2021 New Illinois Laws

With the coronavirus pandemic cutting the Illinois legislative short in 2020, only a few laws became effective as of January 1, 2021. Additionally, the minimum wage law that was enacted in 2019 hit another milestone to increase the rate by another dollar in 2021. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., we stay up to date on new Illinois laws and court decisions to best serve our clients.

Using DNA to find missing people

Effective January 1, 2021, law enforcement can collect DNA samples when someone goes missing, including from family members who volunteer to submit samples. The new law also requires law enforcement to submit information to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). NamUs is a national clearinghouse to investigate missing person cases. The law also requires law enforcement to dispose of DNA samples from the person or family members after the missing persons have been located.

Cap on Cost of Insulin

Illinois has capped co-payments at $100 for a 30-day supply of insulin, regardless of the type or amount of insulin needed. However, the law does not apply to insulin administered to patients intravenously. Additionally, the law requires the Illinois Attorney General to investigate the pricing of prescription insulin to ensure consumer protections.

Confidentiality for Sexual Assault and Stalking Survivors

The Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence Act, has been expanded in 2021 to  allow victims of sexual assault and stalking, among other crimes, to also apply for the state’s address confidentiality program. This allows an individual to shield their address from their accused assaulters and the public. Instead, the law allows the individual to have an address designated by the Attorney General serve as their address.

Increasing the minimum wage

Beginning in 2021, the minimum wage in Illinois will increase from $10 to $11. The overall plan is to increase the minimum wage every year until it reaches $15 on January 1, 2025. For employees 18 years old or under, the wage is slightly lower.