Dupage Policy Journal

In a bid to improve various aspects of life for Illinois residents, more than 300 new laws are set to take effect in 2024. The legislation covers a wide range of issues, from healthcare and education to veterans' rights and criminal justice. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable new laws that will be implemented this year.

One of the new laws, Public Act 103-119, House Bill 1156, aims to increase awareness of the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Representative Meier, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law requires long-term care facilities to prominently display information about the free Ombudsman Program on their websites."

Another important law, Public Act 103-124, House Bill 1434, focuses on the admissibility of medical records in juvenile court hearings. Representative Windhorst, who sponsored the bill, states, "This law allows certified hospital or agency records to be admitted as evidence in cases involving abused, neglected, or dependent minors."

In an effort to make law enforcement exams more accessible, Public Act 103-287, House Bill 1767 waives the residency requirement for law enforcement personnel. Representative Hammond, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law ensures that Illinois residents who meet the qualifications can apply for law enforcement positions without being hindered by the residency requirement."

Protecting homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing tactics is the focus of Public Act 103-292, House Bill 2094. Representative Sanalitro, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law aims to protect new and elderly homeowners from being tricked into unnecessary mortgage refinancing through misleading mail advertisements."

Recognizing the service of United States Navy Submarine Veterans, Public Act 103-130, House Bill 1581, adds a classification of specialty license plates. Representative Spain, who sponsored the bill, explains, "This law allows veterans who served in the U.S. Navy as submariners to obtain specialized license plates."

Victims of human trafficking will now have a pathway to expunge their criminal records, thanks to Public Act 103-35, House Bill 2418. Representative Keicher, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law acknowledges the trauma experienced by human trafficking victims and provides them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives by expunging their criminal records."

Young motorcycle drivers in Illinois will benefit from Public Act 103-162, House Bill 2582, which removes a duplicate test for motorcycle license applicants. Representative Fritts, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law saves young motorcycle drivers both time and money by eliminating a redundant test."

Fighting Lyme disease in Illinois is the goal of Public Act 103-163, House Bill 2584, which allows the Department of Natural Resources to issue Lyme disease research decals. Representative Swanson, the bill's sponsor, states, "The proceeds from these decals will go towards research and grants to combat Lyme disease in our state."

To protect child victims of abuse, Public Act 103-164, House Bill 2607, establishes a rebuttable presumption that children under the age of 13 shall testify outside the courtroom in abuse cases. Representative Niemerg, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law ensures that child victims do not have to confront their abusers in open court, providing them with a safer environment to testify."

Ensuring access to vital cancer treatment, Public Act 103-325, House Bill 2799, requires health insurers to cover medically necessary Proton Beam therapy for cancer patients. Representative Hammond, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent cancer patients from receiving the best available treatment."

Furthermore, Public Act 103-444, House Bill 3172, removes a provision that prohibited individuals who require sliding scale insulin administration from being accepted into assisted living establishments. Representative Hammond, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law ensures that individuals who require insulin administration can access assisted living establishments without facing unnecessary barriers."

In an effort to improve cancer screenings, Public Act 103-445, House Bill 3202, provides coverage for at-home saliva cancer screenings every two years for patients who are either asymptomatic, at high risk for cancer, or demonstrating symptoms. Representative Sanalitro, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law aims to detect cancer early and improve outcomes for patients."

Addressing the opioid crisis, Public Act 103-336, House Bill 3203, allows pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. Representative McCombie, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law empowers individuals to test substances for the presence of fentanyl, potentially saving lives."

Recognizing the bravery of police officers and firefighters, Public Act 103-189, House Bill 3405, reorganizes the committee that awards the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. Representative Cabello, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law ensures that our brave men and women in law enforcement and firefighting are duly honored for their service."

Supporting the education of electrical line workers, Public Act 103-349, House Bill 3436, allows the issuance of Thank a Line Worker license plate decals. Representative McCombie, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "The purchase of these decals will fund scholarships for students studying electrical distribution at Illinois colleges and universities."

Another law, Public Act 103-474, Senate Bill 188, closes loopholes to ensure that parents of developmentally disabled children can access their health records without needing a court order. Representative Davidsmeyer, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law removes unnecessary barriers for parents seeking access to their children's health records."

To ensure the proper care of memorial markers along Illinois highways, Public Act 103-82, Senate Bill 1212, extends the maintenance period for DUI and fatal crash memorial markers from two years to four years. Representative Niemerg, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law honors the memory of those affected by DUI and fatal crashes by ensuring that memorial markers are maintained for a longer period."

Addressing the issue of homeless veterans, Public Act 103-86, Senate Bill 1376, requires agencies referring homeless families with school-age children to shelters to consider the military status of any family member. Representative Hauter, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This law aims to connect homeless veterans and their families with the benefits and services they are entitled to."

Promoting collaboration between Homeowners Associations and townships, Public Act 103-486, Senate Bill 1460, allows associations to partner with townships for discounted rates on road repairs. Representative Davis, the sponsor of the bill, explains, "This law enables Homeowners Associations to maintain and repair roadways more efficiently by leveraging the resources of their townships."

Recognizing the unique needs of rural schools, Public Act 103-497, Senate Bill 1787, creates the Rural Education Advisory Council. Representative Elik, the sponsor of the bill, states, "This council will provide a platform for rural schools to discuss their needs and challenges, ultimately leading to recommendations for improvement."

Finally, Public Act 103

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repgrant.com/2024/01/03/new-laws-for-2024/