The House convenes at noon today. The Senate is not in session.

RECAP OF THE LAST SESSION DAY- Yesterday was the final legislative workday of the session week for the Senate, and the final day of committee work for the House. Both chambers had committee hearings throughout the morning and gaveled in en banc at noon. No significant floor action to report.

Committee Activity of Interest-In order of occurrence

House Appropriations – Higher Education Committee

HB 1581 HCA 1- Equitable University Funding-Opposed passed out of committee as amended on partisan leave (12-4-0). Creates the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act, which provides that all general operating expenses for public universities shall be distributed through a funding formula.

House Revenue & Finance Committee

The committee voted several bills out of various subcommittees. Bills that were voted out of committee were done so under the pretext that they would be held on second in anticipation of a revenue omnibus package.

House Labor & Commerce Committee

HB 4942 - Workers' Comp-Surcharges & Fees-Opposed passed out of committee on partisan leave (18-10-0). Provides for increases in the rate of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Operations Fund Surcharge, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Operations Fund Fee, and payments to the Rate Adjustment Fund. The business community is opposed to any workers' compensation bills that pass without the agreed bill list. 

HB 5228 - Workers' Comp-State Licensure-passed out of committee on partisan leave (18-10-0). Provides that any entity that is engaged in activities requiring licensure by a state agency for which proof that it has insured its workers’ compensation liability is a requirement for licensure that fails to satisfy specified requirements shall be subject to civil penalties. The business community is opposed to any workers' compensation bills that pass outside of the agreed bill list.

HB 4805 - Unemployment Insurance-Prefile Claim-Opposed-passed out of committee on partisan leave. Provides that an employer employing 75 or more employees must submit required claim-initiation information to the Department of Employment Security on behalf of each affected employee when conducting a layoff, furlough, or temporary shutdown resulting in the separation of one or more employees. The business community is opposed to any unemployment insurance bill that passes outside of the agreed bill list. 

ORDER OF THE DAY- The House cancelled both committees, which were scheduled for the morning.  My sense is that the House will gavel in and spend time on floor action moving bills on short debate for votes.    

Speculation and rumor is that the House Democratic Caucus does not have the votes to move the Mega Projects (PILOT-Payment in Lieu of Taxes) legislation for full consideration by the House. This legislation would benefit the Chicago Bears relocation to Arlington Heights. The Bears have placed a deadline for the House to act this week for the Arlington Heights location to remain viable. 

The Morning Report will pick up on April 7^th when the House returns to the Capitol.

SUPPLEMENTAL RECORD-

• The U of I Basketball Team wins Sweet 16 thriller defeating #2 Houston in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 w/ final 65-55. The Illini now move to the Elite Eight to face #9 Iowa.
• Both chambers will be off next week for spring break.
• The House will return on April 7^th and the Senate on April 14^th.
• ICPAS Legislative Tracking Reports-Legislative Tracking Reports have been updated to reflect the beginning of the 2nd half of the 104th GA.  Pending relevant bills of interest from the spring session remain posted as they may move.
  o General Legislative Tracking Report
  o Tax Legislative Tracking Report