PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) The regular Session of the 98th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Pastor Brian Richardson, House of Faith, Bloomington, Illinois. Pastor Richardson.
(Prayer by Pastor Brian Richardson)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Jacobs.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Jacobs)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, March 5th, 2014.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hunter.
Madam President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Tony Yuscius from the Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
Senate Resolutions 971 through 979, offered by Senator Althoff and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. Mr. Secretary, Resolution Consent Calendar.
Senate Joint Resolution 59, offered by Senator Silverstein. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions, reports Senate Bills 2811, 3109 and 3115 Do Pass; Senate Bill 3077 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2774 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Landek, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Bill 3288 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2641 and 3042 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Bills 2644, 2761 and 3103 Do Pass; and Senate Bills 2797, 3129 and 3312 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bills 3147, 3262 and 3334 Do Pass; Senate Bill 3259 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 343 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 345 Recommend Do Adopt; and House Joint Resolution 80 Be Adopted. Senator Holmes, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 reports Senate Bills 2671 and 2966 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 854 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4262, offered by Senator Delgado. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4334, offered by Senator Manar. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4340, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4336, offered by Senator Frerichs. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4386, offered by Senator Harris. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4403, offered by Senator Silverstein. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4405, offered by Senator Syverson. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4417, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4522, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4649, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4713, offered by Senator Barickman. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4741, offered by Senator Rose. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 House Bill 4743, offered by Senator Bivins. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4767, offered by Senator Biss. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 5323, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, if we could please have your attention. We have a special announcement from Senator Barickman. Senator Barickman, to present.
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen, I know today many of us are accompanied in the -- in the Senate Chamber by guests from home, students and FFA members from -- from our districts and from home. I -- I'm proud to introduce to you one of my constituents, a gentleman who is serving as the President of the State FFA, Sam Detwiler, who is twenty years old. He comes from Flanagan. Many of you know I was raised on a -- a family farm myself, and so supporting those who want to serve in ag is something that's very near and dear to me. So it's an honor to have Sam with us today. Sam is the son of John and Jane Detwiler. He graduated from Flanagan-Cornell High School. Again, the -- the close relationship that is unique to me is that my high school, Woodland High School, cooperates -- has a co-op with -- with Sam's high school to play football. And so, to some degree, he served on the alma mater football team of mine and that's -- I think that's just awesome. Sam has been in FFA for years and he's served in a number of different capacities. He is taking a year away 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 from school, where he goes to Heartland Community College, to serve as the State President within FFA. Within his FFA activities, he has listed as some of his favorite things: to serve at the State and National Convention, FFA Leadership Camp. And when he's through with his service with FFA, he'll return to Heartland Community College. It's -- it's awesome to have him here today. It's great to know what he's trying to do with FFA, which is bring his passion for agriculture directly to young people and to students. He's an accessible young man, who I think has probably spent much of the last year interacting with others who share his passion. It's great to have him here with us today. And I'd ask you to join me in welcoming Sam Detwiler, the President of the Illinois FFA. 2013-2014 ILLINOIS STATE FFA PRESIDENT SAM DETWILER: (Remarks by 2013-2014 State FFA President Sam Detwiler)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we have another announcement. Please welcome Senator Andy Manar to the podium for an announcement.
Thank you -- thank you, Madam President, my colleagues. I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce the reigning Miss Illinois County Fair for 2014, who is Summer Robbins of Coffeen, and a proud graduate of Hillsboro High School in Montgomery County, in the 48th District. She represented the Montgomery County Fair at the annual pageant held during the 104th Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention in January. As the fifty-fifth Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, Miss Robbins will be the official hostess of the Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs this year. She 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 will also travel throughout the State this summer to promote county fairs and State fairs. Summer's the daughter of Rick and Julie Robbins. She's a student at the University of Illinois with plans to attend law school and practice corporate law in the future. Summer has raised thousands of dollars for Wounded Warrior groups and organized a 5K run recently for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. Please join me in welcoming Miss Illinois County Fair 2014, Summer Robbins, to the State Senate. 2014 MISS ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR QUEEN SUMMER ROBBINS: (Remarks by 2014 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Summer Robbins)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Leader Clayborne, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of an announcement, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please -- please state your announcement, Leader.
I want to announce today that it is Kara Small's, one of our Pages, birthday. I believe she is twenty years old today and we want to recognize her birthday and -- and wish her a happy birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Happy birthday. Hope you have a wonderful year. Aaron Frye from WICS requests permission to video. Leave is granted. Leader Sullivan, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Please state your point.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, as we all have noticed, and, of course, we heard from the President of the FFA here today address the Senate, but up in the gallery, we have a lot of blue coats up there and FFA members from all over the State of Illinois. We're certainly pleased to have them here and I want to -- think it's appropriate to recognize them. But I want to point out some special ones to me, the -- some kids from -- students from my home county. Schuyler-Industry are up here, with Mr. McClelland. Stand up if you would, folks. And want everybody to recognize them. And then, all the FFA members please stand as well. And let's show our appreciation for them being here today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please rise and welcome to the Illinois General Assembly. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 5. We are going to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. We will be voting on initiatives today on page 5. Please be at your desks. We will begin with Senate Bill 2647. Senator Althoff. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on Senate Bill 2648. She indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 2648. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Althoff.
7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Thank you very much, Madam President. Senate Bill 2648 passed out of committee unanimously. It's a very simple piece of legislation. It just clarifies that the Department of Labor has the ability to create rules on Prevailing Wage Act.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2648 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 48 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2648, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Stadelman, for what purpose do you rise? Senate Bill 2657. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 2657. Out of the record. Please turn your Calendars to page 6, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, the top of page 6. Senator Silverstein, on Senate Bill 2659. Senator Silverstein. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 2662. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 2668. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 2717. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Frerichs, on Senate Bill 2728. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2728. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Frerichs.
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Thank you very much, Madam President. This bill changes the title from the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Community College Board to the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board. It's a technical correction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2728 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 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2728, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Koehler, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Madam President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please state your point, Senator.
Before they go, and I know there's other activities today around Ag Day here at the State Capitol, but I want to introduce Doug Falk and the Cuba High School FFA group. If they would please stand. They're in the gallery behind the Senate Democrats.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Please welcome -- please stand and be welcomed to the Illinois General Assembly. Senator Frerichs. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed on Senate Bill 2729. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Senate Bill 2729. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Frerichs.
Thank you very much, Madam President. Senate Bill 2729 changes the name of the general education development, or GED, test to the high school equivalency -- equivalency exam and makes technical corrections to the references relating to the name of the GED test and certification.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2729 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2729, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Righter, on Senate Bill 2765. Senator Righter. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2765. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Chamber. Senate Bill 2765 would simply lift the sunset off of what has been a highly successful three-year program at Eastern Illinois University. Beginning four or five years ago, the officials at Eastern Illinois University began to look at their numbers, their enrollment numbers, their application numbers, to see what they could better do to attract and actually enroll into Eastern students who came from middle-income families. And I'm talking about that salary range between thirty-three thousand and almost seventy thousand. They came up with what they call the "Panther Promise" program, which affords a tuition discount for families that fall -- for students who -- of families who fall within that income range. Their goal was to pay for the program by the increased enrollment that they believed that they would see in that income range. And they're here asking that this be made permanent because it has been a stunning success. Enrollment within that income range - the kind of middle-class families that we're talking about now all the time that can’t afford higher education for their families - those numbers have gone up to more than pay for the tuition discounts that they're affording for those students. So, with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions and would appreciate an Aye vote, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2765 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2765, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Link. Senator Link, on 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Senate Bill 2774. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 2774 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 2774, Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link.
…you -- thank you, Madam President. The amendment is just to address the concerns of AARP. I’ll talk when we get to 3rd Reading on the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Steans, on Senate Bill 2776. Senator Steans. Out of the record. Senator Hutchinson, on Senate Bill 2791. Senator Hutchinson. She indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the lady's bill.
Senate Bill 2791. (Secretary reads title of bill) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2791 amends the Railroad Police Act and makes the following changes: Grants the members of railroad police forces the ability to issue administrative citations under the provisions of county or municipal ordinances; provides that before removing a passenger, the conductor or captain must refund the passenger's fare minus the portion attributable to the distance already traveled; states that no operating rule, bulletin, directive, or other order of a carrier shall contradict or limit the authority granted in this Act; and -- and authorizes a railroad employee to remove a disorderly passenger at a nearby public station or dock. Current law provides for the removal at any place where such an offense has been committed. I'd ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2791 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 54 voting Yea, 1 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2791, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Biss, on Senate Bill 2808. Out of the record. Senator Syverson, on Senate Bill 2814. Senator Syverson. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2814. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Madam President. This legislation -- this legislation deals -- it's just some cleanup language dealing with the sanitary districts. And it just defines what the corporate boundaries are. And there was a -- a concern raised in the past regarding that and so this is on behalf of the -- of the reclamation districts. And I know of no opposition to it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2814 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 51 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2814, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Mulroe, on Senate Bill 2835. He indicates he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2835. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 2835 is -- was brought to me by the Firemen Annuity and 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Benefit Fund and the AFL-CIO. It amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. It requires that the annual report submitted by the Firemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund to the city council include the amount of revenue that would be needed to fund its liabilities. I know of no opponents. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2835 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2835, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Jones, on Senate Bill 2855. Senator Jones. Out of the record. Senator Manar, on Senate Bill 2903. Out of the record. Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn your Calendars to the top of page 7. Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, top of page 7. Senator Sullivan. Out of the record. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 2933. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2933. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This bill amends the Downstate Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 It provides that if there are no beneficiaries available and willing to serve as the fifth member of that pension -- Police Pension Fund board of trustees, then the fifth member will be elected from the active participants of the pension fund by the beneficiaries. I know of no opposition. Appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2933 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 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2933, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Biss, on Senate Bill 2937. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 2937. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. I'm going to make an effort to describe this bill with a minimum of embarrassing hand gestures. Senate Bill 2937 addresses two matters regarding drone surveillance. It's a kind of trailer bill to a bill that we passed last year. First of all, it closes what was essentially a loophole in the bill as it existed last year, so that any protections that individuals have from law enforcement surveillance is -- also extends when law enforcement use a 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 privately held drone for surveillance. Secondly, it allows use of drones in the case of a natural disaster. I'd appreciate your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Thank you, Senator Biss. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2937 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2937, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Manar, on Senate Bill 2944. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 2944. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This bill simply brings parity about the definition of a pollution control facility to make all counties consistent in the State. I know of no opposition to the bill and I'd be happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2944 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2944, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 10 - to page 10 - on the Order of Secretary's Desk, Resolutions, on page 10. Senate Resolution 684. Senator Koehler. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's resolution.
Senate Resolution 684, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Last year, we passed the Senate Advisory Committee on Healthcare. This resolution would just add two members, one from each caucus. I've checked with my fellow co-chair, Senator Syverson, and we'd just like to add two members of the Senate to that committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, as this resolution requires the expenditures of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 684 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, Senate Bill -- Senate Resolution 684, having -- received 55 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 voting Present. Having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Joint Resolution 50. He indicates he wish to proceed. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Please read the gentleman's resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 50, offered by Senator Sandoval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sandoval.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Joint Resolution 50 urges Congress to enact the Safe Freight Act in order to ensure that no freight train can be operated unless it is staffed by two properly certified individuals. It's an -- it's an initiative of the United Transportation Union and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. And I ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate -- oop! Senator McConnaughay, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: …ask for -- I ask for a recorded vote, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
For -- to request a roll call on the resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) There has been a proper request of two Members for a roll call. We will put it to a roll call. 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 39 voting Yea, 12 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Joint Resolution 50, having received 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 the required constitutional majority, is declared passed {sic}. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, a Supplemental Calendar has been passed out to all of you. Please take note to Supplemental Calendar No. 1, House Joint Resolution 80. Senator Hutchinson. She indicates she wish to proceed. Please read the bill {sic}.
House Joint Resolution 80, offered by Senator Hutchinson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Senate. House Joint Resolution 80 sets forth the estimated amount of general revenue funds that will be available to spend on the fiscal year 2015 budget. House Joint Resolution 80 estimates total GRF revenue sources to be 34.495 billion. This number is consistent with COGFA's revised projections. Happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she'll yield. Senator Murphy.
Senator, we went over this a little bit in committee and we certainly don’t need to belabor it out here, but there's a couple things I think bear repeating. GOMB has a different number. They have a revenue number of about 35.2. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
Yes, that is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
And we covered in committee, and I think Jim Muschinske from COGFA acknowledged, the two funds that are taken off the top, the Fund for Advancement of Education and Commitment to Human Services Fund, are estimated to be about an additional four hundred million dollars above the 34.495. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
Is the -- the hundred and thirty-five to two hundred million from the -- the State Pensions Fund contemplated in the 34.495 billion figure?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
No, it is not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Murphy.
To the -- to the resolution, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 To the resolution, Senator.
The -- you know, last year at this time, I think a resolution was passed and it was later changed. It appears there's an attempt at a resolution here. What we've seen so far is an attempt to try to make the budget hole look worse than -- as bad as it absolutely has to, to try to justify continuing a tax increase. Just today, we learned in Appropriations that -- just through the meeting -- the mere meeting with the -- the House Democrats, that we were able to shave the size of that hole by a half a billion dollars. It appears that this attempt extends into this revenue estimate as well. We have significant questions about what the final number is going to be. We also firmly believe that there is an ability to have a responsible budget within the amount of money that will be there with the tax increase going off. And so, at this juncture, I would encourage our side of the aisle to vote against this resolution, as it is not an accurate reflection of the revenue that will be there. And one last point, one last point, we have consistently from this side of the aisle, since you reinstated the practice of coming up with a revenue estimate, we have consistently attempted to remind everybody in the building that a revenue estimate is not necessarily - especially when you are running a deficit four years after the tax increase was supposed to wipe it out - the revenue estimate is not the amount of money you get to spend when you still owe people five to six billion dollars. So please don’t take this number as the amount you get to spend. You still owe people billions of dollars. This revenue estimate is artificially low on purpose to try to make the tax increase that much more necessary. I urge your No vote. 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Sponsor indicates she will yield. Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I won't go into as -- as much discussion as we had yesterday in -- the committee, but I'm -- I'm trying to understand these two new funds, the Fund for Advancement of Education and the Commitment to Human Services Fund, which those amounts, approximately two hundred million each, were taken away from this revenue projection, not on the bottom of the statement as they would have been reported and as they're normally reported in any statement, whether you be government/non-government, nonprofit/ profit, but it was taken away from the top as though it was a refund, acted as that is a refund. How is money appropriated to these funds? How -- how -- how will we know what's going to be spent out of these funds? Because they're very unique. They're not part of the main budget.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
Those two funds were created statutorily and they come off the top. This is a revenue estimate created by COGFA to determine what our net resources will be. This is the way they choose to reflect it. It has been adopted in the House on a bipartisan fashion, nearly unanimously. We would expect that we'd like to 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 adopt the same number in this Chamber in a bipartisan fashion. Questions about how moneys are appropriated are generally handled through the regular appropriations process. This, sir, is our revenue estimate to begin that process. We have the rest of the Session to discuss how moneys are appropriated.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill {sic}. I'll -- I'll speak to the bill, because I could ask two or three times and I may not get the answer to my question, 'cause I'm not -- folks, this is not the way you do things. You don’t budget according to one set of rules and report according to another set of rules. No one does this. There's no definition of what -- what moneys are to be spent. In fact, this -- the -- the statute says, moneys appropriated from the fund shall supplement and not supplant the current level of education funding. Says the same thing for Human Services. So what there -- what we're saying here is this is something like the lottery money. When people says, "well, I thought the lottery money was going to fix schools" - well, it's real simple. You take the lottery money, you put it in the fund and then you appropriate less to the Education Fund. So education really gets nothing. They -- they get nothing more. This is the same thing that's taking place right here. You're saying that two hundred million, approximately two hundred or even two hundred and twenty-five, depending on whose estimate you take, is going to be put in these funds, but you're going to appropriate less. And we know -- we don’t know how that's going to be spent. We don't know if this is going to one school district, one part of the State. We don't even know whether this 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 is part of the formula for education. You're not using the right number. This is -- this is creative accounting, and typically creative accountants go to jail. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Oh, I cannot believe Senator McCarter would stoop so low. Senator Kotowski, for what purpose do you rise?
…you -- thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. So just to be clear about the process that we're going through here, and I appreciate Senator Hutchinson moving forward on this, the -- what we're doing here is we're identifying available revenue first. We changed what had occurred in the past in the General Assembly, fundamentally changed it. We used to do it based on what we were going to spend first. We're identifying what we have to spend, just like a family, just like a business, just like a non-profit, and then we're deducting our fixed costs. And the fixed costs that we have looked at - and we had a discussion about this today in the Appropriations hearing - which are pension costs, debt service, group health care insurance, any of those costs. And then what will be allocated to the programs will happen in our Appropriations Committee meetings, based on our -- the priorities of the programs and based on what they'll be able to deliver. So it's very clear, this process. It's something that has been communicated by the Commission on Government Finance {sic} and Accountability, which is something that's been certified in a nonpartisan fashion for a long time. We are doing -- we are continuing a practice that we should have been doing. This is very important. I don't know how anybody could quite possibly impugn the integrity of this process when it is a bipartisan 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 fashion. It's something that's built into statute and it's a first, yet important step that we're taking before we deduct our fixed costs and before we then allocate money to programs, which we invite you to be a part of the process. If you have ideas to address that, please be a part of it. But don’t make personal attacks that are completely unfunded -- unfounded, that are completely without merit, that are completely disingenuous. It does a discredit and a disservice to this Body. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) President Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
Yeah, thank you, Madam President. Well, I'd like to support this House joint resolution and I think we should at least start to have some agreement on how much money we have to spend before we get into the appropriation process and deciding where we're going to spend it. So, if I understand the potential confusion here, I'll try to explain it the way I understand it and maybe we can get a unanimous vote on this. So we created two special funds and there's about four hundred million dollars that's going into those two special funds. They are called other State funds. Our budget -- our total budget is approximately seventy-five billion dollars, half of which is general revenue funds and the other half is other State funds. This four hundred million dollars that was created by statute went into those other State funds. We're not hiding it. It's just not considered to be part of the General Revenue Fund. That's what we're debating? So, we're not trying to intentionally hide it, make the numbers look lower. It's not faulty accounting. And this is not an appropriation process. We're just saying, this is how much money we have in the General 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Revenue Fund in determining -- going forward to determine how much we're going to have to spend. So it's not a conspiracy. It's just educating ourselves about the budget. Many of us don’t serve on Appropriation committees and never have. Maybe we don’t even know that much about the budget, even though we're State Senators. So, this is a good year to learn. So, once again, to repeat, there's about a seventy-five -- do I have everybody's attention here? There's about seventy-five billion dollars that we appropriate, half of which is in general revenue funds. The other half's in other State funds. There's four hundred million dollars that we created two funds for that are in those other State funds, and as a result, this number we're talking about here is how much money we have in the General Revenue Fund. So I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Hutchinson, to close.
Thank you for all those who made legitimate inquiries into what it is we're about to pass here. This is a bipartisan revenue estimate. That's all that it is. It is the first step to the budgetary process, and we would hope that all of us who care about what's about to happen next would support the resolution. Please vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) A roll call vote is required. The question is, shall House Joint Resolution 80 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. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 On that question, there are 38 voting Yea, 17 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Joint Resolution 80, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared adopted. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we will be returning to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Please seek your attention to page 7, on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, beginning with Senate Bill 2947. Senate Bill 2947 on the top of page 7. Senator Haine. Out of the record. Senator Jacobs, on Senate Bill 2952. Senator Jacobs. Out of the record. Senator Jacobs, on Senate Bill 2968. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 2968. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Jacobs.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill simply -- Senate Bill 2968 aligns Illinois regulation with the new federal guidelines for closures of nursing homes. I know of no opposition. We are currently in conflict with some of those rules. We just want to put ourself in the right stead. Ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 2968 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 2968, having received 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bivins, on Senate Bill 2975. Senator Bivins. Out of the record. Senator Bivins, on Senate Bill 2985. Out of the record. Senator Bertino-Tarrant, on Senate Bill 2991. Out of the record. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 2997. Out of the record. Senator -- Senate Bill 2999. Senator Martinez. Out of the record. Senate Bill 3000. Senate Bill 3000. 3-0-0-0. Senator Biss. Senator Biss. Out of the record. Senator Sullivan, on Senate Bill 3008. He's -- would like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3008. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Madam Chairman {sic}, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 3008 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and exempts military compensation to National Guard dual status military technicians from income taxes, beginning in the 2015 tax year. Illinois currently exempts military pay, but not for civilians employed by the military. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3008 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 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 question, there are 54 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3008, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Morrison, on Senate Bill 3009. The lady indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3009. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Morrison.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3009 amends the Child Care Act of 1969 and requires the Department of Children and Family Services to annually report on its progress in meeting performance measures and goals related to child daycare licensing. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3009 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3009, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ed Cross from WAND-TV requests permission to video. Leave is granted. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 3027. Gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Senate Bill 3027. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This amends the Mobile Home Local Service {sic} (Services) Tax Enforcement Act and adds three provisions dealing with administrative sales in error on tax sales for mobile homes. I know of no opposition for the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3027 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3027, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Silverstein, on Senate Bill 3028. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3028. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Madam President. This is an initiative of the -- Health -- Health Care Council of Illinois. House -- Senate Bill 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 3028 clarifies that health care needs of a resident must include physical or mental needs for the purpose of an emergency transfer or discharge from the nursing home ordered by the attending physician.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3028 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3028, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Bush, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. It was my intention to vote Yes. My Yes button doesn't appear to be working. What shall I do?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Bush, the record will reflect that you indicated {sic} to vote Aye on the last measure, Senate Bill 3028. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to the top of page 8, Senate Bills 3rd Reading on the top of page 8. We will continue with Senator Link, on Senate Bill 3029. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3029. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link. 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
Thank you, Madam President. This repeals the requirement that financial institutions must print the date that a consumer deposit account was opened on all checks, drafts, or orders of withdrawal. Also, it eliminates the provision that checks issued to new customer deposit accounts start with the number 101, but that must maintain the consecutive order. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3029 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3029, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Biss, on Senate Bill 3055. Senator Biss. Out of the record. Senator Biss, on Senate Bill 3056. Senator Biss. Out of the record. Senator Hastings, on Senate Bill 3096. Senator Hastings. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3096. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3096 provides that a judgment creditor or his attorney may file a certified record of 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 any unpaid judgment damages with the Secretary of State. Currently, after a judgment's been entered against an uninsured driver who has not paid damages, only the judge or his clerk can make the appropriate filing with the Secretary of State. After a judgment is filed against an uninsured driver who is the cause of an accident, a certified record of judgment damages is filed with the Secretary and this cover -- this causes the uninsured driver to have his license and registration revoked. This bill will allow the plaintiff to bypass the additional step of having the judge file the judgment. And there is no opponents at this time. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3096 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3096, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Manar, on Senate Bill 3222. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3222. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill is simply an initiative of the Department of Military Affairs. It establishes the Illinois 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 National Guard Billeting Fund, which would bring activities of the Department in relation to billeting in compliance with the new federal regulation. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3222 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3222, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Hutchinson, on Senate Bill 3224. The lady indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3224. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hutchinson.
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3224. Currently, certain bidders and offerors who are awarded a contract of one thousand dollars or more are required to pay a fifteen-dollar fee to cover the expenses of the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative. Senate Bill 3224 exempts the statewide master contracts from the fifteen-dollar fee. This is just a result of having technical difficulties in correctly collecting the fee and having to make many refunds. So this is a matter of efficiency and I would ask for your support. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3224 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3224, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 3228. Out of the record. Senator Haine, on Senate Bill 3265. Out of the record. Senator Holmes, on Senate Bill 3274. The lady indicates she wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3274. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much, Madam President. This allows a teacher who teaches physical education or health education in the public schools to meet the requirements for highly qualified status that apply to teachers who teach in core academic subjects pursuant to the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3274 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Senate Bill 3274, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator McGuire, on Senate Bill 3290. The gentleman indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3290. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 3290 clarifies that off-road riding facilities, such as speedways and drag strips, are not liable for noise violations associated with non-race-related activities. I know of no opposition and ask for a Yes vote, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3290 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3290, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator McConnaughay, on Senate Bill 3294. Out of the record. Senator McConnaughay, on Senate Bill 3387. The lady indicates she wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3387. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Madam President and Members of the Assembly. This bill provides for the Fox Valley Park District, which represents the second-largest park district in the State of Illinois, which is currently appointed, serving two hundred and fifty thousand residents - currently is appointed by -- six members by the Kane County Board Chairman and the DuPage County Board Chair - this bill proposes to change that from an appointed board to an elected board of seven members.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 3387 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 3387, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 3, page 3, on the Order of Senate Bills -- 3rd Reading. We will begin with Senate Bill 343. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 343. Senator Link, do you wish to proceed? He indicates he does. Senator Link seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 343 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 343. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link.
Thank you, Madam President. This amends the Property Tax Code, so -- I'll be more than happy to speak on 3rd Reading on it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison, on Senate Bill 344. Out of the record. Senator Hastings, on Senate Bill 345. He indicates he wish to proceed. Senator Hastings seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 345 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 345. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Hastings.
Amendment No. 1 becomes the bill. I'll discuss it on 3rd Reading, Madam President. 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? 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 LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 854. Senator Link. Out of the record. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 1681. Out of the record. Senator Mulroe, on Senate Bill 1941. Senator Mulroe seeks leave -- Senator Mulroe. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 1941. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Madam President, Members of the Senate. This is an initiative of the Uniform Laws Commission. It's going to be called the Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act. State governments are consistently publishing laws, statutes, agency rules, court rules and decisions online only. The purpose of -- of this Act is to authenticate legal material and data published by the government to validate that the material and data has not been altered. The purpose of the Act is achieved by requiring official electronic material to be authenticated, preserved, and 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 accessible to the public. I know of no opposition. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1941 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Yea, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. Senate Bill 1941, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, please turn your Calendars to page 5, to page 5, please, on the Order of 3rd Reading. Senator Martinez, on Senate Bill 2363. Senator Martinez. Senator Martinez, on Senate Bill 2363. Out of the record. Senator Althoff, on Senate Bill 2598. Senator Althoff. Out of the record. Senator Noland, on Senate Bill 2609. Senator Noland. Out of the record. On page 2 of the Calendar is the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. On page 2 of the Calendar is the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senator Connelly, on Senate Bill 2658. He indicates he wish to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 2658. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Agriculture and Conservation adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 2674. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senator Bertino-Tarrant, on Senate Bill 2698. Out of the record. Senator Cunningham, on Senate Bill 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 2710. Senator Cunningham. Out of the record. Senator Lightford, on Senate Bill 2760. Out of the record. Senator Sandoval, on Senate Bill 2763. Senator Sandoval. Out of the record. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 2782. Senator Koehler, on Senate Bill 2782. Out of the record. Senator Kotowski, on Senate Bill 2803. Senator Kotowski. Out of the record. Senator Link, on Senate Bill 2928. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 2939. Out of the record. Senator Syverson, on Senate Bill 2956. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 2956. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Muñoz, on Senate Bill 2978. Out of the record. Senator Harmon, on Senate Bill 2992. Out of the record. Senator Mulroe, on Senate Bill 3023. Out of the record. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 3038. Out of the record. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 3040. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3040. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Okay, 3rd Reading. On the top of page 3, continuing on with Senate Bills 2nd Reading on the top of page 3. Senator Noland, on 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Senate Bill 3125. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3125. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please return to Senate Bill 2978. With leave of the Body, we will return to Senate Bill 2978. Senator Muñoz. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 2978. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Muñoz, on Senate Bill 3135. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the gentleman's bill.
Senate Bill 3135. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Syverson, on Senate Bill 3214. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 Senate Bill 3214. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we will return to Senate Bill 3216. Senator Silverstein. Senator Silverstein, on Senate Bill 3231. Out of the record. Senator Syverson, on Senate Bill 3314. He indicates he wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3314. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Bush, on Senate Bill 3332. She indicates she wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3332. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Bush, on Senate Bill 3333. 3-3-3-3. She indicates she wish to proceed. Please read the bill.
Senate Bill 3333. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) 3rd Reading. Senator Raoul, on Senate Bill 3408. Out of the record. Senator Manar, on Senate Bill 3411. Out of the record. Senator Morrison, on Senate Bill 3421. Out of the record. And, Senator Sullivan, on Senate Bill 3423. Out of the record. We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Madam President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolution {sic} on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. Mr. Secretary, Message from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 84. Offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads HJR No. 84) Adopted by the House, March 4th, 2014. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House. 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 98th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 93rd Legislative Day 3/6/2014
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) On the Order of Resolution is House Joint Resolution 84. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 84, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LIGHTFORD) Senator Link moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of the immediate consideration and adoption of House Joint Resolution 84. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Link moves for the adoption of House Joint Resolution 84. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned till the hour of noon on the 19th day of March, 2014. The Senate stands adjourned. 46