Rockford Sun

In 2024, Illinoisans will see more than 300 new laws take effect. These laws cover a wide range of topics and aim to address various issues affecting the state. Here are a few notable new laws that will come into effect this year.

One of the new laws, Public Act 103-119, House Bill 1156, introduced by Rep. Meier, focuses on increasing awareness of the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. It requires long-term care facilities to prominently post information about the program on their websites. This aims to provide Illinoisans with easy access to a free service that can assist them in navigating the complexities of long-term care.

Another law, Public Act 103-124, House Bill 1434, introduced by Rep. Windhorst, addresses the admissibility of medical records in juvenile court hearings. The law allows certified hospital or public or private agency records to be admitted as evidence in adjudicatory hearings involving abused, neglected, or dependent minors. This change in the Juvenile Court Act aims to ensure that relevant medical records can be considered during these hearings to make informed decisions about the welfare of the minors involved.

Rep. Hammond introduced Public Act 103-287, House Bill 1767, which waives the residency requirement for law enforcement exams. This amendment to the State Universities Civil Service Act allows individuals to take law enforcement exams without being required to be Illinois residents. This change aims to increase the pool of qualified candidates for law enforcement positions in the state.

Protecting homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing tactics is the focus of Public Act 103-292, HB2094, introduced by Rep. Sanalitro. This law aims to safeguard new and elderly homeowners who may be more susceptible to misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies not affiliated with their lenders. The law requires mortgage companies to provide accurate and transparent information to homeowners to prevent unnecessary refinancing.

Recognizing the service of United States Navy Submarine Veterans, Public Act 103-130, House Bill 1581, introduced by Rep. Spain, adds a classification of specialty plates for these veterans. The law allows the Secretary of State to issue these license plates to veterans who served as submariners in the U.S. Navy, honoring their contributions.

Victims of human trafficking often face significant challenges as they seek to recover from their traumatic experiences. To address this, Rep. Keicher introduced Public Act 103-35, House Bill 2418, which creates a pathway to expunge criminal records for victims of human trafficking. This law aims to support these victims in their journey towards healing and rebuilding their lives.

Removing unnecessary obstacles for young motorcycle drivers is the focus of Public Act 103-162, House Bill 2582, introduced by Rep. Fritts. This law eliminates a duplicate test for motorcycle license applicants under the age of 18. By removing this redundant requirement, young motorcycle drivers can save both time and money in the licensing process.

Public Act 103-163, House Bill 2584, introduced by Rep. Swanson, allows the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue Lyme disease research decals. The proceeds from these decals will go towards the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund, which will support efforts to combat Lyme disease in Illinois. This law aims to contribute to the ongoing research and prevention of this tick-borne illness.

Child victims of abuse often face significant trauma when testifying in open court. To address this, Rep. Niemerg introduced Public Act 103-164, House Bill 2607, which establishes a rebuttable presumption that child victims under 13 years of age shall testify outside the courtroom. This law ensures that these young victims are protected from additional trauma by allowing them to provide their testimony via closed-circuit television.

Public Act 103-325, House Bill 2799, introduced by Rep. Hammond, requires health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary Proton Beam therapy for cancer treatment. This law aims to ensure that individuals have access to this advanced form of cancer treatment without facing financial barriers.

Removing restrictions for individuals requiring insulin in assisted living establishments is the focus of Public Act 103-444, House Bill 3172, introduced by Rep. Hammond. This law eliminates a provision that prohibited individuals from being accepted for residency if they required sliding scale insulin administration, unless it was self-performed or administered by a licensed healthcare professional. This change aims to ensure that individuals with diabetes can access the necessary care and support in assisted living establishments.

Public Act 103-445, House Bill 3202, introduced by Rep. Sanalitro, provides coverage for medically necessary at-home saliva cancer screenings every two years. This law aims to ensure that patients who are asymptomatic, at high risk for cancer, or demonstrating symptoms of cancer have access to this important screening tool.

Addressing the opioid crisis is a priority for Rep. McCombie, who introduced Public Act 103-336, House Bill 3203. This law allows pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter, potentially saving lives by enabling individuals to test substances for the presence of fentanyl. Additionally, county health departments can distribute fentanyl test strips free of charge, further expanding access to this potentially life-saving tool.

Recognizing the bravery and service of police and firefighters, Public Act 103-189, HB3405, introduced by Rep. Cabello, reorganizes the committee that awards the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. This law changes the selection process and tenure of committee members to ensure fair and effective recognition of these individuals.

Supporting students studying electrical distribution is the goal of Public Act 103-349, House Bill 3436, introduced by Rep. McCombie. This law allows the issuance of Thank a Line Worker license plate decals, with proceeds going towards the Thank a Line Worker Scholarship Fund. These grants will support scholarships for students pursuing electrical distribution studies at Illinois colleges or universities.

Ensuring that parents of developmentally disabled children have access to their health records is the focus of Public Act 103-474, Senate Bill 188, introduced by Rep. Davidsmeyer. This law closes loopholes that previously required parents to obtain a court order to access their children's health records, allowing for easier access to essential information.

Public Act 103-82, Senate Bill 1212, introduced by Rep. Niemerg, extends the care of memorial markers along Illinois highways. DUI memorial markers and fatal crash memorial markers will now be maintained for four years, honoring the memory of those affected by these tragedies.

Addressing the needs of homeless veterans and their families is the focus of Public Act 103-0086, Senate Bill 1376, introduced by Rep. Hauter. This law requires agencies referring homeless families with school-age children to shelters to consider the military status of any family member. This consideration aims to ensure that homeless veterans and their families have access to state or federal benefits and other supportive services.

Homeowners associations can now partner with townships for road repair at discounted rates, thanks to Public Act 103-486, Senate Bill 1460, introduced by Rep. Davis. This law allows homeowners associations to contract with their townships for materials and services related to roadway maintenance and repair.

Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools, Public Act 103-

To find out more, go to this link: https://repcabello.com/2024/01/03/new-laws-taking-effect-in-2024/