New Illinois laws take effect on Jan. 1, 2025

CHICAGO - With a new year coming, that means several new laws are going into effect starting on Jan. 1, 2025.

Here is a list of just a few of them that could impact you:

Minimum Wage Law

The minimum wage in the state will increase to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025, more than five years after the state legislature passed a law to gradually increase the rate.

Prior to 2020, the state’s minimum wage was $8.25 for about a decade and was steadily increased to top out at $15 an hour this year.

Cook County’s minimum wage also increased to $15 per hour on Jan.1, while tipped employees will see an increase to $9 per hour.

Pay Transparency

Starting in the new year, larger employers will be required to include information on the pay scale for any job posting. The new law, which amends the state’s Equal Pay Act, applies to an employer with 15 or more employees.

Pay Stub Requirement

Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois employers must provide detailed pay stubs to employees each pay period under Public Act 103-0953. The pay stubs must include hours worked, pay rates, overtime, and deductions, offering workers greater transparency about their earnings. Employers are also required to keep copies for three years, with employees entitled to request them up to twice annually.

Youth Vaping Ads

The amendment to the Preventing Youth Vaping Act prohibits a company from advertising an electronic cigarette in a way that would cause a person to mistake it for something that is not a tobacco product.

Catalytic Converters

H.B. 4589 requires anyone selling a catalytic converter to include its part number and the identification number of the car from which it was removed. The law prohibits any person to purchase or acquire a used or detached catalytic converter unless these conditions are met.

The new law is an effort to curb growing rates of catalytic converter thefts in Chicago and across the state. Illinois ranked fourth in the nation with 2,021 catalytic converter theft claims from 2020 to 2022, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. During that time, theft claims across the country have more than tripled.

Colonoscopy Coverage

Health insurance plans that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, will be required to cover colonoscopy procedures, which are used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for possible cancer or other problems.

Epinephrine Cost Limit

Starting in 2025, the cost of medically necessary epinephrine injectors, which are used to reverse the effects of severe allergic reactions, will be capped at $60 for a twin pack for those with health insurance.

Generic Drug Shortage

If a generic drug is unavailable because of supply issues and the dosage cannot be adjusted for the patient, health insurance plans will be required to cover brand name eligible prescription drugs until the generic drug is available. This will apply to plans starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

Genetic Testing for Cancer

Plans starting on Jan. 1, 2026 will be required to cover clinical genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for people with a family history of cancer as recommended by a doctor.

Mobile ID Cards

Starting in 2025, the Illinois Secretary of State's Office will be able to issue a mobile Illinois Identification Card or driver's license to those eligible for a physical card.

O'Hare Airport Diver Safety

Drivers will no longer be able to park or stop on the shoulder of a highway or highway exit and entrance ramps within a two-mile radius around O'Hare International Airport. A violation could result in a $100 fine.

Permit Fee Waiver for Disabled Vets

In 2025, a veteran with a disability or the veteran's caregiver won't have to pay a building permit fee for improvements to the home of the veteran.

Sexual Assault Evidence

A person's DNA profile collected because they were a victim of a crime will not be allowed to be entered into a DNA database. The new law will apply except in certain medical examiner or coroner investigations.

Autism Training

Starting in 2025, training for police officers will have to include lessons on being able to respond to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Regular training that officers have to complete every three years will have to include training related to autism-informed law enforcement responses, techniques and procedures.

Landlord-Tenant Credit Report

Landlords will be prohibited from charging a potential tenant an application screening fee if the prospective tenant provides a reusable screening report that meets certain criteria.

Landlord Retaliation Act

The new law will prohibit a landlord from retaliating against a tenant if they possess or refuse to renew a lease and is acting in good faith. Such retaliation includes a landlord knowingly terminating a tenancy, increasing rent, decreasing services, and bringing or threatening to bring a lawsuit against the tenant.