IL Senate Floor Session — REGULAR Session (Day 95)

(Invocation)

(Pledge of Allegiance)

Senate Journals of April 10th and 14th, 2026.

Madam President, I move that the Journals just read by the Secretary be approved unless some Senator has additions or corrections to offer.

Senate Journals of Thursday, April 16th; Friday, April 17th; Tuesday, April 21st and Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026.

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

Senate Resolution 735, offered by Senator Rose and all Members. Senate Resolution 736, offered by Senator Edly-Allen and all Members. Senate Resolution 739, offered by Senator Tracy and all Members, and Senate Resolution 740, offered by Senator Doris Turner and all Members. They are all celebration of life resolutions, Madam President.

Senate Resolution 737, offered by Senator Villa; Senate Resolution 738, offered by Senator Ventura; Senate Resolution 742, offered by Senator Faraci; and Senate Resolution 743 {sic} (Substantive), offered by Senator Villivalam. They are all congratulatory. Senate Resolution 733, offered by Senator Sims. Senate Resolution 734, offered by Senator Hunter and Senate Resolution 741, offered by Senator Martwick and they are all substantive.

Senate Bill 4189, offered by Senator Villivalam, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 4190, offered by Senator Sims, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 4191, offered by Senator Koehler, an Act concerning appropriations. Senate Bill 4192, offered by Senator Feigenholtz, an Act concerning aging. Senate Bill 4193, offered by Senator Martwick, an Act concerning revenue. 1st Reading of the bills.

Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, 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 799. We received like message on House Bill 910. Passed the House April 22nd, 2026, John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives has passed House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment of the following title, in the passage in which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate to-wit; House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28, offered by President Harmon and Passed the House, April 22nd, 2026, John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House. It is substantive, Madam President.

House Bill 799, offered by President Harmon, an Act concerning revenue. House Bill 910, offered by President Harmon, an Act concerning State government. House Bill 1353, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning government. House Bill 1391, offered by Senator Fine, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 3063, offered by President Harmon, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4262, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 4353, offered by Senator Lewis, an Act concerning regulation. House Bill 4436, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning civil law. House Bill 4558, offered by Senator Koehler, an Act concerning transportation. House Bill 4842, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning government. House Bill 5309, offered by Senator Koehler, an Act concerning wildlife. House Bill 5328, offered by Senator Erica Harriss, an Act concerning veterans. House Bill 5369, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning State government. House Bill 5494, offered by Senator Curran, an Act concerning regulation. 1st Reading of the bills.

Appointment Message -- Appointment Message 1040477, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, Jodi Melinda Hoos. Appointment Message 1040478, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, Christine Louise Caves. Appointment Message 1040479, Governor's non-salaried appointment, to be a Member of the Workers Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board -- Board, Giridhar Burra.

For the purpose of introduction.

I would like to welcome to the Senate, the representatives of the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, representative from the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, representatives and leaders from the only holder of a reservation in Illinois, the Prairie Band Potawatomi (Nation). I'd like you all to give them a round of applause and welcome them to the Senate.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Point of introduction and announcement.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to recognize National Poetry Month, is celebrated every April and it is the world's largest literary celebration and augurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, to honor poetry vital role and culture. In recognition of Poetry Month, I want to introduce one of my constituents and one of Illinois's illustrious poets, Brotha Christopher Blanks, and he's here with his team member Joseph. Brotha Blanks is the founding Chief President of B.A.M.M for the Mind, based in Waukegan. It is a 501c(3) poetic organization of enlightenment and social justice. Additionally, he is Editor in Chief of the Papyrus Son of News and Poetry and author of Scar- Spangled Banner Book of Poetry and Self-Help and Gambling Addiction. His book is the No. 1 best seller on Amazon and the indigenous political science e-books, gambling self-help e-Books and Gambling Addiction -- Addiction category. Brotha Blank's most recent poem, 60 Seconds in the Sun, is down streaming on most musical platforms. Please join me in welcoming Brotha Blank's and his colleague to the Senate.

Introduction please.

It is my honor today to introduce 10-year-old Charlotte Kaufmann from Lebanon, Illinois. I'm proud to serve as her mentor through the Lieutenant Governor's Girls Lead program. Charlotte is an active fifth grader, she participates in cheerleading and soccer. She's a dedicated Girl Scout who sold over 700 boxes of cookies this past year. July -- in July, she will attend the National Girl Scouts Convention in Washington, D.C. Charlotte represents the very best of our community, and her hard work and leadership are something we can be proud of. And today, she is joined on the Floor with her mom, Miranda Wright. And Members, will you please join me in giving Charlotte a warm Senate welcome.

Senate Bill 3391, an Act concerning education. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3561, an Act concerning business. 2nd Reading of the bill. The Committee on Judiciary Adopted Amendment No. 1.

No further amendments reported.

Senate Bill 3562, an Act concerning business. 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.

Senator Cunningham, Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Refer to Appropriations Committee - House Bills 624, 4922, 5165, 5263 and 5264; refer to Appropriations Education - House Bill 4791; refer to Appropriations, Health and Human Services - Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 598; refer to Appropriations Public Safety and Infrastructure - House Bill 2045, 4708 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3478; refer to Behavioral and Mental Health Committee - House Bills 4584 and 4714; refer to Child Welfare Committee - House Bill 4587; refer to Commerce Committee - House Bill 5470; refer to Consumer Protection Committee - House Bill 4702; refer to Criminal Law Committee - House Bill -- House Bills 1810, 3286, 3393, 4255, 4394, 5310, 5489, and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3510; refer to Education Committee - House Bill 1783, 3250, 3408, 4397, 4581, 4788, 4862, 5099, 5321, 5551 and Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 5364 and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5552; refer to Energy and Public Utilities Committee - House Bills -- House Bill 4514, Floor Amendment 7 to Senate Bill 3104 and Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 4039; refer to Environment and Conservation Committee - House Bills 4829 and 4941 and Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 2955; refer to Executive Committee - House Bills 653, 878, 2044, 3169, 3190, 4091, 4080 -- 4187, 4217, 4304, 4339, 4340, 4377, 4420, 4428, 4461, 4496, 4533, 4571, 4669, 4695, 4728, 4844, 4890, 5024, 5045, 5095, 5166, 5198, 5295, 5390, 5424, 5501, 5511, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 3175, Committee Amendment 2 to House Bill 3663, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 958, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1700, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2772, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3247, Committee Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 3518, Committee Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 3830; refer to Health and Human Services Committee - House Bills 2539, 3392, 4284, 4509, 4612, 4642, 4757, 4868, 5446, and Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 5574; refer to Higher Education Committee - House Bills 4979, 4990 and 5460; refer to Insurance Committee - House Bills 3454, 3605, 4160, 4203, 4207, 4378{sic} (4373), 5001, 5284, Committee Amendment 1 to House Bill 2584, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 1327, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3505; refer to Judiciary Committee - House Bills 67, 1391, 2065, 3659, 3811, 4044, 4273, 4277, 4462, 4540, 4649, 4659, 4725, 4842, 4966, 4984, 5228, 5329, 5449, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1940, Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2822 and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3498; refer to Labor Committee - House Bill(s) 1353, 4361, and 4491; refer to Licensed Activities Committee - House Bills 3460, 3769, 4154, 4698, 4762, 4793, 5225, 5411 and 5435; refer to Local Government Committee - House Bills 2137, 4292, 5542 and Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 4025; refer to Pensions Committee - House Bill 2270, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 638, Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3404; refer to Public Health Committee - House Bill 4982, 40 -- 5494, Floor Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2790; refer to Revenue Committee - House Bill 4157, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 1314, and Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3799, refer to the State Government Committee - House Bills 3815, 4687 and 5181; refer to Transportation Committee - House Bills 4385, 4558, 4948, Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 3208; re-referred from the Appropriations Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee to the Committee on Assignments - Senate Bill 4041. Be Approved for Consideration - House Bills 4206, 4464, 4749, 4770, 4896, 5081, 5148, 5285, 5365, 5474, 5480, Senate Bills 608, 938 and 1079. Pursuant to Senate Rule (3-8)(b-1), the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments - Floor Amendment 6 to Senate Bill 3104, Committee Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3922 and Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 4025. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, Chair.

I have a resolution. I have an announcement.

Thank you, Madam President. Chatham is known as a tight knit community centered around volunteering and giving back to their neighbors. It's truly remarkable how they have come together to support, uplift, and care for one another during the most trying of times. A year ago, today, was a tragedy that shattered the Chatham community. Parents dropped their kids off at school like any other day, and then every parent's worst nightmare. A vehicle crashed into YNOT Outdoors an after-school program, resulting in the death of 5 young people and the injuries of several others. Today marks one year since the accident that took five beautiful lives - Rylee Britton, Alma Buhnerkempe, Kathryn Corley, Ainsley Johnson and Bradley Lund were taken far too early. Riley was a senior at Glenwood High School who worked as a counselor at YNOT Outdoors and planned to attend the University of Iowa and actually to follow in her mother's footsteps as a teacher. She is remembered for her courageous and kindhearted nature, facing every challenge with a brave smile while inspiring those around her. Alma was in the 2nd grade at Chatham Elementary School, remembered as a social butterfly who could talk to anyone, had a strong sense of community, and was a devoted sister who loved spending time with her family, especially her cousins, and we all know your cousins are your first best friends. Kathryn was also in the 2nd grade of Chatham Elementary School, remembered as a dedicated helper, an old soul known for her sincere empathy and kindness, putting the wants and needs of others before her own and a devoted Taylor Swift fan. Ainsley was also in the 2nd grade at Chatham Elementary School. She enjoyed dance and soccer and was a music lover, often singing along to any song she heard and borrowing her father's air pods while he was mowing to listen along with him. Bradley was also in the 2nd grade at Chatham Elementary School. He delighted in the simple joys of childhood and possessed a heart full of wonder and a limitless capacity for joy, and found comfort in story time snuggles with his mom, which many of you know Cynthia Riceman and was an avid volunteer alongside his family. Although their lives were far too brief, these five victims each brought unimaginable joy and light into the lives of their respective families and friends, and their legacies will live on through their loved ones, their community, and countless others who share in the grief of these promising souls being tragically taken too soon. I also want to introduce Mayor Dave Kimsey of Chatham, who is in the gallery with us today. Chatham Strong is not just a hashtag or a tagline on a Facebook post. It is the resilience, perseverance, and love one for another of a community that has experienced tragedy, grief, and prayer and has turned that into building that beloved community we all dream of. At this time, I would like to ask for a moment of silence while we remember the children that were lost and their families who continue to grieve and their community that will always continue to love and remember them, and we will continue to celebrate all of their lives. Thank you.

For an announcement.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, as you may know, a tragic, fatal shooting occurred last Saturday at Endeavor Swedish Hospital which is located in the Senate District I represent and the Lincoln Square neighborhood on the far north side of Chicago, just a block from where I grew up. My family has used health care at Swedish Hospital for decades. My mother, myself, my grandmother, and many others in the community. And on Saturday, I found my beloved childhood neighborhood barricaded and on lock down due to an active shooter. I want to commend the law enforcement and our local leaders for their swift action and can share that the shooter has been apprehended and is in the custody of law enforcement. But more importantly, I want to take a moment to honor the life of Officer John Bartholomew, who was fatally shot on Saturday. Officer Bartholomew was just 38 years old and has served with the police department for over a decade. In addition to Officer Bartholomew, another Officer was shot and is in critical condition. There are not adequate words that can share what this unbelievable tragedy means for the healthcare workers and the family of the Officers that have been killed and harmed. My heart goes out to those families, to the colleagues and to the communities who these Officers risked their safety for every day to secure ours. I also want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt concern, compassion and support for the doctors, the providers, the nurses, the staff and the Administration at Endeavor Swedish Hospital. I regularly interact with Endeavor and my heart truly goes out to them, in this unbelievably difficult time. As I and my District process the shooting at this hospital, we must resist becoming numb to the normalcy of shootings in our daily lives. I'm committed to coming together as leaders to make our communities safer, and to do this in honor of the lives that have been lost and directly impacted by gun violence. Madam President, at the appropriate time, I would like to request a moment of silence.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I rise today on behalf of Senator Martwick to honor the life of his constituent, Officer John Bartholomew, who was killed in the line of duty this past Saturday. Officer Bartholomew was just 38 years old and served the community for more than a decade. He answered a call to protect others and in doing so, made the ultimate sacrifice. We ask so much from the men and women who wear the badge, running towards danger when others are told to stay away. Officer Bartholomew lived that commitment every day. We also want to thank the law enforcement officers and local authorities who responded with swift, professional action to keep the community safe in a difficult and dangerous situation. Our thoughts are with his family, his fellow officers and all who knew and loved him. We also continue to pray for the recovery of the Officer who was wounded. I join Senator Simmons in requesting a moment of silence.

Thank you, Madam President, for an announcement.

The Senate Democrats will caucus in the President's Office at 1:30 for approximately half an hour, at 1:30 in President's Office for about half an hour. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. The Senate Republicans will caucus -- at -- right now, for approximately an hour.

The Senate will come to order. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.

There being no further business to come before the Senate. The Senate stands adjourned until 11 a.m. on the 29th day of April 2026. The Senate stands adjourned.