Over 200 new laws in Illinois took effect to start the new year.

One of the most that prompted much debate was called the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity Today, (the SAFE-T Act). This act includes information regarding the criminal justice system.

This bill, which contained parts of a prior bill called the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, ends the courts’ cash bail system. Instead of those convicted of crimes being placed in detention based on their financial status, they will be evaluated based on how much of a risk they are to the community.

Also implemented in this bill, all police officers will be required to wear body cameras by 2025. It also requires more law enforcement training for the officers and allows police complaints to be a more established system.

Other laws taking effect Jan. 1 are:

• The worker’s rights amendment that was voted on in the 2022 midterm election and took effect on Jan. 1. The amendment guarantees government employees the right to organize and discuss the terms of employment.

• IL HB 3772 states that people who have their cars stolen will not be liable for any violations, fees, or fines when that vehicle is caught not obeying traffic laws, according to https://abc7chicago.com/.

• IL HB 3120 states that women who have a miscarriage, still birth, or other events that effects the pregnancy or fertility, are allowed to take 10 days of unpaid leave, according to https://abc7chicago.com/.

• IL HB 5304 ensures that the fee for senior citizens to register their vehicles will decrease from $24 to $10, according to https://abc7chicago.com/.

• IL SB 3609 states that vehicle registration fees will be reduced for cars and small trucks that are manufactured in Illinois, according to https://abc7chicago.com/.

• IL SB 3459 states when families of fallen Illinois service members died during state or federal active duty are honored, their next of kin will be presented an Illinois state flag, according to https://abc7chicago.com/.

• IL SB 0001 states that the minimum wage for employees that are 18 years old and older, or are under 18 years old, and work more than 650 hours per year, will increase to $13 per hour. For employees that are under 17 years old and younger and work less than 650 hours per year, the minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour, according to https://abc7chicago.com/.

• IL SB 1486 states that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service, which conducts in-person visits, will be allowed to carry sprays such as mace and pepper spray for self-defense, according to illinoislegalaid.org.

• IL SB 3146 states that employees must get one day of rest for every seven consecutive work days. Employees must also get a 20-minute meal break for the first 7.5 hours worked. After the first break, employees must get another 20 minute meal break for every 4.5 hours worked, according to illinoislegalaid.org.

• IL SB 3902 requires students entering high school during the 2023-2024 school year to complete at least one year of computer science in order to graduate. In addition, all public high school students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form. If they do not want to file it, they must waive it to graduate, according to illinoislegalaid.org.

• IL HB 4343 ensures that schools can conduct wellness checks for students from 7^th to 12^th The wellness checks are to assist students who are at risk for mental health conditions.

All of the new laws can be found at here.

Cam’ron Hardy can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected]