IL Senate Floor Session — REGULAR Session (Day 87)

The regular Session of the 104th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? And will our guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Father George Pyle, St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, Springfield, Illinois. FATHER GEORGE PYLE: (Invocation)

(Pledge of Allegiance)

Senate Journal of Wednesday, March 25th, 2026.

President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of the printed transcripts.

Senate Resolution 693, offered by Senator Rose and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.

Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments reports - Appointment Messages 1040129, 165, 191, 192, 195, 196, 198, 213, 214, 215, 216, 224, 228, 234, 235, 236 and 237 Do Recommend Consent. Senator Ellman, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Conservation reports - Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3556 Recommend Do Adopt. Senator Stadelman, Chair of the Committee on Energy and Public Utilities reports - Senate Bills 2785 and 3660 Do Pass, as Amended.

House Bill 1088, offered by Senator Edly-Allen, an Act concerning criminal law. House Bill 2539, offered by Senator Morrison, an Act concerning State government. House Bill 3454, offered by Senator Glowiak Hilton, an Act concerning health. 1st Reading of the bills.

For an announcement, Mr. President.

Like, if -- if -- if everybody could just give me a few seconds to recognize the Homeschoolers today. You might remember last year, they battled the Bill 2827 and packed the Capitol and shut down the Capitol, temporarily. It's -- it's the only organization, in Springfield, that is going to come before you today and ask for absolutely nothing. All they want to do is be left alone and educate their children. But in a -- the -- they are going to be dropping you off something incredible, which is their 36th Annual Cherry Pie Day. So, all the Homeschoolers here, please stand up and be recognized. We certainly -- welcome to the Capitol. Welcome to your Capitol. Welcome to the Senate Gallery. I'd also like to just quickly acknowledge ICHE and -- and Kirk Smith for his ongoing efforts to -- to -- to advocate for Homeschool families. On behalf of everybody, thank you for being here.

Thank you, Mr. President. Purpose of an introduction.

I have a guest with me today. My childhood friend, her name is Robbin Briscoe, she's from the great State of Minnesota but she's thinking about moving back to Illinois. She's been with me. She helped me on my campaign, and I just want to get the Senate to give her a well welcoming to the Senate.

Point of an introduction.

Got, a, number of people up in the gallery here, (Christopher) "Chris" Manson and a lot of very good people from OSF from Peoria, from Bloomington, from all over the State. OSF being the fourth largest health care system in the State, but I'd like to have the Senate please welcome them, so please stand.

Senate Bill 2861, an Act concerning public employee benefits. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 2892, an Act concerning animals. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Well, I couldn't, couldn't find -- purpose of an introduction.

I was trying to find my two staff people in all the crowd, and I finally did. So, I want to introduce what I consider to be the best legislative staff in the State. Although, I'm sure people would argue this -- my Chief of Staff Jennifer Allison and my Bloomington staff person, Joshua Crockett. If the Senate would please give them a hearty welcome.

Senate Bill 2976, an Act concerning State government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3019, an Act concerning finance. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3138, an Act concerning mental health. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3322, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3517, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Insurance adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3556, an Act concerning safety. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Environment and Conservation adopted Amendment No. 1.

Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Ellman.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt the amendment and I'll explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3568, an Act concerning civil law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3608, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Executive adopted Amendment No 2.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3697, an Act concerning government. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3895, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on License Activities adopted Amendment No. 1.

Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Glowiak Hilton.

I would like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading, please.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3644, an Act concerning safety. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Amendment No. 2.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3935, an Act concerning domestic violence. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3951, an Act concerning transportation. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Local Government adopted Amendment No. 2.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 4025, an Act concerning safety. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 2735, an Act concerning civil Law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 2837, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3020, an Act concerning domestic violence. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Criminal Law adopted Amendment No. 1.

Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Johnson.

I move for its adoption, will explain it on 3rd Reading.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3273, an Act concerning regulation. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3361, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Education adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Arellano.

I would like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 2645, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2645 -- provides that the Office of State Fire Marshal may award Rehabilitation and Construction small grants to not-for-profit fire departments.

Senate Bill 2846, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you -- thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 2846 provides an applicant for practicing dentistry or licensure as a dental hygienist may complete an examination conducted by the American Board of Dental Examiners, as amended the bill allows for dental assistants to perform services for which they have completed training requirements. We don't have any opposition. The Department is neutral and ask for Aye vote.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Belt.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move to adopt and explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Hastings.

I move to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd, Mr. President.

Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Hastings.

I move to adopt this amendment. I'll explain it on 3rd Reading, Mr. President. Thank you.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3018, an Act concerning finance. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3018 provides that a fire truck revolving loan, fire station revolving loan, and ambulance revolving loan programs shall be paid out of locally held funds established by the IFA, instead of a special fund at the State Treasury. In addition, the bill makes changes that raises the caps on allowable loan sizes for the programs. I know of no opposition. Happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, Mr. President. I intended to vote Yes on 3018. I don't know what malfunctioned over here, but I'm sure it wasn't me.

Senate Bill 3149, an Act concerning transportation. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Senate. This bill allows public transit agencies to use camera-based review systems instead of traditional mirrors on commercial vehicles but only while federal exemption from mirror requirements remain in effect. Systems almost -- must also include features to prevent ice and water buildup, and are prohibited from having any audio recording, video recording, or facial recognition capabilities. This is brought to me by the Bloomington Transit District, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Senate Bill 3224, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3224 changes the name of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to the Illinois School for the Blind. This was something that the school is very supportive of and they seem to think that that updating the school's name reflects modern and respectful language that aligns with how students and the blind community self-identify.

Senate Bill 3226, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Mr. President, Senate Bill 3226 requires the State Board of Education to submit a report on the status and availability of agricultural education programs statewide. The report may include trends, challenges and barriers, opportunities for expansion, and recommendations to better align agriculture education with workforce and post-secondary opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.

Thank you, Mr. President. I just would -- wanted to thank Senator Turner for the Turner/Turner bill this year. And -- we both are supportive of agriculture, and it's -- agriculture is the number one industry here in Illinois. And I'd appreciate it an Aye vote. Thank you.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Cunningham.

Thank you, Mr. President. The amendment addresses some concerns that were brought to us by the State Bar Association. I move for its adoption.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3321, an Act concerning local government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, as amended, specifies that contracts or agreements between third-party software companies and units of local governments cannot restrict or prevent those local governments from utilizing the State Treasurer's E- Pay program or any other payment processing system. I'm open to any question.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Glowiak Hilton.

I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd Reading, please.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3645, an Act concerning government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3645 extends the sunset of the Radiation Protection Act of 1990 from January 1st, 2027 to January 1st, 2037.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Ellman.

I move to adopt this amendment and glad to explain it on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3688, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, as amended, requires medical school and nursing school curriculum to include the study of perimenopause and menopause recognition and management. This is -- this is instead of requiring similar menopause and education as requirement of the continuing education - but, so we're doing it actually before they become licensed. So, if there's any questions, I'm happy to take them.

Senate Bill 3706, an Act concerning civil law. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3706 provides additional information to the children of deceased adoptees through the assistance of the confidential intermediary. I'm glad to answer any questions.

Senate Bill 3720, an Act concerning education. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3720 provides that beginning with the 2026 - 2027 academic year, each State university shall automatically notify any transfer student accepted to the State University, the option for reverse transfer credit. The bill also establishes that only students in their first term of enrollment, who have acquired at least thirty hours of credit at a community college, may receive the option of reverse credit transfer and provides that the community colleges shall provide instructions to students applying to obtain an Associate's degree and may not charge the student any fees associated with the transfer of credits for this purpose. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senate Bill 3818, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 3018 {sic} (3818) establishes the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program to increase recruitment and promote cooperation between the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard. It requires the Department of Military Affairs to establish eligibility criteria, grant conditions, and administrative requirements for program by rule.

Senate Bill 3896, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. What this bill seeks to address is new licensure requirements for virtual wholesale drug distributors because they don't cleanly fall into any of the categories currently designated. I would appreciate a Yes vote to alleviate obstacles to licensure for these businesses, making it easier and safer to do business in Illinois.

I'm sorry, Mr. President. My light was lit up before, this is just to say that I meant to vote Yes on 3818 and I'm sorry about that. Sorry to interrupt.

Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Collins.

Yes, I would like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Collins.

Yes, I would like to adopt the amendment and explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Resolution 611, offered by Senator Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Resolution 611 declares March 2026 as Illinois Whole Child Month. This is -- initiative of the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. It urges parents, educators, and community members to support a whole child approach to education (for each student) and celebrate Whole Child Month by adopting at least one of the whole child tenants. Those tenants are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. President, for an announcement.

Thank you so much, Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. Last year I proudly established March as Adwa Day and Month, which is a national holiday in Ethiopia that commemorates the pivotal Battle of Adwa, which was celebrated by more than one hundred and thirty million people throughout the Ethiopian diaspora. This month - this year, I stand to commemorate and recognize March 2026 as the 130th Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa in Illinois, and indeed in the 7th district, there is a sizable Ethiopian and Eritrean population. And as the son of an Ethiopian refugee and is the first Ethiopian American to serve in a General Assembly, I'm honored to bring this -- bring this forward. Battle of Adwa was a pivotal moment where a militia of more than one hundred thousand men and women decisively fought off European colonialism on March 2nd of 1896 in the mountain town of Adwa, Ethiopia. Ethiopia holds the place as the only African nation to remain independent and sovereign, never colonized and officially recognized by global powers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Emperor Menelik II and his wife, Empress Taytu, successfully united the ethnic provincial groups of Tigray, Gondar, Wollo, Oromo, Gojjam and parts of modern-day Eritrea. Ethnic groups and provinces spread out more than one thousand miles across very high altitudes and rugged terrain during a time of ethnic division. Menelik miraculously mobilized troops from all over Ethiopia, while his wife, Taytu, created the blueprint that led to the overwhelming defeat of the Army of the Kingdom of Italy, which at the time was seeking to establish a colonial empire in East Africa. And since March is also Women's History Month, I especially want to commemorate the women involved in the Battle of Adwa, as it would not have been won if women did not participate in helping to defend Ethiopia and fend off colonialism. On behalf of the 7th District and as a proud Habesha and as myself, the grandson and grand grandchild of mountain dwellers in Ethiopia from the Gondar region. I'm honored to share this proud heritage and shine a light on and give flowers to the extended Ethiopian and Eritrean community throughout the State of Illinois, and certainly in the 7th district, which I'm proud to represent and those across the country. The 130th anniversary of the Battle of Azwa not only offers inspiration to those of African descent, but for all freedom loving people everywhere, now and for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. President.

Personal privilege, Mr. President.

Thank you. This last month has been difficult for my district as we have lost three great pillars of our community, far too soon. With the Chamber's indulgence, I would like to take a moment to briefly pay tribute to all three. Carl Strathman was the kind of person you wanted to sit next to at a dinner table. He was a great storyteller, funny, and believed in the greater good of people regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. Carl proudly served as a medic in the United States Army. He came to the sense of -- he understood the sense of duty and commitment all throughout his life. Always willing to offer a helping hand to whoever needed it, and he and his wife, Cheryl, were the true power couple in Elgin as both stepped up to serve our community as public servants on the Kane County Board. For Cheryl and Carl is a Township trustee. Pete Culver was another example of a life well lived. He was another shining example of love and selflessness. His journey through life was marked by his gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to his family, work and community. A bricklayer by trade, he also believed in the greater good in people, but also wasn't afraid to get in the fight. He proudly held a 50-year card for the Masonry as a member of Local 27 and Local 21, as well as served his country proudly as a Communications Specialist in the United States Army. Peter believed in giving back and supporting the community. He also believed in democracy so much that the day he passed, he was helping as an Election Judge in McHenry County. His wife, Vicky, and the rest of his family joined him on many of his adventures and will carry on his legacy of live a full life and pay it forward. Rhonda Brandis, like Carl and Peter, was a familiar and deeply loved person in our community. She built a long and dedicated career as a legal secretary, working for Safeco Insurance for over thirty-five years. She was actively involved in so much and gave her time and heart generously. She would show up for others no matter how big or small. She was a proud member of the Elgin Jaycees or Jayceeats. And she loved running and it was that love for running, she traveled. She was able to travel the world, creating memories and stories. She developed lifelong friendships as a member of the Kenyan Farm Runners, friendships she cherished to the very end. Rhonda was kind, made people feel seen and heard. Baked amazing chocolate champ chip cookies and fudge. She and the love of her life, Jim, gave to this community selflessly with tremendous love, leaving a legacy of volunteerism and adventurous spirit that will be missed. As I close, to Cheryl, Vicky, Jim and the families, thank you for sharing them with us and may we all lead by example and purpose, as they did. They truly are good humans, as I like to say. Whose ended -- whose life ended far too soon. One thing I remember when I say, as I close, you know, there are -- there are tough times in this world, but just know there are good humans and we're all around to help one another. Let's live by example, set the example and do -- go for a run, volunteer, help a friend in their memory. Mr. President, I ask for a moment of silence.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. It's a point of personal privilege, please.

I just wanted to give a warm welcome to -- we have students here with Advanced Illinois that are all over the 1st District students and parents. So, they're here visiting us. They're up in the gallery. So, I just wanted to welcome them and say, thank you and welcome to the Senate.

Senate Bill 4183, offered by Senator Villanueva, an Act concerning appropriations. 1st Reading of the bill.

No objections filed, Mr. President.

Senate Joint Resolution 59, offered by Senator Faraci.

Senate Joint Resolution 59. RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE OF STATE OF ILLINOIS. THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONCURRING HEREIN, the Senate adjourns on Thursday, March 26th, 2026. It stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, or until the call of the President and when the House of Representatives adjourns on Friday, March 27th, 2026. It stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned till Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Thursday, April 9th, 2026 and when it adjourns on that day, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 or until the call of the Speaker.