As Illinois enters 2025, over 300 new laws will come into effect starting January 1, covering a broad spectrum of issues from consumer protections to workplace rights. Here’s a summary of the most notable changes:
Health and Insurance Reforms
- Ban on Short-Term Health Insurance (HB 2499): Short-term, limited-duration health plans, often criticized as “junk insurance,” are now illegal in Illinois. These plans failed to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act and often left consumers with significant out-of-pocket costs.
- Hearing Aid Coverage (HB 2443): Insurers must now cover medically prescribed hearing aids for all ages, enhancing access to essential auditory care.
- Affordable EpiPens (HB 3639): The cost of epinephrine injectors is capped at $60 per twin-pack, ensuring affordability for those with severe allergies.
Workplace and Employment
- Pay Transparency (HB 3129): Employers with 15 or more employees must disclose salary ranges and benefits in job postings. This applies to both in-person and remote positions, helping address wage disparities.
- Workplace Freedom (SB 3649): Employees cannot be forced to attend workplace meetings about politics or religion if unrelated to their job. Non-profit organizations with such missions are exempt.
Digital Advancements
- Digital Driver’s Licenses (HB 4592): Illinois will begin creating digital driver’s licenses and IDs. Physical IDs remain mandatory, and digital IDs are optional and not universally accepted.
- AI Regulations (HB 4623, HB 4875): Laws now ban generating child pornography with AI and prohibit recreating someone’s voice or likeness using AI for commercial purposes without consent.
Consumer Protections
- Subscription and Membership Cancellations (HB 4911, SB 2764): Gyms must allow cancellations via email, online, or written notice. Businesses offering free trials must notify customers three days before automatic subscription renewals.
- Catalytic Converter Tracking (HB 4589): Metal recyclers must log vehicle and part information for catalytic converters to combat theft.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- Autism Training (SB 3201): Law enforcement will receive enhanced training to better interact with individuals on the autism spectrum.
- DNA Protection (HB 1168): DNA evidence from crime victims cannot be entered into DNA databases, protecting personal privacy.
Environmental Initiatives
- Single-Use Plastics Ban (SB 2960): Beginning July 1, hotels must phase out single-use plastic soap and shampoo bottles, with smaller hotels having until 2026 to comply.
Transportation Updates
- License Plate Replacements (SB 3471): Illinois drivers can request free replacements for stolen license plates.
- Towed Vehicle Fees (SB 2654): Owners won’t be charged storage fees if a stolen vehicle is recovered within seven days, and they can retrieve essential items like medical devices.
Laws Effective Later in 2025
- Health Reform Package (HB 5395): Effective January 1, 2026, bans step therapy and prior authorization for emergency mental health treatments. Insurance companies must maintain updated in-network provider lists.
Minimum Wage Increase: On January 1, Illinois’ minimum wage increases to $15 an hour, completing a phased increase initiated by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2019.
Full Details Available: For a comprehensive list of all laws taking effect, visit the Illinois legislative website.