SPRINGFIELD – An initiative by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit cleared the Illinois Senate Wednesday. 

The legislation was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“I once was a kid with a dream to own a business, and the current law discourages our young entrepreneurs – it’s time to stick up for them,” Joyce said. “Opening a lemonade stand is a rite of passage for any child – this legislation allows our youth to be innovative while making some extra money.”
 
Under this measure, the Illinois Department of Public Health, a local health department or public health district could not regulate the sale of lemonade or non-alcoholic drinks or mixed beverages by a person under the age of 16 years. This bill would also prevent authorities from requiring a permit for children to sell lemonade on private properties or in a public park.

Joyce introduced this legislation in 2020 after hearing Hayli’s story from a concerned constituent. The measure lost momentum due to the pandemic, but Joyce reintroduced it this year.

Senate Bill 119 passed the Illinois Senate and heads to the Illinois House for further debate. 

SPRINGFIELD – In honor of the 51st Annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, Senate Agriculture Chairman Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) connected with farmers, agricultural organizations and other industry stakeholders virtually Wednesday.

“Agriculture is our state’s number-one industry, and as chairperson of the Senate Agriculture Committee, supporting its progress is one of my top priorities,” Joyce said. “I firmly believe we must do all we can to support our farmers who are out there every day making a difference.”

The day-long event, organized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, provides groups the opportunity to raise awareness of industry-related issues and educate legislators about the role of agribusiness in the community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joyce connected with these groups virtually.

“Agriculture is vital to our state’s economy, and I take pride in being a voice for the industry in the General Assembly,” Joyce said. “It was rewarding to see all these groups get involved and participate virtually today.”

Joyce, who is dedicated to helping farmers and the agriculture industry, is working with the Department of Agriculture on several measures this legislative session, including Senate Bill 1657 and Senate Bill 1658. Both pieces of legislation passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and await further consideration by the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – To benefit Illinois farmers and help reduce the state’s dependence on foreign fuel sources, Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) advanced a measure that aims to create a statewide renewable fuel standard which would require biodiesel for transportation fuel beginning in 2024.

“The demand for biodiesel is growing quickly, and it’s important that Illinois keeps up,” Joyce said. “Biodiesel offers environmental and performance benefits, as well as an economic boost for our farmers.”

Senate Bill 2394 is an initiative of the Illinois Soybean Association and would require diesel sold within the state for use in internal combustion engines to be at least 5% biodiesel fuel oil by volume prior to July 1, 2024, and 20% after that. Certain exemptions would be allowed, including for fuel used in locomotives, marine engines and for power generation.

“Transitioning to biodiesel is not only better for the environment—it also puts money back into local farmers’ pockets,” Joyce said. “As we invest in greener technologies, it’s important that we find ways to keep Illinois dollars in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 2394 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday and awaits further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday morning, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) joined a press conference alongside State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly to discuss legislation to modernize Firearms Owner Identification cards in Illinois.

“It’s vital that FOID and concealed carry license applications be processed quickly and efficiently,” Joyce said. “I’m proud to be a co-sponsor on this important legislation so we can help clear the backlog and keep the Illinois State Police moving forward.”
 
Senate Bill 1165, an initiative of the ISP, would create a prohibited persons portal to help law enforcement identify people whose FOID cards have been revoked, create a review board to respond to revocations and denials, and enact other changes to make the application and renewal process more efficient.