IDOA releases cannabis transporter legislative update
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and Division of Cannabis Regulation today released a legislative update about the passage of Senate Bill 1559 and the new cannabis transporting laws. Governor JB Pritzker signed into law SB1559, also known as the Access to Affordable Insulin Act, on Dec. 8, 2023.
According to the update, SB1559 “imposes a moratorium on the issuance of an application for transporter licenses by the Department of Agriculture from January 1, 2023 until January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill waives the renewal fee and license fee for transporters that are due from January 1, 2024 until January 1, 2027. The bill allows the Department to make changes to the application process by rule prior to the reinstatement of the application process in 2027 based on the results of the disparity study published by the Cannabis Regulation and Oversight Officer. “
IDOA bullet points the following for what it means for transporters:
- The Department will not accept any new applications for Transporter licenses until March 2027.
- Transporter license and renewal fees that were incurred and owed under the CRTA prior to the January 1, 2024 fee waiver date must be paid in full since those fees were incurred prior to the January 1, 2024 waiver legislation. The Department will continue to allow the fee obligations for fees incurred prior to January 1, 2024 to be paid in quarterly installments if the transporter licensee opted into the quarterly installment program. Please keep in mind that these fees became due and payable in full prior to January 1, 2024, regardless of participation in transporter fee installment program.
- Transporter license and renewals fees with a due date falling on January 1, 2024, and before January 2, 2027 shall be waived.
- Transporter license and renewals fees with a due date falling on or after January 2, 2027 shall be due and payable in full.
“The Illinois Independent Cannabis Transporters Association (IICTA) is thrilled at the passage of SB1559 and so grateful to the Governor’s Office, State Rep. Ford,” said IICTA representatives after the bill passed. “Leader Lightford, Speaker’s Office, and all the lawmakers who supported our efforts alongside the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois. While this is an important first step to bring value to Illinois cannabis transportation licenses, there is still more work to be done. The IICTA looks forward to continuing its work with all industry stakeholders and lawmakers to create a truly equitable cannabis industry in Illinois.”
For questions regarding the new cannabis transporter laws that are not answered by this notice, please contact the Department using agr.adultuse@illinois.gov.
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