Lightford passes landmark hemp and cannabis reform

SPRINGFIELD – Following years of tireless advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford passed a sweeping measure that brings comprehensive regulation to Illinois' hemp marketplace and makes long-sought improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

"For years I have fought to bring order, equity and commonsense to these markets — and today, working hand in hand with our colleagues in the House, we delivered,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This bill is about protecting people, keeping promises and making sure Illinois remains a national leader.”

Senate Bill 3222 would establish mandatory licensing and uniform standards for CBD manufacturers while creating a responsible transition path for hemp businesses entering the licensed cannabis market, with at least 45 infuser licenses reserved for social equity applicants.

Read more: Lightford passes landmark hemp and cannabis reform

Guzmán advances housing protections package out of Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to create new protections for renters and prospective renters passed the Senate Sunday.
“When we talk about housing, we are not just talking about buildings or leases, we are talking about safety,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “We are talking about dignity. We are talking about whether people have a real chance to rebuild their lives.”

House Bill 4377 combines several impactful measures to protect tenants in Illinois. First, the measure would prohibit federal housing assistance providers from establishing or implementing any rules, policies or procedures that impose time limits or work requirements as a condition of initial or continued eligibility for any rent subsidy or assistance provided to qualifying tenants. This portion of the bill was spearheaded by State Senator Ram Villivalam.

“By implementing protections against rigid work requirements, we are re-affirming basic human rights and ensuring vulnerable Illinoisans don’t have to work unsustainable hours just to have a roof over their head,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Read more: Guzmán advances housing protections package out of Senate

Guzmán legislation to address campus sexual harassment and support survivors passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to support survivors and strengthen higher education requirements when addressing sexual violence passed the Senate.

“The ways students experience harassment and abuse have changed since 2015,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Harm can happen through repeated unwelcome electronic communications, sexually explicit material being sent or weaponized, or the actual or threatened sharing of private or digitally altered sexual images without consent. Our law has to recognize the ways students are being harmed now.”

Guzmán’s bill would add definitions for sexual harassment and digital sexual harassment, requiring higher education policy regarding gender-based violence to address these major issues. The bill would provide guidance and gives examples of supportive measures, while ensuring that a particular course of study or major cannot be a reason to deny such measures. If an institution willfully fails to act in accordance with the policy, this legislation would create a civil cause of action, thus providing a mechanism of enforcement for survivor rights.

Read more: Guzmán legislation to address campus sexual harassment and support survivors passes Senate

Senate approves landmark Sims measure to raise compensation for exonerees

SPRINGFIELD — People who have been exonerated in Illinois would have a clearer path to financial stability and support under a landmark measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. that has passed the Senate.

“For three out of the last four years, Illinois has led the nation in the number of wrongful convictions that have been overturned,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “When a system continues to fail individuals, families and entire communities, we need to step up and provide the accountability and support they need to begin to heal.” 

Read more: Senate approves landmark Sims measure to raise compensation for exonerees