Welcome to Senator Kimberly A. Lightford Legislative Website

Lightford leads hemp, adult use cannabis regulation legislation

SPRINGFIELD – Following years of steadfast advocacy and negotiations, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is leading Senate Bill 20 – a measure that brings critical consumer protections to Illinois’ hemp-derived CBD marketplace.

“From protecting a grandmother buying CBD oil for arthritis, to making sure a social equity transporter can build a real business, to guarding underage youth from harmful products — this bill is simply about people,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Effective regulation is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market.”

Senate Bill 20 would address two related areas: hemp-derived CBD products and medical/recreational cannabis in Illinois. On the hemp side, it would create a new regulatory framework requiring businesses that sell CBD products to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue, while capping THC content at 0.3% by dry weight or 0.4mg per container. It also would carve out a transition pathway for businesses currently selling intoxicating hemp products to move into the licensed cannabis market, with up to 150 new infuser licenses issued in two rounds — the first reserved exclusively for social equity applicants.

The cannabis provisions focus heavily on expanding access and reducing friction for both patients and businesses. Medical patients could shop at any participating dispensary statewide, use telehealth to get prescriptions and send designated caregivers to pick up on their behalf. Possession limits for all Illinois residents would be doubled, and the threshold for what would count as a minor offense is raised from 30 grams to 60 grams of flower, making more people eligible for automatic expungement. Dispensaries also would get operational upgrades — extended hours until 2 a.m., the ability to offer drive-through and curbside pickup, and the relief from mandatory third-party security contracts.

The measure also contains several business-friendly and equity-focused measures. License renewal fees would be waived or reduced for lower-revenue operators, local governments would get more flexibility around dispensary proximity rules, and a new Transfer Storage Site system would give independent cannabis transporters more logistical options — with a requirement that half of cannabis moved through those sites involves social equity transporters.

“Together, the changes represent a broad effort to formalize the hemp market, modernize cannabis operations, and lower barriers for both patients and smaller operators,” said Lightford. “I appreciate the passionate conversations I have had with advocates, stakeholders and my colleagues that have led us toward a nation-leading, equitable hemp and cannabis measure.” 

Senate Bill 20 was heard in the Senate Executive Committee. It awaits consideration before the full Senate.

Lightford measure to broaden menopause insurance coverage, workplace protections

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led legislation that would address gaps in women’s health care by reducing barriers to perimenopause and menopause care and preventing workplace discrimination for people who experience related health conditions. 

“Illinois must lead the way in offering comprehensive care to patients who experience perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and we can only do that by reducing the obstacles to treatment that far too many women have faced,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “By requiring private health plans to cover evaluations and treatments when necessary, we can directly reduce financial barriers to care and promote preventive efforts that combat chronic menopause conditions.”

Under current law, Illinois requires insurance coverage for FDA-approved menopause treatment to ensure a person’s income does not obstruct them from receiving sufficient care. Lightford’s measure would broaden coverage requirements, mandating private health plans in the state cover the medically necessary evaluation and treatment of menopause and perimenopause conditions, including hormone conditions and medications.

Additionally, the legislation aims to safeguard workplace protections by prohibiting employers from discriminating against an employee experiencing menopause-related conditions, such as hot flashes, metabolic changes or forgetfulness – a common symptom of menopause often referred to as “brain fog.” To ensure employees who experience conditions have equitable civil rights in their work environment, reasonable accommodations, including flexible scheduling, temperature control workspaces and remote work options, would be required.

In 2023, the Mayo Clinic published a study revealing menopause-related symptoms do not only adversely affect the quality of life women have at home, but they also cost women an estimated $1.8 billion in lost work time per year – $26.6 billion annually with medical expenses factored in. Lightford’s proposal would ensure workplaces adopt supportive policies that promote both employee safety and retention with the goal of curbing discrimination and enhancing productivity. 

“For many women, perimenopause or menopause onset at the peak of their career, and if their place of employment doesn’t offer flexible hours and conditions, it can lead to less productive work environments and, in some cases, unneeded turnover,” said Lightford. “This measure is about taking an actionable step to protect some of the most valuable actors not just in our workforce, but also in our society.”

House Bill 5284 passed the Senate Thursday.

Lightford measure to prioritize community safety amid federal immigration activity

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is spearheading legislation to ensure federal immigration detention centers cannot be constructed, operated or located within 1,500 feet of protected locations – such as schools, day care centers, places of worship and private residences.

“Protecting areas where children and families frequent from federal government overreach is imperative for community safety,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Through this measure, Illinois is sending a clear message that we will not stand for federal immigration operations compromising our residents’ quality of life.”

House Bill 5024 comes in light of federal immigration activity and enforcement that began in late 2025 in Broadview – a community Lightford represents – where Illinois’ only immigration detention center is located. Residents and immigrants detained in the Broadview Processing Center recounted inhumane conditions, poor ventilation and cramped cells, as well as civil rights violations, such as a lack of access to lawyers, leading to a plethora of protests led by community members outside the facility.

Lightford’s proposal would prohibit the federal government from operating a new immigration detention center within 1,500 feet of certain locations, including schools, day care centers, cemeteries, public parks, public housing, private residences and places of worship, ensuring the chaos and trauma residents across Broadview faced during Operation Midway Blitz does not occur across other Illinois communities.

“As the federal government continues their attempts to ensue pandemonium in residential and community areas, lawmakers in Illinois are going to take a stand to protect our constituents,” said Lightford. “Our communities are meant to provide us with feelings of support and security, but we cannot ensure the safety of our residents if the federal government can come into our neighborhoods and place detention centers on any available corner.”

House Bill 5024 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Lightford calls for more revenue for older adults, caregivers

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford knows what it takes to be a caregiver for a senior after taking care of her mother for many years. Despite Lightford having the support and resources to care for her mother, it was incredibly difficult to do so.

She acknowledges not everyone has the same support, and therefore face even more struggles – leading her to fight for more revenue for older adults and their caregivers.

“I know what it means to rearrange your life around someone you love, managing medications, doctor’s visits and sleepless nights,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “I know what it is like to show up every day – not because someone is paying you, but because you love the person. And I know what it means to do all of that while stretching a budget that was already too thin.”

Lightford was joined by the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging and a number of other advocates and stakeholders at a press conference Wednesday to recognize the critical need to provide greater investments in the essential services that allow Illinoisans to age with dignity in their own homes. 

The reaction comes in response to increasing costs in food, labor and fuel, and a need to ensure older adults aren’t burdened with reduced meal delivery, caregiver burnout and waitlists being implemented across the state.

Additionally, with approaching reductions in SNAP benefits, many older adults will be at significantly higher risk of food insecurity, placing urgent pressure on already strained nutrition programs. Family caregivers will also be at increased risk, as SNAP reductions strain already tight household food budgets and new work requirements may force some caregivers to choose between employment and providing care for their loved ones.

“With SNAP reductions on the horizon, families who are already stretched thin will be forced to make impossible choices – between keeping a job and providing care,” said Lightford. “Older adults and caregivers alike deserve support that reflects the value they bring to our communities.”

Lightford will continue to advocate for additional revenue streams for older adults and their caregivers.