* Press release…

Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that builds on the legacy of unsung hero Mary K. Hunt and designates Penicillium Rubens as the official state microbe of Illinois. The Governor also signed legislation which adds agricultural sciences and agricultural education as an option to fulfill the coursework requirements for university admission.

HB 1879 designated penicillium rubens NRRL 1951 as the official state microbe of Illinois. The designation recognizes the contribution of Mary K. Hunt, also known as Moldy Mary, and the Northern Regional Research Library – now known as the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. Due to their research and work, penicillin’s yield soared at a time when demand was high all across the world.

“It’s no secret that penicillin production is an achievement Peoria takes great pride in – but as of today, it becomes a point of pride for all of Illinois, with new status as our official state microbe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The additional legislation will help Illinois not lose any more Marys to history by recognizing the value of agricultural science in our education system for students of all backgrounds. By supporting our young learners who want to take ag sciences through to a university education – and beyond – Illinois is diversifying what it means to learn, to grow, to innovate – and to set the stage for our future generations to live their dreams.” […]

HB 3218 and SB 1624 add agricultural sciences as a course option for the science category and agricultural education as a course option for the elective category as part of the required high school coursework for university admission. This expansion of agricultural education options was made possible by students, teachers, FFA clubs, and lawmakers working to ensure high school students in Illinois can access the tools they need to continue our proud Illinois agriculture tradition.

* Capitol News Illinois…

With the ongoing Illinois State Fair as a backdrop, Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills into law in recent days during ceremonies that coincided with daily fair themes.

On Monday, which was Senior and Scout Day at the fair, Pritzker signed a package of bills aimed at improving health care for seniors, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“I am excited to sign four pieces of legislation that will make Illinois an even safer state for seniors,” Pritzker said at the signing ceremony. “Together, the steps we’re taking today mark a bipartisan commitment to ensuring that Illinois seniors can live their best lives.” […]

Monday’s signing ceremony followed a similar ceremony Sunday, which was Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the fair, during which Pritzker signed several bills dealing with services for military veterans and their families.

More info here.

* Tribune…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into law a measure that makes it illegal for police to use at least one commonly searched law enforcement database to conduct criminal background checks on citizens who sign up to speak at public meetings statewide.

The law was inspired by a 2019 Tribune story that disclosed how the Chicago Police Department ran secret background checks for over a decade on several hundred citizens who signed up to speak at public meetings before the Chicago Police Board. […]

The new law, which goes into effect immediately, bars police agencies throughout Illinois from conducting background checks on citizens “for the sole reason” of that person speaking “at an open meeting of a public body, including police disciplinary boards.”

* WLDS…

Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the signing of 3 bills reforming education and juvenile justice in the state yesterday.

The first law will seek to end the use of physical restraints to discipline students in public schools. The legislation, which received wide bipartisan support, aims to eliminate solitary time out and other restrictive interventions within three years, while expanding training and accountability in schools as it relates to these practices.

The bill bans prone restraint. It may only be permitted for use as an emergency measure until the end of the 2021-22 school year. The bill also prohibits the use of medical and chemical restraint. The legislation ensures that timeouts, isolated timeouts, and other forms of physical restraint may only be used if a student’s behavior is an imminent danger to the individual student or to others, and the school staff member applying the invention tactic must be trained in its safe application. The law takes effect immediately.

* Center Square…

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 805 to implement a program to distribute unused school lunches to needy students, but questions remain about just how the program will be implemented by school districts across the state.

State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, who is a co-sponsor of the legislation, said the program will make sure unused food at the state’s more than 850 school districts goes to those who need it most.

The unused food program will be implemented by local school districts, which are now required to come up with a plan to distribute food to families of students who may not get enough to eat at home.

The program will be a “joint effort between school districts and their local health departments,” Greenwood said.

* Not a new law, but a law that’s producing some results…

A local cannabis grower is hoping to fill up to 200 positions in the next few months and they are starting efforts with a two-day job fair this week.

In two sessions at the Shawnee Community College Anna Extension Center, the company, aeriz (pronounced “arise”), will hold informational meetings and open interviews for a wide range of positions.

The medical and recreational cannabis grower has a facility near Anna as well as one in Arizona, both of which use an aeroponic – or soilless – system to raise cannabis in a wholesale operation. The company does not sell its products directly to consumers.

* Related…

* Gov. Pritzker Honors Gold Star Families At Illinois State Fair, Signs Legislation To Improve Services For Servicemembers And Veterans

* New laws aim to lower prescription drug prices in Illinois