NW Illinois News

As the year comes to a close, Illinois residents are gearing up for the implementation of more than 300 new laws set to take effect on January 1, 2024. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from limiting 2nd Amendment rights to providing greater protections for children, veterans, and first responders.

One of the key issues that made headlines during the fall veto session was the expiration of bipartisan legislation that established higher minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of certain crimes. Republican lawmakers expressed their frustration with Democrat lawmakers who blocked the extension of this law, which aimed to keep communities safer. At the same time, Democrats prioritized passing legislation that allowed non-citizens to work as police officers and felons to work at casinos.

Another notable law that will take effect is the "assault weapon" ban requirements. While the ban itself has already made sales and purchases of certain firearms illegal, Illinois residents who already own guns covered by the ban are allowed to keep them if they file the required paperwork before January 1, 2024. Senator Chesney, who strongly opposed the ban, expressed concerns about the vagueness of the ban and rules surrounding it.

In the realm of criminal justice, new laws have been enacted to support victims of human trafficking and protect children in legal proceedings. Victims of human trafficking will now have the opportunity to expunge their criminal records under a new law sponsored by Senator Erica Harriss. This law aims to provide victims with a fresh start and protect them from future victimization. Additionally, a new law allows victims under the age of 13 to testify remotely in most cases, ensuring that young victims of violent crimes are not re-traumatized during legal proceedings.

In the battle against the opioid crisis, several new laws have been introduced to provide greater tools and resources. Test strips capable of detecting fentanyl will be more readily available, schools will be required to maintain a supply of opioid antagonists like Narcan, and public schools will provide instruction on the dangers of fentanyl to high school students.

The new laws also extend greater protections to the elderly and first responders. Individuals who suspect abuse that may have contributed to a senior citizen's death will be able to report it without fear of consequences from their employer. First responders will benefit from the creation of the position of Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator, as well as financial support for firefighters and paramedics who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Illinois residents can expect these new laws to take effect on January 1, 2024, as the state prepares for a new year and new legislative changes.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatorchesney.com/new-year-new-laws-part-i/