Rockford Sun

As the new year approaches, Illinois residents will see 293 new laws come into effect on January 1, 2025. These laws span a range of areas including workplace protections, insurance regulations, public safety measures, environmental initiatives, and education.

The final phase of the state's minimum wage increase will be implemented, raising wages to $15 per hour for workers aged 18 and older. This increase began in 2019 under Senate Bill 1 (P.A. 101-0001).

New consumer protection laws aim to enhance transparency and safety. Senate Bill 2764 (P.A. 103-0919) mandates businesses with gift or trial periods longer than 15 days to notify customers three days before automatic renewals. Senate Bill 3342 (P.A. 103-0976) requires public notice at least 24 hours before pesticide application in municipal areas. Senate Bill 2933 (PA 103-0648) prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt information in credit reports.

For drivers, House Bill 277 (P.A. 103-0789) eliminates automatic driver's license suspensions for failing to appear in court for petty offenses. House Bill 4592 (P.A. 103-0824) allows mobile identification cards and licenses through the Secretary of State. The Illinois Tollway must install cameras near O'Hare Airport under House Bill 5408 (P.A. 103-0861). Senate Bill 2740 (P.A. 103-0916) ensures condominium associations provide accessible parking spaces for disabled individuals.

In education, House Bill 5394 (P.A. 103-0608) requires cardiac emergency response training for school personnel and a cardiac emergency response plan according to national guidelines. Senate Bill 2824 (P.A. 103-0629) ensures children removed by DCFS can attend their original school district if deemed beneficial by DCFS.

Insurance regulations will also change significantly in the coming year. House Bill 5559 (P.A. 103-0615) requires detailed explanations from insurance companies regarding total loss determinations in vehicle claims. Senate Bill 2697 (P.A. 103-0914) mandates coverage for clinical genetic testing under group health plans with capped cost-sharing at $50.

Public safety improvements include enhanced penalties for catalytic converter theft under House Bill 4589 (P.A. 103-0677), autism awareness training for police officers via Senate Bill 3201 (P.A. 103-0949), and green lights on tow trucks for better visibility as allowed by House Bill 4255 (P.A. 103-0667).

This summary covers only part of the legislative changes taking effect next year, with more updates expected soon.