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Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Belt law helps tackle increasing number of food deserts
Belt law helps tackle increasing number of food deserts
Lakesia Collins sworn in as new state senator for the 5th District
Lakesia Collins sworn in as new state senator for the 5th District
Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban
Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban

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

Details
Thursday, March 30, 2023 03:07 PM

Sen. Rachel Ventura

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."

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

Pacione-Zayas DHS home visiting program legislation passes Senate

Details
Thursday, March 30, 2023 12:15 PM

cpz 1794

 

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.  

Read more: Pacione-Zayas DHS home visiting program legislation passes Senate

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

Details
Thursday, March 30, 2023 09:55 AM

Reproductive Healthcare Bill March 291

 

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.

Read more: Villanueva champions measure to address deceptive practices interfering with reproductive health...

Illinois Electric Co-operative Day in Springfield

Details
Thursday, March 30, 2023 09:36 AM

032923CM06541

 

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

  1. Leader Murphy creates program to raise awareness of Lyme disease
  2. Senators Villivalam, Lightford and Pacione-Zayas announce child care agenda
  3. EMT recruitment legislation sponsored by Halpin, Anderson passes Senate
  4. Simmons legislation expanding access to liver disease screenings passes Senate

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Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics
Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics
KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don...

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Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
Peters to celebrate end of cash bail system based on wealth
CHICAGO – Illinois will officially become the first state in the United States to end the use of cash bail on Monday, thanks to collaboration between Senator Peters, crime victim...

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The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain
The Majority Report 09/11/23 - Strengthening the EV supply chain
Senate Democrats celebrate $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant coming to Kankakee County MANTENO — Senate Democrats joined company leaders and local and state officials Friday to announce Gotion’s historic decision...

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Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
Faraci, Turner advocate for mental health services in ag communities
DECATUR – As strong advocates of Illinois’ agriculture industry, State Senators Paul Faraci and Doris Turner joined state officials and agriculture leaders at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to support...

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Gillespie selected for prestigious Milbank Fellows Program
Gillespie selected for prestigious Milbank Fellows Program
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie has been chosen to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Milbank Fellows Program, a 10-month leadership program focused on public policy to improve...

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The Majority Report 08/28/23 - Combating carjackings, supporting women in trades and more
The Majority Report 08/28/23 - Combating carjackings, supporting women in trades and more
Belt secures funding to tackle carjackings in Metro East EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $2.4 million grant for the Metro East Auto Task Force —...

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