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Illinois has many new laws going into effect at the start of the new year. One law that has been the focus of much media coverage and debate is the SAFE-T bill which has taken up much attention for implementation.

SAFE-T Act

The SAFE-T Act stands for the Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today Act. The law was passed in early January 2021 as a response to the murder of George Floyd. This act terminates the current system for bail because it disproportionately impacts communities of color.

Additionally, this act includes a provision requiring all officers to wear body cameras while on duty. Law enforcement agencies have pushed back against the SAFE-T Act and several local state attorneys filed a lawsuit against the constitutionality of the act. The hearing took place on December 20, 2022.

Other Important Laws

Several other laws could affect Illinois residents. These laws include:

Amendment 1

Also known as the “Worker’s Rights Amendment,” Amendment 1 allows for collective bargaining and the joining of unions in Illinois and prohibits laws from restricting or changing the process for workers to join a union.

Smoke Alarm Requirements

This law requires all homes in Illinois to have 10-year battery smoke detectors with sealed batteries, starting on January 1, 2023. Some places are exempt from this law if they have wireless integrated or hardwired alarms. If these alarms were installed before January 1st, they can be kept until they are ten years old.

The Crown Act

This act is an anti-hair discrimination law prohibiting a person’s natural hairstyle from being discriminated against, specifically in the workplace.

Trauma-Informed School Boards

With this act, board members of schools in Illinois are required to take trauma-informed training to understand the prevalence of trauma and the impacts of bias in education.

Sick Leave for Employees

The modification of the Employee Sick Leave Act requires that for a collective bargaining agreement, the rights of this act are the minimum standard.

Contact an Attorney to Learn More About Specific Laws

Illinois has enacted many laws and will continue to do so. Contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today to speak to a skilled legal representative and learn more about new laws in Illinois.