You can always count on two things at the start of a new year. The first is that gyms will be full of new members trying to honor their New Year’s Eve resolution to get into shape. The second is that many new laws will enter the books. Apparently, the Illinois state legislature had quite a busy year last year.
They managed to cobble together and get signed by the Governor nearly 300 new laws that will take effect in 2025.
The three laws that might get the most buzz concern wages, O’Hare, and shampoo bottles.
Starting in 2025, the state’s minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour for non-tipped employees and $9 an hour for tipped employees.
Over at the airport, the O’Hare Driver Safety Act aims to clear up congestion by banning people from lining up on the highway shoulders to wait for their loved one’s arrival. New cameras will also be installed to catch anyone idling.
With the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act, hotels will no longer provide small single-use plastic bottles of shampoo, soap, or conditioner. That means you either have to share a big bottle with the guest who was in the room before you or bring your own.
There are many other laws pertaining to health, safety, and various aspects of our daily life. Here are some of the highlights:
Cancer Screenings
A new law requires Illinois health insurance companies to cover annual prostate cancer screenings, cervical smears, or Pap smears for all insured individuals, regardless of their gender. A lack of a proper diagnosis is common in medical malpractice lawsuits.
When a doctor fails to order the proper tests, a patient’s health can be compromised. This law will make these vital cancer screenings easier to order and access.
Workers’ Compensation
There are new laws that would impact a potential workers’ compensation claim. The Personnel Record Review Act provides a list of specific documents that every employee has a right to inspect and copy, including medical records and employee contracts.
The second new law pertains to granting employee access to their pay stubs. These will be vital information for filing a worker’s compensation claim.
Digital IDs
A new law makes it easier to download your driver’s license as a digital ID that you can store on your cell phone. With the enactment of this law, your digital ID will be considered the same as your regular license.
This could be an issue in car accidents when you need to exchange information with the other motorist. It will be easy to snap a photo of their digital ID for your records.
There are many other new laws that pertain to renter rights, property taxes, and public works. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws to see where you could benefit and what you might have to change. If you do find yourself confused about a law that might impact your life, you can speak with an attorney at the Thomas Law Offices.
Our team has been reviewing the laws, and we’re confident in how they can be applied and benefit our clients.
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