Dupage Policy Journal

In 2024, Illinois will experience the implementation of more than 300 new laws. These laws cover a wide range of topics and aim to address various issues in the state. Here are some notable new laws that will take effect:

One of the new laws, Public Act 103-119, House Bill 1156, introduced by Rep. Meier, focuses on increasing awareness of the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This law requires long-term care facilities to prominently display information about the program on their websites.

Another law, Public Act 103-124, House Bill 1434, proposed by Rep. Windhorst, modifies the Juvenile Court Act to allow the admissibility of certified medical records in juvenile court hearings involving abused, neglected, or dependent minors.

Rep. Hammond introduced Public Act 103-287, House Bill 1767, which waives the residency requirement for law enforcement exams. This change amends the State Universities Civil Service Act and aims to attract qualified candidates for law enforcement positions.

To protect homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing tactics, Rep. Sanalitro proposed Public Act 103-292, House Bill 2094. This law focuses on safeguarding new and elderly homeowners who are more susceptible to misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies not affiliated with their home lender.

In recognition of the service of United States Navy Submarine Veterans, Public Act 103-130, House Bill 1581, introduced by Rep. Spain, adds a classification of specialty license plates for these veterans. The Secretary of State will issue these plates to veterans who served in the U.S. Navy as submariners.

Rep. Keicher's contribution, Public Act 103-35, House Bill 2418, creates a pathway for victims of human trafficking to expunge their criminal records. This law acknowledges the need for these victims to recover from their traumatic experiences and aims to support their rehabilitation.

Another law, Public Act 103-162, House Bill 2582, proposed by Rep. Fritts, eliminates duplicate tests for motorcycle license applicants under the age of 18. This change saves time and money for young motorcycle drivers.

To support Lyme disease research, Rep. Swanson introduced Public Act 103-163, House Bill 2584, which allows the Department of Natural Resources to issue Lyme disease research decals. The proceeds from these decals will contribute to the Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation Fund to combat Lyme disease in Illinois.

To protect child victims of abuse, Public Act 103-164, House Bill 2607, introduced by Rep. Niemerg, establishes a rebuttable presumption that child victims under 13 years of age shall testify outside the courtroom via closed-circuit television, ensuring they do not have to confront their abusers directly.

Public Act 103-325, House Bill 2799, proposed by Rep. Hammond, requires health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary Proton Beam therapy for cancer treatment. This change aims to ensure that individuals in need of this treatment have access to it.

Removing a provision that prohibited individuals requiring sliding scale insulin administration from being accepted into assisted living establishments, Public Act 103-444, House Bill 3172, introduced by Rep. Hammond, ensures that these individuals are not denied residency based on their medical needs.

Rep. Sanalitro's contribution, Public Act 103-445, House Bill 3202, provides coverage for at-home saliva cancer screenings every two years for patients who are asymptomatic, at high risk for cancer, or demonstrating symptoms of cancer.

To address the growing concern of fentanyl exposure, Public Act 103-336, House Bill 3203, proposed by Rep. McCombie, allows pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. Additionally, county health departments can distribute these test strips free of charge.

Public Act 103-189, House Bill 3405, introduced by Rep. Cabello, honors police and firefighters for their bravery and service. This law reorganizes the committee that awards the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor and changes the selection process and terms of committee members.

Rep. McCombie's contribution, Public Act 103-349, House Bill 3436, allows the issuance of Thank a Line Worker license plate decals. The Illinois Department of Education will create the Thank a Line Worker Scholarship Fund using the proceeds from the purchase of these decals, supporting scholarships for students studying electrical distribution.

To ensure parents of developmentally disabled children can access their health records without needing a court order, Public Act 103-474, Senate Bill 188, proposed by Rep. Davidsmeyer, closes loopholes in the law.

Public Act 103-82, Senate Bill 1212, introduced by Rep. Niemerg, extends the maintenance period for DUI and fatal crash memorial markers along Illinois highways from two to four years.

Public Act 103-86, Senate Bill 1376, proposed by Rep. Hauter, requires agencies referring homeless families with school-age children to shelters to consider the military status of any family member. This consideration determines their eligibility for state or federal benefits and supportive services for homeless veterans and their families.

Rep. Davis introduced Public Act 103-486, Senate Bill 1460, which allows Homeowners Associations to partner with townships for discounted rates on materials and services related to road repair and maintenance.

Public Act 103-497, Senate Bill 1787, proposed by Rep. Elik, establishes the Rural Education Advisory Council. This council aims to address the needs, challenges, opportunities, and functions of rural school districts and provide recommendations to the State.

Lastly, Public Act 103-240, Senate Bill 1889, introduced by Rep. Hammond, allows registered pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists, and supportive staff to dispense prescriptions that have received final verification by a pharmacist in the absence of a pharmacist.

These new laws cover a wide range of areas, from healthcare and law enforcement to education and veterans' support. As they take effect in 2024, they aim to improve various aspects of life in Illinois and address the needs and concerns of its residents.

Click this link to access more information: https://repsanalitro.com/2024/01/03/new-laws-taking-effect-in-2024/