On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act went into effect, providing for the controlled legalization of cannabis use for adults in Illinois. Not only did the law make the recreational use of cannabis legal for adults, but it also established regulations for cannabis dispensing organizations. The licensing and oversight for these businesses fall under the bailiwick of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFRP). If you have been granted a cannabis dispensing license and have questions or run into any legal issues, a Chicago business license lawyer can help.

State Issues Licenses

So far, the IDFR has issued a total of 182 conditional adult use dispensing organization licenses out of the 185 licenses that are available. There were a total of 177 licenses issued in July and another five issued so far this month. The IDFR does anticipate issuing the remaining three licenses within the next few weeks as soon as additional documents are received from the businesses chosen.

Under the law, when a business has been awarded a conditional license, it has 180 days to choose a physical storefront location and obtain an adult use dispensing organization license. If the conditional license holder is unable to find a physical location within those 180 days, they may request an extension of an additional 180 days.

For those looking to enter the fields of private alarm contractor, private detective, or private security contractor, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) offers licensing exams twice a year in September and March. To assist those who are preparing to take a licensing exam, Williams & Nickl, LLC is again offering study-review sessions. We have helped hundreds of past participants successfully achieve their licenses.

The next scheduled date for all of the examinations is Wednesday, September 07, 2022, with an application deadline of July 22, 2022. However, the testing company strongly recommends submitting your application in sooner.

Our prep classes will take place on the following dates:

Big news! IDFPR just changed the law governing basic training requirements for Private Detectives, Private Security Contractors, and Private Alarm Contractors AND their employees. It is effective 01-01-22. We break the law down by profession. Note that Fred and I wrote these new training provisions at the request of several private detectives and guard industry associations.

Private Detectives (PD)

Accountants can face many potential issues throughout their career as a licensed professional. If one wants to pursue the field, one must be aware of the variety of situations that can come with providing a service to the public and being regulated by the state’s standard of codes.

Setting aside clientele interaction, there are certainly internal problems that can occur and can equally impact one’s ability to practice accounting. The office could have employees that are not following proper accounting practices, cutting corners, or even ignoring certain practices from their clients (i.e., distribution of funds, business tax returns, etc.). Equally important, it is the business’ responsibility to follow the current and exact protocols for recordkeeping, renew licensure, and, obviously, that their clients are not involved in fraudulent tax issues. If there are any faltering employees or practices within this machine, one’s license and ability to practice accounting could be put on the line. Thus, it is important to maintain an active role within the firm since one is held accountable regardless of complicity in any potential issue.

Accountants are privy to and responsible for individuals’ and businesses’ most private and sensitive financial information. It is of utmost importance to maintain these standards and protect this information with unmatched levels of professionalism. Because of the nature of these particular conditions, clients may be particularly sensitive about their financial information or what their tax situation involves/represents; having the ability to get the job done without placing a client in an uncomfortable situation or pushing them outside of their comfort zone is integral. If these standards are not maintained, the licensed professional runs the risk of being on the receiving end of a complaint from a disgruntled client.

For licensed funeral directors and embalmers, there are a variety of potential issues that could occur within the profession, both industry-specific and even license-specific issues that could affect the individual’s ability to practice their profession.

Making sure the families of the decedent understand the process, the cost, the options, and other related conditions is integral to both the quality of the client’s experience, and the ability to avoid potential complaints placed against their license. If funeral directors communicate properly about the real costs of the services they provide, and genuinely attempt to provide the most appropriate funeral package to the individual instead of simply pushing the most expensive option regardless of the fit, clients are going to feel comfortable with their decision and feel supported during a very difficult time. Hiding costs/fees or purposefully pushing a specific package with a hidden agenda is not in best practice and could even create a licensing issue if the client decides to pursue a case against the funeral director for these behaviors.

It is also important to explain the options for the body of the decedent. Generally speaking, a few funeral directors may push for the embalming/funeral/casket route because it brings in more money. Although some clients will naturally go this route regardless of cost, the option to cremate is sometimes not even shared or touched upon with the client likely due to the fact that it is a much cheaper option and will generate less revenue. However, many clients would still prefer the full range of options provided to them, and if cremation is ignored, the individual could even file a complaint against them for failing to provide all possible options, or because the client feels like they were swindled by being led toward the more expensive and intensive option.