Quincy Reporter

As Illinois welcomes the New Year, 293 new laws will be enacted on January 1, 2025. This article outlines key legislative changes affecting veterans, environmental regulations, and workplace requirements.

For veterans and military families, several measures are being introduced. House Bill 2856 allows death certificates to include details about a deceased individual's military service. Senate Bill 2751 waives building permit fees for home modifications needed by disabled veterans. Senate Bill 2959 provides Gold Star Family designations on state IDs and free admission to state museums like the Shedd Aquarium and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. House Bill 4757 mandates that the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Department of Labor create a poster highlighting free veterans’ benefits and services at no cost. Additionally, Senate Bill 3479 makes it unlawful for any person providing veteran or military benefits services to fail to provide clear disclosures when such services are exchanged for financial compensation.

In terms of workplace changes, House Bill 3129 requires employers with at least 15 employees to disclose pay ranges and benefits in job postings. House Bill 5561 introduces penalties for retaliation against whistleblowers and empowers the Attorney General to intervene in civil cases related to such matters. Senate Bill 859 establishes an Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment within DCEO aimed at supporting minority, women, veteran-owned, and disability-owned businesses through targeted outreach. Senate Bill 3207 permits daycare centers to operate for up to 24 hours if parents work shifts requiring extended childcare.

Environmental initiatives include House Bill 2363's ban on mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs starting January 1, 2026, promoting safer LED alternatives. Senate Bill 2960 restricts hotels from offering single-use plastic bottles for personal care products with phased implementation beginning mid-2025.

Public safety advancements aim to enhance community security across Illinois. House Bill 5370 strengthens Scott’s Law by increasing penalties for drivers who do not move over for emergency or construction vehicles. Senate Bill 2683 expands stalking protections by prohibiting unauthorized use of electronic tracking systems.

Additional health-related laws extend coverage options; House Bill 2443 extends hearing aid coverage across all ages while capping epinephrine twin-pack costs under House Bill 3639 at $60 per pack due supply issues according brand-name drug coverage assured via Senate bill2672 ensures availability during shortages telehealth access expanded statewide physical therapy addressed through legislation such as H.B5087 tackling fentanyl-related coroner reporting improvements brought forth HB4942

For further details on these legal updates visit: [https://senatorjiltracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/New-Laws-Taking-Effect-January-1_2025-1.pdf](https://senatorjiltracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/New-Laws-Taking-Effect-January-1_2025-1.pdf)