PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The regular Session of the 99th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? Will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Roy Newman, the Pastor of Fresh Visions Community Church in Springfield Illinois. Pastor.
(Prayer by Pastor Roy Newman)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Cunningham, would you please lead us?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Wednesday, February 15th, 2015.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senate Resolution 326, offered by Senator Righter and all Members. Senate Resolution 327, offered by Senator McGuire and all Members. Senate Resolution 328, offered by Senator Haine and all Members. Senate Resolution 329, offered by Senator Harmon and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 325, offered by Senator Lightford. And Senate Resolution 330, offered by Senator Morrison. They are both substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Landek, Chairperson of the Committee on State Government and Veterans Affairs, reports Senate Resolution 198 Be Adopted; and House Bills 200, 362, 1365, and 2797 Do Pass. Senator Martinez, Chairperson of the Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions, reports Senate Bill 1595 Do Pass, as Amended; Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 46 and Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1381 Recommend Do Adopt; and House Bills 1345 and 1496 Do Pass. Senator Harmon, Chairperson of the Committee on Executive, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 636, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 637, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 669, and 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1339 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hutchinson, Chairperson of the Committee on Revenue, reports Senate Bill 368 Do Pass, as Amended; and Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 780 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Hunter, Chairperson of the Committee on Energy and Public Utilities, reports Senate Bill 1586 Do Pass; Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 66 and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 373 Recommend Do Adopt; and House Bill 313 Do Pass.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
Message from the House by Mr. Mapes Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 303. We have received like Messages on House Bills 356, 1424, 2459, 2482, 2677, 2685, 2811, 2812, 3079, 3143, 3359, 3389, 3457, 3485, 3493, 3673, 3763, 3882, 4097, 4105, and 4107. Passed the House, April 15th, 2015. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 303, offered by Senator Althoff. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 356, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 369, offered by Senator Sandoval. 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 377, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1335, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1424, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 1530, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2557, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2567, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2673, offered by Senator McConnaughay. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2677, offered by Senator Connelly. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2698, offered by Senator Forby. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2731, offered by Senator Steans. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2790, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 2812, offered by Senator Biss. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3079, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3103, offered by Senator Harmon. (Secretary reads title of bill) 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 House Bill 3184, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3262, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3363, offered by Senator Martinez. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3425, offered by Senator Link. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3448, offered by Senator McGuire. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3457 {sic}, offered by Senator Muñoz. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3485, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3543, offered by Senator Nybo. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3599, offered by Senator Koehler. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3673, offered by Senator Holmes. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3692, offered by Senator Bertino-Tarrant. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3718, offered by Senator Hunter. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3748, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3753, offered by Senator Morrison. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3763, offered by President Cullerton. 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 3977, offered by Senator Mulroe. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4105, offered by Senator Hastings. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4107, offered by Senator Righter. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Blueroomstream.com has requested permission to videotape the proceedings. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, please ring -- ring the bell. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning to the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. This will be one of the last opportunities to advance your bills from 2nd Reading to 3rd Reading. I'd ask that all Members be at their desks, especially those with bills on the Calendar on the Order of 2nd Reading. We will be turning soon to 3rd Reading, which will be final action. I'd ask all Members within the sound of my voice to be at their desks. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're going to start on page 2 of your printed Calendar on the Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Senate Bill 10. Senator Trotter. Senate Bill 22. Senate Bill 33. Senate Bill 47. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 51. Senate Bill 57. Senate Bill 59. Senate Bill 63. Senator Nybo. Senate Bill 116. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 141. Senator Stadelman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 141. (Secretary reads title of bill) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 155. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 155. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 156. Senator Muñoz. With leave of the Body, we'll return to Senate Bill 157. Senate Bill 158. Senator Jones. Senate Bill 178. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 184. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 184. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 201. Senator Cunningham. Senator Cunningham. Senate Bill 202. Senator Cunningham. Senate Bill 203. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 204. Senate Bill 205. Senate Bill 221. Senator McGuire. Senate Bill 223. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 223. (Secretary reads title of bill) 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 224. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 224. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 275. Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 275. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 276. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 276. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill -- I'm sorry, Senate Bill 313. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 343. Senate Bill 344. Senator 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Lightford. Senate Bill 369. Senator Jones. Senate Bill 373. Senator Stadelman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 373. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Stadelman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …Stadelman, on the amendment.
I'll just explain it on 3rd, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Stadelman has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 373. Is there any discussion? 373. Seeing no discussion, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration.
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 374. Senator Link. Senate Bill 417. Senator Collins. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 417. (Secretary reads title of bill) 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Collins.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Collins, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. As amended, it -- it extends the deadline for a report filed by the Long-Term Services and Supports Disparities Task Force by two years.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Collins has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 417. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 436. Senator Stadelman. Senate Bill 452. Senator Link. Senate Bill 453. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 453. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 504. Senator Link. Senate Bill 505. Senator Hutchinson. Senate Bill 543. Senator Sullivan. Senate Bill 544. Senator Bush. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 544. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 545. Senator McGuire. Senate Bill 564. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 565. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 566. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 567. Senate Bill 602. Senator Hutchinson. Senate Bill 621. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 621. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Turning to the top of page 4 of the printed 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Calendar. Senate Bill 622. Senator Stadelman. Senator Stadelman, do you wish to proceed on Senate Bill 622? Senator Mulroe. Senate Bill 623. Senate Bill 625. Senator Muñoz. Senate Bill 626. Senate Bill 645. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 645. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 659. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 659. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 666. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 666. (Secretary reads title of bill) 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Revenue adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 669. Senator Cullerton. Senator Tom Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 669. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Tom Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton, on the amendment.
I'd like to adopt the amendment and I'll explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Cullerton's moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 669. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration? 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 688. Senate Bill 728. Senator Stadelman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 728. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Stadelman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Stadelman, on the amendment.
I move to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Stadelman moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 742. Senator Martinez. Mr. 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 742. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Financial Institutions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 743. Senator Cullerton. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 743. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 750. Senator Hastings. Senate Bill 760. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 764. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senate Bill 764. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, on the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. It just changes the municipalities that will be required to have the AEDs to employs over 100. I'd be -- I'd ask for the -- amendment to be adopted.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 764. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 773. Senator Connelly. Senate Bill 780. Senator Jones. Senate Bill 781. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 785. Senator Harris. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senate Bill 785. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 806. At the top of page 5 of your printed Calendar, Senate Bill 810. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 810. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 817. Senate Bill 843. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 843. (Secretary reads title of bill) 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 845. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 845. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 874. Senate Bill 903. Senator McConnaughay. Senate Bill 986. Senator Radogno. Senate Bill 987. Senate Bill 1026. Senator Duffy. Senate Bill 1057. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1057. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1062. Senator Barickman. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1062. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1076. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 1095. Senator Rose. Senate Bill 1204. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 1206. Senator Cullerton. Senator Tom Cullerton. Senate Bill 1213. Senator Murphy. Senate Bill 1222. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1222. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1228. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1228. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Silverstein.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein, on the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll -- the amendment is a -- clears up a technical -- definition regarding A -- A -- Grade A pasteurized milk. I'll explain it more on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1228. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1229. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1229. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1236. Senator Cullerton. Senate Bill 1238. Senator Harris. At the top of page 6 of your printed 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Calendar, Senate Bill 1255. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1255. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1256. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1256. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1258. Senate Bill 1271. Senator McGuire. Senate Bill 1275. Senator Luechtefeld. Senate Bill 1281. Senator Collins. Senate Bill 1296. Senator Mulroe. Senate Bill 1318. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 1334. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 1362. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 1367. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 1380. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senate Bill 1380. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1381. Senator Martinez. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1381. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Licensed Activities and Pensions adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) And have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Martinez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez, on the amendment.
Thank you. Please adopt the amendment and I'll be happy to discuss it on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 No. 2 to Senate Bill 1381. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1382. Senator Link. Senate Bill 1383. Senator Bennett. Senate Bill 14 -- I'm sorry, Senate Bill 1389. Senator Bennett. Senate Bill 1400. Senator Muñoz. Senate Bill 1404. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1404. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Top of page 7 of your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1405. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1405. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1408. Senate Bill 1410. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1410. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Public Health adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1421. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1421. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1424. Senator McGuire. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1424. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Transportation adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported. 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1427. Senator Bush. Senator Bush. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1427. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1445. Senator Rezin. Senate Bill 1446. Senator Rezin. Senate Bill 1448. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1448. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1455. Senator Delgado. Senate 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Bill 1465. Senator Trotter. Senate Bill 1475. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 1476. Senate Bill 1480. Senate Bill 1482. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1482. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1485. Senate Bill 1505. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. With leave of the Body, we'll turn to the top of page 8. Senate Bill 1508. Senate Bill 1516. Senator Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1516. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1523. Senator McGuire. Senate Bill 1526. Senator McGuire. Senate Bill 1539. Senator McConnaughay. Senate Bill 1457 {sic} (1547). Senator Hutchinson. Senate Bill 1548. Senator Hutchinson. Senate Bill 1560. Senator Raoul. Senate Bill 1562. Senator Brady. Senate Bill 1573. 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senator Haine. There you are. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1573. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1585. Senate Bill 1602. Senator Clayborne. Senate Bill 1608. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1608. (Secretary reads title of bill) No -- 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1610. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1610. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported. 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1626. Senate Bill 1628. Senator Brady. Senate Bill 1629. Senator LaHood. Top of page 9 of your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1630. Senate Bill 1657. Senator McConnaughay. Senate Bill 1668. Senator Rose. Senate Bill 1670. Senate Bill 1672. Senate Bill 1679. Senate Bill 1702. Senate Bill 1704. Senate Bill 1726. Senate Bill 1729. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 1735. Senator Althoff. Senate Bill 1746. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1746. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. Committee on Judiciary adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1747. Senate Bill 1799. Senate Bill 1811. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 1813. Senator Martinez. Senate Bill 1818. Senator McGuire. Top of page 10 of your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1833. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 1834. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 1846. Senate Bill 1859. Senator Holmes. Senate Bill 1862. Senate Bill 1879. Senate Bill 1895. Senator Connelly. Mr. -- Senate Bill 1919. Senate Bill 1947. Senator Hunter. Senator Hunter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
Senate Bill 1947. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter, on the amendment.
I wish to adopt it and I'll explain it on 3 please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1947. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen, with leave of the Body, we're going to return to Senate Bill 780. Senator Jones. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 780. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Revenue adopted 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) And have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Jones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the amendment. Explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Jones moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 780. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we're going to return to page 7 on the printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1445. Senator Rezin wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1445. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Energy and Public Utilities adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1446. Senator Rezin. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1446. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Energy and Public Utilities adopted Amendment No. 1.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we're going to turn to the bottom of page 7 of the printed Calendar. Senate Bill 1505. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1505. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we have been through the entire Order of Senate Bills 2nd Reading. Again, 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 we will return to the Order of 2nd Reading, but we are approaching the last go-arounds on 2nd Reading. If you have bills on 2nd Reading that you wish to advance to 3rd, I would encourage you to be on the Floor the next time we are going through the Order of 2nd Readings on the Calendar. Mr. Secretary, please ring the bell. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning to the Order of 3rd Readings. This is final action. I'd ask all Members to be at their desks. Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin, please state your point.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon. Today I'm honored to have a group up in the gallery who have spent the past several days in Springfield learning more about the political process, visiting and talking with many of us down here on the Floor - the Lincoln Series, which is a group that was near and dear to my heart and instrumental in helping me -- and also preparing me for where I am now. I'd like them to stand. This year's fellows are Sue Hamilton, Amy Maher, who is a -- who is the Acting President, Kathy Davis, Deb Warning, and Vickie Deppe. We also have JoEllen Ridder, who is the Executive Director. And I would like to ask for a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the ladies in the gallery. Thank you for being here. Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 10 of your printed Calendar is the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. This is final action. Senate Bill 4. Senator Cullerton. President Cullerton. Senate 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Bill 9. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. Senate Bill 12. Senator Hunter. Senate Bill 13. Senate Bill 14. President Cullerton. Senate Bill 17. Senate Bill 23. Senate Bill 29. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 29. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Connelly, to explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 29 is the Illinois Right to Try Act. The Illinois Right to Try Act allows terminally ill patients access to experimental medications under certain circumstances. One, the patient's doctor has advised the use of the investigational medication. The medication has successfully completed FDA basic safety level-one approval. The patient has provided informed consent, acknowledging the potential risk of the medication. And finally, the pharmaceutical company has -- is willing to make this medication available to the patient. I appreciate the incredible number of sponsors on this bill. I ask for an Aye vote and I'll answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. We're just checking our paperwork to make sure all of your amendments have been adopted, if you'll bear with us for a moment. Senator Connelly, we believe all the amendments have been adopted. I apologize for the brief delay. Are there any questions? Any discussion? Seeing none, the 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 question is, shall Senate Bill 29 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 29, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise on a point of personal privilege, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Mr. President, I -- I recently took over one of the slots that's as Chairpersons of the Diabetes Caucus down here in Springfield. I think we're all very familiar with that. And if I can ask the Members for just a little bit of their attention while we're out here. I became a member of the Diabetes Caucus when my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes about six months ago. And that's a personal challenge that our family has been dealing with well, but we've received a lot of support from people like Leader Durkin, whose family has been impacted by that, and, of course, former Leader Cross, whose family has been impacted as well. But I rise actually for a happy occasion, because on April 21st, next Tuesday - and I'd like all the Members to -- to know - that there is going to be a very, very fun event to raise money for the Illinois Diabetes Caucus Foundation. It's a bowling event. It takes place over at AMF Strike N Spare Lanes. I will make sure that everybody gets a copy of the flyer so you have 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 information about it. It is twelve hundred dollars per team and -- and teams can be consisting of six Members. I know Senator Althoff has already put together a team. Twelve hundred dollars may sound like a lot of money, but there are a lot of businesses out there that have charitable arms that can support sponsorship of an event like this. I am also putting together a team. I've already got Dale Righter over here. And I know some of you may have seen me on the basketball court a little bit on Tuesday night and I guarantee you I will not embarrass myself as much on the bowling alley as I did on the basketball court. But, in all seriousness, I would love to have as many of our Members participate in this very worthy cause as possible. The -- the Diabetes Caucus Foundation supports a lot of good programs, education programs, screening programs, awareness. It's a cause that's dear to my heart. It's going to be a great time. It's next Tuesday the 21st from 6 to 8. And I appreciate everybody's attention. So, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Nybo. I'll look forward to evaluating whether or not you succeed on the bowling lanes. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 30. Senator Morrison. Top of page 11 of your printed Calendar. Senate Bill 31. Senate Bill 32. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 32. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Mr. Secretary, take -- let's take that bill out of the record. We'll return to it. Senate Bill 41. Senator Barickman. Senate Bill 43. Senate Bill 46. Senator Morrison, are you seeking recognition? Senator Martinez, are you ready to proceed on Senate Bill 46? Senator Martinez seeks leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 46 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 46. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Martinez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Martinez, on the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The amendment amends the food handling training Section of the Act. It requires DPH to approve the training program of a multi-state business with a plan and file with the Department of Public Health. And I'll be happy to answer…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Martinez. Senator Martinez has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 52. Senator Clayborne. Senate 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Bill 66. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Silverstein seeks leave -- we're going to take that out of the record. Did you want to adopt your amendment? We'll put it back in the record. Mr. Secretary, Senator Silverstein seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 66 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 66. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Silverstein.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein, on the amendment.
…you, Mr. President. This exempts certain -- companies or - - from participating in this program. I'll explain it more on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein's moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 66. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 67. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 67. 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a very simple bill. It just bans the production of powdered alcohol in the State of Illinois. It makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense. I know no opposition. It was supported overwhelmingly by the -- the Associated Beer Distributors and the Wine Distributors.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 67 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 67, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 70. Senator McCann. Senate Bill 90. Senator Silverstein. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 90. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein, on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Probate Act. It 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 creates a rebuttable presumption that a testator does not have the mental capacity necessary to execute a will if he or she has been determined by the court to be disabled -- to the execution of the will. To overcome the presumption, the person seeking the enforcement of the will must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the testator had the mental capacity to execute the will at the time it was executed. I know of no opposition. I will -- I -- as far as I know, I know there's no opposition. This was given to me by the Cook County probate judges. It's -- it's -- neutral: the Cook County Public Guardian, the Illinois State Bar Association.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 90 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 90, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 100. Senator Lightford. Senate Bill 106. Senator McCann. Ladies and Gentlemen, on our printed Calendar, we are entering the territory with President Cullerton's shell bills. We're going to go through that order and pick out the bills that are prepared to move. So, with leave of the Body, we're going to turn to page 15. Senate Bill 220. Senator Manar. We're going to move to page 16. Senate Bill 274. Senate Bill 274. Senator Kotowski. On page 27 of your printed Calendar, Senate Bill 563. Senator Sullivan. On page 29 of your printed Calendar, Senate Bill 636. Senator Mulroe. Senator Mulroe seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 636 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Is there any objection. Seeing none, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 636. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I'll be happy to explain it more thoroughly on -- on 3rd Reading. It deals with the O'Hare Modernization Act and the -- the resulting traffic, increased traffic over the east-west areas of the -- of the airport. And I'll explain it more on 3rd. Thank you. I'd ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe has moved for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 636. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 636. With leave of the Body, we're going to take this up on 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 636. 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. There's also a companion case that -- or bill that's coming after this, 637 - so just to keep that in mind. But Floor Amendment No. 1 to 636 would increase the number of runways O'Hare International Airport can operate without obtaining State authorization. Currently, the number is eight. We're moving it to ten. Just as way of background, back in 2000 -- year 2000, we had the O'Hare Modernization Act, which the object of that was to create a more safe and efficient air traffic flow of -- or flow of airplanes. The -- there were diagonal -- diagonal runways running northwest and southeast, two of 'em. The object -- or the O'Hare Modernization Act -- Act, what it was designed to do, was to eliminate the traffic flow over that area and then have it more concentrated under the east-west parts of the airport and to have all traffic flow going in one direction, or parallel to each other. Prior to the Modernization Act, the air traffic and the related noise were fairly distributed over a greater part of the -- the airport -- or in relationship to the airport than they currently are. As a result of the Modernization Act, it's concentrated the air traffic and the noise to the areas east and west of the airport. It's creating a major problem that we need to address. I'm -- by this legislation, I'm encouraging the FAA and the City to get together and address the concerns of the surrounding neighborhoods, because it's greatly impacting the quality of life 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 of the people that are east and west of the airport.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Mulroe. Is there any discussion? Senator Delgado, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Or actually -- Mr. President, actually, I'd like to ask a question of the sponsor. I'm standing in strong support, being a northwest-sider and having those planes coming right over my home also.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Mulroe, I commend you for bringing this forward. And as you know, we have quite a few residents that are organizing and are -- and are very active in these communities and I have quite a few of my family members that live there too and a part of an organization called FAiR. And I want to make sure that -- that -- I know, in conjunction, many, many of us are within the O'Hare region. So I want to commend the Senator and I would just intelligibly assume that -- that FAiR is endorsing this concept. Is that correct, Senator Mulroe?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could please keep your conversations to a dull roar so that the -- the Senators debating can hear each other. Senator Mulroe. 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
Thank you, Senator Delgado. Actually, this -- actually, these bills are the result of the FAiR Coalition's input. Specifically, I met with Colleen Mulcrone and I -- unfortunately, I do not remember the other woman's name at this point.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
On behalf of the 2nd Legislative District, Mr. Mulroe's a real hero for bringing this legislation forward. I look forward to being a chief cosponsor, if we can get on that legislation. I would ask all of our Illinoisans in the Chamber here to please keep in mind what is going on here. This is for public safety. This is for us to be able to utilize our homes once again and to make sure that we have the proper insulation at O'Hare field, the best airport in the world. Thank you, Senator Mulroe. Have a great day and let's see some green lights on this legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Will Delgado. Senator Tom Cullerton, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I -- I stand in strong support of this bill. Ever since the modernization of O'Hare airport came up, the western suburbs have been getting pummeled in the 23rd District, specifically Bensenville, Addison, Wood Dale, Itasca. So I thank you very much 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 for bringing this up. And I -- I can't wait for you to vote Yes on my Resolution 139 that'll ask the FAA and the EPA to redo the noise studies as well. So thank you very much for this piece and for the following, Senate Bill 637.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, Senator Mulroe, do you wish to close? The question is, shall Senate Bill 636 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 636, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 637. Senator Mulroe. Senator Mulroe seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 637 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Is there any objection? Seeing none, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 637. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. If I have permission, I -- I'll be happy to explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 637. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, Senate Bill 637. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 637. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Mulroe, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. As I mentioned before, this is a companion bill to -- to the previous bill. What this does, until we can address the quality of life issues that are -- have been - - or the people that have been affected as a result of the Modernization Act, I'm asking that we prohibit the decommission, alteration, or re-designation of those diagonal runways at O'Hare International Airport. The amendment states that all runways must be maintained and used for the purpose of fairly distributing the air -- the traffic -- air traffic over the communities surrounding O'Hare. It specifically indicates those runways and they're -- they're referenced by letters and -- and numbers. This is also part of -- of the -- in conjunction with the FAiR Coalition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 637 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 52 voting Aye, none voting No, 1 voting Present. And Senate Bill 637, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to break in the action for the Assignments Committee to meet. Will all Member {sic} of the Assignments Committee please report to the President's Anteroom immediately? We will be returning to 3rd Readings immediately upon adjournment of the Assignments Committee. Senate will stand at ease for a moment to allow the Committee to meet. (at ease) The 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 Commerce and Economic Development Committee - Senate Bill 1259; refer to Criminal Law Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 201; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1630; Be Approved for Consideration - Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1339. Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-8 (b-1) the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments: Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 223 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 313. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Silverstein, for what purpose do rise?
Just point of an announcement, or a little statement, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen, would you please give your attention to 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senator Silverstein? Senator Silverstein.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Today is a very sad day for the Jewish people across the country and across this world. It is -- because it is Yom HaShoah, which is the remembrance of the Holocaust. Every year, we say "never again" and try to teach our children what the -- what the Holocaust was and what it meant. They say that history tends to repeat ourself -- itself. Our Senate Historian, Senator Haine, will testify to the fact that, unfortunately, this is true and history does repeat itself. Seventy years ago, the world tried to appease a dangerous dictator by the name of Adolf Hitler, hoping that it would bring peace - instead, it brought war. Today, unfortunately, history has indeed itself -- has indeed repeated itself, with the rise of another dictator in Iran. The world is making the same mistakes in trying to appease him with the hope that this will bring peace throughout the Middle East and the world. Today, we think about six million people who lost their lives. In Israel, the sirens sound, people stop their cars, get out of their cars and observe a moment of silence. This is a day of remembrance, but, unfortunately, we must deal with history again. I'd just like to conclude with what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this morning in Jerusalem. Whether you like him or not or agree with his politics, he said, "The main lesson of the Second World War, for democracies, is that they cannot turn a blind eye to tyrannical regimes. Appeasement towards these regimes increases their aggressiveness. If this aggressiveness is not curbed in time, humanity will {sic} (may) find itself in far greater wars in the future", unquote. Ladies and Gentlemen, we 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 live in very dangerous times. We just hope that we can navigate these issues so our children and us can live in peace. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Silverstein. With leave of the Body, we will return to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. On page 30 of your printed Calendar, Senate Bill 653. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 653. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 653 requires the Department of Children and Family Services to establish a child welfare training academy for child protective investigators and supervisors employed by the Department and its contractors. This will -- established to make sure there's -- the training academy to provide realistic simulation and hands-on training to better prepare frontline workers. It'll have simulated activities that'll be conducted in a residential setting, mock courtrooms, and mock medical facilities. The thought is that these simulations will better prepare investigators to identify at-risk children and their families.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Kotowski, first, I want to thank you for coming over to my desk here and letting me know that you were going to move forward with this bill on 3rd Reading today. I'm not suggesting that you implied or committed anything otherwise; I'm just saying I appreciate the courtesy. The bill, as you've described, will put in statute a requirement that the Department of Children and Family Services implement a certain kind of training program that contains within it certain elements. And I would like to ask you if you, first, can walk through, with at least some measure of specificity, what the training program is and what the training program will -- will be required to encompass. If you would, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Right. Thank you very much, Senator. I appreciate your question. First of all, currently, training, as -- as was stated in committee, is only offered through lecture and classroom discussion with limited hands-on experience and, as people have indicated, that this does not fully prepare students for becoming frontline workers, which can contribute to a lot of problems in the field and the inability to accurately assess the safety of individuals involved and a high turnover in the field. So, it 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 will be offered through {sic} multidisciplinary team members, such as residential treatment staff and other professionals for a combination of classroom and online instructions. And in fact, it will offer -- the goal is to offer the setting of a -- of a house that's very similar to one you would visit, a home, so caseworkers could be best prepared to identify some of the challenges that exist or some of the -- some of the problems that may make the situation more at risk for -- for children who are potential victims of abuse and neglect. So this kind of reframes the training to something that's more experiential, something that's more onsite, something that's more multidisciplinary. The Department has indicated that they should be able to do it. In fact, they've committed to the fact that they're moving forward in this direction and they think it's a good idea. And -- and as I indicated to you before, is that, they would just prefer not to be legislative -- legislatively mandated to be compelled to do this. I respectfully disagree. I think this is a good way to go.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
I'm sorry, Senator, at the very end, you said something that I did not catch and that was with regards to that they are compelled to do. Were -- did -- were you suggesting that this statute won't compel them to adopt this specific training or was that in reference to something else?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
No. I was -- I was -- I was just suggesting that this training 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 would compel them to move in this direction statutorily.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Let's talk about -- I -- I want to set aside and -- with due respect to time, I want to set aside for the moment the issue of the virtue of the training itself, because I cannot imagine that there is anyone in this Chamber or in the Chamber across the hall that would disagree with many, if not -- would -- would -- would not agree with many if not all of the precepts that you've put forth with regards to the training, and I want to focus in on a little bit on, for lack of a better term, administrative flexibility. We have a lot of State agencies out there. Those agencies do a lot of training for a lot of people in the specific areas with which they deal. Would you agree that what is in this statute is something that the Department could do on its own without any further statutory authority?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
You know, I think that's an excellent question. I think, you know, any department has the capacity to be able to move forward on a training initiative, I think, to allow them to best serve the people they're charged with serving. But as I indicated before, this -- this training academy compels us in this direction and could quite possibly get them moving more quickly in this direction. Now, as you're well aware of everything that's been documented, Senator, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness related to this, there's been many challenges with providing services to 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 wards of the State. I worked at a place called UCAN. There used to be fifty-five thousand kids in care and now there's seventeen thousand kids in care, and the ones who are remaining in care unfortunately have faced a tremendous amount of trauma and a lot of difficulties. And so I think the challenge that we have before is how do we best identify and provide the -- the -- what makes children and youth most at risk, but how do we make sure that people who are providing this level of care are as prepared and as trained as they possibly can be. I will say this and -- the language that we have specific in the -- in the legislation that I had put in there, "The training efforts of the child protection {sic} (welfare) training academy shall include, but shall not be limited to…", so it still provides the Department with flexibility and that's why that language was included. And -- and just to -- to illustrate: to the training curricula on recognizing and responding to cases, laboratory training facilities, minimum standards of competence. And so, you know, we provided specific, but also given an opportunity to look at this in a way which gives the Department flexibility.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, if we agree that the -- the administration of the Department of Children and Family Services could do this on their own, then the next question should be, is it a -- is it a wise thing for the General Assembly to put it into statute. Now, there will be measures that pass the Senate and the House and goes to the Governor's desk for which that argument that it's a bad idea to put it in statute - not if it's a bad idea, but 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 it's a bad idea to put it in statute - because it removes the department's flexibility to change if they find a better idea. That argument can be applied to these bills with different efficacy depending on what's in the statute and what the subject matter is, and I understand that. Having said that, if you were the director of -- whether it's this Department or another - and -- and maybe -- maybe I'm assuming something I shouldn't assume - I suspect that you would want the maximum degree of flexibility available to be able to change a protocol in the department to meet with changing needs. I mean, today we have this idea and this idea is A, but tomorrow, I mean -- you know, or next year or 3 years from now, we might have Idea B and while Idea A looks like the great - - best idea now, later it'll look like the second best idea because we've come with Idea B, but we have to go back to the General Assembly, we got to find a sponsor, we got to run it out of the Senate, we got to run it out of the House, we got to play all the games that sometimes happen here, and by that time we've lost three or four months, when we could have been doing something different. I mean, do you -- do you -- I'm sure you understand that concern and do you think that concern's applicable on this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
I think it's always a -- a concern that legislators are providing directions in ways that may not be as helpful as they could be, but I -- I would respectfully disagree with you on this front. I think what we've seen across the State is so many challenges within this Department. We've seen a revolving door of people who've led the agency. I think it's important to have these 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 policies in place because you never know when the next director is going to arrive here in Illinois. Because of this, this is a -- this is a very challenging job and it's a great degree of turnover. I believe, and I say this respectfully to you, that this provides the flexibility for the Department and its gives them the -- the -- gives them the authority to put together these rules in place. And I -- and I just -- I -- I want to circle back to the -- the point here. It requires the Department to adopt rules of the training academy -- establish a -- statewide competence, assessment, and training standards, but also ensure that persons who provide child welfare services have the knowledge, skills, and professionalism, and abilities to make decisions to keep children safe and secure. All that being said, I think there's a constant concern, which is an even greater concern, Senator, is that we don't want to be in this position where a department is saying, oh, sure, they're on board with something, but because there isn't anything compelling them to do it, they'll say, well, they'll get back to us eventually. And you know there's -- there's -- there's a strength attached to a statute. We've all been in that situation and we see someone six months later and they said, "You know, Senator, that was a wonderful idea and we're still having conversations." And -- and I'll give you a perfect example of it: The statewide -- SACWIS, State -- State {sic} (Statewide) Automated Child Welfare Information System, was being put together twenty years ago - right? - and that was an initiative of the Department and they didn't move forward and they -- it took 'em years to make that kind of progress. I think we owe it to the children and youth in care to move forward and I think we owe it to the people providing the service that they're going to have the training and 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 the skills necessary to provide the service that's needed to make sure kids are going to be safe in our State. As I -- as I mentioned before, and not necessarily to belabor the point, if you look at what's currently offered in the State, or currently required, it's lecture and classroom discussion with limited hands-on experience - lecture and classroom discussion when their life is -- or their job is supposed to be working directly with families and with children. So I think this is a great way to go.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, you have more questions for the sponsor?
Actually, to the bill, if I might, Mr. President? I'm sure you'll be relieved to hear that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, please.
Yeah. Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is, I suspect, going to be the first of many conversations that we will be having this year with regards to issues just like that, and that is particularly with a new administration that's been in the job for two or three months and -- I mean, I've never been elected newly as a Governor and I don't know if there's anyone in this building who has, but I cannot imagine the unbelievably complicated task that that is. And I think that there is -- there is policy wisdom, not just virtue from a Republican side or a Democrat side, but there is policy virtue in letting departments have the flexibility to -- to, quite frankly, not be bound by statute and figure out the best remedies for themselves and the people that they are charged to serve. And I think this is one of 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 those moments. Now, I do sympathize with Senator Kotowski. He has been talking to the Department of Children and Family Services. The Department is opposed to this legislation. Now, that was not always their position, and I respect that, and they're opposed because they want to retain the flexibility to find what is absolutely the best training model and not have to come back to the General Assembly, were that to be the case, in order to change that. I think that we should respect, particularly from a new administration, that desire for that flexibility. That doesn't speak to any lesser concern about the children who are in the system; it actually speaks to the ability to deal with the day- to-day changes that we see oftentimes in our society and the better ideas that come along. For that reason, Mr. President, I'm going to be casting a Present vote on this legislation. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Righter. Further discussion? Senator Murphy, for what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will the sponsor yield? He indicates that he will yield. Senator Murphy.
That's -- that's delightful. I appreciate that very much. Senator, I share your desire to have this training, these -- these -- these -- these -- this platform put in place. I think all of us on this side of the aisle do. It's my understanding, too, that the Department wants and intends to implement the standards for training that you seek to impose in this bill. And my -- guess my 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 question is, if you're putting the bill forth, it means you don't necessarily believe that they're going to do that; what is the basis for your doubt that the Department will in fact implement training standards along the lines you seek to enact with this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
Well, I see it's more my concern on the behalf of the -- the children and youth who are in care and -- and the people who are providing the service. It's -- it's my concern that they should be as prepared as they possibly can be and that people who are in -- and young people in -- potentially in situations, will they be identified as being at-risk; where they've been evaluated for a history of abuse or neglect, they're dealing with trauma, that they're getting the service and care that they need. And I -- I think it's important to move forward as quickly as we possibly can. I respect the fact the -- that the Department has indicated that they have suddenly arrived at a place where they are -- they're concerned about a statute that they originally supported and they said they were -- they were -- they were behind wholeheartedly and that they could do and they were okay, and for some reason, they -- they changed that and then they said, well, but we're going to do it anyway. Well, you know what, I think we've seen in our State enough of people, and I think you recognize that, we've seen this in prior administrations, that to just trust the -- the word sometimes, as much as I'd love to do that, on -- on people who are working in public service, I think is not enough. It's one of the reasons why I'm here as a legislator. I think 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 it's an important and effective tool to have legislation that we pass that compels a certain direction. But I want to get back, if you don't mind, to a point that you raised. This is -- very clearly, this still gives the Department flexibility. The training academy includes, but shall not be limited to - not be limited to - and it establishes -- and we're not really confining them to very specific areas - it's training curricula on recognizing and responding to cases of child abuse; laboratory training facilities, which they already think is a good idea; and minimum standards of competence. So the language is -- is pretty broad and it's pretty general. I think the Department understands the intent of it. I think they support the intent; they just, like a lot of industries, don't want to be told that they have to do it within a certain period of time. I don't think the -- the children in care can afford to wait in the State. And I think this is a way to to make sure the ball moves down the field as quickly as it can.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy.
I -- I appreciate your recognition of the -- of -- of, I guess, the agreed intention of both your -- yourself, our side of the aisle, and then -- and then the Department as well, to implement these. And I get -- I get the idea of sort of having the rug yanked out from under you with regard to being for a bill and then somewhat quickly thereafter being against it. But if we're all on the same page here and pushing forward with a bill is maybe going to be a little antagonizing, would it be a reasonable thing to consider maybe holding on to this bill for a little bit 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 to see if you can get that commitment from the administration in a way that is sufficiently tangible for you to feel comfortable that it is in fact going to happen? Because, of course, if they agreed to it in a timely manner, that gets this moved down the field a lot more quickly than having to push a bill through the House, have to wait for the signing from the Governor, and implement it. Wouldn't it be easier if everybody lined up on the same page rather than sort of being pushed into this and -- with a bill? And -- and -- and, again, I understand the impetus for this and I can understand the desire to want to go forward today. I just think if we take a step back and think about it, there's the potential to achieve what you want to achieve more quickly if we would hold this bill today and have a conversation with the Department. So that is my specific request: Will you hold this today and have that conversation to see if they'll implement this sooner rather than later?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Kotowski.
I'm such a fan or yours. So this -- the Department has indicated they -- they -- they already embrace this concept. So they're -- I kind of disagree with your word choice that it sets up a relationship that isn't a supportive one, because the Department has indicated they agree with the concept. I just think this compels quicker action because, legislatively, we're going to have a statute in place that requires this movement forward. So I -- I -- I would say that we're -- we're on the same page. My job as a legislator is to introduce bills to try and make sure we make progress on -- on this front. And I think we -- I think you 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 and I would agree, Senator, that we've seen too many front-page stories over the years about the Department, about service providers, about kids who, unfortunately, haven't gotten the level of service and support that they need, and very, very awful situations. So, as much as I'd like to say that we're going to, you know, take something on faith that it's going to happen, that's why we work together in conjunction with agencies and the legislative Body. And, you know -- so there's agreement on the intent and I would like to see the legislation move forward today, and I would respectfully and humbly ask for your support of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Murphy, another question?
To the bill. To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I -- I -- as I said, I appreciate your intentions, what your trying to accomplish here. I also appreciate the fact that the Department wants to accomplish the exact same thing. I do think Senator Righter made a good point about the precedent of compelling the administration to do things and -- and -- and impacting their latitude to make decisions that they need to make. Beyond that, I guess the -- you know, my -- my point of contention is really one of process rather than outcome, because I think we all expect that this type of training standard should be implemented and will be implemented. I just -- I don't think it does the process well to force this at a time when there's a general sense of agreement, 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 when we could have had a kumbaya moment, and this kind of feels like your jamming the administration a little bit, unnecessarily. And -- and for that reason, I'm going to vote Present today. But I -- I certainly respect where you're coming from and I look forward to this not being an issue in the very near future. But, in the meantime, I will be voting Present. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Seeing no further discussion, Senator Kotowski, do you wish to close? Senator Kotowski.
Felt like we were doing so well till Senator Murphy made that -- that I was trying to jam 'em. I would never do that to him. So -- or to the -- to the powers that be. So just to be clear about a couple of points: This compels by January 1st, 2016, to adopt these rules related to the academy. This is more than ample time. We're in April of this year. The children and young people of our State who are in care through the Department of Children and Family Services can't afford to wait, and most important -- or just as important, the people who are providing this service, I think we can't afford to wait to make sure they have the skills and the training necessary to, quite frankly, do a better job, because it's a -- it's -- it impacts lives in such an adverse way. If we don’t take appropriate action, it's -- it's a waste of taxpayers' money. But it really -- it really hurts the growth and the opportunity of young people who are in care. I spent six years of my life working with children and youth who are wards of the State and we've seen too many problems, too many terrible cases and situations, because people weren't prepared, they weren't trained, they didn't have the skills necessary. And this gives 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 them the skills and it compels the Department to move forward in this direction. It gives them more than ample time to do that. I just would simply ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 653 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 33 voting Aye, 3 voting No, 15 voting Present. Senate Bill 653, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Rezin, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you again, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
I am honored again to have another group from the Will County and Grundy County area, right above us here. They've been patiently waiting and enjoying the debate on the last bill. They are from the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, and I have Missy, who's the Program Director; Debbie, who's the Living Advocate Manager; and then also members of the Independent Living, Levi, Major, who happens to be a Joliet Catholic football fan too - we talked about that - Corbin, Madison, and Michelle. And I'd like a warm Springfield welcome. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests in the gallery please rise to be welcomed to the Illinois State Senate? Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 661. Senator Mulroe. Senate Bill 675. 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senator Manar. Senate Bill 680. Senator Steans. Senate Bill 717. Senator Hutchinson. 7 -- Senate Bill 720. Senate Bill 727. Senator Stadelman. Senate Bill 729. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 730. Senate Bill 740. Senator Holmes. Senator Holmes. Senate Bill 777. Senator Biss. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 777. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 777 does almost nothing, but I hope you'll vote for it anyway. It is the annual State University {sic} (Universities) Retirement System technical correction bill. It makes four technical changes to clarify some ambiguities in the law.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 777 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 777, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 793. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 793. 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I'm actually paying attention. As amended, Senate Bill 793, it amends the Environmental Protection Act to ban the mixing of home-generated sharps with recyclable materials collected by residential recycling haulers. And it allows State agencies and local governments and businesses and non-profit to establish sharp disposal programs, starting as of July.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none -- oh, Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Nybo.
Okay, I understand the bill will prohibit a home user, such as my family, from putting sharps into a recycling bin. I could still dispose of it through normal trash, correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
…(microphone cutoff)…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none -- Senator 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, how will the IEPA enforce this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
They certainly won't be sitting on your curb sorting through your recycling bin, so they're really -- it -- it's more of an effort to make sure that the information gets generated out through the different municipalities and everybody to understand how to appropriately do the sharps disposal.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 793 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 793, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 800. Senator McCann. Senate Bill 836. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 836. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the General Assembly. I'd like to give you a little background of why I'm presenting this bill today. Last Session, as you folks know, we passed the Illinois concealed carry legislation. After Session adjourned, I went home and I met with a constituent and his family, and this - - this young man that I met with - he's in his thirties - he had been hunting his entire life. He'd -- as a young man, as a teenager, he took the hunter safety course, he got his FOID card, has hunted with his -- his brother and his family for many years. This young man also has a mild intellectual disability. As part of the concealed carry legislation, it says that if -- if an individual receives -- any mental health services, their FOID card is automatically revoked, no appeal, no process to get it back. So when I was -- after -- being made aware of this, I brought together State Police, the Department of Human Services, the medical community, advocates for individuals with disabilities, gun rights proponents, and gun rights opponents. I brought 'em all together, and over the course of last fall and this spring, we were able to come up with legislation and that's what I'm here to talk to you about today and that's Senate Bill 836. So what does it do? It does mainly four things. First of all, it requires the reporting of a developmental disability at age fourteen, instead of at birth. It refines and clarifies the definition of a developmental disability to align with current medical definitions. Number three, it requires reporting within seven days of the determination, rather than twenty-four days {sic} 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (hours), only -- that's, of course, unless there is a -- a danger that the -- that the medical community has identified. And then, finally, it implements an appeal process in which a person diagnosed with a mild developmental or intellectual disability, as determined by a physician, may appeal to the Illinois State Police Director for the revocation or denial of his or her FOID card. The Illinois State -- Illinois State Police may grant relief if it determines that the relief would not be contrary to the public interest or federal law. I know of no opposition. I think it's an issue that was over -- it was an oversight in the original language, concealed carry legislation that passed last -- last year. And I'd be happy to answer any -- any questions, if there are any.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 836 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 836, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 844. Senator Mulroe. Senate Bill 870. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 870. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The bill amends the Illinois Insurance Code by codifying the NAIC model reinsurance law. It is essentially an insurance for the insurance companies and protects the insurer against unforeseen or extraordinary losses. The National Association of Insurance (Commissioners) model was implemented in response to a federal Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation which preempted the application of State credit for reinsurance laws for reinsurers not located in the State. It would also -- would allow non- Illinois-domiciled reinsurers the ability to qualify to post reduced collateral, satisfy credit for reinsurance standards that apply in Illinois-domiciled ceding insurers. In order for it to be eligible to be certified, the reinsurer must, one, be domiciled and licensed in a qualified jurisdiction; two, maintain capital and a surplus in the amount determined by the Director; three, maintain financial strength ratings from two or more acceptable rating agencies; also, submit to the jurisdiction of State and agree to provide security for a hundred percent of the liabilities attributable to cessions by U.S. insurers also {sic} (if it) resists reinforcements {sic} (enforcement) of U.S. final judgment; agree to provide certain informational filings; and, last, comply with any other requirements established by the State. The only opposition that we had in committee a few weeks back was from the -- Allstate Insurance. They were just saying that they would hope we can wait a little longer on the bill. Other than that, this has been agreed upon. And for everyone in the Chamber, once this bill does pass and goes into effect, 2016 January, we still have to wait an additional six months for policy to go into effect by 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 the Department of Insurance. So even after -- once this bill becomes law, we still have to wait six months prior to the -- after the effect date. So you're talking about the middle of July, if that would be the case if policy goes into effect.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, I appreciate your explanation and coming into the committee and explaining it as well. Have there been any further discussions? I know there were some concerns raised from Allstate and IMA. And were they going to follow up and have some discussions with you regarding this? And did they ever? Were -- was there any follow-up at all made?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: No, Senator. Since we had the committee, Allstate nor anyone else has came by to ask any further questions or raise any other concerns. It was just based on their testimony at committee, you know, that they were in opposition, only because -- the last fact they brought up for them was we don't have a Director of Insurance. And -- and I think you were a part of the discussion in committee as well, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senator Syverson.
Thank you. I think there -- they had -- I think they had ample time to come and talk with you and raise those concerns. If -- if they didn't do that, then I -- I would agree with you, I don't think we should hold this legislation up. If there are other concerns raised, they can raise those when it goes to the House. So I think you were more than fair in your willingness to -- to try to reach a conclusion on that, and since that didn't occur, I'm -- I -- I -- I would urge support for your legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Syverson. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. To -- to the bill: I just want to reiterate Senator Syverson's comments. This reinsurance bill is necessary to the insurance market. There was opposition from a venerable and well-loved entity. The other property casualty people feel the need for reinsurance. Senator Muñoz has -- has husbanded this bill for three years. We've voted on it - this is the third time, I think, in this Chamber. And it's a good bill and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Seeing no further discussion, the question is, shall Senate Bill 870 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 Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 870, having received the 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 31 of your printed Calendar, we are arriving in the territory with Leader Radogno's shell bills. So, again, as we did with President Cullerton's, with leave of the Body, we're going to skip forward to the bottom of page 42 on your Calendar. Senator Righter. 12 -- Senate Bill 1252. Senate Bill 1268. Senator Haine. Top of page 43. Senate Bill 1312. Senate Bill 1314. Senate Bill 1322. Senator Barickman. Senate Bill 1327. Leader Radogno. Senate Bill 1339. Senator Bennett. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Bennett requests leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1339 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1339. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Bennett.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. On the second amendment, it becomes to the bill. I would move for its adoption and look forward to discussion on 3rd Reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett moves for adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 1339. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Bennett. 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett, on -- on Floor Amendment No. 3.
Thank you. The third amendment is a technical amendment, which was discussed yesterday in committee. Again, I would move for its adoption and look forward to discussion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1339. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is Senate Bill 1339, Senator Bennett's first bill. Senator Bennett. Mr. Secretary, would you please read his first bill before we entertain ourselves?
Senate Bill 1339. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Thank you. The -- Senate Bill 1339 amends the Open Meetings Act. What it does is, it creates -- it increases transparency on boards where the Governor has made appointments and where the members are approved by the Senate. It effectively does three 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 things. It changes the Open Meetings Act. Right now, the agenda needs to be posted forty-eight hours in advance. This adds an extra day for these -- these additional boards. The contents of these meetings need to be then videotaped, put on the website of each board within two business days and preserved there for five years and then later held, if -- if requested, so if anybody would be interested in the contents of those meetings, they would be able to observe what happens. I think it's pretty straightforward. I doubt there's any questions, but I'd be glad to entertain any - - any inquiries.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Bennett. Is there any discussion of Senator Bennett's first bill? Is there any discussion? Senator Noland, thank you. For what purpose do you rise?
First of all, I can't believe that nobody else wants to speak to this first bill for Senator Bennett. Senator, I guess the first question I might have for you, sir, is, are we talking about gubernatorial boards just here in Springfield? Where else would there gubernatorial boards be videotaped?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I appreciate that question. It would be anywhere throughout the State where these boards would meet. So if they were in Chicago, Springfield, or -- or Carbondale, would allow anyone in any other location to be able to observe what transpires at those meetings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Senator Noland.
Now those that are appointed to these gubernatorial boards, would they all be screened for whether or not they would be pronouncing their g's?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I don't know if the Governor's Office has made that a litmus test for his appointments, but at least the -- the appointees would then be able to observe whether they were neglecting their g's and correct that for the next meeting.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland.
Okay, because if they were not pronouncing their g's, do you suppose that these appointees would have ever been appointed in the first place?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I certainly don't want to speak for the Governor and -- and his Office regarding that, though it's my understanding that -- that the Governor's Office takes a liberal approach to that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland.
Are you suggesting here on the Floor of the Senate, sir, that the Governor is a liberal? 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I applaud the Governor's efforts to shake up Illinois and look forward to -- to working with him to advance a progressive agenda.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland.
One last question for you, Senator: Do the folks from Champaign all pronounce their g's?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I can think of a few members of my own family that do not, but on balance, yes, we do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland.
So I'm just warming up the crowd here a little bit. You know, I don't have quite the same veracity for this undertaking, the hazing of -- of new Members, as some other Members do, but I hope that I've sufficiently warmed up the room so that you might -- might entertain them. You're doing a stellar job here. This is a good bill and I'm certainly going to support it, irrespective of whether or not you yourself have a propensity to pronounce your g's or not. But thank you very much for your work.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Noland. You have lubricated the microphone 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 switches. Senator Haine, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, if he's warming up the crowd, I just got pneumonia. That had to be the most boring colloquy in the history of the Senate. I want to ask Senator Bennett: Were you an Assistant State's Attorney, Senator Bennett, in the past, in your past life?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Bennett, to respond to Senator Haine's inquiry.
Yes, and I'm currently missing those days.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
And as a -- as a part of those duties, you were required to read the charge before it was authorized. Isn't that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Absolutely, that's correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
Senator Bennett, have you actually read this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Yes, Senator, I have read the bill. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
Senator Bennett, how many boards and commissions do we have that are confirmed by the Senate in Illinois?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Senate Bill 1339 would apply to all one hundred and five boards that would be both appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
And you're going to require -- or, if we vote for this, we're going to require a hundred and five boards to post the video of their meetings online. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
That is correct, Senator. I know many of the boards already take this extra step to increase transparency. This would make sure that all of them do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
Then why do we need the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett. 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
Unfortunately, not all of the boards do take that step and so this is making sure that they all act consistently and bring everyone up to modern technology.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
So this modern technology will clutter the Internet with boring meetings of unknown commissioners throughout the State of Illinois, and some of them have multiple meetings through the week. So you'll be cluttering the Internet with nonsense week after week and you're going to hold these things for years, for years, and maybe forever, because they'll be given over to a -- a basement somewhere in a building owned by the State of Illinois and then they will be discovered a thousand years from now by some extraterrestrial creatures, who will assume we were creatures without sense or mind. Is that what you want to do here with this bill? Of what interest is this to the people of Illinois, when they can get a transcript or they can show up at the meeting? What interest is it to them to hear a boring meeting by some commission having to do with wildlife and insects?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Senator, following Session today, I will be glad to introduce you to a website called YouTube, which would show that the -- the Internet is already largely saturated with such videos. But I share the Senator's concern regarding the general anonymity that exists currently. But I think part of the point of this bill is 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 to make sure that the members of, for example, the Upper Mississippi River International Port District Board no longer struggle with anonymity, but they become household names, in the sense that people can now become involved in the concept. It's no longer a boring board that nobody is interested in; now everyone can become involved and they become more of interest to the State of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
That was a multifaceted answer and you led off by insulting me by referring to my age and my lack of familiarity with YouTube, and then you further taxed my credulity by referring to my interest and the interest of my citizens in the Upper Mississippi River Valley {sic} Commission. You're going to hold these things for five years and we're all going to be treated to the historic nature of these commission meetings. Senator Bennett, I'm sorry, transparency is a word which is used quite often in this hallowed Chamber. In this sense, transparency may have a closer relationship to Paris Hilton than it does to any good government. So I'm -- I'm just going to tell you, I think this a -- just a terrible waste of taxpayers' money. It is a waste of people's time to tune in to the YouTube to watch these commissions. It's a waste of their time to video them. It's a waste of taxpayer's money to store them. It's a waste of my time debating this bill! Other than that, welcome to the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Haine. Further discussion? Senator Nybo, for what purpose do you rise? 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) I believe the sponsor will yield. Senator Nybo.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll be quick because I'm a rookie myself, so I really can't give you too much of a hard time and I've been through my hell with Senator Haine over there. But I think it's a good bill and I want to support it, and I notice that there are video cameras here that video us while we debate. And I notice, Senator, that you are actually my neighbor right here in this row, and I think you've been a great neighbor so far, by the way. But I'm just wondering, you guys have so many seats over there, do you feel slighted that you have to sit in a row here with a Republican?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Absolutely not, Senator. I enjoy -- I represent my entire district, Democrats and Republicans, and I look forward to sitting with all the Members of this hallowed Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Nybo.
We -- we have some extra seats over here, if you want to come over and join us at any point. Would you entertain that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 I appreciate the invitation. Currently I have -- my desk has already got everything in it. So I'll -- I'll stay here for now, but I -- I appreciate the invitation. Thank you so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Further discussion? Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I have a question for the sponsor. I -- where -- can you direct me to where the sponsor is? Mr. President, can you ask the sponsor to stand, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul, I think you need to go down to the Treasurer's Office to have your vision checked. Senator Raoul, do you -- do you wish to answer -- ask questions of the sponsor?
Yes, yes, let me.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates he will yield. Senator Raoul.
Senator Bennett, you indicated in the closing of your presentation that this was a straightforward bill. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Yes, that's correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Is that to suggest -- 'cause this is your first bill, is that to suggest that your subsequent bills will be backwards bills?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I certainly hope not. I have taken a lot of time to work with this bill. I had some extra time during the basketball game that I wasn't invited to play in, and now I -- I guess I understand why, because of my height. But the -- so I -- I've tried to make this a little bit more -- more direct and clear and I hope to have the same -- follow the same practice with future bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
Now -- now you just said that you took a lot of time to work on this bill. I thought it was a straightforward bill. What took you so long?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Like many of the bills that we deal with, we just want to make sure they -- they are done just right, and so wanted to consult a lot of different sources. We even talked about it to - - to the Attorney General's Office and other government agencies to remove any objections they might have and I think we finally got to the point where it's -- it's at -- at a -- a stage that it should be passed by this Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul. 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
So it's really inaccurate for you to tell this Chamber, especially on your first bill, that it's a straightforward bill. I mean, how many -- Senator, how many amendments did you have on this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Three and counting.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
Senator, three amendments. You know, I was told when I first came down here is your word is -- is more important than anything down here. At your -- at the conclusion of your opening remarks, you said that this bill that you attached three amendments to, that you had to get the AG's Office and all these other parties to -- to -- to -- to agree to, that you, by your own admission, counsel, had to spend a lot of time working on, and you wanted to represent to this Chamber that this was a straightforward bill? I can't hear him.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
Hard to know how to respond to that. My first reaction is to blame staff, but I'm not going to do that, Gio. Because, again, a part of accountability is taking responsibility and I -- and I want to make sure I stay consistent with the intent of this bill. So I apologize and, again, please understand that I am -- I am a 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 new Senator. I will try to do better and hopefully live up to the example I've seen throughout this Chamber. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
I can't understand. I -- I -- I'm sorry, I just cannot understand. You're suggesting that a hundred and five boards and commissions. Do they all have websites already?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
I believe that they do all have websites currently, yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
Do you believe or do you know? Are you -- I mean, you represented earlier this was a straightforward bill and that was a misrepresentation. I don't want you to misrepresent again. Do you know that all hundred and five boards and commissions have websites? Or are you mandating now that they do something more? Because how can they post something to a website that they don't have?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett.
It is with -- upon suspicion and belief, all of the boards that this -- this bill would apply to currently have -- currently have websites that it would be easy to post these videos to. I know of no exceptions to that and no one has brought any such 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 exceptions to my attention.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Raoul.
Mr. President, to the bill. We first heard the sponsor represent that this was a straightforward bill. Then he's talking about suspicion and belief - he's uncertain? He acknowledged that he had to amend it three times, had to spend a lot of time working on it, and, you know, we've got a -- another week left till deadline week. I suggest that the sponsor take the bill out of the record, or otherwise, I -- I -- I just suggest that we all light up the board with red -- with -- with red lights on the board. Take -- sponsor, take -- take -- take this bill out of the record, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Bennett, do you wish to respond and to close on your bill?
I do. The inquiry began with a question of my former profession as a -- as a prosecutor and there it's -- it's been often said, justice delayed is justice denied. In the same vein, every day without accountability and transparency in government is a day we deny our citizens what they deserve, Senator. I have been moved, as I have been for several months now, at the depth and breathe of the knowledge and -- and curiosity of this Chamber. I -- I understand you are as committed to good government as I am. I welcome your cosponsoring of this bill and would just ask for your Aye vote today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1339 pass. All those in 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 favor will vote Aye. Opposed, No. 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 Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. And Senate Bill 1339, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Welcome to the Senate, Senator Bennett. Continuing on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1340. Senator Anderson. Senate Bill 1344. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1344. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
Mr. -- Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, although -- before I begin, I want to say that last bill was passed with masterful sycophancy. Thank you. This bill, 1344, reduces the percentage of members of a common interest community - which it affects Holiday Shores in my district; it shares with Senator Manar's - that must sign an instrument in writing agreeing to incorporation, reduces it from two-thirds to fifty-one percent, before an action to incorporate the community as a municipality may commence, which is what they desire to do. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Haine. Is there any discussion? Senator Bennett? Senator Noland? There being no discussion, the question 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 is, shall Senate Bill 1344 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1344, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1354. Senator Manar. Senator Manar seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1354 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Is there any objection? Seeing none, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1354. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar, on the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I forgot that we recommended this amendment out of committee this week. It simply states that no members on the commission shall be paid for their services.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Manar moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1354. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1369. Senator Morrison. Mr. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1369. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
…President, Members of the Senate, this deals with late term, lame-duck gubernatorial appointments. Senate Bill 1369 provides that any director, executive director, or similar executive officer of a public body with gubernatorial appointments that's hired in the last ninety days of an outgoing Governor's term can only remain in that office for sixty days after the incoming of Governor takes office. It does provide, however, that after the new Governor takes office, that public body may take official action at an open meeting to keep the executive employee in place. I'm happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1369 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1369, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1371. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1371. 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
…you, Mr. President. This bill defines drones as unmanned aerial vehicles, excludes remote decoys that are capable of flight -- that are incapable of flight, excuse me. The bill also makes use of drone -- this bill says that you cannot use drones to take, pursue, or intentionally harass birds or mammals illegally. This is the drone hunting bill. It has been -- it's gone through a lot of discussions. I believe everyone is now content with the content. I'm happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the sponsor, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I -- I do think that we have previously passed a bill that is a task force that deals with this issue. What -- what is that task force going to do? And would it have anything to do with what you've determined here?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
Thank you, Mr. McCarter. The task force is going to take up 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 the issues of commercial, agricultural, hobby, any type of drone use at all. This bill has been carefully negotiated with the conservation police, hunting groups, DNR, to create a bill I think that is very workable for everyone. I don't see where it's a conflict.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …bill, Senator. SENATOR McCARTER: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is -- we've gotten ahead of ourselves a little bit here. We should have let the task force done its work, determine what -- you know, we always -- we have this fear of a drone being something militaristic, which -- you know, I -- I -- I own one of these that has a GoPro on it and does aerial videography. I -- I would hate for anything like that, with a simple purpose, to be classified in any of this premature legislation. So I'd rather the task force complete its job and then we can narrowly define sensible use of drones. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
I do have a question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Rose.
90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 So I saw this article in the news the other day and I thought it was a little crazy, but -- so for herding animals, that some of the sheepdogs and whatnot are now being replaced by drones to herd. So as I read this, and I know your intent is to deal with hunting of animals, but when you limit it just -- or when you -- when -- it just says or a wild animal -- wild mammal is a public nuisance. Would farmers be prevented from using drones to herd?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
Senator, that discussion did not come up per se and -- and we can't possibly predict every possible outcome. I'm sure that is something the drone task force will take up and that's the reason that it's important to establish it now, as well as to pass this hunting legislation, so that we can get ahead of the problems before they materialize in Illinois. We would not be the first state to ban hunting drones.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose, do you have another question? Senator Rose.
Not a question, just to the -- to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill.
I -- I would be far more comfortable having an answer to that question before voting on this, and so, for that, I'll probably vote No. But thank you for your time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator -- oops! Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 rise?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she'll yield.
Senator, I too have a Quadricopter, also known as a drone. It seems to me you have some real potential confusion here. Supposing I was out on a friend's farm, I flew the Quadricopter just for fun, looking around, taking some pictures, and I'm done. Now, unknown to me, there are some people who are hunting and I didn't know they were hunting; they didn't know I was there with a Quadricopter. Now, they're going to be violating the law if they're hunting, not knowing that I was there?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
Senator Oberweis, unless you take your video and show it to the hunters and say, "Look, here's where the game is", that's -- that's a violation, not simply using it for -- in two different purposes. And maybe I can just, like, clarify the concern about herding animals. Sheep, cattle, hogs are not generally considered wild animals. They are domesticated agricultural products. So I -- I hope that gives Senator Rose a little bit of the answer he's looking for as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Oberweis, did you have another question? Senator Oberweis.
92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Yes. I'm -- I'm still a little concerned with the clarity of that. You know, I have an -- a summary of the bill and it doesn't say anything in there, but are you telling me, in the actual bill, it says that the hunter must know or have seen pictures before they're banned from hunting?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
I'm not sure how else it could be a violation, Senator. And the thing that's really important about any type of legislation like this that becomes statute is this is going to be enforced by the -- by the conservation police. These will be the people who would tell you that you're in violation. These are men and women who are trained and who use discretion every day of their life when dealing with the public and the statutes that they enforce.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Oberweis.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I appreciate the -- the efforts in here. It seems like a -- a reasonable idea and concept, but I am concerned about the clarity. It seems to me like the bill probably needs a little bit more work, a little bit more clarity, before I'd be willing to support it. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise? 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
Thank you, Mr. President. Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Barickman.
Senator, can you, maybe to start, just explain for me the -- the impetus for this bill? I mean, why -- why are you -- you know, what set of circumstances has led you to believe that -- that this legislation's necessary?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison.
Sure, I'm happy to respond to that, Senator. Department of Natural Resources approached me about this legislation several months ago. They had indications that this could become a problem in the State of Illinois, as other states are already beginning to deal with drones in the hunting arena. Last year, you may recall that we passed legislation that said drones could not be used to harass the hunter or to scare away wildlife that they were pursuing. This is the companion bill that should have been passed last year with that. That's simply the impetus of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Barickman.
So, just to the bill briefly, if I may. Here's -- here's the concern that -- that I have and I think is a concern that's been shared by some of my colleagues: I think the concern is that, you know, that this legislation is being proposed as an effort to stop a problem that could exist. But let me just share, maybe, with 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 the Body, how some of these drones are being used in districts like my own today. I come -- I represent a very rural district in Central Illinois. I grew up on a farm. Most of my neighbors are farmers around where I grew up. And many farmers are beginning to utilize drones and the technology that utilizes drones for very legitimate purposes in their -- you know, in the production of their farming operations. Drones are being used to survey crops to determine where they may have pesticide damage, where there may be damage due to -- to drainage issues, or otherwise, and they're -- and they're starting to use these drones. Here's what worries me about the bill: This bill says, if you use a drone and hunt in twenty-four hours, some eager or aggressive person in law enforcement now has a new law to -- to arrest you and give you a citation, and my concern here is that some farmer wakes up in the morning, sends out a drone, checks his fields, and that afternoon he goes out hunting, maybe goes deer hunting or pheasant hunting or rabbit hunting, and because the law says, if you used a drone and you hunted within twenty-four hours, some person in law enforcement might be able to use that against them. And I -- I do think -- you know, Senator McCarter suggested that there's a task force that maybe could -- could look into these issues. I think this is an area where we don't want to get ahead of ourselves. Let's let the task force convene themselves. Let's see how these things are being used in our communities. It doesn't sound to me like there's a -- a problem today; it's a problem that could exist. But I can tell you the unintended consequence of this bill is that there's going to be -- there's going to be farmers and others who are legitimately using these drones today who are going to be susceptible to an aggressive abuse in -- in law enforcement to -- 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 because of this change in the law. So I'd ask the Body -- I'd ask the Senator to -- to reconsider the approach here. I'd ask -- urge the Body for a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Senator Morrison, do you wish to close? Senator Morrison.
Senator Barickman, I enthusiastically support the use in the agricultural community, and there are lots of ways that drones are being used now and I foresee that in the future. I want to help us encourage that. And there are many other business applications for this particular new technology that has, up to this point, not been regulated by the federal government. They've only now come out with their first set of regulations. I ask -- I ask for an Aye vote on this bill. This is supported by the Illinois Conservation Police Lodge, DNR, the Humane Society, and the Illinois Bowhunters Society. I believe this bill has been thoroughly discussed and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall Senate Bill 1371 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 30 voting Aye, 16 voting No, 1 voting Present. Senate Bill 1371, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Ask for a roll call verification, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 I'm going to put Senator Link in the Chair. The -- a roll call verification has been requested.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCarter has requested a verification. Will all Members please be in their seats? The Secretary will read the affirmative votes.
The following Members voted in the affirmative: Bennett, Bertino-Tarrant, Biss, Bush, Clayborne, Collins, Tom Cullerton, Cunningham, Haine, Harmon, Hastings, Holmes, Hunter, Hutchinson, Koehler, Kotowski, Link, Luechtefeld, Martinez, Morrison, Mulroe, Muñoz, Noland, Raoul, Silverstein, Stadelman, Steans, Sullivan, Trotter, and President Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Does Senator McCarter question the presence of any Member voting in the affirmative? SENATOR McCARTER: Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Biss? Senator Biss? Senator Biss? Mr. Secretary, strike the name. Senator McCarter, do you question anyone else? Mr. Secretary, reinstate Senator Biss. Senator McCarter, do you request, or do you want me to keep your last statement. SENATOR McCARTER: No. Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Muñoz? Senator Muñoz? Senator Muñoz? Mr. Secretary, strike Senator Muñoz. Senator McCarter, is there any other name -- any other Senator that you're requesting? On a verified roll 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 call, there are 29 Ayes, 16 Nays, 1 voting Present. Having failed to receive the required constitutional majority, Senate Bill 1371 is declared failed. Senator Morrison, for what purpose do you rise?
Mr. President, I ask for postponed consideration of this bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Morrison requests that Senate Bill 1376 {sic} be postponed. The bill will be placed on the Order of Postponed Consideration. Senate Bill 1376. Senator Hastings. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1388. Senator McCann. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1388. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator McCann, on your bill. SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. Senate Bill 1388 is a -- is a bill, its impetus was actually, unfortunately, the death of a young person not too far from here. A constituent of mine came to me and asked me to address an issue that -- that we have here with how we handle replacement -- temporary replacement of stop signs and other signage after a -- a stop sign is no longer in place. This constituent lost a loved one in a tragic motor vehicle accident. This young person went through the intersection because of the 98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 lack of a stop sign, was broadsided and killed. And so what we are seeking to do here with Senate Bill 1388, it codifies that Illinois Department of Transportation shall make sure that all temporary stop signs adhere to the requirements in the IDOT State Manual and placed in a manner to provide adequate visibility and legibility, and shall be placed within a duration and recommendations -- that -- that concur with recommendations in the State Manual. So we're not changing any current statute; we're simply taking an existing IDOT guideline, codifying it, putting some teeth into it. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1388 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 1388, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill -- Senate Bill 1407. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1422. Senator Anderson. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1447. Senator Kotowski. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1447. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Kotowski, on your bill.
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1447 adds 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Section {sic} (subsection) (a-5) and provides that a private citizen who was not acting in an official capacity or whose participation in a proceeding was limited to attendance or testimony shall not be included as one of the parties of record to be named as a defendant in a review of a final decision of an administrative agency. This is a byproduct of something that occurred in Park Ridge. Bunch of residents came in, they participated in a hearing locally because of a concern about development, and they were listed and named in a lawsuit, as a result of the concern, that this developer had. And it sent a chilling effect through the community. People were very concerned about the future, in terms of their testifying and participating in the democratic process. This addresses that. This allows them to do that without being concerned about a lawsuit being filed against them for expressing their First Amendment {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1447 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 1447, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1458. Senator -- Senator Luechtefeld seeks leave of the Body to return Senate Bill 1458 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1458. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Luechtefeld. 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Luechtefeld, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This was simply an oversight, accidently excluding from the original bill -- is -- it -- this is a bill from the Department of Natural Resources which basically renames the Mines and Minerals Regulatory Fund to the Oil and Gas Resource Management Fund.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 3rd Reading. Senate Bill 1466. Senator Bush. Senator Bush. Out of the record. Senate Bill 1483. Senator Anderson. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1483. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Anderson, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is an initiative of the AFFI. It amends the Counties, Municipal, Township, and special district Codes to require that private nongovernmental agencies who provide 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 fire protection to the public to display their logo on all their vehicles and uniforms with the term "SERVICE PROVIDED BY:" and the name of the company, such as -- Acme Fire service, as well as other minimal requirements. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1483 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 1483, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1484. Senator Anderson. Senate Bill 1487. Senator Cunningham. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1487. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Cunningham.
Mr. President, is there an amendment, a Floor amendment, ready for consideration for this bill? No. Then, ask…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Out of the record. Senate Bill 1506. Senator Bertino- Tarrant. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1506. (Secretary reads title of bill) 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Chamber. Senate Bill 1506 is an initiative of the School Management Alliance. It's part of their Vision 20/20 policy agenda. It requires three of the nine members of the State Board of Election {sic} (Education) to be representative of the education community. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill -- Senator Righter, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I apologize, I was a little slow on the switch. I wonder if I could ask the sponsor a question or two?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The sponsor indicates she will yield.
I appreciate that, Mr. President. Thank you. Senator, you mentioned this was part of the Vision 20/20 package and it came from the School Management Alliance. Where -- did -- did the State Board of Education itself - because we're talking about their board - did they weigh in on this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
No. 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Righter.
Have you had a conversation with anyone from the State Board of Education - the Superintendent, the Secretary of Education, the Chairman of the Board, Chairman Meeks - at all about the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
I've had meetings with the Secretary of Education and other staff members. None of them have mentioned this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any further discussion? The question is, shall Senate Bill 1506 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, 1 Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1506, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1518. Senator Noland. We'll skip over Senate Bill 1529. Senate Bill 1554. Senator Syverson. Senate Bill 1561. Senator Manar. Senate Bill 1564. Senator Biss. Senator Biss. We'll skip over 1583. Senate Bill 1590. Senator Koehler. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1590. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Koehler. 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. This bill is brought to me by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. It's part of their annual cleanup bill. What it does is, it adds used tire storage operators to the list of entities required to undergo a background check to secure an IEPA permit. I know of no opposition and ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1590 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 45 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1590, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1596. Senator Kotowski. Senator Kotowski. We'll skip over Senate Bill 1622. Senate Bill 1625. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 1641. Senator Jones. Senate Bill 1665. Leader Radogno. Leader Radogno. Senate Bill 1680. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 1683. Senator Tom Cullerton. Senator Tom Cullerton. Senate Bill 1688. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1688. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 This just adds State's Attorneys to the list of entities and persons with standing to request a certified copy of a birth record. Up to now, they have to go through a Grand Jury subpoena to get it out of the State records.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1688 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1688, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1698. Senator Bennett. Senate Bill 1714. Senator Rose. Senator Rose. Senate Bill 1732. Senator Althoff. Senator Althoff. Senate Bill 1745. Senator Althoff. Senate -- Senate Bill 1754. Senator Biss. Senator Biss. Senate Bill 1761. Senator Silverstein. Senator Silverstein. Senate Bill 1763. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison. Senate Bill 1764. Senator Harmon. Senator Harmon. Senate Bill 1775. Senator Cunningham. Senate Bill 1781. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1781. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is an initiative of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Fund, which pays claims up to a five-hundred-thousand-dollar cap on policies of companies which have been found to be insolvent, unable to pay. This caps a workers' comp claim for -- indemnification at the same five hundred thousand dollars. And this is a result of a Skokie Castings case, a Supreme Court decision which says, because it's comp, it's unlimited claim on the Fund, which means all other insurance premium payers have to pay. Does not affect the worker; the worker gets paid fully under workers' comp.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1781 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 1781, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1782. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1782. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Yes, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, this is another initiative of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund. It allows the Fund a right of recovery if the Fund pays on a claim and then discovers there are in fact other sources of insurance. 107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 This is also supported by the American Insurance Association and the Property Casualty Insurers. There's no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1782 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, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1782, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. We're going to move to Senate Bill 1793. Senator Hastings. Senate Bill 1798. Senator Trotter. Senate Bill 1805. Senator Haine. Senate Bill 1806. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1806. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This changes the date that the -- that the Illinois Guaranty Fund's financial report is due to the Department of Insurance - this was worked out between the Department and the Fund and is consistent with other due dates, to April 30 from March 30. There was no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1806 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 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, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1806, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1824. Senator Raoul. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1824. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Raoul, on your bill.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Bill 1824 closes a loophole that allows unqualified individuals and organizations to own and display dangerous animals. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1824 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 44 Ayes, 1 Nay, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1824, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1885. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1885. (Secretary reads title of bill) 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Manar, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill came at the recommendation of several State's Attorneys in my district and would simply clarify that school public property is the same as a highway for enforcing no passing on school buses. Be happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1885 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 41 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1885, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1932. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1932. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Connelly, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Bill 1932 is a small technical change to the Detection of Deception Examiners Act. I know of no opposition and I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1932 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 44 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1932, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1941. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1941. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill has passed out of the Senate twice unanimously. Senate Bill 1941 includes a self- inflicted injury where a medical professional establishes that the injury was a result of an officer's, fireman's, or volunteer firefighter's, or paramedic's active duty service into the definition of "killed in the line of duty" into the Line of Duty Compensation Act. There's no opponents and I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) 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 43 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Bill 1941, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senate Bill 1942. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1942. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Hastings, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1942 would amend the High Risk Loan -- the High Risk Home Loan Act to conform Illinois law with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rulemaking. There are no opponents to the bill. This is an initiative of the Illinois Bankers Association to bring Illinois law in line with the federal law.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1942 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 43 Ayes, no Nays, none voting Present. Senate Bill 1942, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Supplemental Calendar No. 1 has been printed and distributed to everyone. Senate Joint Resolution -- Senate Resolution 1998 -- 198. It's a long day. Senator Anderson. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 198, offered by Senator Anderson. 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Anderson, on your resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm speaking today on behalf of Senate Resolution 0198, which honors a native son of Illinois and a -- a true American hero. In late October 1969, Captain William Albracht was the youngest Special Forces captain, at twenty-one years old, more commonly referred to as the Green Berets, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Albracht took command of a remote hilltop outpost called Firebase Kate, situated near the Cambodian border with South Vietnam. At dawn the morning after the arrival at Firebase Kate, three North Vietnamese Army regiments, some six thousand men, crossed the Cambodian border and began a siege which lasted five days. For these five days, the North Vietnamese blanketed Firebase Kate with rains of rockets, mortars, artillery, machine guns, and small arms fire, blocking all efforts to resupply, reinforce, or evacuate the outpost. On numerous occasions, Captain Albracht selflessly broke from cover, making himself vulnerable to enemy fire. Although he received painful shrapnel wound from a B-40 rocket, Captain Albracht refused immediate medical attention or evacuation. After five days, Firebase Kate's defenders were virtually out of ammunition, food, and water. Aerial resupply was suicidal. Too many lives had already been lost in her defense, therefore reinforcements were denied by both American and South Vietnamese military commanders, who had written off the firebase and its defenders as lost. On - - undaunted, Captain Albracht refused to surrender or die in place. With the dead and wounded mounting by the hour, Firebase Kate become -- became unattainable. As the noose around the firebase 113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 was drawn tighter and tighter by the minute, a decision had to be made and in -- any of her defenders were to survive the onslaught. Calculated by the many risks involved and defying the odds, Captain Albracht led his troops, including many wounded, off Firebase Kate on a dangerous unprecedented daring night escape evasion, executed in the pitch dark and triple-canopy jungle through enemy lines. As the North -- as the North Vietnamese Army frantically searched for Captain Albracht and his men, he led them on an arduous seven- hour trek through {sic} the relative safety of a Special Forces camp in Bu Prang. It should be noted here that during America's involvement in the Vietnam War, this was the only time that an entire unit, American or South Vietnamese, which had been surrounded by the enemy survived intact. This was due to the leadership skills and selfless courage of Captain Albracht and the mutual respect for -- the men of Firebase Kate held for each other and for Captain Albracht. Interviewed later about the siege at Firebase Kate, many of the survivors personally credited Captain Albracht with saving their lives. Today we honor Captain Albracht's selfish {sic} and heroic actions at Firebase Kate and the save -- that saved the lives of nearly a hundred and fifty American and allied soldiers. Therefore, today I ask this distinguished Body, the Illinois Senate, presents Senate Resolution 0198, and it asks the United States Congress, the Department of the Army, and Department of -- of Defense to consider Captain Albracht's selfless and heroic actions to Firebase Kate, during which his tenacious fighting spirit and leadership in the face of certain death was responsible for saving the lives of nearly a hundred and fifty American and allied soldier {sic}, and, if warranted, upgrade his third Silver Star Medal awarded to him 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 for those actions to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? Senator Duffy, for what purpose do you rise?
To the resolution, Mr. President. You know what, there's -- the term hero is used a lot nowadays. We use it for sports figures and we use it for a lot of different people. But Bill Albracht is a true American hero. And everything that Senator Anderson just said was perfect and right on spot for the Firebase Kate incident. And -- and -- and Bill Albracht is a true hero, but just -- I just want to give a couple comments about Bill Albracht after that incident. Bill Albracht went on to serve in the United States Secret Service for twenty-five years. When he went into the Secret Service, he served for President Ford, President Carter, Reagan, George H. Bush, President Clinton, and George H. -- George W. Bush. So, Bill Albracht served honorably in the Secret Service; for two of those Presidents, literally sitting outside their rooms at night in the White House while they slept to make sure that they were protected. So, Bill Albracht also is responsible for the modern- day training methods for Secret Service agents on how to drive "The Beast", or the presidential limousine. Bill Albracht has served, literally, America, his country, from the time he went into the Vietnam War, when he was eighteen years old, until the time he retired from the Secret Service, twenty-five years after he got out of his military career. He is truly a hero in -- in - - in my eyes and in, I think, the eyes of many Americans. And I am so proud that Bill Albracht is a son of the State of Illinois. And so, Mr. President, I'd also like to encourage everyone's 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 positive vote on this and -- and I'd like to honor Bill Albracht for all of his years of service to Illinois and to the United States of America. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) The question is, shall Senate Resolution 198 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. 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 bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate to wit: House Bill 208. We have received like Messages on House Bills 810, 1326, 2706, 2822, 3104, 3149, 3158, 3220, 3369, 3374, 3527, 3531, 3616, 3750, 3797, and 3884. Passed the House, April 16th, 2015. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Joint Resolution 22, offered by Senator Bush. It is substantive, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) We will now proceed to the Order of Resolution Consent Calendar. With leave of the Body, all resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed on any resolutions on the Consent Calendar? 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the motion carries. And the resolutions are adopted. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has adopted the following joint resolution, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Joint Resolution 64. (Secretary reads HJR No. 64) Adopted by the House, April 14th, 2015. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) On the Order of Resolutions is House Joint Resolution 64. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
House Joint Resolution 64, offered by Senator Harmon.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR LINK) Senator Harmon moves to suspend the rules for the purpose of immediate consideration and the adoption of House Joint Resolution 64. Those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. Senator Harmon moves the adoption of House Joint Resolution 64. All those in favor will say Aye. 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 29th Legislative Day 4/16/2015 Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the -- pursuant to the House Joint Resolution 64, the Senate stands adjourned till the hour of 12 noon on the 21st day of April, 2015. The Senate stands adjourned. 118