Pursuant to the directive of the Senate President, the regular Session of the Senate is now in perfunctory Session. Communication from the President. Letter dated May 16th, 2013. Dear Mr. Secretary - Pursuant to Rule 2-10, I am scheduling a perfunctory Session to convene on Thursday, May 16th, 2013. Sincerely, John J. Cullerton, Senate President. Committee Report. Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports that the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Executive Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1307, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 183. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman. The following committees will be meeting to take up Floor amendments: Executive will meet in Room 212 today, at 12:05, in addition to the previously scheduled hearing. There being no further business to come before this perfunctory Session, pursuant to the directive of the Senate President, the Senate stands adjourned until Thursday, May 16th, 2013, at the hour of 12 noon, or until the call of the President. The Senate stands adjourned.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The regular Session, 98th General Assembly, will please come to order. Will our Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor David Anderson, Modesto Christian Church, Modesto, Illinois.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 (Prayer by Pastor David Anderson)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, May 15th, 2013.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, 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 LINK) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 310, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolution 311, offered by Senator McGuire and all Members. Senate Resolution 312, offered by Senator Althoff and all Members. Senate Resolution 13 {sic} (313), offered by Senators Connelly, Dillard and all Members. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 They're all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Resolution Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Noland, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports House Bill 49 Do Pass; House Bill 2647 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3010 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Jones, Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports House Bill 2239 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 2925 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Forby, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Commerce, reports House Bill 922 Do Pass; House Bill 2649 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2508 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 3139 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1448 Recommend Do Adopt; and House Bill 2518 Do Pass. Senator Jacobs, Chairperson of the Committee on Energy, reports House Bill 3104 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Holmes, Chairperson -- Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, reports House Bill 3081 Do Pass. Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 84, Senate Amendment 3 to House Bill 84, Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2720, Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill -- 2778, and Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 3186 Recommend Do Adopt. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Bill 1816 Do Pass; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1307 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bill 2520 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 183 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 2583, offered by Senator Noland. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For purpose of an introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to introduce my Page for today, Deanna Ferrigan. Deanna is from the great City of Geneva, Illinois. She's a junior at Geneva High School. She's the daughter of Rob and Kristen Ferrigan, who are here in the gallery, up here. Her hobbies include Irish dancing. But this is the best part, she's a second-degree black belt. She's interested in law enforcement and government. How about a warm Springfield welcome for Deanna Ferrigan?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Trotter, for what purpose do you rise?
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Mr. President, for purposes of an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your announcement.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Immediately upon recess, the Senate Democratic Majority will be caucusing in the President's Office for approximately one hour.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of an announcement. The Senate Republicans will also caucus for an hour immediately upon recess. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hutchinson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I just wanted to - since we're probably all going to leave the Floor - to let everybody know that a very, very dear friend of mine, a wonderful colleague, somebody that I spend a lot of time with's birthday is today. Happy birthday, Senator Emil Jones, III.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Happy fiftieth birthday, Senator Jones. Senator Jones, to rebut.
5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Thank you, Mr. President. Personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I turn twenty-nine today, not fifty. But just want to let everybody know -- everyone's been asking when are we going to celebrate our birthday, Senator Hutchinson and Senator Lightford. It will be on Memorial Day when we come back down here. So, stay tuned to the information. But thank you, again, for all the birthday wishes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) You're welcome. Senator Harmon, for what purpose do you rise?
For purpose of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your introduction.
I've noticed some guests in the gallery behind me. I see Joanne Corwin from St. Giles Family Mass is here with some friends. If you'd join me in giving them a warm welcome to Springfield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of personal privilege, if I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I would like to introduce the young man standing to my right. His name is Austen Horn. He is the son of a member of our staff. He just completed his freshman year at Benedictine University here in Springfield. He's a cross country and track athlete and carries a 3.9 GPA on a scale of 4. He's here to watch us engage in the process of self-government on behalf of those who have elected us. I'd like you to give him a warm Senate welcome, if we can, Mr. President. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
I rise on a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I'd like to introduce to my colleagues, Mr. Joe Piasecki, who is my chief of staff from the district office. He's here today and tomorrow to observe what the work is we do here and why he gets those phone calls back in the district. So please help me in welcoming him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. If I may, on a point of personal privilege. I have a young man that goes to school with one of my daughters in Hinsdale. This is Noah Lim. He's my Page for a Day. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 And his family is in our gallery on our side. And I'd just like to welcome him to Springfield, sir.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to Springfield. With no further introductions, Senator Trotter and Althoff move that the Senate recess for the purposes of a -- Senate Democratic and Republican Caucuses lasting one hour. Seeing no objection, the motion is granted. The Senate now stands in recess to the call of the Chair. After the Senate Democratic and Republican Caucuses, the Senate will reconvene for the purposes of Floor action. The Senate now stands in recess to the call of the Chair. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The Senate will come back to order. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1226. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1226. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 1479, with House Amendment 1, and Senate Bill 1862, with House Amendment 1. Passed 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 the House, as amended, May 16th, 2013. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) With leave of the Body -- well, first, James Carder from Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape. Seeing no objection, permission is granted. We will now continue on House Bills 3rd Reading. We will go where we left off yesterday, on page 6, Senate -- or, House Bill 1139. House Bill 1139. Senator Van Pelt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1139. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt, on your bill.
House Bill 1139 creates the Gang Crime Witness Protection Act of 2013. The bill provides that, subject to appropriations, the Illinois CJIA shall establish a program to assist victims and witnesses who are actively aiding in the prosecution of perpetrators of gang crime. Financial assistance may be provided from funds deposited into the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program Fund. The bill outlines what purposes the funds may be utilized for, including reimbursement requirements, and provides that no more than fifty percent of funding will be available in any given year to be used in one single county. House Bill 1139 also establishes the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program Fund and provides that Illinois CJIA may retain two percent of the moneys in the fund for administrative purposes. This is a very important 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 bill because it allows us to provide some type of support for people who are bold enough to speak out against the gangs. And it's more than just transportation back and forth to court, but, actually, some reimbursement for having to move as a result of speaking out against organized crime. So I urge your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. For -- I'm still getting used to that whole Speaker thing. Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates she will yield.
Senator, this is subject to appropriation, so where do you envision the money coming from to do this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt.
I think that the money may come -- would -- could come from Department of Corrections. But I don't know where we would actually appropriate the money from - but that is one place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
So -- so, as it stands, we're going to create a fund subject to appropriations, but we have no idea where we're going to get the money to pay for this? 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt.
Yes. I think it's really important, because when we can break up a gang, this gang -- this gang crime, then we're in a position to better improve public safety in the -- in our communities and also be sure that people who are organized in their criminal behavior are brought to justice. And Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority already receives federal funds that could be actually used for this program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
So, are there -- and I apologize. There's a terrible glare coming in from -- from the -- I can barely see you. Is -- is -- are you anticipating federal funding to come through to this -- to this new fund?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) I'm glad you finally saw the light, Senator Rose. Senator Van Pelt.
That is -- as you asked me where I thought money may come from, I was just making suggestions of where it might come from.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
Okay. So, assuming, at some unspecified point in time in the future, a -- a -- a pot of money appears, what -- when it says -- talking about aiding victims and witnesses, what type of aid do 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 you envision?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt.
Well, according to the bill, it will provide -- it could provide transportation; it could provide relocation -- the cost of relocation. If you are going to testify against organized crime -- organized criminals, then it's likely that you would end up not being able to live in the same place that you are. And I would anticipate that this would be used when we -- when the -- when the police officers, the State's Attorneys believe they have a very good solid case to do something significant, then they will use this. Because only the State's Attorneys or the Attorney General can request this money. It's not like an individual can request it. So if a State's Attorney feels that he has enough evidence and enough information to be able to bring down organized crime, I can -- I can foresee that would be a time when they may want to use this process.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Could we keep the noise down in the Chamber a little? This is final action on a bill. Senator Rose.
So, would -- so relocation expenses could be covered by this. What other types of expenses could be covered by this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt.
Temporary living costs, moving expenses, rent, security deposits on the -- on the new place that they'll move in, and -- 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 appropriate expenses of relocation or transition. Approval of the application must be made by the State's Attorney and shall be conditioned upon county funding for costs at a level at least twenty-five percent, unless this requirement is waived by the administrator, in accordance with adopted rules, for good cause shown.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
Are -- are there any limits to the amount of money that could be expended? I mean, you know, having been a prosecutor, it might take six months to bring the case to trial; then there might be an appeal. I mean, would these be available for, you know, post -- post-trial proceedings?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt.
Well, I would think if -- if the person is testifying against organized crime -- organized criminals, gangs, that they will probably be moved earlier in the process. And then, again, I'd say that a State's Attorney who would think to use this process, this money, would likely believe that he has a very solid case and one that is really -- he really needs to have those witnesses to testify. And, right now, it says that a county can require -- can -- can act -- that "counties providing assistance consistent with the limitations in this Act may apply for reimbursement of up to seventy-five percent of their costs". So it's not even a hundred percent of their costs, but seventy-five percent. And, again, like I said, with the State's Attorney making this decision, it's 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 got to be based on them believing that they have a really powerful case that's going to do something significant.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
Well, might I make a suggestion to actually help find some money for this? If you look in the asset forfeiture provisions that are out there, anytime you seize an asset from someone who's been convicted of a crime, you can actually use that for other law enforcement-related expenses. So if you actually wanted to fund this program, you could, in fact, move funds from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to this fund, which would be consistent with U.S. Supreme Court case law on the topic, unlike what has happened in years past here, where we sweep the asset forfeiture funds and use it for non -- non-law enforcement-related purposes. That's just a suggestion that you may want to look at as -- if this were to proceed. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Senator Van Pelt, to close.
I think this is a very important bill. I think it's a missing piece in helping to solve some of these significant organized crime activities. And I would -- I would like to, again, raise the issue that the State's Attorney or the Attorney General will request this money. It's not like an individual can request it. And if they're requesting this money, then it's likely that they have a case that they can -- they feel they can't stop without being able to relocate the -- the -- the victims or relocate the people that are testifying. So I urge my peers here to vote - on both sides 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 of the aisle - to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 1139 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 42 Ayes, 3 Nay, none voting Present. House Bill 1139, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1140. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1140. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz, on your bill. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It amends the Video Gaming Act to clarify that nothing in the VGA prohibits the use of game devices so long as the activity is not gambling as defined by Section 28-1(b) of the Criminal Code. The only opposition that I know of on the bill is the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol (and) Addiction Problems. And I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Can we please keep the noise down in the Chamber? We're on final action. Senator Rose.
Question of Leader Muñoz, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 He indicates he will yield.
Thank you. What types of devices are these?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: An example would be, if you're doing a raffle, and instead of having the basket where you're drawing the ticket, this would be a device that you're talking about to do a raffle with so it can go faster. It's an…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
Is this limited to raffles or will there be other electronic games that could -- that -- that -- that could come into play here? Pun intended.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: It's not limited, but the reason of the bill is because of a raffle. That's why they wanted to do it on a larger scale for the raffle. So that's why they use the iPad for it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
So, would this be in competition, if this were to pass, with the video gaming machines that have been authorized?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 SENATOR MUÑOZ: No, it would not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Muñoz, to close. The question is, shall House Bill 1140 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 37 Ayes, 10 Nays, none -- none voting Present. House Bill 1140, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1191. Senator Delgado. Out of the record. House Bill 1200. Senator -- Senator Syverson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1200. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This legislation is on behalf of the museums and it just changes the -- the language, reducing the number of free days for downstate museums. And know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 To the bill. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, there's -- there's just a little opposition, and that's -- and that's me. You know, this is the taxpayers' money. And they're the ones that pay for this; they're the ones that deserve the benefit of this. And if you want to go back to your district and tell people that you took away their benefits, go right ahead. But I think their local taxpayers pay for this. Grants that we distribute from this Body and we decide, go to those -- those museums. And to allow people the ability to have free days to -- to enjoy those is something they deserve and they're entitled to. I'd encourage a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Syverson, to close.
Thank you. This legislation still requires that there be twenty-six free days every year and it does not affect the museums in -- in Chicago. And would ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 1200 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 40 Ayes, 4 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1200, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1201. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1201. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1201 permits cities without zoning ordinance to regulate wind devices or wind farms within their corporate boundaries. I know of no opposition and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1201 pass. All -- pass -- all those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, no -- no -- 0 Noes, 0 voting Present. House Bill 1201, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1203. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1203. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your bill.
Thank you for permission, Mr. President. House Bill 1203 amends the Counties Code. It's a simple bill and it permits government notices on variation, special use and zoning not to require their metes and bounds legal descriptions if the notice 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 includes a common street address and the property index number.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1203 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, no -- no -- 0 Noes, and 0 voting Present. House Bill 1203, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1206. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1206. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your bill.
House Bill 1206 amends the Property Tax Code and it specifically exempts property owned by the board of a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System from taxation. This property has been exempted from taxes through its entire existence. However, they have always had to go to seek that exemption on a yearly basis. So we're just trying to streamline the process.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1206 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, 0 voting No, and 0 voting Present. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 1206, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1209. Senator Frerichs. Out of the record. House Bill 1217. Senator Koehler. Out of the record. House Bill 1225. Senator Hastings. Out of the record. House Bill 1247. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1247. (Secretary begins to read title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1247 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1247. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The amendment actually reduces a first offense to a petty offense, rather than a moving violation. I'll be happy to explain the entire bill on 3rd. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? 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?
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 1272. Senator Koehler. Out of the record. House Bill 1288. Senator Kotowski. Out of the record. House Bill 1295. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. We'll skip over House Bill 1309. House Bill 1330. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. House Bill 1335. Senator Mulroe. Out of the record. House Bill 1338. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1338. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1338 is on the Agreed Bill List. It provides that when the Department of Professional Regulation issues a license to be displayed at a business, the license will not include the home address of the licensee. There's no known opposition to the bill and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1338 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 0 voting Present. And House Bill 1338, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1345. Senator Bertino- 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Tarrant. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1345. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Could we please have it a little bit quiet on the Floor? Keep the conversations to the back. Thank you. Senator Bertino- Tarrant, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1345, also referred to as Adam's Law, creates a program where the families of victims of fatal motor vehicle accidents caused by reckless driving may have a memorial marker placed in memory of their lost relative. This passed easily out of the House and I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Dillard, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. Just in support of the -- the -- the -- the woman's bill here, Senator Bertino-Tarrant's bill. These marker programs are -- are well done. Those who have lost family members to these tragedies like these -- and they've worked well in other states and I commend the Senator for her legislation. This is a good bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Any further discussion? Senator Bertino-Tarrant, to close.
Thank you. And I urge a Yes vote. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 1345 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1345, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1346. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. We'll skip over 1349. House Bill 1353. Senator Holmes. Out of the record. House Bill 1370. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1370. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz, on your bill. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The bill just changes references in the Illinois Human Rights Act from a "Basic Pilot Program" to the "E-Verify Program" to conform -- changes in the federal law. It's a civil rights violation for an employer to discriminate against an immigrant if he or she does not follow the E-Verify Program. The bill simply is a cleanup bill to conform with the changes in the federal law. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1370 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no -- none voting in opposition, 0 Present. House Bill 1370, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1379. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1379. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill is a bill which encourages the Illinois American Water Company, a private water utility, to purchase -- be able to purchase small water -- municipal water systems of villages and cities of seventy-five hundred or less. It allows them to take a new valuation based upon a -- a purchase price. The -- the value is set by three appraisals from appraisers picked by the ICC. If there is any rate increase as a result, it has to be approved by the ICC, and there can be -- in no case can it go above 2.5 percent. And there's numerous other provisions in the bill. And this is a bill to encourage private investment in water systems which are deemed by village -- the village boards, city councils to be nonviable for them in the future to assure investment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Questions of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates he will yield. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I understand if the -- the lines have been completely depreciated that you've got to put a value on that. But the reason they've been completely depreciated is because the cost of those lines has been amortized into the rates to the ratepayers. So, when they're -- if we allow this to be done and they're purchased, won't we be allowing the same lines to be depreciated once again to the same ratepayers?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
I -- I suppose, in a -- in a theory of taxation with a private company, yes. But the -- the purpose of this is -- is to encourage investment so that the lines are improved. The -- the -- the -- this encourages a private company, using private money, to purchase a system that's considered by the village and the city to be no longer economically viable for them to operate. People need water. It's a tremendous asset, of course. And whatever the amortization is, I don't know. I'm not a CPA. But this merely says that this value will be determined by three arm's-length appraisals by appraisers picked by the ICC. The entire transaction must be arm's-length. It's totally voluntary by the village board. The ICC must approve everything involved. This is so open and transparent, it's like analogous to a clear glass of water. And to me, it's -- it's the right thing to do. It encourages public investment. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: And I agree with you, Senator, that it's a -- it's a -- it's a very big possibility that a private group coming in may be able to operate this more -- efficiently, delivering those benefits to the ratepayers. But explain to us, if you would, so I can -- I can go back and tell people that they're not going to get charged a second time here, how we're protecting the ratepayers, because there is going to be a value on those lines. The private company's going to purchase those lines and somehow they've got to get that money back. They've got to get that money back in the form of -- of -- of -- of dollars per gallon that they charge the -- the -- the consumer. And they've got to somehow get that investment back. How are we -- how do we assure the ratepayers that they're not going to pay more?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Senator, we assure them through the mechanism of the ICC and the free market. They have no assurance that if the village chooses not to sell, their rates won't go up. I mean, they have no assurance anywhere. What we're talking about here is a -- is a village that decides this is not economically viable for the taxpayer to maintain, and raising rates is -- is unpopular for a village board. So, what quite often happens, the rates remain the same, there's no investment, the plant deteriorates, and then the water is -- the -- the -- the water supply is cited by EPA. There's -- there could be a general collapse, and that doesn't serve 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 anybody well at all. If the private entity is willing to come in and put money in it, buy it up, they should have a valuation that's fair, based upon the appraisal. And everything has to be approved by the ICC. I mean, we have -- I mean, these are -- this is up to the fair market what the investment is. My hometown is -- has a water supply that's through the Illinois American Water Company. There are some towns which -- most towns in my area have it. Some of the smaller communities don't. But these things are not viable anymore. The cities and villages don't want to operate 'em.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, there was a number of us that voted against this the last time it was presented. But what is the difference now versus what was presented before? ‘Cause I think there were some -- some significant changes to the bill. If you could mention those for us, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you -- thank you, Senator. That's a good -- I should have mentioned that. I apologize. The appraisers are all going to be picked by the ICC. The ICC has got to approve the entire transaction. That was in the previous bill, but under this scenario, all appraisers have to be picked by the ICC, and -- and then it's approved. I mean, it's -- it's check/double-check to raise everyone's comfort level that it's totally arm's-length. And, of course, it has to be. It's voluntary on the part of the village. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: …the bill -- to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator Haine, I appreciate you working on this and making changes to it. I think they are significant. You know, my whole district qualifies for this. And I understand it's -- and -- and I think everyone needs to know, too, this applies not just to water, but sewer. And the -- the -- the plants are old. They're very costly to refurbish to the standards required by the EPA. And any assistance we can get with private industry, I think we should take advantage of. So, I do appreciate the changes you made, and for that -- for that reason, I'll be voting in favor of the bill this time. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
Thank you. And as the former speaker did say, we had the same concerns the first time that this came around. However, many communities who do have small districts, such as Senator -- the sponsor of the bill and my district and many of ours over here, the small towns are in a position where it's -- it's difficult for 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 them because of the increased regulations from the USEPA, which - - regarding the water. So they're at the point where they either have to invest and improve their infrastructure or have options for a private company to come in and give them a proposal. This bill does three things. One, it has been negotiated with the ICC. So, we appreciate that. And, also, this is purely voluntary. So, there will be three appraisals that will be given through the ICC, but the local boards can still continue to either take the, you know, the appraisal or decide to improve the infrastructure themself. And, thirdly, it gives small communities just another option with what to do and how to improve their water system. So, I stand in support of this bill and I thank the -- the sponsor of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Luechtefeld, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I've been wanting to -- want to vote for a Bill Haine bill. And -- and -- and I know that the -- medical marijuana's coming up quickly. So I'm -- I'm going to be for this one. Anyway -- anyway, you know, I think it's a good bill and I think it makes an awful lot of sense. Hopefully, we can get an awful lot of green votes on this bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Senator Rezin. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Haine, to close.
I would encourage an Aye vote. This is a great public-private partnership. Increases jobs all over the State. And I would 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 encourage, particularly Senator Luechtefeld, to continue on his positive road with my bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 1379 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, 2 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1379, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1405. Senator Harmon. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1405. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harmon, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 1405 was referred directly to the Floor because it is identical to Senate Bill 1204, which was approved by the Local Government Committee 12 -- 12 to nothing. This is an initiative of Cook County. It does three things. It modernizes the provisions related to the Geographic Information System to keep track of -- or keep pace with -- with technology. It also clarifies the ability of the county to use money in the Tuberculosis Sanitarium District Fund and the Animal Control Fund. The Animal Control Fund -- these are both unique to Cook County -- or, these provisions are applicable only to Cook County. Not aware of any opposition and I ask for your Aye votes. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, let me just say that there are a couple of -- there's three parts to this bill. A couple, I think, are obviously worth voting for. I -- I will note that one of them does increase a fee. So, if -- if you're concerned about that in any way, there is a three-dollar fee to -- to take advantage of that technology. So just -- just be aware of that. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Harmon, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I -- I'd like to just respond quickly. This does not increase a fee. Senator McCarter is correct in that it is reframing how the fee is applied to the new technology for the same service, but it does not increase the fee. But I -- I appreciate his observation. I ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 1405 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 1 Nay, none voting Present. House Bill 1405, having received the required 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1446. Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1446. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Cunningham, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1446 is an initiative of the Arc of Illinois and it's -- it will help clarify some discrepancies between State law, federal law, and the Administrative Code when it comes to the time frame school districts have to implement an individual education program for a student with special needs. It'll essentially set that time frame at ten school days. There -- there was no opposition in committee. I would be happy to answer any questions and I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1446 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1446, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1453. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 1457. Leader Clayborne. Out of the record. House Bill 1522. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 1522. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Koehler, on your bill.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1522 provides for the management and mitigation of the effects of urbanized -- urbanization on stormwater drainage in DuPage and in Peoria counties. This bill consolidates the existing stormwater management framework into a united, countywide structure. The bill sets forth minimum standards for floodplain and stormwater management and prepares a countywide plan for the management of stormwater runoff, including the management of natural and man- made drainageways. This bill affects DuPage County and Peoria County. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1522 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 38 Ayes, 11 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1522, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you… House Bill 1548. Senator Murphy. Out of the record. House Bill 1552. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1552. (Secretary reads title of bill) 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a cleanup bill from the Department of Insurance, just changing deadlines to better manage and -- and regulate the insurance industry. There's no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1552 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1552, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We'll skip over 1571. House Bill 1572. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1572. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Koehler, on your bill.
I'm going to pull this out of the record right now.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Out of the record. House Bill 1650. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 1650. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Koehler, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This does involve fish. House Bill 1650 amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code by requiring a commercial fisherman to obtain an Illinois sport fishing license in addition to a commercial fishing -- fishing license. The bill also expands the definition of "commercial fishing devices" to include any watercraft used as a primary collection device that -- and that the commercial fisherman must obtain a commercial watercraft device tag for that vessel. What this bill is really about is that we've got a constituent in the Peoria area who has developed a boat that will scare up the flying carp and -- and help to mitigate that from our rivers. So, I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1650 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, 1 Nay, none voting Present. House Bill 1650, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill… Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Yes, Mr. President, a point of personal privilege. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
I have a student here who's with me. His name is Atticus Francken. He's a student at George Washington University. He's back home. He's from Bloomington, right? Yeah, from Bloomington. And just want to have the Senate welcome him. He's the -- according to Crain's magazine, he was the youngest employee of the Obama campaign. So, anyway, just like to have the Senate welcome Atticus to our -- our Chambers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Welcome to the Chamber, Atticus. House Bill 1652. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1652. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Biss, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 1652 does two things. First of all, it adds to the definition of hunting interference use of a drone to interfere with hunting. And then, secondly, it amends the Fish and Wildlife Codes so as to enable the Department to suspend someone's license when they engage in hunter interference. I know of no opposition, not even Senator Cunningham, and I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 1652 -- Senator -- okay. The question is, shall House Bill 1652 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1652, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Will the Committee on Assignments please meet in the President's Anteroom immediately? The Committee on Assignments, meet in the President's Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come back to order. Committee Reports, Mr. Secretary.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Criminal Law Committee - House Bill 3021; refer to Executive Committee - House Bill 3271; refer to State Government and Veterans Affairs Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3035, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 3035, House Bill 3092, and House Joint Resolution 8; Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 630, Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 2454, and Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1226. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) With leave of the Body, we will go to Supplemental Calendar No. 1, on -- Senate Bill 1226. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, read the bill. Read the motion, Mr. Secretary.
I move to concur with the House in the adoption of their Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1226. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Signed, Senator Kotowski.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Kotowski, on your concurrence.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. And I move to concur on House Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1226. What this does is it changes the name of the bill that we worked on here and passed out of this Chamber to the Danny Stanton Act. As you may recall, this is a bill to help prevent sudden, unexplained {sic} (unexpected) death from {sic} (in) epilepsy. Danny Stanton was a young boy who died, had a seizure in his sleep, at the age of four. Unfortunately, had -- did not live through the experience of having a seizure in his sleep. And there's a foundation in his name called the Danny Stanton {sic} (Did) Foundation, and we've named this law after him, called the Danny Stanton Act. And I'm joined here today by the Chairman of the Board, Scott Verhey - please stand up - and Tom Stanton as well. They've done terrific work. He's Executive Director…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Excuse me, Senator. Can we please have it quiet in the Chambers? All staff -- or, everybody, go back of the Chambers if we're going to make noise. Senator, back to your bill.
Thank you very much. Well, I'm joined today, as I indicated, by two fine gentlemen, Tom Stanton, the Executive Director of the Danny Did Foundation, and Scott Verhey, who is the Chairman of the Board, and their organization, which is dedicated to making sure to help families who have children who've -- who've died from sudden, unexplained {sic} death from {sic} epilepsy. And this 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 bill was created in honor of Danny Stanton. An honor to have them here today. An honor to be a part of the organization. And to help save lives in the future, I'd simply ask to -- to concur on the amendment to Senate Bill 1226, House Amendment No. 1. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall the Senate concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1226. 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 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1226, having received the required constitutional majority, the Senate does concur with House Amendment 1 to the Senate Bill 1226. The bill is declared passed. Now, with leave of the Body, we'll go back to where we were on the regular Calendar, on House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 1814. Senator McConnaughay. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1814. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay, on your bill. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Creates a separate offense for exceeding the speed limit in a construction zone or maintenance zone when workers are present and exceeding the speed limit in a construction or maintenance 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 zone when workers are not present. It also removes the penalty of license suspension in construction zones when construction workers are not present and there is no danger of hitting a construction worker. The purpose of the bill is to differentiate the offense where workers are present and when workers are not, for things such as Christmas holidays, weekends, what have you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) She indicates she will yield.
What is the penalty going to be for the passing in -- when workers are not present?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: The first offense is two hundred and fifty dollars. The second offense would be seven hundred and fifty dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
What will the -- what will the penalty be when workers are present?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Sixty days' suspension of your license.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
No -- is there a fine involved in that too, though?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: It does not change the fine. So it's a fine plus the suspension.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
But -- so, what you're saying then is, there'd be no suspension if the workers weren't present and it'd be, actually, a lower fine amount. Because the fine amount, I think, is three fifty if they're present, under current law. I may be wrong.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Let me -- let me clarify. Two fifty for the first offense. Seven fifty for the second offense. The seven fifty is when there is no workers present. The license suspension is when there are workers present.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Rose.
I -- I believe that there's a three-month license suspension already in place if workers are present. So I want to make sure 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 that we're not going backwards.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Senator Rose is right. I misspoke; it is ninety days, not sixty. I apologize.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator McConnaughay, to close. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you. This is the only state in the country that takes people's licenses away for a second offense at a time when there are no construction workers present. A ninety-day suspension of a driver's license as a second offense is considered to be very harsh. And I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 1814 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, none voting -- no Negative, and 1 voting Present. House Bill 1814, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1815. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1815. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Senator Hunter, on your bill.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1815 creates the Diabetes Awareness special license plates. An application for the special license plates will be charged forty dollars for the original issuance, and twenty-five dollars shall be deposited into the Diabetes Research Checkoff Fund and fifteen dollars shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Grants will go towards the research for juvenile diabetes. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1815 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 50 Ayes, 2 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1815, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1817. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1817. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 1817 creates the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protection {sic} (Protective) Association license plate. The plate will cost twenty-five 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 dollars. Of this fee, ten dollars shall be deposited in the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association Fund and fifteen shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. And these funds will be used to issue grants to the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association for the purpose of providing death benefits for the families of police officers killed in the line of duty.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1817 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1817, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1868. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1868. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sullivan, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1868 establishes an endorsement on educator licenses for part-time provisional career and technical educators for individuals who teach no more than two courses of study for grades six through twelve. It's valid for five years and may be renewed. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1868 pass. All those in favor will signify by voting 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 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1868, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 1871. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1871. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1871 is on the Agreed Bill List. It provides that any State paycheck or pension payment made through direct deposit shall not be accompanied by a printed earnings statement. It is identical to Senate Bill 1884 that passed our Chamber unanimously. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1871 pass. All those in favor will signify by voting Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 1871, having received the required 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Tom Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise? House Bill 2036. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2036. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 2036, too, is on the Agreed Bill List. I hope you'll agree with it. It requires the -- IEPA to maintain various permit- related information on its website, including a yearly report detailing the number of permits received and issued by the EPA and the average number of days for permit issuance. I'll answer any questions. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2036 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2036, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2232. Senator McConnaughay. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 2232. (Secretary reads title of bill) 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McConnaughay, on your bill. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 2232 amends the Park District Code to extend park districts' existing authority to enter into contracts to purchase energy from an -- from a utility or alternate retail electric supplier from a one-year term to a maximum three-year term. The sole purpose of this bill is to expand the length of time for which a park district can enter into a contract for electricity supply. The legislation will not expend -- expand the entities from which a park district can purchase electricity under current law.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2232 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 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2232, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2245. Senator Delgado. Out of the record. House Bill 2250. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2250. (Secretary reads title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator -- Senator Mulroe seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2250 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave -- leave is 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2250. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe, to -- on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The amendment actually becomes the bill. The language will be identical to Senate Bill 1756 that passed out of this Chamber unanimously. I'll -- I'll be happy to explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2262. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2262. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter, on your bill.
49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 2262 amends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Article of the Illinois Aid {sic} (Public Aid) Code by providing that the Department of Human Services disregard the value of assets held by a family as it relates to the determination of TANF eligibility. The TANF asset test is a -- is a pre-welfare reform policy that was established in 1996 that -- and that it is no longer necessary because stringent work requirements basically discourage families that aren’t truly needy from receiving TANF. And it also prevents our poorest families from building savings behavior and becoming financially independent and being responsible citizens. Eliminating the assets test is a national trend because it saves taxpayers moneys. The State's administrative costs far exceeds the very small number of families disqualified by this policy. For example, a hundred and nineteen thousand asset tests were -- were taken last month -- last year and out of the one hundred and nineteen thousand only eight recipients were found to be out of compliance. And that was a cost of nine hundred and sixty thousand dollars. So this is basically a savings to the State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates she will.
Thank you. Senator Hunter, we discussed this a little bit in committee and I have a couple questions as a follow-up to that. 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 First, the work requirement to which you referred in your opening comments that TANF recipients must engage in, how many -- how many hours a week is that and what is it that they do?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter.
Senator Link, I'm going to pull this bill out of the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Out of the record. House Bill 2269. Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Oh! Senator Harris seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2269 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2269. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harris, on your amendment.
This amendment amends the Notary {sic} (Notary Public) Act to eliminate the sunset date for the identification requirements shown to the notary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? 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. 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2273. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2273. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sullivan, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The legislation amends the Weights and Measures Act. Recognizes any apparatus certified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture or city sealer as of July of -- of 2012, it satisfies construction and installation requirement. It's an initiative of the Department of Ag, and also the Feed and Grain {sic} (Grain and Feed) Association, Corn Growers, et cetera. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2273 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2273, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2310. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. House Bill 2311. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 2311. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This amends the Video Gaming Act to clarify that licensed retail establishments do include those establishments who hold a retail liquor license, whether they operate on a nonprofit or for- profit basis. This is to clarify a misconstruction of what we thought was clearly in the Video Gaming Act by the Gaming Board. They were construing the law to say that even if some -- even if an entity, for example, a Knights of Columbus hall is a retail liquor establishment, they're still not entitled to a -- a license if they are a social club. So we have to introduce the bill. And they've given me a statement to read with this bill that is from the lawyer for the Gaming Board, Mr. Melamed, Caleb. And it states, for now, the Illinois Gaming Board will hold off on denying any more social clubs or -- licenses and they will not treat these as a denial with a requirement to reapply if this bill passes. So I would ask for an Aye vote to get this thing on track.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2311 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 40 Ayes, 4 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2311, having received the required constitutional majority, 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 is declared passed. House Bill 2322. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2322. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill is very similar to Senate Bill 1845 that we passed out of here unanimously. House Bill 2322 allows school social work services to be -- to include implementing social and emotional educational programs and services, and establishing and delivering bully prevention and intervention programs. It also allows social workers to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2322 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 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2322, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2361. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. House Bill 2362. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2362. (Secretary reads title of bill) 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Kotowski, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 2362 removes the requirement that the only service eligible under DCFS Residential Services Construction Grant Program are ones for which the Department of Children and Family Services has rate-setting authority.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2362 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2362, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2366 -- 63, excuse me. House Bill 2363. Senator Bivins. Out of the record. House Bill 2370. Senator Frerichs. Out of the record. House Bill 2393. Senator Syverson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2393. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This would require automobile insurers to only notify an applicant once, at the time of 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 application, of the availability of uninsured motorist coverage for property damage. Know of no opposition on this and would ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2393 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2393, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2418. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 2427. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 2428. Senator Tom Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2428. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Tom Cullerton, on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill actually sets up a bipartisan task force to address and look into the civics education being taught throughout the State of Illinois. I will say, as Senator Connelly said, this is on the do pass list. Is the right, Senator? But, yes, there was -- Illinois State Board of Education was in opposition to it. However, during committee, they admitted to the fact that there is no formal civics education throughout the State of Illinois. So this would put together a bipartisan 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 task force that would now come back with recommendations within the next year on how our civics education will be in Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2428 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, 2 Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2428, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2454. Senator Althoff. Mr. -- oop! Senator Althoff seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2454 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2454. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Althoff.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your amendment.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This is just a technical amendment to the underlying bill. Changes the notification from a ten day to a fifteen day, and we missed a ten in one of the Sections. We've corrected it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? 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?
57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2471. Senator Collins. Out of the record. We'll skip over 2428 -- or, 88. House Bill 2494. Senator Jacobs. Mr. Secretary, out of the record. House Bill 2499. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 2506. Senator Delgado. Out of the record. House Bill 2517. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2517. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 2517 extends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act ten years, until January 1st, 2024. This was on the Agreed Bill List.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2517 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate -- House Bill 2517, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2527. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2527. 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your bill.
My thanks again, Mr. President. House Bill 2527 provides that the dissolution of a residential housing cooperative may only be dissolved after an open meeting and vote of the members.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2527 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2527, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2535. Senator Steans. Out of the record. House Bill 2613. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2613. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Martinez, on your bill.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 2613 is initiative of the Capital Development Board that requires all unused federal funds received for capital improvement projects to remain in the Capital Development Board 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Contributory Trust Fund for future capital projects only. This bill is a technical cleanup bill that codifies statute from the previous General Assembly. And I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2613 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2613, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2614. Senator Martinez. Out of the record. House Bill 2618. Senator Haine. Out of the record. House Bill 2620. Senator Biss. Out of the record. House Bill 2623. Senator Tom Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2623. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Tom Cullerton, on your bill.
This is a very simple bill. It allows municipalities to seek bid -- that seek bids for municipal aggregation to require bidders to disclose the type of electricity being provided. They are not required to do so, but they will be allowed to now if municipalities would like to put that into their bidding requirements.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2623 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 50 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2623, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2624. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2624. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 2624 is an initiative of the Illinois Library Association. It requires library districts to report to the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal. I know of no known opposition and I ask for a favorable roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2624 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2624, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2639. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
House Bill 2639. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Kotowski, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 2630 {sic} deletes a provision that creates within the Department of Military Affairs an honorary regiment of Colonels, known as the Governor's Regiment, and establishes by rule a recognition program to allow the Governor or the Adjutant General to recognize individuals or organizations who have contributed to the advancement of the Illinois National Guard.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2639 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2639, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2640, we'll skip over. House Bill 2641. Senator Rezin. Out of the record. House Bill 2659. Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2659. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Senator Harris, on your bill.
House Bill 2659 amends the Children and Family Services Act to clarify that a juvenile court finding that a minor's current placement is necessary and appropriate shall not override the administrative service appeal hearing requested by a former foster parent of a minor who is seeking the return of the minor after the minor has been removed by DCFS from the foster parent's home. This service appeal hearing is only -- is the only opportunity currently for -- the foster parent has to challenge the removal of the minor from the parent's home. And, also, the foster parent has the standard request of a service appeal hearing if the minor has been in the foster parent house for sixty days or longer. The bill also amends the Juvenile Court Act to clarify that the definition of a "foster parent" includes a relative caregiver in whose care DCFS has placed the minor. And there is no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2659 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2659, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2661. Senator Steans. Out of the record. House Bill 2674. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2674. (Secretary reads title of bill) 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire, on your bill. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2674 is an Illinois Student Assistance Commission initiative that merely eliminates a repeat audit finding by repealing a requirement that ISAC develop and implement a college savings program. I know of no opposition and I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2674 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2674, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2675. Senator Steans. Out of the record. House Bill 2687. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2687. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Kotowski, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 2687 reduces the grant matching requirements from recipients for convention and tourism bureaus from a hundred percent to fifty percent by making 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 permanent the language that was in the Fiscal Year '13 year {sic} budget implementation bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2687 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2687, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2690. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2690. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire, on your bill. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 2690 would allow a county board to adopt a fee of ten to thirty dollars on convictions and grants of supervision for felonies, misdemeanors, petty offenses, and business offenses to be used to support Court Appointed Special Advocate services. I know of no opposition and I ask for an Aye vote, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator McGuire -- McCarter, what -- for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: I'd like to ask a question of the sponsor, please. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates he will yield. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I know this is a -- is an increased fee, but where does the fee go?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Senator McCarter, I appreciate your question. The money would be collected by the clerk of the circuit court, held in a specific account, and the county board then would make grants solely to CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: So solely to one organization, not -- you know, the -- the interesting part of that is the Court Appointed Special Advocate services almost sounds like an agency, almost sounds like one of our agencies. But it's not really one of our agencies. This is an actual non-profit organization. And I -- I agree that they do some good things, but there's probably -- could -- would you admit that there are probably other people that do similar-type things as CASA?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Senator McCarter, CASA organizations are the only non-profits in Illinois authorized by statute to provide services in our juvenile courts. 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill. SENATOR McCARTER: I just -- I understand that they're the only ones, and I -- and I do -- I do agree that they do a -- a very important job and they do a good job of it. But this is just one more -- one more increased fee. I'm -- I'm not sure that they are the only ones that can do it, but I do agree with the sponsor that they are the only ones approved to do it. So, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Question of the sponsor, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Sponsor indicates he will yield.
Thank you. Senator McGuire, let me -- let me help you out here. Are -- do the CASA folks advocate on behalf of children in horrific crimes against them -- victims of horrific crimes against them? They step in and help those children recover from those crimes, do they not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator McGuire. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 SENATOR McGUIRE: My understanding is that they represent these children in court -- assist in the representation of them in court, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Rose.
And this fee will be based upon criminal convictions, is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Senator Rose, convictions and grants of supervision.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Rose.
Do Court Appointed Special Advocates work with the children's advocacy centers around the State of Illinois that deal with children that have been abused and sexually abused in horrific ways?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: I don't know if CASAs work with children advocacy centers. I do know that this legislation is patterned on a statute which does allow county boards to adopt a similar fee to support the children's advocacy centers, which you mentioned.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator -- Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Senator Rose.
Welcome back, first of all. To the bill: Court Appointed Special Advocates are extremely important to the criminal justice system. They're extremely important to victims, particularly child victims - have some pretty horrific things that have happened to them. To be brutally honest, I think it's more than appropriate that this fee be -- based on criminal convictions and court supervisions to go from crime to help support the victims of crime. I absolutely support Senator McGuire in this. I appreciate him bringing this forward. It is a great concept that, frankly, the criminals should pay to help with whatever is needed for this poor kid. And I think there's a few other people in this room, Senator Haine obviously, who's been a prosecutor. This is the way to do it. And I appreciate you bringing this forward. And I appreciate Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates he will yield.
Senator, how much is this supposed to generate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Yeah, Senator Syverson, I appreciate your question. It would depend on the amount of additional fee which the county board would 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 choose to adopt - it's a range of ten to thirty dollars - and, of course, on the number of convictions per year.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson.
And as the previous speaker's talked about, I mean, CASA does a -- does a wonderful job. They do a wonderful job in our area as well. I guess my -- my concern is that, every year, we pass additional fees on top of -- of convictions and many times we try to at least make it germane. Now, in this case, we're putting fees on everything. And at some point, I think we're -- probably already exceeded there, where a person is getting a traffic ticket and it's -- with all the fees that are on there, that it's so expensive that most people cannot afford to -- to pay that. Do we know what -- do we know the number of -- at this point, the average that -- that families can't afford to pay with tickets or fees, or how much is actually ever collected because the fees before now are -- are -- are so high? What the uncollected amount of fees are from -- from counties today?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: …Syverson. Excuse me. Senator Syverson, I don't have -- I don't have that information.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson.
Is there a -- is there a reason why we -- we -- we chose to take this to -- on -- to cover all tickets, as opposed to issues 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 that were related to family that would make it germane?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Yes. Again, Senator Syverson, this is a permissive bill, which would empower a county board, which so chooses, to adopt this additional fee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson.
So it's permissive and the counties don't have to implement this fee at all? So they don't -- or the range of the fee that they can implement?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Senator Syverson, both. It's my understanding that there are thirty-six counties in our State which have CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate services. And it's my understanding, it would be up to the county board of each of those thirty-six counties whether or not to adopt this fee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson.
Okay. So, currently, those counties cannot adopt it, and in this case, just those thirty-six counties would implement that -- could implement that fee from ten to thirty dollars on all areas. Now, in the case, where - for example, Winnebago County - where they have sixty or seventy million dollars of unpaid fines, because 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 most individuals can't afford to pay because of all the fines we have now - you know, a speeding ticket's going to be three/four hundred dollars; most people don't have that kind of money - when they settle for a lesser amount -- when -- if the -- the court agrees to take a lesser amount, then will this fee then become part of a -- a percentage or does it get paid after other fees are paid?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: That's up to -- that's -- will be the decision of each individual county.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Syverson.
Okay. I -- I think we're fine. I think there's some ongoing negotiations. So thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
I'd like to speak in support of this bill. The backbone of a CASA organization is the volunteers, who go through extensive training. They support and supplement the DCFS caseworker, who has thousands of cases. I've seen firsthand the value that they bring to the court system. And I would like to see us support 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 this. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator McGuire, to close. SENATOR McGUIRE: I appreciate the debate and I ask for an Aye vote on this bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall House Bill 2690 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2690, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2709. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2709. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate -- House Bill 2709 gives the Illinois Wheat Association the ability to nominate a seven-member wheat development program committee -- members to that committee, who would then be appointed by the Director of the Department of Ag.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 2709 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2709, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2720. Senator Mulroe. Out of the -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Mulroe seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2720 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2720. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor -- Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The amendment was actually a technical amendment. I ask that it be adopted and I'll explain it all on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? 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 LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 2748. Senator Barickman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013
House Bill 2748. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Barickman, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill requires the Illinois Finance Authority Board to have their next two members have experience in agribusiness and/or production agriculture. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2748 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2748, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2752. Senator Bush. Out of the record. House Bill 2753. Senator Biss. Out of the record. House Bill 2760. Senator LaHood. Out of the record. House Bill 2768. Senator Tom Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2768. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Tom Cullerton, on your bill.
75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 This just adds -- adds a -- a small phrase to the principal's reporting of illegal gang activity and possession of weapons in schools. Presently, they -- they notify the teachers on the safety of the school when it's just basic illegal activity, but -- such as a violation of a municipal or county ordinance, but this would add gang activity to the -- to the terminology.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2768 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2768, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2773. Senator Sullivan. Out of the record. House Bill 2783. Senator Bivins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2783. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bivins, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 2783 adds to the list of violations of the Illinois Egg and Egg Products Act. Makes the license fee paid to the Department of Agriculture non-refundable. This was on the Agreed Bill List. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 2783 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The -- voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2783, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to -- the record to reflect that I intended to vote Aye on House Bill 2768.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The record shall reflect your intentions. House Bill 2802. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2802. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hunter, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 2802 requires that Healthcare and Family Services, Human Services and Aging create a process -- or, procedures to allow long-term care -- providers to assess {sic} the determination of need of individuals who have an admission date and are seeking or receiving respective services by October of -- October 1 of 2013. I know of no opposition and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 House Bill 2802 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2802, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll go back to House Bill 2370. Senator Frerichs. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2370. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Frerichs, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. This amendment makes a change to the Open Meetings Act by giving the Illinois Community College Trustees Association the ability to offer instruction on the Open Meetings Act. This brings community college level with K through 12 public schools and makes related changes. It's an initiative of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association and the Illinois Community College Board. I would answer any questions and request a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2370 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 50 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2370, having received the required constitutional majority, 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 is declared passed. We'll now go back to 2807. We'll skip over that one. House Bill 2812. Senator Steans. Out of the record. House Bill -- we'll skip over that bill. House Bill 2893. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2893. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 2893 establishes the Crimes Against (Police) Officers Advisory program within the Department of State Police, which is designed to provide a regional system for the rapid dissemination of information regarding a person who is suspected of committing or attempting to commit certain offenses, such as murder and reckless homicide, against a -- a peace officer. This is an initiative of the Fraternal Order of Police. It's similar to an AMBER Alert, when someone has either murdered or committed a reckless homicide against a peace officer and we want information out there to apprehend the suspect.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2893 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 2893, having received the required constitutional majority, 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 is declared passed. House Bill 2905. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. House Bill 2918. Senator Manar. Out of the record. House Bill 2925. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2925. (Secretary reads title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Biss seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 2925 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2925. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Biss, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment 1 simply expands the scope of the bill to apply to all counties, instead of just Cook County. It was inserted at the request of the Committee on Local Government.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? 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 LINK) 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 3rd Reading. House Bill 2977. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. We'll skip over House Bill 2992. Senate {sic} Bill 2996. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2996. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your bill.
Thank you very much. House Bill 2996 extends the sunset of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act ten years, to January 1, 2024.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2996 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 Ayes, no Nays, 1 voting Present. House Bill 2996, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3043. Senator Manar. Out of the record. House Bill 3088. Senator Martinez. Out of the record. House Bill 3111. Senator Mulroe seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3111 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3111. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 Senator Mulroe, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The amendment is technical in nature and I'd be happy to explain it on 3rd. I'd ask the amendment be adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? 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 LINK) 3rd Reading. House Bill 3199. Senator Hutchinson. Out of the record. House Bill 3207. Senator Righter. Out of the record. House Bill 3223. Senator Frerichs. Out of the record. House Bill 3243. Senator Martinez. Out of the record. House Bill 3270. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3270. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Martinez, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3270 requires the Department of Central Management Services, CMS, to consult with the Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council when preparing its State Hispanic Employment Plan. The bill also 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 creates a Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council. And I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3270 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. House Bill 3270, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3346. Senator Althoff. Out of the record. House Bill 3359. Senator Dillard. Out of the record. House Bill 3367. Senator Tom Cullerton. Out of the record. House Bill 3379. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3379. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Out of the record. Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Inquiry of the Chair, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your inquiry.
Mr. President, I have a sense that momentum is slowing here in the Chamber, as far as legislative activity, and I'm curious if you share that sense.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 51st Legislative Day 5/16/2013 This is the first time…
Can I make a motion to adjourn?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) This is the first time I'll disagree with you. But it's, no. Senator Righter.
Inquiry of the Chair, if I might, Mr. President. Would you be willing to entertain a motion to adjourn?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) We're still on 3rd Readings. We're on the last one right now on 3rd Reading. So I would sit and relax for this one and you might -- you might -- that motion may be in order. House Bill 3390. Senator Mulroe. Out of the record. I have an announcement - and it's not going to the top of the order. House bill amendments deadline is 5/17/13 - that's tomorrow, for those who are wondering - at noon. The deadline for filing House -- filing Floor amendments to House bill is Friday, May 17th, at 12 noon. If you've planned to amendment -- amend House bills on {sic} Floor amendments, please do it before noon tomorrow. In honor of Senator Righter, there'll be no further business to come before the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned till the hour of 10 a.m. on the 17th day of May, 2013. The Senate stands adjourned. 84