Policies

Greater Metropolitan Area Housing Authority of Rock Island County Smoke-Free Policy

In accordance with HUD regulations, the Greater Metropolitan Area Housing Authority of Rock Island County has adopted these smoke-free policies. The policies are effective as of July 1, 2018. Due to the increased risk of fire, increased maintenance costs, and the known health effects of secondhand smoke, smoking is prohibited in all living units and interior areas, including but not limited to hallways, rental and administrative offices, community centers, day care centers, laundry centers, and similar structures. Smoking is also prohibited in outdoor areas within 25 feet from public housing and administrative office buildings.

This policy applies to all employees, residents, household members, guests, and service persons. Residents are responsible for ensuring that household members and guests comply with this rule. The term "smoking" means any inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other prohibited tobacco product in any manner or any form. Prohibited tobacco products include water pipes or hookahs. Violation of the smoke-free policy constitutes a violation of the terms of the public housing lease. Consequences of lease violations include termination of tenancy.

MARIJUANA NOTICE

Legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois

• Recreational marijuana becomes legal in the state of Illinois 01/01/2020
• You must be an adult aged 21 or over
• Legally purchase and possess up to 30 grams
• You will not be able to smoke marijuana in public legally

Federal Regulations regarding marijuana in public housing.

• Your housing is federally assisted and falls under federal regulations
• The Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C Section 801et.seq., categorizes marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance and therefore the manufacture, distribution, or possession of marijuana is a federal criminal offense. Because the CSA prohibits all forms of marijuana use, the use of “medical Marijuana”is illegal under federal law even if it is permitted under state law.
• Regardless of the purpose for which legalized under state law, the use of marijuana in any form is illegal under the CSA and therefore is an illegal controlled substance.

GMAHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP)

• Drug means a controlled substance as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 802].
• You must be an adult aged 21 or over
• Drug-related criminal activity means the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of a drug, or the possession of a drug with the intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use the drug.
  • PHA Policy
    The PHA will terminate the lease when the PHA determines that a household member is illegally using a drug or the PHA determines that a pattern of illegal use of a drug interferes with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents.

The GMAHA public housing program lease and applicable addendum

• LEASE TERMINATION BY LANDLORD: Any termination of this Lease shall be carried out in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations, State and local law, and the terms of this Lease.
  • any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off the premises, not just on or near the premises. This includes any Resident, member of the Resident's household or guest, and any such activity engaged in on the premises by any other person under the Resident's control;

MARIJUANA IS A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE UNDER FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Even though recreational marijuana will be legal in the state of Illinois, it is not legal to manufacture, distribute or possess in public housing buildings or on the grounds.

Your lease will be terminated if it is determined that you are possessing a controlled substance on public housing property.