10 New Laws in Illinois Will Take Effect July 1

The number of new bills passing through state legislatures across the country is not surprising. According to the Illinois General Assembly, on July 1, 2018, Illinois will see the passage of 18 house and senate bills go into new law. As more and more people turn to state capitals to handle local issues, passing legislation has become increasingly common. Here are ten of the new law that will go into effect on July 1:

Minimum Wage

The first new law is that there will be a minimum wage increase from $11 per hour to $15 per hour.

Civic Training

The second new law is teaching civics must be a part of every state’s public school curriculum at any time between sixth and eighth grades. The curriculum must include discussions of current issues, society and government institutions, and simulations of the democratic process.

Sexual Harassment Prevention and Training

The third new law, schools will now be required to offer sexual harassment training to their employees. It is now a civil rights violation for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on age, religion, race, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship status, pregnancy, and more. It is also against the law for employees, consultants, and contractors to commit harassment.

Every year, the Illinois Department of Human Rights must notify companies of any judgments, rulings, or settlements related to sexual harassment or discrimination. All employers must provide sexual harassment prevention practicum once a year, and all bars and restaurants must provide employees with a written sexual harassment guideline during the first week. Employers must also give employees safety and notification if they work in areas alone.

Gas Tax Increase

Last year, Illinois’ gas tax doubled to 38 cents per gallon to finance highway improvement. As the fourth new law, an increase of 0.7 cent-per-gallon takes effect July 1, mandated under a new formula tying the tax to the inflation rate.

More Substantial Penalties for Drivers Violating Right-of-Way and Injured Someone

The fifth new law is that motorists will receive a 12-month license suspension if they crash into another vehicle while violating right-of-way at crosswalks and in school zones. In addition, drivers who injure others while illegally driving will now receive stronger punishments.

More substantial Penalties for Texting and Driving

For the sixth new law, the driver shall be sentenced to at least $1,000 in fines and be denied renewal or replacement of their driving license for 12 months for texting and driving and causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another person.

LGBTQ History Taught in Schools

Teachers must teach LGBTQ history in Illinois public schools starting in 2020-2021 to adhere to the seventh new law. In addition, the bill requires pupils to use textbooks that “include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act.”

Suspension for Failing to Pay Fines

Eighth new laws, the Legislators believe that a person’s right to drive to work still exists despite not being able to afford a driving ticket under this new law. The secretary of state cannot suspend a person’s vehicle registration or driver’s license for failing to pay the penalty or fine on time.

All Employees Protected From Discrimination

Under the ninth new law, an employer’s size will no longer determine whether workers are protected from discrimination based on race, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, and a range of other protected characteristics. Under new Illinois Human Rights Act regulations, anyone employing one or more people statewide for 20 or more weeks in a year will now qualify as an employer. Previously, an employer was defined as having 15 or more employees.

Government’s Coronavirus Response

The tenth new law makes several modifications to Illinois’ law, particularly concerning the state’s policy on the coronavirus epidemic, and establishes the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, 14 members body from the House and the Senate, to deal with efforts to revitalize various Illinois sectors during the pandemic. Suppose a governor or the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a disaster declaration concerning public health issues, and a face-to-face meeting would be difficult. In that case, government bodies may hold meetings via audio or video conference.

Written by Janet Grace Ortigas

Sources:

WGN TV: New Illinois laws taking effect Friday, July 1; by Chip Brewster, Andrea Medina
NBC Chicago: 10 New Illinois Laws Taking Effect July 1
WGN 9: New Illinois laws taking effect Friday, July 1; by Chip Brewster, Andrea

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Inset Image Courtesy of Wesley Fryer’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License