HB 2426

Abstract

Creates the Judicial Drug Abuse Prevention Act. Defines "drug and alcohol testing" and provides that "judge" includes Supreme Court justices, appellate judges, circuit judges, and associate judges. Provides that a person may not commence service as a judge in this State unless the person has first submitted to drug and alcohol testing, and the drug and alcohol testing has not disclosed any amount of alcohol or a drug, substance, or compound in the person's urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a Schedule I controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Provides that presiding judges must submit to random drug and alcohol testing at least once a year, and if the drug and alcohol testing discloses a blood alcohol concentration of more than .02 or any amount of a drug, the judge shall be removed from service until he or she completes a substance abuse program. Provides if a judge is removed from service and subsequently allowed to resume serving as a judge, the judge shall consent to drug and alcohol testing at least 9 times each year for a period of 3 years or until the person is no longer serving as a judge, whichever is shorter. Contains requirements concerning the drug and alcohol testing and substance abuse program. Provides an exemption for the consumption of lawfully prescribed drugs or cannabis by a qualifying patient licensed under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act who is in possession of a valid registry card issued under that Act. Provides that the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts shall implement the provisions of the Act. Effective immediately.