Lake County officials recently posted a reminder to residents of some of the new state laws that will take effect Jan. 1.
Major changes to divorce law include the dissolution of custody and visitation rights as well as the elimination of all causes for divorce except "irreconcilable differences." Under the new law, judges will decide each parent's responsibilities.
Several of the laws relate to drugs and alcohol: Powdered alcohol will be illegal to sell in Illinois, and powdered caffeine drinks will be illegal to sell to anyone younger than 18. Underage drinkers in need of help will not face charges if they call 911.
Patients with terminal diagnoses who have tried all other options to alleviate their condition will have the right to try experimental drugs.
Schools will be required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
There are also new laws relating to dogs, including a $2,500 fine or year in jail for anyone caught leaving a dog outside in extreme hot or cold weather. Service dogs will also be allowed in courts, per judge's permission, for minors or anyone with a developmental disability who's part of a sex offense case.
More than 200 laws will come on to the books next year. The full law list can viewed on the Lake County website.
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