Sangamon Sun

Illinois is set to introduce over 300 new laws in 2024, covering a wide range of topics and issues. These laws aim to address various aspects of public welfare, safety, and justice. Some of the notable laws that will come into effect in the state include:

One of the new laws, Public Act 103-119, House Bill 1156, 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, ensuring that residents and their families are aware of the free services available to them.

In an effort to improve the efficiency of the juvenile court system, Public Act 103-124, House Bill 1434, permits the admissibility of certified medical records in adjudicatory hearings involving abused, neglected, or dependent minors. This change will facilitate the court's access to crucial information in order to make informed decisions regarding the welfare of vulnerable children.

Public Act 103-287, House Bill 1767, addresses the residency requirement for law enforcement exams. This law amends the State Universities Civil Service Act and waives the Illinois residency requirement for individuals taking law enforcement examinations. This change aims to attract a wider pool of qualified candidates and enhance the diversity of law enforcement agencies.

Another important law, Public Act 103-292, HB2094, aims to protect homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing practices. The law focuses on new and elderly homeowners who may be more susceptible to misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies not affiliated with their lenders. It seeks to ensure that homeowners are not tricked into unnecessary mortgage refinancing and are provided with accurate and transparent information about their options.

Illinois is also taking steps to support victims of human trafficking. Public Act 103-35, House Bill 2418, creates a pathway for the expungement of criminal records for victims of human trafficking. This change recognizes the unique challenges faced by these individuals and aims to provide them with opportunities to recover and rebuild their lives.

Protecting the well-being of children is a top priority, which is why Public Act 103-164, House Bill 2607, has been introduced. This law ensures that child victims testifying in abuse cases do not have to confront their abusers in open court. It establishes a presumption that child victims under the age of 13 will testify outside the courtroom, with their testimony shown through closed-circuit television, reducing the trauma they may experience.

Public Act 103-325, House Bill 2799, focuses on improving access to cancer treatment. This law requires health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary Proton Beam therapy for the treatment of cancer. By expanding coverage options, the law aims to ensure that individuals have access to advanced treatment options that can potentially improve their outcomes.

Recognizing the growing concern around fentanyl exposure, Public Act 103-336, House Bill 3203, permits pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. Additionally, county health departments are authorized to distribute these test strips free of charge at their facilities. This measure aims to prevent overdoses and promote public safety.

Lastly, Public Act 103-0086, Senate Bill 1376, focuses on addressing the issue of homelessness among veterans. When referring a homeless family with school-age children to a shelter, agencies must now consider the military status of any family member. This consideration will determine their eligibility for state or federal benefits and other supportive services specifically designed for homeless veterans and their families.

These new laws in Illinois demonstrate the state's commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting its residents. From protecting vulnerable populations to improving access to essential services, these laws aim to create a safer and more inclusive society. As they come into effect in 2024, Illinoisans can expect to see positive changes in various aspects of their lives.

Please refer to the link below for the complete list of new laws set to take effect in 2024:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SDUBvFiQWk6FWHM8Ylw58hQdZk5_AV_8/view

For additional details, please follow this link: https://reprosenthal.com/2023/12/21/new-laws-in-illinois-taking-effect-in-2024/