SE Illinois News

As the New Year approaches, Illinois is set to implement 293 new laws starting January 1, 2025. These changes span various areas including workplace protections, insurance regulations, public safety measures, environmental initiatives, and education.

One significant change is the final phase of Illinois' minimum wage increase. Beginning January 1, workers aged 18 and older will earn a minimum of $15 per hour as part of Senate Bill 1 (P.A. 101-0001), which started in 2019.

Consumer protections are also expanding with several new laws. Senate Bill 2764 (P.A. 103-0919) requires businesses offering products or services with gift or trial periods longer than 15 days to notify customers three days before automatic renewals occur. Additionally, Senate Bill 3342 (P.A. 103-0976) mandates public notice at least 24 hours before applying pesticides in municipal areas to protect residents from chemical exposure.

Changes for drivers include House Bill 277 (P.A. 103-0789), which eliminates automatic driver's license suspensions for failing to appear in court for petty offenses and instead provides additional court date notifications. House Bill 4592 (P.A. 103-0824) allows residents to obtain mobile identification cards and driver's licenses through the Secretary of State.

Education reforms include House Bill 5394 (P.A. 103-0608), requiring school personnel to receive cardiac emergency response training and establish plans according to national guidelines like those from the American Heart Association.

Insurance regulations are updated with House Bill 5559 (P.A. 103-0615), demanding detailed explanations from insurance companies on total loss determinations in vehicle claims.

Public safety enhancements involve several bills such as House Bill 4589 (P.A. 103-0677), targeting catalytic converter theft by increasing penalties for metal recyclers involved in these transactions.

These laws represent only part one of the legislative changes taking effect in Illinois next year, with more updates expected soon focusing on veterans' support, environmental policies, and workplace adjustments.

For a complete list of new laws effective January first, visit https://senatorfowler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/New-Laws-Taking-Effect-January-1_2025.pdf