PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Regular Session of the 98th General Assembly will come to order. Will all Members please be at their desks? Would our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Paula Gentry, Athens -- Athens Christian Church, Athens, Illinois.
(Prayer by Pastor Paula Gentry)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs, to lead us in the Pledge.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, February 28th, 2013.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Chris Walker with Chicago Tribune requests permission to take still photographs. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Jacobs, for what 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. On a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Jacobs.
I have with me today Holter and Carter Gette, and the Gette boys come from the McCarter family. The McCarter family is here in -- in force today. We have Deni, Erin - who's a retired lieutenant colonel from the United States Air Force - Kym, Cyndy. I think Ellen's the only girl that's not here. And then there's two boys. So this was a tough and rough East Moline family, and I'm very glad to have them here to visit Lincoln today. And I'd like to give a warm Senate welcome to the young men with me today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Will our guests please rise? Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Great to have you here today. Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention. Will all Members within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor immediately? We will be going to the Order of 3rd Readings. All Members within the sound of my voice, please come to the Senate Floor immediately. Ladies and -- Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will turn to the top of page 2 of your printed Calendars, on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Top of page 2, Senate Bills 2nd Reading, we have Senate Bill 39. Senator Silverstein. You wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senate Bill 39. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 56. Senator Jacqueline Collins. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 56. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Financial Institutions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we will return to 93 and 1197 and go to Senate Bill… Excuse me, with leave of the Body, we will go -- continue where we were and go to Senate Bill 66. Senator Clayborne. Senator Clayborne. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 66. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, now we will skip over 93 and 1197 and go to Senate Bill 1204. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon, on 1204. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1251. Senator Manar. Senator Manar, on 1251. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1251. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Next up on the Calendar is Senate Bill 1290. Senator Manar. 1290. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1293. Senator Manar. 1293. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1293. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd -- 3rd Reading. Next up on the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 1309. Senator Murphy. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1309. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1341. Senator Lightford. 1341. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1366. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1366. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1399. Senator Link. 1399. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1404. Senator Haine, on 1404. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1415. Senator Dillard. Senator Dillard. Out of the record. Senate Bill -- at the bottom of page 2, Ladies and Gentlemen, Senate Bill 1430. Senator Syverson, on 1430. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1430. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Now if you'll turn to the top of page 3, again on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. We have Senate Bill 1456. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on 1456. Out of the record. With leave of the Body, we will skip over 1470 and go to Senate Bill 1471. Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1471. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1495. Senator Martinez, on 1495. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1495. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1496. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1496. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Next up, we have Senate Bill 1497. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1497. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1498. Senator Althoff. 1498. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1498. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. The last item on that Order is Senate Bill 1515. Senator Jacqueline Collins. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1515. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of announcement, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your announcement, Senator.
Thank you. First, I'd like the record to reflect that Senator Rezin is in district today doing business, so she will not be here in Springfield. And might I also have everyone's attention to note that, as we typically do, we acknowledge the date of birth of some of our Members, and today is Senator 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 McConnaughay's birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Happy birthday, Senator McConnaughay. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn back to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading on page 2 and return to some bills we skipped over with leave of the Body. Senate Bill 93. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 93. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1197. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1197. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Turning to page 3 of your printed Calendars. Senate Bill 1470. Senator Sullivan. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. This is final action. I'd ask all Members within the sound of my voice to be at their desks. We are turning to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. This is final action. On page 3 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 9. President 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Cullerton, Senate Bill 9. Senate Bill 30. Senator Jacobs. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 30. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Yeah, I have before us the cession of concurrent jurisdiction for Thomson Correctional Center, also the acceptance, which allows the State to turn over the authority of the jurisdiction to the federal government. It's the final and last piece of the transfer of the Thomson prison. And it will cause it, also, to -- we retain jurisdiction in the State. If something does go wrong and they don't follow through with the federal plans, then we will be able to take the jurisdiction back.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? 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, I know this is an issue on which you've worked for some time and I just have a few questions. I've not really been plugged into the issue, like I 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 know you have and the committee's work has been. What is the -- what's the sale price? What -- what is -- what is Illinois getting in exchange for transferring this prison site over to the federal government?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs.
Well, as you may recall, Senator, when the prison was first built under Governor George Ryan, Republican Governor George Ryan, they built it for a hundred and forty million dollars. What was not included was the forty million dollars to open the prison. So, as you well know, the prison was never opened. We have currently sold the -- the prison to the federal government for a price of a -- exceeding a hundred and seventy million dollars. But most -- most importantly, I believe that -- the important thing is, the State will reap a benefit of a lot of jobs. And it looks to be up to a thousand jobs in a very small community in my district and we're just pleased as punch to be moving forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
What will those people be doing? Those thousand jobs, Senator Jacobs, you've talked about, what will -- what will that consist of?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs.
They will man the new maximum security prison that the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 federal government is going to open there. There'll also be ancillary jobs outside the facility. But the direct jobs will be a -- over a thousand jobs, and these are good-paying jobs too. I don't know if anybody's noticed. But, maybe, I might even apply for one, because they're -- they're darn good jobs. But you have to be between twenty and fifty years old, so I can't get in unfortunately. But the jobs are sixty- five/seventy-five thousand dollars a year and they're twenty years and out.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Last question, Senator Jacobs, if I might, and -- and that has to do with, we hear on a regular basis in this building, and certainly back home, concerns about overcrowding in Illinois' current Department of Corrections system. I'm sure that you've heard that as well and I'm sure that you've had to address that publicly. I've not heard your comments on that relative to the Thomson sale. Can you give me your view on that? And with that, I'll end my questioning. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs.
Yeah, thank you, sir. Clearly, we would've liked to open the prison ourself, the State of Illinois, and we almost had that done. Right before Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested, there had been an agreement to move forward to open the Thomson prison. However, it did include closing some older prisons, and 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 that ruffled a few feathers in Pontiac. So it didn't happen. So, you know, I'm just glad to have it open and -- by hook or by crook. We made a commitment to those people under Governor George Ryan to open the prison and I'm very pleased to be in a position to say that it certainly looks like the feds are going to get the job done the State couldn't.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Jacobs, do you wish to close?
I just ask for your affirmative vote. And thank you for your acknowledgement that we've worked hard to move this forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 30 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 49 voting Aye, 5 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 30, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 32. Senator Kotowski. Senate Bill 47. Senator Frerichs. Senate Bill 48. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 48. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 48 repeals the Unified Child Support Service {sic} (Services) Act. Currently, the Act allows counties to submit applications to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to create their own child support programs under federal guidelines instead of State guidelines. There were only a few applications received the year following passage of this Act in 2003 and none of the applying counties qualified under federal standards. According to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, no applications have been received since then, so they're requesting that this Act be repealed. And I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose has asked the sponsor to yield. The sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator Rose.
Thank you. I used to do child support enforcement before I came to Springfield and we were in Champaign County, which was a stand-alone county that did its own. Are there counties that will be -- that -- are there still any counties left that are doing this on their own or are they all back within the unified system? 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez.
Senator, they're all back with the unified system.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Martinez, do you wish to close? The question is, shall Senate Bill 48 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 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 48, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
I promise, my last announcement for the morning.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your announcement, Senator.
Thank you. Ladies, this is a ladies' evening. Women In Government is going to be present here in Springfield on Wednesday, March 6th. They're hosting a reception at the Pasfield House from 5 o'clock p.m. till 7:30 p.m. and the President and Executive Director, Marjorie Maginn, will be there. So if you have nothing to do that evening and you would 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 like to find out what women in government throughout the United States are addressing and doing, please drop by. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …you, Senator Althoff. With leave of the Body, we're going to return to Senate Bill 47. We apparently skipped over that too quickly. Senator Frerichs wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 47. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Currently, the Public Aid Code requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to send notices of service by certified or registered mail to all parties against whom a medical assistance applicant or recipient has a claim, demand, or cause of action as result of injury. Senate Bill 47 will allow the Department to send notice of services by fax or e-mail, if we have these. It saves somewhere around three to four dollars per letter that's being sent out. We anticipate -- estimate somewhere around seventy- five thousand dollars in savings to the State if this passes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Will the Senator yield for a few questions? 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield.
Senator Frerichs - and appreciate the effort to save some money here - what -- is there any -- how would you know that the e-mail address that you have is -- is valid, used, et cetera? I mean, obviously, if -- if you are in private practice, in a law firm, representing a client, you don't want to get notice of a claim against your client via an old e-mail address.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
Very good question. That was asked in committee. These are e-mail addresses they already have. They're already communicating with these people by e-mail address. Current State statute requires us to duplicate this by sending out a certified letter as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Current law, they're already getting both the e-mail and the certified letter. Is there anything in your bill that says if someone's nonresponsive to the e-mail -- I mean, how do you know that they actually got the -- the claim?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
I guess you'd probably have -- I don't know if they have read receipt or not, but these are claims that the e-mails are 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 going out fairly regularly. The Department is spending a lot of money sending out these certified letters. And there's not been any complaints. There was no concerns raised in committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Is there anything in this if someone -- let's say you send it to an old e-mail address and someone did not actually in fact receive it because it's an invalid e-mail address. Is there anything that gives that person the opportunity to come back in and -- and address that claim later, or is their claim waived and barred?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
I do not have an answer for that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Thank you. Senator Frerichs, I -- I -- are these monetary claims against parties or what types of claims are these?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
These are financial aid and health care benefits programs specifically mentioned in this legislation - include Covering ALL KIDS Health Insurance Program and the Veterans' Health Insurance Program and financial aid under Articles III, IV, and V of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Delivered notice claims the 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 charge and describes the interest of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the local governmental unit, or the county, has in claim, demand, or cause of action.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Well, let me ask you about in the case of a deceased individual, where you notice -- when we file a claim against an estate. Typically, you would file that with the court or also with the administrator and that would come through a certified letter to the administrator or the executor of the estate, depending on the case. Are you going -- if the person has passed away, sending an e-mail to that person who's now dead obviously isn't going to do much good. What will happen in the -- in the incidence where the individual -- you're dealing with a deceased party.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Frerichs.
Well, I -- I understand that Senator Rose has a lot of concerns, perhaps wants to send out more certified mail. I would be happy to get the Department in touch with you. I'd be happy to hold on to this bill until all your questions are answered. I thought it was a good idea to save the State money, but I understand he has some concerns about wanting to spend it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Are you asking to take the bill out of the record, Senator? Out of the record. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 50. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 read the bill.
Senate Bill 50. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you, Mr. President. Basically, this bill just allows Illinois resident veterans who have provided acceptable verification of service or mobilization to obtain a Hunter's Education card by passing the written portion of the test, which can be done online, but they do not need to do the field portion. This was brought to me by a veteran in my district. I'd appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 50 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 50, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 62. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 62. (Secretary reads title of bill) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 62 amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. It changes, basically, the definition of a "clinical psychologist" to mean a person licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulations {sic} (Regulation) under the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. In the past, they -- they were -- it was -- they were required to register; now, they're licensed. That's the only difference. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 62 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 62, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Turning to page 4 of your printed Calendar. At the top of the page, Senate Bill 63. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 63. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
Thank you, Mr. President, once again. Senate Bill 63 amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois so that it is compliant with federal statute and it basically updates the outdated language. And the legislation also decreases the amount of members on the State Rehabilitation Council and it lifts restrictions that hinder the appointment of Council members. And also -- it, finally, also places more restrictions on the reimbursement of members. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank -- thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 63 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 63, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 70. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 70. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Current law prohibits an establishment within a hundred feet of a school or church from obtaining a video gaming license. This bill 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 amends the Video Gaming Act, creating a grandfather clause for liquor establishments that hold liquor license pursuant to the Liquor Control Act's grandfather clause despite being located within a hundred feet of a church or a school. This bill allows such establishments to obtain the video gaming license, provided that the establishment obtained its original liquor license before the church or school moved in within the hundred-foot prohibited zone. This comes to me by the way of the AMVETS club in Peoria. Next door, the -- a church bought the old Shrine Mosque. The AMVETS have had a liquor license for decades and they were caught in this -- this bind. So I'd appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Sullivan's going to take the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Koehler, I just want to make sure that I'm clear on what it is we're asking here. This is for a situation wherein an establishment -- establishment has a liquor license, then a -- a church or a school comes in after that, within the hundred-foot perimeter or the distance that -- that it's prohibited from. Now that facility that had the 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 liquor license first wants to have the video gaming that's now legal in Illinois, which is prohibited by statute, but you want to say since they had the liquor license already, then we should grandfather them in and allow them to get the video game machines. Do I -- have I constructed that correctly?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Koehler.
Absolutely correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
To the bill, very briefly, if I might, Mr. President. Just -- Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a -- a sensitive area in some areas of our State. And many of our constituents -- there are - - the anti-gaming groups -- or at least one of the anti-gaming groups is opposed to this measure because they are concerned about the placement of these video gaming machines within the prohibited distance of the -- of the facilities, like churches and schools we've talked about before. Just to make sure everyone's aware that the opposition is out there. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Koehler, do you wish to close? Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 70 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 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 are 47 voting Aye, 6 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 70, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up on the Calendar is Senate Bill 84. Senator Luechtefeld. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 84. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This bill, Senate -- Senate Bill 84, requires that back fees for teachers' registration be deposited in the fund used by the regional superintendent of education instead of going to ISBE. This, I think, is agreed to by most people that I know of - or everybody that I know of. It's something that I -- we tried to do last year and just ran out of time in -- in this -- in this Body. Hopefully we can get -- get this passed today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any questions? Any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 84 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 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 84, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 104. Senator Althoff. Senator 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Althoff, on Senate Bill 104. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 104. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Althoff.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. I apologize. Senate Bill 104 is identical to Senate Bill 3627, which passed the Senate unanimously in May of 2012. Unfortunately, it was too late in the process to pass the House, so it's appearing before us again. What it does is -- Illinois workers' rights to overtime pay are derived from both federal as well as State law. These laws provide employees who work for more than forty hours per week to receive time and a half pay for all such hours worked. However, there is no exception in the Illinois Minimum Wage Law that allows public safety employees to negotiate this through their collective bargaining agreement. This piece of legislation will actually allow them to do that. And I would like to read legislative intent into the record. The purpose of this legislation is to permit the negotiation of alternative work schedules that would otherwise be prohibited by the federal Minimum Wage Law. These schedules are often used in law enforcement and allow employers more flexibility in scheduling, thereby reducing overtime costs. As is currently the case, an employer could not insist that a union negotiate over the waiver of this provision of the Minimum Wage Law. But this bill permits a union to agree to negotiate over such a provision. 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 This is an initiative of the FOP. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 104 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 56 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 104, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up on the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 1169. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 1169. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1169 amends the Income Withholding for Support Act, which allows garnishment of wages for nonpayment of child support obligations. The bill simply removes a provision in the Act that requires an income withholding notice to include the date on which the order will terminate. The purpose of this bill is to bring Illinois law in compliance with federal requirements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1169 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 54 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1169, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up on the Calendar - we're on page 4, Ladies and Gentlemen - we have Senate Bill 1170. Excuse me -- yes, 1170. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1170. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Seven -- Senate Bill 1170 amends the Wildlife Code. Currently, anyone in Illinois -- anyone in Illinois who has possession of wildlife that was taken illegally from another state or country will be charged with violations only in that state or country from which the wildlife was illegally harvested. According to the Illinois Conservation Police, each year our officers assist agencies from other states and countries with cases involving the unlawful taking of wildlife that is then transported to Illinois. This bill would provide for cost recovery for the State of Illinois by allowing 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 violators to be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1170 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 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1170, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I would like to be recorded as an Aye vote on Senate Bill 1169.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) The record will so reflect your intent.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, continuing on the Calendar, we have Senate Bill 1213. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1213. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1213 amends the State Employee Indemnification Act to add individuals or organizations that contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice to the definition of "employee" under the State Employees {sic} (Employee) Indemnification Act. The Act further changes references in the Juvenile Court Act under the -- under the -- from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Juvenile Justice. This is basically cleanup language and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1213 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 55 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1213, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1216. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1216. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senate. The bill amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to make money from the Fraternal Order of Police Fund subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and names the Secretary of State as administering the -- agency. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question, Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator Muñoz, how is that money distributed now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Well, right now, they're not able to distribute the money. That's why they're trying to do this through the amendment on 1216.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Where does the money in the Fraternal Order of Police Fund -- maybe I can knockout two questions here, Mr. President. One, where is -- where does it come from, and how much money is in the fund right now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 SENATOR MUÑOZ: I don't know how much is in the fund, but if this will help you out, fees deposited into the Fraternal Order of Police Fund are from the sale of {sic} (or) renewal of FOP license plates. The Police Fund was established as a fundraising method to fund grants in {sic} (to) the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police to increase the efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement officers in Illinois, to educate the public about law enforcement officers' issues, to create partnerships with the public, and honor the service of law enforcement officers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise? Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1216 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 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1216, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Next up on the Calendar is Senate Bill 1219. Senator Van Pelt. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1219. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt, on her first bill. Senator Van Pelt.
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1219 amends the Notary Public Act to allow the Secretary of State to implement an Internet-based system for notary applications, thereby simplifying the application process and reducing the amount of time that staff has to -- put in verifying the application data. It also removes a sunset date provision in the law that deals with the appearance of the notary seals and other identification requirements. Specifically, the sunsetting provision sets minimum requirements for the legibility of a notary's signature and the size, shape and appearance of the official seal. Under Senate Bill 1219, the sunset date of July 1st, 2013, would be removed altogether, allowing the seal/signature identification requirements to remain in place indefinitely. The proponents are the Illinois Secretary of State. There are no opponents that I know of at this time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion on Senator Van Pelt's first bill? Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates that she will yield. Senator Althoff.
Senator, a notary seal, is -- is that type -- a protected animal and can you explain to me where that animal lives?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Actually, the notary seal is a seal that allows you to 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 notarize certificates.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Althoff.
Does -- does this notary have a special sound attached to it when you use it to certify a document?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Actually, there is a clicking sound.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Althoff.
Senator, are you sure it shouldn't be more of a barking sound?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
That is something that can be considered later for -- if you'd like to introduce something requiring that later. But, right now, I'd like to present the bill as -- as it is written.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Althoff.
Senator, I will look forward to working with you on that trailer bill and we'll actually discuss most parts of barking, clicking, and other appropriate sounds.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Delgado, for what 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates she will yield. Senator Delgado.
Senator Van Pelt, I'm a little concerned about the sunset provision. Can you tell me, if it's a cloudy day, will we have a sunset? Will we be able to tell when that sunset arrives? Did you check the weather on that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Senator, I have not checked the weather on -- for July 1st, 2013, but I do know that normally it's a sunny day, July 1st, and I would expect the sun would be shining and that we need the sunset provision addressed. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Delgado.
Well, but -- but, in this case, you want the sun to set, not to shine, so you're going to have to help me with that part. But considering that you want to -- you have some -- some -- you -- and how will we -- on your -- on your seals, are they going to have plenty of ice around them and -- keeping them nice and cold so that they can click and make those nice sounds they make, or will you find other ways?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt. 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
Senator, the seal is a -- a contraption that is used to stamp documents. It is not an animal or a seal as in the animal kingdom.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Delgado.
Well, I'll tell you, madam, I -- at this point in time, between not being sure when that sun's going to set, even if it's on July 1st, if we -- and if indeed we might have a full moon that day, I don't know, you might want to think about pulling this from the record for it being the first bill. But being one of our colleagues, I just want to make sure - it being someone who cares about all the animals and all the different things - that when we find out what a notary seal -- when I explain that to my nephew this afternoon, I'll show him a nice picture of that notary seal. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of inquiry to the Chair about Senator Van Pelt's bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your inquiry.
I -- I just want to know, when she filed the bill, did she notarize it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 We will have our legal staff look into that. I'm sure it was probably not done properly, but we'll check on that. Senator Steans, for what purpose do you rise?
For two lines of inquiry of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates she will yield. Senator Steans.
Well, first, Senator Van Pelt, I'm wondering whether you were attracted to this bill because of the -- the seal pelts that are involved and whether you have any relationship to these.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Can she please rephrase the question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.
Well, right, I thought maybe that the pelts of the seals had some affiliation with you and I'm wondering whether you have any conflict of interest on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Absolutely no conflict at all. It has nothing to do with seals in the animal kingdom, but has something to do with a contraption that is used -- contraption that's used to stamp documents and -- and to notarize them. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Steans.
Another -- it seems like you're setting minimum requirements around what the signatures must look like, some minimum specifications. I'm wondering if people such as the new Secretary of the Treasury, Lew, would no longer be able to be a notary public if he wanted to or, basically, any doctor I know. I'm sort of concerned that this may be really narrowing the field on our eligible pool of notaries.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
I'm sure that we will not reduce the pool of eligible notaries. It's -- it's simply that the signature must be legible and applied to every document that a notary certifies.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates she will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator, first question I have is - I've looked at our online system about your bill and I can't find any evidence of cosponsor - do you have any cosponsors at all on this bill, anyone else who's for this other than you?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senator Van Pelt.
The Secretary of State is in support of the bill and that's my only person. Hastings is with me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
That sounds lonely, Senator. But I -- I -- I do have a concern for you that you're the only person who's willing to put their name on this bill that looks innocuous on the surface. Now, let's talk about the little -- the bill a little bit. The first handful of words in your bill say "upon implementation by the Secretary of State". Now, I'm guessing you know Secretary White, do you not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Yes, I do. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Then, knowing him and obviously referencing him in the bill, I'm sure that you can answer this question in exacting detail. Exactly what is the Secretary of State's process in implementing a bill? Tell me what they do in their office.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
I would like to request that we stick to this particular 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 bill and discuss this particular bill rather than to talk about what happens in the Secretary of State's Office, which I'm not well informed about. But I also would like to note that I have other chief cosponsors to this bill, including Linda Holmes, Mary -- Mattie Hunter, Toi Hutchinson and, of course, Mr. Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Okay, that was pretty good, but I think now we're going to broaden the scope of our inquiry a little bit based on that -- based on that response. Further in the bill - and let's talk about the bill, Senator - it references Section 2-104 of the Act. What does Section 2-104 of the Act provide for?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Electronic applications, I believe, system for appointments and written oaths for appointment and commission as a notary public.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
So, give me a little help here, Senator. Your bill amends Section 2-102. Tell me how Section 2-102 and 2-104 work together to accomplish the goal that you're trying to get to here.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
That 102 -- Section 2-102 is the application and, also, Section 2-104 is the oath. And now I have bipartisan support for my bill by someone who I can't read their signature, but -- Senator Righter is now a chief cosponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Believe me, Senator, and I would guess at least a handful of your colleagues on your -- side of the aisle will tell you, that I'm just here to help; that I'm just trying to help you get your bill passed. And it seems like, right now, it's a really lonely effort for you and a little bit of a bewildered effort for you, so I'm just going to try and help you, give a little nudge, and get this passed the Senate. So, thank you very much for answering my questions, Senator. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. And on -- on the risk of beating a dead seal, I want to ask, what kind of seal are you using? Is it a wax seal? Is it a decoder ring? Exactly what kind of seal are you using these days?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
It's a self-inking stamp. It's the one that I use as a notary. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Jacobs.
I can remember, Senator, when I was new and I did my first bill. I did not understand as a downstate kid, redneck kid, I didn't understand how diverse this Body is. I didn't understand that there was legends sitting next to me; that there was people of great power and interest. But I am particularly concerned about talking about the size, shape, and appearance. Are you referring to your colleagues or are you referring to the seal?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Everything in this provision is in regards to the bill. It's no reflection on our colleagues at all.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
Would this most distinguished Senator yield for a question?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates that she will yield, Senator Haine.
Now, Senator Van Pelt, we here are concerned profoundly with the separation of church and State. And your bill raises some significant questions. Have you thought of these questions involving the separation of church and State with this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
I have thought extensively about the separation between State and church, but in regards to this bill, it has no reflection on the church. It does have a reflection on the State only.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Haine.
I thought so. Let me enlighten you that the notary public, the office - and it is an office - goes back to the -- to Roman law and the notaries during the Middle Ages were quite often, if not exclusively, priests, because they were the only ones who were literate to read the lectionary. Notaries were appointed by the Pope only. Now, does this bill imply that our distinguished Secretary of State is going to assume papal authority during the absence of a Pope at this time? I want to know the answer to that question. A lot of people are wondering about that. The Pope flies away in a helicopter and here we have a bill appointing notaries, which is a papal function.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
I -- I don't believe that Secretary Jesse White will be taking on papal authorities or responsibilities. And on top of it, I think this is why we must have separation between church and State, so that the State can do its function. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Haine.
42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Thank you, Senator Van Pelt. Now here's another concern. You do, as we all do, revere the Declaration of Independence of the United States, right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Yes, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Haine.
And, of course, the Declaration of Independence had grievances against the King of England - the King of England. Well, Henry VIII, when he became supreme head of the Anglican Church, took over the exclusive power to appoint notaries public. So, my question is, is the Secretary attempting now, if the Pope is not a factor, to take over the powers of the King in appointing notaries? Is this streamlining that power? Does this have unchecked authority that calls into question the usurpation of the powers of a monarch in this State?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
Absolutely no. I think that it is clear that this simply is the State Legislature allowing the Secretary of State to establish an electronic notary process to streamline the application process for both staff -- to reduce staff time and also make it easier for people to get that application in on time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senator Haine.
To conclude, and to use the words of Senator Righter who's perfected them into an art form, I want to caution everyone on my side of the aisle to be concerned about the usurpation of papal and monarchical powers in this bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank -- thank you, Senator Haine. Our last speaker seeking to speak is Senator Raoul. For what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates that she will yield for a question. Senator Raoul.
I was just trying to -- I heard about a clicking sound or the sound of the notary. I'm just trying to make clear what kind of - (barking seal audio played) - what kind of sound. Is it going to be a seal (barking seal audio played) or a clicking sound? Is it a seal or a click? Is it a notary click bill or a notary (barking seal audio played) seals?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
It is an -- an electronic notary republic {sic} application bill and there is a stamp involved. Maybe we should say stamp, notary stamp, so we can be clear that we're not talking about that sound that you made. 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Raoul.
In all seriousness, Senator, do you care about job creation in this State? Don't -- don't you think that job creation is -- is at the root of causing a lot of the challenges within our State?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Van Pelt.
I think we do need to create more jobs, more opportunities.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Raoul.
And doesn't your bill work in the opposite direction? You know, I notice in the analysis of your bill, it says that you're introducing this bill to reduce the time spent by these workers for the -- Secretary of State. How does AFSCME feel about this bill? You know, you just told me that you're concerned about job creation in this State and now you're introducing this bills that -- this bill that will get -- take away jobs from hardworking people that have been with the Secretary of State for years and you're going to give this responsibility to a computer to do their jobs. What are we going to do about the crime that comes as a result of this? I urge a No vote on this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you very much. Senator Van Pelt, to close.
45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Yes, I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1219 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. All those opposed will vote No. 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 record, there are 54 voting Aye, the sponsor voted Nay, and 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1219, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Van Pelt, for what purpose do you rise?
I -- I had planned to vote Yes on Senate Bill 1219 and I would like the -- the record to reflect my Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) The record will show your intent to vote for your first bill - in favor. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you -- no, that's fine. All right. 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. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on appointments set forth in Appointment Messages 441 through 444, 446, 450, 452, 454, 455, 456, 458 through 469, 471 through 486, 490, 491, 492, 495 through 499, 502 through 508, 510, 512, 513, 514, 516 through 521, 523, 524, 526, 528, 531 through 544, 546 through 549, 552 through 557, 559 and 560.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on the Appointment Messages just read. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Senate is resolved into Executive Session. Mr. Secretary, Motions in Writing - Appointment Messages.
I have a motion in writing from Senator Muñoz, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, print the motion on the Calendar. Mr. Secretary, has the Calendar been distributed?
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Top of page 6 of the printed Calendar is the Order of Executive Appointments - Appointment Messages. Mr. Secretary, Executive Appointments - Appointment Message 450.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Department of State Police Merit Board: James V. Riley.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: …President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Appointment Message -- Appointment Message 450, having received the required constitutional majority, is adopted. Excuse me, let me correct that. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 452.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Commissioner of the Executive Ethics Commission: Maria B. Kuzas.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 51 -- excuse me, a majority of the Senators -- on that question, there's 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 468.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Commissioner of the Executive Ethics Commission: Shawn W. Denney.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting's 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 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, on page 7 of the printed Calendar, on the Order of Executive Appointments - 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Appointment Messages, is Appointment Message 485.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District Board: Henry O. "H.O." Brownback.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 50 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 486.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Commissioner of the Executive Ethics Commission: James D. Nowlan. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? The question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 499.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be Commissioner of the Executive Ethics Commission -- Commission: Sunny P. Chico.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting's 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 51 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 502.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Pollution Control Board: Carrie K. Zalewski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Just for the information of the Body, this nominee is the spouse of a sitting legislator, for whatever that means to you and your vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any other discussion? Seeing none, the question 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 41 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 7 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 503.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: Brandon J. Zanotti.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 49 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 2 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 504.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: Nancy Beth Lindsay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 47 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 4 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 505.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Commission: Douglas J. Holland.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 45 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 6 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Continuing on the Order of Executive Appointments - Appointment Messages on the top of page 8, Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 506.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: George James Andros, Jr.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read. 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 49 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 4 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 507.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: Gerald A. Granada.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate -- does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 question, there are 48 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 5 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 508.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: Peter O'Malley.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 5 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 510.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: Stephen J. Mathis.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting's 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 46 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 5 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Appointment Message 512, Mr. Secretary.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be an Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: Maureen H. Pulia.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 46 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 5 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the -- and consent to the appointment just read. Continuing on page 8, Mr. Secretary, is Appointment Message 531.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Prisoner Review Board: Donald Shelton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Secretary, take the record. On that question, there are 47 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 3 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 532.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be the Executive Director of the Illinois Health Information Exchange Authority: Raul A. Recarey.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 45 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 5 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Moving to the middle of page 9 of the printed Calendar, Mr. Secretary, is Appointment Message 552. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Human Rights Commission: Merri Dee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 49 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 4 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Mr. Secretary, Appointment Message 556.
Mr. President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate do advise and consent to the following salaried appointment: To be a Member of the Pollution Control Board: Jerome D. O'Leary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate advise and consent to the appointment just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the appointment from the Appointment Message just read. 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 Aye, 0 voting Nay, 3 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the appointment just read. Supplemental Calendar 1 has been printed and distributed. Mr. Secretary, Motions in Writing - Appointment Messages.
I have a motion in writing from Senator Muñoz, Chairman of the Committee on Executive Appointments.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, read the motion.
Motion to Compile Appointment Messages. Pursuant to Senate Rule 10-1(c), as the Chairman of the Executive Appointments Committee, I move to compile the following Appointment Messages to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate: Appointment Message 441, 442, 443, 444, 446 and Appointment Message 528 - the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Advisory Board; Appointment Message 454 and Appointment Message 455 - the Employment Security Advisory 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Board; Appointment Message 456 - Illinois State Board of Investment; Appointment Message 458, 459 and 460 - the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board; Appointment Messages 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 554 and 555 - the State Board of Health; Appointment Message 469 - Public Guardian for DuPage County; Appointment Message 471, 472 and 473 - the Medical Licensing Board; Appointment Messages 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479 - the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board; Appointment Messages 480, 481, 482, 483 and 484 - Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority; Appointment Messages 490, 491 and 492 - State Board of Education; Appointment Messages 495, 496, 497 and 520 - Board of Trustees of the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois; Appointment Message 498 - Board of Trustees of Governors State University; Appointment Messages 513, 539 and 540 - the Health Facilities Services and Review Board; Appointment Message 514, 516, 517, 518 and 519 - the Lottery Control Board; Appointment Message 521 - the Weatherization Initiative Board; Appointment Messages 523, 526 and 557 - the Illinois Community College Board; Appointment Message 524 - the Illinois Board of Higher Education; Appointment Message 533, 534, 535 and 536 - the Quality Care Board; Appointment Messages 537, 538, 559 and 560 - the Illinois Finance Authority; Appointment Message 541, 542, 543 and 544 - the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Board; Appointment Messages 546 and 553 - Tri-County River Valley Development Authority Board; Appointment Messages 547, 548 and 549 - the Board of Trustees of the State Universities Retirement System. Dated, March 1st, 2013. Signed, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio Muñoz, Chairman, Executive Appointments Committee. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator Muñoz moves to compile the Appointment Messages to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. Mr. Secretary, read the compiled appointments.
To be Members of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Advisory Board: Gary Hammons, Appointment Message 441; J. Steven Beckett, Appointment Message 442; Richard J. Meister, Appointment Message 443; Ranjan Karri, Appointment Message 444; Sean Vinck, Appointment Message 446; and William M. Thomas, Appointment Message 528. To be Members of the Employment Security Advisory Board: John Bouman, Appointment Message 454, and William Potts, Appointment Message 455. To be a Member of the Illinois State Board of Investment: Roderick Bashir, Appointment Message 456. To be Members of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board: Richard Guebert, Jr., Appointment Message 458; Roger Rubemeyer, Appointment Message 459; and Dennis Rodenberg, Appointment Message 460. To be Members of the State Board of Health: Julie Adkins, Appointment Message 461; Pat Auveek Basu, Appointment Message 462; Jorge Girotti, Appointment Message 463; Kevin D. Hutchison, Appointment Message 464; Mohammed Z. Sahloul, Appointment Message 465; David B. McCurdy, Appointment Message 466; David Banaszynski, Appointment Message 467; Karen Phelan, Appointment 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Message 554; and Carolyn C. Lopez, Appointment Message 555. To be the Public Guardian for DuPage County: Donald E. Puchalski, Appointment Message 469. To be Members of the Medical Licensing Board: Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, M.D., Appointment Message 471; Craig Niederberger, M.D., Appointment Message 472; and Gayle Ellen Woodson, M.D., Appointment Message 473. To be Members of the Illinois State Disciplinary -- Medical Disciplinary Board: Dr. Ronald L. Johnson, Appointment Message 474; Maria Laporta, M.D., Appointment Message 475; Dr. Sarita M. Massey, Appointment Message 476; Karen O'Mara, D.O., Appointment Message 477; Dr. Joseph W. Szokol, Appointment Message 478; and Grace Allen Newton, Appointment Message 479. To be Members of the Southern Illinois Economic Development Authority: Hervey Edward Davis, Appointment Message 480; William Dill, Appointment Message 481; Robert L. Mees, Appointment Message 482; Joseph L. Moore, Appointment -- Appointment Message 483; and Kelly Stewart, Appointment Message 484. To be Members of the State Board of Education: Andrea M. Brown, Appointment Message 490; David L. Fields, Appointment Message 491; and Vinni M. Hall, Appointment Message 492. To be Members of the Board of Trustees of the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois: Michael D. Busby, Appointment Message 495; Janice I. Reedus, Appointment Message 496; Sonia Walwyn, Appointment Message 497; and Enrique -- Enrique M. Vasquez, Appointment Message 520. To be a Member of the Board of Trustees of Governors State University: Patrick Joseph Ormsby, Appointment Message 498. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 To be Members of the Health Facilities Services and Review Board: Deanna J. Demuzio, Appointment Message 513; Philip C. Bradley, Appointment Message 539; and Kathryn J. Olson, Appointment Message 540. To be Members of the Lottery Control Board: John Gary Fencik, Appointment Message 514; Sharon U. Thompson, Appointment Message 516; Robert Anthony Christian, Appointment Message 517; Paul Schaefer, Appointment Message 518; and Geoffrey A. Richards, Appointment Message 519. To be a Member of the Weatherization Initiative Board: Bethany Del Galdo, Appointment Message 521. To be Members of the Illinois Community College Board: Terry Bruce, Appointment Message 523; Jacob G. Rendleman, Appointment Message 526; and Teresa Garate, Appointment Message 557. To be a Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education: Paul L. Langer, Appointment Message 524. To be Members of the Quality Care Board: Untress Lamont Quinn, Appointment Message 533; Susan M. Keegan, Appointment Message 534; G. Virginia Conlee, Appointment Message 535; and Cathy Contarino, Appointment Message 536. To be Members of the Illinois Finance Authority: Mordecai Tessler, Appointment Message 537; Lerry Knox, Appointment Message 538; Bradley A. Zeller, Appointment Message 559; and Edward Leonard, Sr., Appointment Message 560. To be Members of the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Board: Ronald S. Eaker, Appointment Message 541; Brent Hanfling, Appointment Message 542; Alyssa Knobel, Appointment Message 543; and Thomas McLeary, Appointment Message 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 544. To be Members of the Tri-County River Valley Development Authority Board: Michael Everett, Appointment Message 546, and Laraine E. Bryson, Appointment Message 553. To be Members of the Board of Trustees of the State Universities Retirement System: Paul R.T. Johnson, Appointment Message 547; Richard Figueroa, Appointment Message 548; and Craig McCrohon, Appointment Message 549. And Appointment Message 520, Enrique Vasquez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Mr. President, I move that the Senate do advise and consent to the appointments just read.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, does the Senate advise and consent to the compiled Appointment Messages. 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 50 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. A majority of the Senators elected concurring by record vote, the Senate does advise and consent to the compiled Appointment Messages. Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Senate arise from Executive Session.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Muñoz moves that the Senate arise from Executive 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 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. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Koehler.
Joining me today here in the Chamber is a very good friend of mine. He's a professor at Bradley in charge of the Civil and Construction -- Civil Engineering and Construction Department. Will the Senate please help me and welcome Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Great to have you here today. Thanks for joining us. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'll turn to page 5 of the printed Calendar, in the middle of the page, we have Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. It's on -- middle of page 5. We have Senate Resolution 75. Senator Manar. Out of the record. Senate Joint Resolution 1. Senator Hunter. Out of the record. Senate Joint Resolution 2. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 2, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution designates the Grand Avenue Overpass at I-94 in Gurnee as the "Allen J. Lynch 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Congressional Medal of Honor Overpass". And we urge IDOT to erect the appropriate plaques and signs of notice of this name.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any questions? Any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, as the resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. Ladies and Gentlemen, 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 50 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority -- Senate Joint Resolution 2, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. With leave of the Body, we will come back to Senate Joint Resolution 3 at another time. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we will return to Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. That's on the middle of page 5 of your printed Calendar. We have Senate Joint Resolution 1. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 1, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 1 resolves that the Illinois Great Migration Centennial Commission shall continue to operate and would allow the Commission to report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 31st, 2014, instead of December 31, 2013 {sic} (2012), regarding the planning of the Great Migration Centennial. And I'd ask for 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. 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 49 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 1, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. 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. Mr. Secretary, have there been -- have there been any objections filed to any resolutions on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 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, and the motion carries. And the resolutions are adopted. 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 please come to the President's Anteroom immediately. All members of the Committee on Assignments to the Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 68, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1245, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1245.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 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 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 966. We have received like Messages on House Bills 984, 986, 991, 1002, 1005, 1009, 1010, 1013, 1020 and 1045. Passed the House, March 1st, 2013. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 183, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 192, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 956, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of these House bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business to 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 17th Legislative Day 3/1/2013 come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 p.m. on the 5th day of March, 2013. The Senate stands adjourned. 72