IL Senate Floor Session — REGULAR Session (Day 96)

The regular Session of the 104th General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desk? Will all guests in the galleries please rise? The invocation today will be given by Chaplain Carla Matrisch, Civil Servant Ministries, Chatham, Illinois. CHAPLAIN CARLA MATRISCH: (Invocation)

Pledge of Allegiance.

Senate Journal of Tuesday, April 28th, 2026.

Thank you, Madam 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 744, offered by Senator Glowiak Hilton and all Members. Senate Resolution(s) 745 and 746, offered by Senator Collins and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Madam President.

Senate Resolution 747, offered by Senator Hills. It is substantive.

Senator Cervantes, Chair of the Committee on Criminal Law, reports - Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3510 Recommend Do Adopt; House Bills 4235 and 5580 Do Pass. Senator Loughran Cappel, Chair of the Committee on Education, reports - House Bills 3743, 3860, 4137, 4239, 4375, 4536 and 4859 Do Pass. Senator Simmons, Chair of the Committee on Public Health, reports - Senate Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2790 Recommend Do Adopt; Senate Resolution 701 Be Adopted; House Bills 4300 and 4403 Do Pass. Senator Villa, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, reports - House Bill 4112 and 4606 Do Pass and House Bill 5574 Do Pass, as Amended. Senator Villivalam, Chair of the Committee on Transportation, reports - House Bills 4867 and 4934 Do Pass. Senator Morrison, Chair of the Committee on Insurance, reports - Senate Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1327 Recommend Do Adopt; and House Bill 5393 Do Pass. Senator Edly-Allen, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, reports - House Bills -- House Bill 5135, Do Pass.

Senate Bill 4194, offered by Senator Villanueva, an Act concerning appropriations; Senate Bill 4195, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning criminal law; Senate Bill 4196, offered by Senator Rose, an Act concerning government. 1st Reading of the bills.

Thank you, Madam President, for an introduction.

On behalf of my colleague, Senator Robert Martwick, who was unable to be here today. I would like to welcome the Consul General of Poland, Regina Jurkowska; the National President of the Polish American Congress; Hubert Cioromski, the -- the President of the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress, Jolanta Grocholska; and the General Manager of the Polish Daily News, Lukassz Dudka; to the Senate. I would also like to welcome the guests in the gallery who have traveled to Springfield with this group, and you'll see them in the gallery here behind me. They -- They are here to celebrate Polonia Impact Day, a day to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the Polish community in Illinois. Illinois and Poland have many connections with over 1 million residents of Polish descent living in the State. The Polish community has played a vital role in shaping Illinois's identity, economy and culture. Their traditions, celebrated through language, food and festivals, continue to enrich communities across Illinois. Today, the Polish community's legacy is reflected in a strong, vibrant presence that remains as an essential part of the State's story. Illinois and Poland continue to have many ties, including 6 sister cities and an ongoing 33 year-long partnership between the Illinois National Guard and the Polish military. Today also marks the inauguration of the Polonia Caucus, which will give the Polish community a voice in the legislative process. This will serve as a bipartisan forum dedicated to promoting awareness of Polish history, culture and issues affecting the Polish Americans across our State. To celebrate, there will be a reception for Polonia Impact Day tonight at the Marine Bank building starting at 4:30 p.m. that everyone is invited to attend. On behalf of the Illinois Senate, I'd like to welcome you all and wish you a happy Polonia Impact Day and, (speaks Polish) I would hope that the -- the -- the Illinois Senate will help welcome these Polish Americans and our delegation from Poland here to the Senate Floor. Thank you so much, Madam President.

Madam President, point of personal privilege.

Members of the Senate. Today, I recognize a young man who reminds us that doing the right thing never goes out of style and that's Jimmy Sullivan, who joins us today with his parents, Mike and Patti and his -- his great aunt, Tracy. She's not a great aunt, she's just a great person that I've known for quite a while. I've known Jimmy, I don't know, Jimmy, how long have I known you now? Since you were a Cub Scout, I think it's been - about this tall he was, and even back then, you could tell that he's the kind of person who -- who just doesn't talk about doing good, he actually goes out and does it. He's now finishing his junior year at Carl Sandburg High School, balancing academic, music, and service. But what really stands out about Jimmy isn't just what he's involved in, it's the way he shows up. Jimmy is a newly minted Eagle Scout. Let's give him a round for just being an Eagle Scout in and of itself. Jimmy's an Eagle Scout with Troop 318, and Jimmy didn't pick the easy road, he chose a project that truly mattered in our community. He took a forgotten cemetery, overgrown, neglected, and -- and he decided that it deserved better, so he got to work. What did Jimmy do? Jimmy raised over 20,000 dollars, he rallied volunteers, he worked with local officials and experts, and piece by piece, he restored dignity to a place that had been overlooked for far too long. That kind of effort, that's not checking a box, that's about heart. And when asked how he pulled it off, Jimmy didn't give some long speech like we give here in this Chamber. Jimmy kept it simple, he said, "find the motivation, make a plan and stick to it." Now, I don't know about you, but that's the kind of advice that works just as well in this Chamber as it does anywhere else. And just at 17, Jimmy has already been named the Richard Jay Daily Citizen of the Year by the Lions Club of Illinois, which tells you others are seeing what we're seeing today. He enjoys the music of, everyone likes this guy, Jimmy Buffett. Some of you like this guy, Weird Al Yankovic. Chapin Rose, thank you for that. He loves spending time with family. And -- and he also cheers on the White Sox and our favorite, one of our favorite football teams and their favorite football team, Notre Dame. And he loves to jet ski across Paw Paw Lake up in Coloma, Michigan. But more than anything, Jimmy represents something that we could all use a little bit more of that being positivity, purpose, and a willingness to leave things better than they found them. And for his first visit to the Capitol to include this moment with his family looking on, that's just not special, that's a pretty great start. So to Jimmy, I want to say keep going. The world needs more of what you got. And Madam President, I ask that we give Jimmy Sullivan and his family a warm welcome to Springfield.

For introduction. Thank you Chapin Rose for that assistance. So --

I apologize, thank you. So as you know, I am a very lucky individual. And the reason I'm lucky, is because I have a staff that takes care of me. Right. And so, today I'd like to introduce you to my staff. But I did want to point out, my Chief of Staff is in the -- in the audience above, as is my LA, Ben Anderson and I want to thank them. But if -- if you'll indulge me, I'd like to read a little bit about those that are with me today. So, Theodore -- Theodore, if you would wave, is -- a legislative assistant in my Champaign office. He's a lifelong resident of the 52nd district. He and I met when he was in high school. He's now a junior at the University of Illinois, majoring in history, and he's assisted us in our District office and our constituents in many roles. Aspects of his jobs have included handling constituent services, managing community relations, and conducting extensive -- legislative research both in district and in State Archive in Springfield. Mia, if you would like raise your hand and wave. She's been an intern since January of this year, so she hasn't figured out how annoying it is to be with me quite yet, but she'll get there. Mia, is a sophomore at the University of Illinois, majoring in environmental economics and policy while minoring in legal studies and political science. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in environment -- as an environmental lawyer. Georgia, this is Georgia. Georgia is a political science student at the University of Illinois with a minor in business and is a sustainability -- energy and environment fellow. She's a graduate -- she is graduating one year early and plans on going to law school. Georgia has been an intern with us since August and has primarily been working on soil carbon sequestration policy and research. She's also a competitive figure skater, very impressive. So recently, our team has been working on crafting evidence-based education policy to improve literacy rates and educational outcomes for students and families in the 52nd District and Statewide. So when I started this, I was having interns and having people from the university I was very concerned of -- I wanted to make sure that I provided insight, direction, and help and -- and assistance to these younger folks. But what I found was, and what I've learned is, I don't have to worry about that. They're the ones providing those direction and service and insights to me. I'm a better person, I'm a better legislator because of my team, and I will tell you, this is the best district staff in Illinois. And you can -- you can argue with me, but I'm telling you right now, and we can take it outside. I'm telling you right now, I am a -- a lucky, lucky individual because of the people I'm surrounded by. So, as the Senate -- stands before you, I would like for you to give them a warm welcome to the -- the Illinois Senate.

Just for a point of information.

Well, what Senator Faraci didn't tell you is that Georgia is actually my granddaughter, and so I'm very proud of her.

Point of personal privilege, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. Many of us have local elected officials in town this week for IML events and lobby Day that is taking place. I have three Rockford City Council Members in the gallery behind us, they are Alderman Tamir Bell, Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina, and Alderwoman Gina Meeks. Just want to take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts and hard work to make our community a better place to live and work. And please help me -- give them a warm Springfield welcome.

Yes. Thank you, Madam President, for an introduction. Ladies and Gentlemen, I want you to turn your attention over to the gallery above the Republican side and welcome members of the Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association, who are joining us in Springfield today. These dedicated service providers are truly on the front lines of our healthcare system. They meet our constituents exactly where they are - in their homes and in their communities. And by providing critical homecare devices, essential medical services, they ensure that Illinoisans receive the high- quality care of the -- comfort in their own homes. Their work is vital to the well-being of our residents and a cornerstone of a sustainable healthcare system. By keeping people out of hospitals and reducing the strain on our emergency rooms, they provide a service that is both compassionate and deeply necessary for the stability of our health care infrastructure. Please join me -- in giving a warm welcome to the Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association. Thank you for joining us.

Well, Madam President, I have another introduction, so I ask for a point of introduction.

Thank you, Madam President, as well -- a lot of Members in this Chamber know that I've served in the military for quite a time, and I've had an opportunity to serve with a lot of great military members, whether that be General Dana (James Hillian) Pittard or General David Petraeus. But I will say that learning from them was a distinct -- a distinct privilege just to learn, how to conduct operations at the highest level. But there's somebody here, today, that I want to introduce who is truly special and I want to bring our Body's attention to the gallery today. Today we're joined by Rear Admiral Jeff Harley. Over the course of his 36-year naval career, Admiral Harley completed seven deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Arabian Gulf. And under his command of the U.S.S. Milius, the ship participated in combat operations supporting us in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his crew won the Battle Efficiency Award and the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award for overall combat readiness. Admiral Harley also served, and I want to bring this point of distinction, because I've been down there, and it's really an interesting place. Admiral Harley served as the Director of the White House Situation Room under the Bush and Obama Administrations. In addition to his storied military career, Admiral Harley has shown great dedication to higher education. He obtained his master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts (University) and the U.S. Naval War College, and he returned to his alma mater to serve as the 56th President of the Naval War College. His current role is supporting more than 35,000 active-duty military and veteran students who are pursuing certificate and degree programs. I want to make mention of his distinct awards which are truly extraordinary and special, he's a recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, which was accepted on behalf of his crew, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I ask that we give the Admiral a warm welcome to Springfield.

Thank you, Madam President, for an announcement.

The Senate Democrats will caucus in the President's Office at, about, 12:45 for about 35 minutes, 12:45 for 35 minutes. Thank you.

Senator Lightford, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Agriculture Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5136; refer to Child Welfare -- Child Welfare Committee House Bill 2190; refer to Criminal Law Committee - House Bill 4639; refer to Education Committee House Bill 4795; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - House Bill 4456 and Floor Amendments 1 and 2 to Senate Bill 3222; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1079; refer to Executive Committee - Senate Bill 4041 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5081; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - House Bill 4517 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3798; refer to Insurance Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4373; refer to Judiciary Committee - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 2013; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5387; refer to the Local Government Committee - Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 4365; refer to the Pensions Committee - Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3404; refer to Public Health Committee - House Bill 4477 and House Bill 5193; refer to Transportation Committee - Floor Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 3208. And Be Approved for Consideration - Senate Bill 2785 and House Bills 1807 and 4843. Signed, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair.

Thank you, Madam President. I move the Senate resolve itself into Executive Session for the purpose of acting on appointments set forth in Appointment Message 92, 94, 97, 153, 165 to 167, 171 to 176, 178, 180, 181, 183 to 187, 189, 190, 193, 194, 199, 200, 201, 203 to 205, 209 to 211, 213, 214, 218, 220, 221, 223, 225, 226, 227, 229 to 232, 252, 257, 258, 261 to 266, 271, 272, 276 to 279, 281 to 284 of the 104th General Assembly.

I have a motion in writing from Senator Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments.

Madam President, the Committee on Executive Appointments, recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be Director of the Illinois Power Agency, Brian P. Granahan.

Madam President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.

Madam President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be a member of the Executive Ethics Commission, Deborah L. Steiner.

Madam President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.

Madam President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be a Commissioner of the Executive Ethics Commission, Patricia A. Schuh.

Madam President, I move the Senate consent to the nomination.

Madam President, the Committee on Executive Appointments recommends that the Senate Do Consent to the following salaried appointment, to be a member of the Executive Ethics Commission, Cynthia Ervin.

Then -- I move the Senate consent to the nomination.

I have a motion in writing from Senator Murphy, Chair of the Executive Appointments Committee.

Pursuant to Senate Rule 10-1(c), as the Chair of the Executive Appointments Committee, I move to compile the following Appointment Messages to be acted on together by a single vote of the Senate: Appointment Message 104092, Illinois Housing Development Authority; Appointment Message 104094, Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040153, Workers' Compensation Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040166, Illinois State Board of Education; Appointment Message 1040167, Employment Security Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040171, Employment Security Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040172, Heart of Illinois Regional Port District Board; Appointment Message 1040173, Illinois Board of Higher Education; Appointment Message 1040174, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board; Appointment Message 1040175, Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040176, Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Policy; Appointment Message 1040180, Chicago State University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040181, Western Illinois University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040183, Employment Security Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040184, Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; Appointment Message 1040185, Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; Appointment Message 1040186, Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040187, Illinois Board of Higher Education; Appointment Message 1040189, Illinois Housing Development Authority; Appointment Message 1040190, Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; Appointment Message 1040193, Employment Security Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040194, Lottery Control Board; Appointment Message 1040199, State Universities Retirement System Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040200, Chicago State University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040201, Chicago State University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040203, Secure Choice Savings Board; Appointment Message 1040204, State Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040205, University of Illinois Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040209, Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes; Appointment Message 1040210, Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes; Appointment Message 1040211, Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes; Appointment Message 1040213, State Board of Health; Appointment Message 1040218, Guardianship and Advocacy Commission; Appointment Message 1040220, Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission; Appointment Message 1040221, Illinois State Medical Board; Appointment Message 1040223, Joliet Regional Port District Board; Appointment Message 1040225, Illinois State Board of Education; Appointment Message 1040226, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority; Appointment Message 1040227, Chicago State University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040229, Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission; Appointment Message 1040230, Illinois Housing Development Authority; Appointment Message 1040231, Illinois State Medical Board; Appointment Message 1040232, Joliet Regional Port District Board; Appointment Message 1040252, Illinois Gaming Board; Appointment Message 1040257, Enterprise Zone Board; Appointment Message 1040258, Guardianship and Advocacy Commission; Appointment Message 1040261, Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040262, Illinois Finance Authority; Appointment Message 1040263, Illinois Finance Authority; Appointment Message 1040264, Illinois Finance Authority; Appointment Message 1040265, Tri-County River Valley Development Authority{sic}; Appointment Message 1040266, Guardianship and Advocacy Commission{sic}; Appointment Message 1040271, Illinois Student Assistance Commission; Appointment Message 1040272, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board; Appointment Message 1040276, Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes; Appointment Message 1040277, Illinois Student Assistance Commission; Appointment Message 1040278, Illinois Student Assistance Commission; Appointment Message 1040279, Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees; Appointment Message 1040281, Worker's Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040282, Health Facilities and Services Review Board; Appointment Message 1040283, Labor Advisory Board; Appointment Message 1040284, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board; Dated April 29th, 2025 -- 2026 and Signed by Senator Laura, Murphy, Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of Executive Appointments Committee.

To be a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Thomas H. Morsch Jr., Appointment Message 1040092; To be a member of the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees, Montel Michael Gayles, Appointment Message 1040094; To be a member of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board, Juan Carlos Lopez, Appointment Message 1040153; to be a member of the Illinois State Board of Education, Jonah Lee Rice, Appointment Message 1040166; to be a member of the Employment Security Advisory Board, Christelle Khalaf, Appointment Message 1040167; to be a member of the Employment Security Advisory Board, Joanna Webb-Gauvin, Appointment Message 1040171; to be a member of the Illinois Regional Park District Board, Songo Dede, Appointment Message 1040172; to be a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Nora Lee Heist, Appointment Message 1040173; to be a member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, Victor Dickson, Appointment Message 1040174; to be a member of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, Edgar J. Curtis, Appointment Message 1040175; to be Chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Policy, Gia Biagi, Appointment Message 1040176; to be a member of the Chicago State University Board of Trustees, Angelique David, Appointment Message 1040180; to be a member of the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees, Mary F. Radosh, Appointment Message 1040181; to be a member of the Employment Security Advisory Board, Patrick Devaney, Appointment Message 1040183; to be a member of the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, Bennett E. Kaplan, Appointment Message 1040184; to be a member of the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, Sarah Marie Raisch, Appointment Message 1040185; to a member of the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees, Anna Meresidis, Appointment Message 1040186; to be a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Subhash Chandra Sharma, Appointment Message 1040187; to be a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Daniel Keith Hayes, Appointment Message 1040189; to be a member of the Illinois Torture Inquiry Relief Commission, Shobha Mahadev, Appointment Message 1040190; to be a member of the Employment Security Advisory Board, Megan Bates, Appointment Message 1040193; to be a member of the Lottery Control Board, Sarah Barnett Bruckmann, Appointment Message 1040194; to be a member of the State Universities Retirement System Board of Trustees, Jeanine Jiganti, Appointment Message 1040199; to be a member of the Chicago State University Board of Trustees, Dixie Erwin, Appointment Message 1040200; to be a member of the Chicago State University Board of Trustees, Michelle Gooze-Miller, Appointment Message 1040201; to be a member of the Secure Choice Savings Board, Erica Marquez Avitia, Appointment Message 1040203; to be a member of the State Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees, Jameson Joel Ramirez, Appointment Message 1040204; to be a member of the Illinois University of Illinois Board of Trustees, Bryan S. Traubert, Appointment Message 1040205; to be member of the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Christopher E. Swims, Appointment Message 1040209; to be a member of the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Alison V. Hill, Appointment Message 1040210; to be a member of the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Jason Rosensweig, Appointment Message 1040211; to be a member of the State Board of Health, Rodney Allen Holzmacher, Appointment Message 1040213; to be a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Cassandra Louise Hill, Appointment Message 1040218; to be a member of the Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, Phyllis B. Mitzen, Appointment Message 1040220; to be a member of the Illinois State Medical Board, Amber Leigh Poettker, Appointment Message 1040221; to be a member of the Joliet Regional Port District Board, Jennifer Howard, Appointment Message 1040223, to be a member of the Illinois State Board of Education, Judith Hackett, Appointment Message 1040225; to be a member of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, John King Holden, Appointment Message 1040226; to be a member of the Chicago State University Board of Trustees, John Robak, Appointment Message 1040227; to be a member of the Illinois Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, Henry Charles Mendoza, Appointment Message 1040229; to be a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Claire Leopold, Appointment Message 1040230; to be a member of the Illinois State Medical Board, Mohammed Asif, Appointment Message 1040231; to be a member of the Joliet Regional Port District Board, Celeste M. Bermejo, Appointment Message 1040232; to be a member of the Illinois Gaming Board, Dionne Hayden, Appointment Message 1040252; to be a member of the Enterprise Zone Board, Stacey Young, Appointment Message 1040257; to be a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Ava George Stewart, Appointment Message 1040258; to be a member of the Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board, Kisa P. Sthankiya, Appointment Message 1040261; to be a member of the Illinois Finance Authority, Drew Louis Berres, Appointment Message 1040262; to be a member of the Illinois State Illinois Finance Authority, Arlene A. Juracek, Appointment Message 1040263; to be a member of the Illinois Finance Authority, Steven Landek, Appointment Message 1040264; to be a member of the Tri- County River Valley Development Authority, Andre W. Allen, Appointment Message 1040265; to be a member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Donald J. Dew, Appointment Message 1040266; to be a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Thomas Dowling, Appointment Message 1040271; to be a member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, William Lo, Appointment Message 1040272; to be a member of the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Grace Hyun Sook Kim Pai, Appointment Message 1040276; to be a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Maureen T. Amos, Appointment Message 1040277; to be a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Jonathan B. Bullock, Appointment Message 1040278; to be a member of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, Deborah Barnett, Appointment Message 1040279; to be a member of the Worker's Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board, Matthew J. Coleman, Appointment Message 1040281; to be a member of the Health Facilities and Services Review Board, Patricia L. Pardie, Appointment Message 1040282; to be a member of the Labor Advisory Board, Sophia Zaman, Appointment Message 1040283; to be a member of the Workforce Innovation Board, Kara Demirjian Huss, Appointment Message 1040284.

Madam President, I move the Senate do consent to the compiled motions just read.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Madam President, I move the Senate arise from Executive Session.

Thank you, Madam President. Purpose of an introduction.

In the gallery, I want to introduce one of the best Mayors on the South Side of Chicago, Mayor John Rogers{sic} (Ryan) from Alsip, Illinois. Please stand, and can we give him a round of applause?

Senate Bill 1743, an Act concerning regulation. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1743 addresses a gap in continuity of care. This bill helps retain experienced providers in our health system and prevent unnecessary disruption and care for patients, allowing prescribing psychologists to consider -- continued treating appropriate patients and improve stability. For those reasons, I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Murphy.

I'll explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 2790, an Act concerning health. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you. This bill simply defines the "tobacco quitline", and that replaces everything in the bill. So, I know of no opposition. I'm happy to answer any questions.

Senate Bill 3037, an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Hi. Thank you. Oh, perfect. Yes. Senate Bill 3037 set -- puts it -- puts in motion dark sky design requirements through the Illinois Energy Stretch Code, particularly those provisions that are specific to energy efficiency. I know of no opposition and I urge an Aye vote.

Senate Bill 3086, an Act concerning State government. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. This legislation is an initiative of our Illinois State Treasurer. It amends the Deposit of State Moneys Act to authorize the State Treasurer's Office to invest in pooled investment trusts registered with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), and with voting trustees that are officers or employees of a national labor federation or any member unions. I know of no opposition, and I would ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you, Madam President. Would you please have the record reflect that I intended to vote No on the previous bill. It's Senate Bill 30…

Senate Bill 3329, an Act concerning domestic violence. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Madam President, apologies, I'm a little out of breath. Getting my life together. Okay, this bill, essentially, is a trailer, to the previous bill that we had passed, Karina's law. And it does, a couple of things, it just fixes language, now that the law has actually been in effect in making sure that we're actually doing the right things. I'm sorry, I'm out of breath. If people have questions, I will more than answer them.

Senate Bill 3340, an Act concerning human rights. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin.

She indicates that she'll -- she'll -- please, proceed.

Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMÁN: To the question. This bill provides a right to wear protective medical equipment. It does not provide a right to violate an employer's uniform policy. As such, what this bill requires is for the employer to permit the employee to wear protective medical equipment. It does not impact personnel policies that relate to uniforms. So, an employer has a policy against wearing certain insignias, logos that policy remains in place. The employer is permitted to ask an employee to wear protective medical equipment that complies with their personnel policies. So let's say that someone were to don a mask that had something inappropriate that was not conform to the uniform policy. They can ask them to switch their mask to something that is in compliance with the uniform policy, but they cannot deny their ability to wear the mask.

Question. Question for Senator Guzmán. Why do we have this bill then?

Senator Rezin.

Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMÁN: And just to confirm the question. Senator Rezin, is -- is the question, if an employer wants to ask about something that is not presently, within their own policy?

That is correct.

Senator Rezin.

Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMÁN: I'm in the recollection of the Committee question, and I'm -- I'm wondering if we're conflating two different pieces of this question. So, to your question about in the scenario that the employer is met with a scenario that is not presently in their uniform policy, they can amend. The second scenario, though, about complaints about violations, is the piece that, you know, I want to speak to right now. This bill does not create enforcement responsibilities under IDHR, it doesn't tie violations to IDHR. However, in the case of an employer that does violate the Act, the bill does not create penalties that are enforceable -- enforceable. So, an employee may complain to their union or human resources about that infringement. At least, that's my recollection, of how this may have come up in Committee. But feel free to hop in, as I'm sure you will, to help remedy the question, if there's another way that you want that to go.

Sure. To the bill. Thank you. So, we're not conflating the issue. Your expert witness testified at the Committee that the process for the business who does not want to allow their employee to wear a mask that has something written on it that they do not agree with, testified that the business has to go before the Human Rights Commission and go through that entire process, which could be 8 or 9 months. That was the testimony, I'm not conflating, I'm not making up, that was our concern when we were interrupted during our debate, in our questions, during the Committee. So, you know, I was disappointed that we were not allowed to continue our questions, in this hearing, on this very important bill. But thank you for clarifying it, today. But some of your testimony does not -- was not aligned with the testimony of the experts at the table. And we should be allowed to have an open democratic debate in these committees on important issues, especially when it deals with businesses within the State of Illinois. Specifically, I was confused why the Human Rights Commission would be hearing complaints on a business mandate, or a disagreement with an employee who wants to wear a mask with whatever they have written on it, expressing their views and the discussion was that they would have to -- they -- the employers would have to go through the process at the Human Rights Commission, which we know businesses usually do not win those cases. So, because of that, I asked for a No vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. Will the sponsor yield?

So, thank you. I wish I could have asked my questions in Committee, otherwise I wouldn't be standing here on the Floor having to ask you these questions today. But can you tell me what the definition of a mask is?

Senator Lewis.

Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMÁN: I believe Senator, you may be incorrect. There were direct exclusions to things that some of us may consider masks for a variety of scenarios. Those do include for hemp, for example, ski masks, balaclavas, bandanas, non-medical facial coverings and specific to what we did say around protective medical equipment that is clearly defined in the bill to include medical grade masks, respirators such as N-95s and KN-95s -- elastomeric impowered air purifying respirators, face shields, protective eyewear, gloves, clear window masks and small wearable air purifiers. Hope that helps.

It -- it does, but I -- I would like to read your bill to you. Okay. Because the things you say it defines, it says "which includes but is not limited to". So, that means there's a whole definition. And then in Section 4, "protective and medical equipment does not include ski masks and balaclavas". It says nothing about bandanas.

Thank you so much. I'm going to start reading page 4 because I think this is just the best way to go. "Protective medical equipment means equipment worn to reduce or minimize exposure to health risks to oneself or others, which includes, but is not limited to, face masks and respirators with or without particulate matter or vapor cartridges, including KN-95, N-95, FFP-2, FFP-3 quality protection, elastomeric protection, such as, but not limited to, P-100 protection, powered air purifying respirators and gloves, face shields, protective eyewear, clear window masks, and small air purifiers worn on a lanyard. Protective medical equipment does not include ski masks and balaclavas," and again, that came from the heavy amendment and heavy suggestions that came from ISP as they lifted up why those exclusions should be in place.

Correct, but bandanas could be considered protective medical equipment, correct?

Senator Lewis.

Senator Guzmán.

Senator Lewis.

Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMÁN: Thank you, Madam President, and thanks for the patience, colleagues. So I think specific to, I think, how I understood your question about whether I individually would be able to undo a law enforcement officers ability to be able to don masking, me and my individual capacity even as a Senator here cannot undo a couple of pieces. One, that that officer would be subject to their police department's own uniform policy. Right. And then two, that this physical location, in the same way that you have businesses or other public locations that have their own policy, that they also, basically, they would be governed by those policies, as well. So there isn't anything from my individual viewpoint or anything that would happen external to this building that would negate their ability to be able to don medical equipment.

I think that's good. I heard you correctly, but I don't want to -- I'm going to say words, and I just need you to agree or disagree that you, as an elected official in your home district, are no longer able to ask law enforcement or ICE agents to remove their mask if they are wearing it for as a protective medical device.

Senator Lewis.

To the bill.

Senator Tracy.

She indicates that she will.

Senator Guzmán. SENATOR GUZMNÁN: Thank you for the question, Senator Tracy. So I think, again, just going to what we do lay out in the scope and what we don't do, we don't negate employers ability to be able to have a uniform policy and to be able to dictate it. But what we do say and what we protect here is the ability to wear protective medical equipment without disclosing the reason why and without the fear of retaliation. So, let's -- let's play this out for a second that someone were to have a mask that again, has something inappropriate or is not subject to the uniform policy, that employer, again is allowed to have a conversation with the individual to still retain their ability to wear appropriate medical equipment, but to rectify whatever situation is not in their uniform policy. In addition, let's give another scenario. You know, there might be other workplace scenarios where maybe they need gloves, for example. And in that scenario, if the gloves were not appropriate for the type of job that is being done, the employer could say you need to change into something that is suitable for the task, and that is a work-based task that is subject to the uniform policy and other policy and procedure. That is how that situation would pleasantly play out in the workplace.

And, as I understand, you just said that an employer could say you're in food preparation, you have to wear gloves, right? Or your -- I'm just in practicality, I'm just working, figuring out how this bill. It's effective immediately. And an employer might have to go before a Human Rights Commission, even though there's no penalties. I'm just trying to think how they would word a policy that says you cannot wear a medical equipment if you don't need it. And how do we find out if you need it if you can't inquire why you are wearing a mask? And I'm also concerned what language or what language in the policy would say, you're not allowed to put writing on your mask -- that would be offensive to the public or offensive to a certain category of population. I mean, I -- I know exactly what your intent is, and I'm shocked that an employer would not allow someone to wear a mask if they have a person at home that has an autoimmune situation. We see some people have masks in the Capitol, some don't. We don't inquire. That's their business. But so now we've made your bill would make it a right to wear a mask, a medical equipment. I'm just trying to figure how the employer would not get in trouble for asking you not to wear a mask if you don't need it. If he doesn't understand why you need it.

Senator Tracy.

Senator Guzmán, to close. SENATOR GUZMÁN: Thank you, colleagues, for your patience with this conversation. I think I want to pull apart a couple of threads. I think one, I want to acknowledge almost two years of consistent negotiation by Access Living. It's why we've been able to put and file Amendment 1 that brought industry to neutral. There was heavy conversation here. And I understand some of the points around the committee was over 45 minutes of committee where I happily answered the same question over and over and over again. And I'm happy to have had the opportunity to be able to expand on the merits of this bill and why it should be heard. I think the second point that I'll lift up here is that -- this isn't just a one-off scenario. I actually wish that this wasn't something that we had to put into statute in such a clear way, but the practice is actually much more wide than it is individuals that want to do the right thing and keep themselves healthy, keep their family members healthy, and they're not being met with a consistent response depending on where they're at. They also deserve the ability to be able to safeguard their right to mask and public accommodation. And this is really what this seeks to do, and the last piece that I want to lift up, because I think I do want to celebrate the efforts and the origin, I want to lift up who this bill is named after, and I want to celebrate and thank Kiki and her family. This bill is named in her honor and reflects the very real need of Illinoisans across the State. I want to thank her parents, Greg and Lisa, for being willing to honor their daughter this way, and I urge an Aye vote. Thank you.

Senate Bill 3644, an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank -- thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3644 is a trailer bill to the Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act, also known as the Drew Price Act. These -- these changes give a framework and a process for local municipalities to incorporate and implement these surveys and rooftop inspections.

Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Porfirio.

Thank you, Madam President. I moved to adopt and explain on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3737, an Act concerning veterans. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 3737, as amended, creates the Service Member Education Rights Veneration Act, (the Serve Act), requiring public and private higher education institutions to provide prompt readmission to returning service members who have not exceeded a cumulative academic military leave period of more than 5 years. Also, provides the spouses of service members are eligible for a full refund of their college tuition costs if they withdrew from a degree program on account of their spouse's military service. The Floor amendment retains the primary measures outlined in the bill, but establishes a 20-year statute of limitations for any violation of the Act and provides that punitive damages awarded to party may not exceed $100,000 in civil penalties, may not exceed $25,000 per violation of the Act.

Senate Bill 3772, an Act concerning safety. 3rd Reading of the bill.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm ready this time. Currently, our air permitting laws look into projects in isolation. We review permits one at a time without fully accounting for the existing pollution burden on a community, and Senate Bill 3772 begins to fix that. It ensures that the Illinois EPA considers cumulative impacts while making permitting decisions, looking not just at a single facility, but at the total pollution and environmental justice community is already facing. The bill also establishes a clear definition of an -- of an environmental justice community, using a data-driven approach that incorporates multiple pollution indicators and demographic -- demographic factors. Importantly, it applies to the two largest categories of air permits the Clean Air Act Permit Program, or CAAPP permits, and federally enforceable State operating permits. This bill also allows the agency to enhance permits with stronger protections, including improved air monitoring, fugitive dust controls, operational limits, increased testing and odor control, and monitoring. The agency can consider an applicant's past compliance and violation history, requiring stronger community outreach and encourage the use of pollution prevention technologies. Crucially, the bill requires a cumulative impact analysis that looks at existing pollution sources, sensitive populations and other factors that increase community vulnerability. If the analysis shows disproportionate and adverse impacts, the agency must consider changes, whether through additional modeling, stronger permit conditions, increased inspections or prioritizing the community for available funding. Importantly, these are all conditions that the IEPA is already doing under a settlement agreement. Industry is neutral because the bill provides specific steps that provide predictability to the business regulatory environment. The bill is especially important to environmental justice communities, where residents already face higher risk and have too -- too often been left out of decision-making. At its core, this bill strengthens something fundamental, community voice and informed decision-making. Illinois has opportunity to prevent environmental injustice, not just respond to it after the fact, and this bill moves us into that direction. I am available for questions.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to speak to the bill, please.

Thank you. I appreciate the Senator bringing the bill. I know she has worked very hard on it and mentioned a real-life situation where her community herself were impacted by a bad use of a permitting that was not adequately complied with. And actually, this bill would not have prevented what happened, because what happened by the wrongdoer in her situation did not comply with IEPA regulations. But what concerns me is we -- we have areas across the State that all need to be protected, whether or not they're socially impacted, or otherwise, they're just Illinois citizens. So, I don't understand why we have to carve out certain communities where we're going to be more restrictive than others, when IEPA needs to give permits, give an aspect of safety to all Illinoisans, that might be impacted by environmental impact. What I think this bill may have an inordinate impact on is, it allows pretty wide discretion to IEPA, and it could result in a denial standard that's pretty open ended and leads to delays, increased costs, and uncertainty for projects that require investment, which make the community actually better, when, in fact, they will not negatively impact the environment at all, but it impedes their progress and moving forward. It also creates a review process where applicants are asked to keep refining, modeling or mitigating measures and thereby by -- by could again significantly slow down projects and act as a deterrent and investment and -- and especially impact industrial and infra -- infrastructure projects that would enhance our economy overall. So, I think a balanced approach to this is -- is much better. And for these reasons I just mentioned, I will not be supporting the bill. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. Question for the sponsor, please?

Thank you. Thank you, Senator, for your bill. I appreciate what you're trying to do. I have a quick question. What currently with the U.S. EPA (United States Environmental Agency), we have what are called nonattainment areas, which are a higher standard for companies in a nonattainment area, higher standards for them to hold. What is the difference between what you're proposing and, say, a nonattainment area within a particular U.S. EPA zone?

Senator, I'm not 100 percent sure. I can find out, but I know what we've been working on with this language is to comply with the Federal EPA.

Okay. Thank you. To the bill, please.

And I appreciate that answer. Senator, I understand what you're trying to do because you did have a terrible situation in your district. So -- but thank you for trying to make sure that we're just in alliance with the U.S. EPA's Nonattainment area. Otherwise, it's just very difficult to enforce. So, thank you. And I encourage a Yes vote on your bill. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. Environmental justice means that no community should bear a disproportionate share of pollution or environmental harm, and every community should have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their health and future. For too long in Illinois, the worst polluters have been located in areas where there are low-income and people of color. In my district, the former Fisk and Crawford coal plants operated for decades. A Harvard School of Public Health study found that pollution from the Fisk and Crawford coal plants were linked to over 40 premature deaths every year, along with thousands of asthma attacks and hundreds of emergency room visits in nearby communities. These plants weren't abstract sources of pollution. They were among the largest emitters in Chicago, and their toxic emissions contributed directly to serious respiratory and cardiovascular harm, especially in the surrounding Black and Latino communities. Even at these first - after these facilities closed, the legacy of pollution continued. In May of 2020, during the pandemic, the demolition -- the demolition -- demolition of one of these plants, which was literally a few blocks away from my house, so close that I could see the smokestack from the second- floor window of my house was demolished and a dust cloud formed. Moving over my community, my neighborhood, my home. We don't, up until this moment, have an actual definition of environmental justice in the books in law, and this is sorely needed. And while this bill might have not prevented what happened to my house and to my neighbors, to my family, to my loved ones, this is a real attempt that we've been trying for the past few years in working with industry to try to address real life issues that are happening throughout the State of Illinois, and in particularly, my District that is an environmental justice community, but has been waiting for the actual definition for an Office of Environmental Justice to be created in the IEPA, and just an opportunity to be able to have more community involvement when these decisions and permits are being decided. Again, this is an opportunity to be able to get people's voices heard in real-life situations that are impacting people. And as someone that was directly impacted by a situation that will probably more than likely have negative harm on my health and my family's health and my neighbor's health, my constituents' health. This is a good bill, and it's a good attempt to try to address some really major issues. Vote Yes.

Senate Bill 3510, an Act concerning criminal law. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee amendments reported.

Floor Amendment Number 2, offered by Senator Morrison.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and speak to it on 3rd.

No further amendments reported.