Senate Democrats Advance Dangerous Cannabis Bill
SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats recently advanced controversial legislation that potentially ties the hands of police and puts public safety at risk.
Senate Bill 42 removes the requirement that cannabis be stored in an odor-proof container and prevents law enforcement from stopping or searching a vehicle solely based on the smell of cannabis.
Senate Republicans argue that this proposal handcuffs law enforcement and undermines their ability to identify impaired drivers. The smell of cannabis has long been a reasonable and constitutionally accepted basis for officers to investigate potential impairment and, in turn, remove drivers who may be under the influence to ensure the safety of other drivers on Illinois roadways. If the smell of alcohol warrants further investigation, why should cannabis be treated differently?
State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) opposed the measure when it came before the Senate, arguing that the proposal sends the wrong message to Illinois drivers and discourages proactive policing of our roads.
Senate Bill 42 now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Improve Food Safety for People with Celiac Disease
Legislation proposed to improve food safety for individuals living with celiac disease passed out of the Illinois Senate unanimously last week.
Senate Bill 1288 would require all food handlers in Illinois to complete training on celiac disease and the safe handling of gluten-free foods. The bill also strengthens allergen awareness training by adding sesame as a major allergen and requiring a better understanding of gluten-related risks.
Under the legislation, food handlers would be trained on topics including the symptoms of celiac disease, methods to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and proper labeling of gluten-free products.
Senate Bill 1288 now heads to the Illinois House for further consideration.
Controversial Mascot Ban
On April 10, the House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1237, a controversial measure that would ban Native-themed mascots and logos in schools statewide.
The proposal requires affected schools to rebrand by July 1, 2026, unless they secure and renew approval every five years from a federally recognized tribe. At least 90 schools would be impacted, many of which face steep, unfunded costs to replace uniforms, signage, and other materials. This pulls valuable resources away from classrooms, teachers, and student services.
Senate Republicans argue that this bill ignores the local significance of these mascots, which often represent pride, heritage, and long-standing community identity. In some cases, schools have worked directly with tribes to ensure cultural respect and collaboration.
Senator Syverson says at a time when Illinois faces a multibillion-dollar deficit and rising financial pressures, lawmakers should focus on real fiscal priorities and not micromanage local school identity and traditions.
“Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”
A firefighting helicopter refill pump recently emerged as the winner of the 2025 Makers Madness contest, earning the title of “the coolest thing made in Illinois.”
Chosen in a bracket-style competition from a field of more than 250 products, MTH Pumps’ (owned and operated out of Plano, Illinois) aerial firefighting helicopter refill pump became the winner of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s competition. This specific pump was designed to cut the refill time of water tanks used on helicopters to fight fires in half, taking as little as 30 seconds to refill.
The product was used by fire departments in California to fight wildfires in January. Tim Tremain, president of MTH Pumps, said the Los Angeles Fire Department praised the pump, calling it, “very consistent, very helpful and very reliable out in the field.”
Three other finalists were also recognized at the ceremony, including aircrew systems tester made by Chemring Energetic Devices of Downers Grove, donor breastmilk distributed by Mother’s Milk Bank of Western Great Lakes of Elk Grove Village and a remote-operated oil skimmer made by Elastec of Carmi.