Illinois Bill Would Make Community College Cannabis Training Program Permanent, Expand Grant Access

Legislation filed today in the Illinois House of Representatives would make the state’s community college cannabis workforce training program permanent and expand access to cannabis-related grant funding for participating schools. House Bill 4515 was filed January 21 by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford (D) and would amend Illinois’ Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to formally replace the existing Community College Cannabis Vocational Pilot Program with a permanent Community College Cannabis Vocational Training Program. Under current law, the pilot program is scheduled to automatically sunset on July 1, 2026.

As filed, the bill removes that repeal date, allowing the program to continue indefinitely while making several technical and structural updates to state law to reflect the program’s permanent status. The proposal consolidates references to multiple pilot programs into a single, standardized training program name and makes conforming changes throughout the statute.

The legislation would also authorize the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants to licensed community colleges from the Cannabis Business Development Fund, subject to legislative appropriations. Those funds could be used to support cannabis-related education, workforce development, and job training initiatives tied to the regulated marijuana industry.

In addition, the measure would automatically recognize community colleges that received program licenses prior to the bill’s effective date as licensed Responsible Vendor Program Training Providers. That designation would remain in place unless revoked for cause under rules adopted by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Illinois launched the community college cannabis training initiative as part of its broader adult-use legalization framework, with the goal of preparing students for careers in cultivation, processing, testing, compliance, and other industry roles while prioritizing workforce development in disproportionately impacted communities.

House Bill 4515 takes effect immediately if approved. The proposal now awaits committee assignment in the Illinois House.