* Tribune…

An estimated 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois could win the right to join a union under new legislation expected to be filed in Springfield this month, an effort that comes on the heels of similar campaigns in Massachusetts and California. […]

The new legislation wouldn’t change drivers’ employment status, but it would give them the right to bargain with rideshare companies on an industrywide basis over wages and working conditions if enough drivers signed up with a union. State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Yolonda Morris, both Chicago Democrats, said they intend to sponsor the legislation. […]

Uber spokesperson Josh Gold said the company expected to be able to support new legislation in Illinois, though he emphasized Uber would need to review the bill first. “The devil’s in the details,” he said. Lyft did not respond to multiple requests for comment. […]

Marc Poulos of the Operating Engineers said the union liked the sound of the IAM and SEIU-backed legislation but would not take an official position until it had reviewed it. And, Poulos said, if the proposal passes, the Operating Engineers would be looking to become the bargaining representative for rideshare drivers across Illinois.

* Rep. Mike Crawford…

State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, introduced new legislation to provide downpayment assistance to eligible first generation homebuyers, increasing access to affordable housing and the opportunity to build family stability and security. […]

Buying a home is over twice as expensive as it was 25 years ago, and the average household income does not reflect that increase. To counteract this disparity, Crawford introduced House Bill 4283, which would create the First-Generation Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program. Applicants purchasing homes in designated community priority areas, applicants with income below 80% of the median household income, and applicants purchasing homes in areas with low homeownership rates, high housing costs burdens, or limited access to affordable mortgage credit would be prioritized for financial assistance.

Similar legislation was implemented in Minnesota; Crawford plans to meet with Minnesotan representatives to discuss the bill and how it would work in practice. […]

Crawford’s legislation will be presented to the Illinois General Assembly for consideration.

* SB 2884 from Sen. Graciela Guzmán would allow cities and towns to adopt rent control if voters approve it by referendum…

Creates the Let the People Lift the Ban Act. Includes legislative findings and purpose. Defines terms. Excludes specified types of residences and occupancies from the Act. Includes provisions relating to rental agreements, tenant and landlord rights and obligations, tenant and landlord remedies, security deposits, retaliatory conduct, lockouts, and conflict with other provisions of law. Amends the Rent Control Preemption Act. Provides that a prohibition on a unit of local government enacting, maintaining, or enforcing an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property does not apply if the voters of the unit of local government have approved a referendum allowing rent control. Adds provisions about local rent control regulation, including regulation within a district, precinct, ward, or other similar subdivision of a unit of local government. Changes the home rule preemption of the Act to concurrent exercise of home rule powers by a unit rather than exclusive exercise by the State. Repeals the Retaliatory Eviction Act. Effective immediately.

* Sen. Michael Hastings introduced SB2866 last week…

Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Specifies that the purchaser education support policies that are maintained by dispensing organizations must include information on the use of locked storage bags to prevent access to cannabis by children. Requires any dispensing organization that sells edible cannabis-infused products to display a placard that, among other things, states: “Cannabis products should be kept away from children and safely stored in a locked storage container.” Requires dispensing organizations that are authorized to serve registered qualifying patients, caregivers, or purchasers and that offer cannabis-infused products or cannabis-infused products intended for topical use to stock for sale lockable, opaque storage containers designed to prevent access to cannabis products by children. In provisions regarding required warnings for cannabis-infused products, adds a required warning that the product must be stored out of reach of children and should be in a locked container and that provides the phone number to the Illinois Poison Center in case of accidental use.

* SB2876 from Sen. Terri Bryant…

Amends the School Code. With respect to the suspension or expulsion of a student, requires all evidence, including, but not limited to, video evidence and written materials, held by a school district that has led to the decision to suspend or expel the student to be given to the student’s parents or guardians before a suspension or expulsion hearing. Effective immediately.

* Sen. Rachel Ventura…

State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car. […]

Senate Bill 2787 would require all licensed Illinois vehicle dealers to provide consumers with a same-day, VIN-specific vehicle history report for any used or pre-owned vehicle before purchase, ensuring transparency around title issues, odometer accuracy, recalls, accident history, and other key information.

Furthermore, to ensure complete protection for buyers from hidden defects and industry non-transparency, the measure would mandate customers to receive and acknowledge the report in a language they understand and imposes penalties, including fines, license suspension, and consumer compensation, for inaccurate mileage or vehicle history reporting. Dealers must also retain signed acknowledgments for audits, and failure to provide a history report can result in significant fines, strengthening consumer protection in the used-car market. […]

Senate Bill 2787 currently awaits committee assignment.