PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …(microphone disengaged)…rise. And the invocation will be given by Paula Gentry, Athens Christian Church, Athens, Illinois.
(Prayer by Paula Gentry)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Jacobs, the Pledge Allegiance.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Tuesday, April 30th, 2013.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter, what purpose do you rise?
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 SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 270, offered by Senator Althoff and all Members. Senate Resolution 271, offered by Senator Althoff and all Members. Senate Resolution 272, offered by Senator Althoff and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Members. Senate Resolution 273, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 274, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 275, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 276, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 277, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolution 279, offered by Senator McCann and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 278, offered by Senator Muñoz. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, reports House Bills 743, 1569 and 1651 and 2709 Do Pass. Senator Mulroe, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Health, reports House Bills 1233, 1455, 1457, 2760, 3191, 3272 Do Pass; and House Bill 2661 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Delgado, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 reports Senate Joint Resolution 32 Be Adopted; House Bills 3, 160, 1288, 2768, 3070, 3236 Do Pass; House Bill 1868 Do Pass, as Amended; House Joint Resolution 1 Be Adopted; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 496 and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 496 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Frerichs, Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education, reports House Bill 2370 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services, reports House Bills 1046, 1516 {sic}, 2262, 2362, 2591, 2786, 2802 and 2977 Do Pass; and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2535 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Raoul, Chairperson of the Committee on Judiciary, reports Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1898 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 830, 1189, 1694, 1773, 2374, 2401, 2527, 2934, 2992, 3038, 3128, 3147 Do Pass; House Bill 2269 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Hutchinson, (Vice) Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, reports House Bills 774, 1247, 1330, 1345, 1461, 2310, 2361, 2489, 2641, 2773, 3199 Do Pass; House Joint Resolutions 3 and 12 Be Adopted. Senator Jones, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1204 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 58, 163, 963, 1192, 1200, 1295, 1710, 2376, 2488, 2664, 2807, 2862, 2925 and 3233 Do Pass. Senator Noland, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports House Bills 827, 2404, 2471, 2893 and 3172 Do Pass; and House Bill 181 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Collins, Chairperson of the Committee on Financial Institutions, reports House Bills 1323, 1572, 2432 and 2830 Do Pass. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Commerce, reports House Bills 923 and 2540 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution No. 8. Offered by Senator Jacobs. We have received a like Message on House Joint Resolution 23, offered by Senator Morrison. Both adopted by the House, April 30th, 2013. Timothy D. -- Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. They are substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 1648, offered by Senator Luechtefeld. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1810, offered by Senator Sandoval. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2477, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2518, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2695, offered by Senator Kotowski. (Secretary reads title of bill) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 House Bill 2747, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2780, offered by Senator Clayborne. (Secretary reads title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) The -- the Committee on -- the members of the Committee on Assignments will come to the President's Anteroom immediately.
House Bills {sic} 2969, offered by Senator Stadelman. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3104, offered by Senator Jacobs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3390, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Morrison, what purposes do you rise?
I rise on a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
Very happy to welcome a friend from the district, Barbara Miller, who is here today with the Illinois Coalition to End Hunger. She's the Vice President of Advocacy for Temple Jeremiah in Northfield. And I hope that you will join me in welcoming Barbara to the Illinois Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Barbara, a beautiful welcome. Thank you very much for coming. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Senator McCann, now, for a very special introduction. Senator McCann. SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President. I have the great privilege of having some special visitors here today. We have the distinct honor of having a school system in the 50th Legislative District that has three State champions simultaneously in three different -- in three sports. I -- here we have -- down front, we have the seventh grade volleyball girls, who won the State championship this year. They are 25 and 0. They are the seventh grade 3A State Volleyball State champions, the Sangamon County champions, and the Bloomington Holy Trinity Tournament champions. And their coach is Denise Dufour. And we have Sierra Brandt, Lexie Thomas - girls, raise your hand when I call your name off - Megan Gallagher, Carolyn Nika, Jillian Yakel, Jenny Rush, Katie Calhoon, Roya Nassipour - and I don't know if I pronounced that correctly, I apologize. Oh, thank you, honey - Molly Gebhards, Anna Reed, McKenzie Ragle, Sam Catron. And the Principal is Jill Lanier; Assistant Principal, Ben Theilen; and Athletic Director, Luke Brooks. And I think I mentioned the coach. And did I leave anyone out? Did I miss someone's name? If I did, speak up. Who did I -- what's your name honey? Molly Smarjesse. This is Molly, right here. I did not mean to miss Molly. And I don't know who I -- we have a bunch of parents up here on the Republican side in the -- in the gallery and -- and we would like to welcome these folks to the State Senate. And Tracy Weiters, who is actually on Senate Republican staff, had a great role -- played a great role in arranging this today, and I want to thank Tracy for making this all happen. Is what -- yes. And then we have the eighth grade 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 volleyball team. We have Coach Vanessa Pankey and Coach Katie {sic} (Kate) Ruggless. Are they -- where are they at? Right behind us here. We have Carley Hamilton, Savannah Renken, Cory Tatarek. How did I do? How -- how do I say it? Tatarek. Skyler Davis, Lauren Feagans, Lauryn Leonard, Paige Tebrugge. How did - - help me. Tebrugge. Taylor Ferguson, Lily Slifer, Sarah Denson, Olivia Carter, Kaitlyn Lange, and Manager Chloe Leonard. And so give these young ladies and their coaches a big hand. And -- and then we have eighth grade Pleasant Plains basketball, down front. We have the -- these young men -- or, they won the State championship in seventh grade and again in eighth grade, back to back 3A State titles for the first time in school history. Their combined record over the two seasons was 45 and 6, while only losing one game to a 3A team in two seasons. Kyle Helton, Gary {sic} (Garrett) Rocha, Cole Greer, Jacob Miller, Riley O'Connell, Isaac Collins, Mason Kaufmann, Austin Elmore, Aden Sachs, Trey Allen, Ryan Hermon, David Shultz, Nik Clemens and Leon Brown. And Coach Scott Flanigan. Guys, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us the opportunity to use the Floor. Thirteen -- and the -- the ladies behind me, thirteen team members, State champions in both seventh and eighth grade. Three-year record, seventy wins and only four losses in three years. God bless, you guys. I know you have great careers ahead of you in whatever you do, because you've proven that already. Thank you for being here. Thank you, again, Mr. President, for the use of the podium. Thank, you guys.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Senate Bill 2582, offered by Senator Van Pelt. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator LaHood, what purpose do you rise? SENATOR LaHOOD: Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point. SENATOR LaHOOD: Thank you, Mr. President. I am joined today by my Page for the Day, Mr. Ryan Keeton, who is a senior at Dunlap High School in Illinois. And he is going to be a freshman at University of Missouri next year. Has an interest in politics and is planning on attending law school. His parents are Michael and Lynne Keeton from Peoria. And I would like everyone to give a warm Springfield welcome to Ryan Keeton. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Let's give him a nice welcome. Thank you. Senator Bush, what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
Thank you so much. I'm honored today to have someone with me as a Page. But -- this is William Zachary Bauman. But what I'd like to tell you about him is he is becoming an Eagle Scout. He's working on -- working on that right now, and what he's chosen to 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 tackle is distracted driving. So, it's such an important thing. I know that Senator Mulroe is working on a House bill that he introduced yesterday that deals with distracted driving. It's obviously really timely. His mom, Michele, is here today. And - - and, really, he started this because his mom got in an accident while texting. And, obviously, these are safety issues and I just want to -- he lives in Grayslake, in my district. Just really happy to have him here and I'd like to give him a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Welcome to Springfield - let's give him a nice welcome - Zachary. Thank you. Senator Koehler, what purpose do you rise?
For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just wanted to inform the Senate of something that happened in Peoria this past month that really has worldwide significance. It began with a South Korean baby girl that was born without a windpipe. And speed ahead three years later, she was moved to Peoria about three weeks ago, where doctors performed surgery that changed her life and really changed the way traditional organ -- organ transplantation is done. With an artificial windpipe that was made of plastic fibers that was then coated in Hannah's own living cells, Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center successfully performed and engineered a transplant on the trachea on a -- and this is the first one that's been done on a child in the United States and 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 it's the first bio-engineered trachea transplant on a child in the world. It's also the first time stem cell therapy has been used at a Catholic hospital. Dr. Rick Pearl, who is the Chief Surgeon at the Children's Hospital, said that "This could be the future of transplant medicine." By using Hannah's own cells, the process avoids the inherent complications of usual -- and the rejection drugs that they usually have to use. So I just want to give my congratulations to Dr. Rick Pearl and to the whole team at Children's Hospital for this historic event. Dr. Pearl is a good friend and has really been an asset to the Peoria medical community. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Koehler, bringing that discovery to our attention. Thank you. Senator Duffy, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
I'd like everyone to help me welcome Kristin Clemens. She's my Page for the Day. Kristin is a sophomore at Lake Zurich High School. Kristin is active in student council, choir, and the color guard. Outside of school, Kristin participates is Girl -- Girl - - Girl Scouts and is in the Barrington Children's Choir. Kristin hopes to study political science in college someday and maybe end up where we're all at today, here on the Senate Floor. Kristin is the daughter of Laura and Vince Clemens. Vince, who is up in the gallery on the Republican side, is a Lieutenant in the fire department in Wauconda. Can you all please give us a nice Senate 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 welcome for Kristin and her family?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Let's all give Kristin a warm Senate welcome, and her father up in the gallery. Thank you. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Energy Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2623; refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 41, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1245, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 1486, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1739 and Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1739; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2721; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3049, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3260 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3388; Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1898. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Criminal Law Committee - House Bill 3011; refer to Executive Committee - House Bills 11 and 2747; refer to Higher Education Committee - Senate Resolution 231; refer to Insurance Committee - House Bills 2618 and 3139; refer to Judiciary Committee - House Bills 2969 and 3390; refer to Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee - House Bills 2517 and 2996; refer to Local Government Committee - House Bill 125; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - House Bill 3207; refer to Transportation Committee - House Bills 1539 and 2754; Be Approved 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 for Consideration - Senate Bill 851 and House Bill 2477. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senate Executive Committee will meet in 212 at 1:45 to take up a Floor amendment, in addition to items previously posted - in Room 212 at 1:45. Senator Althoff, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. The Republicans would like to caucus in Room 400 for about thirty minutes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff has moved that the Senate recess for the purpose of a half-hour Republican Caucus. Seeing no objection, the motion is granted. The Senate now stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After the Republican Caucus, the Senate committee will -- Senate committees will meet. The Senate will reconvene after committees for further Floor action. The Senate stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. WICS-Television requests permission to record the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 280, offered by Senator Morrison and all Members. It is a death resolution, Mr. President. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions, reports the following: House Bills 116, 1052, 1217, 1338, 1444, 2210, 2583, 2616, 2723, 2726, 2778, 2783, 2839 and 3088 Do Pass. Senator Landek, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Resolution 160 Be Adopted; and House Bills 1533, 1682, 1854, 1871, 2363, 2498, 2624, 2654, 2687, 2748, 2761, 2775, 2812, 2856, 3047, 3122, 3270, 3346, 3359 Do Pass; and House Bill 3388 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. We have additional media requests. WCIA, Blueroomstream.com, both request permission to videotape the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Hastings, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point, Senator.
Mr. President, I'd like to introduce the finest mayor of the southwest side, Mayor Rick Reinbold, of Richton Park, who just won his fifth term. I'd also like to introduce, Trustee Valerie Babka and Trustee Julian Alexander, some of the finest trustees in the 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 southwest suburbs. I just want to give them a warm Springfield welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests please be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate? Welcome. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are going to be turning to final action shortly. I'd ask all Members within the sound of my voice to be at their desk. We will be turning shortly to final action. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1739 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Joint Resolution 27 Be Adopted, as Amended; and House Bills 188, 226, 630, 1402, 2506, 2606, 2614 Do Pass; and House Bills 83 and 2311 Do Pass, as Amended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I would like the General Assembly to welcome to the Senate Chamber, Dr. Sandra Bury. She's the Village President for Oak Lawn, a area that I share with my colleague Senator Cunningham. And joining her, as well, is the trustee -- Village Trustee Alex Olejniczak -- Olejniczak. So, please give them a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests please be welcomed to the Illinois State 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Senate? Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution No. 9. Offered by Senator Noland. Adopted by the House, May 1st, 2013. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Personal point of privilege, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, I've got with me today my oldest son, Zachary. He's a lieutenant in the Air Force, First Lieutenant; just came back from deployment two weeks ago and headed out to Germany in a couple of weeks, after his brother's wedding. So, I'm happy to have him here today and I'd like you to welcome him, please. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Let's -- please rise and be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate. Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 3035, offered by Senator Jacobs. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning to final action. We're going to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. On page 4 of your printed Calendar is Senate Bill 1739. Mr. Secretary, Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1739 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1739. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, on Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1739.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman -- or, Mr. President. Wrong committee. The amendment is just clarifying a -- a number of requests. Be more than happy to answer {sic} it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any discussion of the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Link moves to adopt Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1739. All in favor say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 1739. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1739. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1739, as amended by Senate Amendment 1 and 4, is a gaming expansion package. The vast majority of the contents in the bill are similar to previous gaming bills that have passed the General Assembly in the spring of 2011 and 2012. The bill clarifies the Gaming Board has exclusive jurisdiction over gaming activities in the State, and the Gaming Board has authority over the Chicago Casino -- with its authority over all riverboats or casinos in Illinois. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Link. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) He indicates that he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senator Link, we had a conversation not long ago in Executive Committee about some of the new language that's now on Senate Bill 1739 as a result of the most recent amendment and I want to focus 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 my questions on those changes, and specifically the changes about bans on campaign contributions from people who are involved or may be involved in the gaming industry and entities that have these video machines in their facilities. It's my understanding, from what you said in Executive Committee, that an individual business back home - and I think I used the example of Harvey's Bar and Grill - that has five of these machines in their facility, they would be subject -- that -- that entity -- so, the owner of Harvey's Bar and Grill would be subject to the campaign contribution ban, just like the bigger entities that we typically think of on this issue. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
That -- that's correct, Senator. What we did is, we got a proposal for -- from the Governor and this is exactly what we put in, the Governor's proposal.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Okay. Senator, I want to take that a step further now. Another scenario was just suggested to me, and that is, the -- the nonprofits, like a Knights of Columbus or VFW, that has these machines. Now, obviously, those entities, because they're nonprofits, are not going to be making campaign contributions, but what about the members of their boards? Are they -- who -- the person who's the president of the board of the American Legion or VFW, Knights of Columbus, are they prohibited campaign donors under this law? 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
The license holder is prohibited. If we need to do some clarification in the House to make sure that this is very clear in these particular situations, I'll be more than happy to work with you and the House sponsor to make sure we make it very clear. But it's the licensee who is the person who is prohibited from contributions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Just to take that a step further, Senator Link, in a situation where, let's say, the Mattoon VFW has a license. Is that -- do you know, is that license held in the name of the nonprofit entity or do the -- are the board members the actual license holders?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
I -- I have no response on that because I'm not privy to that, but it's whatever name the license is in. So, if it's in the Mattoon Moose, then it would prohibit the Moose from giving any contributions to them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Just as a follow-up. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Link, thank you for your responses. There is no question there needs to be greater clarity on this issue, because what we don't want is 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 these people back home, who have been waiting forever for these machines in their not -- nonprofit facilities, to then write a twenty-dollar or fifty-dollar check to a Member of the General Assembly as a campaign contribution and, the next thing you know, someone from the Gaming Board's knocking on their door, saying that was against State law and, by the way, here's the penalty. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he'll yield. Senator Murphy.
Now, Senator, there is no longer any provision in this bill that will fire the Gaming Board. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.
And, in fact, a lot of the Gaming Board recommendations have been incorporated into the amended version. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.
To the bill, Mr. President. First, I…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I appreciate the attempts to make this a -- a stronger bill. I particularly appreciate stripping out the legalization of Internet gaming, which was something that I had a problem with on the timeline that we had. I appreciate you doing that. This is a somewhat personal issue for me, representing the area where Arlington International Racecourse is. It is a jewel in my district. It is a rather revered institution in our district. It is a facility that the people I represent want to see continue to survive and thrive. And it is a place, frankly, that allows for agriculture and the horse racing industry around the State to put people to work. I tend to focus on those things when I ask the people of this Chamber to consider the positives in this bill and encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Murphy. Further discussion? Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon, everyone. Would the sponsor yield for a question, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Dillard. 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
Senator Link, how much money from this goes to education funds that apply to the State of Illinois itself?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
All the proceeds after the up-front money, which is for the licensing fee, all of it goes to the educational fund.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.
So, once it's fully implemented, Senator Link, how much money are we talking about?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
The -- the COGFA report just came out today and they're estimating two hundred and sixty-eight million dollars annually.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you. Senator Link, and you know this as well, as you've worked on it for a long time, but that number from COGFA that you just stated, does that include local government money? I'm looking for how much money does this give to public schools in the State of Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator -- Senator Link.
22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 It says -- on -- on the report, it says total revenue 268.9 million dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Senator Link. Do you have a Education Assistance Fund number?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
It says here on the Education Assistance Fund, 128.7 million dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.
Thank you, Mr. President. I think that's the -- the real number and it's obviously probably not as much as I would like, but it's nothing to -- to shake a stick at, so to speak. I -- I have one more question for -- for Senator Link. Senator Link, what do you think, and I know you can't always -- or -- or -- or -- or, look into the crystal ball the right way. What is the Governor's current position on your legislation? Have you spoken to Governor Quinn?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
As you know, Senator, we had a -- a subject matter hearing in Executive a couple of weeks ago, where we had the Gaming Board in there, the Chairman of the Gaming Board. We listened to the 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 requests that they had. We enacted almost every one of those requests into this bill. We -- as I just stated to a previous speaker, we did the total gift ban of contributions that the Governor wanted. I think that we went far, far further to make sure that the Governor would be quite happy with this bill. I would hope -- and, you're right, I don't have a crystal ball to see what he is going to do, but I would hope that he will see this as a huge effort forward and sign the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Dillard.
…you -- thank you. To the bill, Mr. President. And I thank you, Senator Link, for acceding, along with the Senate President, to some of the wishes of the Governor. And I don't always agree with Governor Quinn, but I did always agree with him on this issue, that what we've had here is very large, and I think he called it top-heavy. I would encourage Governor Quinn, as I'm sure he will, to live up to what I call the -- the Quinn gaming manifesto and have him scour this to make sure that everything in here is as -- as clean of a result as we can have for the public of Illinois. I'm going to vote for this bill. I don't know what its fate is in the House, but when we did the other large bills, Senator Link and -- and Members, my position is the same as Senator Murphy, my colleague. This bill impacts agriculture, our State's largest employer. It's a quarter of all jobs in Illinois. And there is a huge segment of agriculture that is impacted in this particular bill. If it were an industry like we have helped and assisted before, whether it was Navistar in my district or whether it was to lure the Boeing Corporation's headquarters here from Seattle, 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 we would all be jumping up and down to save several thousand jobs. And that's what we're doing here. These are jobs that are traditionally in areas - and Senator Sullivan, on your side, I think supported my logic last time - that when they're lost - and these are family farms and they are family industries - when they're lost, they are very difficult jobs to replace. So I commend you, Senator Link, for acceding to some of the wishes of the Governor. If the Governor or his staff is listening, keep looking at this thing to make sure that it is as good as it can be, and I side with the Governor that less is probably more here. But I rise in support of this and thank you for your indulgence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Jacobs.
Senator, can we go over that number one more time? There's a number that we're going to give to the Gaming Board. Could you tell me how much money we're going to give the Illinois Gaming Board?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
An additional fifty million dollars to help enact all of these things that we're about to pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Senator Jacobs.
Well, I'm just a little nervous with that number. I have to tell you, I think that, currently, we have State Police on our casinos. We have three per shift; we have three shifts. That's becoming a special place for State Police officers to go and retire out of. It's costing us millions of dollars. I would much rather see us make the casinos police themselves and to call the State Police if there is a problem. I think that this -- this grab by the -- by the Gaming Board to put fifty million dollars in their pocket when Illinois is having difficulty paying its bills, having -- when I'm having to cut money for education, I think we really need to take a look at that, Senator. Also, Senator, can we talk a little bit about slots at airports?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs.
Which -- which communities will get slots at their airports?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Chicago at O'Hare and Midway have an option of using some of the Chicago slots to be at a private club in those two airports, but it would be taken out of their allotment of four thousand positions and it would not be table games. It would only be slots that they would be allowed to use.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jacobs.
26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 I think that's problematic, because, look, either we're pregnant or we're not, and this kind of half pregnant, where Chicago can have slot machines in their -- in their -- in their airports, but places like Rockford and Moline airports - that are just as productive and provide just as much help to the State - are -- are banned from that. I'm going to vote for your bill. I was in the room in 19 -- I guess 1990, when Mayor Daley said that he didn't want Chicago -- gambling in his -- in his City. I thought that was one of the silliest things I've ever heard anyone say. I wish this was a Chicago-only bill, because I'd be much more comfortable voting for it. And I think what you've done is, you've melted down this bill. You've done an excellent job. Everybody gets something. Everybody's going to get a little something, and that's fine, but we ought to be voting on the merits of a bill, on whether it's good for Illinois, whether it creates jobs. I think this bill is too top-heavy with government oversight, government regulation. We should be moving towards the model that's set up in Las Vegas and away from the model that's set up on -- in Atlantic City, which we're moving towards. But I know you have to do what you have to do. And I also know that this bill is going to come back to us and I hope that we recognize it, because I highly doubt that we will.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank my colleagues for the insightful questions that they had and concerns. This is a - - a bill that we've come a long ways on agreement to. We've put a lot of stringent requirements in this bill to make sure the 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 honesty and safety of gaming in this State is far beyond any state in the United States. We've made sure that integrity is in this bill. I think - and you know, as one of my colleagues said about this is saving thousands of jobs - it not only will save thousands of jobs, it will create thousands of jobs and it will help our educational system for the future. I would ask for an affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Link. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1739 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 32 voting Aye, 20 voting No, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1739, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 4 of our printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1898. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Would the record reflect that I intended to vote No on that last bill? I had a finger malfunction. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will reflect your intention. Still on page 4 of our printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1898. Senator Biss, do you wish to proceed? Senator Biss seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1898 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, Senate Bill 1898. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss, on the amendment.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President. This is the amendment we discussed in Exec -- in the Judiciary Committee the other day and I would ask for approval and then we can discuss the bill later.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion of the amendment? Seeing none, Senator Biss moves to adopt Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1898. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss, on Floor Amendment No. 4.
Thank you, Mr. President. We also discussed this in Judiciary. I would request approval -- adoption of the amendment, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss moves to adopt Floor Amendment No. 4 to Senate Bill 1898. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 1898. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1898. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss.
Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1898, as now amended, concerns minimum levels of liability insurance for Illinois drivers. Our minimum levels have not been changed for a very, very long time, during which we have become one of the lower states in the union. This moves us up so that we will be right in the middle of the other states, moving the minimum liability for a single individual to twenty-five thousand dollars, for two or more people to fifty thousand dollars, and for property to twenty thousand dollars. This is approximately a twenty-five percent increase and, again, puts us on par with the median state and right in the middle of the nation, of course. I would be happy to take any questions and I would appreciate Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he’ll yield. Senator Righter. 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
Thank you. Senator Biss, I know this -- this passed through Judiciary Committee, but I apparently was not present when the bill passed. I know that the proponents have talked about this being a bill that's agreed to between the trial lawyers and at least some portion, if not all, the insurance industry. But what about the rate -- what about the insureds, the people who have to pay the premiums? Because, obviously, if the minimums go up, then can we not expect that the premiums will also go up? And since having insurance is mandatory in this State, I mean, are you concerned at all that you -- you create a situation where there's a likelihood there'll be more uninsured drivers because they can't afford the premiums?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss.
So, yes, is the answer. I'm concerned about that and that's why this bill underwent a series of amendments and a series of negotiations bringing us to this point. And it -- it's a -- a difficult, legitimate policy question and a real -- a real balancing act. My view is this: This is a modest increase, moving us only up to the median of other states. So we'll again fall behind before too long, I would expect. And doing so, would -- you'd expect it, first of all, to only have an impact - and as calculated at least by the industry, a fairly modest impact at this point - on the -- those who hold minimum policies. It would have minimal, if any, impact on those with larger policies and would, you would hope, bring down the cost of umbrella policies others might have. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter. Is there any further discussion? Senator Muñoz, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR MUÑOZ: To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I'd like to thank the sponsor, Senator Biss, for working on it. Initially, the bill had a lot more increase in it that I -- would have hurt a number of areas and communities throughout the State. So I just want to say thank you for the fine job you did on this. And I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Muñoz. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Biss, do you wish to close? Senator Biss.
Just to say, very quickly, that this -- Senator Righter's question was -- was an excellent one. But just to his initial comments regarding the proponents and opponents: This is a bill without opposition now. The various -- the various stakeholders are all either in support or neutral.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. The question is, shall Senate Bill 1898 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 45 voting Yes, 9 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1898, 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, with leave of the Body, we're going to turn to page 11 of your printed Calendar. In the middle of the page is the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions. And on that order is Senate Resolution 256. President Cullerton, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution -- Resolution 256, offered by President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) President Cullerton, on the resolution.
Thank you, Members of the Senate. Yesterday, park districts from all over the State visited the Capitol, and this resolution before the Body is particularly appropriate today. Illinois residents and their families can proudly enjoy thirty-seven hundred playgrounds, thirty-one hundred miles of recreational trails, twenty-six hundred tennis courts, sixteen hundred soccer fields, six hundred and seventy aquatic facilities, six hundred fishing areas, four hundred and sixty football fields, a hundred and forty golf courses, hundred and ten museums, ninety campgrounds, and thirty-eight hundred baseball and softball fields, one of which many of us will visit tonight as the Senate defeats the House in the Legislature's annual softball game. Senate Resolution 256 designates May 1st, 2013, as Parks and Fields {sic} (Park) District Day. This day marks the organization's eighty-fifth anniversary, offers the opportunity to recognize the hardworking staff and officials who work for our parks and park 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 districts across the State. And I ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? And discussion? Seeing none, President Cullerton moves to adopt Senate Resolution 256. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to turn back to the Order of Senate Bills on 3rd Reading. On page 3 of your printed Calendar is Senate Bill 1004. Senator Trotter, are you ready to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1004. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1004, as amended, clarifies and streamlines the process in which a person who has been granted a certificate of innocence may have his or her criminal records expunged. This bill applies only to a person who has been wrongfully convicted and subsequently proved his or her innocence through a civil proceeding. Ensures that the criminal records of wrongfully convicted individuals have their criminal records cleared, thereby helping them reenter society and opening a better opportunity to obtain housing and employment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, briefly, if I might?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Thank you. I simply rise in support of Senate Bill 1004. This bill requires a showing of actual innocence in order to get the relief that's sought. And I think that it is the right step for individuals who have clearly been wronged, one degree or another, in the criminal justice system and give them a chance to reenter into the mainstream of society. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Righter. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Trotter, do you wish to close? The question is, shall Senate Bill 1004 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1004, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Sullivan, in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 3 of the Calendar, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we're going to go to Senate Bill 1204. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1204 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1204. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Harmon, on Floor Amendment 2.
Thank you, Mr. President. This becomes the bill and I move for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is there any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, we have Senate Bill 1204. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1204. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. We are repurposing Senate Bill 1204. The amendment turned it into a -- a -- a dedicated shell bill with an appropriate title. It is now creating an Act called the Elmwood Park Railroad Relocation 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Authority Act. This comes as a request from one of the new mayors in my district, a former colleague of ours, Angelo "Skip" Saviano. It's to be modeled after the Grand Avenue Railroad Relocation project, a successful, albeit a long plan to do a grade separation project. I'd like to pass the bill over to the House with just the title. We're going to make sure the substance from the Grand Avenue model works for Elmwood Park and we'll amend it there and bring it back on concurrence. So I'd ask your support in moving this bill over to the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill: I just…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: I just want, at least, my side of the aisle to know that there is not a lot of substance in this bill. Obviously, it is -- it is intended for other purposes. So it is -- it is indeed a shell bill and you should just know that before voting. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Seeing no further discussion, Senator Harmon, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I normally wouldn't close, but just -- I do want to emphasize, this bill is intended for a very specific purpose and I intend that will -- I believe it will come back to us for that purpose. So I -- I do ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1204 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 44 voting Aye, 5 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1204, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'll turn to page 3 of the printed Calendars -- Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we have Senate Bill 1042. Senator Harmon. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1042. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Leader Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This -- this bill, too, is a dedicated shell bill, and I apologize for bringing another incomplete bill before you. The -- the backstory is this - and the Judiciary Committee is familiar with this - we've been working for many years on a restoration of the liability limitations that had been available to people who made their -- their land open for conservation and -- and recreational purposes. We have been in very active negotiations with all the stakeholders, including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. I was prepared to move an amendment out of committee yesterday, but I believe we have the framework for an agreement among the stakeholders. In order to keep the bill moving in the flow of 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 legislation in the House on House deadlines, I'd like to pass this bill over to the House in its introduced shell form. It's a bipartisan effort. You can look at the list of cosponsors and see that this is a -- a broad-based effort. I do expect this will come back to us, if at all, with an agreed-upon amendment. And I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, in recognition and, to some extent, celebration of the introduction of a new phrase on the Senate Floor, I wonder if the sponsor would be willing to yield for a question or two.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question, Senator Righter.
Thank you. Senator Harmon, I don't think I've ever heard the term "dedicated shell bill" used before and I want to congratulate you on your creativity. Can you tell us that when -- if this bill comes back with something other than what you've defined to be -- or, described to be, excuse me, the narrow purposes for which it'll be used, it won't be moved here on {sic} the Senate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Senator Righter, for your -- your compliment on -- on the -- the -- the new title. I would be very disappointed if this bill came back to us in any 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 other form. You could certainly give me an appropriate hard time if it comes back in some other form and we have to deal with it. I would have to deal with that on a case-by-case basis, but my -- my clear intent is for this to come back to us to address the -- the issue that's important to us.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Well, I think if that were the occasion, then we would feel your disappointment. We'll -- at the very least, will have to find a new phrase other than "dedicated shell bill". Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1042 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 46 voting Aye, 6 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1042, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, if you'll turn to page 4 of the printed Calendar, still on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, we have Senate Bill 1639. Senator Kotowski, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1639. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Good afternoon, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1639 amends the Animal Welfare Act by allowing consumers to seek a refund, replacement or reimbursement of necessary veterinary costs if they purchased an animal with an undisclosed disease or illness, while allowing pet shops to contest the remedy. The bill also requires pet shops to notify potential customers and the State veterinarian of any significant outbreaks of contagious illnesses. One thing, I think -- we've been negotiating this bill for a long period of time and made a lot of different changes. I have agreed in concept, if we pass this over in the House, that we would drop the maximum reimbursement for veterinary costs down to the purchase price, instead of two times the purchase price, also clarify what constituted a disease or an illness, and also give the customer the option to utilize either the State Code section providing remedies or the store's existing warranty. So we continue to work on this. We're moving forward in the right direction. I would simply ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Althoff.
Thank you very much. I rise in support of this legislation. 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 I concur, Senator Kotowski has been working on this legislation since the beginning of Session. We've made a great deal of concessions and tried to address all the concerns that were brought to us by a wide group of stakeholders. I think this is an excellent compromise. A little tweak needs to be made in the House, but we've all agreed to it, and I would urge this Body to make an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further discussion? Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield for a question. Senator Delgado.
Thank you. Senator Kotowski, so does this legislation stop at the pet shop owner or does this include breeders?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you, Senator Delgado. It does not include breeders, or does it include animal shelters.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Delgado.
Can you help me understand why we're starting at the pet shop, whose purchasing these puppies from breeders? Isn't that sort of like cutting a weed from the top? And the root's underneath; it's still going to grow. And they're going to still send puppies, and 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 puppies can get various viruses in the early stages or distemperment {sic}, even with a distemperment {sic} shot. And so, I'm just really curious why we're starting putting it on the pet shop owners and putting a burden on -- on that -- on -- on that business versus getting the -- the person selling them the dog and including them in this legislation. I do have a concern. Can you help me understand that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Yeah, thank you very much, Senator Delgado. This is a -- a byproduct of an investigation that had happened with a pet store, where there was a sale of dogs that were diseased. This is a way of making sure that we protect consumers who purchase unhealthy animals, cats or dogs, and make sure -- they can either get reimbursed for the cost that they have, exchange the pet, or get the cost back for the veterinary treatment. It doesn't -- to your point, it doesn't cover everything. It's not a perfect bill. There's -- we left out the hobby breeders, but we did this as a result of negotiation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Further 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 Kotowski, first, thank 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 you. I mean, you've -- you've made a point of talking to me on a couple, three occasions now about the progress that you hope to make the bill -- on the bill in the House with regards to amendments. I -- I want to follow-up on Senator Delgado's question first, about who's covered by the bill. And it's -- it is my understanding the bill has basically two parts. That there's a part that deals with if there's an outbreak of disease and quarantine requirements, and then the second part of the bill is kind of a -- almost a consumer bill of right -- I don't know how else to phrase it, but puts in place certain protections for people who might buy a dog and find out that it is diseased or ill, or - - or some other -- some other problem. With regards to the first part that requires notification to the Department of Public Health and potentially a quarantine, does that apply to just pet shops or does it apply to animal shelters and breeders and pet shops and, quite frankly, anyone who sells dogs?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
I -- I believe it's just pet shops.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Now, I'm certainly not an expert, canine expert, but it seems to me that it's possible that a dog that is sold by a breeder, as opposed to a dog that is sold by a pet shop, as opposed to a dog that's in an animal shelter, all of them could be diseased. So, why is it that we're going to focus in on this requirement for pet shops and not for, what I would assume would be, entities that 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 sell or hold the -- the overwhelming majority of dogs in this State?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Right. I appreciate your question. It depends on if I -- I guess it depends on if I agree with the assumption that they -- they hold the over -- overwhelming amount of dogs in the State, and cats. It depends on who you're referring to. Are you referring to the hobby breeders or are you referring to animal shelters? One of the reasons why we made this distinction - we talked about this in committee, about animal shelters - is they don't necessarily get to pick or choose the dogs that they take in. If you're a -- if you're a commercial establishment, a pet shop, you basically can pick the dogs. And you have to pick 'em. You can go on the USDA website, determine who are selling the healthy dogs, and make sure that you're making the healthy dogs or cats available to the public. With animal shelters, it's kind of a philosophical difference. You know, people will be able to purchase -- people -- they -- they get the dog -- they don't purchase 'em, but they get a dog and the dog may or may not be healthy, they may or may not know about the history of the dog. As I said the previous question before, this is not a perfect bill, Senator. It doesn't address the entirety of the problem. It addresses part of it. And it's a byproduct of a series of negotiations that we've gone through for several months.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 Well, I think what you said, Senator Kotowski, there may be relevant with regards to the consumer protection part, but I'm just talking about the quarantine part. I'm talking about alerting the Department that there's a disease problem. So, regardless of whether pet stores sell eighty percent or ten percent of the dogs in this State, and regardless of whether it comes from a pet store or a shelter, the point of the quarantine requirement and informing the Department is to protect against further spread of the disease. So, why are you only concerned about protecting against the further spread of the disease with regards to pet shop dogs? Why not animal shelters and dogs that come from breeders as well?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
I -- you know, I -- I appreciate your line of questioning on this, but, again, what we're referring to, is it relates to pet shops and someone who's purchasing a dog or a cat in that situation with the expectation of purchasing a healthy dog or a cat, and if it -- there's an illness or an outbreak, that they would be required to report it. It's not comprehensive, but it addresses this very specific situation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
Okay. Let's move on to the -- and -- the consumer protection piece. And I'm using that phrase, Senator, because that's -- that -- those are the words you used in committee, that this is a consumer protection piece. It's my understanding -- and I will tell you that this number comes from people who are lobbying on 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 the bill; I have no evidence to the contrary or in support of it other than that. I am told that the pet shops that are covered under your bill only sell about fifteen percent of the dogs that are sold in the State. The rest of 'em come from breeders or they come from animal shelters. If it's a consumer protection bill, and let's say that number is half what it should be, and let's say it's thirty percent that comes from the pet shops that would be covered under this bill, why are you leaving the other seventy percent of the consumers out of the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Kotowski.
Again, Senator, nothing to hide here. We've been working for several months to negotiate this bill. This is what we came up with. As you can imagine, there's fierce opposition from a lot of different areas within the bill. Tried our best to -- to negotiate something that's going to provide protection for consumers. I believe, if we are able to impact thirty percent, using the number, I think we're making a significant, positive step forward on this issue.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter.
To the bill, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) To the bill, Senator Righter.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I know that this bill, which has been characterized, I think, as the puppy 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 lemon bill or puppy lemon ball -- law, has gotten some laughs around here, but this is -- this is a serious issue. The simple fact is, this bill, which covers a percentage of consumers in this State, but only a percentage of consumers in this State, is a little like saying we're going to have a speed limit on thirty percent of the State's highways and the rest of the time, though, you can go as fast as you want. The average cost of a dog at a pet store, according to the testimony in Executive Committee, was about a thousand dollars. We're going to protect the consumers who have the money to pay a thousand dollars for a dog as a pet. But what about all of those consumers who can't afford that and so they are getting their pet from the animal shelter? They get no consumer protection under this bill, none whatsoever. And stepping back to the quarantine and disease concern, since, as the sponsor said himself, animal shelters aren't really sure where their dogs are coming from, logic would lead us to conclude that perhaps those dogs are the dogs who are most likely to have a health problem. So, if you want to put this quarantine and -- requirement and notification of the Department of Public Health with regards to any place where dogs might come from, that needs to be placed on the animal shelters, because they don't know where their dogs come from. I appreciate the Senator's put hard work into this bill, but most of that time has been spent carving entities out of this bill who should be covered under this bill. We're going to protect all the consumers or we're going to protect a small percentage of 'em. I think we should protect all of them. Please vote No on Senate Bill 1639. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Jacobs, for what purpose do you 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 rise?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Indicates he will yield. Senator Jacobs.
Senator, I was put on Executive Committee. It was the first time for me. It was very exciting. And when you came and presented this bill, I listened intently and I didn't make a vote because I couldn't decide. So I'm looking at it today - the proponents as well as the opponents. I notice the opponents {sic} include people like the Humane Society, Puppy Mill Project. Some of the opponents include Petland, the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs. And before I cast my vote, I just want to know where your favorite rock band from the 1980s, the Pet Shop Boys, stands on this issue?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Not sure that's germane to the bill. Senator Kotowski, do you wish to respond? Senator Kotowski.
Well, as to the definition of germane? The -- I was really not a Pet Shop Boy fan, more New Order and The Cure, so I can't really speak to it. But I do appreciate -- I think if in an alternative universe, I would know where he was coming from, but I really don't. So I can't really speak anymore on this. But I would like to kind of make a comment, unless there's more questions. No more questions? Just to close: Let's be -- let's be really clear here. There's a difference between a consumer who purchases a dog. Caveat emptor - the buyer beware. Let's pay attention here. There's a difference between that, someone who 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 purchases a dog, and someone who goes to an animal shelter. When you go to the animal shelter, there isn't that same standard. Someone goes in and they may take the dog because nobody else, or the cat, because nobody else would take it and because somebody wanted to have it put to sleep, and they're trying find a home for it. You're not going to -- you're not a consumer. You're somebody who's made a philosophical decision to be in partnership with the animal shelter because you want the dog or cat to have a home. It's different when you go to a pet store. You assume, based on everything that -- that you've -- based on everything you've studied, that the animal is going to be healthy. We've carved this out, this specific area. This -- this thirty percent of the animals are going to make a significant difference. It's a very important bill. It's going to make sure we prevent the spread of illness and disease with pets, but also we make sure that people have an opportunity to buy healthy pets and get reimbursed and get a remedy if the dog or cat is not healthy when they buy it. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1639 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 31 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay, 6 voting Present. Senate Bill 1639, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point, Senator Hutchinson.
Before we all got out of here for our festivities after the end of business today, I wanted to make special note of one of our newest Members, who was actually in the Edgar Fellows Program with me down in Champaign. I got to know him before he came to the Senate. But, Senator Jason Barickman's birthday is today. And I don't know that everybody knew that today was the day he turned thirty-eight years old. So, happy birthday, Senator Barickman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Barickman, happy birthday. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going -- Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Please state your point.
Senator -- the previous Senator who was grilling me before, he should be happy he's not playing on the softball team tonight. He'd be riding the bench all night long. Anyways, very good game tonight. Great moments are born from great opportunity. This is our time. This is our moment. This is our chance to stand up to the House, to make sure - I'm getting going here - to make sure every bad bill that we've ever received that's sent our way, that we've had to vote on, that came from that Chamber, that we finish. That we're victorious. That we don't give up. So when your hamies tweak, you keep running. When your finger's a little bit broken, you play through it. If your nose is broken, you fix it. Are you 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 with me? This is the Senate, the House of Lords, where you can be bald and beautiful at the same time - and be a Senator. I'm not talking about myself, talking about Koehler. I want you all to be out here and support the Senate. Come out, be victorious. I'll be the one wearing the red suit in honor of Senator Hendon. It'll be difficult to run in it, but I'm going to start a fire. Take it easy, come to the game. Go Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Further discussion? Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Since my hamstrings were mentioned in debate, I rise to indicate that I, too, in honor of Senator Hendon, have worn my red gym shoes to beat the House today. And because my finger was also referenced in there, well, I won't mention -- I'm from Chicago, so we won't mention that finger that's often used. But we're going to destroy the House this evening, destroy the House in honor for my commonly, follically challenged coach. And I will be honored to serve as third base coach today and root you on and round you around third base towards home plate so -- so you all can slide and injure your hamstrings as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Folks, we hope to see everybody out at the softball game tonight. It's a good time. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going - - if you'll turn to page 11 of the printed Calendar, we're going to the -- we will be going to the Order of Consideration Postponed. On page 11 of the Calendar is the Order of Consideration Postponed. This is final action. As the bills on this order have already been presented and debated on the Floor, debate on each bill will 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 be limited to one proponent and one opponent, each speaking to the bill. Senate Bill 2202. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2202. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is the Smoke-Free Campus bill that we provided and explained before. I don't know how much more I can talk about on this bill. It's -- it's not only -- you -- you sit here and you think today, we're -- we're all, or a lot of us, are wearing tennis shoes in honor of Cancer Prevention Day, and here is a piece -- a bill that we could send to the House that would help start this effort even a little bit more. I would ask you to consider voting so that we can get thirty votes on this and get it over to the House. Be more than happy to discuss it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter, will you be the opponent on the bill? Senator Righter.
It would appear so. Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber -- Ladies and Gentlemen, we discussed this bill just a few days ago. It received twenty-five votes in this Chamber. It's just as bad a bill now as it was when it got twenty-five votes a few days ago. Let's remember that, unlike banning smoking indoors, what we're talking about in this bill is banning smoking across square miles, often times of large, open 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 land, where there are no other people around. Let's also remember, from a governmental point of view, that the places that this would ban smoking at, those places are governed by a board of trustees that can make decisions like this for themselves. One of the basic assumptions that we ought to be willing to make, even in this day and age of cynicism in government, is that the people who sit in those boardrooms and makes those decisions have at least some measure of confidence and some measure of feeling whether or not this is a good idea for their institution of higher learning. Let's leave this issue to them. Vote No. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2202 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 30 voting Aye, 22 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 2202, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Like a verification of that most recent roll call, please, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter has requested a verification. Will all Members please be in their seats? The Secretary will read the affirmative votes. Mr. Secretary, just one second. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, inquiry of the Chair. It's my understanding 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013 that typically the Chair instructs the Members who are going to be verified to try and find their own seats on the Senate Floor. I wondered if the Chair could give that same direction in this particular instance. Thank you, Mr. President. Appreciate it very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter, I -- I announced that all Members please be in their seats. That -- that was read -- that statement was made. Mr. Secretary, please read the affirmative votes.
Members voting in the affirmative: Bertino-Tarrant, Biss, Bush, Clayborne, Collins, Cunningham, Dillard, Frerichs, Haine, Harmon, Hastings, Hunter, Hutchinson, Jones, Koehler, Kotowski, LaHood, Link, Manar, McGuire, Mulroe, Muñoz, Noland, Raoul, Silverstein, Stadelman, Steans, Trotter, Van Pelt, President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Senator Righter, do you question the presence of any Member voting in the affirmative?
Senator Haine, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Is Senator Haine in the Chamber? Is Senator Haine in the Chamber? If not, Mr. Secretary, strike the name. Senator Righter, do you question the presence of any -- any other Members in the Chamber?
No, Mr. President, that'll do it. Thank you. He's off, thank you, though. 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 43rd Legislative Day 5/1/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) Mr. Secretary, Senator Haine is in the Chamber. Please return his vote to an Aye. Senator Righter, do you question the presence of any other Members voting in the affirmative?
No, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SULLIVAN) On a verified roll call, there are 30 voting Aye, 22 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 2202, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, there being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 1 p.m. on the 2nd day of May, 2013. The Senate stands adjourned. 56