Quincy Reporter

New Year's Day 2024 will bring forth significant changes as more than 300 new state laws take effect. Among these changes are an increase in Illinois' minimum wage, new restrictions on teleconferencing while driving and vaping, and a deadline for gun owners to register firearms and ammunition under the Democrats' gun ban passed last year.

According to Rep. Frese, "Changes families will see on January 1 include an increase in Illinois' minimum wage, new restrictions on teleconferencing while driving, and vaping. Gun owners also need to be aware that New Year's Day is the deadline for registering firearms and ammunition under the Democrats' gun ban passed last year."

Despite ongoing legal challenges, the January 1 deadline for gun owners to register firearms and ammunition remains in place. The Illinois State Police has been tasked with creating registration rules for the process. Rep. Frese emphasized the importance of complying with the law, stating, "Gun owners also need to be aware that New Year's Day is the deadline for registering firearms and ammunition under the Democrats' gun ban passed last year."

In addition to the gun registration deadline, Illinois' minimum wage is set to increase on January 1. Currently, the minimum wage for non-tipped workers is $13.00 per hour, and it will automatically increase to $14.00 per hour. Tipped employees will see an increase from $7.80/hour to $8.40/hour. These increases are mandated by the Illinois Minimum Wage Law.

Other new laws set to take effect include:

- Prohibition of video conferencing while driving (HB 2431)

- Prohibition of electronic cigarettes and vapes in public places and near building entrances (HB 1540)

- Prohibition of utility companies from cutting off electric or gas service to residential customers when the temperature reaches 90 degrees (HB 1541)

- Requirement for all new single and multi-family homes to include electric vehicle-capable parking (SB 40)

- Protection for children testifying in abuse cases, allowing them to avoid confronting their abusers in open court (HB 2607)

- Permission for pharmacies and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter (HB 3203)

- Requirement for schools to have an opioid antagonist in secure locations where an opioid overdose may occur (HB 3428)

While some of these new laws are seen as positive changes, Rep. Frese expressed concerns about the issues left unaddressed by the Democrat majority and the governor. He highlighted the increase in crime fueled by the so-called Safe-T-Act and the need to make tough decisions regarding budget cuts in 2024. Rep. Frese stated, "We are also left with tough decisions on where to cut spending in 2024. The budget passed by the majority this past spring creates new, permanent programs paid for with temporary income. This path is not sustainable, and there are no more pandemic relief funds to bail the Democrats out."

With the arrival of the new year, these new state laws aim to bring changes and improvements in various aspects of Illinois residents' lives.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repfrese.com/2023/12/27/more-than-300-new-state-laws-take-effect-on-new-years-day/