Like every new year, a spate of new laws take effect. Our local legislators have worked on some excellent legislation that will make a real difference. To be sure, there is dysfunction on the national level. At the same time, thousands of state level elected officials across the nation get down and do the work. Here are just some of the new laws taking effect on January 1st 2025 here in Illinois that were done by our Lake County legislators along with some observations.
HB4819 – State Representative Rita Mayfield
This new law requires the Department of Corrections to provide lactation rooms for nursing mothers who are personnel of the Department.
Our Take
We need to support the personnel of the DOC who do important work, particularly those who are mothers.
HB3639 – State Representative Joyce Mason
This new law caps the insurance copayment of a twin pack of epinepherine at $60. The price can be lower, but not higher than $60.
Our Take
Drug companies have been bending consumers over for a long time and it is good to see our local legislators taking this on while the US Congress is mired in gridlock and posturing.
HB4108 – State Representative Joyce Mason
This new law creates a special license plate designation for recipients of the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Our Take
Honoring veterans is something that should be ongoing. The vets on our staff particularly applaud this new law.
SB3418 – State Senator Adriane Johnson with Reps Mayfield and Mason in the House
Provides that a board of trustees in a county under township organization or a county organized as a commission form of government with a road district may elect or appoint a highway commissioner or clerk (rather than may appoint a highway commissioner) or contract with a neighboring township or road district (rather than contract with a neighboring township) to provide highway commissioner or clerk services. In provisions concerning a county organized as a commission form of government, removes residency requirements for a candidate to provide highway commissioner or clerk services.
SB2930 – State Senator Adriane Johnson
Amends the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986. This legislation increases transparency regarding not for profits. Provides that the Department of Human Rights shall work with community partners to prepare and publish a standardized list of demographic classifications to be used by the Secretary of State and corporations for the reporting of the aggregated demographic information, while also allowing individuals to opt out.
HB4895 – State Senator Adriane Johnson
Requires that public high schools include one unit of instruction regarding climate change and by 2026, grades 9 through 12 will include climate change education. The State Superintendent of Education, in consultation with the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or the Director’s designee, shall prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials and professional development training for educators that may be used as guidelines for development of the instruction.
Our Take
The evidence of global climate change abounds and data is right there for all to see. Making this part of school curriculum is beyond sensible.
HB4903 – State Representative Laura Favre Dias and supported by Johnson and Edly-Allen in the State Senate
Creates the Air Quality in Schools Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations to the General Assembly on air quality goals for elementary, middle, and high schools, processes to assess current ventilation systems in schools, processes to improve ventilation after assessment, and potential State and federal funding sources to improve school air quality in this State.
Our Take
Healthy air for students makes abundant sense. Ensuring a healthy environment for learning is something we owe to students.
These are just some of the changes made by our Lake County legislators. There are many more become law throughout the year. It is important for us all to remain involved. If you haven’t met your state rep or state senator, stop by their office, give them a call or send email. They love to hear from you. They are also our neighbors.