Kankakee Times

Friday, April 23 was the final day for House bills to be voted on and sent to the Senate, and state Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Watseka) reflected on a productive session for his own bills, nine of which cleared the House and progressed to the Senate for consideration. 

In a video update from the Illinois House GOP last week, Bennett shared some of his legislation. 

"Four bills passed this week," Bennett said, "including bills dealing with carbon capture technology, the creation of a 30 by 30 task force for conservation and natural resources, a bill to change the way school districts classify remote learning days and a bill to prosecute perjury and prevent wrongful convictions."

House Bill 0165 created the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Legislation Task Force, which is tasked with creating a report on the potential of carbon capture as a clean energy technology in Illinois. 

Bennett also was the chief sponsor on HB0265, which requires applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) be drug tested by the Department of Human Services. The bill suggests those who test positive for controlled substances be ineligible for food benefits. 

Bennett was the chief sponsor of HB0719, which requires that any member of the General Assembly in office on or after the bill is passed is barred from lobbying or engaging in lobbying for two years after they leave office. 

Bennett was the chief sponsor on HB2531, which would allow current and retired state correctional officers to carry their firearms while off-duty without violating the unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statutes. 

Bennett's full list of sponsored legislation can be viewed here.