Lake County Gazette

Illinoisans can expect to see over 300 new laws take effect in the year 2024. These laws cover a wide range of topics and are aimed at addressing various issues faced by the state. Here are some notable new laws that will be implemented.

One of the new laws, introduced by Rep. Meier, focuses on increasing awareness of the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The law requires long-term care facilities to prominently display information about the free program on their websites.

Another law, proposed by Rep. Windhorst, aims to improve the admissibility of medical records in juvenile court hearings. The law allows certified hospital or agency records to be used as evidence in cases involving abused, neglected, or dependent minors.

Rep. Hammond's law waives the residency requirement for law enforcement exams. This means that individuals applying for law enforcement positions in Illinois will no longer be required to be residents of the state.

In an effort to protect homeowners from deceptive mortgage marketing tactics, Rep. Sanalitro introduced a law that focuses on mortgage marketing consumer protection. The law aims to safeguard new and elderly homeowners who are more susceptible to misleading mail advertisements from mortgage companies.

Recognizing the service of United States Navy Submarine Veterans, Rep. Spain introduced a law that adds a classification of specialty plates for these veterans. The law allows veterans who served as submariners in the U.S. Navy to obtain these license plates.

Rep. Keicher's law creates a pathway to expunge criminal records for victims of human trafficking. This is an important step in helping these victims recover from the trauma they have experienced.

For young motorcycle drivers, Rep. Fritts' law removes a duplicate test for motorcycle license applicants under the age of 18. This change saves time and money for these applicants.

In the fight against Lyme disease, Rep. Swanson's law allows the Department of Natural Resources to issue Lyme disease research decals. The proceeds from these decals will be used to fund research, education, and evaluation of Lyme disease in Illinois.

To protect child victims of abuse, Rep. Niemerg's law establishes a presumption that child victims under 13 years of age shall testify outside the courtroom via closed-circuit television, ensuring that they do not have to confront their abusers in open court.

Rep. Hammond's law requires health insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary Proton Beam therapy for the treatment of cancer. This ensures that patients have access to this advanced form of treatment.

There are also laws that address other important issues such as the provision of insulin in assisted living establishments, at-home saliva cancer screenings, preventing fentanyl exposure, honoring police and firefighters for their bravery, supporting scholarships for electrical line workers, and helping parents obtain health records for their developmentally disabled children.

These new laws reflect the ongoing efforts of Illinois lawmakers to address various challenges faced by the state and protect the rights and well-being of its residents.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repweber.com/2023/12/27/new-year-new-laws-for-2024/