The start of a new year generally means a slew of new laws. In Illinois, 286 new laws took effect January 1. The laws cover a range of subjects from animal welfare to law enforcement, but some may be of particular interest to Illinois Baptists.
Senate Bill (SB) 564 is one of the state’s newly implemented laws that has implications for people of faith. It amends the school code to require schools to include contributions by Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and those of other faith practices into American history curriculums. Illinois is the first state in the nation to make such a requirement.
Lawmakers also made the January 17 birthday of boxer Muhammad Ali a commemorative holiday. Such holidays “recognize specified patriotic, civic, cultural or historical persons, activities, or events” and are regular school days according to the Illinois School Code Act. Chicago will also have Mayors’ Day, to be observed only in the city.
SB 139 allows non-gendered language to be used on marriage licenses, such as the term “spouse” in place of “bride” and “groom.”
House Bill (HB) 605 requires U.S. and Illinois flags flown at state institutions to be made in the United States.
While cash bail will not go away in Illinois until Jan. 1, 2023, portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act went into effect that will begin the phase out. This year, those who are incarcerated in their homes via electronic monitoring will be allowed to leave their homes to perform essential tasks and engage in regular reviews with authorities.
Finally, Hayli’s Law, officially known as SB 119, allows children under 16 to sell lemonade and similar beverages without a license or permit from local or state authorities. The bill was named after a 12-year-old girl from Kankakee whose lemonade stand was shut down by local authorities.