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 the Reverend Katrina Jenkins, the Chaplain at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois.
(Prayer by the Reverend Katrina Jenkins)
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 Thursday, May 21st, 2015.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter.
Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcript.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the printed Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 578, offered by Senator McCann and all 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Members. Senate Resolution 579, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. They are both death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Koehler, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Conservation, reports Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1672 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Sullivan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, reports Senate Amendment 4 to House Bill 4029 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Cullerton, (Vice) Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 3159 Recommend Do Adopt. And Senator Noland, Chairperson of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports Senate Amendment 2 to House Bill 2569 and Senate Amendment 1 to House Bill 3143 Recommend Do Adopt.
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 concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1340. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1340. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 1422, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 1445, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 1457, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 1518, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 1547, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 21st, 2015. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. This will be final action. This is the deadline for advancing House bills out of the Senate. Would all Members within the sound of my voice please be at your desk? We are turning momentarily to final action. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we are turning momentarily to the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. This is final action. Today is the deadline for advancing House bills out of the Senate. We have about ten pages on the printed Calendar of House Bills 3rd Reading. With leave of the Body, we are going to attend to those House bills that have been recently amended by their sponsors. We're going to try to advance the bills that you most want to -- to move. But if all Members could be at their desks, this is final action. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 In the back of the Chamber is Fred Snodgrass' wife, Barbara. Now, if you-all have eaten any of the -- the homemade chocolate peanut clusters back there, Barb is the one that bakes them all the time. And so she finally took time out of her busy schedule to come by to meet all of us wonderful people who have been indulging her -- her products. So, please let's welcome Barb to the Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome to the Senate. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are turning to page 18 on your printed Calendar, the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading. Senator Barickman, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Before we get started, I just wanted to introduce to the -- the Ladies and Gentlemen here my Page for the Day. Stephanie Chow is a recent graduate of -- Thomas Metcalf Lab School, which is in Normal. She's a constituent of mine. She plans to attend University High School. She's here with her mother, who's in the gallery, Michelle. And I just ask the Body to welcome them today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Ms. Chow, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Glad to have you. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you rise? Ladies and Gentlemen, on page 18 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, House Bill 152. Senator Manar. Senator Manar. House Bill 163. Senator Delgado. Senator Delgado. House Bill 184. Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 House Bill 184. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Morrison, on your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill is a compromise between the House sponsor and DPH, Department of Public Health. It authorizes the Department to address the virus known as cytomegalovirus, CMV, through informational materials published on the Department's website. It's a negotiated bill. I would ask for your support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 184 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 184, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Collins, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
Today is a very important day for one of our members who makes sure that the doors open and close when necessary, that provide us 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 security while we're on the Floor. It's Larry Tumulty's eightieth birthday today. He's sitting in the President's Gallery. We would like for him to rise and be recognized for his eighty years of service {sic}.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Happy birthday. Continuing on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading on page 19 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 1336. Senator Steans. On page 20 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 1516. Senator Muñoz. House Bill 2483. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2483. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you, Mr. President, for indulging my tardiness here. This actually clarifies language in the Public Aid Code, establishing that it's a Class C misdemeanor to impose, accept, or receive payment or compensation for assisting with completing or submitting an application for benefits under the SNAP Program. The amended bill clarifies that the receipt of State and federal funding in order to assist an applicant is not subject to a Class C misdemeanor. The amendment expands the protections under the Section to include recipients applying for a renewal application. And it -- 'cause the app currently only includes individuals applying for benefits. I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 2483 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 2483, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Little housekeeping, Mr. President. Might the record reflect that Senator Duffy is absent today due to some family business he has to take care of back in the district?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will reflect Senator…
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …Duffy's absence. Thank you, Senator Althoff. Senator Anderson, for what purpose do you rise? Continuing on page 20 of the Calendar, House Bill 2569. Senator Link. Senator Link requests leave of the Body to recall House Bill 2569 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 2569. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Link.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link, on your amendment. Mr. Secretary, let's take that bill out of the record for the moment. We'll come back to it 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 if Senator Link desires. House Bill 2636. Senator McConnaughay. House Bill 2790. Senator Righter. House Bill 3101. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3101. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link -- or, Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This amends the Livestock Auction Market Law. It's really a cleanup/modernization. Kind of went through the Act and -- and updated it. I have no -- I know of no opposition. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3101 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. House Bill 3101, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 21 of the printed Calendar, House Bill 3143. Senator Syverson. Senator Syverson seeks leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3143 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill 3143. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Syverson.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment is language that was worked out with all the parties and I'll be happy to explain that when it's on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3143. 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, House Bill 3143. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3143. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is legislation that has been worked out that had passed the House dealing with the issue of individuals that have been diagnosed with having a seizure disorder and have been told by their physician that they should not be driving and yet they continue to drive. And in one particular 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 case, the person continued to drive, got into an accident, and two deaths occurred. So this language was worked out with the Epilepsy Association, Secretary of State's Office, and with the help of Senator Kotowski. And I know of no opposition and would ask for a -- a favorable roll call on it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3143 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3143, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3159. Senator Morrison. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3159 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill… Senator Morrison, we have an amendment pending, filed by Senator Hastings. While we figure out the paperwork and the procedure, would you be willing to take this out of the record for the moment and we'll return to it? Thank you very much, Senator. Out of the record, Mr. Secretary. WGN Radio requests permission to take still photos. Blueroomstream.com requests permission to videotape. Is there any objection? No -- seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) State your point, Senator. 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
Thank you. I have today a couple visitors. They're actually from Senator Silverstein's Senate district. They live in Wildwood. Nick Loizzi, Jr., and his father, Nick. Nick Sr. is a -- an attorney that practices in Chicago. Nick Jr. is a fourteen-year- old eighth grader, just graduated from Wildwood School in Chicago, on the northwest side of Chicago. He'll be attending Notre Dame College Prep High School in the fall. He aspires to be a sports anchor. He plays baseball and basketball. He's a -- his position in baseball's a catcher. And he's a power forward in basketball. If we can get 'em a nice warm Senate welcome, I'd appreciate it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Continuing on the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading on page 22 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3194. Senator Lightford. House Bill 3234. Senator Rose. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3234. (Secretary reads title of bill)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose requests permission of the Body to recall House Bill 3234 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3234. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose, on your amendment. 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
Thank you. This is a technical amendment that had the committee's approval to come to the Floor. We'd ask that it be adopted at this time and debate the entire bill on 3rd. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 3234. 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, House Bill 3234. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3234. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill no longer has anything to do with coyotes, despite the -- the headline. It was a gut- and-replace. It now deals with raising the age for a youth hunting license. The biggest drop-off in -- in youth hunting is after the -- they're -- they age out for the youth hunting license, so this would take that up to eighteen. It is fully supported by, I believe, just about everybody. And again, it has absolutely 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 nothing to do with coyotes. So I'd ask for its favorable adoption. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Raoul.
I -- I know you explained that this has nothing to do with coyotes. Does this have anything to do with bobcats, by any chance?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator…
Nothing to do with bobcats, coyotes - nothin'. Nothin'.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Senator Morrison, are you seeking recognition? Could you turn off your speak light? Thank you. Senator Rose, do you wish to close? Seeing no further discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3234 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 47 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3234, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Continuing on page 22, House Bill 3241. Senator Brady. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
House Bill 3241. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Brady, on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a land conveyance bill for the Illinois Department of Transportation. As far as I know, it's agreed to and I want to thank Senator McGuire for being my cosponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3241 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3241, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3323. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3323. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you, Mr. President. This amends the Environmental 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Protection Act and the Illinois Highway Code. It requires IEPA to promulgate rules requiring the use of certified industry professionals when conducting corrosion prevention projects on public water supplies. It also allows IDOT to adopt similar rules governing corrosion prevention projects on bridge infrastructure. The proposal does not apply to licensed professionals or structural engineers. And the rules apply only to one hundred percent State- funded projects and services. And I did want to give a thank you to both the Chamber and the Governor's Office for working out and getting an agreed bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3323 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 47 voting Aye, 5 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3323, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 23 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3332. Senator Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3332. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3332 is kind of the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 {sic} (Financial and Professional Regulation) omnibus bill. This bill provides updated language and technical changes to the Collection Agency Act, the Professional Services {sic} (Professional Service Corporation) Act and the Limited Liability Corporation {sic} (Company) Act and the Real Estate Licensing {sic} (License) Act. It creates the Professional Limited Liability Company Act to apply to licensed professionals. I know of no opposition to this and I would just ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3332 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. And House Bill 3332, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3382. Senator Haine. Senator Haine requests leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3382 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3382. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The amendment becomes the bill. And it now -- it -- it extends the life of and reestablishes in a different form the Motor Vehicle 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Theft Prevention Trust Fund. It moves it from the Criminal Justice Information Authority to a not-for-profit board made up of casualty insurance companies with the Auditor General {sic} empowered to audit the distribution of money. And this is designed to apprehend and deter -- apprehend automobile thieves and deter automobile theft, as well as automobile fraud.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 3382. Seeing no discussion, 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 House Bill 3382. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3382. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This is the bill. These are trained police officers and all of these task forces around the State of Illinois have had an excellent record of -- of service and the insurance companies are willing to fund this from one dollar on each insurance policy that 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 covers their automobile. It's money well spent. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3382 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3382, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3389. Senator Manar. House Bill 3425. Senator Link. House Bill 3444. Senator Jones. House Bill 3504. Senator Delgado. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator, I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3504. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Now we're ready for you, Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3504, as amended, is the recommendation of the Illinois Hospital Association. The bill's a compromise between the IHA, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. HB 3504 amends the Illinois Health Facilities Act to streamline the certificate of 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 need {sic} (exemption) process for a change of ownership of a health care facility and for the closure of a health care facility or service. House Bill 3504 exempts State-operated facilities or a nursing home maintained by a county from the requirements of the Act. And I would ask for your support, as I don't know of any opponents.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3504 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 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3504, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 3556. Senator McConnaughay. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3556. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. This bill allows up to one percent of revenues from a retailers' occupation tax, service occupation tax, and hotel operators' (occupation) tax in one business district to be used in another district if the following conditions are met: One, the districts are contiguous - meaning boundaries touch each other at the same point; two, the districts are separated only by a public right-of-way; or, three, the districts are 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 separated only by a forest preserve property if the closest boundaries have less than one mile of forest preserve between them. I know of no opposition and this is supported by the Illinois Municipal League. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3556 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3556, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. …leave of the Body, we're going to turn back to House Bill 3428. Senator McGuire. Senator McGuire seeks leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3428 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3428. Mr. Secretary, have there been any amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator McGuire.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire, on your amendment. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment becomes the bill. I urge its adoption and look forward to explaining it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 3428. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading, House Bill 3428. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3428. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator McGuire. SENATOR McGUIRE: Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3428, as amended, makes the minimum score of three on all Advanced Placement exams accepted for college credit at Illinois public community colleges and universities. This bill is a compromise reached with our public community colleges and universities. I know of no opposition to the bill and request an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3428 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 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3428, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 25 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3619. Senator Noland. Senator Noland seeks leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3619 to the Order of 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill 3619. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Noland.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, the Equal Pay Act prohibits employers with four or more employees from paying unequal wages to both -- as between men and women for doing the same or substantially similar work, and the fines can lead up to a total of about five thousand dollars. Excuse me just a moment, Mr. President. Fellas, please. Gentlemen. Gentlemen, I've got a bill going here. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. All right. So we tried to work with small business and the National Federation of Independent Businesses to ameliorate the fact that, as it came over from the House, the bill was going to apply to small businesses as well. So rather than fine small businesses first time for five thousand dollars, what we're trying to do is, in the amendment, is to limit those fines for companies that have four employees or less: first offense, five hundred dollars; second offense up to twenty-five hundred; third offense -- third and subsequents to five thousand. Again, those over with -- companies with employees over four employees: first offense, twenty-five hundred; second, three thousand; and third and subsequent offenses, five thousand. So just asking for Aye votes. Happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Senator Noland has a Floor amendment pending. Is there any discussion of the Floor amendment? Senator Noland moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to House Bill 3619. 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, House Bill 3619. Senator -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3619. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Noland.
Thank you, Mr. President. What I just said. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Senator McCarter, for what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Just a clarification on this bill. There -- there was -- if you'll look at the analysis, there's a lot of No votes in the -- the committee. We had -- just so everybody on my side -- throughout know that this was negotiated down. Now, it is a -- an expansion of who it applies to. It does apply to those very small businesses, those micro-type businesses. But the -- the fee -- the fine 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 structure was reduced accordingly. So there was a lot of work done on this. I appreciate the sponsor bringing that down to a reasonable level. Although I always like less government, I appreciate you making this as small as possible and, for that reason, I'll support the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator McCarter. Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3619 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, 1 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3619, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator McCarter, are you seeking recognition? Continuing on page 25 of the printed Calendar, House Bill 3673. Senator Holmes. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3673. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Thank you so much. This bill is extremely important, as it amends the Insurance Code and the Public Act {sic} (Aid) Code by requiring health insurers and Medicaid to cover MRI screenings when medically necessary. In fact, what we're doing with this bill is ensuring that all women are provided with high quality care when it comes to screening for breast cancer. And it's an 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 extremely important bill because there is an astonishing statistic that I just want to -- and I think this is what had me so passionate about this is, the death rate from breast cancer for African- American women in Chicago has not decreased even one percent in the past twenty years. This is an extremely important bill and I want to thank the House sponsor of this bill, Mike Smiddy, for bringing it and allowing me to carry it in the Senate. It is making sure that all women have access to appropriate high-quality screenings and will certainly save lives when it comes to breast cancer. I'll be happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Brady, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to speak to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) …the bill, Senator.
I just want to compliment the sponsor. I appreciate her patience in committee in going through some questions with us. Obviously, State resources are precious, but this is a very good use of those limited resources. And I stand in support of the legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Brady. Is there any further discussion? Senator Syverson, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Couple questions of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Sponsor indicates that she will yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, I appreciate the discussion we had on this in committee and I know it's changed a little bit from last year when this legislation was looked at. What does -- what do you envision this -- this doing that's not currently being done now under existing Insurance Code or under existing Medicaid managed care? What is -- what is covering here that's not covered currently?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
I was going to say what -- what this bill does -- because we have to remember that we also discussed Senate Bill 54 here, which Senator Mulroe carried, and that had to do with covering 3D mammograms, which that's -- that's all taken care of in Senate Bill 54. This bill is going to expand the sites because -- for - - for breast cancer treatment, and there's going to be a case management pilot program on this. We're requiring networks of care to develop methods to navigate cancer patients to comprehensive care in a timely fashion. So this is actually a -- a -- a broader stroke and it's definitely ensuring that women, particularly underserved women, have the ability to have accurate screenings, because that will change that statistic that I sort of quoted to you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
It's my understanding, the existing two sites that had the pilot program, these are existing public sites that are already in 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 and part of the existing managed care system. So what's -- I'm trying to figure out what are those sites doing now that's any different than is not -- that's being offered by Medicaid. So under Medicaid managed care, what is a -- what is a individual getting under this that they're not currently being covered for under the Medicaid managed care?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
This is high-quality care, which will definitely make a difference. But the other, by expanding from two sites to nine, we're giving women who have not had the opportunity to even have a site accessible to them to be able to have that kind of quality care. And it's obviously the difference in quality care that is affecting those rates of survival. So it's…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson. Oop! I'm sorry, Senator Holmes. Did I cut you off?
…say, just to sum it up, it's access to high-quality care.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
My understanding is that the -- the two pilots sites, though, are -- are existing sites that offer that same service to Medicaid and to private sector. So it's the same care there that is being offered. And so I -- the -- the other seven sites that they're talking about, those are all sites that are already open and operating with the Medicaid managed care. So is there a particular 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 -- is there a particular service that they're offering there that -- because under the -- under Medicaid managed care, access to these services are required for everybody across the whole State.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
…it's -- it's still that access. I mean, when you look at the State of Illinois, two sites versus nine, it -- it -- it's having access and not everybody's under managed care.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
I guess I'm still confused, 'cause the two sites are open now to the whole public. The other seven -- these aren't seven -- these aren't seven…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Waiting on…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sorry, Senator Syverson.
These aren't -- these seven sites are currently open -- offering this service to Medicaid recipients as well as to the public. So these aren't new -- these aren't new -- seven new sites that are being built and open to the public. These are seven sites that are already up and running.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
They're -- they're not currently covered. So I'm confused.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson, do you want to try again?
I think that's the part that I think is hard, because these sites are already up and running; these sites are already available to all the Medicaid recipients and to people who aren't on Medicaid. The only thing that this does differently is it changes the reimbursement rate to a higher reimbursement rate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Okay. The -- the bill specifically is outlining where the sites are. Currently - okay - at least one pilot program site was in metropolitan Chicago area, the other outside the area. On or after July 1st of 2016, the pilot program shall be expanded to include one site in western Illinois, one site in southern Illinois, one site in central Illinois, and four sites within metropolitan Chicago. And that is -- that is in the bill on page 17, I believe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
Right. We understand that. But those are already sites that are already up and running. Those are already Medicaid hospitals, public hospitals that are already there. That's not -- that's not changing it. The only thing that this is changing is -- the original intent was that this was going to create more -- so the 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 -- so the intent was that this -- these sites are already up and running. The only difference is -- originally, they wanted to use these sites to market to Medicaid individuals that didn't understand or have access available. But under Medicaid managed care now, all those individuals are being contacted equally across the State and they're going to all those sites, including this one. So the only difference that I can see from what's currently being done and now is a rate reimbursement difference.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Yes, there is. It is -- it is definitely covering at a higher rate. If that's…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator…
…your question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson. Questions over here. Answers over here. Senator Syverson.
So the services that are being offered under this legislation are the same services that are currently being covered under Medicaid, as well as currently being covered under private health coverage. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
I -- I was going to say, not -- not exactly. It -- it's 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 definitely ensuring the quality of care and it's ensuring the access. So I'm not -- I'm not sure that that's being done without specifically codifying it then in this piece of legislation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
Can we point to any service that's not being offered now under Medicaid managed care that is covered under this? Except for the higher rate that's being done, what service is not being covered now that these seven sites will cover even though these seven sites are currently up and running now for the same population? What - - what's covered different?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Post-mastectomy is one.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
What post-mastectomy is not covered now under Medicaid managed care that is covered under this legislation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
And -- and the bill is also adding screening MRIs when medically necessary. That -- so that's particularly for high-risk women.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson. 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
Are screening for high-risk women for MRIs, is that something that is not covered currently under Medicaid managed care or private health coverage? My understanding is, it is; all that's covered currently.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Senator, it -- it should be, but it's not explicitly stated in the Act. So I think we're -- we're definitely clarifying.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
I'm not sure about clarifying in the Act, but my understanding is that no policy or under Medicaid managed care, under current - - under current medical guidelines, all screening is covered completely at a hundred percent and at-risk are covered at a hundred percent. And we're not aware of any time where a -- a high-risk screening would not be covered under those services. Now, previously, before the Medicaid managed care was there, that was a concern. But under the Medicaid managed care and under the ACA laws, screenings are all now covered completely, whether it's Medicaid or private. And I guess the only thing I can see, difference in this bill versus what current practice is, that it's a -- a much higher reimbursement rate that's under this, which is what it's going to cost the State, those additional dollars.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 I -- I do want to address the -- the -- where we bring up talking about dollars, because I will tell you what high-quality screening does. Besides that number that I read to you about the death rate from breast cancer for African-American women in Chicago not decreasing even one hundred percent -- or, one percent, has to do with the quality of the screenings and the quality of care. So basically what happens is, ultimately, this saves us dollars. Because what you're doing, again, here, by using high-quality imaging, is you have the ability to catch cancers in a very early stage. You're much more likely to catch them when they're in a stage one versus stage four, which saves a bundle when it comes to subsequent treatment. So I think that, to me, is -- is a compelling reason to want to pass this legislation. Because you're talking about not only saving lives, you're talking about improving the quality of life for countless of women who ultimately are diagnosed with breast cancer and do need to go through treatments. So I think having a piece of legislation that specifically states the types of imaging that they're going to have available, has sites available regardless of where you reside, is an extremely important piece of legislation for saving women's lives.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Syverson.
Sure. I'll -- I'll wrap it up with this. The high-quality imaging was Senator Mulroe's bill. I don't think this -- this doesn't change -- this doesn't change the law regarding having -- having high-quality imaging. High-quality imaging is already -- already in place. If a hospital is not providing high-quality imaging, then there's plenty of lawyers that would love to take on 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 that case of suing those hospitals. But my understanding is, these -- these facilities are already up and running; it's the same imaging equipment that's being used. The only difference that -- I'll wrap it up with this. The -- the concerns being raised here were concerns that were justified a couple of years ago. But with the passing of ACA, which now requires that screening be done and it all be covered at a hundred percent and it be made available to everyone, and with the implementation of Medicaid managed care, which now actively seeks out and works with individuals to receive high-quality screening, that's all being done. The concern is, we're setting in statute a reimbursement rate for hospitals at a significantly higher rate than they get reimbursed for any other medical service. And so that's the concern that was raised by the administration - that this is going to be an added -- estimated added four to five million dollars of additional costs for the same service that these individuals are currently getting. This is just mandating that there be a higher rate paid to the medical community, which means higher costs to the State of Illinois. So, again, my -- my concern is that the issues that are raised were justified, but they have been addressed over the last two years, and the only difference in this legislation with current practice is that it requires a -- a much higher reimbursement rate, which will cost the taxpayers up to -- up to five million dollars, possibly more, depending on how much utilization there is. So, thank you for your time and, Senator, thank you for the debate on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there further discussion? Senator Oberweis, for what purpose do you rise? 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
Just very briefly. In listening to this discussion, my understanding is, this bill does absolutely nothing except increase the reimbursement rates. In a very tight budget, that means we're going to take millions of dollars away from very important programs to help homeless, to help people with disabilities, to help people who are really in need, and we're going to spend it on increased reimbursements. For that reason, I would urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Further discussion? Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
I think basically the intent of this bill is to provide greater access of care to women in detecting breast cancer. That will reduce callbacks, reduce costs, and more -- most importantly, will save lives over -- or, for the women that we -- of Illinois. So I'd urge an -- an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Holmes, do you wish to close? Senator Holmes. 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
Yes, please. I -- I just want to thank Senator Mulroe, and, obviously, he is extremely knowledgeable on this after his years of hard work on Senate Bill 54, which we will be seeing back in this Chamber. Again, I want to thank Representative Smiddy, who brought this to my attention and actually brought this up on behalf of his wife, who is a breast cancer survivor. But I want to say, when you come down to talking about dollars and cents, and you talk about the State being financially strapped, yes, I understand that, but I also understand that when you are doing a screening that is catching cancer early, you are impacting costs ultimately. It is much more inexpensive to catch cancer at an early stage than it is to catch it at a later stage. It's also important to have the screening done because women get called back for unnecessary callbacks because screening wasn't done adequately the first time. And to have high-risk women having access to MRIs is extremely important. We want that access to care. It shouldn't matter where you live or what income bracket you fall in to have access to high- quality imaging and breast cancer screening. I would urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The question is, shall House Bill 3673 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 45 voting Aye, 2 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3673, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 25 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3674. Senator Rose. Senator Rose seeks leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3674 to 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill 3674. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose, on your amendment.
Four, correct? Four, correct, not 3?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Floor Amendment No. 4.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Correct.
Yeah. If we could just adopt this amendment and then we can debate the full bill on 3rd. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 3674. 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 House Bill 3674. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 House Bill 3674. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rose.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members. This comes to me from a constituent, Nick DiFilippo, from Mahomet, who wants to take his three daughters hunting with him, but he is unable to do so because they're not big enough and physically strong enough yet to pull a full compound bow. So we're -- we're asking to go ahead and allow youth with a youth hunting license to use a crossbow in the first half of the season only, under the supervision of an adult above the age of twenty-one. There is no - and this is important - there is no youth archery season, period. So, again, we'd like to let the kids get in on the season, have a -- have an opportunity to go out with their folks in a -- in a healthy, wholesome way. I know that there's bipartisan support for this. And I want to thank, in particular, the Senate Ag Committee Chairman, Leader Sullivan. This is the fourth amendment. We've been through many incarnations of this. And actually, the underlying bill was Representative Smiddy's, and of course, on the other side of the aisle in the House, that he then transferred to Representative Sullivan. So there's widespread support. I appreciate Chairman Sullivan's indulgence and leadership in this, and now we have a piece of legislation that is either agreed to by all parties or all parties are neutral. And I would ask for its favorable adoption so that parents can take their kids hunting. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3674 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. House Bill 3674, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Muñoz in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Bertino-Tarrant, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like the record to reflect that I intended to vote Yes on House Bill 3673, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) The record will reflect you voting Yes. House Bill 3841. Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 3841. Indicates he wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3841. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The legislation exempts some residents of nursing homes, when they are transferring from one home to another, from having to fill out some background checks if that person is immobile or moving into 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 a hospice care program. This was -- had some opposition to it. The amendment took care of that opposition and I -- I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? There being none, the question is, shall House Bill 3841 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, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 3895, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Correction: House Bill 3841. Senator Jones, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Thank you, Mr. President. Please count me as a Yes on the previous roll call.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Record will reflect. House Bill 3848. Senator Bush. Indicates she wishes to proceed. Senator Bush seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3848 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill 3848. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Bush, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. There are 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 actually three Floor amendments and I would move that we adopt them and I will explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion on Amendment No. 1? 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?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Bush, on Amendment 2.
Again, these are technical in nature. I move for the adoption and will explain the bill on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? 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?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Bush, on Amendment 3.
Thank you, Mr. President. Also technical in nature. I move for the adoption and will explain the bill on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Is there any discussion? 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? 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) 3rd Reading. Now on 3rd Reading, Mr. Secretary, read the bill.
House Bill 3848. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Senator Bush.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, this is in response to reports to advocates of the Office of the Attorney General that victims of sexual assault who are treated and receive forensic examinations, rape kits, at emergency rooms are receiving bills for services for which they are not allowed to be charged under State and federal law. So really what this bill does, is it's a recommendation, again, by the Attorney General's Office. It prohibits the billing of sexual assault survivors for services resulted -- to emergency care that's a result of a sexual assault. And I'd be happy to answer any questions. And I know of no opposition. I'd recommend a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR MUÑOZ) Any discussion? Any discussion? The question is, shall House Bill 3848 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 53 voting Aye, 0 voting Nay, 0 voting Present. House Bill 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 3848, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Harmon back in the Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Page 26 of your printed Calendar. House Bill 3895. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3895. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The legislation makes two changes to the Freedom of Information Act. It exempts certain records from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act if they were -- if they are requested by a person detained by the Department of Human Services under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, number one. It also, the second part of the legislation, clarifies that juvenile records held by law enforcement agencies, even for juveniles who were never arrested, are included in the exemptions from disclosure. The second part of that legislation is actually Senator Raoul's language on a bill that came over from the House. Both of these -- both of -- of the measures that are included in this legislation passed the House with a unanimous vote. And I know of no objection. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Sullivan.
43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Thank -- thank you for your patience, Mr. President. I'd like to pull this out of the record.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, please take the bill out of the record. On page 27 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3932. Senator Raoul. House Bill 3932. House Bill 3983. Senator Haine. Mr. Secretary, Senator Haine requests leave of the Body to recall House Bill 3983 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading, House Bill 3983. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Haine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine, on Floor Amendment No. 4.
Thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This becomes the bill. As amended, it provides that a unit of local government may not allow an adult entertainment facility to operate in a location within two hundred and fifty feet of a school, day care, church, cemetery, public park, public housing, or any part of a school, day care, et cetera; updates the definitions of the types of facilities that shall be regulated as adult entertainment facilities; and removes the term "sexually explicit"; and adopts definitions of sexual activities, et cetera, consistent with court cases.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to House Bill 3983. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 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, House Bill 3983. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3983. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Haine.
…you -- thank you, Mr. President and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This legislation is necessary because of the secondary effects generated by adult entertainment facilities. We know, through many studies, that crime rates rise the most within two hundred and fifty feet of an adult entertainment facility. Studies have also shown that within two hundred and fifty feet of the facility, violent crime is 23.7 times more likely to occur, property crime is 18.3 times more likely to occur, and disorder crime is 24.4 times more likely to occur, and the property values fall in this area. The legislation is necessary, furthermore, to prevent cities and counties from placing their adult entertainment facilities next to churches, schools, and other areas where children gather, even in -- if those places are not within their borders. This is particularly important because the people who are affected by those facilities that are placed just outside the 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 border of their town have no recourse to vote out the officials who allowed the facility to be located there. This bill also updates the definition of adult entertainment facility to reflect the changing nature of the types of businesses that focus on material - and I hate to say this again - of adult nature. If one is truly an adult, they wouldn't be doing this. But, in any case, that's what the case law says. It is no longer just strip clubs and bookstores. There are now all sorts of facilities that emphasize sexual activities and anatomical areas. The bill removes the term "sexually explicit" from the statute because this is a vague term that may incorrectly be applied to businesses that should not rightly be considered adult entertainment facilities, such as theaters. Instead, the bill provides for a clearer and very specific definition of what constitutes an adult entertainment facility. And I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Thankfully there is not. The question is, shall House Bill 3983 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 50 voting -- 51 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 3983, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Stadelman, for what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Mr. President, Members of the Chamber, I'd like to recognize a Rockford couple who traveled to Springfield to celebrate their big occasion. I have Gary and Kathy Meyer in the President's Gallery. They're already standing there. The reason they're here is that they're celebrating their forty-ninth wedding anniversary this week. And I asked them what their secret to success was and -- and Kathy mentioned "just don't go to bed mad". And -- but I asked Kathy how many times that happened. She admitted they've only been really mad at each other only once over those forty-nine years, so obviously it was a marriage meant to be. We could all be so fortunate. But just to welcome them to Springfield and congratulate them on their momentous occasion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Welcome to our guests in the gallery. Still on page 27 on your printed Calendar. House Bill 4006. Senator Haine. House Bill 4029. Senator Tom Cullerton. Go back to the top of the Order of House Bills 3rd Reading, back to page 18. House Bill 152. Senator Manar. House Bill 165. Senator Delgado. House Bill 1336. Senator Steans. House Bill 1516. Senator Muñoz. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1516. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. This increases the penalty by one class for drivers of commercial 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 motor vehicles or their employers who willfully violate regulations on a controlled substance and alcohol use, hours of service, driver qualifications, disqualified drivers, physical qualifications for driving, medical certifications, and any motor carrier regulation which would place the driver or vehicle out of service. The enhanced penalties only occur when the willful violation results in an accident which causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or the death to another person. Over the years, we've had troopers that were killed and also hurt in the line of duty because of negligent drivers who drove for so many hours, just didn't care and fell asleep. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 1516 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, 1 voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 1516, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. With leave of the Body, we'll turn back to page 18, House Bill 165. Senator Delgado. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 165. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Delgado.
48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 165 allows students to voluntarily -- voluntarily engage in individually or collectively initiated, non-disruptive prayer or religious-based meeting during the school day during the noninstructional time, and the prayers are -- or meetings may be included without limitation to the prayer groups. And at this point in time, we don't have any opponents and I would ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 165 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 49 voting Aye, none voting No, none voting Present. House Bill 165, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. House Bill 2569. Senator Link. House Bill 2636. Senator McConnaughay. Senator McConnaughay? House Bill 2790. Senator Righter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2790. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 2790 contains two parts. The first part is an expansion of this State's newborn screening panel. Right now, like in every 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 other state, in Illinois, when a baby is born, a drop of blood is taken from the baby's toe; then that -- that blood is then screened for different kinds of diseases or genetic defects. This bill would add the genetic defect commonly referred to as ALD to -- to that panel. The Department estimates that that addition will cost, when it's added, which will be probably at least a couple years from now, about eleven dollars per screen - which leads me to the second part of the bill. The second part of the bill is a fee increase. And I want to be clear for everyone in the Chamber - it is a fee increase. Right now, the newborn screening fee is eighty- eight dollars per screen. This would raise that fee to one hundred and eighteen dollars. The reason that we need to do this is because right now that fee of eighty-eight dollars does not pay for the cost of the program. So we are siphoning off General Revenue Fund right now to supplement the cost of the program. This would raise the fee to a hundred and eighteen dollars so that the program will pay for itself. The Department is authorized by rule to then increase the fee on a step basis as the program costs demand it. I'll be happy to answer any questions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any discussion? Senator Link, for what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Sponsor indicates that he will yield. Senator Link.
Senator Righter, a simple question: Is this a mandate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Senator Righter.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Our analysis indicates that this bill also mandates the Department of Public Health to provide newborns with screening tests for presence. So, if we're -- are we mandating Public Health or not?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
You know, I apologize, Senator. It is a mandate on State government. That's -- that's true. It's not a mandate on a doctor or a school official or a teacher or anything like that. And, I'm sorry, that's the context in which I took your question. It does tell the Department of Public Health to add this test to the newborn screening panel, absolutely.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
What would the cost factor be in -- to the State of Illinois for this mandate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
The cost to the General Revenue Fund, if this bill becomes law, is actually a reduction of approximately five million dollars. 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 The cost of adding the new screen that this bill would add is eleven dollars. That would be put on the fee, not on the General Revenue Fund.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
So what you're saying is that -- that it will not cost the GRF any money whatsoever on doing this mandate, but it's a mandate also on the people to come up with more money. Am I correct in that analogous {sic}?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
Yes, both part -- both parts. Yes to your first. Your second inquiry, the fee will go up. The fee is paid for in this State either by insurance -- well, it's paid for by insurance. The only way that someone individually pays this fee is that they do not have insurance. That's correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Are we sure that this is covered by insurance? I mean, has this gone through the Insurance Committee to be guaranteed that this will be covered by insurance?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Righter.
I will -- first, it is covered under the Affordable Care Act, Senator. With regards to private insurance - this is my fourth 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 newborn screening -- bill I've carried since I've been a Member of the General Assembly - I have yet to find one private insurer that does not cover in its entirety the newborn screening fee. If you have one, I would love to hear it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Just -- just to the bill and a final analogy. I -- I -- I think what you're doing is commendable, but I think every person on both sides should be aware this is a mandate and I think that we have to look at it in that manner and vote your conscience. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Link. Is there further discussion? Senator Mulroe, for what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) To the bill, Senator.
So I just wanted -- you know, from my impression, this is a mandated screening and it is going to increase costs. And initially when it came to my committee, I thought how is this any different than the hep C bill that we were asking people to offer the screening to people that -- to detect hep C. So while that irritated me a little bit, you know, I resolved it by saying this is the right thing to do. It's -- there were people that came into our committee, these kids that had this disease. It's a debilitating disorder. So we got -- we should do the right thing 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 and vote Yes. Thanks.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Is there any further discussion? Senator Righter, do you wish to close? The question is, shall House Bill 2790 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 voting Aye, none voting No, 1 voting Present. House Bill 2790, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 23 of the printed Calendar, House Bill 3425. Senator Link. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3425. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Link.
Is -- is there a mandate -- or, is there -- no. Is there an amendment on this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there an amendment, Mr. Secretary? Committee amendment has been adopted, Senator. We do not have a Floor amendment pending. Senator Link, on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. This just provides that consumer reporting agencies shall implement a free credit freeze for military personnel. I know of no objection to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Is there any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall House Bill 3425 pass. All those in favor, say {sic} 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. House Bill 3425, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Excuse me, Mr. President. I voted No on House Bill 3428. Upon a little further review, I would like to change that No vote to a Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will reflect your intention to have voted Yes. Thank you, Senator. Senator Holmes, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to make an announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes.
Yes. Earlier this month, we all heard of the earthquake in Nepal that claimed so many lives. Since then, we've heard the inspiring stories of valiant individuals from Nepal and around the world who risked their lives to go provide relief work in the wake of that disaster. Corporal Sara Medina of East Aurora was among them. She and her fellow Marines lost their lives when their helicopter went down in the mountains near Katmandu on May 12th as they attempted to carry supplies to communities recovering from the devastation. Corporal Medina showed dedication to her country 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 from a young age, joining the Marine Corps right out of high school and serving as a photographer in Australia and all over Asia. I'd like to ask the Senate to join me now in a moment of silence to honor Corporal Medina's selfless service.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Holmes has requested a moment of silence in honor of Corporal Medina. Will all Members please stand? (Moment of silence observed) Ladies and Gentlemen, we're going to turn to the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading for a moment. On page 16 of your printed Calendar, Senate Bill 1441. Senator Steans. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1441. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Steans.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill's identical to Senate Bill 2932 that passed in the 98th General Assembly. It passed out of the House but we never got it back -- we never got to Concurrence here. It represents negotiations between the towing industry, the insurance industry, and law enforcement. And it's addressing difficulties the insurance and towing industries experience with towers who illegally solicit tows by approaching an incapacitated vehicle and then charge very high tow and storage fee rates. It includes language clarifying and strengthening the towing of uninsured motor vehicles, towing by operations of a vehicle, increases 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 penalties for towing misrepresentation, and creates a municipal tow rotation list. I don't know of any opposition to the bill. It's -- it's been an agreed bill and would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. That was a very compelling House-like team presentation. Is there any discussion? Senator Raoul.
Mr. President, I just saw the -- I was confused by the light beaming off of the heads in front of the sponsor, but I -- I -- I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1441 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 1441, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. On page 17 of your printed Calendar, again on the Order of Senate Bills 3rd Reading, is Senate Bill 1672. Senator Rezin requests leave of the Body to recall Senate Bill 1672 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is Senate Bill 1672. Mr. Secretary, have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Rezin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin, on Floor Amendment No. 1.
57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Thank you. I move -- and will discuss it on 3rd. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 1672. All in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Have there been any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Rezin.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin, on Floor Amendment No. 3.
Once again, I move to…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin moves for the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1672. 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 1672. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
Senate Bill 1672. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Rezin.
58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 1672 sets up a State- run program for air permits. Currently, forty-one states have state-run programs for air permits in attainment areas. We have been working on this bill for the past month. It is initiative of the Chamber, but we have been working very closely with the environmental groups, the Attorney General, both of the Senate sponsor as -- or, excuse me, Senate -- the Chairman of the Environment and then the House sponsors, the Director of the EPA as well. While we recognize that we do have an agreement on the amendments that we just passed, and I will read the agreed portion of this negotiation, but we do recognize that there is still work to be done. And we have had in our meetings the House sponsor and my Representative Mautino, who had agreed to take this bill in the House and continue to work on it with all parties at the table. And in Senator -- or, Representative Mautino's words, said in the House, this bill will not move in the current form. Currently, the major points of the amendment that are agreed to by all parties are: incorporates the rules used by the federal government by reference regarding air quality standards; rules may be incorporated that are more stringent; the EPA shall adopt rules for the public participation process, including responses to comments; and the permit applicant has a right to appeal decisions made by the Pollution Control Board. Again, we do recognize that are -- there are two areas that are -- still are being negotiated, but we are asking to pass this out today so we can get it to the House and work on it. And, again, the -- the Chair of Environment, who is not here today, was gracious to work very closely with us, to say that we'll continue working on this, and I appreciate his help in passing all of this out of the Environment Committee with 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 no -- with all Yeses on the bill last night. And I ask for a Yes vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Is there any discussion? Any discussion? Seeing none, the question is, shall Senate Bill 1672 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 48 voting Aye, 1 voting No, 1 voting Present. House -- or, Senate Bill 1672, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, we're standing at ease just for a moment to allow some -- catch up on some paperwork here. Please bear with us. (at ease) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. I'd like the record to reflect, on House Bill 3143, I intended to vote Aye. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The record will reflect your intention, Senator. Thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, on page 28 of your printed Calendar, on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, is House Bill 1121. We have paperwork filed by President Cullerton allowing Senator Steans to advance the bill to 2nd Reading. Do -- would you like the bill read? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1121. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No. 1. 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Still on page 28 of the printed Calendar, again on the Order of House Bills 2nd Reading, is House Bill 3303. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3303. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. On page 29 of your printed Calendar, House Bill 3933. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3933. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 580, offered by Senator Bivins. It is substantive. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14, offered by Senator Radogno. 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 And Senate Joint (Constitutional Amendment) Resolution 15, offered by Senator Radogno. They are both substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Introduction of Senate…
Senate Bill 2138, offered by Senator Nybo. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Lightford, have your guests assembled? Senator Lightford, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to invite some of our hometown heroes to the Legislature. Representative Lilly has sponsored House joint resolutions. The paperwork hasn't clearly cleared here in the Senate, but I'd be remiss if we didn't have an opportunity to honor them as well. We all just met Coach Pingatore a couple weeks ago when he was here for the Chargers 2015 championship. But just to tell you a little bit about the Coach: He is the winningest coach - he's won the most - in Illinois in the high school basketball history. He's been a mentor and an educator, both on and off the court, for 50 years at St. Joe's High School in Westchester. He's taken them to seven Elite Eights and a State championship in 1999 and again this year in 2015. Due to his dedication to the kids of Illinois and his contributions to his community, I ask that we designate Cermak Road from South Wolf Road to Westchester Boulevard as the Gene Pingatore Road. Please 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 give Coach Pingatore a round of applause for the work that he's done.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Coach, welcome to the Illinois State Senate. Senator Lightford, you're not done, are you?
Mr. President, I have one other individual, please, that I'd like to acknowledge. This is Representative Lilly's nephew. And I remember going to her home, watching him in high school in basketball. So I feel like he's my nephew too. So I'm going to take a little bit of responsibility here too for Evan. Evan Turner is an American professional basketball player, currently playing for the Boston Celtics -- Celtics of the NBA. He attended St. Joe's High School in Westchester, and by his senior year, he was one of the top high school basketball players at his position in the nation. Evan Turner was a first-time {sic} (first-team) 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball All-American and the 2010 National Player of the Year. At St. Joe's, he was part of a Chicago-area sophomore class that was considered to be the best in the history of the State of Illinois. Due to the dedication to basketball that has inspired a generation, I believe we should name West Cermak Road between South Pulaski Road and South Laramie Road {sic} (Avenue), Evan Turner Street. And that's on the west side of Chicago, where Evan was born and raised. His grandparents are here with him as well. Please give Evan a round of applause.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Evan, welcome to the Senate. Good to see you here. Senator Lightford.
63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 I'm sorry, Mr. President. Coach Pingatore's family is also here - his daughter, his grandchildren, and his lovely fiancée. If they could, please, also rise and be recognized.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Will our guests rise and be recognized? Great to have you here in the Senate. Senator Lightford.
One final announcement. Representative Lilly is a little pushy. But she'd like to push all of us to Secretary White's Office from 11:30 to 1:30. In honor of these fine gentlemen, there is a reception, and there is a lot of great festivities taking place. Please join them in Secretary White's Office. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator Lightford. And welcome to all of our guests. Senator Connelly, for what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. To the resolutions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Senator Connelly, there are no resolutions pending before the Body. Would you like to do a point of personal privilege?
I'd like to do that, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator.
Evan Turner, you can't leave. I've got a few words to say about Evan Turner. In a prior life, I had the privilege - and I think Coach Pingatore would remember - my brother Tim and I, we spent our summers, when our kids were about this big, coaching the 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 St. Joe's teams at the Morris Shoot-out and a couple of other high school basketball tournaments, and I had the privilege to coach Evan's brother Richard. Well, why do I bring up Evan? Well, I've known Evan since he was about this big. And from the time he was this big, he kept saying, "Coach, I'm going to be the greatest player who ever played at St. Joe's." And I'd say, "Well, that's -- that's great, Evan. There's this guy who played here a few years ago, named Isiah Thomas. He's in the Hall of Fame. He's done a few other things." And I kept saying, "Well, if you get as tall as Richard, you have a chance." So when Evan was an eighth grader, my brother said, "Have you seen Evan lately?" And I said, "I don't know. No, I haven't seen him." "He's about six feet tall. He's -- he's getting better." And I said, "Well, do you think he's going to be better than Isiah?" And he goes, "Well, let's not get crazy here. I mean, please." So fast-forward to his junior year, and I -- you know, I'd come and go, go to the games and whatnot. I wasn't coaching in the summer. And my brother Tim said, "You better get your butt over to the high school. Evan Turner's going to be one of the best players who ever played." I go, "Come on?" Six foot seven. But let me tell you, from the time he was this big to where he is today, he's been a humble guy. He's -- whether he's playing for Ohio State, the Boston Celtics, he's treated me like I'd just seen him the day before. But we're proud of all the things you've done, Evan. But let me tell you - you've got to win three NBA championships before you can call yourself the best player who ever played at St. Joe's. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you, Senator. Senator Raoul, for what purpose do you 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Please state your point, Senator.
You know, it would be a -- a wasted opportunity if I didn't do this in front of Coach Pingatore, to -- and Andre Iguodala may have issue with this, but given the first historic Senate/House basketball game was decided by three three-pointers in the second half by Michael Connelly, I think we should name the street by Springfield Lanphier High School after Mike Connelly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Your motion will be taken under advisement. The Senate will stand at ease for a few moments to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. Will all members of the Committee on Assignments please report to the President's Anteroom? The Senate will stand at ease for a moment to allow the Committee on Assignments to meet. (at ease) Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Clayborne, Chairman of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 884 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 994; refer to Revenue Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1046. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) We will now proceed to the Order of Resolutions Consent 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 46th Legislative Day 5/22/2015 Calendar. With leave of the Body, all those resolutions read in today will be added to the Consent Calendar. Mr. Secretary, have there been any objections filed to any resolution on the Consent Calendar?
No objections filed, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Thank you. Is there any discussion? If not, the question is, shall the resolutions on the Consent Calendar be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it. The motion carries, and the resolutions are adopted. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 3 p.m. on the 25th day of May, 2015. The Senate stands adjourned. 67