* Sun-Times…

A bill filed in Springfield almost a year ago by West Side state Sen. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, would amend Illinois’ Nursing Home Care Act to allow for residents to sue facility owners over claims of retaliation for at least two months’ rent and attorney fees, plus statutory damages.

Seventeen additional senators have signed on as cosponsors of the bill, but advocates worry Illinois Senate President Don Harmon could let the legislative clock expire on it under pressure from a nursing home industry trade group that opposes the bill — and that has made massive financial contributions to Harmon’s political operation.

The Health Care Council of Illinois argues laws on the books are sufficient, and that Senate Bill 3559 would prompt a flurry of meritless lawsuits and new legal costs that would end up harming “the very individuals it seeks to protect.”

The bill will die if it’s not passed by the end of the veto session Jan. 7, before a new General Assembly is inaugurated.

* Sen. Rachel Ventura…

State Senator Rachel Ventura pushed for the CURE Act to receive support at the House Mental Health & Addiction Committee hearing on “Psychedelics as Behavioral Health Treatment” Tuesday to shed light on the potential of psychedelics to alleviate mental health, addiction, PTSD and trauma issues.

The hearing included insight from behavioral health professionals and consumers, along with testimony on the importance of House Bill 1/Senate Bill 3695, known as the Illinois CURE Act sponsored by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford and Ventura.

“The Illinois CURE Act can save countless lives – integrated therapy-based sessions following exposure would create real change in an individual’s life who has exhausted other methods previously. Psilocybin would open new pathways in the brain to help pinpoint things that need to be worked on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “During this subject matter hearing my colleagues and I had the opportunity to explain that plant medicine, such as psilocybin, has long been stigmatized. I am dedicated to this bipartisan collaboration and remain hopeful that we can pass this historic legislation that would aid not only veterans, but all Illinoisans, suffering from mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse and more.”

The CURE Act – or the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act – aims to tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, it would facilitate research into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin through medical, psychological, and scientific studies. […]

Ford, who filed the House version of the Illinois CURE Act, also testified in support of the legislation.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that residents can access healthcare options that enhance their wellbeing, particularly with promising treatments like psilocybin,” said Ford (D-Chicago). “To achieve this, we must engage stakeholders in constructive dialogue to shape a collective path forward for medical access. While it’s crucial that we advance this initiative, we must also prioritize a responsible implementation process with the necessary safeguards in place.”

The bill would also establish the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board under the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which would create a training program, ethical standards, and licensing requirements. Additionally, psychedelic therapies would be administered in controlled, supervised settings to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness. Retail sales of these medicines would be prohibited and could only be used under supervision at designated service centers.

“Psychedelic use is increasing as the mental health crisis deepens, and it’s essential for Illinois lawmakers to take action. Clinical evidence continues to demonstrate the potential of psychedelics to provide transformative therapeutic benefits,” said Jean Lacy the executive director of the Illinois Psychedelic Society. “By joining other states in establishing standards of care and protocols for safe and effective use, lawmakers can offer meaningful opportunities for healing to their constituents. Failing to act means denying access to treatments that could profoundly improve lives. This is a critical moment to lead with compassion and vision.”

To learn more about the Illinois CURE Act, click here.

* 25 News Now…

A statewide coalition called “Lift the Ban” is lobbying state lawmakers to pass affordable housing legislation. […]

According to the “Lift the Ban” website, 44% of Illinois Renters are rent-burdened because they’re spending 30% of their income on housing. In McLean County, 31% of renters struggle to find basic housing. This coalition is trying push a bill called “Let the People Decide.”

This bill would make it possible for voters to decide if the ban on rent control should be abolished in Illinois. The rent control ban has been on the books since 1997. The bill would also provide other protections for renters.

The “Lift the Ban” legislation will be introduced again in January.

* Farm Week…

“Legislators were told to plan to return to Springfield on Jan. 2, but I don’t know that there is a certain plan to move forward yet,” said Chris Davis, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation. “I certainly think there’s a strong possibility of action taking place.” […]

If the General Assembly does head into a lame-duck session, there is a possibility that the Family Farms Preservation Act (FFPA) could make it to the finish line. Davis told RFD Radio Network the legislation has broad support, but a projected $3 billion revenue deficit creates a barrier.

“We are certainly still talking to legislators and the governor’s office about the FFPA and the need for estate tax reform in Illinois,” Davis said of the efforts of IFB’s state government team toward building support. […]

Davis said property tax legislation could also be included in a lame-duck session, following the advisory referendum question that was on the ballot in November. The Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum primarily asked if the Constitution should be amended to enable a progressive income tax structure.