PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) The regular Session of the 99th General Assembly will come to order. Will the Members be at their desk? Will all the guests in the galleries rise? The invocation will be given today by Elder Michael Young, Main Street Church of the Living God, Decatur, Illinois.
(Prayer by Elder Michael Young)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please remain standing for the Pledge Allegiance. Senator Cunningham.
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Cunningham)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Lisa Chess-Gustafson from Blueroomstream has asked leave to videotape. Leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Monday, May 25th, 2015.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 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 SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcript. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions. 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Senate Resolutions 588 through 597, offered by Senator Althoff and all Members. Senate Resolution 598, offered by Senator Koehler and all Members. Senate Resolutions 599 and 600, offered by Senator McGuire and all Members. They're all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports. I'm sorry, Mr. Secretary. Consent Calendar.
Senate Resolution 587, offered by Senator Collins. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Haine, Chairperson of the Committee on Insurance, reports Motions to Concur on House Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 54 and House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 750 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff, for what purpose do you rise?
Purpose of a request.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your request.
The Senate Republicans would like to caucus for sixty minutes immediately. 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) The Senate Republicans ask for a caucus for sixty minutes immediately. So ordered. The Senate will recess until the call of the Chair, until the Republicans finish their caucus. The Senate stands in recess. (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) The Senate will come to order. Will all Members please be at their desk? We're going to start House Bills 3rd Reading shortly. Please, at the sound of my voice, please, all Members comes to the Floor. We're about to start House Bills 3rd Reading very shortly. Paul Elders from WICS-TV has asked leave to take video and audio. Leave is granted. Senator Connelly, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. For purposes of an introduction.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. I'd like to introduce my Page for the Day - get up here, Cameron - Cameron Velasquez. Cameron's thirteen years old. He's an eighth grader at Granger Middle School in the great City of Aurora. He's accompanied today by his parents, Chris and Karla Velasquez, and his younger brother, Connor, who are above the President's Anteroom there. Cameron wants to attend college and possibly get a degree in engineering. Let me tell ya, that's the degree you want to get. Please join me in -- in giving a warm welcome to Cameron 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Velasquez.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, and welcome to the Senate. Okay, with leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 30, House Bills 2nd Reading. House Bill 3680. Senator Koehler, do you wish to proceed? Mr. - - proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3680. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 3rd Reading. Senator Mulroe, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
I, too, have a few guests that I'd like the Senate to welcome. I have my Page for the Day, McKenna Rogers, along with her mom and dad, Leane and Jeff Rogers. McKenna is a ten-year-old fourth grader at Saint Juliana School on the northwest side at -- in my district. And just a -- as a personal note, my wife taught her in preschool and she's a very bright and energetic young lady, and she actually helped me in the Insurance Committee today, pass a - - a bill out of committee, which was much needed help. She's a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Girl Scout, and a competitive dancer. Her hobbies include playing soccer and volleyball and -- and she 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 loves art. When she becomes -- or gets older, she wants to be a marine biologist and an artist, or some combination thereof. So I just ask that the Senate give her a warm welcome.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Welcome to the Senate. Starting on page 23, we're going to go with House Bill 3240. This is -- will -- this will be final action. Senator Brady, on House Bill 3240. Senate Bill 3262. Senator Cullerton. President Cullerton. House Bill 3269. Senator Rose. Senator Rose. House Bill 3273. Senator Murphy. Senator Murphy wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3273. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Murphy.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3273 dissolves the Old Town Sanitary District of Cook County and transfers the function of the sewer district to municipalities it serves. This is a local issue. We're basically eliminating a unit of government that has no employees. Any -- be happy to take any questions. Appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3273 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 55 Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3273, having received the 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3284. Senator Hutchinson. House Bill 3303. Senator Raoul. House Bill 3304. Senator Hutchinson. Turning to the top of page 24. House Bill 3306. Senator -- Leader Radogno. House Bill 3324. Senator Manar. House Bill 3333. Senator Haine. Senator Haine, on 3333. Senator -- House Bill 3334. Senator Tom Cullerton. Senator Cullerton wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3334. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3334 allows the electors of a rescue squad district to petition for a referendum for an elected, rather than an appointed, rescue squad board. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no -- questions, the question is, shall House Bill 3334 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, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3334, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3341. Senator McConnaughay. House Bill 3375. Senator Rose. House Bill 3389. Senator Manar. House Bill 3398. Senator McCann. Gentleman wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 please read the bill.
House Bill 3398. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McCann. SENATOR McCANN: Yes, sir. This is just a technical cleanup of the -- of the existing language. This allows certain staffing criteria to be met to -- to allow nursing home administrators to -- to run their facility. It -- it's all in correlation with the Department of Public Health. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3398 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 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3398, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3434. Senator Tom Cullerton. House Bill 3444. Senator Jones. House Bill 3445. Senator Hastings. Turning to top of page 25. Okay, let's go to the top of page 25, House Bill 3448. Senator McGuire. House Bill 3457. Senator Manar. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3457. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …Manar.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a pretty simple bill that states that grant programs run by DNR should incorporate a preference for handicap-accessible playground equipment, such as swings, tables, adjustable equipment, et cetera. This is a practice that DNR already performs and we're just simply codifying current practice. Be happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to pull the bill out of the record for the moment.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) The bill will be held. Thank you very much. House Bill 3475. Senator Lightford. House Bill 3484. Senator Biss. House Bill 3507. Senator Trotter. House Bill 3510. Senator -- Mulroe. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3510. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The -- the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the State's three nursing home associations have agreed to the -- this language. 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 The bill itself establishes clear time frame for the committee's work, guidelines for composition of the committee, and tenure of the Chair. I know of no opposition. I'd ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3510 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3510, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3510. Senator Mulroe. I'm sorry, 3512. Please read the bill.
House Bill 3512. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3512 is an initiative of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The basis of the bill is to update the Uniform (Interstate) Family Support Act, which provides uniform rules for the enforcement of family support orders. I know of no opponents. I'd ask for your Aye votes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill -- 3512 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3512, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3523. Senator Sullivan. Mr. -- gentleman wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3523. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, the legislation provides that a commercial wind facility owner shall enter into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture that outlines construction and deconstruction standards to -- to protect the ag land on which the commercial wind facility is constructed. It also amends the County {sic} (Counties) Code and Municipal Code to provide that a wind facility owner must enter into an ag mitigation agreement before the required public hearing in front of the county board or municipal authority. Be happy to answer any questions. If there are none, I -- I do have some language I'd like to speak to with regard to legislative intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman, what purpose do you rise?
Questions of the sponsor regarding legislative intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Question -- the sponsor said he will yield. Senator 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Barickman.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, could you answer a few questions for me for legislative intent? First question: What does the agriculture {sic} (agricultural) impact mitigation agreement attempt to address?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Yes, thank you. The ag impact mitigation agreement, or it's also referred to as AIMA, will allow for the land impacted by the construction and deconstruction of wind farms to have its fertility restored, that drainage is properly repaired, and that the land is generally returned to its productive capacity.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
What would the AIMA provide for if this bill is passed?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
AIMA would establish minimum financial protections for the deconstruction of a wind farm upon the abandonment at the end of the useful life.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
Is -- is there anything in this bill or current law that would preclude a county or municipal government from enacting a stricter 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 AIMA?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Should a county or municipal government have more restrictive regulations in place for any of the issues addressed by the -- by AIMA, or should landowners be able to include more restrictive standards in their individual agreements with the wind energy facility owner, those more restrictive standards would supersede and the wind energy facility owner would be required to meet them.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
Final question: Would the AIMA established in this bill impact the siting process of counties or municipal governments?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan, for the final answer.
Thank you for your indulgence, Mr. President. Any siting issues associated with -- wind energy facilities not covered by the AIMA would continue to be addressed and regulated by counties or municipalities. And, Mr. President, I'll be more than happy to answer any other questions; otherwise, I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Oberweis, what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield. 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Senator, so often here in Springfield we pass legislation with good intentions that we believe will be positive for our State, but we find out later on that the -- the law of unintended consequences has happened one more time and things have ended up worse than they were before. My concern is here, we're now putting a requirement on companies who are ending their usage of that property and, my concern is, if there's a cost to do that, companies may just never officially end; they'll just let that property stay as is, more in a state of disarray than -- rather than allowing a farm to get it back into positive production.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Yeah, actually, this is exactly what the legislation is trying to address. We're trying -- right now they can do that; they can walk away from a facility, a wind turbine that's been constructed. No requirements to put it back to its original condition. This actually -- legislation requires them to do that, to have a plan, to make sure that any abuses that they've created on that land is addressed. And by the way, right now, if you put a pipeline through the State of Illinois, you have to have an ag mitigation agreement. We're simply copying what you have to do with regard to a wind turbine.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Oberweis.
Thank you, Senator, and I'll conclude with this. I don't want to make a major point, but you're emphasizing my fear that rather 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 than declaring that project over and then it being subject to paying those costs to bring the land back into its original state, the company will just continue to ignore it, let it stand, but not officially have ended their productive time. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any other discussion? No discussion. Senator Sullivan, do you want to close? Okay, seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3523 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 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 3523, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3531. Senator Link. Wishes the -- the bill to be read. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3531. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This -- currently the Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibits all smoking in licensed day care facilities; however, the Child Care Act still allows smoking in certain areas of day care centers in certain times. All this bill does is clear up the conflict in statute and prohibit smoking in all parts of day care centers. I know of no objection to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you. Senator Duffy, what purpose do you rise?
To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) To the bill.
You know, I just want to just make a statement about this bill, because it seems to be following the same pattern here that's been going along for the past -- this whole Session, is that we're trying to criminalize tobacco, but legalize marijuana. So, again, I just wanted to point that out, 'cause this is another one of those bills in that series. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any further discussion? Seeing no further -- discussion, the question is -- Senator Link, I'm sorry, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to clarify. All that we're doing is codifying this in a separate Section of the law. It is already law of the State of Illinois. We're not adding anything, changing anything - just codifying it in a different Section of the bill {sic}. Thank you. I'd ask for an affirmative vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Haine, what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor. I apologize for my late light. Would the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Haine, it's -- my apology. We were already closing. 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 So I'm sorry.
Well, someone cannot light up a marijuana cigarette in a day care according to this bill, right? Smoking's smoking. Right?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Haine.
I don't get the last objection to the bill. If smoking is smoking, whether it's marijuana, hemp, tobacco, cigars, or whatever, it's still prohibited under the law and it's consistent. So we're not being inconsistent at all, so I'd recommend an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Luechtefeld, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I would -- question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Question -- sponsor said he'll yield.
Senator, if you had a day care center in your home, and -- and I -- I -- I know of some people who do that, would you then, in the evening, not be able to smoke in that facility?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 It is already prohibited by Smoke Free Illinois today. All we're doing is codifying this in a different Section of the law. Nothing is new about this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Luechtefeld.
So you're saying that, even today, if you have a day care center in your home, at night, as the children are gone, you would not be able to smoke in that -- in that home.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Okay, again, seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3531 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 46 voting Aye, 4 voting No -- Nay. And House Bill 3531, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3533. Senator Althoff. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3533. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff.
17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 3533 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code regarding the use of ignition interlock devices and applications for driver's license following a DUI offense. It provides that the Secretary of State shall require the use of ignition interlock devices for a period of at least five years on all vehicles owned by a person who has been convicted of a second or subsequent offense of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicating compounds, or any combination thereof. In addition, it prohibits a person convicted of a second or subsequent DUI violation from even applying for a driver's license until he or she has first been issued a restricted driving permit by the Secretary of State and has shown a continuous period of at least five years of good driving behavior with no violations following the issuance of the restricted driving permit. Be happy to answer any questions; otherwise, I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3533 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 55 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3533, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Turning to the top of page 26. House Bill 3540. Senator -- Forby. Senate Bill 3552. Senator Delgado. Mr. -- wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3552. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3552 amends the Disposition of Remains Act to expressly allow a person to determine how his/her gender identity is addressed in the disposition of his or her remains, including instructions with respect to appearance, chosen name, and gender pronouns. Currently a person may provide written directions to the disposition of his or her remains as {sic} a will, prepaid funeral or burial contract, power of attorney, cremation authorization, or other -- or other authorized written instruments. And I don't know of any opponents and I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3552 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 59 voting Aye, no voting -- 49 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3552, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3592. Senator Connelly. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3592. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Connelly. …Connelly.
19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3592 is an initiative of IMRF. In the IMRF Article of the Pension Code, there's a provision concerning payment for purchasing service credit under an early retirement program. This simply changes the required contribution rate from a specified percentage to the total employee contribution rate in effect at the time the member purchases the service. There's no opposition to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3592 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3592, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House -- Senator -- House Bill 3616. Senator Syverson. House Bill 36… I'm sorry. Senate {sic} Bill 3616. Senator Syverson wishes to proceed. Please read the bill, Mr. Secretary.
House Bill 3616. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Syverson.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is language that's been worked out with all the parties -- involving notification, worked out between the Medicaid -- through the Department of Human Services, I think, and the State of Illinois. And know of no opposition to it. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3616 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3616, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3622. Senator Althoff. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3622. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff.
Thank you again, very much, Mr. President. House Bill 3622 permits the DNR, if it's in the best interest of the public, to vacate any plat of subdivision, street, roadway, or driveway. The DNR may do so with the approval from the Governor. Land title then is transferred unless there is an easement or a deed instructing otherwise. This was necessary when the Department of Natural Resources acquired property that at one point had actually been platted for a subdivision. Be happy to answer any other questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3622 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are -- take the record. On -- on that question, there are -- 56 Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3622, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3624. Senator Steans. Do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3624. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill -- currently there's been fast-track authority that's expiring December 31st -- expired December 31st, 2014, for the IEPA to authorize rulemaking to the Pollution Control Board. This just is extending it for five more years. I would ask for an Aye vote. This is -- I don't know of any opposition. It was unanimous in committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3624 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 55 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay, 1 voting Present. And House Bill 3624, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senator Martinez, what purpose do you rise? 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Thank you, Mr. President. My -- I got my colors mixed up. I meant to hit green for Aye and I ended up voting No, and I want the record to reflect that I meant to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) That's -- House Bill 3664 {sic} (3624), the record will reflect you intended to vote Aye. Senator Rose, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you. Point of personal privilege, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) State your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we're honored today to have the last of three field trips from Mahomet fifth grade here today. In the gallery are the classes of Mrs. Seal, Mr. Herriott, and Mr. Heinold. And on the Floor with me today is Daniel Hayes, who enjoys soccer and is thinking about being teacher when he gets older, and Olivia McMurry, who's a swimmer and wants to be doctor. And if we could welcome Mahomet fifth grade. And I myself -- and by the way, Tyler Clark from the Governor's Office is a graduate of Mahomet High School, I might add, as well. So, thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you. Please rise, and welcome to the Senate. Senator Luechtefeld, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) State your point. 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
I have a young lady who is -- is a Page today for me in the Capitol, and her mother is here also. She's from Pinckneyville, Illinois. She'll be a sophomore in high school. And I would hope that you would give a warm welcome to her and her mother. If they would both stand, I would appreciate it. Her mother's up here in the -- in the gallery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Stand and be recognized in the Senate. Welcome, welcome. Senator Oberweis, what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) State your point.
Fellow Senators, just want to point out that this year we may have an opportunity to raise revenue in a nationwide-leading way here in the State of Illinois that would be friendly to business. I know that sounds strange, but here's the deal. Currently companies give away samples to increase their sales, but the State of Illinois and many other states impose a tax at the retail value of those samples. Now, companies give away samples to generate more sales. So if we encourage companies to give away more samples that create more sales, we'll get more revenue for the State of Illinois. In that spirit, we have brought some samples of Oberweis ice cream for you. They're in the back corner, right here. Feel free to help yourself. We have chocolate, vanilla, or raspberry sherbet, or mango pomegranate sorbet, or lemon sorbet. And by the way, I have taken the approach that many businesses in Illinois 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 take under our present law, and that is to pay a penny a piece for them to reduce the tax revenue. So it's something that should be considered in the future. Thank you all and enjoy yourself.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Oberweis, and thank you for your generosity. Senator Connelly, what purpose do you rise?
Point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
Members of the Senate, I want to commend Senator Oberweis for the second year in a row providing ice cream for us, especially at the end of Session. But I -- I -- it sure would be nice to have some pizza, wouldn't it? Do we have anybody in the Senate who has a pizza franchise? That's right, Senator Harris. I hope one day you will follow Senator Oberweis' lead and bring some of that Beggars Pizza to the State Senate.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Connelly. Okay, back on the Calendar and not dealing with food. House Bill 3664. Senator McCann. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3664. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McCann. SENATOR McCANN: 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. This is essentially a trailer bill to legislation we passed last year that -- that brought some townships in my district into the new America's Central Port District. Quarry Township decided they did not want to be a part of it, but the City of Grafton, which lies inside the -- the -- the boundaries of Quarry Township, they do want to be in the new Port District. So this legislation takes out the township of Quarry, but leaves in the City of Grafton. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator McCann. Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3664 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3664, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3667. Senator Kotowski. House Bill 3670. Senator Noland. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3670. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Noland.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3670 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code, calling for the Secretary of State to revoke the license of any driver convicted of a moving violation when that 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 violation or offense is the direct - that is rather than proximate - cause of the death of any person. Know of no opposition. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3670 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 55 -- 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3670, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill -- 3672. Senator Cunningham. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3672. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cunningham.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3672 amends the Counties Code and it expands the property fraud alert program that several clerks and recorders around the State run by allowing real estate professionals to register in the system on behalf of new property owners. I know of no opposition. Would appreciate the Chamber's support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3672 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3672, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Senator Luechtefeld, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I promise you, I think this is my last time up today, if you don't mind. But I would like to introduce to the Body a -- a -- a Member of the House -- former Member of the House, who was a State Rep from my district. If you would welcome, Congressman Mike Bost is here today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Welcome, Congressman. Back to the Calendar, bottom of page 26. House Bill 3683. Senator Lightford. Turning to the top of page 27. House Bill 3686. Senator Stadelman. House Bill 3692. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3692. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3692 is a technical cleanup, which passed out of the Senate last year 54 to 0 and signed into law. It simply includes pre-9/11 veterans to be eligible for in-state tuition rates. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 House Bill 3692 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 55 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3692, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3693. Senator Clayborne. Leader Clayborne. House Bill 3721. Oh, I'm sorry. Let's go back to House Bill 3693. Senator Clayborne, on House Bill 3693, do you wish to proceed? Wishes to proceed. Senator Clayborne seeks leave of the Body to return Senate -- House Bill 3693 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3693. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Clayborne.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Clayborne.
House -- House Amendment No. 1 just clarifies and make {sic} this applicable to only -- only a township in St. Clair County.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Discussion? Being no discussion, all those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 3693. Senator Clayborne, do you wish to proceed? …proceed. Mr. 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Secretary, please read this -- please read the bill.
House Bill 3693. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. -- Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 3693 allows townships that are substantially coterminous with a municipality, twenty-three square miles or more, and within a county with a population over two hundred and seventy thousand, St. Clair County, to adopt an ordinance to discontinue the township organization and transfer all rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, obligations, responsibilities of the township to the coterminous municipality. It also makes conforming changes to the Property Tax Code, the Public Health District (Act) and the Illinois Public Aid Code and the Illinois Highway Code. I would ask for your favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …you. Senator Righter, what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield.
Senator Clayborne, I -- I serve on the Governor's commission {sic} (task force) for consolidation of local government and unfunded mandate relief, but it sounds to me like you've got this 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 deal taken care of. Can you tell me where this bill comes from? I mean, who -- locally? Are officials requesting this? I mean, what's the origin of the bill, as they say here in the Senate?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Clayborne.
The -- the local officials are requesting it. Actually, it's a bipartisan effort.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
Just as a follow up, Senator. I mean, what's the basis for the request? What is the problem they say will be solved by this becoming law?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Clayborne.
They feel the township is no longer needed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Is there any further discussion? No further discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3693 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, no voting Nay. House Bill 3693, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3721. Senator Hastings. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 House Bill 3721. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hastings.
Thanks, Mr. President. House Bill 3721 expands the definition of "military service" to include any period of active duty by members of the National Guard who are called to active duty by the Governor of Illinois or another state. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3721 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3721, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3746. Senator Link. Mr. -- Senator Link wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3746. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill amends the Consumer Fraud and Deception Business Practice {sic} (Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act). The bill would prohibit a used 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 car dealer ability to modify or disclaim an implied warranty before, one, fifteen days after the delivery of the used vehicle or, two, five hundred miles has been driven after the delivery of a used vehicle, whichever is earlier. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3746 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, no voting nay. And House Bill 3746, having required -- having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3766. Senator Biss. Mr. -- Senator Biss wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3766. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. House Bill 3766 places a cap on cancellation fees for electric utilities and ARESs. The cap is fifty dollars for residential consumers and a hundred and fifty dollars for small commercial consumers. I know of no opposition. Even Senator Tom Cullerton supports it, and I hope you will join him in doing so.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill -- 3766 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 36 -- 3766, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3797. Senator Luechtefeld. Mr. -- Senator Luechtefeld wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3797. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Luechtefeld.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3797 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. It provides that the initial standard registration fee shall not be required for persons changing registration of a vehicle following the death of a spouse. You know, this happens at -- many times where maybe the -- the title is in the man's name, he dies, and they have to pay the full amount to have the transfer. This would lower it from ninety-five dollars to fifteen dollars. There doesn't seem to be any opposition to the bill and would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3797 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3797 -- 3797, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3812. Senator Hastings. Senator Hastings wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3812. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hastings.
Thanks, Mr. President. House Bill 3812 will allow a county to use a portion of its Transportation Safety Highway Hire-Back Fund to purchase equipment for law enforcement and to fund the production of materials to educate drivers on construction zone and driving habits.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3812 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill -- 3712 {sic} (3812), having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 37 -- 3840. Senator Harris. Senator Harris wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 House Bill 3840. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Harris.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate {sic} Bill 3840 creates the Equal Economic Opportunity Task Force to examine economic barriers in economically depressed communities. It also deals with issues discouraging local investment and business development. It's going to look into local economy concerns and local economic conditions. And this group will produce a report and present it to the General Assembly upon completion. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3840 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3840, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3882. Senator Emil Jones. Turning to the top of page 28. House Bill 3887. Senator Bertino-Tarrant. She wishes to proceed. Senator -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3887. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill. 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Bertino-Tarrant.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3887 requires State agencies to review their rules, regulations, and permit processes as they pertain to small businesses in order to identify those rules, regulations, and processes that are unreasonable, burdensome, and onerous to small businesses. State agencies will have one year from the effective date to complete the review and will do so every five years thereafter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3887 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3887, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Senator Sullivan, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. A point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a -- really a -- an impressive young man standing to my right. His name is Chris Durdle. Chris submitted a design for the crest of the newest USS Illinois nuclear submarine. There was over one hundred and fifty of these designs that were submitted and Chris -- Chris's design was chosen to be the crest for the USS Illinois nuclear submarine. I have a -- a 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 design here of what that looks like, what that crest looks like, and Chris incorporated many of the themes from the State of Illinois. It has a white-tailed deer, which is the State mammal; a Cardinal, which is our State bird. It has a "21" on it, which Illinois is the twenty-first state. It has the marine dolphins on it. Here is the -- Chris did the original design with a marker and a pencil, and here is that design up in the corner. Here is the final design that the -- will be on the crest of the -- of the USS nuclear submarine, USS Illinois. Chris is here with his mother and they -- Chris is a senior at Monmouth-Roseville High School, which is in my Senate district. He's going to be attending Northern Illinois University this fall with -- seeking a degree in illustration. Is that correct? And I'll tell you what, this is an impressive young man, and I'd like everybody to welcome Chris and his mother here to the Illinois Senate today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senate will stand and give Chris and his mother a welcome. Thank you very much. Senator McCann, what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCANN: On a point of personal privilege, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your point. SENATOR McCANN: I'd like to make an introduction here today. I have -- I have a guest with me, Dr. Donald Graham. He's an infectious disease specialist here in Springfield and he's taking part in a job shadowing project by the Sangamon County Medical Society. So I'd like to introduce my guest, Dr. Donald Graham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you. And welcome to the Senate, Doctor. …back to the Calendar. Senator Sullivan, on House Bill 3895. Do you wish to proceed? He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3895. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. The legislation makes two changes to the Freedom of Information Act. First of all, it -- it exempts certain records from the -- from disclosure under the Act if they are requested by a person detained by the Department of Human Services under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act. It also clarifies that juvenile records held -- held by law enforcement agencies, even for juveniles who were never arrested, are included in the exemptions from the disclosure in the same manner as those records exempt from the disclosure in the Juvenile Act. Both parts of this legislation passed the House with unanimous support. Be -- ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Sullivan. Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3895 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 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 -- 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3895, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to go back to the bottom of page 27, House Bill 3882. Senator Jones, do you wish to proceed? He wishes to proceed. Senator -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3882. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 382 {sic} (3882) removes a section of the Park District Code that authorized a referendum to create a new park district located in two municipalities that expired on January 1st, 1987. The fate of the referendum -- referendum, or -- even occurred, is unknown. I know of no opposition and look for a favorable vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3882 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 -- Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3882, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Okay, back to page 28. House Bill… Okay, let's go to House Bill 3896. Senator Sullivan, do you wish 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 to proceed? Senator Sullivan wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3896. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. 3896 simply changes the time frame by which the Department of Human Services must send a notice of a sexually violent persons change in custody status. This is an initiative of the Department. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no -- any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall 38 -- House Bill 3896 pass. All those in favor, vote -- vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3896, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Okay, we'll go to page -- with leave of the Body, we're going to go back to page 25. House Bill 3507. Senator Trotter, do you wish to proceed? Senator Trotter wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3507. (Secretary reads title of bill) 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3507 amends the Children and Family Services Act by providing that DCFS must continue to provide services aimed at assisting youth between the ages of eighteen and twenty one in its care to achieve sustainable self-sufficiency. It also amends the Juvenile Court Act by clarifying the judiciary's ability to oversee the delivery of services by DCFS to youth in care and under the wardship of the court in the same manner that the judiciary, hearing delinquency matters, have the authority to oversee the delivery of services by DCFS to youth care. It also eliminates the necessity of youth to request an extension of wardship at age nineteen by maintaining the ability of all parties to request case closure at any time after an independent youth reaches the age of eighteen under long-standing legal standards.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you. Senator Syverson, do you have a -- what purpose do you rise?
Just a question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield. Senator Syverson.
Senator, is there a cost that's associated with making this change?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Senator Trotter.
No, there is not. They currently provide these services and we're codifying what they already do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Syverson.
And where is the Department on this? Do they support this or do they oppose this?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
I've had discussions with the new Director. He does support the concept. He truly believes that by not doing this and not utilizing the ability to have these individuals work that we're leaving federal dollars on the table. And there's also a court decree that we also have to be cognizant of as we go forward. So he is for it in principle.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Syverson.
Thank you. And I -- and I know there was some -- during the debate, we talked about some of the issues here that we understand that there's importance and that this maybe shouldn't be an all or nothing. But the -- the Department - and when you talked about not having a cost - the Department talks about the cost for fully implementing this legislation at around a hundred million dollars. And is that due to the fact that the law is changing now to only take eighteen-year-olds in as opposed to twenty-one? Or, where is 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 the Department coming up with the budgetary concern that this could be a hundred million dollars in cost?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
That was the Governor's proposal. In looking at the Governor's proposal, are what -- the Governor had made the assumption that that would be the cost if in fact that we did not take advantage of these federal dollars that are on the table. So that original idea of what we thought they'd have to do as a consequence of going to court -- of these young individuals going to court to certify in fact that they could be part of this program, that language has been taken out of -- out of this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Syverson.
My understanding is that there was -- been an agreement worked out with the Department on some language that they could work with that was going to be part of the BIMP bill. Have -- have they talked to you about that at all, or what are your thoughts on this -- using that as compromise -- the compromised bill that the Department supports?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
Yes, I did have a conversation with them, but you're in error when you said it was agreed upon. I did not agree upon that language and most individuals that were sitting at that table did not. They did submit their proposal, but the proposal would have 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 had a cost to it and this is much simpler. Let's continue with the -- the obligation that we already have to ensure that these eighteen-year-olds and -- to twenty-one-year-olds get the training that they need so they can be certainly good citizens here in the State of Illinois, get 'em that -- that support that we've been given by this court decree that's already been filed.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Syverson.
And just to wrap it up, I appreciate what you're trying to do and I think the goal of the -- of the compromise legislation that was worked out from the Department is, how can we give coverage for those individuals that -- that truly need that, as opposed to a blanket coverage for everyone eighteen to twenty-one, knowing the financial condition that the State is in. And so knowing that this legislation will most likely get vetoed and they'll work with the -- the language that the Department and the Governor's wanted, I would urge our Members to vote No, again, primarily due to the -- the projected cost of -- of implementing this program to this broad of an extent. And thank you. And, Senator Trotter, thank you for taking the time to talk about it.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Murphy, what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield.
Senator, is -- is -- is this program in the budget that the 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Majority intends to put forth later on today or this week? Does this line…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
Yes, sir. We -- there -- what I've been told, there is an intent for us to pass a budget, essentially at 2015 levels. So the dollars that were included in that budget certainly would probably be reflected in the one for 2016.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Murphy.
Wait! But we don't have enough money coming in to pay for spending in 2015 levels, so how do you propose to pay for this when we don't have the money for it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
Since we're just talking in hypotheticals, because we don't know what we're going to see, but making the assumption that we do our duty as a legislature to ensure that those who need the -- our support, who need our help, are taken care of, I'm -- I'm sure we'll find something or some way to do that. Again, I think all of us come down here to try to enhance the quality of life of all of our citizens, not just saying this is what I want to do because this is going to shake up the -- the Body. So no one is shaking in fear as we go forward and sometimes we have to take some real hard -- real -- make some real hard decisions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Senator Murphy.
To the bill, Mr. President. Senator, I appreciate your interest in this issue. I think this is a really good example of why we need to inject reform into this conversation. This is not a bad idea, what you're talking about doing - it's not - but we can't afford it without reform. We can't continue to do what we've always done. This is an example of an attempt to do what we have always done without providing the means to pay for it. We can't -- and we tried, by the way, we tried just raising taxes before to pay for what we wanted to do and it didn't work. Our economy didn't recover. Our jobs didn't come back. If you want to be able to afford to do things like this, Ladies and Gentlemen, you need to fundamentally change the direction of this State and that requires real reform. So when we talk about a budget and we talk about it in conjunction with reforms, this is exactly what we're talking about. Let's not try and do again what has failed in the past. Let's fundamentally reform the way this State operates so we can finally take care of priorities and -- and put money where the people what it to. But in the meantime, until we get reform, we can't do this and I have to urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose, what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor, if I may.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield.
Thank you. Leader Trotter, on the -- as this does impact -- 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 and I think you called it a hypothetical - seems to be an awful expensive hypothetical at a hundred million dollars. But since this will impact the -- the budget that will play out here in the next week, I do have a -- a question. Is there anything in this that would require these eighteen- to twenty-one-year-olds either to be employed or in school?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
Yes. In this bill, specifically no. However, in my conversations with the new Director, he understands that -- having worked in Washington, D.C., that there are programs that certainly would be able to -- that these individuals would be eligible to get involved in, and -- from -- by his number, that we are essentially, here in the State of Illinois, leaving about seventy- five million dollars on the table because we have not addressed those -- those opportunities that are out there. So, yes, this - - this program, by helping them get an education, by helping these individuals, giving them some stability in their lives, which they do not basically have or had not in their lives, in our system that has been a failure, with this type of leadership, with this type of regiment, yes, this would help them get jobs and get an education going forward.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
That's a very interesting answer, Leader, and -- 'cause it almost sounded like yes to my question, but my question was, are they required to have employment or be in school to receive the 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 benefit. That's a yes or no question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
Aha! That was the answer I was looking for. So, in fact, the amendment that would require these otherwise -- and by the way, folks, let's define terms here. We're not talking about developmentally disabled adults here, disabled adults; we're talking about otherwise able-bodied adults. The amendment that would require them to receive -- to be either working or in school to receive this benefit was not adopted, is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
I don't know if it was ever forwarded or -- to be adopted…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
So, to the bill. I -- I guess…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) To -- to the bill, please.
Thank you. This -- this sort of makes my point. The reality is here, the State of Illinois is collapsing. It's billions of dollars in the hole. And I've had the same discussions that Leader 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Trotter's had, that there is possibly an opportunity to draw down some additional federal dollars and make this program more efficient than what it's been. And I salute the -- the Director for bringing it up and for Leader Trotter raising it as a possibility. But irrespective of that, we are still going to be funding able-bodied adults who refuse to go to school and refuse to get a job. I don't see why that is the taxpayers of the State of Illinois' problem, quite frankly, particularly when we are not funding developmentally disabled, disabled services, drug treatment, our courts, our DOC, our environment, I mean, so many other things. But, once again, in this -- instance, we're going to tell eighteen- to twenty-one-year-olds, able-bodied adults - that's a critical distinction - that they're going to get help from this program, and they're not going to go to school and they're not going to get a job. I think that's wrong. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter, to close.
Thank you very much. Able-bodied adults. I guess you haven't read or some of you have not read the reports. The Tribune I think was -- was very clear. They -- for -- for weeks they ran reports of these individuals, who have been broken, because they basically have gone through a broken system, a system that was not there for them, did not provide them stability, sometimes because they'd be sent around to so many different families, they didn't have a -- a steady school to go to. These are not able-bodied, whole individuals. As a matter of fact, if you look at what the -- the census says, the census survey reports that approximately fifty 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 percent of men and forty-four percent of women from nineteen to twenty four in these good able-bodied households live with their family, live with their parents. These youth in our care do not have that opportunity to do so. As a matter of fact, it has been snatched away from them because we did have a broken system here in the State of Illinois. Those other services that were mentioned, the drug treatment services, absolutely correct, we do not have the dollars to pay for them the way they should be paid for at this point in time; but taking them away from individuals who've already been growing up in these broken homes is not only a travesty, but it's criminal. Think we have a responsibility to continue to offer support to these individuals that we have let down. We have become their -- their family - the State - their family, their support. Just as you, with your own nuclear family, keep your kids at home and they keep on coming back - they're boomerang children no matter what age they are - well, these folks didn't have a time to even be launched. They're not boomerang because they have no place to go back to. Let's give them a real opportunity. Let's pass this bill to ensure that these services are in place for them, that those dollars that we're leaving on the table in Washington, D.C., our taxpayer dollars, come back home to help this very vulnerable community. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Trotter. The question is, shall House Bill 3507 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 35 voting Aye, 21 voting Nay. House Bill -- 3507, having 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Turning now back to page -- Senator Van Pelt, I'm sorry, did you -- what purpose do you rise?
For a point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) State your point.
Well, my assistant here, Beverly Renfro-Helm {sic} (Helm- Renfro), is having her thirty-ninth plus birthday today. So I would like her to rise, and I ask everyone here to wish her a very happy pre-fortieth-year birthday.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Happy birthday, Bev. Happy birthday. Back to the Calendar. On page 28, House Bill 3897. Senator Righter, do you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, he wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
House Bill 3897. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. House Bill 3897 would simply strike the prohibition that is current law that does not allow the student commissioner with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to be considered for any of the scholarships that ISAC offers. It would be replaced with a 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 provision that simply does not allow that student's status as the student commissioner to be considered during the deliberations on who will get the scholarships. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3897 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 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill -- 3897, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3909. Senator Cunningham. House Bill 3932. Senator Raoul. House Bill 3933. Senator Raoul. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3933. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Raoul.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3933 amends the Access to Justice Act to give certain duties to the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation created by the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association. Also creates the Illinois Access to Civil Justice Council, which is a special advisory body created by the Foundation.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the -- the question 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 is, shall House Bill 3933 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3933, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4006. Senator Haine. House Bill 4007. Senator Clayborne. Mr. -- Senator Clayborne wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4007. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Clayborne.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 4007 amends the Environmental Protection Act by allowing dust suppressants to be considered as non-waste through a beneficial use determination by the Environmental Protection Agency. Dust suppressants are -- are substances applied to material to prohibit such material from being airborne; for example, water sprayed over coal loaded on an open-top rail car to prohibit coal dust from being kicked up by the wind while the train is traveling. There's no known opposition. My understanding, this makes it much better for recycling and industry to create jobs and move forward. I would ask for a favorable vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 4007 pass. All those in favor will say Aye -- vote 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 4007, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 4018. Senator Muñoz. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4018. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. 4018 makes various changes to the Liquor Control Act to clarify that non-alcoholic merchandise may be distributed by a distributor of alcoholic beverage. I know of no opposition to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 4018 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 4018, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 4025. Senator Tom Cullerton. Turning to the top of page 29. House Bill 4029. Senator Tom Cullerton. House Bill 4096. Senator Steans. House Bill 4107 -- 4107. Senator Righter. Mr. -- wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
House Bill 4107. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 4107 simply removes a provision of law requiring the Department of Human Services to enter into contracts with agencies that have actually not existed for the last five budget years. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing any -- any -- no -- any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 4107 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 -- 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 4107, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 4130. Senator Rezin. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4130. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rezin.
56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 4130 is a conveyance of the Department of Military Affairs facility in Streator to the City of Streator. This is an agreed bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion -- seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 4130 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 4130, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 601, offered by Senator Landek and all Members. It's a death resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, Consent Calendar.
Senate Joint Resolution 28, offered by Senator Bush. It's substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Okay. Okay, with leave of the Body, we're going to go back to page 29, House Bill 4029. Senator Cullerton, wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Cullerton seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4029 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. On the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4029. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Tom Cullerton.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd just like to adopt the amendment, explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) There any discussion? All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Now on the Order of 3rd… Are there… Are there any more Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4029. Senator Cullerton. …Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4029. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 4029 amends the Animal Welfare Act. Requires an animal shelter to report acceptance of a stray dog or cat to animal control or law enforcement. Requires a shelter to scan the dog within twenty- four hours of being taken into a shelter. Requires the shelter to 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 give seven days' notice to the owner before an animal can be released. Rely -- requires that prior to transferring the animal to another shelter or rescue group or for -- euthanization, the animal must again be scanned for the presence of a microchip. We went through about four amendments on this and we got it to where there is no opposition. I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McCarter, what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, I -- I've -- I've been in these meetings, quite contentious meetings, I must add, at times, but have you really, as you quoted at least three times, worked your tail off on this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
I worked my tail off. I worked my hair off. I worked off a lot of things on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McCarter. SENATOR McCARTER: No other questions. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton, to close.
59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you for that intense line of questioning, Senator McCarter. It's always a thrill. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no other discussion, the House -- the question is, shall House Bill 20 -- 4029 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 4029, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Okay, leave of the Body, we're going to go back to the top of the Order, page 18. House Bill 123. Senator Haine. House Bill 163. Senator Delgado. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 163. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 163 is a ISB {sic} (ISBE) initiative. Prohibits the State Board of Education from having separate performance standards for students based on race or ethnicity. We have no opposition. I'd ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 163 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 163, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 198. Senator Trotter. Turning to the top of page 19. Oh, I'm sorry, Senator Trotter. Let's go -- with leave of the Body, let's go back to House -- House Bill 198. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 198. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 198 prohibits parking non-electric vehicles in designated electric vehicle charging stations, including charging stations in any private or public off-street parking facility. Any authorized vehicle {sic} found guilty of violating this law will be fined at least seventy-five dollars plus any costs incurred for removal and storage.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 198 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 55 voting Aye, 1 voting Nay. And House Bill 198, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Turning to the top of page 19. House Bill 200. Senator 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Morrison. House Bill 242. Senator Tom Cullerton. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 242. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 242 clarifies that downloading an app onto someone -- onto somebody's phone that allows another person to track their location counts as placing a person under surveillance for the purposes of the crime of stalking.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the -- I'm sorry, Senator Van Pelt.
I just have a question to the sponsor. Will he -- will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) He said he will yield. Senator Van Pelt.
Thank you. Now, so I know several fathers that have done that, put the tracking device on their daughters' phones. So would that be considered stalking?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Tom Cullerton.
62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 No. This would be a threat of an -- an immediate harm or future bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint and the threat is directed toward that person or a family member of that person.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Van Pelt.
So, if they install an app on a person's phone for the intent of doing any of those things, you said?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
It's not considered stalking unless you're -- you're knowingly put under -- without the lawful justification and you're placing the person under surveillance against their will.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Van Pelt.
Like a father might do to his daughter. Right? I'm just asking, 'cause I just don't want us to pass a law that we think mean one thing and it end up being something else.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Cullerton.
I will tell you what, I'll pull this and I'll get you and Senator Hastings an answer. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no other… Okay, we're going to hold this -- hold this bill. House Bill 362. Senator McConnaughay. She wishes to 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 362. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 362 amends the State Records Act and the Local Records Act. It adds "born-digital electronic material" and "electronic material with a combination of digitized and born-digital matter {sic} (material)" to the definition of "record" or "records". It also provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall also issue regulations regarding procedures for the management and preservation of electronically generated and maintained records. I know of no opposition. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 362 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 362, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 363. Senator Hastings. House Bill 364. Senator Tom Cullerton. House Bill 372. Senator Cunningham. House Bill 500. Senator -- House Bill 500. Senator Haine. House Bill 573. Senator Noland. House Bill 745. Senator Kotowski. Senator -- I'm sorry. House Bill 806. Senator Delgado. House Bill 940. 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Senator Link. Turning to the top of page 20. House Bill 1119. Senator Raoul. House Bill 1121. Senator -- President Cullerton. With leave of the Body, we're going to go back to page 19, House Bill 806. Senator Delgado, do you wish to proceed? He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 806. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Delgado.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. It's -- we have two bills similar and we thought we were holding that one. 806 allows a school district to offer a high school level course at an elementary for seventh and eighth grade students and have that course be taught by a teacher at the elementary school, provided that the elementary teacher teaching the course is endorsed for the grade level and content are {sic} (area) of the course. And this is a good one. All the proponents came together, the gifted students, LUDA, CPS, -- Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents. We show no opponents and would ask for your Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 806 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 806, having 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 23, House Bill 3269. Senator Rose. Gentleman wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3269. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
Thank you. This has nothing to do with creating new license plates; it just transfers the funds to the correct fund that the Master Mason plates should be going into. I -- there's no opposition. I'd ask for its favorable…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Senator Delgado, what purpose do you rise?
I don't think I want to touch that one with a ten-foot pole.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion?
We -- …President -- Mr. -- we just need him to repeat that statement he made, the last, but a lot slower for our audience up in the gallery.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose, slowly and quietly.
You -- you people are terrible. Master Mason plates. 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any other discussion? Seeing no other discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3290 -- 69 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 59 Ayes, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3269, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Okay, on the Order of -- with leave of the Body, we're going to go back to page 24, Senate Bill -- House Bill 3375. Senator Rose. Shh! Senator Rose, you - - wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3375. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose, slowly please.
This -- this bill -- this bill is an initiative of the Department of Public Health to put teeth in their ability to regulate unlicensed tattoo parlors. Currently -- currently there's not much they can do if someone goes out and just starts inking somebody up without having a license, and this would give them the ability to go after those folks. There are no new fees or anything else in this. There was confusion a little bit in committee on that point, but we just force them to go under the statute like everybody else. I'd ask for a favorable adoption. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Seeing -- any discussion? No discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3375 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 59 voting -- voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3375, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Okay, back to the -- on page 20, House Bill -- 1336. Senator Steans. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1336. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
Yes, thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill grants immunity to persons who seek emergency medical attention for those experiencing alcohol poisoning. Alcohol- related unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among young people in the United States. In Illinois alone, about two hundred and eighty-three thousand twenty -- twelve- to twenty-one- year-olds -- have binge alcohol use, report that. We have nearly six thousand admissions each year in Illinois for alcohol emergencies. We've had -- twenty-one states already across the country have given this kind of immunity. It's been very bipartisan, you know, and I would urge folks to do this. We really want people to make that call. If they think somebody is needing medical emergency, that they actually make that call and get them 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 -- the needed attention. I would urge an Aye vote and I don't know of any opposition to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter, what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said she -- she will yield.
Thank you. Senator Haines -- Senator Steans, walk through with me the example of the problem that you are trying to solve. Exactly how will this work?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
Yeah, so this -- there was an -- a specific example I know that the House sponsor had, which drew this to his attention, where a constituent, an underaged person who was at a party and there had been alcohol going -- consumed there, somebody was in danger and probably had drinken {sic} too much and needed medical attention. One of the other kids there called 9-1-1 and in fact that person then -- her -- was the one who stayed there, got the medical attention, and was the one who ended up getting ticketed and getting in trouble for doing what was the right thing. This would encourage -- we've done this already for similar -- for heroin overdose similarly. We did that a couple years ago in this General Assembly. This is just plain providing immunity to that person for only those specific circumstances, if they make that call and stay with that person until medical attention arrives, 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 that they -- to try and encourage them to actually make those phone calls.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
In the bill, is the immunity limited to just one person?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
The -- so it -- it's immunity -- it gives immunity to only a person who seeks emergency medical attention under particular circumstances: if the person contacts law enforcement -- the person him -- him or herself has contacted law enforcement to seek medical attention for somebody who is experiencing alcohol poisoning; two, the person provides their full name and other relevant information - so they have to have provided that; three, if the person remains at the scene until emergency medical assistance arrived; and, four, the person cooperated with emergency medical assistance personnel and law enforcement officers at the scene.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
So the -- the immunity by law, if this becomes law, will be limited to only the individual who placed the call and gave that information. That's correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Yes, and then only if they've also stayed on the scene until the emergency arrives and cooperates with the medical assistance and the -- the law enforcement as well.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose, what purpose do you rise?
Questions of the sponsor, if I may?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said she'll yield.
Senator, first of all, I am very much in favor of this concept. I think it's a -- a great idea and I think it will save lives. I do have a couple technical questions that I'm not sure how it resolves under this, if I may. First of all, I am a little bit concerned that at a party where someone provides the alcohol that puts the individual in the circumstance where it's necessary to call an ambulance or law enforcement or whoever, that that person may somehow skate. What does this do to address that situation?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
Yes, no -- so if there's other things going on there, this does not provide immunity for any other -- if there's other folks that are getting served and all that kind of stuff, it does not provide immunity for that; solely for the situation that I referred to, if they just make a call and provide all that information and cooperate. So -- because that is, you know, and obviously, a very important factor. We're not trying to provide immunity if 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 somebody's actually creating the problem in and of themselves.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
So then, in the second instance, an example, what about where you don't call law enforcement, instead you take 'em to the hospital directly. But law enforcement is stationed at most hospitals. So you bring your friend to the hospital to drop them off to seek medical attention in the ER, you walk in, now you're tagged.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Steans.
This does not apply in that circumstance, is my understanding.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
So, Senator Steans, I -- I think this is very important to move forward today, but I think we may want, in the next Session, to consider that situation, because we certainly don't want to let somebody drive to a hospital, then turn around and drive out if they're under -- intoxicated. But if a group of teenagers take their friend to a hospital and drop him off and one of the -- and the driver is not intoxicated, it would seem like the spirit of what you're trying to do here is the same, which is save somebody's life. And -- and, quite frankly, I -- I think you're going to find that to be as much the case as someone just calling -- maybe not as much, but you'll find that happening as well, in addition to just the 9-1-1 calls. So something to think about. I look 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 forward to voting for your bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no other discussion, Senator Steans, to close.
Yes, thank you. I -- again, the -- the idea here really is to help encourage folks to make the call when they know they need to do the right thing and save lives. We have too many young folks who are in fact over-imbibing and dying of alcohol poisoning each year in Illinois. I would encourage your favorable vote and definitely look forward to working in the future on ways that we might be able to even improve this further. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Steans. The question is, shall House Bill 1336 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 55 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 1336, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 1359. Senator Biss. Senator Biss wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1359. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 1359 amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Civil Administrative Code by providing for automatic and indefinite suspension of a health care worker license of a licensed health care worker convicted of health care or insurance fraud, with intent, under any state or federal law.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 1359 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 1359, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 1360. Senator Biss. House Bill 1365. Senator Steans. House Bill 1429. Senator Morrison. I'm sorry, Senator Link. I'm sorry. House Bill 1452. Senator Harmon. Senator -- House Bill 1530. Senator Martinez. Turning to the top of page 21. House Bill 1660. Senator Muñoz. House Bill 2482. Senator Martinez. House Bill 2503. Senator Cunningham. House Bill 2569. Senator Link. House Bill 2636. Senator McConnaughay. House Bill 2642. Senator Steans. With leave -- with leave of the Body, we're going to go back to the top of page 21, House Bill 1660. Senator Muñoz, do you wish to proceed? He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 1660. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. The bill creates a seventeen-member Hepatitis C Task Force within DPH and defines its duties. The public members must serve without compensation and will not be reimbursed for expenses, unless funds become available for the Task Force. The bill abolishes the Task Force and this Act on January 1, 2017.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any questions? Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 1660 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 1660, having required {sic} the constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Going back to page 21, middle of page 21. House Bill 2642. Senator Steans. 2643. Senator Steans. House Bill 2822. Senator McConnaughay. Senator Cullerton, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. I intended to vote Yes on House Bill 1660.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Record will so reflect. Thank you.
Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) House Bill 3103. Senator Harmon. House Bill 3104. Senator Althoff. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Clerk -- Mr. Clerk -- Mr. President -- Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 House Bill 3104. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff.
Thank you -- thank you very much, Mr. President. House Bill 3104 just clarifies that a county can transfer moneys between funds without a vote of the board as long as the transfer does not impact the total amount appropriated for the year and as long as these transfers do not affect personnel or capital. Personnel or capital transfers and emergency appropriations still need a two-thirds vote of the board. And be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3104 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, 2 voting Nay. And House Bill 3105, having -- 3104, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Turning to the top of page 22. House Bill 3122. Senator Hastings. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3122. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hastings. 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
House Bill 3122 creates the Veterans Preference in -- Private Employment Act, which allows a private employer to adopt voluntary veterans' preference employment policy. I know of no opponents to this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3122 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3122, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3123. Senator Althoff. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3123. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, very much. House Bill 3123 amends the School Code. It basically states that school counseling services may include assisting students, as opposed to supporting students, in need of special education services by implementing the academic supports and social-emotional and college or career development counseling services or interventions per a student's individual education program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Any discussion? Seeing no -- no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3123 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill -- House Bill 3123, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3126. Senator Manar. House Bill 3133. Senator Harris. The gentleman wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3133. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Harris.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. House Bill 3133 is a recommendation of the Illinois (Health) Facilities and Service {sic} (Services) Review Board. It makes technical changes to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act to codify current policies and practices of the Health Facilities and Service Review Board. This is a compromise between the Illinois Health Facilities and the {sic} Service Review Board and the Illinois Hospital Association. And I ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3133 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 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 question, there are 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3133, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3136. Senator Sandoval. House Bill -- 3141. Senator Righter. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3141. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. This bill, which was brought to me by the Department of Juvenile Justice, amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Creates a new Section in the Code that clarifies the reporting requirements from the Department to the Governor and the General Assembly. Also make -- makes appropriate changes in the Code of Corrections to mirror identical provisions in the Department of Juvenile Justice portion of the law. Be happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3141 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 -- 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3141, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3149. Senator Link. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 House Bill 3149. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill allows certain people to petition to have their criminal records sealed earlier if the person earns a high school diploma, degree, or other education or vocational certificates during the sentence or while on aftercare or mandatory supervised release. The bill also allows early sealing of records on orders of supervision, conviction of municipal ordinance violations, order of first time offender prohibition {sic} (probation), and certain Class 3 and 4 felon -- felony convictions. If the court denies the early petition, the person must wait the full statutory waiting period before filing another petition. Be more than happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter, what purpose do you rise?
Will the sponsor yield, please, Mr. President?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he'll yield.
Senator Link, you mentioned that the bill would allow certain people to accelerate the date that they could apply for the sealing, but I'm not -- I did not catch who the certain people might be. Can you elaborate on that for the Chamber a little bit, please? 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Orders of supervision, including orders of supervision for municipal ordinance violations; convictions on municipal ordinance violations; orders of first offenders -- probation under various Sections of Cannabis Control Act, Illinois Controlled Substance {sic} (Substances) Act, (Methamphetamine Control and) Community Protection Act, or offenders of intent -- initiative programs {sic} (Offender Initiative Program) within the Unified Code of Corrections; Class 4 felons -- felony convictions of following -- offenses: prostitution, possession of cannabis, offenders under -- Methanide Procurement {sic} (Methamphetamine Precursor) Control Act, offenses under the -- Steroid Control Act, theft, retail theft, forgery, and possession of burglary tools; and Class 3 felons - convictions of following offense: theft, retail theft, forgery, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver controlled substance.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing -- oh, Mr. -- Senator Righter.
So, as I understood that answer, Senator, the highest grade felony for which this would apply is a Class 3 felony. Are there any exceptions to that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link. Senator Righter.
I'm sorry, I didn't hear the answer. I'm sorry.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Senator Link.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
Are there any crimes of violence on the list? And I want to be clear about what I mean by that - assault, battery, sexual violence. Is there any -- is there anything on the list that would fall into that category?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter.
I hope this is the last question, Mr. President. Thank you for your indulgence. Senator, by what time frame can the application for the sealing be accelerated if they achieve the -- the goals that are set out in the bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
Upon termination of their last conviction -- sentence.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter, for another final question.
Sorry. I mean, the termination of their sentence, so that 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 means if they complete their term of probation, they end their term of supervised release, they finish their term of supervision; that's -- that's what we're talking about when you say that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Link.
That is correct.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Righter. Seeing no other discussion, Senator Link, to close?
I -- I would…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Okay, the question is, shall House Bill 3149 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 36 voting Aye, 18 voting Nay. And House Bill 3149, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. House Bill 3158. Senator Kotowski. Wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3158. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Kotowski.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 the Senate. House Bill 3158 is a recommendation of the University of -- of Chicago, The ARC of Illinois, and the National Down Syndrome Society. It creates the Down Syndrome Information and Awareness Act to require Department of Public Health to make information available to help professionals who render care to persons who have received a positive test for Down syndrome and to families who receive a positive diagnosis of Down syndrome for a child.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3158 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 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3158, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3159. Senator Morrison, do you wish to proceed? Senator Morrison wishes to proceed. Senator Morrison seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 3159 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is -- leave is granted. Now on the Order of -- now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 3159. Mr. Secretary, are they any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Yes. Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hastings.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator -- Senator Morrison. Mr. Secretary. Senator Hastings on Senate Amendment No. 1.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask that you withdraw Floor 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Amendment No. 1 on House Bill 3159.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Morrison, on the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would ask that this amendment be adopted and I'll discuss on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no -- no discussion, all those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any other Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 3159. Senator -- Senator Morrison, do you wish to proceed? She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3159. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Morrison.
85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill allows North Shore School District 112 to exceed its debt limit and issue bonds with an aggregate principal not to exceed one hundred and fifty million if the voters of the district approve a proposition for the bond issuance at an election to be held on or after March 15th, 2016. It also allows Sandoval Community Unit School District 501 to exceed its debt limitation and issue bonds with an aggregate principal not to exceed two million dollars if the voters of the district have approved a proposition for the bond issuance at an election held on March 20th, 2012. I'm happy to answer any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McCarter, what purpose do you rise? SENATOR McCARTER: Just a comment to the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your comment. SENATOR McCARTER: Senator, thank you for adding the amendment for my school district, Sandoval. They -- they appreciate that and I appreciate it as well. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any -- further discussion? No further -- discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3159 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3159, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. House Bill 3172. Senator 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Althoff. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3172. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff.
Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3172 is actually the result of the DCFS Advisory Council hearings, where we went around the State and asked people to come and testify in response to the 2014 Chicago Tribune report which revealed assaults, rapes, and prostitution schemes at various youth residential facilities. One of the individuals who testified made a suggestion that suggestion boxes should be placed in these residential treatment centers, and so this piece of legislation does just that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3172 pass. All -- 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And House Bill 3172, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Senator Harmon, what purpose do you rise?
For purposes of an introduction, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Please state your introduction. 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
I have two very special and handsome guests here with me on the Floor. Right next to me is John Christie. He has just finished the second grade -- the third grade, I'm sorry, at Blessed -- just finished the second grade today, right guys? Just finished the second grade today at Blessed Sacrament School. John is a soccer player, a golfer, a piano player, and a tennis player, and he's here today with his best friend, Jack, sitting beside him. This is Jack Madiar. He is not only celebrating the last day of second grade; he is celebrating his eighth birthday. And he's here with us on the Senate Floor today. So, you guys -- stand up, guys.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Welcome to the Senate.
Now you'll -- you'll know that Jack's father is Eric Madiar, our Parliamentarian, who's with us here in the gallery. Jack is a -- also a soccer player, a Cub Scout, and a two-time Pinewood Derby champion. So we're happy to welcome them here to the Senate today. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Welcome to the Senate. Welcome. Okay, back on the Calendar, page -- top of page 23. House Bill 3194. Senator Lightford. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3194. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford. 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3194 is the Urban Weatherization program. I'd like to offer just a little background. The program is the innovative model for integrating economic development, workforce training, energy sustainability, and improved value to homeowners all in one. The goal of the UWI is to prepare workers for {sic} low- income urban areas for the emerging green economy by providing training and work experience, while also providing utility savings and increased home equity to homeowners in those areas. Over the past year and a half, grantees of the program have shared and discussed the challenges with the implementation of the Urban Weatherization program with the Chicago Jobs Council and other stakeholders. And as a result, there was a qualitative data collected by the grantees. It represents many of the lessons learned by those involved in the program and how best to support grantees in getting better outcomes. So this is a bill that we have that we want to address the administrative challenges that the program -- have had over the years and to offer clear solutions. One thing the bill would do would be to require two voting members of the board to have experience in weatherization or energy efficiency so that the program would not be held up because administration fails to understand the work of their grantees. It will increase the cap on homes. Currently, sixty- five hundred is what's being paid on the homes. That amount will be up to ten thousand dollars to ensure that the -- the neediest homeowners receive more in energy savings for energy-efficiency measures that are more long term. The third thing it would do is raise the ceiling amount from five hundred thousand to two million 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 to allow larger and high-performing grantees the ability to employ more people, provide more hours of work, and -- weatherize more homes. We're looking to maintain the fifteen percent limit for administrative purposes, establish the federal prevailing wage for weatherization work as the standard, ensure that weatherization workers for all DCEO-administered weatherization programs are paid a fair and livable wage through a wage determination with an existing weatherization worker category. Two more things: It ensures that weatherization work is clearly and consistently defined and that administrators and employers have clear directions on wage determination; and lastly, it would direct the Director of DCEO - excuse me, not the Director - it would direct DCEO to integrate the program with available federal funds, energy- efficient programs, to capture all potential income from the federal government. There's a couple other questions that may arise and I'd be happy to answer any questions Members may have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman, what purpose do you rise?
Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said she'll yield. Senator Barickman.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, we -- we had a spirited discussion on this legislation I think in -- in committee some days or maybe a -- a week or so ago. Let's -- as I understand, this -- this program was created in 2009. Like many programs around here, the best of intentions. How is this -- how is this program funded? Can you walk me through the -- the funding for 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 this program? Where does the money come from?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Senator. We did have a spirited discussion and I hope we can continue that during this process right now. So the funding did come from the 2009 capital bill that we passed. The program started in 2010. There was five hundred million dollars put in this program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
Okay. Five hundred million, that's real money. Now I understand that since this program was first started, only a fraction of that five hundred million has actually been spent, and I think we discussed in committee, I'm told that some sixteen million had been spent towards this program and that there were some one hundred and eighty-three homes that were improved by this program. So we spent sixteen million dollars, we improved a hundred and eighty-three homes. Can you tell me why so few homes have benefited from this program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
Yes, from some of the areas that I described as challenges that were administrative challenges, and actually there is a -- a -- a greater detail breakdown that I can share with you. The program also has a lot of training involved. There was a board meeting -- the last board meeting that notes were taken was August 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 21st of 2014 and what was reported by the director of the program at that time was that under the Home Energy Auditor trainings, six hundred and ninety-eight classrooms were completed, two hundred and forty-one BPIs were certified; under the Weatherize {sic} (Weatherization) Specialist trainings, five hundred and four classrooms were completed, four hundred BPIs were certified; and under the Residential Weatherization Program, four hundred and twenty-nine audits were completed, two hundred and six homes were started, and then the number you arrived at, the one hundred and eighty-three homes were completed. Actually twenty-seven million dollars have been completed -- have been spent in this program, not the sixteen million that you've repeated.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
So -- so, you know, this is some of the concerns that I think I -- that I raised in -- in committee. Here we have a -- a program with, you know, genuinely good intentions, right? The program -- as I understand it, this program started as an effort to cut down on utility bills for low-income households. But here we are - and you just -- you just read off exactly some of my concerns - here we are, we've seen millions of dollars spent on this program, but most of that money has not been spent on the homes; the money's been spent on administrative costs and on training. It sounds like we've had, you know, over a thousand people trained for this program, but just a fraction of the people are actually drawing a paycheck to do work on the homes. And ultimately, here we have a program designed to cut utility bills for low-income households, yet we've only had a very small number of homes who are actually 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 receiving the benefit of this program. Why -- why has this program seen such a high level of administrative costs as opposed to improvements to the homes that are supposed to benefit from the program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
So, Senator, actually, the program was also designed -- it wasn't just to do the work on the homes; this is the workforce training program. So the program is supposed to train workers so that they can then have a skill and be able to do the work. So the Urban Weatherization Initiative is a model that had economic development, workforce training, energy sustainability, and the value of improving the home. So it wasn't just a homeowner program. So I just want to make everyone aware of that; that the gist of the program was to help train people and help develop skills. It was also to prepare those low-income urban areas for the green economy and providing that work experience and training that was needed for the utility savings. So the program did a little more. It was set up like that to provide that workforce training opportunity. Now as far as the administrative portion goes, that's part of the problem that the program has had and that's what this bill is working to rectify, is that there wasn't enough members on the board that was trained in the areas of home energy efficiency and weatherization. So what the bill would do is to require two of the voting members of the board to have experience in weatherization or energy efficiency so that the program would not be held up because of those administrative failures and the lack of understanding on how to work the programs 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 with their grantees, and that authority will be given to the Governor to make those selections.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
So, you know, when -- when this program first came about, the Chicago Jobs Council was a major proponent of this legislation and the Chicago Jobs Council said that this was about helping improve the homes. They said, "We expect to help improve some twelve hundred homes in two years." Yet, here we are -- how many years later are we now? You know, six years later, we've helped only, you know, maybe some two hundred homes, not the twelve hundred the Chicago Jobs Council said would benefit from this program. To -- you know, Senator Lightford, you've continually said that this program has suffered from administrative burdens, challenges, failures, what have you, but -- but I'm confused how increasing the maximum grant dollars to any recipient from the current threshold of five hundred thousand dollars to the proposed threshold of two million dollars per year is going to change the administrative challenges that this program has faced. What -- what is it about raising that threshold from five hundred thousand to two million dollars that is going to result in less administrative costs being burdened by this program?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
So, you said a number of things. Let me just first address the fact that I could see if you were challenged in that no houses was done and that the money was spent, but the money hasn't been 94 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 spent. There has been holes on the program during that time frame a number of times. I could see if I'm standing before you and, out of that five hundred million, the money was depleted and there were no homes done. Only twenty-seven million of the five hundred million has been spent. The other four hundred and - what? - seventy some million dollars is still there at the agency. That's why it's so important that we fix the program, so that it can in fact do what it was designed to do originally without those administrative hiccups. Another area: The sixty-five hundred per home - we found that not to be enough dollars going towards the actual development of that home. If a person's furnace is out, that could be sixty-five hundred alone for a replacement of a furnace, let alone installing the windows and doing all the things that you would do to weatherize a home. So that cap, it's suggested that it increase as well. And then, if you only give a organization five hundred thousand dollars opposed to the two million, they're finding challenges with those -- with those agencies who do weatherization. They know what they {sic} doing, they know how to train the people in -- and to do the work on the home, then they were cut off because -- then they couldn't do as many homes because they didn't have enough resources. So to get at the problem that you've described, why haven't more homes been addressed, this is the reason why and this is the fix we're trying make and this is what was gathered from the experts during their qualitative data and the Illinois Jobs Council, is that these are the problems and here's how we can rectify them, and that's what this bill goal is, is to rectify the program so that we can address those areas, we can have more trained workers, we can have more homes developed, and it could be done without any administrative holdups. 95 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
So, to the bill. You know, this -- this -- this legislation exemplifies all that is wrong with Springfield today. You know, legislators on both sides of the aisle have been critical of this program. Good government people, the Chicago Jobs Council, the - - one of the main proponents of this original legislation, have been critical of this program. The Better Government Association -- found, of sixteen million dollars spent on this program, thirteen million of it goes to administrative costs and training; at least nineteen hundred people were trained as inspectors and labors, only a fraction of them drew a paycheck because of the -- because so little work existed. In the first two years, a hundred and eighty-three homes had been completed, even though sixteen million dollars was spent on this program supposedly designed to cut down on the utility bills of low-income households. Originally, this legislation -- this program was supposed to benefit some twelve hundred low-income households. Instead, it didn't help two hundred. I asked the same question in committee, who is it that we're trying to help? These people who are relying on programs like this are sold a false bag of goods when they're told this is going to help you cut down on your utility bills but the money is spent on overhead and administrative costs. This -- this -- you know, yesterday we -- we all heard the -- the -- the details of the press conference yesterday that said don't mix up fixing State government with the budgeting process, but this is the problem of State government. Here we are today looking to not reform a State program, not cut a State program, even though here 96 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 we see all the problems that this program has, and what's the answer? "Don't worry about it, Senator Barickman, we've only spent twenty-seven million dollars and we've got another four hundred and seventy-two million to go. Don't worry, we'll change the board makeup and we'll get it right." Let's get it right. Let's stop the business as usual. Let's say no on this legislation. Let's do it right. Let's reform the way we spend our tax dollars. Please vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Trotter, what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …bill.
You know, if -- if I could, there's a lot of misunderstanding here, since I was one of the individuals that during those years negotiated for this piece. First and foremost, five hundred million dollars was not put into the weatherization line to be spent on this weatherization program. That was never the intent. Essentially, we did want to create a pathway in which jobs can be had for individuals who come from these disadvantaged communities by getting them prepared and trained so they can get into the construction industry. So these dollars came out of that thirty- one billion dollar {sic}. So when -- those who say five hundred million, well, and if you put it into perspective, it's -- it's five hundred million out of thirty-one billion dollars, which would be a training program, which would have, one, the trades, ensuring that individuals can get paid because they would learn and be 97 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 trained to be carpenters, to be plumbers, and so on down, sheet metal workers, going forward. So some of these dollars have been or will be diverted in another phase of this program. So the dollars were supposed to be held in the weatherization line and a -- a design of how we can get these to ensure that some of our communities that have been disenfranchised because they couldn't get a job in these -- with our taxpayer dollars, these -- these building dollars, would have that opportunity. That plan has been done. This program here, the weatherization program now, is and -- and, if I -- if I recall, will be ultimately phased out as it goes into the bigger plan of, one, purchasing houses through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. With the purchase of houses, you'll be taking houses off of the -- off of the market, or putting them back on the market, I should say, that are, now, are blight of our communities, they've been abandoned, they've been boarded up. So there is a -- a plan going forward for how these dollars will be spent and we will be addressing that in other pieces of legislation as we go. So these are not -- this is not five hundred million dollars to go for this program, which was just supposed to be beginning of a -- a training program for those communities.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Trotter. Senator Raoul, what purpose do you rise?
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) To the bill.
98 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 A previous speaker characterized the original weatherization program as a program solely to make homes energy-efficient in low- income communities. That was a component of what was behind the weatherization program, but it was not the entire thing. In fact, the weatherization program was part, as -- as was mentioned by Senator Trotter, of a thirty-one-billion-dollar capital bill that folks on both sides of the aisle in both Chambers hailed as a big jobs bill and an infrastructure bill that touched all of our communities and put people to work in all of our communities. The -- the reality of this capital bill that we celebrated is that, in many of our communities, it didn't put people to work at the same extent that it put people to work in other communities. And it's -- it's -- it's a little offensive, a little offensive, when a -- a -- a creative program that tries to embrace the -- the -- the green economy, that tries to embrace energy-efficiency, and tries to put people to work in communities that have been ignored by our capital bill that we celebrated on a bipartisan basis gets attacked in this manner, when what Senator Lightford is doing with this bill is amending it to make sure that the resources are spent right. As she mentioned, the -- the vast majority of the resources have not been spent, and training is a very important component, training people who otherwise would not be viable employees in our economy, notwithstanding a thirty-one-billion-dollar capital bill that didn't touch certain communities. I -- you know, I applaud Senator Lightford for coming forth with this legislation. I've spoken to people at the Chicago Jobs Council about this. With -- with regards to weatherization generally, the feds had put a lot of money into weatherization as well. To the extent that we have trained people at the State level, it's not just about the State 99 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 projects; it's also -- having people as viable employees on -- federal projects. And to the extent that we're training people in communities that have been otherwise ignored by this last capital bill and hopefully not ignored by the next capital bill if we have one, I urge an Aye vote on this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no other discussion, Senator Lightford, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Senator Barickman for the spirited debate and Senator Trotter and Raoul for chiming in. I just want to clarify some of the things that one of the previous speakers mentioned. He quoted something from the Better Government Association and I have the same report. He just didn't read far enough to also read the portion where the weatherization board chairman said that the program was slow to start work on homes, in part, because the board was being careful and deliberate in how the money was being spent, and that there was still a lot of work that needed to be done, and let's put it that way; but I don't think it's been a failure by any stretch of the imagination. So that was also a part of that same study. And then, the Chicago Jobs Council is a huge proponent of this program. They were behind the effort to do the data collection to come to an understanding of what we needed to strengthen the program in itself. And I want to remind the Body that it's far more than just the weatherization portion; a lot of it had to do with training - and that, they did a really good job. Over six hundred and ninety-eight classroom completers, two hundred and forty-one were certified, under the Energy Auditor trainings portion. Under the Weatherization Specialist portion, there were five hundred and four classroom 100 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 completers, with four hundred of them being certified. So there's well over twelve hundred people certified in either auditor training or specialist training and then the weatherization, the homes that were done. And so this is a wonderful program that needed to be refined, that needed to have some more guidelines, and I believe that this bill will allow all those things to happen. I stand in strong support of this legislation. I hope you will too. Please vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Lightford. The question is, shall Senate -- House Bill 3194 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 36 voting Aye, 20 voting Nay. House Bill 3194, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. With leave of the Body, we're going to go now to page 23. House Bill 3203. Senator Sullivan. Wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3203. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. The legislation allows an individual who turned thirty-five years of age while serving in the military, whose service was honorable or -- under honorable, and who is currently under the age of forty, to allow them to take 101 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 an exam for a fire -- firefighter position.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3203 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3203, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. Turning now to page 25. House Bill 3475. Senator Lightford. Wish to proceed? Yes. Senate -- House Bill 3475. She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3475. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
My little -- my little ball fell off of here. So you guys can still hear me. Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3475 expands who may be eligible under the -- as for a certificate of good credit for good conduct and it also creates a certificate of relief from disabilities to include a person who is convicted of committing or attempting to commit a Class X felony or forcible felony with some exceptions. There's a -- a number -- a huge number of -- of proponents to this bill. It is a -- a sponsor initiative in collaboration with the Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law. And I'd be happy to answer questions. 102 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3475 pass. All those in favor will 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 41 voting Aye, 14 voting Nay. House Bill 3475, having required -- received the required constitutional majority, hereby passed. Don't go far, Senator Lightford. House Bill 3683. Senator Lightford. She wishes to proceed. Please read the bill.
House Bill 3683. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. House Bill 3683 allows the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to fine employers, one thousand dollars per pay period, who willfully fail to comply with an income withholding notice after receiving two reminders from the Department. There was originally a challenge on this bill. The details have been worked out with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. And I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3683 pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted 103 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3683, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared passed. Let's go now to House -- with leave of the Body, we'll go to page 24. House Bill 3341. Senator McConnaughay. Senator McConnaughay wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3341. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. House Bill 3341 is a bill that seeks to grant exemption for facilities that are implementing emergency generators, often internal combustion engines, to continue business operations. Currently, Illinois law is more stringent than federal law, which already makes the exemption for these types of generators. I know of no opposition. I would appreciate an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall House Bill 3341 pass. All those in favor will 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 3341, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. On page 31 of the Calendar is the Order of Resolutions. This is final 104 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 action. Senate Resolution 53. Senator Barickman. Senator Barickman. Senate Resolution 53. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 53, offered by Senator Barickman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Barickman.
Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 53 is a -- is an -- an initiative that was championed by a constituent of mine, a high school teacher named Paul Ritter from Pontiac High School. And Paul Ritter worked with the University of Illinois to create the Illinois High School Innovators program. It is a - yeah -- yes, Senator Rose - it is a -- it is -- been initiated by the University of Illinois through the iFoundry program, which is the Illinois Foundry for Innovation in Engineering Education. If you were to look at their website, they proudly promote that they have recruited high school students from around the State. They hope to recruit some one hundred high school students. These students will come from all over the State. Many of them will come from some of your districts. The students will -- hope to address emerging social needs through innovation in one of five areas: one, the arts, media and literature; second, business entrepreneurship; third, food, health and nutrition; fourth, social entrepreneurship; and fifth, STEM. They proudly say that these students are not necessarily those that have a 4.0 GPA, but those whose curiosity, creativity, passion, and dedication have led them to change their communities and have inspired those around them to do the same. They recently met with Governor Rauner at 105 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 the University of Illinois and this resolution proclaims innovation week in their honor. I would ask for adoption of the resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Barickman. Any discussion? No -- no -- no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 53 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 148. Senator Kotowski. Senate Resolution 175. Senator Hunter. Senate Resolution 218. Senator Manar. Senator Manar, on Senate Resolution 218? Senate Resolution 232. Senator Koehler. Wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 232, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. FutureGen Project uses clean coal technology to capture carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants. This project was a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the not-for-profit FutureGen Alliance. This project would create clean energy, help viable -- the viability of Illinois coal, create jobs in Central Illinois. The project would generate twelve billion dollars in economic activity and -- in the State, including Morgan County, and a major work of -- has already begun, where more than two hundred million dollars has already been invested. Well, unfortunately, in February, the U.S. Department of Energy suspended funding for FutureGen, concluding that there 106 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 was insufficient time to complete the project before federal -- federal funding expires in September of 2015. The federal government spends -- has already spent a little over two hundred million of the 1.1 billion authorized for FutureGen. I think it's a terrible loss for us to see the FutureGen Project go down the tubes. If we can understand how to better use the carbon sequestration process -- ADM uses it in their plant in Decatur. I've talked to Dr. Julio Friedmann from the Department of Energy, who has convinced me and a lot of others that this -- this technology will work. What this resolution does is it urges our congressional delegation to really push for this and to have this funded so it can be part of our energy future. Be happy to answer any questions. I'd appreciate support.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Jones, what purpose do you rise? Okay. Any discussion? No discussion. As this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. 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 there 56 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And -- and Senate Resolution 232, having received the constitutional majority, is declared adopted. With leave of the Body, we're going to go to Senate Resolution 175. Senator Hunter. …proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 175, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Mr. Secretary, are there any amendments?
107 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter. Are there any additional Floor amendments?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter, on Amendment No. 1 -- on Amendment No. 1.
Okay, thank you, Mr. President. The amendment basically balances out the appointments made by the President and the executive -- and -- and - I'm sorry - and the Minority Leader in the Senate, and what this bill {sic} does is create a Grand Jury Review Task Force to review -- thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) There is -- question is, shall we adopt Floor Amendment No. 1 to Resolution 175. All those in favor will say -- vote {sic} Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment to Senate Resolution 175 is adopted. Now with regards to the question of Senate Resolution 175, the question is, shall it pass. All those in -- Senator, do you -- do you wish to proceed? She wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 175, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 175 creates the Grand Jury Review Task Force to review the current grand jury process utilized in Illinois. The Task Force consists of 108 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 representatives from the Senate, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, civil liberties organizations, advocacy groups, and members of the public, and they will be appointed by the Senate President and the Minority Leader. And hearings will be held around the State and a report will be submitted of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor on or before December 31st. And, basically, I came up with this resolution because it appears as though members of the public has lost confidence in the criminal justice system and the grand jury process and I just thought that it was time for us to -- to review the entire process to see if there is any kind of tweaking or recommendations we can come up with. I know of no opposition and I would ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Hunter. Is there any discussion? No -- Senator Righter, what purpose do you rise?
To the resolution, if I might, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …resolution.
Simply to thank Senator Hunter. There were a lot of concerns raised in the Criminal Law Committee when this was originally presented with regards to the appointment authority. The amendment that she adopted evens out the appointment authority between the Senate President and the Minority Leader. Just appreciate her accommodating our concerns. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Other questions? As this resolution requires the expenditure 109 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 of State funds, a roll call will be required. 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate -- and Senate Resolution 175, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Okay, we're going to turn to page -- continue on page 31. Senate Resolution 248. Senator Mulroe. Wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 248, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Mulroe.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Resolution 248 is a recommendation of the Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and the Chicago Area Chapter. It's also -- came from the -- came to me from a constituent named Andrew Lawson, who has mitochondrial disease. He's about a twenty-five-year-old young man, came and testified in the Insurance Committee, requesting a little help on vitamins that would supplement what the mitochondria is missing. So mitochondrial disease primarily affects children and occurs in cases when the mitochondria inside of the cells, which are responsible for developing more than ninety percent of the energy needed to -- by the body to sustain life and support growth, fail to execute their primary functions. The -- the disease seems to cause damage to cells of the brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and the endocrine and respiratory systems. It also affected Andrew's sight. So it's a serious disease and I would just ask that we recognize the -- I believe 110 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 it's the third week in September as Mitochondrial Disease (Awareness) Week. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Discussion? No discussion. The question is, shall Senate Resolution 248 pass. All those in favor will say Aye -- Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senator Jones, what purpose do you rise?
Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of announcement.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) State your announcement.
All due respect, Mr. President, I think we found a cure to insomnia with you in the Chair. But just to -- just to let everybody know…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you, Senator Jones. Next order of business.
It's that time of year. The Illinois Black Caucus along with the Latino Caucus have our annual Soul and Salsa. It's today, this evening, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Black Caucus House, 614 South College Street. So come out, enjoy some good food, some good soul food and some good Mexican food. Hope to see you there. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Morrison, what purpose do you rise?
On a point of personal privilege. Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 111 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 As long as you don't insult me.
I promise not to insult you. I am delighted today to have with us a fifth grade class from Highland Park. They are from Lincoln School. They are escorted today by Sophia Shaw, whose son Jonah is with them. Sophia is the President of the Chicago Botanic Garden and is here today. And so please help me to welcome these fifth graders from Highland Park.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sophia, welcome to the Senate. Okay, continuing on page 31. Senate Resolution 256. Senator Althoff. Wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 256, offered by Senator Althoff.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Althoff.
Thank you very much, Mr. President, and I think Mr. Secretary. This is a very simple, but very important, resolution. It follows the world standard and declares the month of October as -- as Thrombosis Awareness Month.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 256 be adopted. All those -- say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and Senate Resolution 256 is hereby adopted. Now, with leave of the Body, we're going to go back to page 20, House Bills 3rd Reading. House Bill 1121. Senator… President Cullerton, do you wish to proceed? He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. 112 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
House Bill 1121. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Mr. President. We, last year -- a couple years ago actually, I think, we passed a constitutional amendment called the victims' right {sic} (rights) constitutional amendment that Senator Steans was the sponsor, and the purpose of this bill is to codify many of those changes that were in that constitutional amendment. That constitutional amendment concerned crime victims' rights, including the right to notice and a hearing on a request to access victim's confidential information or records. One of the things we did by -- by adopting an amendment in the Executive Committee was to reach an agreement between public defenders and State's attorneys to establish a burden of proof, so that people have an idea that if there's a subpoena of a victim's privileged and confidential records, the defendant will have the burden of proving that by a preponderance of evidence. The whole purpose of the constitutional amendment was to balance the rights of victims as well as the State's attorneys who bring -- bring the charges where the victims are involved and so we had a very full hearing in the Executive Committee. Bill passed 112 to 2 in the House. And be happy to answer any questions that anyone might have.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Okay. Senator Raoul, what purpose do you rise?
113 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor says he will yield.
What'd you say?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Raoul.
Mr. President, I see that in order to seek a subpoena of a victim's privileged and confidential records, a defendant has the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the victim's records are not protected by an absolute privilege and the records contain relevant, admissible, and material evidence that is not available through other witnesses or evidence. What must the defendant show in order to go forward in seeking that subpoena?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) President Cullerton.
Thank you, Senator Raoul. For the purpose of legislative intent, I'll give an answer. It's important to keep in mind that the rights of the victim must be balanced against the defendant's due process rights. Specifically, on the point of the defendant's burden to access a victim's confidential records, a defendant must prove that it is more likely than not that the records the defendant is seeking contain relevant, admissible, and material evidence. The hearing may be evidentiary - that is, live witnesses - or by a proffer, by counsel, in the court's discretion. Purpose of the burden of proof is to prevent more -- mere fishing 114 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 expeditions by the defense. An example of a legitimate discovery is in the Arizona case of Romley versus the Superior Court. Arizona also has a victim's rights constitutional amendment. In that case, a wife who had been accusing {sic} of stabbing her husband was allowed to ask for an in camera inspection by the court of her husband's psychiatric records to support her self-defense claim that her husband had suffered from a distortion of thought, paranoid delusions, and propensity towards violence. So this is meant to be a background to fully appreciate what this burden of proof is. It was really the only controversial element left in the bill as it came out of the House. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Murphy, what purpose do you rise?
To -- to the bill, Mr. President. I just rise in strong support of the bill. I think it was -- I commend the President for his work in negotiating with various stakeholders to get a reasonable bill. There was a little bit of opposition in committee from witnesses that were -- were there on behalf of certain victim groups, really kind of on their own. There were a lot of other victims' groups that negotiated in good faith, that are down here all the time on behalf of -- of victims, and they -- they stand in support of this bill. I think it's a reasonable measure and -- and sort of puts into -- puts the teeth on the amendment, the practical application of the amendment we passed last year. So I encourage an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no other -- seeing no further discussion -- no other discussion, the question is -- Senator Cullerton, do you want to 115 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 close? President Cullerton. The question is, shall House Bill 1121 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. House Bill 1121, having received the required constitutional majority, hereby declared passed. The members of the Committee on Assignments will come to the President's Anteroom immediately. The Senate stands at ease for a few minutes. (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 Executive Committee - House Bill 813; refer to Higher Education Committee - Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1457; refer to Human Services Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 4096, Floor Amendment 2 to House Bill 4096, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Resolution 342, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 13, Motion to Concur on House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1249; Be Approved for Consideration - House Bill 2416 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 3538. Signed, Senator James F. Clayborne, Chairman.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Let me give you some committee announcements. Tomorrow, Higher Education will meet tomorrow at 10 o'clock in Room 212 and Human Services will meet tomorrow at 10 o'clock in Room 409. Again, Higher Education, tomorrow, 10 a.m. in Room 212 and Human Services, tomorrow at 10 o'clock in Room 409. Senator Harmon, what purpose do you rise? 116 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 813 can be heard tomorrow in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Harmon moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so House Bill 813 can be heard tomorrow in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. Senator Harmon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to waive all notice and posting requirements so that House Bill 229 can be heard tomorrow in the Senate Executive Committee.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Harmon moves to waive all notice and posting requirements so House Bill 229 can be heard tomorrow in the Senate Executive Committee. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and all notice and posting requirements have been waived. 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 the bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 125. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate to wit: 117 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 125. We have received like Messages on Senate Bill 226, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 418, with House Amendment 1; Senate Bill 627, with House Amendment 1; and Senate Bill 653, with House Amendment 1. Passed the House, as amended, May 26th, 2015. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Okay, continuing on page 31, Senate Resolutions. Senate Resolution 317. Senator Biss. He'd like to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 317, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President and Members of the Senate. Senate Resolution 317 addresses a really important question that's been bouncing around this building for now in excess of five years, but it finally calls upon us to take the next step. The Tier 2 pension plan was passed in the spring of 2010. It saved an enormous amount of money. It also, in the view of many people, puts us at risk of violating federal law regarding social security. If it turns out we do violate federal law, that will be harmful for the workers and very costly to our schools and universities and other units of government. The resolution before us was inspired by the fact that the Governor has proposed that we move Tier 1 employees into this plan, which might accelerate the rate at which such a ruling would arrive from the IRS and create problems for our various units of government. This resolution simply calls for us to -- direct 118 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 the pension systems in question, the Teachers' Retirement System and the State University {sic} (Universities) Retirement System, to conduct an analysis of the financial impact of this plan and also to get a ruling from the IRS about the Tier -- about the Social Security question before we move forward on any new action. And frankly, whether or not we're interested in moving forward on new action, getting that information is very, very important to us as we figure out what to do about the Tier 2 situation. I'd certainly appreciate adoption of this resolution and happy to take any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Murphy, what purpose do you rise?
Point of order, Mr. President. I request a -- a roll call on this resolution, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Murphy, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be required. Senator, anything else? Senator -- Brady.
Will the sponsor yield?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said he will yield.
Senator, I don't have it in front of me, but I believe one of the systems has already received approval from the Illinois -- the IRS stating that this is in fact in compliance. We've had numerous discussions about this over the years and we've all talked about our reasons to do that, but I -- I -- I don't think this is 119 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 necessary. I think we've already gotten this. And my concern is that what you would do with this would just be provoke a further stalling of the progress we need to make on fixing Tier 1. And I -- I stand in opposition to your resolution given those conditions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Biss.
Well, since you don't have it in front of you, I don't -- I can't speak to what you're -- I can't speak with certainty to what you're discussing. I will say that when this resolution was introduced, a reference was made to a letter that was sent from the IRS to the State University {sic} Retirement System last November, approving them for something. That something was, I believe, the tax-preferred status of being a qualified plan. It certainly was not this question of Social Security, which -- again, if you have a document to the contrary, I'd love to see it, but - - which, to my knowledge, has never been addressed at all by the IRS or any other entity of the federal government.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Brady.
Senator Biss, I -- I don't. I didn't know you were going to call this. I -- I thought we had discussed the fact that you wouldn't call this, but I know that was as we were entering into some of the pension working groups. And I'm not saying that you -- you made a commitment you wouldn't call it. I'm just -- I simply am asking you if -- because I didn't believe you'd call this, could you just wait till tomorrow and let me see what we can find to satisfy what I believe was an indication that this is not 120 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 necessary.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Biss.
That's fine with me. I'm happy to pull this out of the record now. We can discuss this overnight. And my intention is to either learn something surprising or else call it tomorrow, just to be clear for the Chamber.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you. We'll move -- we'll move on. Senate Resolution 330. Senator Morrison. She wishes to proceed. Please read the -- Mr. Secretary, read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 330, offered by Senator Morrison.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Morrison.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is that time of year when so many of us see small baby animals, some that we assume have been abandoned or orphaned, when in reality the parents are nearby. There has been discussion in the -- both the conservation arena and the environment community that so often baby animals are taken, misplaced, moved away. So this is simply a -- a request that the Department of Natural Resources increase its public education outreach in the months March and April when the infant animals are often mistaken as orphaned. And there should be no fiscal impact with this. I'm looking forward to an educational program that tells people what to do when they find these small animals. I appreciate your support on this. 121 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing -- Senator Raoul, what purpose do you rise?
A question of the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Sponsor said she will yield.
Does your resolution cover baby bobcats?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Morrison.
I'm sure that baby bobcats are included in this and that was my intent.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Seeing no other discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 330 pass. All those in favor will vote -- vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Turning to page 32. Senate Resolution 342. Senator Kotowski. Senate Resolution 412. Senator Koehler. Wishes to proceed. Senator -- Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 412, offered by Senator Koehler.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Koehler.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution recognizes the over twenty-eight years of service that A.B.A.T.E. has given to Illinois. Also recognizes that there are more than six hundred 122 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 thousand licensed motorcyclists. This is in recognition of the continued role that Illinois serves as a leader in motorcycle safety, education, and awareness, and that we designate the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 412 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 415. Senator Harris. Wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 415, offered by Senator Harris.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Harris.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 415 is a resolution brought to me by a constituent. It's for chronic obstruction {sic} (obstructive) pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. It's a term used to describe a disease causing airflow obstruction, mainly associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Please join me in raising awareness of this disease and its impact, and you can help by helping me adopt this bill {sic} today. And I ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution 415 be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. House {sic} Resolution 477. Senator Lightford. Senator Lightford wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution. 123 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Senate… Senate Resolution 477, offered by Senator Lightford.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Lightford.
Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Senate Resolution 477 urges the Illinois -- the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission to work in partnership with the Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice Project and the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative to review the current practice of restorative justice in juvenile justice systems in Illinois. The resolution requires the Commission to examine reforms in other states and report back to the General Assembly. I'd be happy to answer questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) The question is, shall Senate Resolution 477 be adopted. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 547. Senator Biss. Wishes to proceed. Senate -- Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 547, offered by Senator Biss.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Biss.
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Resolution 547 designates the month of May in 2015 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois. There are over sixty million adults in America who suffer from some form of mental 124 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 illness and yet, notwithstanding the ubiquity, we still have far, far, far too much stigma in our society. It's our hope that adopting this resolution declaring this to be Mental Health Awareness Month will be one small step in the road toward changing our cultural attitudes and removing the stigma so that individuals who suffer from mental illness can more easily and comfortably and openly seek the treatment they need to achieve full mental health. I would urge its adoption. Thank you very much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Resolution -- 547 be adopted. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Resolution 548. Senator Muñoz. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Resolution 548, offered by Senator Muñoz.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Muñoz. SENATOR MUÑOZ: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Resolution urges DCEO and CMS to create a diversity program that connects certified diverse suppliers with technology companies to see if their capabilities fit current and future technological business needs. I do have some legislative intent from CMS. In the resolution, they just wanted to show that we're -- it's centrally located. Probably be in the City of Chicago to make it -- probably wanting to come there, since majority of the businesses are in the City of Chicago. It will be determined by them where the actual location and the City would be. I ask for its adoption. 125 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be required. 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, no voting -- Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate Resolution -- 548 is -- having received the constitutional majority, is hereby adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 1. Senator McCann. Wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 1, offered by Senator McCann.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McCann. SENATOR McCANN: Thank you, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chamber. Senate Joint Resolution 1 designates Interstate 72, Exit 122 overpass, the "Trooper Brian McMillen Memorial Overpass". Trooper McMillen was killed in a fatal traffic accident while responding to a request by a local officer for assistance in eastern Sangamon County, almost 8 years ago. Trooper McMillen grew up in Pana, Illinois, served three overseas deployments in the Illinois Air National Guard, which included Saudi Arabia, Romania, and Italy. He graduated from the University of Illinois in Springfield in '05 and the Illinois State Police Academy in '07, where he served as the president of Cadet Class No. 113. I hope you'll join me in supporting this resolution.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Discussion? Seeing no discussion, as this resolution 126 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be -- vote will be required. 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate Joint Resolution 1, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby adopted. Senate Joint Resolution No. 8. Senator Bush. She wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 8, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Bush.
Thank you, Mr. President. So this resolution we also heard at the end of last year and it didn't get called in the House, so we're back again with Senate Joint Resolution 8. It'll designate the section of road on Route 120/Belvidere Road between John Mogg and Sears Boulevard in Grayslake as "Army SPC Joseph W. Dimock II Joey Memorial Highway". So Joey enlisted in the United States Army during the spring of his senior year of high school. For nearly 3 years, he served with the 1st Battalion, 75 Ranger Regiment. He was in his third overseas deployment, his second in Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, when he died after an explosion at an ammunition facility. During his service, he was -- he received the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantry -- Infantryman Badge, excuse me, and the Parachutist Badge. He was also awarded the National (Defense) Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the -- Army Service Ribbon. He was 127 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. I'd like to point out also that this section of road that will be named for Joey was where he came home when he was born and it's where he came home when he died. So I would urge the adoption. Thank you so much.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be required. 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 59 Ayes, no voting Nay. And Senate Joint Resolution 8, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 11. Senator McConnaughay. She wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 11, offered by Senator McConnaughay.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator McConnaughay. SENATOR McCONNAUGHAY: Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 11 creates the Electronic Driver's License Task Force in order to examine and make recommendations related to the feasibility and the cost of the Secretary of State issuing electronic or virtual driver's licenses to all Illinois residents, in addition to the currently accepted forms of identification. The Task Force will meet at least three times and report its findings to the General Assembly.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is -- as 128 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be required. 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 59 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate Joint Resolution 11, having received the required -- required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Senate Joint Resolution No. 17. Senator McCann. Okay. Senate Joint Resolution 20. Senator Manar. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 20, offered by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …Manar.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution was recommended unanimously by the Higher Education Commission -- or, Committee, excuse me. It directs the State Board of Higher Ed to create the Higher Education Commission to study workforce issues and come back with recommendations to better link degree programs to open jobs and areas in the economy that have job growth potential. I know of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? No discussion. As this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call vote will be required. 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 58 voting Aye -- Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate Joint Resolution 20, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 21. 129 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Senator Sullivan. Wishes to proceed. Please read -- Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 21, offered by Senator Sullivan.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Sullivan.
Thank you, Mr. President. The resolution -- simply extends the reporting deadline for the Teacher Recruiting and Retention Task Force until September 1 of this year. We missed our earlier deadline, had a hard time getting some members appointed to the committee. But we've met on a couple of occasions. We're in full gear now. We just need -- need little more time.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Thank you. No -- seeing any -- any discussion? Seeing no discussion, as this resolution requires the expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be required. 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 57 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate Joint Resolution -- Resolution 21, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 22. Senator Bush. She wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution, Mr. Secretary.
Senate Joint Resolution 22, offered by Senator Bush.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Bush.
Senate -- Joint Resolution 22 designates the week of October 130 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 -- last week on October in 2015 as Dyslexia Awareness Week in the State of Illinois. We did this last year. It's something I plan to do until we figure out how to solve the problem of dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability and the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. Dyslexia affects seventy to eighty percent of people with reading difficulties, and at least two million in Illinois show symptoms of dyslexia. And I would ask for its adoption.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? No discussion. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution be -- 22 be -- pass. All those in favor, vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 24. Senator Rose. He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 24, offered by Senator Rose.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Rose.
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Joint Resolution 24 would rename an -- the portion of Route 45 between Pesotum, Illinois, and Tuscola, Illinois, as the "Tommy K. Martin Memorial Highway". Tommy Martin was the Chief Deputy of Douglas County when he was killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop near -- near where this dedication would be. He survived for some -- couple of weeks before finally succumbing to his fatal injuries and, unfortunately, joined the -- the long list of police officers who've fallen in the line of duty. So we'd ask for favorable adoption to honor Tommy Martin. 131 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? No discussion. As this resolution requires an expenditure of State funds, a roll call will be required. 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 -- 58 voting Aye, no voting Nay. And Senate Joint Resolution 24, having received the required constitutional majority, is hereby declared adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 25. Senator Manar. Wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 25, offered by Senator Manar.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Manar.
Thank you, Mr. President. This resolution simply designates July 13th of -- of this year as Ansar Shriners of Springfield Day in recognition of the organization's 100th anniversary and the work that they do throughout Central Illinois. Ask for an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? Seeing no discussion, the question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Senate Joint Resolution 27. Senator Mulroe. Do you wish to proceed? Wishes to proceed. Please read the resolution.
Senate Joint Resolution 27, offered by Senator Mulroe.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Mulroe. 132 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015
Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 27 designates May of 2015 as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in Illinois. It's commonly known as CF and affects many individuals in Illinois. It's the second most prevalent disorder occurring in childhood in the U.S. behind sickle cell anemia. I know of -- of no opposition.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Any discussion? No discussion. The question is, shall Senate Joint Resolution 27 pass. All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. With leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 30, House Bills 2nd Readings, House Bill 3577. Senator Jones. Do you wish to proceed? He wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3577. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Have there been any Floor amendments approved for consideration? 3rd Reading. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 602, offered by Senator Jones. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Okay, we're going to go back -- with leave of the Body, we're going to go to page 30, House Bill 3485. Senator Hunter. Mr. 133 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 3485. (Secretary reads title of bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) …Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Hunter.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) Senator Hunter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to adopt Amendment 2 and I will explain it on 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) There any discussion? Those in favor, say Aye -- Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any -- are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR SILVERSTEIN) 3rd Reading. The stand -- the Senate will stand in recess to the call of the Chair. After committee meetings, the Senate will reconvene to receive committee reports and other matters not requiring Floor action. There will be no further action till the Senate reconvenes at the hour of 12 noon on the 27th day of May 2015. The stand -- Senate stands in recess. 134 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 (SENATE STANDS IN RECESS/SENATE RECONVENES)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 603 through 605, offered by Senator Bennett and all Members. Senate Resolution 606, offered by Senator Rezin and all Members. They are all death resolutions, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Resolutions Consent Calendar.
Senate Joint Resolution 29, offered by Senator Jones. It is substantive.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Introductions of Senate Bills.
Senate Bill 2140, offered by Senator Sullivan. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Trotter, Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations I, reports Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2029, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2030, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2031, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2032, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2033, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 135 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 2034, Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2035, Senate Amendment 1 Senate Bill 2036, and Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2037 Recommend Do Adopt.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Mapes, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed bills of the following titles, in the passage of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Bill 4146. We have received like Messages on House Bills 4147, 4148, 4153, 4154, 4158, 4159, 4160, and 4165. Passed the House, May 26, 2015. Timothy D. Mapes, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) Mr. Secretary, House Bills 1st Reading.
House Bill 4146, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4147, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4148, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4153, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4154, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4158, offered by President Cullerton. 136 STATE OF ILLINOIS 99th GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 48th Legislative Day 5/26/2015 (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4159, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4160, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) House Bill 4165, offered by President Cullerton. (Secretary reads title of bill) 1st Reading of the bills.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR HARMON) There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until the hour of 12 noon on the 27th day of May 2015. The Senate stands adjourned. 137