Friday, Dec 13, 2024 – Posted by Isabel Miller

* Senate Democratic Caucus…

With the new year quickly approaching, a number of new state laws will take effect. Nearly 300 laws will officially be on the books beginning Jan. 1 — from one that fights catalytic converter theft to another that makes it easier to cancel online subscriptions.

In the new year, victims of car theft won’t be on the hook for towing and storage fees, families can expect lower out-of-pocket EpiPen costs and more. The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined the top 10 laws affecting Illinoisans in the upcoming year. These include:

· HB 2443: Insurers must now cover medically prescribed hearing aids and services for individuals of all ages, ensuring access to essential care.

· HB 3639: Life-saving epinephrine injectors are now capped at $60 per twin-pack, making allergy care more affordable.

· HB 4589: Recyclable metals dealers must track vehicle and part information for catalytic converters to prevent illegal sales.

· HB 4911: Gym memberships can now be canceled online or via email if those options were used to join the contract.

· HB 5561: Employees are protected from retaliation for exposing workplace practices they believe violate the law.

· SB 2654: Vehicles that are stolen and later towed will not incur storage fees if recovered within seven days, and owners can retrieve essential items, like medical devices and textbooks.

· SB 2764: Businesses offering free trials longer than 15 days must email consumers three days before the cancellation deadline.

· SB 3201: Law enforcement will now be trained to better recognize and respond to individuals with autism.

· SB 3471: Illinois drivers can now request free replacement plates if their license plates are stolen.

· SB 3479: Businesses offering veteran or military benefit services for a fee must disclose all terms upfront.

A full list of laws that take effect Jan. 1, 2025 can be found here.

* NBC Chicago…

According to the Illinois General Assembly’s website, at least 293 new laws will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and they cover a variety of topics, including your health insurance, the rights of employees and employers, and even the way you display your driver’s license during traffic stops and other settings. […]

HB 2161 – Employers discriminating or harassing employees based on their family responsibilities is now a civil rights violation. […]

HB 4206 – Tenants will be permitted to pay landlords in cash or paper checks to avoid transaction fees associated with direct deposit or credit or debit cards. […]

HB 5408 – Drivers will be prohibited from stopping or parking vehicles on shoulders of highways within a half-mile radius of the eastern entrance to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. […]

SB 0275 – The Secretary of State’s Office will be required to offer applicants the option to be issued an 8-year driver’s license within the next two years.

* Fox Chicago
…

Starting in 2025, the cost of medically necessary epinephrine injectors, which are used to reverse the effects of severe allergic reactions, will be capped at $60 for a twin pack for those with health insurance. […]

In 2025, a veteran with a disability or the veteran’s caregiver won’t have to pay a building permit fee for improvements to the home of the veteran.

A person’s DNA profile collected because they were a victim of a crime will not be allowed to be entered into a DNA database. The new law will apply except in certain medical examiner or coroner investigations. […]

Landlords will be prohibited from charging a potential tenant an application screening fee if the prospective tenant provides a reusable screening report that meets certain criteria.

* WTVO…

Starting January 1st, 2025, most employers in Illinois will have to disclose pay and benefits information on job postings, thanks to a new law.

The change is mandated by an amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003 that Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law last year.

The law requires that all employers with 15 or more employees include the pay scale and benefits on job postings, both internal and external.

It will apply to positions that will be performed in Illinois, including remote work.

Companies will have 14 days from the start of the year to add salary and benefit information to job postings or face a $500 fine.