Rep. Will Guzzardi

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in addition to county clerks, to institute an Internet-based system for the filing of statements of economic interests. Provides that all Internet-based systems for the filing of statements of economic interests shall set forth and provide a means of generating a printable receipt page acknowledging filing. Makes other changes to be consistent with the requirements of the amendatory Act. Effective July 1, 2015.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is an affirmative defense to a charge of prostitution that the accused engaged in or performed prostitution as a result of being a victim of involuntary servitude or trafficking in persons as defined in the Code, or was a victim of trafficking as defined in the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in prosecutions for prostitution, when the accused intends to raise at trial the affirmative defense of being a victim of involuntary servitude or trafficking in persons as defined in the Code, or was a victim of trafficking as defined in the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and has reason to believe that the evidence presented in asserting that defense may jeopardize the safety of the accused, courtroom personnel, or others impacted by human trafficking, the accused may file under seal a motion for an in camera hearing to review the accused's safety concerns. Upon receipt of the motion and notice to the parties, the court shall conduct an in camera hearing, with counsel present, limited to review of potential safety concerns. Provides that the court shall not consider the merits of the affirmative defense during the in camera review. Provides that if the court finds that the assertion of an affirmative defense by the accused in open court could jeopardize the safety of the accused, court personnel, or other persons, the court may clear the courtroom with the agreement of the accused, order additional in camera hearings, seal the records, prohibit court personnel from disclosing the proceedings without prior court approval, or take any other appropriate measure that in the court's discretion will enhance the safety of the proceedings and ensure the accused a full and fair opportunity to assert his or her affirmative defense. Provides that statements made by the accused during the in camera hearing to review safety concerns shall not be admissible against the accused for the crimes charged. Effective immediately.

Creates the Cannabis Study Act. Provides that before considering the regulation and taxing of cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol and tobacco for individuals 21 years of age or older, the General Assembly shall direct the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council to: (1) determine the effect regulation and taxation would have on law enforcement resources; (2) determine the impact regulation would have on the rate of arrests, predisposition detention, and sentencing; (3) review approaches a cannabis regulation law could take regarding drug-free workplace policies and procedures and what effect the different approaches would have; (4) determine the effect regulation and taxation would have on existing criminal laws, including the Cannabis Control Act; (5) review approaches states have taken to reduce risks associated with the operation of motor vehicles by individuals impaired by intoxicants including but not limited to cannabis, and what effect the different approaches have had on rates of fatalities; (6) determine to what extent the taxation and regulation of cannabis may generate employment and revenue in Illinois if at all; (7) determine the regulatory and taxing system needed for the licensing of entities to sell cannabis and the licensing of entities to grow cannabis; (8) determine the product labeling, quality control, and taxing regulations needed; (9) compare the health effects of cannabis, alcohol, and prescription drugs on the individual and community as it relates to violence, risk-taking, addiction, cancer, overdose, and mortality; (10) determine the impact that existing laws on cannabis possession have on rates of crime and violence; and (11) any other relevant analysis regarding the impact on the public safety and welfare of the citizens of Illinois. Provides that the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council shall consider factors and work in conjunction with, and obtain input from, any individual, agency, association, and research institution deemed appropriate by the Council. Provides that the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council shall report to the General Assembly its findings on or before December 20, 2015.

Mourns the death of Mark W. Anderson of Chicago.