SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Latest on action in the Illinois General Assembly (all times local):
2:35 p.m.
The Illinois House has sent Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker another victory by voting to legalize recreational marijuana use.
The 66-47 tally Friday would allow those 21 and older to buy marijuana at licensed dispensaries beginning next year. Residents could possess up to one ounce (30 grams) and non-residents could have 15 grams.
Pritzker called for legalization in his campaign for governor. He has pledged to sign the law.
Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s measure also includes opportunities for past convictions for possession of 30 grams or less to be cleared. The Chicago Democrat says “it is time to hi the `reset’ button on the War on Drugs.”
Private property owners could restrict use. Landlords could ban marijuana on their property. And employers would still be allowed to maintain “zero tolerance” policies toward marijuana use and the workplace.
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The bill is 1438.
Online: http://www.ilga.gov
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4:40 a.m.
The Illinois Legislature has one day to churn out a state budget.
Friday is the last scheduled day of the General Assembly’s spring session. Paperwork has moved in anticipation of adopting a spending plan of about $39 billion, but few details have emerged.
It promises to be a long day at the Illinois Capitol. Unresolved substantive measures join the budget. Legislation to legalize recreational use of marijuana has cleared the Senate and awaits action in the House. Statutory protections for abortion have House OK and await Senate action.
Neither a long-discussed measure to legalize sports betting nor a massive expansion of casino gambling has seen action.
And Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has called for a $41.5 billion state construction program. But some say gambling expansion is necessary to fund it.
