Illinois considers some reform

Thanks to Dan for alerting me to these proposed bills in the Illinois Legislature:

HB 4713 sponsored by Constance Howard

Amends the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Provides that a person who calls the 911 emergency number to report an overdose of cannabis, a controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substance, controlled substance analog, methamphetamine, or a substance containing methamphetamine and the person who overdosed are immune from criminal liability for a violation relating to the possession of cannabis, a controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substance, controlled substance analog, methamphetamine, or a substance containing methamphetamine.

HB 4715 sponsored by Constance Howard

Amends the Cannabis Control Act and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that whenever a peace officer has probable cause to arrest a person for a suspected misdemeanor violation of either of these Acts, the peace officer in lieu of making an arrest may issue a citation to the person. Provides that the person shall post bail or other security, as determined by the Illinois Supreme Court, which shall include the posting of bail by either cash payment, a bond card, or a charge to the defendant’s debit or credit card. Provides that if a citation is issued, a court appearance is not required if the person intends to plead guilty to the charge. Provides that if the defendant does not appear on the date set for appearance, or any date to which the case may be continued, the court may enter an ex parte judgment against the defendant assessing fines, penalties, and costs in an amount equal to the cash bail required by the Illinois Supreme Court and the clerk of the circuit court shall apply the cash bail or security in payment of the fines, penalties, and costs.

HB 5499 sponsored by Rep. Angelo Saviano

Creates the Illinois Medical Marijuana Act. Provides that when a person has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition, the person and the person’s primary caregiver may be issued a registry identification card by the Department of Public Health that permits the person or the person’s primary caregiver to legally possess no more than 12 cannabis plants and 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis. Amends the Cannabis Control Act to make conforming changes. Provides that the provisions of the Act are severable. Effective immediately.

SB 2865 sponsored by Sen. John J. Cullerton

Creates the Alternative Treatment for Serious Diseases Causing Chronic Pain and Debilitating Conditions Act. Provides that when a person has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition, the person and the person’s primary caregiver may be issued a registry identification card by the Department of Public Health that permits the person or the person’s primary caregiver to legally possess no more than 12 cannabis plants and 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis. Amends the Cannabis Control Act to make conforming changes. Provides that the provisions of the Act are severable. Effective immediately.