Dupage Policy Journal

As we enter the new year, several new laws will come into effect in Illinois, covering a range of topics from education to healthcare, veterans' support, and even hunting and fishing. These laws aim to address important issues and improve the lives of Illinois residents.

In the field of education, a number of new laws will focus on school safety, staffing, and work-based learning. Under House Bill 3559/P.A. 103-0194, schools will now be required to include a rapid entry strategy for law enforcement in their emergency and crisis response plans. Another law, House Bill 3680/P.A. 103-0197, ensures that students with special needs receive appropriate accommodations during emergencies, such as natural disasters or active shooter situations. These laws prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff.

To address the shortage of teachers in hard-to-staff schools, House Bill 3801/P.A. 103-0207 will provide $4,000 retention bonuses to National Board-Certified Teachers for two consecutive years. This incentive aims to attract and retain highly qualified teachers in schools that face significant staffing challenges.

In the realm of work-based learning, House Bill 3814/P.A. 103-0560 states that students participating in work-based learning experiences, including events organized by the FFA and 4-H programs, will be considered "in attendance." This recognition of work-based learning as part of the educational experience will provide students with valuable opportunities for skill development and career exploration.

Turning to election laws, Senate Bill 2123/P.A. 103-0467 introduces several changes in preparation for the 2024 election cycle. One significant change is the removal of the requirement for a sponsoring entity to be listed on a political committee's statement of organization forms submitted to the State Board of Elections. Additionally, 16-year-olds will now be allowed to pre-register to vote, with their registration applications held until they reach voting age. The law also mandates the transmission of ballot information updates to the statewide voter registration list and requires the availability of curbside voting at vote centers.

Healthcare in Illinois will also see some changes in 2024. House Bill 2102/P.A. 103-0428 expands background checks for healthcare workers to all 50 states and implements more thorough vetting procedures. Another law, House Bill 3202/P.A. 103-0455, mandates insurance coverage for home saliva cancer screening tests for at-risk individuals. These changes aim to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and improve access to important healthcare services.

Parents of children with special needs will benefit from Senate Bill 188, which allows them access to certain medical records for their children aged 12-17. Previously, parents could be denied access to these records, but this new law closes that loophole and empowers parents to make informed medical decisions for their children.

For sportsmen, House Bill 3677/P.A. 103-0456 introduces the option to obtain a three-year hunting or fishing license. This will provide convenience and cost savings for residents aged 65 or older and resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Additionally, House Bill 2317/P.A. 103-0528 offers discounted fishing licenses to Illinois residents who have not purchased a license in the past 10 years.

In the transportation sector, the Illinois Dig Once Act, Senate Bill 1438/P.A. 103-0378, aims to streamline work sites by minimizing road excavations necessary for the installation of broadband infrastructure and underground utilities. This will reduce disruptions and improve efficiency in construction projects. Another law, House Bill 2431/P.A. 103-0310, prohibits individuals from video conferencing while driving to ensure road safety.

Illinois is committed to supporting veterans and military families. Senate Bill 2005/P.A. 103-0247 requires housing authorities to grant housing preferences to homeless veterans, extending benefits that were previously available to other groups of Illinoisans. Senate Bill 1376/P.A. 103-0086 ensures that the military status of any homeless family member is considered when determining eligibility for state or federal benefits. Furthermore, Senate Bill 1072/P.A. 103-0409 designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the symbol of the State's commitment to honoring and remembering the lives of fallen members of the United States Armed Forces.

Lastly, House Bill 2500/P.A. 103-0434 recognizes the importance of pets in improving mental health and providing comfort to veterans. The law requires animal shelters to waive adoption fees for dogs or cats when the adopter is a veteran.

With these new laws taking effect, Illinois is striving to create a safer, more inclusive, and supportive environment for its residents. These legislative changes address important issues and aim to improve various aspects of society, from education to healthcare, veterans' support, and beyond.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatorlewis.com/new-year-new-laws-part-ii/