McHenry Times

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) challenged a bill that he thinks removes the right to free speech.

House Floor Amendment 2 to SB 770, a trailer to SB 1905, sponsored by Rep. Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), would remove the Class A misdemeanor penalty that SB 1905 would allow for if any director, elected official, local government or political subdivision knowingly votes to create right-to-work zones. A criminal penalty violates the First Amendment right, Reick said.

“There is an old saying that students do not lose their First Amendment rights when they cross the schoolhouse gate,” Reick said at a recent House veto session floor debate. “It seems to me you lose your First Amendment right when you are threatened with any kind of incarceration or misdemeanor for having spoken in a way that is fully protected under the First Amendment.”

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock)

Moylon countered, saying that the trailer bill removes any penalties and is being called in the Senate.

“It removes any penalties; however, there is no guarantee of course that this bill will follow along with SB 1905 and thus be passed in the Senate,” Reick said. “We will end up with SB 1905 without the misdemeanor provisions having been removed unless this trailer bill is filed.”

“The bill is being called right now in the Senate,” Moylan said once more.

Reick brought up the village of Lincolnshire court case that is now in appeal since the community had its right-to-work ordinance struck down by a federal judge.  

“Let’s talk about SB 1905 is in response to a court case that is working its way through the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals,” Reick said. “If the village of Lincolnshire wins this bill will become totally moot, don’t you agree.”

“No, I don’t,” Moylan said. “I don’t think we should pass any right-to-work bills.”

Reick ended his argument speaking about the bill.

“I would strongly urge everyone here to understand this bill is not connected to SB 1905 and will in fact die a very certain death,” Reick said. “We will end up with what we are trying to pass in 1905. I urge a strong 'no' vote.”

House Floor Amendment 2 to SB 770 passed 73-38 and will move onto the Senate.