Moylan Proposes Bill Prohibiting Legislators from Profiting Off Cannabis

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Committed to cleaning up state government by passing stronger ethics laws, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, recently introduced legislation aimed at preventing lawmakers from unfairly receiving financial gain from the cannabis industry while also eliminating possible conflicts of interest.

“When cannabis was recreationally legalized, certain provisions were put in place to prevent conflicts of interest between legislators and cannabis companies, but these regulations are simply not strong enough and could potentially be exploited which would be unacceptable,” Moylan said. “For far too long in Illinois we have seen public officials abuse the public trust for their own benefit. It is time we enact much stronger ethics laws, especially concerning the growing cannabis industry where a lot of money is now flowing.”

Following the recreational legalization of cannabis in 2019, legislators and their immediate family members who served in the General Assembly within two years of the effective date were permanently prohibited from holding a financial or voting interest in any cannabis licensed business. This was done to prevent the lawmakers who legalized recreational cannabis from unfairly profiting from the system they created. The Moylan-introduced House Bill 401 expands these guidelines, prohibiting legislators or their immediate family from accepting employment or holding a passive interest in any cannabis licensed businesses. 

“It is unfair and unethical for legislators or the politically connected to potentially take advantage of the cannabis industry,” Moylan said. “We need to proactively ensure this industry is more fair and equitable, which is why I am proposing this bill.” 

For questions concerning House Bill 401, state issues, legislation or district matters, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.