PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The regular Session of the 97th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? With -- will the guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Milton Bost, Chatham Baptist Church, from Chatham, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Milton Bost)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge will be led today by the -- Senator Maloney and family.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Maloney and family)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Thank you very much, all the little Maloney grandchildren. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Friday, May 25th, 2012.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and the approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Joint Resolution 77, offered by Senator Link. It is substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1355. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1355. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 2194, with House Amendments 2 and 3; Senate Bill 2934, with House Amendment 2; Senate Bill 3261, with House Amendments 1 and 2; Senate Bill 3576, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3591, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3601, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3602, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3631, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3638, with House Amendments 1 and 3. Passed the House, as amended, May 25th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Senate Bill 180. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 180. And we have received like Messages on Senate Bills {sic} 3594, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3619, with House Amendment 1 and 2; Senate Bill 3685, with House Amendments 1 and 2; Senate Bill 3718, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3726, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3746, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3792, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 26th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 5192. Passed the House, May 26th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution No. 89. Offered by Senator Holmes and adopted by the House, May 25th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 5192, offered by Senator -- Senator Hutchinson. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of this House bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Schmidt, for what purpose do you rise?
Just a point of information. Senator Lauzen will not be here today. He's in his district working.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The record will so reflect. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1351. Together with the following amendments which are attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1351. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 2578, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 2822, with House Amendment 3; Senate Bill 2837, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3171, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3241, with House Amendments 1 and 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 2; Senate Bill 3320, with House Amendments 1 and 2; Senate Bill 3497, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 3572, with House Amendment 3; and Senate Bill 3629, with House Amendment 2. Passed the House, as amended, May 28th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Ladies and Gentlemen, the following committees will meet this afternoon: Agriculture and Conservation, at 3 p.m. in Room 409; Higher Ed, in -- at 3:30 in Room 409; Human Services, at 3:30 in Room 212; Judiciary, at 3:30 in Room 400; Education, at 4 p.m. in Room 409; Transportation, at 4 p.m. in Room 400; and Labor, at 4:15 in Room 212. The -- the Senate will stand at ease until the -- will stand at recess till the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Frerichs, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 3611 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 4819 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Maloney, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports Motions to -- Motions to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2929 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2949 recommended Do Adopt. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports Motion to Concur with House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 278 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Mulroe, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Motions to Concur with -- with House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1691, House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2545, House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3249 and House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3287 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Lightford, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Education, reports Motions {sic} to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3374 recommended Do Adopt. Senator Sandoval, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports Motions {sic} to Concur with House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2937 recommended Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 3593. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3593. Passed the House, as amended, May 28th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4239. Passed the House, May 28th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution No. 88. Offered by Senator McCann and adopted by the House, May 28th, 2012. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Christine Johnson, for what purpose do you rise?
Rise on a point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) State your point.
Today, I'm joined by the two most important men in my life. My husband, Jim - we've been married almost twenty-nine years now. He is an architect, a farmer, and a project manager for the Rockford Mass Transit District, and he recently completed and celebrated the grand opening of the first ARRA-funded 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 project in the State of Illinois. And my son, our son, Alexander - he's a graduate of the University of Illinois. He has a dual degree in finance and management, and he works for the Kohl's Corporation in downtown Milwaukee as a -- an assistant buyer for them. Please give me -- join me in giving them a warm Senate welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Welcome to the Senate Floor, two Johnsons. Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4239, offered by Senator Haine. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5182, offered by Senator Annazette Collins. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of these House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Steans, for what purpose do you rise?
A point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) State your point.
I just want to -- I have my three kids with me here today. Just want to introduce them, although many of you have already met them so far. Ryan Smith is eighteen, my oldest; Sam Smith is a sophomore, my middle child; and then Abby Smith is in fifth grade, soon to be sixth grade. They're just here visiting for the day. And just please give them a welcome. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Welcome to the Senate Floor, the Smith family. Stand up. Stand up. Welcome. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) State your point.
I would -- want to take a moment to call the attention of this distinguished Chamber to the fact - and we know it; we just want to take the time, a moment, to reflect upon it - today is Memorial Day - Decoration Day in my mother's generation - which grew out of the -- the custom of freed slaves, freed men of the South, decorating Union graves after the Civil War. These are Union graves in the South that were not tended by the Confederates, so the freed citizens decorated them. And that's where we get today's Memorial Day. And we used to have here in the Senate, who was Dean for many years, Adeline Geo-Karis, who would rope us all in. I remember once she roped us all in after a tremendously acrimonious evening on Memorial Day between Minority Leader Watson and President Emil Jones. Pardon? The old days. It was much better theater, Mr. President. But -- and she roped everyone in and we put everything aside to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of liberty. Senator Tom Johnson and I were, a few moments ago, reminiscing about our service in the Vietnam War. And it - - it gives me great pleasure to recall, today, that the President of the United States, who served in this Chamber right behind me, and a dear friend to many of us, had a special 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 ceremony in front of the Vietnam Memorial in -- on the Washington (National) Mall, calling attention to the fiftieth anniversary of what they mark as the beginning of the war in January 1962. Although it -- and that -- that is an important thing for the President to do - to call attention to that - because Vietnam was the only conflict where the United States was not ultimately victorious, which has -- given the fact that there were fifty-eight thousand lives lost and thousands more seared with wounds, physical and mental, is a great -- is a great and profound weight that this generation of ours carries. The World War II generation brought home victory. Those of us who served in the Vietnam War, there's a bitter, bitter feeling about that. But we cherish our comrades and we cherish those who served with us, and we are respectful to those who dissented during the war, as the -- as President Obama said today, but we call attention to the fact that they did serve. They went and they served as people are serving now in Iraq - still Iraq somewhat - Afghanistan and throughout the globe, fighting those who wish to destroy the -- this great country. But we -- today we cherish all of those who served in all of our wars, but thanks to President Obama's proclamation today, we focus especially on the Vietnam era. And I would like to ask the -- the -- this great Chamber to recall those who served in that era of whatever capacity.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Rise for a moment of silence as we remember our veterans. (Moment of silence observed) Thank you, Senator Haine. Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 To move that the Senate go into recess for a one-hour Senate Republican Caucus.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Murphy moves that the Senate recess for the purpose of a one-hour Senate Republican Caucus. Seeing no objection, the motion is granted. The Senate now stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After the Senate Republican Caucus, the Senate will reconvene for the purpose of Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. So, the Senate will come to order. I just want to remind everyone that we will be back here at 6:10 and we will be in Session for Floor action. Thank you. The Senate stands in recess for {sic} the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The Senate will come to order. Will all Members please come to the Senate Floor? We're going to start House Bills 3rd Reading. If the Members would turn to today's Calendar, on page 7, on House Bills 3rd Reading, House Bill 506. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. On House Bill 1084, Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 1157. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 1237. Senator Hutchinson. Out of the record. House Bill 1299. Senator Noland. Out of the record. House Bill 1447. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 1466. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. Senate {sic} Bill 1489. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 1882. Senator Raoul. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Out of the record. House -- top of page 8. House Bill 1981. Senator Cullerton. Senator Cullerton wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 1981. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill has the support of the Township Officials of Illinois, and it actually eliminates township collectors in Cook County. The collectors in Cook County only would be affected by this bill. There's about sixty township collectors statewide; about half of 'em are in Cook County. And the role that they played in the past in township government has changed in Cook County and we feel that this is an appropriate elimination of units of local government in Illinois. Unfortunately, we have more than anyplace else in the nation, I believe, so this would be a positive thing. Perhaps, in the future, we can look to see if we can eliminate some more, but it's complicated. But these are the ones that I think we can eliminate with the least adverse effect on the administration of the -- of the government. So, be happy to answer any questions and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? Senator Pankau.
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield for a 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Sponsor says he will.
Please pardon my ignorance, but what does the collector do anyway?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton.
Well, in Cook County, not much. That's why we want to eliminate these. The -- the job, I guess, would be akin to a treasurer, to -- or the comptroller in -- at the State level. And township governments in Cook County still provide some services. Like the assessors - even though there's a county assessor, the township assessors still provide services for the constituents. The collector, in many cases, is just someone who is just -- literally does nothing. And so that -- that's why there's -- a good idea to eliminate them. In the past, what they did, I assume, was to somehow process the property tax levy that the townships had. I'm just guessing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Pankau.
I know in DuPage, and I don't know if it's the same way in the other collar counties, we have a county treasurer and collector. That's her official title. Does this bill -- would that affect any of her duties?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) President Cullerton. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012
Well, this doesn't affect anything outside of Cook County. This bill is limited to Cook County.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Any other discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 1981 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay. House Bill 1981, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2083. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 2557. Senator Forby. Senator Forby. Out of the record. House Bill 2842. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 2891. Senator Raoul. Out of the record. House Bill 2896. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 3076. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 3372. Senator Dillard. Out of the record. House Bill 3450. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. House Bill 3611. Senator Koehler. Senator Koehler wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Senator Koehler seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3611 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3611. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler.
14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. The amendment becomes the bill and I'd be happy to speak to it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, 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.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3611. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President. What this bill does is it authorizes DNR to return lands that are currently associated with the Wildlife Prairie State Park, which is just outside of Peoria, to the original grantees, which are the Forest Park Foundation and the Peoria Park District, through the recording of a quitclaim deed. The return of the Wildlife Prairie State Park lands to the Forest Park Foundation would only be permitted if an agreement is reached between IDNR and Friends of Wildlife Prairie State Park and the Forest Park Foundation. It requires that the lands be transferred to the current operator of 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Wildlife Prairie State Park and that the lands be used only for park purposes. This is an important bill for the Peoria area, and joining me as a -- as a cosponsor on this is Senator LaHood. The park property is currently in my district. After the next election, it'll be in Senator LaHood's district. We have worked collaboratively on this, not only he and I, but other legislators in the Peoria area. About ten years ago, Wildlife Prairie Park, which was really the -- the brainchild of -- of Bill Rutherford, who is infamous in -- in Peoria for really being a -- a visionary and a creator of all kinds of good things for the Peoria area -- but he created a unique park that had indigenous animals to the Midwest area. That park was turned over to the State back ten years ago, as I mentioned. Currently, because of, you know, budget problems that we all know we have and that, we're really not able to keep up with -- with the upkeep in the park, and so there is a group that has been currently operating the park and there is a group of contributors around that -- that group that really want to take it back and be able to continue it in perpetuity for the purposes that it's -- it's been used for and that it's been designed. There would be a -- a conservation easement with it, so this -- this park could only be used for the purposes that are -- that it has been used for and that are stated. There could be development, but that -- that development would all have to be in conjunction with the purposes of the park. As an example, maybe a lodge or -- or something like that, but it would still have to be for the purposes of the park. So, I would be happy to entertain any -- any questions on this. Appreciate your support. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? Senator John Jones, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam Sponsor -- or -- or, Madam President. I'm sorry. Question of the sponsor. Senator Koehler, I -- I noticed in your remarks there about this -- this very important piece of legislation that this piece of property is in your district now and after the next election, come January of next year when -- when you guys are sworn in to your new offices, it will be Senator LaHood's property. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler.
Yes, it -- yes, it is.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Jones.
It's my understanding this is over fifteen hundred acres. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler.
Yes. Wildlife Prairie State Park right now is fifteen hundred and seventy-six acres.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Jones.
So, you're reasoning for giving this up and giving it to 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Senator LaHood, the right voters weren't out there? The animals couldn't vote for you? What -- what is -- what's the reason for this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler.
The -- the bear was undecided. We just couldn't work with him, so… No, this is a area that's right on the -- on the border of us and, you know, it's -- it's -- really has been a unique area. All -- you know, we take our grandkids out there. My kids grew up out there. It -- it's really a pretty unique experience.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. One more -- one more question, Senator Koehler. You said you take your grandkids out there. You know that after January of next year, the -- the second Wednesday of January next year, you will have to get permission from Senator LaHood to take your grandkids out there. Okay?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler. Senator LaHood, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR LaHOOD: To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) To the bill. SENATOR LaHOOD: Thank you, Madam President. I stand to support this bill. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 It has been a collaborative effort with Senator Koehler. And really what this bill does is return Wildlife Prairie Park to its roots. For most of its history, the park has been a private enterprise, up until about ten years ago. We now have a group that's been put together that has broad support in our Peoria community. It really is a gem, this park, in our area in terms of tourism, cultural events, the wildlife. And so I think this is a -- a good example of what we can do to continue that history that we have in Peoria by turning it back over to this private organization and continue the tradition we've had in Peoria with it. So I would ask for a favorable vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Quick question of the sponsor. I've heard that preservation of wildlife is one of the goals of this bill. Are there any miniature horses on this site?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler.
Not yet, but if they're indigenous to Illinois, there will be.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Koehler, to close.
Just appreciate an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The question is, shall House Bill 3611 pass. All those in 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay. House Bill 3611, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Now on the top of page 9, House Bill 3779. Senator Link. Out of the record. House Bill 3804. Senator Silverstein. Out of the record. House Bill 3865. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 3985. Senator Steans. Out of the record. House Bill 4050. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 4136. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. Senate -- House Bill 4139. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 4148. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 4513. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 4521. Senator Jacqui Collins. Out of the record. Now on the top of page 9, House Bill 4568. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 4666. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 4674. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. House Bill… Senator -- we'll go back to House Bill 4674. Senator Muñoz. Senator Muñoz wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4674. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a recommendation of the State Fire Marshal. It 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 changes the sunset date of the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023. It also requires that door restrictors be placed on all elevator doors by January 1, 2014. Current law requires that the restrictors be placed by July 1, 2015 {sic}. Door restrictors prevent an elevator from being opened when the elevator has stalled between floors. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4674 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 and none voting Nay. House Bill 4674, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Now, House Bill 4682. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 4819. Senator Forby. Senator Forby seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4819 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4819. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Forby.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Forby.
The amendment becomes the bill. I'll explain it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, all those in 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 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.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4819. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Forby.
Thank you. What the amendment came to was agreement between everybody - that if you're over sixty-two years old, you can use a crossbow; if you're handicapped and have a permit from IDNR, you can use a crossbow; and in the second -- let's see, the second Monday following Thanksgiving through the last day of the archery season, you can use a crossbow. The agreement was that instead of using a -- a crossbow all the way through both seasons, they're just going to do it half season. The first season's regular bow, and the second season, you can use a crossbow. So, it came out of committee. Everybody was agreed to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4819 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. House Bill -- on that question, there are 48 voting Aye, none voting Nay. And House Bill 4819, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4940. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4940. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Madam President. May I just, as an inquiry -- parliamentary inquiry. The -- the amendment has already been adopted. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Committee -- the Amendment No. 1 was in Executive and passed. Senator Harmon, to the bill.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4940 amends the Property Tax Code with respect to the property tax sales. We do two things. We, for the first time, establish a statutory compliance requirement for the first of the three notices that are issued. And, second, we are clarifying the language as to when the deed must be recorded after the time for redemption is expired. I'm not aware of any opposition. I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4940 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, none voting Nay. And House Bill 4940, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4966. Senator Righter. Senator Righter wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4966. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 4966 would simply require when DCFS submits a report with regards to a child death that they utilize all of the information that they used in compiling the report and make it part of the report. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4966 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay. And House Bill 4966, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4982. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 4982. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 4982 is a initiative of one of my colleagues, Senator Holmes, who brought it to my attention. It allows the Secretary of State to issue deceased police officer or firefighter plates to both the surviving spouse and parents of a police officer or firefighter that has died in the line of duty. Currently, the plate may be issued only to the surviving spouse; however, if no spouse exists, the parents of a police officer or firefighter may be issued the plate. It's also a -- supporter of the bill is Secretary of State Jesse White. I'd ask a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4982 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 47 voting Aye, and none voting Nay, and 1 voting Present. House Bill 4982, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 4991. Senator Raoul. Senator Raoul wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012
House Bill 4991. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul.
Thank you. House Bill 4991 is a cleanup to legislation last year that split the 16th circuit into two circuits, the 16th and the 23rd. It provides that the newly created 23rd judicial circuit shall have no at-large circuit judgeships.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? Senator Haine.
Would the sponsor yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) He says he would.
Senator Raoul, does this mean that there's a net increase in judges, or is this the same number?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul.
I believe it's the same number, but let me -- yes, it's the same number, just as I thought.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Haine.
But, over time, does it -- does it engraft upon the system 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 more judges, or this just keeps the same bulk number of judges in the entire State the same?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Raoul.
No, the -- the split does not increase and it will -- it will not over time increase the number.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Any other discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 4991 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 51 voting Aye, none voting Nay, and 1 voting Present. House Bill 4991, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Doug Wolfe from WAND-TV requests permission to record the proceedings. There being no objection, leave is granted. Now, on House Bill 4996, Senator Steans. Senator Steans wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Senator Steans sees leave to -- seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4996 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4996. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Steans.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Steans.
Yes, I'll explain the amendment along with the bill on 3rd. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 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.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4996. Senator Steans.
Thank you, Madam -- Members…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Sorry.
House Bill 4996. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Steans.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 4996 is to rectify a situation wherein universities have the most lax rules about allowing someone to retire, come back and get employment and collect both their annuities and a high salary. This is creating -- disincentive for universities to hire the annuitants in SURS for an -- extended period of time at a high salary. I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall 4996 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. And House Bill 4996, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Now on the top of page 11, House Bill 5071. Senator Steans. Senator Steans. House Bill 5071. Out of the record. House Bill 5101. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5101. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 5101 prohibits drivers of commercial motor vehicles from texting or using handheld mobile phones while operating a commercial vehicle. It's -- a violation of prohibition created by House Bill 5101 will be defined as serious traffic violations. The purpose of this bill is to bring it in line and up to speed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The proponents have been the Secretary of State, the Illinois State Police, the FOP and the Mid-West Truckers Association. I'd ask a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 5101 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 47 voting Aye and none voting Nay. House Bill 5101, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 5201. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 5210. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 5288. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. House Bill 5315. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 5342. Senator Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 5440. Senator Link. Out of the record. House Bill 5495. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 5549. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. On the top of page 12, House Bills 3rd Reading, House Bill 5632. Senator Link. Senator Link, on House Bill 5632. 56 -- I'm on the top of page 12. Okay. All right. House Bill 5632. Senator Link. Senator Link wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5632. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This just amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. It is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Employment Security. It deletes the obsolete language and makes some substantive changes to the Illinois -- 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 conforms with the federal requirements for 2013 in Illinois that did not conform with the federal law, and employers will be able to claim federal tax credits that reduce their federal unemployment tax. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 5632 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 and none voting Nay. House Bill 5632, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 5730. Senator Delgado. Out of the record. House Bill 5791. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 5914. Senator Righter. Senator Righter wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 5914. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 5914, as amended, represents an agreement between the House sponsor and the University of Illinois. It prohibits the use of an external search firm unless, one, the university is hiring the university president, or two, the board of trustees deems it needs a particular set of expertise from a 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 search firm and that the selection of the search firm is in accordance with the board of trustees' policy, which must be adopted within six months of the effective date of the bill. Be happy to answer any questions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 5914 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? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Yes, none voting Nay. House Bill 5914, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to go to the middle of page 13, on the Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 72. Senator Sandoval. Senator Sandoval wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 72, offered by Senator Sandoval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sandoval.
Madam President, thank you. Good afternoon -- good evening. Senate Joint Resolution 72 recognizes our great mayor, Mayor Rahm Emanuel - one of the greatest mayors Chicago has ever had - and the community residents and organizations of Pilsen and Little Village in Chicago, the Chicago Clean Power Coalition, and the Midwest Generation for their work and leadership in reaching the agreed resolution to retire coal- fired power plants at Fisk and Crawford stations in Chicago. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 This has been much celebrated in Chicago and Illinois - Mayor Rahm Emanuel's leadership and working with community to close these and retire these coal-powered energy plants in Illinois. I'd ask a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Is there any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 72 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Now, on Senate Joint Resolution 76, Senator Link. Senate Joint Resolution 76. Out of the record. 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. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Criminal Law Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendments 1 and 3 to Senate Bill 3638, Floor Amendment 5 to House Bill 1237 and Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 1263; refer to Energy Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3591; refer to Executive Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2578, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3261, Senate Bill 3773, Committee Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 3773, Committee Amendment 6 to Senate Bill 3773, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3576, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3631, Floor Amendment 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 3 to House Bill 1084, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 2891, Floor Amendment 3 to House Bill 4148; refer to Gaming Committee - Floor Amendment 6 to House Bill 3779, House Bill 4466, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4466; refer to Human Services Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 1351, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2934, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3601, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3718, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 1489; refer to Judiciary Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1355, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill -- 3171, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3572, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3593, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3594, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3602 and Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3726; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3685, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3792, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4074; refer to Pensions and Investments Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3629, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 4666; refer to Revenue Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3241, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3320, Motions {sic} to Concur on House Amendment 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3619, House Bill 4239 and House Bill 5192; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 180, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2837, Motion to 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3746; refer to Transportation Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2822; re-refer to Assignments - Senate Joint Resolution 76; and Be Approved for Consideration -- Consideration - Senate Joint Resolution 77 and House Joint Resolution 89. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Ladies and Gentlemen, the following committees will be meeting to take up motions to concur or Floor amendments: Executive will meet in Room 212 at 9 a.m. tomorrow; Revenue will meet in Room 400 at 9 a.m. tomorrow; and Licensed Activities will meet in Room 409 at 9 a.m. tomorrow; Gaming will meet in Room 409 at 5:30 p.m. Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. I move to -- waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 4074 can be heard tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 4074 can be heard tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the Senate Licensed Activities Committee. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor of the motion yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) He says he'll yield. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012
Thank you. Senator Sullivan, when did House Bill 4074 come over to the Senate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan.
Senator Righter, it passed the House on March 30th.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Righter.
Now, I'm not an expert in the Calendar, but by my estimation that would have left more than plenty enough time for the bill to work its way through the normal deadlines that we have here in the Senate. Why, in the last four days here, are we deciding that the posting notice should be waived and we need to move forward?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan.
Senator Righter, the -- I've been working on some language with the Auctioneers and the Realtors Association about some licensing. We finally came to an agreement, basically over the weekend. Had a hard time finding a vehicle bill that we could use to put that language on. This bill that came over -- that we're talking about came over. It would address -- it would be a good vehicle and so we're going to -- I want to put that language, the Auctioneers'/Realtors' language, on that bill and send it back.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Senator Righter.
Senator Sullivan, how -- how many people have been involved in these negotiations? So -- I mean, I get the impression that there's a pretty good group of citizens in this State who would be affected by the amendment that you're -- that you're attempting to move here. Is that a fair characterization?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan.
A pretty fair number, I would say. I think there's four hundred and some auctioneers. I don't know the exact number that would be affected by this. Of course, the Realtors are -- they're not really affected by this language. It's just trying to reach an agreement with them to allow an auctioneer to sell real estate at auctions. So that's what we've been working on. Been working on this legislation -- these discussions have been going on, literally, for probably a year. We finally came to an agreement, as I mentioned, late last week. And so that's why we're -- that's what we're trying to do. And, of course, the amendment will go to committee as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Righter.
Can you tell me, Senator Sullivan, whether or not there were - at these meetings that we had that -- that resulted in finally the -- the agreed language - whether or not there were any members of the Senate Republican Caucus involved in the negotiations? 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan.
Not that I'm aware of.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President. Inquiry of the Chair, if I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) State your inquiry.
Thank you. Madam President, it's come to our attention that in addition to this request to waive the rules, that there are probably at least two more requests to waive the rules now coming down here in the last four days of Session, at least two of which, including Senator Sullivan's, ones that have passed some time ago. I mean, it's not like these are new issues that were certainly presented or the House passed something so late that waiving the notice requirements is the only way to act on them. So, I'm wondering if you can provide me, Madam President, with any information of whether or not there are any more posting notices that you would like to be waiving here in the next few days so we can just kind of deal with 'em all at once.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) Senator Sullivan is only making this motion on this House bill. Senator Sullivan.
Madam President, on -- because of the concerns indicated by 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 97th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 123rd Legislative Day 5/28/2012 Senator Righter, I'd -- I'd like to pull it out of the motion {sic}, give -- give the Senate Republicans time to take a look at that legislation. It's -- it's not controversial. Wasn't intended to be. Kind of arrived here late in Session and simply wanted the -- the opportunity to try to get it passed. But it's not that urgent, so if they have concerns, I'd like to withdraw that motion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) The motion is withdrawn. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, if I might, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) State your point.
Thank you. Madam President, you know, this Session has worked, I think, relatively smoothly in terms of the two sides coming to an agreement when there was a request to waive a -- a notice requirement. And it seems that we're starting to stumble on that a little bit. So I just want to take this opportunity to remind everyone in the Chamber, that's worked really well up to this last four days and maybe we should consider continuing that practice through the end of Session. Thank you, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR CROTTY) I'm sure that all Members wish to continue that. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned till the hour of 11 a.m. on the 29th day of May, 2012. The Senate stands adjourned. 39