Illinois set to implement nearly 300 new laws starting January 2026
As the new year approaches, Illinois residents will see 292 new laws take effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation covers a range of areas including education, public health, insurance, veterans’ services, women’s health, and measures to combat human trafficking.
Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Springfield) stated, "These new laws cover a wide variety of topics, including policies that impact students, enhance educational opportunities, improve public health and healthcare access, support veterans, and more. They are all bills that I supported and championed for the people of Illinois."
In education policy for K-12 schools, several new measures will be implemented. House Bill 2801 requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create a list of approved career pathway opportunities in career and technical education (CTE). House Bill 2802 allows students excused absences for participating in supervised career development experiences not necessarily directed by teachers. Other changes include improvements to dual-language programs (HB 3026), expanded scenarios for middle schoolers to earn high school credits (HB 3039), and increased resources for American Sign Language courses (SB 1920).
Parents with special needs children will see strengthened notification requirements regarding special education services under House Bill 1366. House Bill 3500 ensures parents receive information about ABLE savings accounts if their student has a Section 504 Plan.
Classroom safety is addressed through Senate Bill 1329—which permits state officials to notify schools when employees are investigated for misconduct threatening student safety—and House Bill 1787 which mandates basic emergency preparedness training for substitute teachers.
Higher education institutions must now provide licensed mental health professionals on campus or nearby as required by House Bill 3385.
Changes in insurance law include requirements that neonatal intensive care from out-of-network providers be covered at no greater cost than in-network care during emergencies (HB 2464). Assisted living facilities with Alzheimer’s units must conduct pre-admission cognitive assessments under HB 3328. Senate Bill 69 mandates coverage for therapeutic horseback riding therapy for qualifying individuals with disabilities.
Public health updates include allowing essential support persons visitation rights during emergencies at certain residential facilities (HB 57), certifying law enforcement therapy dog teams (SB1491), expanding AED access at long-term care facilities (HB1287), extending organ donor leave protections to part-time public employees (HB1616), authorizing trained individuals to administer epinephrine auto-injectors in emergencies (“Dillon’s Law,” HB2462), tightening controls on ephedrine sales (HB2874), requiring opioid overdose reporting by EMS providers (HB3645), mandating patient information on non-opioid pain management options (SB1238), increasing guardian training requirements for adults with disabilities’ guardianships (HB2562), allowing hospice staff to pick up prescriptions on behalf of patients (HB3849), and stricter testing of baby food batches for heavy metals such as arsenic and lead (SB73).
Veterans’ issues were also addressed this session. Senate Bill 32 makes households containing veterans or armed forces members eligible for SNAP benefits if their income is below twice the federal poverty guideline. Senate Bill 2175 provides four paid days annually so employed veterans can seek medical care authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs at any provider or facility. Scholarship grant eligibility was expanded via HB2572 to more dependents of veterans.
Women’s health reforms extend postpartum healthcare coverage protections through HB5282; expand hormone therapy insurance coverage related to menopause via HB5295; require enhanced breast imaging coverage under certain conditions through HB4180; and broaden certified midwives’ scope-of-practice rules with HB2688.
To address human trafficking crimes: SB1422 increases frontline worker training; HB2602 extends statutes of limitations on some trafficking-related offenses; SB2323 enhances coordination among agencies providing victim services; and HB1302 amends crime victims’ rights regarding sexual assault and domestic violence cases.
Senator Lewis said his office remains available throughout the holiday season: "As always, it is my privilege to serve you in the Illinois Senate, and my office is always available to assist if you have an issue with a state agency or department or if you want to express an opinion on a piece of legislation."
Lewis was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois' 24th District in 2023 after succeeding Suzy Glowiak.
"From all of us on Team Lewis, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!"