Senator Ventura leads bill to remove odor of cannabis as probable cause to search a vehicle

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura led a measure through the Senate which would codify into law that the odor of raw or burnt cannabis would not alone constitute probable cause for search of a motor vehicle. Senate Bill 125 would be protecting every Illinoisans’ 4th Amendment rights.

“People – especially people of color – are unnecessarily pulled over far too often,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The odor of cannabis alone shouldn’t be one of those reasons. Cannabis is legal in Illinois and it’s a pungent scent that can stick to clothes for extended periods of time.”

Under Ventura’s measure, cannabis odor would not constitute as probable cause for searching a driver or passengers of a vehicle. Additionally, the legislation would remove the requirements that a driver or passenger in a vehicle must store cannabis in an odor proof container.

This bill was modeled after a judge ruling in Will County on a criminal court case. The defendant was pulled over and opened his window when the arresting officer detected a "strong odor of burnt cannabis emitting from the vehicle." The defendant had admitted someone had smoked cannabis in the car "a long time ago."

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Pacione-Zayas DHS home visiting program legislation passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Home visiting is an essential program in the early childhood ecosystem that helps eligible parents and caregivers support their child’s development from the prenatal phase through age five. A legislative initiative introduced by State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas, which would codify home visiting programs administered by the Department of Human Services as they have done for over 30 years, passed through the Senate on Wednesday, March 29. 

“All parents want to provide the best environment in which to raise their child, but the resources needed to best support their children may be inaccessible for many caregivers,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Home visiting programs help connect families to community resources that can provide the support their children need to succeed, while also prioritizing greater family stability.”  

Typical home visits involve in-person interviews with family members and caregivers, guidance on promoting safety in the family’s living space and coaching on approaches to parenting that promote healthy development.  

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Villanueva champions measure to address deceptive practices interfering with reproductive health care

SPRINGFIELD – In continuing the fight for reproductive rights for women, State Senator Celina Villanueva passed legislation that prevents crisis pregnancy centers from using deceptive practices that interfere with women’s health care decisions.

“We must ensure that women who are seeking reproductive health care are protected from deceptive and misleading practices,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “At a time when they are already vulnerable, they must have peace of mind that they won’t be taken advantage of. Health care – in all forms – should be safe and transparent.”

Senate Bill 1909 prohibits the use of deceptive practices to interfere with an individual seeking to gain entry or access to the provider of an abortion or emergency contraceptives, induce an individual to enter a limited services pregnancy center, in advertising, soliciting, or otherwise offering pregnancy-related services, or in providing pregnancy-related services.

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Illinois Electric Co-operative Day in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Electric Cooperative organized a trip to the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday for children from all over the state. IEC, which provides electricity to rural areas, gave youth a chance to learn more about state government and see the Capitol up close, as well as time to meet some of their state senators while in town.

The children showed a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the visit. They were particularly interested in learning about the legislative process and how bills become laws. They also had a chance to ask questions of their elected officials and learn more about the work they do on behalf of their constituents.

"It was great to see these young people so interested in how our government works," said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). "They asked some really thoughtful questions and showed a real understanding of the issues facing our state. It gives me hope for the future."

Read more: Illinois Electric Co-operative Day in Springfield