GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Gov. Pritzker approved the recreational cannabis trailer bill, SB1557 (Steans/Villanueva). The bill includes technical changes, clarifying language, and a revolving door prohibition for members of the General Assembly and their family members who want involvement in the recreational cannabis business.
Pritzker also signed legislation that changes lobbying disclosure. Under SB1639 (Steans/Harris), lobbyists will be required to report “sub-registrants” and the clients they represent as well as disclose any local governments they lobby. In addition, lobbyists will be required to disclose appointed or elected public offices they hold. The Secretary of State’s Office is required to build a searchable database that includes lobbyist disclosures, contributions by registered lobbyists under the Election Code, and statements of economic interest. The new law takes effect immediately.
As expected, Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed HB3902 (Bristow/Crowe) which would provide a sales tax exemption for private aircraft parts and components through December 31, 2024. Pritzker’s veto message states he is “opposed to providing a sales tax exemption to private aircraft companies. The delinquent taxes owed from Illinois’ private jet companies amounts to roughly $50 million, including interest and penalties, and if House Bill 3902 became law, the state would be allowing an additional $10 million per year in tax credits through 2024.” The bill returns to the General Assembly for consideration.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture approved two more cultivation centers to grow cannabis for adult-use which becomes legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2020.
IESO, LLC in Carbondale and GTI Oglesby, LLC in Oglesby are approved to grow cannabis for adult-use bringing the number of cultivation centers in Illinois to 14.
Previously approved cultivation centers are:
* Cresco Labs, LLC- Lincoln
* Cresco Labs, LLC- Kankakee
* Cresco Labs, LLC- Joliet
* Curative Health Cultivation, LLC- Aurora
* PharmaCann, LLC- Dwight
* PharmaCann, LLC- Hillcrest
* Revolution Cannabis, LLC (DBA Ascend Illinois)- Barry
* Wellness Group Pharms, LLC- Anna
* GTI Rock Island, LLC- Rock Island
* Compass Ventures, Inc.- Litchfield
* Nature’s Grace and Wellness, LLC- Vermont
* Revolution Cannabis, LLC- DelavanThe Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced eight more “Same Site” adult use cannabis licenses, which will allow an existing medical cannabis dispensary to obtain an adult use dispensing license. This license will permit the dispensary to begin adult use cannabis sales at that location starting Jan. 1, 2020, provided the dispensary complies with local zoning rules or other local laws. These recent approvals raise the total number of approved “Same Site” licenses to twenty-nine. The list of dispensaries approved for adult use cannabis sales can be found here.
The medical dispensaries who most recently received early approval adult use licenses are:
Columbia Care4758 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630EarthMed
852 S. Westgate St.
Addison, IL 60101HCI Alternatives
1014 Eastport Plaza Dr.
Collinsville, IL 62234HCI Alternatives
628 E. Adams
Springfield, IL 62701
Herbal Remedies
4440 Broadway Ste. 1
Quincy, IL 62305Mission Illinois
8554 S. Commercial Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617Nature’s Treatment
973 Tech Drive
Milan, IL 61264 The Herbal Care Center
1301 S Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Gov. Pritzker made the following appointments as Arbitrator on the Worker’s Compensation Commission:
- Joseph Amarilio
- Deborah Baker
- Adam Hinrichs
- Elaine Llerena
- William McLaughlin
- Dennis O’Brien
The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available today through Dec. 31. The survey is available online by clicking here . The Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey has been conducted annually since 2001. A copy of the 2018 survey and results, as well as data collected from past years, can be viewed here .
2020 ELECTIONS:
Legislative candidates running for office in 2020 were required to have petitions filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections by 5pm, Monday, Dec. 2nd. All objections to petitions must be filed by 5pm on Dec. 9th.The primary election is March 17, 2020.
101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The following members have been appointed to the newly created Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying reform: Representatives Harris, Burke, Werhli and Windhorst and Senators Sims, Castro, McConchie and Curran. In addition to the legislative appointments, Governor Pritzker appointed:
- Juliana Stratton
- Former Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno
- Department of Revenue Director David Harris
- Ann Spillane
The Commission’s final report is due March 31, 2020.Democratic State Sen. Martin Sandoval will resign his Senate seat effective January 1, 2020 at 12:01 pm. According to the State Board of Elections, candidates can file petitions to replace Sandoval on the ballot in a special nominating filing period, Dec. 3rd – 9th. State Rep. Celina Villanueva indicated interest in running to replace Sandoval. She is widely expected to be appointed to replace Sandoval and will then run to fill out the remaining 2 years of Sandoval’s term. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., a constituency services liaison for Congressman Chuy Garcia, filed petitions to run for Villanueva’s expected open seat.
COMING UP:
The Illinois Senate will convene on Sunday, January 19th at noon to formally elect a new Senate President to replace President John Cullerton who is retiring. The 101st General Assembly will reconvene for the 2020 Spring Legislative Session on January 28th, 2020.
Key 2020 Session Dates:
January 19th: Senate Convenes to elect new Senate President
January 28th: 2020 Spring Session convenes
January 24th: LRB (bill drafting) Deadline, House
January 29th: Governor’s State of the State Address
January 31st: LRB (bill drafting) Deadline, Senate
February 14th: Bill filing deadline
February 19th: Governor’s Budget Address
March 17th: Primary Election
March 27th: Committee deadline for substantive bills
April 6th – 17th: Spring Break
April 24th: 3rd Reading deadline for substantive bills
May 15th: Committee deadline for substantive bills in second chamber
May 22nd: 3rd Reading deadline for substantive bills in second chamber
May 31st: Adjournment