Recreational marijuana is just one of many changes in Illinois Law’s that will take effect in 2020. Listed are a few of the over 200 new laws.
Traffic Fines
The fines for illegally passing school buses will double, from $150 to $300 for an initial violation and from $500 to $1,000 for a subsequent violation.
Vehicles need to slow down, change lanes and proceed with caution when approaching disabled vehicles or emergency vehicles on the side of the highway. Starting Jan. 1, the fines for violating Scott’s Law increase to $10,000.
The maximum penalty for hitting a construction worker in a marked work zone increases from $10,000 to $25,000.
Public Safety
The Tamara Clayton Act allows the Illinois State Police, IDOT and Illinois Tollway Authority to increase cameras along Cook County expressways to enhance expressway safety. Any law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over Cook County expressways may use images to investigate firearm offenses and detect expressway hazards, but not petty offenses.
Drivers are prohibited from streaming videoson a cell phone while they are driving.
Animals
Dog and cat kennels are now required to be equipped with a sprinkler or fire alarm system if staff are not on duty 24/7, in accordance with the Illinois Animal Welfare Act.
Cats are required to receive a rabies vaccination with a tag and certification. The requirement does not apply to feral cats, unless the feral cat is taken to the vet for spaying or neutering.
Landlords may request documentation when allowing a service animal on premises where pets are generally not allowed.
Cannabis
Adults 21 and over may legally purchase recreational marijuana from a state-regulated recreational dispensary.
Revenge Porn
Victims of revenge porn now have civil remedies to recover economic, emotion and punitive damages from tormentors who disseminate nonconsensual private sexual images.
A private right of action may be taken against individuals for intentionally posting a compromising image of another online or the owners or operators of a website hosting the images.
First Responder Wellness
Police officers will have greater access to mental health resources, including suicide prevention, to deal with job-related PTSD.
Burial benefits for a firefighter or state police or local law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty will double from $10,000 to $20,000.
DNA Privacy
Companies such as Ancestry.com and 23andMe are prohibited from sharing consumers’ genetic testing results and other personal identifiable information with any health or life insurance company without the consumer’s written consent.
For information regarding all the new changes follow this link:
