Jan. 1 ushered in more than 200 new laws for Illinois. Some of the regulations went into effect on New Year’s Day. Others start on specific dates or the start of the fiscal year. The 253 laws added to the Illinois register are the result of the 100th General Assembly. Of the 253 passed, the following seven are some of the most noteworthy.
1.SB3256
There will now be a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm purchases. The previous amendment to this legislation required only 72-hour waiting periods for firearms that could be concealed. The amendment passed by a vote of 72-44, with the majority of yes votes being placed by democratic legislators.
2. SB2999
This amendment to the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act requires employers to provide reimbursement for purchases of items like a cellphone, computer or other expenses directly related to an employee’s work. In its entire time on the floor, the amendment only received three no votes.
3. SB2270
Police may now take temporary custody of dogs or cats exposed to dangerous or life-threatening conditions. The amendment Humane Care for Animals Act states, “nothing shall prohibit a law enforcement officer from taking temporary custody of a dog or cat that is a companion animal that is exposed in a manner that places the dog or cat in a life-threatening situation for a prolonged period of time in extreme heat or cold conditions that may result in injury or death of the animal.”
The officers are also encouraged, by law, to attempt to contact the owners of the animal and seek veterinary care immediately for any animals who require it.
4. HB4346
Each community college and public institution of higher learning must offer at least one-course covering Black History either in person or online.
5. HB4843
Selling ivory in Illinois is now banned. The bill makes it, “unlawful for any person to import, sell, offer for sale, purchase, barter or possess with intent to sell, any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn or rhinoceros horn product.”
The bill also permits the use for genuine scientific and educational purposes, as long as the proper permitting has been filed.
6. HB5632
Ambulances are required to only use sirens and lights when it is “reasonably necessary” when responding to emergency situations or transporting patients in need of emergency medical care. The bill passed the state assembly with a vote of 92-13.
7. SB2350
Schools are now required to conduct at least one active-shooter preparedness drill with law enforcement within the first 90 days of the school year. The drill must occur on a regular school day when regular attendance is expected. Law enforcement must be present at the time of the drill. This law comes after a year plagued with gun violence, including the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. This was the second deadliest school shooting in history.
State records show that over the General Assembly two year period, a total of 9,646 pieces of legislation were filed. In the same period, 153 initiatives were vetoed by Governor Rauner, of those 135, 50 were overridden by lawmakers.
