South West Illinois News

As we enter the new year, Illinois residents need to be aware of the more than 300 new laws that have taken effect. These laws cover a wide range of topics and aim to address various issues in the state. Here are some notable new laws that Illinoisans should know about:

One significant law is Public Act 103-0569, House Bill 2473, which allows for the construction of a new nuclear power reactor with a capacity of 300MW or less starting from January 1, 2026. However, the law also prohibits the construction of reactors with a capacity exceeding 300MW unless there is a proper means for the disposal of high-level waste.

Another important law is Public Act 103-0562, House Bill 351, which prevents officials convicted of felonies, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crimes from holding local or state-level elected positions. This law aims to ensure that corrupt officials are not given the opportunity to hold positions of power.

In an effort to support victims of human trafficking, Public Act 103-35, House Bill 2418, creates a pathway to expunge criminal records for these individuals as they seek to recover from the trauma they have experienced. The law acknowledges that human trafficking victims are often forced to participate in unlawful activities and provides them with a chance to rebuild their lives.

To protect abused children from further trauma, Public Act 103-164, House Bill 2607, establishes measures to ensure that child victims testifying in abuse cases do not have to confront their abusers in open court. The law sets a rebuttable presumption that child victims under 13 years old should testify outside the courtroom using closed-circuit television.

Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools, Public Act 103-497, Senate Bill 1787, creates the Rural Education Advisory Council. This council will serve as a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by rural districts and will provide recommendations to the state on how to address these issues effectively.

In an effort to assist homeless veterans and their families, Public Act 103-0086, Senate Bill 1376, mandates that agencies referring homeless families with school-age children to shelters must consider the military status of any family member. This consideration will determine their eligibility for state or federal benefits and other supportive services specifically available to homeless veterans and their families.

Recognizing the bravery and service of law enforcement and firefighters, Public Act 103-189, House Bill 3405, reorganizes the committee responsible for awarding the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. The law changes how committee members are chosen and their terms of service.

Public Act 103-444, House Bill 3172, removes a provision that previously prohibited individuals requiring sliding scale insulin administration from being accepted for residency in assisted living establishments unless the administration was self-performed or carried out by a licensed healthcare professional.

To protect homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing tactics, Public Act 103-292, House Bill 2094, focuses on new and elderly homeowners who may be more susceptible to misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies not affiliated with their home lender. This law aims to prevent homeowners from being tricked into unnecessary mortgage refinancing.

These new laws in Illinois cover a wide range of issues, from energy to public safety, victim support, education, and consumer protection. It is important for Illinois residents to familiarize themselves with these laws to understand their rights and responsibilities. For a complete list of the new laws, please refer to the official document provided by the state.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repfriess.com/2024/01/05/new-laws-to-know-in-illinois-for-2024/