Nearly 200 new Illinois laws took effect in 2023, bringing significant changes to employment rights, family leave, education, and everyday life for residents across the state. Whether you’re a business owner, parent, student, or homeowner, these legislative updates may directly impact your daily activities and future planning. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most important new Illinois laws 2023 and explains what they mean for you.
Overview of 2023 Legislative Changes in Illinois
The Illinois General Assembly passed nearly 200 new laws that took effect on January 1, 2023. These laws span multiple categories including workplace rights, education reform, public safety, healthcare access, and consumer protections. Many of these changes reflect evolving social priorities and address longstanding concerns within communities throughout the state.
While some laws bring incremental changes, others introduce transformative shifts in policy that will reshape institutional practices and individual rights. Understanding these changes is essential for Illinois residents to navigate their legal rights and responsibilities in the coming year.
Workplace Rights and Employment Changes
Minimum Wage Increase
Under the Lifting Up Illinois Working Families Act (SB 0001/PA 101-0001), the state minimum wage increased from $12 to $13 per hour on January 1, 2023. This represents another step in the gradual increase to $15 per hour by 2025. For tipped workers, the minimum wage rose to $7.80 per hour, though employers must ensure these workers earn at least the full minimum wage when tips are included.
The CROWN Act
The Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act (SB 03616/PA 93-1078) amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to include hair texture and protective hairstyles in the definition of “race.” This important legislation prohibits discrimination against employees based on hairstyles historically associated with race, including braids, locks, and twists, providing greater workplace protections for employees of color.
Stay Informed About Your Workplace Rights
Understanding how these new employment laws affect your rights is crucial. Download our comprehensive guide to all 2023 Illinois laws to ensure you’re fully informed.
Family Bereavement Leave Expansion
The Family Bereavement Leave Act (SB 03120/PA 102-1050) significantly expands unpaid leave rights for Illinois employees. This amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act provides up to two weeks (10 working days) of unpaid leave for employees who experience:
- Miscarriage or other pregnancy loss
- Failed adoption or surrogacy agreement
- Unsuccessful reproductive procedure
- Other diagnoses or events negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility
The amendment also broadens the definition of “family member” to include spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents. Employers can request reasonable documentation to verify eligibility, but employees are not required to specify the exact qualifying event.
“Workers who experience the death of a loved one or other kinds of loss such as a miscarriage or a failed adoption should be able to grieve without the fear of losing their job. The Family Bereavement Leave Act ensures that those workers will be afforded time off from work to process that grief.”
Education and School Safety Reforms
Student Confidential Reporting Act
The Student Confidential Reporting Act (SB 03936/PA 102-752) establishes a statewide school safety program called Safe2Help. This program creates a toll-free helpline where students, staff, and others can confidentially report potential threats of self-harm or harm to others within school communities. The initiative involves coordination between schools, state agencies, and the Illinois State Police.
Mental Health Resources in Schools
Under new legislation, Illinois schools must now provide information about how and where students can access mental health resources as part of the state’s Comprehensive Health Education Program. Schools are required to educate students on finding mental health providers and navigating the mental health system, with lessons about mental health incorporated into school curriculums.
Civic Event Excused Absences
House Bill 5488 grants every public middle and high school student at least one excused absence per year to participate in a “civic event.” These events include activities sponsored by non-profit organizations or government entities that are open to the public, such as artistic performances or educational gatherings that support the mission of the sponsoring organization.
Public Safety and Security Measures
Smoke Detector Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2023, Illinois’ Smoke Detector Act requires that all smoke detectors have “self-contained, non-removable, long-term batteries.” This change applies to residents still using alarms with removable batteries or alarms that are not hardwired. Exceptions exist for smoke detectors that are electronically connected to specified alarm systems using wireless communication signals or Wi-Fi, and for dwelling units in municipalities with populations over 1 million.
Carjacking Victim Protections
In response to rising carjacking incidents, a new law protects victims from being liable for “violations, fees, fines, or penalties during the period in which the motor vehicle was reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency as stolen or hijacked.” Owners can be reimbursed for fees paid after the vehicle was reported stolen, such as impounding fees, up to a maximum of $1,000.
Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women
The Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women Act creates a dedicated task force to examine systemic causes behind violence against women and girls in Chicago. The task force will develop methods for tracking and collecting data on violence against Chicago women, including missing and murdered individuals, and will recommend new policies to address these issues.
Consumer Protections and Health Insurance Changes
Expanded Health Insurance Coverage
Several new laws expand required health insurance coverage for Illinois residents:
- Medically necessary breast reduction surgery (HB 04271)
- Hormone therapy treatments for women who have undergone hysterectomies (HB 05254)
- Annual prostate cancer screenings upon physician recommendation (HB 05318)
- Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to detect breast and ovarian cancer risks (HB 05334)
Latex Glove Ban
The Latex Glove Ban Act (HB 0209/PA 102-1095) prohibits the use of latex gloves in food preparation and handling. The ban will extend to medical personnel beginning January 1, 2024. Food service establishments that must use latex gloves due to supply chain issues are required to prominently display signs notifying customers of the temporary change.
Housing and Property Law Changes
Source of Income Discrimination Prohibited
An amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act (HB 02775/PA 102-896) makes it a civil rights violation for anyone in real estate transactions to discriminate based on source of income. This protection helps renters who use housing vouchers, government assistance, or non-traditional income sources. Financial institutions are exempt if they consider source of income in compliance with state or federal law.
Condominium Property Act Changes
House Bill 5246 amends the Condominium Property Act by reducing the timeframe for section 22.1 disclosures to prospective purchasers from 30 days to 10 days. The amendment also caps the fee for gathering such information at $375, with an additional $100 charge permitted for rush service completed within 72 hours.
Real Estate Valuation Task Force
The Real Estate Valuation Task Force Act (HB 04410/PA 102-934) establishes a task force to identify and resolve causes of racial disparities in property appraisals, addressing a significant equity issue in the housing market.
Transportation and Vehicle Code Updates
Discounted Vehicle Registration
Drivers who qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging’s benefit access program will now pay only $10 per year to renew their license plates, reduced from $24 previously. Residents 65 years of age and older, or residents 16 and older with disabilities, may be eligible, subject to income requirements.
Illinois-Manufactured Vehicle Discount
Senate Bill 3609 provides a one-time $25 discount on vehicle registration fees for new cars and trucks manufactured in Illinois, supporting the state’s automotive industry.
Sports Team License Plates
The Secretary of State now offers professional sports team license plates featuring the logos of the Chicago Sky, Chicago Fire, or Chicago Red Stars. The option for St. Louis Rams plates has been removed following the team’s relocation.
Unique State Designations and Symbols
Official State Snake
The Eastern Milksnake has been designated as the official snake of Illinois. Found throughout the state in fields, woodlands, rocky hillsides, and river bottoms, this non-venomous snake got its name from the false belief that it could milk cows. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the milksnake kills prey by constriction and may vibrate its tail, hiss, and strike when disturbed.
Official State Rock
Dolostone has been designated as Illinois’ official state rock. This sedimentary rock makes up the majority of bedrock in Illinois and provides essential nutrients to the state’s soil. Students from Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge and Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville advocated for this designation.
Sweet Corn Appreciation Day
August 1 has been designated as “Sweet Corn Appreciation Day” in Illinois, celebrating the importance of sweet corn to the state’s agriculture and recognizing family farmers. Illinois provides an optimal environment for growing sweet corn with its deep fertile soils, moderate rainfall, and temperate weather.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Illinois Laws 2023
How do these new laws affect small businesses in Illinois?
Small businesses in Illinois face several important changes in 2023. The minimum wage increase to per hour affects payroll costs, while the CROWN Act requires updating anti-discrimination policies to include hair texture and protective hairstyles. The Family Bereavement Leave Act expands unpaid leave requirements, and food service establishments must replace latex gloves with alternatives. Small business owners should review these changes with their legal and HR advisors to ensure compliance.
When do I need to replace my smoke detectors under the new law?
If your home has smoke detectors with removable batteries that were installed before 1988, you should replace them with models featuring “self-contained, non-removable, long-term batteries” as soon as possible. Homes built after 1988 with battery-powered detectors can keep them until they exceed 10 years from their manufacturing date, unless they fail to respond to tests or malfunction. Those in violation after January 1, 2023, have a 90-day grace period before fines of up to 0 can be assessed (which can accumulate up to
Frequently Asked Questions About New Illinois Laws 2023
How do these new laws affect small businesses in Illinois?
Small businesses in Illinois face several important changes in 2023. The minimum wage increase to $13 per hour affects payroll costs, while the CROWN Act requires updating anti-discrimination policies to include hair texture and protective hairstyles. The Family Bereavement Leave Act expands unpaid leave requirements, and food service establishments must replace latex gloves with alternatives. Small business owners should review these changes with their legal and HR advisors to ensure compliance.
When do I need to replace my smoke detectors under the new law?
If your home has smoke detectors with removable batteries that were installed before 1988, you should replace them with models featuring “self-contained, non-removable, long-term batteries” as soon as possible. Homes built after 1988 with battery-powered detectors can keep them until they exceed 10 years from their manufacturing date, unless they fail to respond to tests or malfunction. Those in violation after January 1, 2023, have a 90-day grace period before fines of up to $100 can be assessed (which can accumulate up to $1,500).
How does the Family Bereavement Leave Act affect my rights as an employee?
As an Illinois employee, you can now take up to two weeks (10 working days) of unpaid leave for expanded bereavement reasons, including pregnancy loss, failed adoptions or surrogacy agreements, and unsuccessful reproductive procedures. The definition of “family member” has also expanded to include spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents. While employers can request documentation, you don’t have to specify the exact qualifying event. This leave cannot be denied if you meet the eligibility requirements.
What should I do if I’m a victim of carjacking under the new protections?
If you’re a victim of carjacking, immediately report the incident to law enforcement and obtain documentation of your report. Under the new law, you’re not liable for violations, fees, fines, or penalties incurred while your vehicle was reported stolen. To be reimbursed for fees paid after the vehicle was reported stolen (such as impounding fees), submit proof that you filed a timely police report. Note that towing and storage fee reimbursements are capped at $1,000.
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How does the Family Bereavement Leave Act affect my rights as an employee?
As an Illinois employee, you can now take up to two weeks (10 working days) of unpaid leave for expanded bereavement reasons, including pregnancy loss, failed adoptions or surrogacy agreements, and unsuccessful reproductive procedures. The definition of “family member” has also expanded to include spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents. While employers can request documentation, you don’t have to specify the exact qualifying event. This leave cannot be denied if you meet the eligibility requirements.
What should I do if I’m a victim of carjacking under the new protections?
If you’re a victim of carjacking, immediately report the incident to law enforcement and obtain documentation of your report. Under the new law, you’re not liable for violations, fees, fines, or penalties incurred while your vehicle was reported stolen. To be reimbursed for fees paid after the vehicle was reported stolen (such as impounding fees), submit proof that you filed a timely police report. Note that towing and storage fee reimbursements are capped at
Frequently Asked Questions About New Illinois Laws 2023
How do these new laws affect small businesses in Illinois?
Small businesses in Illinois face several important changes in 2023. The minimum wage increase to $13 per hour affects payroll costs, while the CROWN Act requires updating anti-discrimination policies to include hair texture and protective hairstyles. The Family Bereavement Leave Act expands unpaid leave requirements, and food service establishments must replace latex gloves with alternatives. Small business owners should review these changes with their legal and HR advisors to ensure compliance.
When do I need to replace my smoke detectors under the new law?
If your home has smoke detectors with removable batteries that were installed before 1988, you should replace them with models featuring “self-contained, non-removable, long-term batteries” as soon as possible. Homes built after 1988 with battery-powered detectors can keep them until they exceed 10 years from their manufacturing date, unless they fail to respond to tests or malfunction. Those in violation after January 1, 2023, have a 90-day grace period before fines of up to $100 can be assessed (which can accumulate up to $1,500).
How does the Family Bereavement Leave Act affect my rights as an employee?
As an Illinois employee, you can now take up to two weeks (10 working days) of unpaid leave for expanded bereavement reasons, including pregnancy loss, failed adoptions or surrogacy agreements, and unsuccessful reproductive procedures. The definition of “family member” has also expanded to include spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents. While employers can request documentation, you don’t have to specify the exact qualifying event. This leave cannot be denied if you meet the eligibility requirements.
What should I do if I’m a victim of carjacking under the new protections?
If you’re a victim of carjacking, immediately report the incident to law enforcement and obtain documentation of your report. Under the new law, you’re not liable for violations, fees, fines, or penalties incurred while your vehicle was reported stolen. To be reimbursed for fees paid after the vehicle was reported stolen (such as impounding fees), submit proof that you filed a timely police report. Note that towing and storage fee reimbursements are capped at $1,000.
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Effective Dates and Implementation Timeline
Most of the new Illinois laws discussed in this article took effect on January 1, 2023. However, some laws have different implementation timelines:
| Law | Effective Date | Implementation Notes |
| Minimum Wage Increase | January 1, 2023 | Immediate increase to $13/hour; will rise to $14 in 2024 and $15 in 2025 |
| Latex Glove Ban (Food Service) | January 1, 2023 | Immediate ban for food preparation |
| Latex Glove Ban (Healthcare) | January 1, 2024 | One-year delay for healthcare settings |
| Career/Technical Education Pathway | July 1, 2025 | School boards have until this date to establish programs |
| Smoke Detector Requirements | January 1, 2023 | 90-day grace period before fines can be assessed |
Additional Resources and Official Information
For complete information about all new Illinois laws taking effect in 2023, consult these official resources:
- Illinois General Assembly website (ilga.gov) for full text of legislation
- Illinois Department of Labor (illinois.gov/idol) for workplace and employment law changes
- Illinois Department of Human Rights (illinois.gov/dhr) for discrimination protections
- Illinois Secretary of State (ilsos.gov) for vehicle registration and license plate information
- Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net) for education-related changes
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Conclusion: Staying Informed About Illinois Law Changes
The nearly 200 new Illinois laws that took effect in 2023 reflect evolving priorities in workplace rights, family protections, education, public safety, and consumer protections. As an Illinois resident, staying informed about these changes helps you understand your rights and responsibilities under the law.
Whether you’re an employee benefiting from expanded leave rights, a homeowner updating smoke detectors, or a student taking advantage of new educational opportunities, these laws were designed to address real needs within Illinois communities. By understanding these changes, you can better navigate your daily life and make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
Remember that this article provides an overview of key changes, but for specific legal advice regarding your situation, consult with a qualified legal professional who can provide personalized guidance.