As we begin 2024, more than 300 new laws have taken effect in Illinois. Here are some notable new laws:
Allowing the Construction of New Power Plants
Public Act 103-0569, House Bill 2473
Allows construction of a new nuclear power reactor with a capacity of 300MW or less beginning January 1, 2026. Prohibits construction of reactors with a capacity of more than 300MW unless there is a means for the disposal of high-level waste.
Stopping Corrupt Officials from Holding Local or State Elected Positions
Public Act 103-0562, House Bill 351
Forbids officials convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury or other infamous crime from holding local or state level elected positions.
Helping Victims of Human Trafficking
Public Act 103-35, House Bill 2418
Creates a pathway to expunge criminal records for victims of human trafficking as they seek to recover from the trauma they have experienced; human trafficking victims are often forced to participate in unlawful activity by their traffickers.
Protecting Abused Children from More Trauma
Public Act 103-164, House Bill 2607
Ensures kids testifying in abuse cases will not have to confront their abusers in open court Establishes a rebuttable presumption that the testimony of a child victim under 13 years of age shall testify outside the courtroom and the child’s testimony shall be shown in the courtroom by means of a closed-circuit television.
Rural Education Advisory Council
Public Act 103-497, Senate Bill 1787
Creates the Rural Education Advisory Council. This council will work to serve rural schools and discuss the needs, challenges, opportunities, and functions of the rural districts, and report back to the State with recommendations.
Housing of Homeless Veterans
Public Act 103-0086, Senate Bill 1376
When considering factors for referring a homeless family with school age children to a shelter, the referring agency must now also consider the military status of any member of the family to determine their eligibility for state or federal benefits and other supportive services for homeless veterans and their families.
Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee
Public Act 103-189, HB3405
Honors police and firefighters for their bravery and service. This law reorganizes the committee that awards the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and changes how members are chosen and how long they serve.
Insulin Provision for Assisted Living Establishment Removed
Public Act 103-444, House Bill 3172
Removes a provision prohibiting a person from being accepted for residency to an assisted living establishment if the person requires sliding scale insulin administration unless self-performed or administered by a licensed health care professional.
Mortgage Marketing Consumer Protection
Public Act 103-292, HB2094
Aims to protect homeowners from being tricked into unnecessary mortgage refinancing through misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies not affiliated with the homeowner’s home lender. The law focuses on protecting new and elderly homeowners who are new to the home buying process and more susceptible to deceptive mortgage marketing tactics.
For a complete list of new laws, click here: New Laws Effective in 2024.pdf – Google Drive