Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed into law a significant number of new regulations that will reshape various aspects of life in the state.
From education to criminal justice, the new laws reflect the state’s commitment to addressing current issues, including the use of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency regulations, and measures aimed at enhancing community safety within schools.
In a notable move, Pritzker signed legislation on Wednesday prohibiting schools from imposing monetary fines or fees as a disciplinary response to code violations during school hours.
This comes alongside fresh regulations enacted earlier in the week concerning the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency.
The Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act now mandates that cryptocurrency companies register with state authorities and adhere to newly established consumer protection policies.
Additionally, the Digital Asset Kiosk Act introduces regulations for kiosks designed for buying and selling digital assets, imposing daily transaction limits and refund guidelines for fraudulent transactions.
All of the legislation signed this week will take effect immediately, signaling a proactive approach to regulation in rapidly changing sectors.
Moreover, numerous bills passed during the spring session were also signed into law late last week, with specific provisions capturing attention.
For instance, House Bill 1226 requires drivers aged 79 and older to renew their licenses in person, while those 87 and older must also pass a driving test.
Proponents of the bill believe it will enhance road safety, though critics argue it places unnecessary burdens on senior drivers.
### Artificial Intelligence Changes
In the domain of education, House Bill 1859 bans community colleges from using AI or generative artificial intelligence programs in lieu of primary instructors starting January 1.
Additionally, the University of Illinois-Chicago is set to implement AI-powered cameras for a traffic study on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, aimed at enhancing roadway safety starting next year.
### Enhancements in Criminal Justice
A significant focus of this legislative wave is on criminal justice reform.
Beginning January 1, the Illinois State Police will be required to provide quarterly updates on violent crime investigations through House Bill 1710.
The Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act will see amendments enhancing victim rights and reporting for criminal sexual assault and domestic violence cases effective the same date as well.
Another critical measure, House Bill 2602, eliminates the statute of limitations for involuntary servitude and human trafficking cases starting January 1.
Additionally, House Bill 3671 changes the prosecution venue for nonconsensual sending of private sexual images, delivering more local accountability for such offenses.
Other measures like House Bill 2436 will allow the Cook County Public Defender to represent non-citizen residents in Cook County immediately, while SB 0024 prohibits law enforcement policies that impose waiting periods for filing missing persons reports starting in the new year.
### Education and School Safety
In the realm of education, new laws have been established to heighten the urgency of school safety.
School officials are now mandated to notify a principal if they become aware of firearms on school property or any threats thereof, thereby increasing accountability.
Effective January 1, substitute teachers will also be required to undergo training in evacuation and lockdown drills, as specified by House Bill 1787.
Furthermore, a comprehensive guidance initiative will be launched by the State Board of Education to aid school districts that wish to establish or expand dual language education programs, effective January 1, 2026, under House Bill 3026.
Other bills, such as House Bill 1368, ensure that professional development for teachers aligns with comprehensive literacy instruction plans, while House Bill 3039 expands options for seventh and eighth graders to take high school courses at their current schools.
### Environmental Protections
Two emerging laws specifically address the hazardous substances known as Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs).
House Bill 2409 will mandate transparency from companies selling personal protective clothing to firefighters regarding PFAs by 2026, while also banning clothing with intentionally added PFAs by 2027.
Another critical piece of legislation, House Bill 2516, bans the sale of certain consumer products containing PFAs starting in 2032, reflecting growing concerns about environmental safety.
### Health Insurance Reforms
On the healthcare front, House Bill 1577 clarifies that student health insurance plans will not extend dependent coverage to the parents or stepparents of students.
Certified nurse midwives will see expanded authority under House Bill 2688, allowing them to provide assistance with home births through written agreements with physicians starting January 1.
In connection with health insurance, plans issued after January 1, 2026, will be required to cover necessary laser hair removal, as stipulated by House Bill 3248.
Further provisions under the new bills mandate that employers with 16 to 50 employees provide ten days of unpaid leave if an employee’s child is a NICU patient, with larger employers required to offer twenty days.
### Long-term Care and Assisted Living
The landscape for long-term care and assisted living is also set for changes with the passage of House Bill 1597, expanding resident representation in care assessments and strengthening protections for admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Long-term care facilities will also benefit from clearer pathways to reimbursement for educational services provided to children in their care starting under House Bill 1861.
House Bill 2179 will require reports to be filed for significant incidents harming residents in assisted living settings.
Furthermore, starting in 2026, assessments for Alzheimer’s and dementia will be mandated prior to the admission of any individuals into assisted living or shared housing facilities as stated in House Bill 3328.
### License Plates and Veterans Affairs
The new set of laws includes provisions for special license plates.
Starting in 2026, special Emergency Medical Service chief license plates will be created alongside Air Medal and Special Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal license plates, reflecting the state’s recognition of service.
Additionally, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will have its name modified to remove an apostrophe as specified in House Bill 2547, emphasizing a streamlined identity for the department.
### Wastewater Treatment and Worker’s Rights
Under House Bill 2391, the Bloomington & Normal Reclamation District will be authorized to contract with private entities for treated wastewater sales, setting a precedent for private sector involvement.
Worker’s rights will also be enhanced under House Bill 1275, which shields employees from discrimination for recording violent crimes occurring against them or their family members.
Pre-tax commuter benefits will extend to part-time workers starting January 1 thanks to House Bill 3094.
Moreover, part-time employees will now benefit from paid leave for organ donation as mandated by House Bill 1616.
This extensive legislative update outlines significant strides across various sectors in Illinois, indicating the state’s responsive approach to contemporary issues.
image source from：nbcchicago
