Rep. Reis: Over 220 New Laws Starting January 1, 2012
December 22, 2011
Olney, IL.…As 2011 comes to an end, Illinois residents will see over 220 new laws on the books beginning January 1st. State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) said that residents throughout Illinois will notice a number of changes to Illinois statutes, including new driving regulations, stricter penalties for sex offenders and added benefits for veterans.
“I am particularly proud to sponsor a new law that expands the list of mandated child abuse reporters to include medical employees at abortion clinics,” said Rep. Reis. “This issue arose after the pro-life group, Live Action, conducted a sting operation at a New Jersey Planned Parenthood center and uncovered a clinic staffer suspecting child abuse and failing to act.”
Rep. Reis continued, “The new law is another safeguard to protect our most innocent from acts of violence.”
Listed below are some of the important bills that will be taking effect on January 1st. Bills may also be viewed at www.ilga.gov.
House Bill 167
Prohibits knowingly discharging a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft in the process of taking off, landing, or while in flight.House Bill 219
Requires everyone riding in a vehicle to wear their seatbelt.House Bill 263
Creates “Andrea’s Law.” Illinois State Police will create a murderer registry database available on the Internet of those convicted of first-degree murder.House Bill 295
A sex offender shall also register with the public safety or security director of the institution of higher education which he or she is employed at or attends.House Bill 1253
Retroactive sex offender registrationHouse Bill 1260
Prohibits utilities from disconnecting service between December 1 and March 31 to any residential property which a service member or a veteran resides due to nonpayment of a bill or deposit.House Bill 1317
If a prospective juror is found to be unqualified or is excused due to a total and permanent disability, the jury administrator shall permanently exclude the person from all jury lists.House Bill 1689
Penalty increase for financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability.House Bill 1825
Requires insurance plans that provide coverage for oral cancer medications and intravenous cancer medications to cover oral medications at the same benefit as intravenous medications.House Bill 1929
Increases from $2 to $5 the co-payment that a person committed to the Department of Corrections must pay to the Department for each visit for medical or dental services on a non-emergency basis.House Bill 2093
Expands current mandated reporting laws to include locations providing abortions, abortion referrals or contraceptives and instructs non-medical staff to bring to the attention of mandated reporters suspected cases of child abuse.House Bill 2861
Allows Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue any license, tag, permit, or stamp and waive fees including transaction and dealer fees for terminally ill individuals.House Bill 3034
Creates safeguards for homeowners who enter into contracts for repairs that are needed due to weather related happenings.House Bill 3090
Any unit of local government may authorize the use of its city hall or police department to display a container suitable for use as a receptacle for used, expired, or unwanted pharmaceuticals.House Bill 3358
Prohibits insurers from denying coverage to individual(s) who have been victims of abuse.Senate Bill 670
Requires written notice by a pharmacist if a generic anti-epileptic drug is dispensed in place of a name brand drug.Senate Bill 1037
Allows victims of human trafficking to file a motion requesting a court to vacate a prior misdemeanor and first offender felony prostitution convictions under specific criteria.Senate Bill 1038
A person convicted of luring a child shall undergo a sex offender evaluation prior to a sentence being imposed and is guilty of Class 2 felony if the person has a prior sex offense conviction.Senate Bill 1637
Requires impounded dogs and cats to be examined for acceptable means of identification within 24 hours after intake. The new law also requires agents and caretakers (currently only owners) to be notified before any action is taken on an impounded dog or cat.Senate Bill 1913
Allows trucks to travel 65mph on more classes of highway than currently permitted.
For more information regarding new laws taking effect January 1, 2012, please visit Rep. Reis’ legislative district office at 219 East Main in Olney, contact him at 618-392-0108, visit his website at www.davidreis.org or email the district office at keith@davidreis.org.
