(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — More than 300 new laws are taking effect in Illinois in the New Year. They range from increasing the minimum age to making it easier to cancel gym memberships.
Here’s a look at a few of the laws impacting Illinois residents going into effect.
Minimum wage increase
About 1.5 million Illinois residents are expected to see a pay increase this year as the minimum wage increases to $15 an hour on Jan. 1.
The state’s youth minimum wage will also be bumped up to $13 an hour.
Additionally, tipped workers will see their hourly wage increase to $9 this year.
Digital IDs
Arizona, Florida and 10 other states already beat Illinois to the digital ID punch – even the TSA is on board accepting digital IDs for air travel.
The Illinois General Assembly unanimously passed legislation in May to create a digital version of driver's licenses or IDs on smartphones starting in 2025.
Officials say using it will involve downloading an app. While it won't replace the physical card entirely, the mobile version will serve as a companion with law enforcement, businesses, and agencies still reserving the right to request the physical copy.
Tougher rules for insurance companies
The Health Care Protection Act is aimed at safeguarding patients and their doctors from predatory insurance practices.
It cracks down on step therapy, which forces patients to try cheaper treatments first, even if their doctor recommends something else.
The new law also blocks insurers from requiring pre-approval for emergency mental health care and gives the state more power to regulate premium hikes.
Canceling gym membership made easier
For many people, canceling gym memberships has been a lot harder than it should be. That’s what a new Illinois law hopes to change.
Starting Wednesday, gyms and fitness centers are required to allow people to cancel their memberships by mail, over the phone or online.
This puts an end to requiring cancellations in person or via regular mail, which often made it especially difficult for people who have moved to cancel their memberships.
This bill also codifies rules requiring gyms to be more transparent with services that feature automatic renewal.
Survivors’ rights law
A new law will prevent DNA evidence collected from a crime victim from being entered into any DNA database.
The law was created in response to a San Francisco case when a rape victime voluntarily provided her DNA to aid in the investigation. Her DNA was then put into a database without her consent and was tested against crime scene DNA.
Passed by State Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), she says the law, "protects survivors’ rights as they make the delicate decision to seek justice by trusting the system with their DNA.”
Translation rights at hearing
A new Illinois law means those with limited skills in English and low incomes will be entitled to translation services when they appear in hearings held by state agencies.
The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), who said everyone should have access to the resources of state government without facing a language barrier.
The hearings can deal with a person’s licensing or issues pertaining to health care or well-being.
The new law will go into effect on July 1.
Salary Transparency
Illinois will have a new Salary Transparency Law on the books to start out the New Year.
The new salary law requires sizable companies to disclose salary ranges and benefits for jobs they post. Many employers already participate in this practice.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky