Over 300 New State Laws Take Effect in Illinois in 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — As the new year begins, Illinois residents will have to navigate through 320 new state laws that have been implemented. Some of these laws will have a widespread impact on the state, while others may not be immediately noticeable.
One major change is the ban on semi-automatic rifles, following a mass shooting at a 2023 July Fourth parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park. The ban prohibits the sale, possession, or manufacture of automatic weapons and requires those who previously purchased such guns to register them with the Illinois State Police by Jan. 1.
Another noteworthy law prohibits libraries from indiscriminately banning books in order to be eligible for state funds. Libraries are now required to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights to ensure that materials are not excluded based on the origin, background, or views of those who created them.
In addition, employers are now required to offer paid vacation time for any reason. Workers will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, up to a total of 40 hours. The law also allows businesses to install restrooms that may be used by any gender simultaneously, and teenagers can pre-register to vote at the age of 16 or 17 when obtaining a driver’s license or state identification card at a drivers’ services office run by the secretary of state.
Other laws include the prohibition of indoor vaping, restrictions on the use of license-plate reader technology on cars driven by women coming into Illinois to have abortions, and the use of drones by law enforcement to surveil special events.
Lawmakers also enacted measures to address deepfake pornography, prohibit videoconferencing while driving, and allow air fresheners to hang from rearview mirrors without fear of being pulled over.
As Illinois residents navigate through these new laws, it is crucial for them to stay informed and compliant with the changes that have taken place as of New Year’s Day.