A wave of new laws will take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2025, impacting various aspects of life within the state. Over 300 new laws will be implemented, covering topics ranging from catalytic converter theft prevention to online subscription cancellations, police training reforms, and the regulation of EpiPen costs. A significant change is the increase of the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, completing a phased increase initiated in 2019.
Among the notable health-related changes, short-term, limited duration health insurance plans (“junk insurance”) will be banned, aiming to improve affordability and access to care by adhering to Affordable Care Act minimum standards. Insurers will be mandated to cover medically necessary hearing aids and services for all ages, and the cost of epinephrine injectors will be capped at $60 per twin-pack.
New regulations on artificial intelligence will prohibit the AI generation of child pornography and the unauthorized use of a person’s voice, image, or likeness for commercial purposes. The Secretary of State will begin developing a process for digital driver’s licenses and state IDs, though physical IDs will remain necessary. Employers with 15 or more employees must now include salary range and benefits information in job postings. Additionally, new measures will track catalytic converter sales to combat theft and prevent the use of crime victim DNA in unrelated databases. Gym memberships will be easier to cancel, and online subscriptions will require clearer notification of automatic renewals. Employees will be protected from mandatory participation in workplace religious or political discussions.
Governor Pritzker’s health reform package, effective January 1st, 2025, includes significant changes, although some provisions won’t be implemented until 2026. Key components include a ban on “step therapy” and prior authorization for emergency inpatient mental health treatment, along with updated requirements for insurer provider lists and premium rate regulation. Furthermore, many Illinois hotels will be phasing out single-use plastic toiletries, starting July 1, 2025, to reduce waste. A comprehensive list of all laws taking effect on January 1, 2025, is available online.