Quincy Reporter

On July 1, new laws will take effect in Illinois, accompanied by an increase in the state's gas tax. The automatic hike in the gas tax will impact consumers at the pump.

An Illinois law banning the sale and use of "bump stocks" and other devices that enhance the firing power of semiautomatic firearms remains effective despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a federal ban on such items. "Illinois law is not affected by the decision," a spokesperson for Attorney General Kwame Raoul stated in an email.

Advocates on both sides of the gun control debate are awaiting a potential announcement from the high court regarding whether it will hear a broader constitutional challenge to Illinois' 2023 assault weapons ban, which includes the state-level ban on bump stocks.

Legislation aimed at restoring protections for wetlands in Illinois did not pass both Houses of the General Assembly this spring but may be reconsidered during the upcoming Fall Veto Session.

Bipartisan legislation extending energy assistance for low-income families is now headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk. HB 4471 amends the Energy Assistance Act, removing the sunset clause on the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund previously set for January 1, 2025. This fund provides payments to utility companies or covers home weatherization services for those enrolled in LIHEAP. Over 311,000 households benefited from LIHEAP funding between September 2022 and May 2023. Applications remain open until August 2024 for existing recipients.

As summer begins with a heatwave expected to last through early next week, residents are advised to stay safe by following several tips: avoid sun exposure, wear sunscreen and light clothing, drink plenty of fluids, keep homes cool and ventilated, and utilize cooling centers and air-conditioned public spaces.

Further information can be found at https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html