PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) The regular Session of the 98th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The innovation today will be given by the Reverend Katrina Jenkins, Chaplain of Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois. Reverend.
(Prayer by the Reverend Katrina Jenkins)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Thank you. Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journals of May 24th, 27th and 28th, 2013.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved, unless some Senators has additions or corrections to offer.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hunter moves that -- the approval of the Journals just read by the Secretary. There are -- being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Thursday, February 27th, 2014.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending the arrival of printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Tony Yuscius, Blueroomstream.com, requests permission to videotape. There being no objection, leave granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolutions 961 and 962, offered by Senator Hunter and all Members. Senate Resolution 963, offered by Senator Link and all Members. Senate Resolutions 964 through 966, offered by Senator McConnaughay and all Members. Senate Resolution 967, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 968, offered by Senator Rose. And Senate Resolution 969, offered by Senator Martinez. They are both substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Mr. Secretary, Appointment Messages. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
Appointment Message 599 Governor's non-salaried appointment Jeremy Gottschalk Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board Appointment Message 600 Governor's non-salaried appointment Philip Dray Medical Licensing Board Appointment Message 601 Governor's non-salaried appointment Craig Niederberger, M.D. Medical License -- Illinois Medical Licensing Board
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Please proceed with your…
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, with me today in the -- in the Senate Floor here is Ian Connor. He is my intern. He is a Millikin University history student in Decatur and my constituent from Arcola, Illinois. He's a senior, and I've -- I've never had this one before, but he is going to go into rare coin dealing upon graduation. And I can't even -- I can't even pronounce the word. What's the word? Numismatics. So if you see -- if you watch -- you know, yeah, the Pawn Stars show or something like that, this might be the guy. So, anyway, let's welcome him to the Senate 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Floor. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Welcome to the Senate. The Senate will stand at ease for a few minutes to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. The members of the Committee on Assignments will come to the President's Anteroom immediately. The Senate will stand at ease. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture and Conservation Committee - Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2658, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2903, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3000 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3000; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2937; refer to Education Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2779 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3310; refer to Higher Education Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3306; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 798, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2586, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2611, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3283; refer to Judiciary Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2616, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2829 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3228; refer to Labor and Commerce Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3411; refer to Public Health Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3055, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3076 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3149. 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator McCann, for what purpose do you seek recognition? SENATOR McCANN: For a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Please proceed. SENATOR McCANN: I'd like to introduce my Page for today. I have with me Sam Spicer. Sam is eight years old and attends second grade at Carlinville Primary School. He enjoys history and science, and when he grows up, he would like to be an attorney. Against -- against better counsel, he would like to be an attorney. But he would actually, ultimately, like to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. And so his parents, Wayne and Andrea Spicer, are in the gallery on the Republican side. And I hope you'll join me in welcoming them to the State Capitol. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Welcome to the Senate. On page 2 of the Calendar is the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 2608. Senator Barickman. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2608. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2612. Senator Kotowski. Out of the record. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2612. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2657. Senator Haine. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2657. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Environment adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2668. Senator Haine. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2668. 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2674. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2698. Senator Bertino. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2710. Senator Cunningham. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2717. Senator Sandoval. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2717. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2760. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2774. Senator Link. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2774. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2803. Senator Kotowski. Senator Kotowski. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2814. Senator Syverson. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2814. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2835. Senator Mulroe. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2835. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2854. Senator Jones. Senator Jones. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2928. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2933. Senator Koehler. Senator Koehler. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2933. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2939. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2944. Senator Manar. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2944. (Secretary reads title of bill) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on -- I'm sorry, no committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2947. Senator Haine. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
Senate Bill 2947. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Senator Link in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senate Bill 2952. Senator Jacobs. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2952. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2968. Senator Jacobs. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2968. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Have there been any further -- any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2978. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2985. Senator Bivins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2985. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 2992. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. And we'll skip over Senate Bill 2997. Senate Bill 2998. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2998. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House {sic} Bill 2999. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2999. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities and 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Pensions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House {sic} Bill 3008. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3008. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. We'll skip over 3027. House {sic} Bill 3028. Senator Silverstein. Out of the record. We'll skip over 3029. Senate Bill 3040. Senator Raoul. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3095. Senator Barickman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3095. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 3135. Senator Muñoz. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3156. Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Senate Bill 3156. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House {sic} Bill 3222. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3222. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. House {sic} Bill 3224. Senator Hutchinson. Out of the record. House {sic} Bill 3234. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3234. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Would all the people by my voice -- we will be going to 3rd Reading. So will all Senators be on the Floor? We will be going to 3rd Readings. Be prepared to run your bill. We will start on page 5 of your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 2363. Senator Martinez. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2597. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Senate Bill 2597. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman {sic}, Members of the Committee -- I'm sorry, Members of the Senate. This bill amends the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act to require any seller of residential property disclose all known material defects in walls, windows, doors, and floors of the property. Current law only requires disclosure of defects in walls and floors. It passed out of committee unanimously. There is no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2597 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 44 Ayes, no Nays, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 2597, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2598. Senator Althoff. Out of the record. House {sic} Bill 2609. Senator Noland. Out of the record. House {sic} Bill 2633. Senator Koehler. Out of the record. House {sic} Bill 2640. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2640. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Out of the record. House {sic} Bill 2647. Senator Althoff. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2656. Senator Barickman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2656. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Barickman, on your bill.
Thanks, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2656 makes a number of changes to the Transfer on Death Instrument Act. The changes were requested by the Illinois State Bar Association. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2656 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. Senate Bill 2656, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2662. Senator Haine. Out of the record. House {sic} Bill 2677. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
Senate Bill 2677. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2677, it's -- it's a pretty simple bill. All that it does is it allows counties to have the same rights that municipalities have. When there is a building that's torn down for safety reasons, it allows them to have a lien on the property at tax sale. I know of no opposition to the bill. And I would…(microphone cutoff)…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall -- Senate Bill 2677 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. Senate Bill 2677, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we will go back to Senate Bill 2640. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2640. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush, on your bill. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2640 makes some changes to the Illinois Business Development Council that was created last year. And, really, all that this does is adds another requirement to -- to the law that says that in counties that border another State, that we take a look at best practices there and provide recommendations to Illinois counties regarding those best practices for business retention. You know, frankly, we have areas that, you know, many of us look at poaching, but we really need to be -- to be looking at what we're doing in those areas and making sure that we're competitive. So, I know of no opposition to the bill and I would appreciate an Aye vote.
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, Mr. President. Senator Bush, you represent a district that sits on a border with another state. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush.
Yes, that's correct, Senator Righter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter. 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
What -- what county? I'm not that familiar with your district. I apologize. What counties? How many? What border?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Be careful where you're going. Senator Bush.
Absolutely. I represent Lake -- the northeastern-most part of the State. So my county that I represent borders the State of Wisconsin. Although, certainly there are economic development issues around the entire State and the borders.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
What -- so, have the counties -- has that county come to you and said, we don't understand enough about what Wisconsin is doing to create jobs that we're not doing, and that's why we need this information? I'm curious about the origin of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bush.
You know, certainly not. But my background is, you know, I served as a -- as a county board member, and certainly involved in economic development issues. I think we're all concerned about jobs in the State of Illinois. So, you know, really not anything specific, just how do we make sure that we are putting best practices forth and -- when it -- when it comes to border areas, and in particular, for us, Wisconsin. You know, we want to make sure -- I want to make sure that those things are included in anything that we are doing to work on economic development. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
To the bill, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand in support of the bill, because, incredible as though it may seem, there are still elected officials in this State who just don't get it that we are bleeding jobs into Wisconsin, into Indiana, all of our neighboring states and states that we don't share borders with. I -- if -- if we need to get another avenue of information with regards to taxes, regulation, workers' compensation, and the list of hundred other things that we can do to be more competitive, then, by golly, let's get that information to 'em. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Senator Bush, to close.
Thank you so much. I -- I appreciate your support. I think all of us want to make sure that people have good jobs in the State of Illinois. And in Lake County, we've certainly been fortunate to keep our unemployment rates at a -- you know, at a -- at better than a lot of parts of the State. But, you know, this is really -- there are many times where on the borders I would say it's unfair competition, you know, and that Wisconsin in particular, we would probably look at it as poaching, you know. And so we just need to know what it is they're doing to steal our businesses so that we can do the best job that we can. So -- but I appreciate 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 your support. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2640 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, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 2640, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2690. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2690. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Manar, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2690 is a fairly simple bill. It's an initiative of the State Fire Marshal's Office. It simply increases the loan amount through the fire truck revolving loan program from two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. And I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate 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. Senate Bill 2690, having received the required constitutional majority, 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 is declared passed. Senate Bill 2695. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2695. (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 bill adds language to the offense of official misconduct in order to include employees of law enforcement agencies who use or communicate information obtained on the job with the intent to obstruct, impede, or prevent the apprehension of a -- a suspect or the investigation or the prosecution of a crime. The bill provides an exemption for communicating to a confidential resource who is assisting in -- law enforcement in an ongoing investigation. Let me just say briefly that what -- this is brought to me by the Bartonville Police Department really as a proactive way to head off any problems. The bill -- the reason for this bill is that there was a case called "The People versus Carmita {sic} (Carmecita) Williams", in which this person was a dispatcher. They tipped off a -- a person who was involved in -- in -- in drug dealing and she was found guilty, but appealed it, and the appeal -- both the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court threw it out, saying that there was really actually no law which made this illegal. So this actually creates it as an illegal act and it's one of those things where you think, well, I would assume that that's already law, but it wasn't. So I'd appreciate support on 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 that. I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2695 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. Senate Bill 2695, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2709. Senator Noland. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2709. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Noland, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2709 redefines "public or community service" in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the Probationary -- excuse me, the Probation Community Service Act, making it so that public or community service would no longer include blood donation or assignment to labor at a blood bank. Know of no opposition. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate 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 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2709, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2711. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2711. (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's an initiative of the State Board of Education. It would provide authority for the State Board of Ed to process payments for federal grants provided primarily by the U.S. Department of Education, Agriculture, and other federal agencies in subsequent State fiscal years. I know of no objection to the legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2711 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. Senate Bill 2711, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2721. Senator Luechtefeld. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2721. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2721 amends the Local Government Debt Reform Act. It provides that -- that the approval of bonds authorized to be issued under the Counties Code and adopted by Jackson County can -- can be -- can be used to do some work on a -- on a levee district in -- in my district. A little bit of background on this particular bill: A few years ago, we passed a bill which basically said, if you had authorized bonds and if that -- if a five -- if it ran out after five years, you could not authorize those bonds anymore. In Jackson County, there is a levee that is really in bad shape. The Army Corps of Engineers doesn't have the -- the money right now to do this. There was a -- a -- a levy passed by the county to authorize 1.7 million dollars' worth of bonds to do this. Then, later on, a bill passed this General Assembly to say that you could not use those bonds if -- if a five-year period passed. This particular bill would allow us to -- to use that bond specifically for this particular county and this particular levee. I -- you know, again, the Corps of Engineers cannot do this. It is in bad shape. There are thousands and thousands of acres. They would like to get this done before the real flooding season starts in that area. This simply would allow them to use -- the county board, by the way, has voted unanimously to -- to approve this and use 'em, if we can get this legislation through the General Assembly. I would be glad to answer any questions and hopefully 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 we can get an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2721 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, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 2721, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2728. Senator Frerichs. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2729. Senator Frerichs. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2730. Senator Mulroe. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Bill 2730. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2730 preserves the stability of sales after a foreclosure action and ensures an efficient method for terminating junior lien interests by -- by allowing a purchaser of foreclosed property to initiate a strict foreclosure proceeding when a junior lien was omitted in the original action. The process gives notice and an opportunity for the junior lienholder to redeem. If the junior lienholder fails to respond and pay the redemption amount, then the purchaser obtains clear title. I don't know of any opposition. The Bankers Association is neutral. And this passed unanimously 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 out of committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2730 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. Senate Bill 2730, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2736. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2736. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Martinez.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2736 establishes that the examination requirements for licensed professional engineers, enrollment for engineer interns and enrollment for structural engineers {sic} interns be established by rule. It also makes a technical change regarding the examination requirements for land surveyors. And I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2736 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. There are 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2736, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2769. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2769. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2769 is an issue from JCAR, and what it actually does is it grants CMS the authority to create rules governing paid blood donation leave for State employees and also updates the definition of what blood is. I know of no…(microphone cutoff)…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2769 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 Ayes, 1 Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2769, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2770. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2770. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff, on your bill.
Thank you, again, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2770 is an initiative of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and what it does is it grants the Agency the ability to issue administrative citations and investigate violations of the Public Water Supply Operations Act. Currently, they either get to ignore the violation or suspend an operator's license. They would like something in between so that they can ensure that these water supply entities are following the rules. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2770 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2770, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2771. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2771. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill extends an exemption, which we passed last year, to the 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Illinois Eavesdropping Act which outlines various procedures that would authorize the -- the recording, the eavesdropping of drug deals. And it's -- we passed a bill authorizing verbal approval by a State's attorney and what can be admissible in a court of law. Because of some of the leftover controversies on -- I guess there's suspicion amongst some Members of the General Assembly that -- they worry about fishing expeditions by prosecutors and - - and/or police, we decided to amend it to extend the -- the -- the sunset to January 1, 2017. I want to add that everything is going well with this. Everyone's happy with it. There's been no hint of any abuse. And this is undoubtedly saving officers' lives. So I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2771 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. Senate Bill 2771, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2773. Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2773. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. The bill 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 requires the Department of Health {sic} (Healthcare) and Family Services to establish the Long-Term Services and Supports Disparities Task Force. This is an initiative of AARP to improve nursing home quality throughout the State. I ask for an affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Just a point of parliamentary inquiry. This was not listed on today's Calendar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Excuse me?
This is not listed on today's Calendar under 3rd Readings. Was it added late, or did I miss something? Ah! This is last week's Calendar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) It would help, Senator Rose. Senator Righter, do you have the same question? For what purpose do you rise?
I have this week's Calendar, Mr. President. Thank you. I was wondering if the sponsor would yield.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates she will.
Senator Collins, is there a task force in place now?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
No, not dealing with this issue of disparities.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
Can -- I mean -- because of my involvement, and I think many other legislators would agree, with the State's Medicaid program, if you speak to the officials at the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, they will tell you that they are drowning in work, that they are -- they are short of resources, they are short of staff. So, with an eye toward that issue - and particularly, I mean, many of those staff are working furiously to keep up with Medicaid applications, new Medicaid applications, deciding whether people belong on the Medicaid program or not - have you had a conversation with the Department about how much staff will be taken up doing this? Will there be -- costs associated with either paid staff just doing this or travel expenses? I mean, can you give us any of the details of what we're taking away from in order to get this done?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins.
It's the usual norm that when a department or -- have issues or staff has issues with a task force as it relates to time or funding extended to meet the requirements, I would usually hear from them. There was no opposition from the Department in reference to this legislation. And let me just say why this is important. When we passed the historic Nursing Home Reform Act, we noticed that there were some issues still on the table that 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 needed to be addressed relating to disparities between how -- various residents of nursing homes, be it in the rural area versus the urban area or looking at ethnic minorities or language barriers. There are obvious disparities that was never addressed in the legislation and was placed on the agenda to come back later to set up a task force.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
I appreciate the information about a lack of opposition. Now I'm going to ask you to go a step further, Senator. What do you envision to be the staffing requirements? Who's going to serve on the task force? How often are they going to meet? I mean, any issues like that. And I understand that many -- this will probably fly out of here. And that many will look at this and say, "You know what, it's just another creation of another task force. Who really cares?" Well, that's part of the problem here, Senator, that I'm concerned about, is we have a lot of these out here. I think it would be naïve of us to believe that there aren't significant resources, when you add them all together, that aren't being pulled away from the administration of the programs many of us hold dear. So can you fill in any of the details about the task force?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins.
As task force are approved, you know that they have varied designees appointed - by the Senate Chamber, by the House Chamber, by the Governor's Office, by the Departments of Human 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Services/Aging. I have no data beyond that. I know, on principle, you might be opposed to a task force, but, on substance, I feel this is very imperative because all our aged require quality care. We have -- we have various individuals dying in some nursing homes because of the lack of quality care with staffing, with registered nurses. So when you want to evaluate the benefit or cost analysis, or cost benefit analysis, I believe life and the dignity of our seniors requires the respect of this Chamber. So I would ask my Members to support this legislation; especially if you have seniors in your district in nursing homes, you want to ensure that they receive all the necessary cares necessary to give them in their aged -- in their older years the dignity that they deserve.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill, if I might.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
Thank you, Senator Collins, for your responses. I do not disagree at all with the conclusion that you're driving at, which is that nursing home care needs to be improved. And, really, that's why I've gotten up and asked some questions and aired some concerns on this. Because when we pull resources away from a program like Medicaid, over the long term what that does is, it drives down reimbursements and it drives up the billing cycle. So when nursing homes have to wait three months, four months, six months, nine months to get their payment, we would be fools to believe that that doesn't impact patient care. I'm going to vote 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 for this because of the issues we've had in nursing homes, but I think that it is important for us to be mindful, when we are putting forward legislation like this, of what the cost is, what the staff commitment's going to be, because these people working in these departments, there's only so many of 'em and they only have so much time. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) There any further discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the speaker -- of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) She indicates she will yield. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, are you aware - and I'm sure you are - of the Center for Minority Health Services and what they do?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins.
No, I am not aware of it, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill. SENATOR McCARTER: It's -- it's surprising to me that this wouldn't have been looked at, because one of the -- one of the -- the tasks that have 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 been given to this Center for Minority Health Services is to provide -- to coordinate, with the Department of Aging and Department of Healthcare and Family Services, coordinate services for minority populations. And it just seems like this is just one more layer of government that we're adding. These responsibilities have already been given and are in place for others to determine. I -- I agree, we -- we -- none of us -- this is not a vote of whether we -- you know, that we believe there should be respect and dignity for seniors. This is just something that's already being done by somebody else, or should be done by somebody else, because that's what they've been tasked to do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Collins, he was talking to the bill. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) To the bill.
This bill passed Human Services Committee 6 to 1. I'd like to commend the sponsor for sponsoring this bill, and I wholeheartedly support this bill. And I ask every Member on this side of the aisle to please vote Yes on this bill. It is desperately needed. There are -- there has been disparities for many, many years that exist, and -- and -- and -- in various minority communities, and I just think that we need to pay more attention to it. So, Senator, thank you very much for sponsoring this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Is there any further discussion? Senator Collins, to close.
Let me just say in closing to my colleague on the other side of the aisle, if you look at the legislation, it also deals with disparities between rural and urban areas. It's not just ethnic minorities. So let me just be clear on that: It's rural areas that have disparities based on the care that many urban residents receive. So let's not just put this in a box of ethnic minorities. I'm sure some of your constituents would benefit from this task force. I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall Senate Bill 2773 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2773, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2775. Senator Lightford. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2776. Senator Steans. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2778. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2778. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2778 extends the sunset regarding a date of tax sales in Cook 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 County. If this bill is not passed, tax sales will commence rather than in -- July 1st, they'd commence the previous October, which would be bad for taxpayers and also disadvantageous to the county. This -- this bill simply retains the schedule as it has been in the previous several years. I ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2778 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. Senate Bill 2778, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I apologize. Somehow I had a button malfunction. Can the record reflect that I would have been an Aye on that last piece of legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Your wish -- your wishes shall reflect. Senate Bill 2783. Senator Raoul. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2783. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 17 -- 2783 provides that out-of-state or out-of-county 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 witnesses who are required to attend trial for abused, neglected or dependent minors will be paid the same as other witnesses in criminal cases.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate 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 51 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2783, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2791. Senator Hutchinson. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2799. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2799. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a revisory bill prepared by the Legislative Reference Bureau. And it amends the Department of Insurance Act {sic} (Law) to implement Executive Order 2013-01, in effect transferring a program, the Senior Health Insurance Program, from the Department of Insurance to the Department on Aging. This is basically a counseling program that is better administered by the Department of {sic} (on) Aging than that because that's their mission. These are primarily for elderly. The Insurance Department, as we know, 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 is primarily a regulatory agency. So the -- the Governor was correct on this, and we're ratifying and making it statutorily correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2799 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. Senate Bill 2799, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2800. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2800. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is a -- the extension, really, of a pilot program established last year which allows the Division of Mental Health to determine if its program for returning those who are found unfit to trial within a certain amount of time is working. And they think they need more -- more time to determine this. There is no opposition to it. This is a continuing source of problems for the Department and for the sheriffs, who are wardens of the county jails.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Senate Bill 2800 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. Senate Bill 2800, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2801. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2801. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is another initiative of the Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health -- or, I'm sorry, the -- Division of Mental Health, I guess. This allows a number of things, or mandates a number of things. It removes the term "non-secure" placement, which has caused some confusion and concern. It has - - it also allows the -- the Department to administer medication over the defendant's objections. These are people found unfit to stand trial. It allows the Department to release someone on a misdemeanor if their time in the mental health facility exceeds the term they would have served if they'd have been in the county jail. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise? 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates he will.
Senator Haine, the -- the -- that very last portion that you read of the bill caught my attention, and that was the piece about releasing someone who had served -- or had spent more time in the facility than they would have had they been incarcerated. I mean, is that -- is that meant to be an automatic release? In other words, once they get to a day past what would have been the maximum sentence, they're discharged without consideration of the danger may -- they may pose to others?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you for that question, Senator Righter. I believe they have to go back to the county jail to face trial and to determine what their status is at that point.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
Face trial on what? I mean, they've -- they've been found not guilty by reason of insanity or whatever the phrase is we're using. They've been basically incarcerated in a DHS facility. The time which they would have spent incarcerated in a jail has run. So now they're going to be taken out of the DHS facility; they're going to go back to the county jail, and stand trial for what? 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, again, Senator Righter. That's -- I'm -- I'm sure it's my fault here, but these are people that have been found unfit. They've not been adjudged not guilty by reason of insanity; they've been found unfit. So this allows the Department to release them if the -- if the time in the mental health facility exceeds the time they would have served if convicted of the misdemeanor. But I believe they have to go back -- they have to go back to the jail.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
To be released from the jail, or to go before a judge for some further proceeding? I guess that's the loose end I'm looking for you to tie up here, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
To face trial, either by a judge or a jury.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2801 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 Bill 2801, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Seth 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Perlman, Associated Press, requests permission to take still photos. Seeing no objection, permission granted. Senate Bill 2802. Senate -- Senator Van Pelt. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2802. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Van Pelt. Excuse me. We'll just have to wait one second; we got a little problem. Try -- try getting a little closer to the mike. See if that does it. No. With leave of the Body, we'll -- Senator Van Pelt will present her bill from Senator Hastings' bill -- seat. Senator Van Pelt.
Thank you, Mr. -- Mr. President. Senate Bill 2802 is an initiative by the Secretary of State's Office. It amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may operate a motor vehicle that -- that has been registered but does not display a current and valid Illinois registration sticker provided that he or she has proof, in the form of a printed receipt from the Secretary's Office, that he or she has registered the vehicle before the previous registration expiration but has not yet received a new registration sticker from the Secretary's Office. And provides that this printed proof of registration is only valid for thirty days from the expiration of the previous registration sticker's date. Currently, the -- the law states that vehicle registration is only valid when a registration sticker or temporary registration is affixed to the vehicle, which does not allow the 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 use -- for the use of online payments for registration. The proposed legislation provides that a person may operate a motor vehicle that has been registered but not -- does not display a current and valid Illinois registration sticker if said person has proof in the form of a printed receipt from the Secretary of State's website. It also provides that that printed proof of registration is only valid for thirty days. I -- I urge your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate 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. Senate Bill 2802, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2806. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2806. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The bill is an initiative of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. It just clarifies which individuals licensed by the Department, such as private detectives and private security guards, are exempt from the unlawful use of a weapon. 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Basically just a cleanup. There's no opposition. I will attempt to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2806 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. Senate Bill 2806, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2808. Senator Biss. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2809. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2809. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2809 simply clarifies current law to make absolutely apparent that an audit that the Cook County Pension Fund is already conducting has to be made available on its website. I would appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2809 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 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 question, there are 52 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 2809, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Muñoz, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR MUÑOZ: Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, one of our staff members, today is his actual birthday. He's standing up on the dais with our presiding officer. Happy birthday, Giovanni. Wish you many more.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) He looks good for fifty. Senate Bill 2839. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2839. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2839 is a cleanup bill. It addresses some audit findings, as well as creates some efficiencies for the agency. I know of no opposition and would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2839 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 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. Senate Bill 2839, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2841. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2841. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Althoff.
Again, thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2841 mirrors current statute. It allows counties, which we already permit municipalities, to collect -- to use collection agencies and retain attorneys for the collection of county ordinance violation's fines and charges.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2841 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. Senate Bill 2841, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2852. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2852. 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2852 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow a search warrant upon written complaint to be issued by use of e-mail. Today we actually use facsimiles. Maybe next year we'll use Twitter. But today let's allow us to use e-mail. I know of no known opposition and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2852 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 Bill 2852, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2892. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2892. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2892 is an initiative of -- of the Illinois State Bar 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Association, also supported by the Chicago Bar Association. It provides that a condo instrument is rendered unenforceable if it restricts the right of a board to represent the association in legal matters that affect the common elements. Currently, the Condominium Property Act gives the board standing to act in a representative capacity in legal matters involving the common elements; however, developers have limited boards -- limited the board's ability to bring legal matters by including a provision in condo instruments that require a two-thirds vote before proceeding with a legal action, which, in effect, would immunize the developer from liability due to their own defects.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Indicates he will.
Senator, what's the -- what's the problem we're trying to solve here? What's -- what's out there that is a problem in this system that this bill seeks to remedy?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe.
It's actually restricting the board's right to take a legal action against a developer if the developer still has a percentage or holding the units that weren't sold. So a little -- my best example would be, if there's a hundred units, sixty are sold, then 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 they -- the board discovers a defect or -- say a workmanship defect by the developer, it would limit the board's authority to sue the developer for the -- the workman -- the workmanship because some of the condo declarations or bylaws are requiring two-thirds approval by the unit owners. And under my example, there's sixty; that wouldn't be two-thirds. You need sixty-six and two-thirds of the units sold before they could actually try to remedy the defect through a legal action.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
So, in your hypothetical, this would drop the required vote? It would lower…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Mulroe.
Correct. It would give the board the responsibility of acting on behalf of the unit owners if they thought it was appropriate. There is a provision in there unless seventy-five percent of the unit owners agree that they like the provisions that were put in the bylaws or declarations by developers.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2892 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 Nays, 3 voting Present. Senate Bill 2892, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2903. Senator Manar. 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Out of the record. Senate Bill 2912. Senator Barickman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2912. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Barickman.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill comes about as a change to the Sex Offender Registration Act. The -- the change is the result of a court decision that found that loss of employment was not the same as a change of the defendant's place of employment. We're trying to clean it up and clean up that court finding. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2912 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 47 Ayes, 2 Nays, 3 voting Present. Senate Bill 2912, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2915. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2915. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a measure focusing on financial exploitation that would bring DHS in line with the Department of {sic} (on) Aging's responsibility to report financial exploitation to health care worker registry. I know of no opposition to the bill and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the -- the question is, shall Senate Bill 2915 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. Senate Bill 2915, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2931. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2931. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hastings.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2931 is an initiative of the Department of Military Affairs that expands the qualifying criteria for the Illinois Military Relief -- or, Family Relief Fund and clarifies the Adjutant General's role as the Commander of the Illinois National Guard. It changes his or her allowable rank from the rank of Major General, which is 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 a two-star, to Lieutenant General, which is a three-star. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2931 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. Senate Bill 2931, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2932. Senator Sullivan. Out of the record. Senate Bill 2941. Senator Raoul. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2941. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2941 is a cleanup bill that brings Class 3 and Class 4 cannabis offenses in line with other Class 3 and 4 controlled substance offenses with regards to eligibility for sealing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2941 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 35 Ayes, 15 Nays, none voting Present. Senate 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 Bill 2941, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 2975. Senator Bivins. Out of the record. 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 passed a bill of the following title, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 3672. We have received like Messages on House Bills 3784, 4277, 4385, 4386, 4462, 4523, 4534, 4585 and 4590. Passed the House, March 4th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) State your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, just want to remind folks about the annual Sullivan Caucus St. Patrick's Day event coming up on March the 19th. That's the Wednesday when we come back after the -- after our week off. It starts at 5 o’clock. It's at the Brickhouse, which is down by the Old State Capitol. It's always a good time. Just want to make sure you get it on your calendar. Hope you can join us that evening. March 19th, 5 o’clock. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 91st Legislative Day 3/4/2014 There being no further business to come to -- before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 5th day of March, 2014. The Senate stands adjourned. 54