New Illinois Laws In 2014: 10 Of The Land Of Lincoln's Most Important Laws Taking Effect Jan. 1

2013 was a busy year for the Illinois legislature. While two of their most headline-grabbing achievements -- pension reform legislation and the marriage equality law -- don't go into effect on Jan. 1, plenty other significant new state laws do.



Below, we've rounded up some of the most important new Illinois laws of 2014. For a complete list, visit the Illinois Senate Democrats' website. Plus, of course, there's a slew of new federal laws -- including the new ban on incandescent light bulbs.



ANNIE, GET YOUR GUN

Earlier this year, Illinois became the final U.S. state to pass a concealed carry law and, starting this week, it will formally go into effect. Beginning Sunday, Illinois residents can apply online for a concealed carry permit on the Illinois State Police's website. State Police are required by law to approve a license, should no problems arise, within 90 days and the first licenses are expected to be issued by mid-January, ABC Chicago reports. (HB 183)







MEDICINAL PURPOSES ONLY

Medical marijuana technically arrives in Illinois on Jan. 1, though the agencies overseeing the state's four-year pilot program will still have 120 days from Wednesday to lay out the application process for those who qualify to get their hands on the drug. (HB 1)



PUT DOWN THAT PHONE

Beginning on Jan. 1, drivers in Illinois will be required to use a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone if they wish to talk on the phone while driving -- any driver caught holding a phone up to their ear could be fined at least $75. Exceptions may apply in the case of emergencies. About a dozen other states have already implemented similar laws, according to the Chicago Tribune. (HB 1247)







PEDAL TO THE METAL (JUST NOT IN CHICAGO)

Taking a long road trip across Illinois? You can get to your destination slightly faster now. As of Jan. 1, the speed limit on rural Illinois highways has been increased from 65 to 70 mph. For now, the law leaves the majority of the Chicago area as a slow zone, something state Sen. Jim Oberweis is pushing to change. (SB 2356)



LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX

Another new Illinois law going into effect means public school districts teaching sex education will now be required to teach about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases, rather than just abstinence. The law does allow districts to opt out entirely of sex education. (HB 2675)







TEEN TAN BAN

Illinois residents younger than 18 will no longer be allowed to use indoor tanning facilities as of Jan. 1. Any businesses violating the new law could be fined $250. (HB 188)



UNDERAGE VOTERS

Beginning Jan. 1, any Illinois voter eligible to vote in a November general election will also be eligible to vote in the preceding primary, even if they are only 17 years old at the time of the primary, NBC Chicago reports. Interested 17-year-old voters in Chicago must register by Feb. 18 in order to vote in the March 18 primary. (HB 226)







PUPPY LEMONS

New pet owners in Illinois will be newly protected by a "lemon law" that allows owners to be refunded the cost of the pet or reimbursed for veterinary costs if a new pet has been purchased without disclosure of any serious illnesses. (SB 1639)



'FLASH' MOBBERS BEWARE

Illinois lawmakers have also increased the maximum penalty for anyone caught using social media to organize a violent "flash mob" from three years to six years in prison, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. (SB 1005)







HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS

Bad news, cigarette tossers: cigarette butts have now been specifically designated as litter and, under a newly strengthened penalty, anyone caught tossing one is risking a $1,500 fine. (HB 3243)



from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/01/new-illinois-laws-in-2014_n_4524862.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

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New Illinois Gun Laws In 2014: Mandatory Reporting Of Lost Guns, FOID Checks On Private Sales

A new Illinois law requires private sellers of guns to verify that the buyers' gun permits are valid, but a State Police website for the verification process was not yet working as of New Year's Eve.

The law, in effect on New Year's Day, requires that all private firearm transactions in Illinois must be approved by State Police. Any non-federally licensed firearm dealer who sells or transfers a gun is required to contact ISP and provide the buyer's Firearm Owner's Identification Card number. The State Police will then determine the validity of the FOID card and issue a sale-approval number, which is valid for 30 days.

The seller is allowed to transfer the gun to the buyer after obtaining the approval number and waiting 24 hours for a rifle or shotgun or 72 hours for a handgun.

A sale-approval number can be requested around-the-clock through a page on the ISP website, at http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/foidp2p.cfm, or during normal business hours by calling 217-524-3847.

State Police said the website and phone number were to be active when the law took effect. But as of New Year's Eve, the web page had a notice that said: "FOID card status inquiry for private firearm transfer coming soon." A recording on the phone line advised callers to call back because "we are experiencing a high call volume."

Sellers already were required in Illinois to keep records of private gun sales and to check if buyers had FOID cards. But if a buyer's card had been revoked, there was no way for a seller to know that. The new verification system is designed to provide up-to-date information to sellers on the status of buyers' FOID cards.

The overall goal of the law is to reduce crime. But the law's critics, such as Breese gun shop owner Jim Hummert, say criminals aren't too concerned about following laws.

"I think we need to enforce the current laws on the books regarding felons possessing firearms before we try another tax-and-spend idea from Springfield," said Hummert, a retired sheriff's detective and police chief.

It's unclear what the penalty will be for failing to check a buyer's FOID status. The law states that failing to do so "shall not be punishable as a crime or petty offense."

The law also requires gun owners to notify local police of any lost or stolen guns. The law requires an owner to report the loss within 72 hours of learning that a gun has been lost or stolen. Failure to report a lost or stolen gun is a petty offense for the first violation, and a misdemeanor for subsequent violations.

Contact reporter Brian Brueggemann at bbrueggemann@bnd.com or 239-2511. ___

(c)2013 the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.)

Visit the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.) at www.bnd.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/01/new-illinois-gun-laws-in-2014_n_4524967.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

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Friendly CTA Red Line Operator Michael Powell Retires Dec. 31

"Welcome aboard, nice to see you."



"Wrigley. Cubs. All aboard. Batter up."



"Have a good day, and may the force be with you."



They're friendly and familiar phrases you've most likely heard if you've ever ridden the Red Line during commuter hours.



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Bulls-Raptors: Valanciunas Leads Toronto Over Chicago 85-79

CHICAGO (AP) — Jonas Valanciunas scored 15 points and the Toronto Raptors mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Chicago Bulls 85-79 on Tuesday night.



He made two big free throws to seal the game in the final minute after Toronto had missed three of four from the line down the stretch. Greivis Vasquez hit a 3-pointer two minutes into the fourth to give Toronto (14-15) its first lead of the second half, and the Raptors didn't look back. Vasquez scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter, and also had two assists and a blocked shot in the final quarter as Toronto overcame the tenacious Bulls defense.



Luol Deng led Chicago (12-18) with 16 points in his return to the court after missing five games due to a sore left Achilles tendon.



Toronto shot 37 percent through the first three quarters, but turned it up in the fourth making 10 of its 17 shots. Meanwhile, the Bulls went 4-for-24 from the field in the fourth quarter, falling to 1-6 at the United Center after starting the season 6-1.



Coming off of season-highs with 32 points and 11 assists Saturday against the Knicks, Kyle Lowry had a modest 12 and six against Chicago.



The 27-year-old averaged 22.4 points over his last five games coming in, including 14-for-30 from 3-point range despite dealing with trade rumors. Lowry took an early breather after being whistled for a pair of fouls within the first five minutes. He didn't score until seven minutes into the second quarter when he knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing.



He connected again from deep on the following possession.



Following his season-high 26-point performance Monday at Memphis, Jimmy Butler poured in 15 for Chicago (12-18). He completed a three-point play to pull the Bulls back within five with two minutes left, but they couldn't complete the comeback.



Carlos Boozer missed his first seven shots and didn't find the scoring column until midway through the third quarter.



Boozer, Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich combined to go 4-for-27 from the field.



Noah had seven points and 16 rebounds.



Taj Gibson was the only player in double-figures when Chicago took a 42-36 lead into halftime. He finished with 12 points - two in the second half. Mike Dunleavy added 13 for Chicago, which had won three of its last four.



Toronto has won two of the three meetings this season, the road team coming out on top each time.



Notes: Bulls G D.J. Augustin, who was released by the Raptors on December 9, had six points and three assists on 3-of-4 shooting. Augustin shot just 1 for 7 from the floor against his former team on Dec. 14, a 99-77 loss. . Raptors F Amir Johnson was taken out in the second quarter due to a right knee injury, but returned minutes later after going to the locker room for treatment. He finished with nine points and six rebounds.



from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/01/bulls-raptors-valanciunas-_n_4527866.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

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Here's Where You Can Buy Legal Weed In Colorado

Adults 21-and-over can legally purchase recreational marijuana for the first time in U.S. history starting today in Colorado.



Although hundreds of marijuana businesses have received approval from the state and local authorities, only a fraction of those pot shops around the state were able to get through the lengthy and rigorous licensing process in time to open on Jan. 1.



Here's a list of the confirmed retail pot shops expected to be open today in Colorado for those eager to experience the historic green rush first-hand:



In Denver:



3D Cannabis Center, 4305 Brighton Blvd., Denver (Map)



CitiMed, 1640 E. Evans Ave., Denver (Map)



Dank Colorado, 3835 Elm St., Denver (Map)



Denver Kush Club, 2615 Welton St., Denver (Map)



Evergreen Apothecary, 1568 S. Broadway, Denver (Map)



Kindman, 4125 Elati St., Denver (Map)



LoDo Wellness, 1617 Wazee St., Denver (Map)



Medicine Man, 470 Nome St., Denver (Map)



The Green Solution, 2601 W. Alameda Ave., Denver (Map)



The Green Solution, 4400 Grape St., Denver (Map)



The Grove, 74 Federal Blvd., Denver (Map)



The Haven, 777 Canosa Ct., Denver (Map)



The Healing House, 2383 Downing St., Denver (Map)



The Shelter, 4095 Jackson St., Denver (Map)



In Colorado:



Breckenridge Cannabis Club, 226 S. Main St., Breckenridge (Map)



BotanaCare, 11450 Cherokee St., Northglenn (Map)



Marisol Therapeutics, 922 Kimble Dr., Pueblo West (Map)

Northern Lights Natural Rx, 2045 Sheridan Blvd Suite B, Edgewater (Map)



Patients Choice/Bud Med Health Centers, 2517 Sheridan Blvd., Edgewater (Map)



The Annie's, 135 Nevada St., Central City (Map)



The Greener Side, 3321 S. Interstate 25, Pueblo (Map)



The Kine Mine, 2820 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs (Map)



If and when more shops end up opening around the state on Jan. 1, this list will be updated.



from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/01/colorado-marijuana-shops_n_4519507.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

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Here's How To Legally Smoke, Possess And Buy Retail Marijuana In Colorado

Planning on buying or using recreational marijuana in Colorado today? Well, then here's everything you need to know about Colorado's new retail marijuana laws whether you're a tourist or a resident participating in Colorado's historic "Green Wednesday."



How old do I have to be to purchase, possess or consume retail marijuana?



You must be 21 and older to buy, possess or use retail marijuana. It is illegal to give or sell retail marijuana to minors.



What is the difference between medical and retail marijuana?



Only licensed retail marijuana stores may sell retail marijuana, and only to those 21 and older.



Medical marijuana requires a state red card, which can only be obtained by Colorado residents with a recommendation from a doctor that a patient suffers from a debilitating medical condition that may benefit from medical marijuana. Medical marijuana patients can obtain marijuana from a licensed center, a primary care giver or self grow. For more information about medical marijuana, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment.



Where can I purchase retail marijuana?



Those 21 and older can purchase retail marijuana at licensed retail stores.



Other municipalities in Colorado also allow retail marijuana stores. Please go to each city’s website to determine specific marijuana sale and consumption laws.



Where am I allowed to consume retail marijuana?



Retail marijuana is intended for private, personal use. Such use is only legal in certain locations not open or accessible to the public. Marijuana may not be consumed openly or publicly.



Can I consume marijuana in public?



No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public.



This includes but is not limited to areas accessible to the public such as transportation facilities, schools, amusement/sporting/music venues, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads and outdoor and rooftop cafes. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations like bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.



Can I possess marijuana? And how much?



Since Amendment 64 went into effect in late 2012, adults 21 and older have been allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana.



How much marijuana can I purchase at one time?



Colorado residents 21 and older can purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana at a time.



Non-residents can purchase up to ¼ ounce at a time.



Can I consume marijuana in a licensed retail store?



No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in or around a licensed store. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations such as bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.



Are marijuana “social clubs” or “coffee shops” permitted?



No. These businesses are not permitted.



What are the consequences if I violate marijuana laws?



Penalties range from a fine to a possible jail or prison sentence. Colorado State Statutes and Denver Revised Municipal Code spell out the specific penalties for various violations.



Schools, universities and employers are allowed to put in place their own disciplinary actions for marijuana-related infractions.



Are the rules different for possession and consumption of edible marijuana than for marijuana that can be smoked?



No. Possession laws are the same for all retail marijuana types, and public consumption is always illegal, regardless of form.



Can I have marijuana in my car?



Yes. Marijuana may be carried in cars but it may not be in an open container and cannot cross state boundaries. It is illegal to use or consume marijuana in a motor vehicle and it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana.



Is there a DUI-like equivalent for driving under the influence of marijuana?



Yes. It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana and it can result in a DUI, just like alcohol. Anyone with 5 nanograms or more of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (known as THC) per milliliter in whole blood (CRS 42-4-1301) while driving can be arrested for DUI. The consequences of DUI is dependent on the driver but they can include fines, jail time and a revoked license.



Can I take marijuana through airport security or travel out of state with it?



No. It is illegal to take marijuana across state lines.



Can I consume marijuana on public transportation (buses, light rail) in Denver?



No. It is illegal to consume marijuana in public, which includes public transportation.



Can I smoke marijuana in a taxi or limousine in Denver?



It is illegal to smoke marijuana in a taxi, limousine or any form of government-operated mass transportation.



Can I consume marijuana inside a smoke-friendly hotel room or on a hotel balcony?



It is up to the discretion of the hotel if it allows marijuana smoke to be consumed in their smoking rooms (the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act limits all smoking to at most 25 percent of rooms). You should ask the hotel if they allow it. Denver city laws prohibit marijuana consumption on hotel balconies if visible from any public place.



Do the laws of Denver apply elsewhere?



Denver ordinances only apply within the City and County of Denver. Please go to each city or county’s website to determine specific marijuana sale and consumption laws.



Does Denver have additional prohibitions on use or display of marijuana?



It is illegal to consume, use, display, transfer, distribute, sell or grow retail marijuana at or within any park, parkway, mountain park (including Red Rocks) or other recreational facility, on any city-owned property (including streets and sidewalks) within 1,000 feet of a public or private elementary, middle, junior high or high school and on the 16th Street Mall (including any city street or sidewalk one block in either direction from the mall).



Are there additional restrictions on public consumption of marijuana in Denver that I should know about?



On residential private property, retail marijuana consumption in any outdoor location is illegal unless the person is the property owner or lessee or has been granted express or implied permission by the property owner or lessee. On private non-residential property, marijuana consumption is illegal in any outdoor location if it is clearly visible from a public place.



What are the health effects of using retail marijuana?



For information about the health impacts of marijuana use, please visit Denver Health’s resource page on this topic or download their fact sheet.



All questions and answers appear courtesy of Colorado.gov.



from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/01/recreational-marijuana-rules-colorado_n_4525501.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

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Recreational Marijuana Shops Open In Colorado

For more than 70 years, the sale of marijuana for recreational use has been criminally prohibited in the United States. But that ban, as it has existed for decades, ended Wednesday in Colorado.



The historic first, legal sales of recreational marijuana to those 21-and-older began in the morning at select dispensaries in Colorado -- the first state in the nation, and the first government in the world, to control and regulate a legal recreational marijuana industry.



"This is a big day," said Tom Angell, chairman of drug reform group Marijuana Majority, to The Huffington Post. "With what Colorado is doing now, and what Washington state and Uruguay will do later this year, we're finally getting a chance to show the world the benefits of legalizing and regulating marijuana that we've been talking about for so many years. Bringing the market above ground will generate tax revenue, create jobs and take money out of the hands of the violent drug cartels and gangs that control the trade where marijuana is illegal. Once other states and countries see these proven results, they'll want to get rid of their prohibition laws too."



Voters in both Colorado and Washington approved recreational marijuana in 2012, but Colorado was quick to implement the laws allowing approved marijuana businesses to open on New Year's Day. Washington state's recreational marijuana shops are expected to open later in the year. Uruguay recently became the first country in the world to create a legal, regulated marijuana market for adults.



According to the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED), the agency that regulates the marijuana industry in the state, more than 300 marijuana businesses in Colorado have begun to receive their state and local licenses to operate legally, but only a few dozen retailers were able to complete the rigorous inspection and approval process in time to open their doors Jan. 1. Those shops will be open Wednesday, selling recreational marijuana for the first time; about 14 are in Denver. Dozens more pot shops are expected to open statewide in the coming weeks and months.



For the shops opening Wednesday, business is expected to boom. Some owners are concerned about supply. “I’m going to run out of cannabis; it’s just a matter of when," said Toni Fox, owner of 3D Cannabis Center in Denver.



To prevent possible shortages, Colorado dispensaries have been preparing for the New Year's rush. Andy Williams, proprietor of Denver's Medicine Man, told HuffPost that he raised his prices months ago, and made larger-than-normal purchases of marijuana alternatives, like edibles. He doesn't think he'll run out, but says some other shops will.



Colorado adult residents can purchase up to an ounce at a time, while tourists can purchase up to one-quarter ounce. However, some shop owners have said they may put a purchasing cap in place at first to preserve supplies.



In November, Colorado voters also approved a 25 percent tax on all recreational-marijuana sales. The taxes are expected to generate roughly $70 million in additional revenue for the state in 2014.



“I think it’s a success story," said state Rep. Dan Pabon (D-Denver), who helped write the state's marijuana law. "But I think it’s actually much broader than a marijuana success story -- this is Democracy and public policy making at its best.”



Pabon also noted that the law is only as good as its enforcement, and that it will truly be tested in the months following Jan. 1.



Not everyone is as supportive as Pabon. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (D) has been a vocal opponent of marijuana legalization and when asked recently by The Denver Post if he "hated" the idea of marijuana legalization in the state, Hancock replied "yes."



"I have seen the devastation of the progression of marijuana to harsher drugs like crack cocaine," Hancock said. "And a lot of the folks that have dealt with substance abuse -- particularly with cocaine and crack cocaine -- they started with marijuana."



Before voters approved Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana, in 2012, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) also voiced opposition to the pot measure, saying, "Colorado is known for many great things –- marijuana should not be one of them." Hickenlooper cited concerns that legal marijuana could lead to an increase in underage use.



However, by the time he signed the law in May 2013, Hickenlooper called it "common sense" and went on to urge federal banking officials to make regulations more flexible for Colorado's marijuana businesses. Marijuana businesses cannot legally obtain normal business banking services due to the federal government's continued ban of the drug.



The Denver Post first reported that neither Hancock nor Hickenlooper would attend the first sales of legal weed on New Year's Day.



Concerns still remain about whether or not recreational marijuana's legalization will increase crime and instances of driving under the influence, and if legitimizing a drug with deep ties to a black market can drive the criminal element completely out.



“We’re cautiously optimistic, you never know what can pop up," said Julie Postlethwait, spokesperson for the MED. "Retail, recreational marijuana is basically a black-market industry, so there’s a lot of things that we will learn in the next couple years -- but if issues arise, we’ll talk about it and figure out how to do it better going forward."



On Tuesday, the Denver mayor's office sounded optimistic about the future of marijuana in the city. "Denver is a vibrant, growing city where people come to make a life, build a career and raise a family," said Ashley Kilroy, executive director of marijuana policy for Hancock. "Medical marijuana has not changed that, and we don’t expect retail marijuana will either.”



For residents and tourists in Denver, the city government recently launched an educational website on the new laws. Some key rules:

• It's illegal to give marijuana to minors.


• 
  


• It's illegal to sell marijuana unless you are a licensed business.


• 
  


• It's illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana.


• 
  


• It's illegal to consume marijuana in public.


• 
  


• It's illegal to take marijuana out of the state.

With Washington's dispensaries expected to open in the coming months, a slew of other states considering legalizing marijuana as soon as this year, and popular support for legalization in the U.S. at an all-time high, legal pot appears poised for tremendous growth. One recent study suggests that the marijuana market is growing so fast, it could outpace the expansion of the global smartphone market.



"As a nation, we look back at alcohol prohibition and ask how we could have been so foolish," said Mason Tvert, communications director for Marijuana Policy Project, to HuffPost. "It's time to look forward and put the equally foolish policy of marijuana prohibition behind us."



from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/01/marijuana-shops-open-colorado_n_4519506.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago

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