New Illinois laws address farming support, business modernization, public safety starting January
A number of new laws will take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2026, addressing a range of issues from agriculture and business practices to public safety and environmental regulations. These measures were supported or sponsored by State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Springfield), who represents the 24th Senate District after being elected in 2023.
One law, Senate Bill 2372, establishes a Farmland Transition Commission tasked with identifying barriers faced by individuals aged 25 to 40 seeking to enter farming. The commission will review existing policies and recommend ways to help younger people access or purchase farmland.
In the area of business modernization, House Bill 1631 clarifies the authority of the Department of Innovation and Technology to implement secure technology practices across state agencies. Senate Bill 2044 expands the use of web-based signatures for various transactions, aiming to improve convenience while maintaining security standards.
Several consumer protection laws are also set to take effect. House Bill 1865 targets predatory insurance sales practices directed at seniors in care facilities. Senate Bill 2318 introduces penalties for companies that mislead consumers into thinking they are chartered banks. House Bill 3352 provides victims with clearer processes for challenging debts obtained through coercion or abuse.
Other measures include House Bill 3718, which strengthens oversight of mental health and developmental disability facilities by improving investigations into employee misconduct. House Bill 1431 requires medical facilities to disclose separate “facility fees” more clearly, while House Bill 1597 mandates notification of significant health changes for residents in assisted living and nursing homes.
Environmental legislation includes House Bill 3098, which updates electronic recycling standards and simplifies permits for e-waste collection events. Senate Bill 2425 revises regulations on low-level radioactive materials with an emphasis on safety compliance.
Public safety laws feature updates such as Senate Bill 1195, which requires trauma-informed training for probationary law enforcement officers. House Bill 3140 establishes a program to provide medical care for retired police K-9s. Additional laws strengthen background checks for childcare workers (House Bill 3439) and increase penalties for crimes involving child sexual abuse materials (House Bill 2690).
Support is also extended to victims of sexual assault through Senate Bill 1274, offering free transportation vouchers to help them flee abusers. House Bill 2774 creates a statewide Domestic Violence hotline managed by the Department of Human Services.
Senate Bill 1548 allows outreach programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities to expand awareness efforts directly within those communities. Senate Bill 24 aims to improve procedures related to missing persons cases.
Emergency response capabilities are addressed through House Bill 1697 and Senate Bill 1295, both requiring dispatcher training in CPR guidance. New protections against misuse of digital replicas are introduced under House Bill 3178, while Senate Bill 1563 makes it easier for property owners to remove squatters without lengthy eviction processes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, new provisions include free landowner deer permits in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (House Bill 2340) and expanded hunting permit options for landowners and tenants (Senate Bill 710). Boating regulations are updated under Senate Bill 2179.
Motorists will see changes such as the removal of blood-type information requirements from driver’s licenses (House Bill 1120) and standardized motorcycle training guidelines under Senate Bill 2075.
"Again, these are all bills I supported (and in many cases, sponsored or co-sponsored) to benefit Illinoisans," said Senator Lewis.
A full list of new laws taking effect on January 1, can be found online.
Lewis was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 24th District in 2023, succeeding Suzy Glowiak.