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As the year 2013 comes to a close only two things are for certain: first, a brief increase in workout facility attendance and second, the enactment of new Illinois laws. With regards to the second certainty, as of January 1, 2014, more than 200 new Illinois laws will come into play in the state of Illinois. Some of this new legislation will really change the way Illinois residents conduct their daily activities, so it is crucial that you stay informed as to not be caught off guard.

Cell Phone Ban

Running through a list of 200 new Illinois laws would likely prove to be pointless, but there are definitely some new laws worth noting. Firstly, drivers that are caught holding a phone up to their ears may now be subject to a $75 fine. However, a driver can use a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone. According to Senator John Mulroe, a politician who was deeply involved with the passing of this new legislation, it is known that cell phone use is a distraction for drivers and operating with hands-free devices greatly reduces the risk of injuries or even death. This legislation is designed to create uniformity and promote safe driving statewide to reduce car accidents.

Medical Marijuana

Next on the list is the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program which aims to establish legal medical marijuana. This program, the first of its kind in Illinois, is the strictest medical marijuana law in the country. Aside from a slew of patient requirements necessary to qualify for usage, the bill is also quite strict on medical providers along with when, where and how the cannabis may be used. Regardless, this law is bound to stir up plenty of debate in the future.

Tanning Ban

Another new law will ban the use of commercial tanning facilities to all those under the age of 18. Citing a study that which demonstrated that tanning, particularly in the formative years, greatly increases the risk of cancer, legislators decided a ban was in order. However, in an interesting twist, people under age 18 will be able to use these facilities if they have a doctor’s prescription.

Litter Ban Expansion

To round out the list of top new Illinois laws there will now be a $50 fine for littering, cigarettes included. This new law, which amends the previous Litter Control Act, increases the fine for littering as well as changes the definition of litter to include cigarettes.  The law, which seems to be a bit stingy, will surely cause an uproar within the smoker community. The real question is whether or not it will be enforced.

2014 Illinois Laws

The new year always brings the new rules by which Illinois citizens must live and abide by. To quickly summarize the Illinois laws: you can no longer talk with your phone to your ear while driving, you may be able to lawfully obtain medical marijuana, you can no longer utilize public tanning facilities if you are under the age of 18 and if you toss your cigarette out of your car window you could be fined. Happy New Year Illinois.