SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, celebrated the governor’s signing of legislation that marks a major step forward in Illinois’ efforts to strengthen oversight of hemp products, enhance consumer protections, and promote a fairer, more accountable marketplace for the state’s growing hemp and cannabis industries.

“This new law brings greater clarity and accountability to a rapidly evolving industry,” Davis said. “Consumers deserve confidence that the products they purchase have been properly tested, accurately labeled, and held to consistent safety standards. The goal is for Illinois to remain focused on protecting public health while supporting responsible business growth.”

Senate Bill 3222 establishes new statewide rules for hemp products, including licensing requirements, safety standards, testing, labeling, and enforcement. The new law also updates Illinois cannabis regulations to strengthen oversight, improve consumer protections, and ensure hemp and cannabis products are sold safely and legally across the state.

The law also helps expand opportunities for communities that were disproportionately harmed by the failed war on drugs by creating a more transparent and accountable marketplace that supports equitable participation in the industry.

“Equity must remain at the center of Illinois’ approach to cannabis and hemp regulation,” Davis said. “By increasing transparency and creating stronger standards across the industry, this law helps open doors for entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities while ensuring the benefits of this growing market are shared more broadly.”

Senate Bill 3222 was signed into law by the governor and will take effect according to the implementation timeline outlined in the legislation.

LOMBARD, Ill. – State Representative Lisa Davis was among 39 select lawmakers chosen to participate in a training program that annually identifies and assists promising state leaders in the Midwest. 

Representative Davis will meet with fellow lawmakers from Illinois and 10 other Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces on July 17-21 in Madison, Wis., for The Council of State Governments’ 31st annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD). 

“The Bowhay Institute is one of the premier leadership training programs in the nation,” says lowa Sen. Amy Sinclair, who serves as co-chair of the institute’s steering committee. “The legislatures in the region have benefited greatly from the skills their members have gained through this unique educational experience. Many of the graduates now hold key leadership positions in their state.” 

Since 1995, more than 1,000 lawmakers have graduated from the Bowhay Institute. State and provincial legislators from Illinois, Indiana, lowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Saskatchewan are chosen to participate through a competitive, nonpartisan selection process. Members of the Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario legislative assemblies are selected by their caucuses to take part in the program. 

BILLD was founded in 1995 to help new legislators meet the demands of increased policy responsibility being shifted to the states and, in many states, term limits and high legislative turnover. These two emerging forces highlight the shortage of training available for legislators — a void that BILLD aims to fill. 

A program of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office, the 2026 BILLD program will include courses and seminars conducted by policy experts, Midwestern legislative leaders, and professional development trainers. In addition to curriculum designed to develop leadership skills, the program analyzes a variety of public policy issues. 

The Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development is named in honor of the late James Bowhay, longtime director of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office. The program is funded through grants from foundations and corporate sponsors and an in-kind contribution from The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office.

 Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments has national headquarters in Lexington, Ky., and regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago (Lombard, Ill), New York City, and Sacramento. The goal of the national, nonpartisan organization is to assist and advance state government by providing research assistance, professional development and educational opportunities, interstate consulting services, and public policy trends analysis.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, advanced legislation to the governor’s desk that improves care for individuals living with dementia by strengthening training requirements for home care workers.

“Individuals living with dementia deserve care that is informed, compassionate, and responsive to their daily needs,” Davis said. “By strengthening training requirements for caregivers, we can help ensure families have greater confidence that their loved ones are receiving safe, thoughtful, and high-quality support.”

House Bill 4584 requires Home Services Program rehabilitation counselors and homemaker agency employees who provide direct care to participants to complete at least two hours of dementia training upon hire and annually thereafter. The training will cover key topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia-related safety risks, effective communication strategies, and approaches for responding to behavioral challenges.

“As more Illinois families navigate the challenges of dementia care, it’s important that caregivers have the tools and training necessary to respond effectively,” Davis said. “This measure strengthens our care workforce, supports better outcomes for patients, and helps families feel more supported throughout the caregiving process.”

House Bill 4584 has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, is highlighting a step toward improving Illinois’ criminal justice system after legislation creating the Emerging Adult Criminal Justice Task Force passed the House.

“Young adults are often overlooked in our justice system, and their specific situations aren’t always taken into account,” Davis said. “This legislation is about examining how these cases are handled and making sure the system is fair, works effectively, and leads to better results for both individuals and our communities.”

House Bill 5434 creates the Emerging Adult Criminal Justice Task Force within the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The task force will hold public meetings in different regions across the state while reviewing laws and practices that affect young adults, including pretrial processes, sentencing, corrections, supervision, and reentry. Based on its findings, the group will develop recommendations to improve state laws, policies, and programs, and will submit an initial report by January 31, 2027.

“This task force allows us to hear from communities, review the data, and make informed improvements,” Davis said. “By understanding what’s effective and what isn’t, we can create a system that holds people accountable while also encouraging rehabilitation and making our communities safer.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, passed legislation unanimously out of the House to improve care for individuals living with dementia by strengthening training requirements for home care workers.

“Caring for someone with dementia requires consistency, patience, and specialized knowledge,” Davis said. “This legislation ensures that caregivers are better prepared to meet the unique needs of these individuals and provide the structured support that is critical to their well-being.”

House Bill 4584 requires Home Services Program rehabilitation counselors and homemaker agency employees who provide direct care to participants to complete at least two hours of dementia training upon hire and annually thereafter. The training will cover key topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia-related safety risks, effective communication strategies, and approaches for responding to behavioral challenges.

“Families across Illinois rely on well-trained caregivers to support their loved ones,” Davis said. “By strengthening training standards, we are investing in a more capable workforce and better outcomes for those living with dementia. I’m encouraged by the unanimous support and eager to see this bill continue moving forward.”

House Bill 4584 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, has advanced legislation out of committee aimed at improving care for individuals living with dementia.

“To help prevent the condition from worsening, patients with dementia need to follow strict routines,” Davis said. “We must ensure that home care workers receive comprehensive training so they have the skills and tools needed to support these routines and help patients maintain the highest possible quality of life, even while managing their condition.”

House Bill 4584 requires Home Services Program rehabilitation counselors and homemaker agency employees who provide direct care to participants to complete at least two hours of dementia training upon hire and annually thereafter. The training will cover key topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia-related safety risks, and effective communication strategies, as well as approaches for responding to behavioral challenges.

The bill also clarifies that if workers have already gone through similar training under other rules, they won’t need to take it again.

“By ensuring caregivers receive consistent, high-quality dementia training, this legislation helps strengthen the workforce and improves the level of care provided to families across Illinois,” Davis said. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to push this legislation forward.” 

The legislation now advances to the House for further consideration.

CHICAGO, Ill. – State Representative Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, released the following statement in response to the Governor’s budget address:

“I know it’s getting harder to make ends meet. Families in our community are feeling the strain every time they go to the grocery store, pay their energy bill, or fill up their gas tank.

“Today we heard the Governor’s vision, but now the real work to address these issues begins. I will carefully review the proposal line by line to advocate for our district’s needs, and work to ensure the final budget reflects the priorities of our community.

“Our schools must be funded based on what students actually need to succeed, not on outdated formulas, and we must continue working to make college and job training programs accessible and affordable, because education remains one of the strongest pathways to economic mobility.

“At the same time, we need to ensure our healthcare system meets the needs of every family—so parents can get care without fear of crippling costs, children can receive preventive care, and seniors can access the support they deserve.

“Reducing the cost of healthcare, energy, and basic necessities is essential so that families can thrive, not just survive. I will continue to advocate for policies that lower prescription drug costs, expand access to affordable energy programs, and support initiatives that make groceries and essential goods more affordable for all families.

“Every time I step onto the House floor in Springfield, I carry our community’s voice with me.”

CHICAGO – Historically under-resourced communities will have better access to comprehensive dental care under a new measure introduced by state Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, allowing community health centers to provide additional forms of care.

“We want community health centers to have the resources they need to ensure patients receive the care they need, while keeping everyone safe,” Davis said. “This measure gives us a head start by allowing trained dental hygienists to do what they are trained to do, so families who rely on these clinics get the best possible care.”

Many modest-income families and people in communities with limited access to medical treatment depend on community health centers and outpatient Federally Qualified Health Centers for a range of medical tests and procedures. But current law limits the score of dental care available at these centers by preventing hygienists from providing local anesthesia—which is necessary to prevent pain during basic procedures such as filling a cavity. Dental hygienists working in private practices are allowed to deliver local anesthesia.    

Davis is working to expand access to quality dental care by introducing House Bill 4913, which allows trained dental hygienists in these clinics to give local anesthesia as long as a physician is on site, helping clinics care for patients more efficiently. Hygienists would go through the same training and be under the same supervision as their counterparts at private clinics. 

“We want our underserved communities to have the same access to care as everyone else, and that includes dental care,” Davis said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation.”

CHICAGO – A “clean slate” bill signed into law on Friday will expand housing, employment and education opportunities for Illinoisans, thanks to legislation sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago. The legislation creates an automatic sealing process for thousands of non-violent arrest records, which will automatically seal many minor criminal records, ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement, prosecutors and sensitive employers, such as daycares and schools.

“As a public defender, I believe in the power of justice and our justice system,” said Davis. “At the same time, we all– even minor offenders– should have access to housing, jobs, and education. By automating the sealing of records for certain minor offenders, people are able to assimilate back into society and become a functioning member of our community.”

More than 2.2 million Illinoisans have an old arrest record or minor conviction that would currently qualify for sealing, but the process can be complicated and costly. It’s estimated that only 10 percent of those eligible have been able to receive relief, making it more difficult for many to qualify for affordable housing, to advance their education, and find employment.

Davis co-sponsored House Bill 1836, known as the Clean Slate Act, which will automatically seal many minor criminal records, ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement. Arrests resulting in an acquittal or dismissal will be sealed immediately, while misdemeanor convictions will be sealed after two years. The most serious felonies, domestic abuse convictions, and other violent crimes against persons will not be eligible for sealing.

The Clean Slate Act was signed into law by Governor Pritzker today and will take effect on June 1, 2026.

CHICAGO – One year after her inauguration, state Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, is celebrating passing three of her initiatives into law, boosting the protection of the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations. Two of these laws are in effect and the other will be effective later this year. 

“I’m so proud of these bills and the work I’ve been able to do over the past year,” said Davis. “With that being said, I know there is plenty of work still to be done. While I celebrate my first year as a state Representative, getting back to work and improving the lives of everyone in our community remains my top priority.”

House Bill 1715 was passed and went into effect last year, preventing police or security officers from being appointed as peace officers by the Department of Children and Family Services. This will ensure that should a disturbance occur, a peace officer trained in de-escalation will be assigned to resolve the issue while keeping police officers at their posts.

Davis additionally sponsored Senate Bill 1295 with state Sen. Doris Turner. The bill requires all telecommunicators— who are responsible for dispatching emergency medical care— be properly trained in telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR). With this training, dispatchers can provide instructions to callers to improve the patient’s outcome. The bill went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Lastly, House Bill 2517 was passed last year and will go into effect on July 1, 2026. When health care providers renew their license, they will be required to complete at least a one-hour training on implicit bias awareness, including maternal mortality and other risks associated with childbearing, so health professionals are equipped with the best tools to help their patients.

“I am ready to head back to Springfield in just over a week to keep doing the work and fighting for you,” said Davis.