Rockford Sun

As the new year approaches, Illinois residents will see 293 new laws come into effect on January 1, 2025. These laws encompass a wide range of areas including support for veterans, workplace changes, environmental initiatives, public safety advancements, and health care reforms.

In terms of veteran support, several measures have been introduced. House Bill 2856 allows death certificates to include military service details to help families access survivor benefits. Senate Bill 2751 waives building permit fees for home modifications needed by disabled veterans. Additionally, Senate Bill 2959 provides Gold Star Family designations on state IDs and free admission to state museums such as the Shedd Aquarium and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. House Bill 4757 mandates that the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Department of Labor create a poster highlighting free veterans’ benefits and services at no cost. Senate Bill 3479 makes it unlawful for any person providing veteran or military benefits services to fail in clearly providing veterans services disclosures when these services are exchanged for financial compensation or other benefits.

Workplace changes include House Bill 3129 which requires employers with at least 15 employees to disclose pay ranges and benefits in job postings. House Bill 5561 strengthens whistleblower protections by introducing penalties for retaliation and allowing the Attorney General to intervene in civil cases. Senate Bill 859 establishes the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment within DCEO to support minority, women, veteran-owned, and disability-owned businesses through targeted outreach and resources. Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate for up to 24 hours if necessary due to parents' work schedules.

Environmental legislation includes House Bill 2363 which bans mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs starting January 1, 2026. Senate Bill 2960 restricts hotels from offering single-use plastic bottles for personal care products with phased implementation beginning mid-2025.

Public safety laws aim to enhance community security with measures like House Bill 5370 which increases penalties under Scott’s Law for drivers who do not move over for emergency or construction vehicles. Senate Bill 2683 expands stalking protections by prohibiting unauthorized use of electronic tracking systems.

Health care laws also see expansions with House Bill 2443 extending hearing aid coverage across all ages and House Bill 3639 capping epinephrine twin-pack costs at $60. Senate Bill 2672 ensures brand-name drug coverage when generics are unavailable due to supply issues. Additionally, House Bill 5087 expands telehealth access for physical therapy statewide.

For more detailed information on these new laws taking effect January 1st, visit https://senatordavesyverson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/New-Laws-Taking-Effect-January-1_2025.pdf