the House sponsor was the Speaker of the House. I don’t want to say people take things personal around here, but I’ve been around a long time and things have a way of not making it through this Chamber if you take on leadership and they really have a bad time in the House if you take on the Speaker. Have you taken this into consideration of trying to repeal a bill of this magnitude when you’re doing this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I -- I sought this job because I wanted to stand up for the people of the State of Illinois and especially the seniors in the -- in the State of Illinois and I’m willing to risk my political life at the -- to the -- for the benefit of seniors in the State of Illinois or -- specifically Cook County.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Link.
Well, then, I will take that as a slap at myself, the President and the Speaker, that you think we do not stand up for those citizens and I would also echo Senator Lightford’s remark of that we should all be red lights on this bill, because we thought we were standing up for the citizens when we really -- originally passed this bill. And I think it was a great bill 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 when we passed it originally. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Emil Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Sponsor indicates he will yield, Senator Jones.
It’s been brought to my attention, Senator, that -- will -- will you qualify for these exemptions once this bill becomes law? You’re from Chicago, correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
That hurts, Emil. I -- I just got to tell you, that hurts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Jones.
Just one more final question. This will determine if I vote for your bill or not. Are you a Cubs fan or a Sox fan?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Mulroe.
I’m a Chicago fan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Jones.
To the bill, Mr. President. I urge everybody to vote No. If you’re not a Sox fan, then you should be voting No -- I mean 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 you should be voting No for this bill. But I would like to commend the sponsor of this bill. It’s been a joy working with you since you’ve been here. You’re easy to get along with and you’re looking out for the seniors, which is very important. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator -- seeing no further discussion, Senator Mulroe, to close.
I would just ask for an Aye vote and thank you for all your comments and your advice throughout my early stages in -- in the Senate. I really appreciate it and you guys have all been really great. This will save, actually, on a serious note, that -- it will save the citizens of Cook County money by not requiring the paperwork to be filed every year and it will reduce the burdens on -- burden on the seniors to actually fill out the application. So I -- I’d appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The question is, shall Senate Bill 19 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. There are 54 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 19, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you. After that historic moment, Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal privilege. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
Thank you. I am blessed today to have a Page, Jack Darrow, from Clarendon Hills, and his family is in the gallery. But Jack is the grandson of former State Senator, from Rock Island, Clarence Darrow. And I don’t know if Senator Jacobs is on the Floor, but the Darrow family, for years, represented Rock Island and the Quad Cities. Clarence was a good, conservative Democrat from the Quad Cities. And I’d like the Senate to welcome Jack and the son of former State Senator Clarence Darrow from Clarendon Hills and his family in the President’s gallery, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Welcome to Springfield. Please stand and be recognized. Hope you enjoy your day. Thanks for coming. Senator Maloney, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please state your point.
In the gallery on the Republican side are two constituents of Senator Syverson from Rockford, Illinois, my cousin, Jim O’Reilly, and his wife, Linda. I would like the Senate to give ‘em a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Please stand and be recognized. Thanks for coming to Springfield. Hope you enjoy your day. We will turn to page 71, 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 on the Order of Constitutional Amendments 3rd Reading. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment No. 13. Senator Raoul. Mr. Secretary, please read the Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13.
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13. (Secretary reads SJRCA No. 13)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Raoul, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment having -- 13 having been read a third time, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 13 proposes to amend the Executive Article of the Illinois Constitution. It eliminates the Offices of the Comptroller and the Treasurer and provides instead for a single Comptroller of the Treasury. It provides that the Comptroller of the Treasury shall maintain the State’s central fiscal accounts and order payments into and out of the funds held by him or her; shall be responsible for the safekeeping and investment of monies and securities deposited with him or her and for the disbursement upon his or her order; and have the duties and powers that may be prescribed by law. No Comptroller or Treasurer shall be elected in 2014 and thereafter. This is an effort that I’ve worked with Senator Murphy and Senator Dillard on and, of course, our former colleague, the Treasurer, Dan Rutherford, as well as Comptroller Topinka. As we look for cost savings in government and as we talk about government consolidation, I 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 think it’s important that we first show example at the State level. And there no longer exists the need to have both a Comptroller and a Treasurer’s Office. There was one day where we needed that checks and balance; however, we’ve reached a point where we no longer need to have these two independent constitutional offices. And so I urge your support on showing an example that we can -- we can begin to cut via consolidation. This will save twelve million dollars. And I urge your Aye vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
To the amendment, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) To the amendment, Senator Murphy.
I want to first commend the -- the sponsor. I appreciate your work on this bill and it’s been my pleasure to work with you on it. Also want to commend Comptroller Topinka and Treasurer Rutherford for their willingness to lead by example. The twelve-million-dollar savings is obviously not insignificant. We all know that’s not going to balance our budget alone. It’s an important cost-saving measure on the front end. But I think the value of this goes beyond just that twelve million dollars, and Senator Raoul touched on this, it’s the credibility with the people of this State; that when difficult decisions need to be made, when Springfield government needs to shrink, that we’re not just foisting that on everyone else, that we are willing to lead by example and roll our power 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 back, roll to what we are entitled to back. By giving up a constitutional office, we send a message to the people of this State that we are willing to participate in rolling back spending and shrinking State government. We have people leading by example on it. I commend them for it and encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Any further discussion? Seeing none, the sponsor, to close.
I just urge a Aye vote on this and I, again, want to thank the Treasurer, Dan Rutherford, and the Comptroller, Judy Baar Topinka, for their willingness to -- to push for this effort.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution Committee {sic} Amendment 13 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. There are 55 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution -- Constitutional Amendment 13, having received three-fifths constitutional majority, is adopted and declared ratified. We will proceed to page 58 on -- on the Calendar, Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Near the bottom of the page is Senate Bill 1123. Senator Koehler. Out of the record. We will skip over to page 59. Senate Bill 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 1148. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1149. Senator Link. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1149 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 1149. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Link, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President. This adds the Illinois Quality Jobs Act. Be more than happy to talk on 3rd Reading on it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) 3rd Reading. We’ll skip over to page 62. Senate Bill 3rd Reading. 1221… 1221. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1221. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Senator Sullivan, to explain.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The bill creates a Public Safety Diver Fund and a special license plate. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 The fund shall be paid to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for the purpose of providing grants based on the need for training, standards, and equipment to public safety disciplines within the State. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CLAYBORNE) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1221 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. There are 47 voting Yea, 5 voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1221, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland, are you seeking recognition?
I am. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please go ahead and state your point, Senator.
Thank you very much. I am extremely fortunate and, of course, blessed, as many of us are here, to have family that come to visit us here in Springfield. It’s spring break. We all have an occasion to introduce our -- the youngest members of our family. I would like to -- you’ve met -- previously met my wife, Veronica. We are also joined here today by my young children, Claire, who’s in the third grade, thriving in Channing 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Elementary School’s dual language program, along with her younger brother, Lucien, who’s just a -- just a ball of energy from the time he gets up in the morning to the time he goes to bed, who really loves computers and already knows more than he should at this point. We’re also joined by some folks, who are constituents, actually, of Senator Kotowski - the Hansens, my brother- and sister-in-law. My sister-in-law, who is my wife’s twin sister, Monica, and her husband, Steve Hansen, joined by their kids, Jacob, who loves soccer and also attends fifth grade at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and is also in Boy Scouts; and also joined with us by Emily, his younger sister, who’s in orchestra, loves dance, and is also in the Girl Scouts. So, if you would, please provide them with a warm Senate welcome. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) A warm Senate welcome to the extended Noland family. Glad to have you here with us. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 62 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 1230. Senator Lauzen. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1230. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, are you ready to proceed?
Yes. Thank you very much, Mr. President. What Senate Bill 1230 does is applies a bill that we passed with overwhelming 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 support last year. It allows county assessors to use foreclosures and short sales in determining the values of property. That’s what it does. I’d be happy to answer any questions. I’d appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1230 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 No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1230, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1234. Senator Hunter. Senate Bill 1240. Senator Bivins. Senate Bill 1241. Senator John Jones. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1241. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1241 is a very simple bill. When we passed this legislation last year, there was one place in the -- in the bill that -- in the law that we actually inserted the wrong date. We put 2016 instead of 2018. Everywhere else in the legislation, it was 2018, and so this just changes that 2016 to 2018. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1241 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. Senate Bill 1241, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1245. Senator Garrett. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1245. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Garrett.
Yes, thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1245 creates the Ravinia Reach, Teach and Play Fund and special license plate. The fund will provide grants to the Ravinia Festival Association for its Reach, Teach and Play music education programs.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1245 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 50 voting Aye, 2 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1245, having 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1248. Senator Frerichs. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1248. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
…Mr. President. Senate Bill 1248 amends the Nursing Home Care Act to require all physician’s orders and plans of treatments to have authentication by the -- of the physician. Under the Act, “authentication” is defined as an original written signature or an electronic signature that makes allowance for the verification of a signer’s credentials.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1248 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. Senate Bill 1248, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1253. Senator Forby. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1253. (Secretary reads title of bill) 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
Thank you. This bill will allow county board members under counties with forty thousand people to serve on a community -- community college board. That’s all it does.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1253 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, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1253, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we’ll skip over Senate Bill 1278. Senate Bill 1280. Senator Frerichs. Senate Bill 1282. Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1282. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1282 enables the Department of Public Health to collect -- create a unique patient identifier on -- using data on hospital discharge forms. I -- we had worked to make sure that this is 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 maintaining all sense of privacy with the ACLU, who is now in support of the bill. I don’t know of any opponents at this point and appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1282 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. Senate Bill 1282, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1286. Senator Jacobs. At the top of page 63 of your printed Calendar is Senate Bill 1291. Senator Bomke. Senator Bomke seeks leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 1291 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Is there any objection? No objections, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1291. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration? Senator Bomke, I apologize. We had a little paperwork snafu. You do not have any amendments pending. You -- I presume you’d like it to be moved back to 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please put the bill back on 3rd Reading. Senator Bomke, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1291. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bomke. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1291 simply provides for the issuance on a ABATE special license plate for cars and motorcycles. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1291 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 52 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1291, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1293. Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1293. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1293 allows the City of Chicago to issue a liquor license to a restaurant that’s within a hundred feet of a church. The - - I have a letter from my church in support of this. There used to be a -- liquor license at the restaurant previously that had gone bankrupt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1293 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 45 voting Aye, 8 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1293, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1294. Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1294 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1294. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Amendment No. 3 -- Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Dillard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard, to explain the amendment.
…you, Mr. President. This language takes out “Domestic Asset Protection Trust” from the bill. I’ll explain it on 3rd Reading and appreciate a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Dillard has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3. All in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Continuing on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1295. Senator Dillard, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read that bill.
Senate Bill 1295. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is an initiative of the State Bar Association. It’s supported by the Corporate Fiduciaries, the Bankers Association. And it makes clarifications to virtual representation provisions in the Trust and Trustees Act. If you really want to be bored, I can explain it, but all the groups are in agreement. And, again, it’s an initiative of the State Bar Association and backed by the Bankers Association.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1295 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1295, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1306. Senator Mulroe. Senate Bill 1316. Senator 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Frerichs. Senate Bill 1321. Senator Maloney. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1321. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Maloney.
Mr. President, you know, a couple years ago, we passed the Premise Alert Program in which people could report to first responders if they have a disabled person in their home, so they know about this. We were going to extend this to include people who are using oxygen tanks, but there was some legitimate concerns raised in committee and now the amendment simply becomes the bill. And it adds that those people -- it removes the mandatory reporting of this. This is kind of a pilot program where manufacturers will encourage people who are using oxygen tanks to report to first responders that are -- they are using it. But it’s strictly a voluntary program. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1321 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 -- 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1321, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 passed. With leave of the Body, we’ll return to Senate Bill 1322. Senate Bill 1330. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1330. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1330 permits the use of various portable locator devices that have recently been developed to locate missing adults and children of special needs - for example, Alzheimer’s or autism. Current law prohibits devices from automatically dialing 9-1-1. So this would allow this group to be able to use that technology. This provides a narrow exemption that authorizes devices used by cognitively impaired, disabled, or special needs persons. The devices must have the capability to be activated and controlled remotely by trained personnel who can ensure that false alarms are avoided. So I’d be happy to answer any questions and I’d ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A couple questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 The sponsor indicates he’ll yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, I know what -- I clearly know what you’re trying to do with this. We talked about this in committee. Help me understand the differences between what you’re doing here and what Life Alert currently does in their offerings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Yes, thank you for your question, Senator. The difference with this is that this device automatically dials 9-1-1, because once -- once the thing is activated, the reason it dials that is so that they can get the coordinates to locate that missing child. So this -- this is a little bit different. The result might be the same, but the technology is different.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
And I guess that’s my concern. This is the first time that we have established a program where -- where -- where we’re calling directly to the 9-1-1 services which, as most of us hear from 9-1-1 services, they are bogged down, they are short- staffed already with calls. What happens with Life Alert is the person - and we’ve all seen those ads on TV - the person falls and they -- they push that button, which alerts Life Alert, who then communicates with that individual to determine if there needs to be a call made to 9-1-1, and it doesn’t make those direct calls to 9-1-1. And so, I guess, my concern is why do we go directly to 9-1-1, for example, and not go first to this 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 organization? If they have a GPS system, this company knows where that individual is by just looking at the map. Why can’t the family contact that individual and then tell them where -- the person is located and go find that individual, as opposed to bringing law enforcement and 9-1-1 into the whole process?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
I think that you’ve made it maybe a little more complicated than it is. The reason this is important is that once that device is activated and it automatically calls 9-1-1 back, basically, they can triangulate where that person is, and what it does is it speeds up the process. As one of the mayors - and I don’t have his name in front of me - testified, what it does is it prevents cities or -- or sheriffs’ departments from having to deploy a lot of personnel out in the field to try to find someone. If you’ve got a missing -- person report and somebody has Alzheimer’s or has autism, you might have to deploy thirty officers out to -- to search. This system can allow somebody to be located within minutes and it really saves on local resources. This has been piloted in some areas and has really proven to work. But the -- the -- the technical area that has to be activated in this, and we have to have this legislation to allow for it, is that once that device is activated -- and it all starts with a call to 9-1-1 that you’ve got a missing person. But this is just part of the process. That device is activated to call back and that’s where they begin to -- to pinpoint where that location is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senator Syverson.
I guess -- and -- and, again, that’s what my concern is. On my cell phone, I can get a simple download that will know where my children’s -- where their cell phone is at any particular time. This device is no different than this. It’s a GPS unit that that individual wears, and if they are going to walk away from the home, why can’t that caregiver call the company and say, “Where is my loved one at?” And they’ve got the GPS unit and they say, “They’re on the corner of 4th and 7th.” You can go pick that individual up. I -- I don’t understand why we need to have -- get law enforcement involved, because then law enforcement turns around and calls this organization, this organization then calls them back to tell them where they’re located. We’re adding another whole step. We’re bringing law enforcement in and we don’t do this anywhere else. And so, I guess, I still don’t understand why we add this added step. We don’t need -- law enforcement doesn’t know where that person is. That’s -- that organization has the GPS unit and knows where they’re located. Why can’t they just tell the person where that individual is or why can’t they just send somebody out to that location, like security firms do when -- when a security alarm goes off?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Again, Senator, I -- I think you’re making this too complicated. First of all, if -- if you -- in your family, you have an elderly person with Alzheimer’s or a -- a child with -- 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 with autism, if they are missing, the first thing you’re going to do as a parent or a caregiver is call 9-1-1. This helps to coordinate what goes on with the emergency response personnel in locating that individual on a -- on a more timely basis. To tell you the truth, my mother has Alzheimer’s, so I -- I -- she -- she does not have a cell phone, nor is she ever going to have a cell phone. A kid with Alzheimer’s {sic} is not going to have a cell phone. This is a device that, as a family member, I’m going to purchase for either my child or my elderly parent and it -- and, again, the first call I’m going to make if they are missing is 9-1-1. So 9-1-1 is going to be activated anyway. What this does, the net result, is that it -- it locates a missing person faster and it allows for, you know, a lot of money to be saved, because you’re not deploying a lot of sheriff’s deputies or police officers out to try to find them. Again, I’ll just go back to the mayor’s testimony on this. This really worked well in his community and it became a big cost- savings of tax dollars that were spared in trying to find a loved one.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson, you have another question?
Yes. And I -- and I think we’re -- we’re comparing apples to oranges. You’re exactly right. If I didn’t have this unit, the first person I would call is 9-1-1. If my loved one had the GPS unit attached to their body, the first person I would call or I would look up on screen is -- turn on the -- turn on the GPS and tell me where my -- my loved one is located. So, yes, if you did not have a GPS unit, you would call 9-1-1. And, yes, 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 this saves money, but in this case, you’re going to call 9-1-1 and 9-1-1 is then going to turn around and call this company up and ask them to turn on their GPS. Why do we bring 9-1-1 into it and not just let that family call the GPS company and say, “Where is my loved one located at?” So, I guess, it’s -- I’m not talking about people who don’t have the -- the -- the units; I was talking about people who have this unit. Why do they need to call 9-1-1, as opposed to just calling directly to the company to say, “Where is my loved one located at?” And they turn on their GPS and say, “They’re right here or there.”
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Again, I’ll just try to -- try to answer this very clearly. We have upgraded our 9-1-1 system to an E9-1-1 system to be able to respond more, you know, accurately to calls for emergency that come in. What this -- think of this as an enhancement to the E9-1-1 system. Again, if I’m a parent or, you know, a son of -- of a -- of a parent who has Alzheimer’s and that person is missing - I’m not talking about just kind of they wandered off into somebody’s yard, but they’re actually missing - my first response is I’m going to call 9-1-1, because this is an emergency. This is an enhancement to the 9-1-1 system that saves on police and emergency response resources. It’s been proven to work in -- in the communities where this has been tried. Alls I can say is that -- that this works well. It’s integrated into the 9-1-1 emergency system and it -- it provides a better, you know, better resolution to a -- to an emergency situation and it saves on tax dollars. 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Koehler, and I’m going to do my best here not to plow ground that you’ve already plowed here with Senator Syverson, but I want to make sure -- I want to walk through the instance that you have in mind how this would work, and that is, someone discovers that someone for whom they are responsible is gone. They call 9-1-1, then they call EmFinders. EmFinders then calls 9-1-1 and provides them with the -- hopefully, the location of the person who is missing and then the 9-1-1 forces activate and go and get that person. Is that a fair kind of rendition of what you have in mind?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Yes, I think so. And let me just read from the actual list that I have here and make sure it jives with what you are saying. So a caregiver calls 9-1-1 to file a missing person’s report. The 9-1-1 operator takes the relevant -- information and creates a missing person file and provides a call-for- service or case number to the caregiver. The registered caregiver calls EmFinders to request device be activated by providing a police call-for-service case number. Then EmFinders verifies the caregiver identity, notifies the 911 -- 9-1-1 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 dispatch center associated with the address of the missing person and remotely activates the device. Once activated, the device reports its location to the nearest 9-1-1 dispatch center; transmits an audio signal to the 9-1-1 operator, explaining the nature of the emergency; and then provides the phone number of the -- of the emergency caregiver. That’s how it works and it -- it -- it -- again, it’s an enhancement to the 9-1-1 system. It provides that -- that interconnection that makes the location of this missing person possible.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Well, Senator, I -- I guess I would -- I would agree that it’s an enhancement of the E9-1-1 system in one regard, but, I mean, there’s a reason that Illinois law has always prohibited automated devices reaching out to 9-1-1 and part of that, I would argue, and -- and this is what I’ve heard from my 9-1-1 folks back home, is to help remind people or restrict the calls that are made to 9-1-1 to an emergency basis. 9-1-1 is an emergency system. Most of the instances where someone, particularly someone who has wandered off from a nursing home, who might have Alzheimer’s, are not emergencies. They’re not. Now, they can be, and if they’re gone too long, the chances incrementally would increase that there’s going to be an emergency, but typically that’s not the case. So, with that in mind, let me ask you, Senator, what’s wrong with the notion of simply utilizing the EmFinder device to allow the caregiver to know where the person is and leaving 9-1- 1 out? In other words, letting the caregiver utilize their own 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 resources to go get the person who’s missing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
I’m -- I’m not sure about the technology in that case. I’m not -- I’m not an expert in this area. But I do know that -- that the way -- the system I’ve just described does work and it works, again, because the caregiver, you know, senses that this is an emergency. If it’s not an emergency, then the caregiver would not be calling 9-1-1 in the first place. This was brought to me by -- initially by a -- a gentleman who’s got a -- a child with -- with autism. And -- and this is a -- a system that they wanted to use in their local community and were not able to. I understand the point of not having -- you know, having a law restricting automated calls into the 9-1-1 system. This, however, is a system that works with 9-1-1. In other words, I just read the steps that it -- that it’d go -- go through and it’s -- it’s in coordination with the 9-1-1 operator that this device is activated and then it calls back so that the emergency personnel know exactly where to go.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Senator, again, I would suggest to you that -- that this can be accomplished -- I mean -- and -- and I’m a little troubled by your response that you don’t understand the technology, because what you are advocating for here is to bring a new technology into the 9-1-1 system that, again, would erode the 9-1-1 system’s protection against receiving automated calls, 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 which is an -- which is an important issue to the 9-1-1 folks back home. So, I’m going to ask you again, why not have a process by which the caregiver can activate the device and the caregiver can find out where that person is and the caregiver can go retrieve that person? If, at some point, it becomes an emergency, they can call 9-1-1. But why do you have to bring them in the front door and burden the 9-1-1 personnel - who are already overburdened with enough calls that aren’t emergencies - in an instance where, probably eight or nine out of ten cases, it’s not going to be an emergency at all?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Mr. President, let me pull this out of the record. I will research that point. I understand what you’re saying. I think this is a good bill, but I want to answer that question. So if I could pull this out of the record, I’ll address it next week.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Mr. Secretary, please take the bill out of the record. Senator Koehler, do you wish to try your luck again with Senate Bill 1335? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1335. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Since I’m on a roll. Senate Bill 1335 amends the Property Tax Code and streamlines the settlement process for -- property tax disputes that are appealed to the Property Tax Appeal Board where the assessed value in dispute is over a hundred thousand dollars. Currently, if the local board of review and the taxpayer want to settle the case, they have to wait for PTAB to send a notice of appeal to the board of review. This can take over a year. With this bill, the parties can agree to settle a case without waiting for the notice. The parties will still notify the affected taxing districts, and for a case to settle, the board of review, the taxpayer, PTAB and all the taxing districts have to agree on the settlement amount. This came to me from a local constituent and their attorney in -- in Peoria, where they settled everything and then they couldn’t get it done because they had to wait for the State to -- to give the okay. I know of no opposition. The Taxpayers’ Federation has been very helpful in working with us on this and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Delgado, are you seeking recognition on this bill? There being no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1335 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1335, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sandack, for what purpose do you rise? 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President. Spring break continues and I am privileged and proud to say Downers Grove continues to be well represented in the capital city. Some more visitors I’d like to acknowledge, Mary Jean Larson, Isabelle Larson, Emma Larson, Kathy Chalk, Sophie Chalk and Grace Chalk, are all here behind me. And if we could give them all a warm Senate welcome, I would be very happy and obliged.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise to be welcomed to the Senate Chamber? Senate Bill 1336. Senator Crotty. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1336. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1336, as amended, requires the Department of Transportation to notify Divisions within the Department of Central Management Services whenever they deem a vehicle must be replaced so that CMS may reallocate that vehicle to another State agency. If the vehicle is not 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 reallocated into the State fleet or to agencies through CMS, IDOT must make that vehicle available to units of local government and have previously -- that have previously requested the notification and give them the opportunity to buy the vehicle through a sealed bid -- bid process. The amendment eliminates self-propelled motorized equipment and attachments from the definition of “vehicle”.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1336 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1336, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1337. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 1349. Senator McCarter. Senate Bill 1350. Senator McCarter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1350. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senate Bill 1359 {sic} amends the Truth in Health Care Professional Services Act by…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator -- Senator McCarter, I’m sorry, are you -- we’re on 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senate Bill 1350. Is that the bill you’re presenting? SENATOR McCARTER: 1350.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. SENATOR McCARTER: Okay. 13 -- Senate Bill 1350 amends the Truth in Health Care Professional Services Act by changing Section 10. This adds to the definition of “health care professional” to specifically include {sic} individual licensed as a dentist under the Illinois Dental Practice Act. This simply addresses the identification -- requirements that the Dental Practice Act currently has standards that meet or exceed what is being asked. So I’d ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1350 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 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1350, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1355. Senator Wilhelmi. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1355. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senator Wilhelmi.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1355 does two things. First, it clarifies the current provision that requires notice of a foreclosure and the confirmation of sale to be sent to the municipality in which the foreclosed home is located, which is an initiative of the Illinois Credit Union League. Second, the bill requires that the order confirming the judicial sale of a foreclosed property must be sent to the last-known property insurer of the foreclosed property. This is an initiative of State Farm. I’ll be happy to answer any questions. I know of no opposition and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1355 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 No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1355, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The bottom of page 63 of your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1361. Senator LaHood. Do you wish to proceed? The top of page 64 on your Calendar. Senate Bill 1364. Senator Bivins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1364. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bivins.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1364 amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. Exempts from certain provisions concerning prohibited interests in contracts directors serving on a public hospital board under Article 2 {sic} (11) of the Illinois Municipal Code. I know of no opposition and appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1364 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1364, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1372. Senator Luechtefeld. Senate Bill 1379. Senator Syverson. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1379. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation deals with the area of the fluoride levels. Currently, every water protection district in the State sets their own fluoride levels and this 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 legislation is an agreement between the water reclamation districts and the Dental Society to agree on a single fluoride level, which is the -- the level that the federal government has set. And so, I know of no opposition and would ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1379 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 1379, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1386. Senator Emil Jones. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1386. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1386 amends the Property Tax Code and extends the amount of time that a property taxpayer has to obtain a refund or -- if this refund is an erroneous -- assessment/overpayment. Under the current law, a person has five years to apply for a refund. This bill would extend it to twenty years. This bill also requires a treasurer to maintain 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 payment image records for twenty years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1386 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1386, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1394. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 1396. With leave of the Body, we’ll pass over Senate Bill 1531. Senate Bill 1533. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 1539. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 1553. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1553. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is an initiative of Blue Cross and various other insurance companies. It reduces the required reporting of aggregate administrative expenses in this -- in the reporting requirements under the law. There is no opposition. The Department is okay with this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 the question is, shall Senate Bill 1553 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. Senate Bill 1553, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1576. Senator Kotowski. Senate Bill 1584. Senator Crotty. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1584. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Crotty.
Thank you very much. Senate Bill 1584 authorizes any county board outside of Cook or a township within Cook County that meets certain criteria to form a seven-member advisory panel that would be responsible for the identification and the assessment of mental health services within their respective jurisdictions. The purpose of this bill is to authorize counties and Cook County townships with no local mental health authorities to form a mental health advisory committee comprised of community stakeholders. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1584 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye -- 53 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1584, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1602. Senator Frerichs. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1602. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …Secretary, please take the bill out of the record. Senate Bill 1607. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 1613. Senator Martinez. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose are you seeking recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
On Senate Bill 1386, it was my intention to vote Yes. And if the record could reflect that, I’d appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Record will so reflect your intention, Senator. With leave of the Body, we’re going to turn to page 72 on your printed Calendar to the Order of Executive Appointments - Appointment Messages. To fulfill our responsibilities under Article V, Section 9 of the Constitution, we will now proceed to the Order of Advise and Consent. Senator Muñoz. 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on appointments set forth in Appointment Messages 27 and 28.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session, for the purpose of acting on the appointments set forth in Appointment Messages 27 and 28. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Madam Secretary, Executive Appointments – Appointment Messages. Appointment Message 27.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be the Director of the Division of Banking for the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, for a term commencing February 28th, 2011, and ending January 21st, 2013: Manuel Flores.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Will you put the question as required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Duffy, for what purpose do you rise? 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
To the appointment, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the appointment.
You know, I just want to make it clear to the Body that in committee and in other discussions with this candidate, it became clear, and in his own words, he has absolutely no banking experience whatsoever, but yet we’re going to appoint him to Director of the Division of Banking in Department of Financial and Professional -- Regulation. So, I think, at the minimum, obviously, to appoint someone to a position of a hundred and thirty-six thousand dollars a year, you would think that they would have at least an hour, a minute, or a day’s experience in the banking industry, which he does not. I encourage a No vote on this, please. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Bivins, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
…you -- thank you, Mr. President. To the resolution {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the resolution {sic}.
Just -- just a reminder that there were -- there was opposition in committee. I don’t think anyone attacked this gentleman’s character or his integrity. He presented himself very well. I talked to him in my office. But the question of experience did come up and we just went through a -- a long 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 process with the ISP Director, Interim Director, and the issue and the objection seemed to be on both sides of the aisle of experience. I think this is a very important position that’s being sought here, and, again, as was pointed out, he, by his own admission, has no banking experience. And I would also encourage a No vote. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read from Appointment Message 27. 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 30 voting Aye, 12 voting No, 6 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Madam Secretary, Executive Appointments – Appointment Messages. Appointment Message 28.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be Commissioner and Chair of the Illinois Commerce Commission, for a term commencing March 3rd, 2011, and ending January 20th, 2014: Douglas Scott.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I now seek leave to consider the appointment on a roll call. Mr. President, will you put the question as 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 required by our rules?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting -- 2 voting Present. A majority of Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the Appointment Message just read. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate arise from Executive Session. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate has arisen from Executive Session. With leave of the Body, we will return to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, beginning at the top of page 65 in your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1617. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1617. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1617 is an initiative of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and phases out the use of perchloroethylene - I will now call it perc - by drycleaners after 2030. I really want to commend IEPA. They really worked with the drycleaning industry to come up to a bill -- come up with a bill that is supported by most of the drycleaning representatives in Springfield and suggest an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she’ll yield. Senator Righter.
Senator Steans, are there any opponents, to your knowledge, to this legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
There are some individual private drycleaners who are opponents from the Korean-American Dry Cleaners Association. But the Association itself overall supports the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Senator Steans, just for the pure enjoyment of the Body, I would like you to pronounce, in its entirety, the word of the 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 substance you’re trying to ban again.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
I will try to do a better job with it this time. It’s perc, otherwise known as percholoroethylene.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, can you do that too?
I -- I cannot. Senator, now for the bonus round. Can you close your eyes and spell the word of the substance that you’re attempting to ban? Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1617 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 52 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1617, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1633. Senator Frerichs. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1633. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 This bill will allow local governments to extend enterprise zones by twenty years. The local governments would need to notify the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity of such action. I think it’s a very important economic development tool for the State of Illinois and request its favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) There any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1633 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1633, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Martinez, for what purpose do -- do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to be recorded Yes on Senate Bill 1617. My -- I -- I guess I just did not push my button fast enough.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will so reflect your intention…
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …Senator. Thank you. Senate Bill 1643. Senator Sullivan. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1643. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The bill allows school districts to increase a fee for driver’s ed -- education courses up to two hundred and fifty dollars per student. That can be done -- the board has to -- the school board has to adopt the resolution. There also has to be a public hearing. Of course, as is currently, the students that are unable to pay do not have to pay for the -- for the cost of the course. And I’d be more than happy to answer any questions. I might add that this very similar legislation passed last year 58 to nothing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1643 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 35 voting Aye, 10 voting No, and none voting Present. Senate Bill 1643, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1648. Senator Pankau. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1648. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Pankau. 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1648 includes disabled persons within the provisions granting an assessment freeze homestead exemption for senior citizens. So now those disabled persons by the federal definition would be able to qualify for the senior freeze even if they’re not that age. And it does include income requirements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1648 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 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1648, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we’ll skip over the next several bills and pick up at Senate Bill 1668. Senator Holmes. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1668. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1668 provides that alcoholic beverages can be served or sold in buildings under the control of the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University for events that the Board may determine are 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 public events and not related to student activities. And it also requires the Board to issue a written policy concerning the types of events that would be eligible for this exemption. We have passed similar bills. I know our esteemed President, sitting here in the Chair, did pass one for University of Illinois a couple General Assemblies ago. I’d ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1668 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, 2 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1668, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1669. Senator Holmes. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1669. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. This is an interesting bill. It actually allows that an entity -- a school that has contracted an arrangement with a school district to transport students, they have to disclose the name of drivers, a copy of the driver’s school bus driving permit. The amendment prohibits 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 an individual to smoke in the vehicle. No vehicle may be used if it’s previously been in salvage or junk status. The bill also increases the personal injury liability insurance amount. The reason for this bill, actually, is because I came across a situation in my district last summer where I found out that some school districts, in an effort to save money, instead of using the short yellow buses to transport students, were using taxicabs. Of course, very often this means those shorter buses are used to transport students that have some disability, and any vehicle is seven times -- or, less safe than a school bus is. School buses are seven times safer than any other vehicle for transportation, simply because of the way they’re built. Also, the yellow coloring makes them so noticeable. So we wanted to make sure that if school districts were going to use taxicabs, that the drivers would have to go through the -- the screening to make sure they were safe to transport our children, plus there would be some insurance requirements put in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1669 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1669, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1670. Senator Raoul. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senate Bill 1670. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
Is there a amendment to be adopted?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator, I believe the amendment has been adopted. We’ll check the paperwork before we proceed.
Okay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator, the amendment has been adopted, Amendment No. 2. Are you ready to proceed? Please -- please proceed, Senator.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1670, as amended, amends the Park District Aquarium and Museum Act by requiring aquariums and museums to be open to persons who reside in the State without charge for a period equivalent to fifty-two days. Prior, it was open to anybody for those fifty-two days. This will -- will allow the museums and aquariums to charge out-of-state residents on those days.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1670 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 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1670, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1673. Senator Raoul. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1673. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1673 excludes Cook County employees hired after January 1, 2011, whose retirement age is sixty-seven from being defined as a re-entrant. Re-entrants in the Cook County pension article receive benefits by -- received by employees hired after {sic} January 1, 2011.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1673 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 44 voting Aye, none voting No, and none voting Present. Senate Bill 1673, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1681. Senator Link. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1681 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1681. Madam Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. This just deletes recreational vehicles and boat trailers from the amendment -- or from the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link -- is there any discussion? Senator Link moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1681. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Continuing on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1684. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1684. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1684 amends the Illinois Municipal Code to allow municipalities to require the owner or occupant of any premises to maintain a public lawn on the right-of-way abutting the premises. As we all know, most homeowners take care of this, but some do not. And while some home rule municipalities have ordinances requiring them to do so, non-home rule municipalities currently have no legal authority to require homeowners to take care of this section of their yard. So, I know of no opposition. I’d ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1684 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 48 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1684, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1691. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1691. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1691 makes several 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 changes to both the Uniform Partnership Act and the Uniform Limited Partnership Act. It allows for the electronic filing of both documents and reports required to be submitted by limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships. In the Uniform Liability -- excuse me, in the Uniform Limited Partnership Act, the bill simplifies the process for filing service of process on the Secretary of State when the Secretary of State becomes the default agent for service of process for the limited partnership. And, lastly, in the Uniform Partnership Act, the bill creates a process by which limited liability partnerships can request documents from the Secretary of -- Secretary of State. Again, I know of no opposition and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1691 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1691, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1692. Senator Wilhelmi. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1692. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Wilhelmi. 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
Thank you, again, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1692 prohibits the filing of a fraudulent financing statement that the person knows is not related to a valid lien, a valid security agreement, a court judgment, or is filed for an improper purpose, or contains materially false, misleading information. The bill allows that if an individual files a fraudulent financing statement knowingly, he is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for the second or subsequent offenses and is also liable in civil court to an injured party. Right now, the Secretary of State can -- can remove a financing -- a fraudulent financing statement only after a court order is issued. This will allow for a process by which an aggrieved party can submit an affidavit to the Secretary of State, asking the Secretary of State to review what they believe is a fraudulent financing statement, and if there’s no response and the finding is such that the Secretary of State believes it was fraudulently filed, then that financing statement is removed. This process exists on the front end, when you file your financing statement to begin with, but there is no process by which the Secretary of State can remove a fraudulent financing statement that’s already been filed. I’ll be happy to answer any questions and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1692 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 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1692, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Concluding the Order of Wilhelmi, Senate Bill 1694. Senate Bill 1697. Senator Millner. Senate Bill 1699. Senator Millner. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1699. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Millner.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation mirrors changes that we made to the theft statute last Session. And what it does, it brings -- it changes the penalties in financial crimes to mirror the same for theft. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1699 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 52 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1699, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1700. Senator Millner. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1700. 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Millner.
Now this is a West Chicago initiative and this provides that any unincorporated territory containing sixty acres or less may be annexed by any municipality for which it is bounded if it is wholly bounded by one or more municipalities and property on which a federally funded research facility in excess of two thousand acres -- and where this is at, this goes up against Fermilab in West Chicago. And currently, if you’re up against a park or you’re up against any other thing, you’re able to annex in, but if it’s a federal facility, you can’t. This will allow this special annexation for West Chicago and I believe it’s like six parcels. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1700 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1700, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1708. Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1708. (Secretary reads title of bill) 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Mr. President. This just deals with a hate crime. If someone is unfortunately sentenced for probation or condition -- conditional discharge upon conviction of a hate crime, part of the probation or conditional discharge must include an educational program discouraging hate crimes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1708 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, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1708, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1709. Senator Silverstein. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1709. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Mr. President. This makes it illegally to intentionally discharge a laser at a aircraft that is in process of taking off or flying or landing. 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1709 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1709, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1712. Senator Haine. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1712. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine, you ready to proceed?
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This -- this bill has to do with amending a bill that we passed last year. It was Senator Forby’s bill. It had to do with STAR bonds in his district. It -- it took, as a structure, a STAR bond that was proposed for my district, which didn’t go anywhere, and they did not delete the reference to the local Metro-East flood protection districts. And so we just want to remove that reference. It troubles some of the bond lawyers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1712 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1712, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Christine Johnson, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
I would like the record to reflect, on Senate Bill 1699, that my vote be recorded as a Yes, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Your intention will be reflected. Senate Bill 1724. Senator Bomke. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1724. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bomke.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1724 provides for the issuance of a Blue Star license plate to any Illinois resident whose spouse, parent, sibling, or child is serving in the United States Armed Forces. And be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1724 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 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1724, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1727. Senator LaHood. Senate Bill 1735. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 1742. Senator Althoff. Senate Bill 1749. Senator Crotty. Senate Bill 1750. Senator Crotty. Senate Bill 1753. Senator Mulroe. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1753. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman {sic}, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1753: Currently, judges in custody cases are allowed to call their own witnesses, but the law doesn’t provide who pays for ‘em. This bill will allow the judge to allocate the cost of the witness based on the parties’ financial ability. I know of no opposition. It’s an initiative brought by the Illinois State Bar Association. I’d ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1753 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, none voting Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 1753, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1754. Senator Mulroe. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1754. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, again, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1754 applies to juvenile detention centers. In juvenile court, the -- the people are called different names. The -- the -- the kids committing -- or, alleged to commit a crime are called respondents, not defendants. The people who take care of the housing are called recreation specialists or youth development specialists. What this is -- bill is designed to do is to elevate a simple assault if committed on one of those people to an aggravated assault, similar to an assault committed on a -- a fireman, police officer or correctional facility -- or a correctional officer. I know of no opposition. I’d ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1754 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1754, having received the 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1755. Senator Jacobs. Senate Bill 1761. Senator Righter. Turning to the top of page 67 on your printed Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 1784. Senator Hunter. Senate Bill 1806. Senator Althoff. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1806. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Althoff.
Thank you -- thank you very much, Mr. President. This is a very simple bill. It just amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to extend the Home Inspector License Act from January 1st, 2012 to January 1st, 2012 {sic} (2022). It also has some cleanup language that I’d be happy to provide, if anyone wishes to know.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1806 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1806, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1807. Senator Noland. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Senate Bill 1807. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland, are you ready to proceed?
Yes. Sorry. Please forgive me for the delay. Senate Bill 1807 amends the Code of Corrections to include that if an individual is on parole or supervised release for murder, a Class X felony or Class 1 felony, or any felony that requires the individual to register as a sex offender, and then, while on parole or release, commits an act that constitutes a first degree murder, Class X felony, Class 1 felony or Class 3 felony, then a parole violation warrant shall be issued. Also, Senate Bill 1807 adds that a parole violation warrant be issued in cases when an individual on parole is being charged with a felony domestic battery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator.
Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1807 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1807, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Bill 1808. Senator Noland, do you wish to proceed? Senate Bill 1824. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 1827. Senator Kotowski. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1827. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1827 amends the Public Aid Code to alleviate Department of Healthcare and Family Services from the duty and authority to enforce and collect interest accrued on any child support obligation. Legislation also allows for courts to enforce and modify administrative support orders.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the -- oops, Senator Lauzen. I’m sorry. For what purpose do you rise?
A question for the sponsor. My apologies, Mr. President, and thank you for coming back. I was very slow on that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he’ll yield, Senator. Please proceed.
Senator, can you just describe what it is that -- I mean, why would we not have the same agency that’s helping to collect -- or is it the same agency that collects -- helps collect child 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 support? Can you help with some of the background of this bill, for those of us who were not in committee?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Yes, sir. Thank you for your question, Senator Lauzen. The interest assigned to the State is primarily uncollectible. About sixty-seven percent is owed by parents who are age forty- six or older, most of who no longer live -- who -- no, sorry, who no longer have minor children and whose support is now fully paid. And sixty-one percent of the debt is owed by parents who are unemployed. The efficiency ratings for the use of State resources to compute and collect interest debt are at least thirty-seven percent below efficiency ratings for collection of child support debt. The use of State resources to compute and collect interest debt, which is not federally mandated, results in the loss of approximately twenty million in child support collections for primarily low- to moderate-income families. For these families, the lost collections may translate to reliance on food stamps and other forms of assistance, creating additional pressure on their finances. And so, because the interest is considered income, the families who do receive interest collections often face tax problems that exceed the small amount of interest collected or face other problems related to reportable income. So, most of the State assigned interest that can be collected has been collected. The highest rate of collection was 1.58 percent, which has now declined to .03 percent. So, expanding the authority of the courts regarding administrative orders will ease the courts’ burdens in 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 family law matters and will allow those parents who wish to privately pursue interest to do so, on both judicial and administrative orders.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.
Filibuster. Come on now, that was complex and there were many things in there that sounded like they contradicted themselves. Does the interest -- I’m going to break it into a couple of real -- like the quick questions -- or quick answers to questions. Did I understand from what you read from that sheet of paper that interest on child support is roughly twenty million dollars a year?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
You know what, Senator? We’re just talking about the interest on past collected, and it sounds to me, there’s -- there’s a connection between here of the loss of child support collections that result due to the fact they’re trying to collect interest on this so we’re trying to go out of the State agency to get that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.
Because of, at least, what I heard in the construction of what you read, it’s confusing to me about -- I mean, what I heard in one place, but then it sounded like that was contradicted a few sentences later, was -- I mean, I’m thinking, 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 okay, is -- does the -- does the interest on these payments go to the State, rather than the person who is supposed to receive the child support? At one point in the description, it sounded like that, because we don’t want the State to be collecting theirs when the person trying to do the -- care for the child is shorted twenty million -- see, I mean, if you could clear it up.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
The interest goes to the person. And the -- the point that I was attempting to make is the collection is not cost- effective. The State expends more to collect interest on past- due debt assigned to the State than the State collects in interest.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.
I appreciate that clarification, because I did get the general point that it’s not cost-effective; that’s why we’re not going to do it. But then I think, twenty million dollars, that’s a lot of money. Now I can understand saying, “well, the State doesn’t need it”, but then - which we certainly do - that’s the confusion. Let’s see. So, all the interest on this child support goes to the parent rather than the State? Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Correct. That’s correct. 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.
Okay. So, if I’m understanding what you’re saying right, if we don’t use any State resources to collect that interest, those parents are going to be short twenty million dollars. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Senator Lauzen, in working with the Department, the Department was very specific about this, just about the fact that this is costing them more time and effort and resources than their capacity to get the money back for the families. There is some connection there to the -- regarding child support collections or payments, which, at this point, I don’t have a real clear answer for you on that. But all I know is, I think that the crux of this is the fact that they’re not able to capture the money. And as a result of that, sometimes, even when they capture it, it’s -- it’s to a -- it -- it penalizes the people who are looking for -- to receive the -- the money.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen.
I -- I think that what we’re -- we’re -- I think that what that description you read said is that somebody’s about to lose twenty million dollars. I know that the whole system, it’s not cost-effective. But the problem is, is that a State agency has no incentive to collect it, but the people who are going to lose 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 the money, I think they want us to be spending those resources, because I think, from what your description is, the parents who are -- they’re going to lose twenty million dollars because the State doesn’t want to spend the money to collect that interest.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
No. I think what their contention at the Department -- at the Department is, their engaging these resources to collect the interest on what’s owed is resulting in their losing twenty million in child support collections that they’re seeking to get. So, that’s part of the challenge that they’re facing right now, because they’re using these State resources to collect the interest which is preventing them -- these collections -- from securing these collections in child support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lauzen, you’ve got another question?
Yes. Generally, in collecting a bill -- I think that this is a bookkeeping allocation problem, is that they’re saying to you from the agency that that -- that that money is being classified as interest and that’s -- you know, a dollar can either be classified as interest or like child support. I -- I would ask the sponsor -- because this is a twenty-million-dollar issue and I understand that a State agency doesn’t have an incentive if they’re not getting any of that money. This is a big enough piece. Could we get some clarification before we’re required to vote on it? Would it be okay? We have a couple of more weeks. Could we get clarification? And I apologize if 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 it’s just my confusion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Absolutely, Senator. I’ll pull it from the record. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Madam Secretary, please pull the bull -- bill from the record. Senate Bill 1828. Senator Kotowski. Do you wish to proceed? Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1828. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1828 allows a person assigned by the Department of Corrections to investigate the alleged misconduct or alleged violations of an individual’s condition of parole or mandatory supervised release to also serve the individual with a short form notification. It also adds that an additional condition of parole and mandatory supervised release is that an individual must immediately report being served of an order of protection, a civil no contact order, or a stalking no contact order, and must also comply with the terms and conditions of those orders.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1828 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 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1828, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lauzen, for what purpose do you seek recognition? Senate Bill 1830. Senator Forby. Madam Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1830. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Forby.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a cleanup bill for Professional Reg. All it does is put a couple commas in there and just a cleanup. And everybody voted Yes on it, so there’s no opposition to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1830 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 52 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1830, having received the required constitutional majority, is 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 24th Legislative Day 3/31/2011 declared passed. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Madam Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections have been filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, 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 32. Madam Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 32, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads SJR No. 32)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 32. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Sullivan moves for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 32. All in favor will 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 o’clock noon on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. The Senate stands adjourned. 108