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New Year, New Laws: Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Delivers on Key Issues

Details
Category: Senator Robert Peters News
Thursday, December 21, 2023 11:46 AM
  • New Laws
  • Peters
  • Legislative Black Caucus

peters 032423SPRINGFIELD – As 2023 draws to a close, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is looking ahead to 2024 with a sense of accomplishment and hope. Several impactful bills championed by the caucus will take effect Jan. 1, tackling critical issues like education, healthcare and criminal justice reform.

“Looking ahead to the new laws taking effect, we are prioritizing underserved schools, ending youth solitary confinement, creating successful pathways to reentry and so much more,” said State Senator Robert Peters, Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate chair (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the legislative work we have done collectively to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable communities.”

Read more: New Year, New Laws: Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Delivers on Key Issues

Cervantes law bans video calls while driving starting Jan. 1

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Category: Senator Javier Loera Cervantes News
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 02:06 PM
  • Cervantes
  • HB 2431
  • Zoom

Cervantes floorSPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Javier Cervantes prohibits people from using social media or video calling apps while driving in Illinois starting Jan. 1.

“I am proud of the collaborative work we have done to protect Illinois drivers and ensure safe practices while driving in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will take action against drivers who neglectfully put others’ lives at risk. I want to thank community advocates and the Secretary of State’s office for working with us to protect Illinois residents.”

House Bill 2431 prohibits the use of any electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the law prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

Read more: Cervantes law bans video calls while driving starting Jan. 1

Improved Medicaid reimbursement rates effective Jan. 1, thanks to Gillespie

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Category: Senator Ann Gillespie News
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 02:39 PM
  • Gillespie
  • Medicaid Expansion
  • SB1298

Gillispie floorSPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will have greater access to care and mental health services after State Senator Ann Gillespie’s comprehensive Medicaid overhaul takes effect Jan. 1.

“Thousands of Illinois residents depend on health care through Medicaid,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “We are helping providers with offering affordable and high-quality care by expanding services, investing in telehealth and increasing reimbursement rates.”

 

Read more: Improved Medicaid reimbursement rates effective Jan. 1, thanks to Gillespie

Preston law paving the way for reentry of incarcerated individuals starting Jan. 1

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Category: Senator Willie Preston News
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 02:34 PM
  • Preston
  • HB 3345
  • Re-entry
  • Previously incarcerated individuals

Preston floorSPRINGFIELD – A law championed by State Senator Willie Preston requiring the Secretary of State to provide previously incarcerated individuals with an Illinois ID upon their release goes into effect Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

“We are offering a lifeline to individuals who have paid their debt to society,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Access to valid identification isn’t just about a card; it’s a key to unlocking opportunities, restoring dignity and rebuilding lives. This law ensures individuals aren’t faced with unfair barriers while reentering our communities.”

The new law requires the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice with a valid ID after receiving the individual’s birth certificate, social security card, photograph and proof of residency upon discharge.

Read more: Preston law paving the way for reentry of incarcerated individuals starting Jan. 1

Murphy’s historic law banning book bans goes into effect Jan. 1

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Category: Senator Laura Murphy News
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 02:25 PM
  • Murphy
  • Book Bans
  • HB 2789

book bansSPRINGFIELD – Illinois will become the first state in the nation to prohibit the banning of books in libraries, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Laura Murphy that takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

“Illinois is the first to take a stand and tell the rest of the country that we won’t bend to censorship,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am proud we are standing up for First Amendment rights and standing against partisan and doctrinal book bans.”

Nationally, the number of attempts to ban books has been on the rise, with 681 attempts involving more than 1,600 titles throughout the U.S. in 2021, according to the American Library Association. Seven states have passed laws to impose restrictions on libraries, including Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida and Utah.

Read more: Murphy’s historic law banning book bans goes into effect Jan. 1

Hunter law preventing utility shutoffs takes effect Jan. 1

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Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:47 AM
  • Hunter
  • Utility Shutoffs
  • HB1541

hunter 121923SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Jan. 1, residents will see expanded protections from utility disconnections on days of extreme heat, thanks to a new law from State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“For people who fall behind on their bills, having their utilities shut off on an extremely hot day can have dire consequences,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing the dangers of heat and the value in access to air conditioning and proper refrigeration, we are protecting some of our state’s most vulnerable.”

The Public Utilities Act — which prohibits utility shutoffs on days where the temperature is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit — will now include extreme heat events, factoring in humidity and the heat index. On days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, advisory or warning, residents’ utilities cannot be shut off, even if they are behind on paying their bills.

Read more: Hunter law preventing utility shutoffs takes effect Jan. 1

New Belt law ends traffic stops for windshield obstructions

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:44 AM
  • Belt
  • Traffic Stops
  • HB 2389
  • Windshield Obstruction

Fuzzy Dice Rearview car mirrorSPRINGFIELD – Beginning Jan. 1, a new law from State Senator Christopher Belt will put an end to traffic stops from law enforcement that solely involve minor windshield obstructions.

“This measure is not about hindering officers but about creating an understanding between law enforcement and drivers about what a legitimate reason is to be pulled over,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With this new law, we are sending a powerful message that the state does not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination.”

Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement officers cannot stop or search a vehicle because of a small item between the driver and the windshield such as decorations, disability placards, GPS systems and air fresheners. With concerns that traffic enforcement practices such as this disproportionately affect certain communities, this new law will prevent officers from using a minor windshield obstruction as a pretext to pulling drivers over but adds that the item cannot materially obstruct the driver’s view.

Read more: New Belt law ends traffic stops for windshield obstructions

Illinois closer to becoming smoke free on Jan. 1 thanks to Morrison

Details
Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:39 AM
  • Morrison
  • E-Cigarettes
  • HB 1540
  • Vape
  • Indoor ban

vaping stockSPRINGFIELD –  Illinois is one step closer to becoming smoke free thanks, in part, to a new law from State Senator Julie Morrison set to take effect on Jan. 1 that bans e-cigarettes inside public places.

“E-cigarettes, in all of their many forms, continue to be one of the most addictive products readily available for purchase in gas stations, vape shops and online,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We have made solid progress toward de-normalizing the perception of tobacco, and I am proud that on Jan. 1, e-cigarette usage will be banned indoors.”

Passed in 2007, the Smoke Free Illinois Act prohibited smoking in most public places and within 15 feet of entrances, and required “no smoking” signs to be posted. However, this law took effect when people primarily smoked cigarettes and cigars.

Read more: Illinois closer to becoming smoke free on Jan. 1 thanks to Morrison

More Articles …

  1. Fertility fraud will be outlawed Jan. 1 thanks to Koehler
  2. The Majority Report 12/18/23 - Strengthening consumer protections
  3. Simmons announces $2.5 million in funding to launch 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant on Chicago’s far North Side
  4. Fees waived for Illinois veterans adopting pets thanks to Loughran Cappel law
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