Pritzker signs ‘cannabis transporter’ bill into law
Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 1559, which waives annual license fees for existing cannabis transporting organization license holders from January 1, 2024, through January 1, 2027, and prohibits the Illinois Department of Agriculture from accepting new applications for cannabis transporting organization licenses from January 1, 2023, through January 1, 2027.
Senate Bill 1559, also known as the Access to Affordable Insulin Act, unanimously passed the Illinois House and the Senate Dec. 1. SB1559 included House Amendment 004, which detailed three major changes to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. The full language in House Amendment 004 included:
(c) Entities awarded a license under this Article shall not be required to pay any fee required under Section 40-10 of this Article, the nonrefundable renewal fee required under Section 40-40 of this Article, or any other license fee required under this Article or by rule from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2027.
(d) From January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2027, the Department shall not make the application available for transporting organization licenses.
(e) Upon completion of the disparity and availability study published by the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer under subsection (e) of Section 5-45, the Department may modify or change the licensing application process to reduce or eliminate barriers and remedy discrimination identified in the study. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Agriculture shall make the applications available on every January 7 thereafter or, if that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the business day immediately succeeding the weekend or holiday and shall receive the applications no later than March 15 or the succeeding business day thereafter.
“The Illinois Independent Cannabis Transporters Association (IICTA) is thrilled at the passage of SB1559 and so grateful to the Governor’s Office, State Rep. Ford,” said IICTA representatives after the bill passed. “Leader Lightford, Speaker’s Office, and all the lawmakers who supported our efforts alongside the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois. While this is an important first step to bring value to Illinois cannabis transportation licenses, there is still more work to be done. The IICTA looks forward to continuing its work with all industry stakeholders and lawmakers to create a truly equitable cannabis industry in Illinois.”
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