Ventura: Cannabis bill provides clarity for law enforcement

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate passage of Senate Bill 42, State Senator Rachel Ventura made clarifying remarks on the bill, explaining its intent and background.

The legislation makes clear that the smell of raw or burnt cannabis alone cannot justify a search of a vehicle, driver, or passenger. The goal is to ensure consistent law enforcement practices in situations involving cannabis. While the odor may still be noted, it cannot be the sole reason for a stop or search.

“I want to ensure there is no misunderstanding about the core intent of this bill — to clarify existing statute and address ambiguities in the law that currently create challenges for law enforcement,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Dispensary workers and Illinoisans who legally use cannabis should not be penalized and targeted on smell alone. If a driver is exhibiting erratic behavior in addition to the scent of cannabis, then law enforcement may conduct a search. This bill not only protects people’s Fourth Amendment rights from unreasonable search and seizure, but also addresses due process.”

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Parental Alienation Awareness Day recognized in Illinois thanks to Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the devastating impact of parental alienation on families across Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura successfully advanced Senate Resolution 66, declaring April 25, 2025 as Parental Alienation Awareness Day in the state. The resolution aims to increase understanding, promote prevention and encourage intervention efforts to support healthy family relationships.

“The emotional and psychological toll of parental alienation can have lasting effects on children,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Fostering unfounded fears about a parent or guardian can create serious barriers to a child's emotional and psychological well-being. By raising awareness, we can foster healthier relationships and ensure that all children have the opportunity to maintain meaningful connections with both parents.”

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Senate passes Ventura measure removing cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle

SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura stipulating the odor of raw or burnt cannabis could not alone constitute a search of a motor vehicle, driver or passenger passed through the Senate, aiming to clarify law enforcement’s handling of driving situations involving cannabis.

“A recent state Supreme Court ruling gave a conflicting directive between raw and burnt cannabis, shifting a huge burden to law enforcement to know the difference,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill aims to bring clarity by directing law enforcement to consider all factors — not just odor — in deciding if the law has been broken.”

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Ventura’s proposed K-9 drug detection pilot program sparks discussion in committee

SPRINGFIELD – To address ongoing efforts in stopping the flow of illicit substances coming through prisons by mail, State Senator Rachel Ventura outlined her plan for a K-9 mail drug detection pilot program during a subject matter hearing in the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.

“There has been an alarming increase in drug-related accidents and even deaths in incarceration facilities, leading to a potential need for a better drug scanning system. This pilot program can make serious strides in the ongoing effort to keep illicit substances out of incarceration facilities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The state should consider this as a viable alternative to an ongoing issue as it will not only boost security but ensure individuals right to their mail is protected.”

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