Bill removing cannabis odor as cause for vehicle search headed to Illinois House

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would remove cannabis odor as the sole probable cause for police officers to search a car.

The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, would still require that cannabis be stored in a secure, sealed, or re-sealable container.

“I want to be very clear that I encourage every driver to drive sober at all times and that is not the purpose of this bill to undermine that,” said Ventura.

Ventura said the measure aims to bring clarity by directing law enforcement to consider all factors, not just odor, in deciding if the law has been broken. Ventura cited two Illinois Supreme Court rulings that contradicted each other about whether cannabis odor alone was sufficient for probable cause for police to search a vehicle without a warrant, one involving burnt marijuana and the other raw cannabis.

“There are now a myriad of situations where cannabis can be used and possessed, and the smell resulting from that legal use and possession is not indicative of the commission of a criminal offense,” the opinion said.

- Advertisement -

State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said the legislation defies common sense.

“We would never, ever ask a police officer to disregard the odor of alcohol when they pull a car over, why on earth would we ask a police officer to disregard the odor of cannabis,” said Rose.

State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said the measure is a boost for drug dealers and the black market for marijuana.

“They’re going to use the fact that when they’re going through Illinois, if they have the cannabis out and it’s smelling, it can cover up the smell of other drugs and other things they’re trying to hide,” said McClure.

The Senate passed the measure by a 33 to 20 vote and will next be considered by the Illinois House.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Everyday Economics: Brace yourself for higher market volatility this week

This week’s data will offer fresh clues on the...

Trouble Sleeping? This Science-Backed App Could Change Your Life

Sleep quality is a huge determinant of our health,...

Op-Ed: Hispanic families in New Mexico push back on gender policies

In a state where more than 1 million residents...

Senate committee to vote on bills combating antisemitism on campuses

Legislation targeting harassment of Jewish students at higher education...

The FDA Is Failing – Here’s What Needs To Change

We’ve long trusted the FDA to protect public health,...

Illinois bill helps homeowners fight back against squatters

(The Center Square) – With instances of squatting sharply...

Voters focused on prices, tariffs as Trump wraps up first 100 days

American voters are focused on prices, tariffs and illegal...

WATCH: Trump, Rubio say Russia-Ukraine war is ‘endable’

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio...

More like this
Related

Everyday Economics: Brace yourself for higher market volatility this week

This week’s data will offer fresh clues on the...

Trouble Sleeping? This Science-Backed App Could Change Your Life

Sleep quality is a huge determinant of our health,...

Op-Ed: Hispanic families in New Mexico push back on gender policies

In a state where more than 1 million residents...

Senate committee to vote on bills combating antisemitism on campuses

Legislation targeting harassment of Jewish students at higher education...