Senate week in review

[NOV. 23, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — A proposed law to collect $3.8 billion in debts owed to Illinois highlighted action during the first week of the fall veto session, according to Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.  

Senate Bill 2424, approved by the Senate this week, could provide more state funds by better collecting debts owed to the state. The bill allows the comptroller to sell to private debt collection agencies debt that is owed to the state and has been certified as uncollectible.

According to the comptroller’s office, the state currently has approximately $3.8 billion in debt that has been certified as uncollectible. This particular proposal would use the first $28 million collected to reopen Sheridan Correctional Center, and any funds collected after that would be returned to the state agency owed the money.

Senate Bill 2424 now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Lawmakers also considered the governor’s recommendations on legislation passed during the spring session.

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The Senate voted to accept the governor’s recommendation on Senate Bill 1583. The measure provides members of the Illinois National Guard serving on state active duty the same civil protections as personnel on federal active duty. The measure now awaits action by the House of Representatives. If the House also votes to accept the changes, Senate Bill 1583 will become law as amended.

The Senate also voted to override the governor’s veto of a bill that would require public groups to post meeting minutes and agendas on their websites. Senate Bill 1756 would only apply to those public groups that have websites maintained by their staff. Should the House of Representatives also vote to override, the measure will become law as written.

The Senate will reconvene Dec. 3-5 to conclude veto action.

[News release]

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