Peoria Standard

In 2024, Illinoisans will see the implementation of over 300 new laws. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from specialty license plates to healthcare provisions to education initiatives. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable new laws that will be taking effect.

One of the new laws, sponsored by Representative Spain, introduces United States Navy Submarine Veterans Plates. This law adds a classification of specialty plates for veterans who served in the U.S. Navy as submariners. These license plates will be issued by the Secretary of State to honor the service of these veterans.

Representative Meier's legislation aims to increase awareness of the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Under this law, long-term care facilities will be required to prominently display information about this free service on their websites. This will help individuals and their families access important resources and support.

Another significant law, sponsored by Representative Windhorst, focuses on the admissibility of medical records in juvenile court hearings. The Juvenile Court Act will be changed to allow the use of certified hospital or agency records in hearings involving abused, neglected, or dependent minors. This change will provide valuable evidence in these cases and help ensure the well-being of vulnerable children.

Representative Hammond's legislation addresses the residency requirement for law enforcement exams. The law amends the State Universities Civil Service Act to waive the Illinois residence requirement for law enforcement personnel taking examinations. This change will provide more opportunities for qualified individuals to pursue careers in law enforcement.

Protecting homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing tactics is the goal of the law sponsored by Representative Sanalitro. This law aims to safeguard new and elderly homeowners who may be more susceptible to misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies. It focuses on ensuring transparency and preventing unnecessary mortgage refinancing.

Victims of human trafficking will receive support through legislation sponsored by Representative Keicher. This law creates a pathway for the expungement of criminal records for victims of human trafficking. It recognizes the need for these individuals to recover from their traumatic experiences and move forward with their lives.

Removing duplicate testing for young motorcycle license applicants is the aim of Representative Fritts' legislation. This law eliminates a redundant test that applicants under the age of 18 had to take, saving them both time and money.

Addressing the issue of Lyme disease, Representative Swanson's legislation allows the Department of Natural Resources to issue Lyme disease research decals. The proceeds from these decals will go towards funding research and efforts to combat Lyme disease in Illinois.

Representative Niemerg's law focuses on protecting abused children during court proceedings. The law establishes a presumption that child victims under 13 years of age will testify outside the courtroom through closed-circuit television. This will help prevent further trauma for these vulnerable children.

Health insurance coverage for proton beam therapy for cancer treatment will be required under legislation sponsored by Representative Hammond. This law ensures that individuals who need this specialized treatment have access to it without financial barriers.

Removing barriers to residency in assisted living establishments for individuals requiring insulin administration is the goal of Representative Hammond's legislation. This law removes a provision that previously prohibited individuals from being accepted into assisted living if they required sliding scale insulin administration.

Representative Sanalitro's legislation provides coverage for at-home saliva cancer screenings. This coverage will be available every two years for patients who are asymptomatic, at high risk for cancer, or demonstrating symptoms. This will help with early detection and treatment of cancer.

To address the issue of fentanyl exposure, Representative McCombie's legislation allows pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. Additionally, county health departments will be able to distribute these test strips free of charge. This will help individuals identify and prevent potential fentanyl overdoses.

Honoring the bravery and service of police and firefighters, Representative Cabello's law reorganizes the committee that awards the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. This law changes the selection process and term limits for committee members.

Supporting students studying electrical distribution is the focus of legislation sponsored by Representative McCombie. This law allows for the issuance of Thank a Line Worker license plate decals, with the proceeds going towards scholarships for students in this field.

Representative Davidsmeyer's legislation ensures that parents of developmentally disabled children have access to their health records without needing a court order. This change removes unnecessary hurdles and ensures that parents can advocate for their children's health.

Extending the care of memorial markers along Illinois highways is the aim of legislation sponsored by Representative Niemerg. This law increases the maintenance period for DUI and fatal crash memorial markers from two years to four years, ensuring that these markers continue to serve as reminders and memorials.

Supporting homeless veterans and their families is the goal of Representative Hauter's legislation. This law requires referring agencies to consider the military status of homeless families when determining their eligibility for state or federal benefits and supportive services.

Allowing Homeowners Associations to partner with townships for road repair is the focus of Representative Davis' legislation. This law enables these associations to receive discounted rates on materials and services, helping them maintain and repair roadways in their communities.

Creating the Rural Education Advisory Council is the aim of legislation sponsored by Representative Elik. This council will work to address the needs and challenges of rural schools and make recommendations to the State on how to better support these districts.

Finally, Representative Hammond's legislation allows for the dispensing of medication at a pharmacy when a pharmacist is not present. This will ensure that individuals can access their prescriptions even when a pharmacist is unavailable.

These are just a few of the notable new laws that will be taking effect in Illinois in 2024. Each of these laws addresses important issues and aims to improve the lives of Illinoisans in various ways.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repryanspain.com/2023/12/27/new-illinois-laws-taking-effect-in-2024/