LEAH ANSEL
JUL 18, 2014
On January 1, many new Illinois laws went into effect, including prohibiting cell phone use while driving and a speed limit increase on some Illinois highways. Since then, the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly brought another batch of new laws and other actions. Here are 10.
Any “home kitchen operation” cannot be regulated by the health department or local government. This became known as the “Cupcake Law” because it was inspired by 12-year-old Chloe Stirling of Troy, whose cupcake business had been shut down for not having proper credentials for a bakery. Learn more here.
2) A referendum for a minimum wage increase will be put on the November ballot
The referendum will ask voters if they think minimum wage should be increased from $8.25 to $10. The referendum is strictly advisory, but if a majority of voters give their approval, it’s highly likely that lawmakers will then act to raise the minimum wage.
3) A referendum about requiring insurance companies to cover birth control will also be put on the November ballot
A month before the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Supreme Court Decision, Illinois lawmakers voted to place a referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot asking voters if they think insurance companies in the state should still be required to cover birth control. Though a law requiring insurance companies to do so has been on the books in Illinois since 2004, this advisory referendum will gauge public opinion on the question.
4) Dyslexia will now be included in Illinois’ special education provisions
State Board of Education will provide teachers with training on how to properly help their dyslexic students.
5) Children will be able to hunt with adult supervision before taking the hunter training safety course
The Youth Hunting License also costs less than its adult counterpart.
6) Accused sexual assailants must be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
Those on trial for sexual assault must be tested for STDs so the victim is aware if he/she is at risk for contracting a disease.
7) Illinois citizens will have more voting options
Voting on election day will be easier than ever before. This law gives more opportunities for early voting and makes it possible to register to vote on Election Day in some locations.
8) Every teenager will become CPR certified and learn how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
CPR certification and AED training will now be part of Illinois’ health education curriculum. Parents with religious and moral objections can have their children exempt from this requirement.
9) Teachers will be called back to work after layoffs differently
Read more about the new law here.
10) There will be a “Go for the Gold” scratch-off lottery game
Money raised from selling the ticket will go to fund statewide training programs and competitions for Special Olympic athletes.
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Leah is a summer intern at Reboot Illinois and is a rising second year student at the University of Chicago majoring in public policy.