The new year is seen as a new beginning for people to make new goals and resolutions.

For the state of Illinois, Jan. 1 is a time to put new laws into effect passed the previous year by the General Assembly and signed by the governor.

Some notable laws include new rules on firearms, prescribing drugs, animal safety, licensing and education, among other areas.

72-hour waiting period

This bill creates a 72-hour waiting period on all firearms, not just handguns. The bill also eliminates the current exemption from the waiting period requirements for the sale of a firearm to a non-resident of Illinois whilte at a recognized gun show. The bill retains the current 24 hour withholding period for stun guns and Tasers. (SB 3256)

Firearms

restraining order

Allows family members or law enforcement to petition to the court for an order alleging the respondent poses significant danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself or another by having in his or her custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing or receiving a firearm. The court may issue this order without notice to the respondent but a hearing must be held as soon as possible not to exceed 14 days. Allows for two types of orders: emergency (probable cause) and six-month orders (clear and convincing). Allows the court to issue search warrants (even in cases where the petitioner is a family member) to law enforcement to seize the weapons if there is probable cause to believe the respondent possesses weapons. (HB 2354)

Controlled-substance prescribers

continuing ed

This bill requires licensed prescribers of controlled substances to complete three hours of continuing education on safe opioid-prescribing practices prior to renewing their prescription license. (SB 2777)

Rear-facing car seats

This bill requires children under the age of 2 to be secured in a rear-facing child-restraint system. Children weighing more than 40 pounds or taller than 40 inches are exempted. (HB 4377)

Hunters in blaze pink

Hunters may wear blaze pink during firearm deer season and upland game season. (HB 4231)

Animal protection in conditions

Nothing prevents a law enforcement officer from taking temporary custody of an animal that is being put in danger due to extreme heat or cold conditions; however, the officer must attempt to make contact with the owner. Also, the owner is responsible of cost required for veterinary care. (SB 2270)

Students taking dual credit courses

This bill provides qualified students can enroll in an unlimited amount of dual credit courses; and earn an unlimited amount of academic courses so long as the course is taught by an Illinois instructor as provided under the Dual Credit Quality Act. Requires community colleges to enter into a dual credit agreement if a high school district within their boundaries requests it. (SB 2527 / 2838)

Route 66 commission

Creates a 20-member Route 66 Centennial Commission to plan and coordinate commemorative events throughout the state to celebrate 100 years of Route 66. (HB 66)

Immigration licensure

No person may be denied professional licensure for immigration status. Allows an applicant to provide a Tax Identification Number in lieu of a Social Security Number. (SB 3109)

Carnival background check

Allows for the revocation of a permit to operate carnivals, amusement attractions or fairs that fail to conduct a background check of every ride operator at their permitted attraction if they are found to have violated the law three or more times. Currently a background check is required for all ride operators in Illinois but the department doesn’t have the ability to revoke a permit for violators. (SB 3240)

More protected

Established foster parents, legally appointed guardians, adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents are added as persons protected under the Domestic Violence Act and Protective Orders Article. (HB 4796)

Police dog protection

Requires every law enforcement agency/handler of police dogs to provide an annual medical examination by licensed vet and vaccinate the dog against rabies prior to the dog beginning police service. It also requires vehicles that transport police dogs to be equipped with a heat sensor monitor in the vehicle that will send an audible and visual notification in the vehicle if the temperature reaches 85 degrees. (HB 1671)

No more paper citations

Illinois State Police will save 10 cents per sheet of paper required for a violator’s signature on a piece of paper, since a person in violation of a petty offense is not required to sign a paper citation. (HB 4476)

Synthetic cannabis, bath salts and piperazines

Synthetic cannabinoids and piperazines are schedule I controlled substances when they are not approved by the FDA; or, if approved, are not dispensed or possessed in accordance with state or federal law. (SB 2341)

Sex offense statute of limitations

Extends the statute of limitations for sex offenses committed against an adult for one year after discovery by the victim when corroborating physical evidence is available. The charging document must state the statute of limitations is extended and the circumstances justifying the extension. (SB 2271)

Nursing mom jury duty

Exempts nursing mothers from jury service. (HB 5745)

Missing person with disabilities / military person

Requires the Department of State Police to compile and maintain a data repository for missing persons with disabilities as part of the statewide Law Enforcement Agencies Data System. Also provides a missing person with disabilities be considered a “high-risk missing person,” which intends to help law enforcement and human service entities be better prepared to locate individuals with developmental disabilities. (SB 2265)

Adds veterans and active duty members of the reserves and armed forces believed to have physical or mental heatlh issues, related to service, to the definition of “high-risk missing person.” (SB 2278)

Stalking

Provides that stalking behavior includes unwanted messages via social media. (SB 3411)

School safety drills

Requires active shooter / threat school safety drills to be conducted within 90 days of the start of the school year. Requires the drills to be conducted the days and times when students are present in the building. Requires law enforcement to observe the drill. (SB 2350)

Local government caps

Raises the cap for architecture, surveying and engineering projects less than $40,000 (currently $25,000) to be exempt from certain public notice, evaluation and selection procedures. (SB 2328)

Township officers

Prevents all elected and appointed township officials from simultaneously holding any other employment with the township in which they are elected, exempting volunteer firefighters. (SB 2299)

Ivory ban

Bans the import and sale of most ivory and ivory products in Illinois; exempts antique guns and knives that are more than 100 years old, and also exempts musical instruments containing ivory that were produced before 1975. Allows the Department of Natural Resources to set rules for allowing the sale or transfer of ivory if it is for educational or scientific purposes. (HB 4843)