Several new legislations mark the legal scene in the United States. One state with 100+ new laws is Illinois. Illinois lawmakers are introducing new laws with a focus on improving road safety. These measures include traffic law updates, public transit infrastructure enhancements, and initiatives to encourage sustainable transportation alternatives.
Their legislative updates reflect ongoing efforts to address pressing issues and adapt to societal needs. From bolstering healthcare access to enhancing public safety measures, each law shapes a better future for Illinois communities Let’s walk through Illinois’ evolving legal landscape as we explore the top 2 new laws recently enacted in the state and how they benefit you.
#1 Banning Videoconferencing While Driving
Three years following the widespread adoption of Zoom for remote work and presentations, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias urged legislators to advance a bill criminalizing video conference calls, live video streams, and social media usage while driving.
Breaching this legislation will incur a moving violation citation, accompanied by escalating fines: $75 for the initial offense, $100 for the second offense, $125 for the third offense, and $150 for subsequent violations. Accumulating three moving violations within a year will trigger a license suspension.
Illinois residents welcomed the news, especially given the state’s history of numerous vehicular accidents. If you are part of these statistics, hiring a local attorney for your case is crucial, as they have the right education about region-specific laws. For instance, if you meet with an accident in Edwardsville, Illinois, opt for an Edwardsville personal injury lawyer to ensure you can capitalize on the law changes.
It’s crucial to highlight that Illinois adheres to a “comparative negligence” law, which allocates fault among parties in personal injury cases. According to TorHoerman Law, your compensation could be diminished proportionally if you bear partial responsibility for an accident.
#2 Paid Leave For All Workers
Forty hours of paid annual leave — that’s how much time off Illinois workers are now entitled to. Additionally, employers have the flexibility to provide additional time off based on their needs.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who signed the bill, stated that it was his mission to alleviate the burdens of working families in any way he could. He said that too many individuals fear losing vital income for their family’s survival or facing repercussions at work if they must stay absent.
According to the legislation, employees can utilize earned time off after completing 90 days of work. As per the Illinois Department of Labor guidelines, starting March 31, 2024, or once they have been employed for 90 days, employees can use their accumulated time off without needing to provide documentation.
Unlike similar laws in other states, this expansive paid leave legislation mandates Illinois employers to grant time off based on hours worked, allowing its usage for any purpose, not just health-related issues.
The government has ignored this reality for too long and penalized workers for managing family emergencies, transportation breakdowns, or other life complications. Working families already confront numerous challenges and could do without the added worry of losing income when life intervenes.
What Are Our Thoughts On The New Laws?
To conclude, the new laws, are in fact, monumental.
Each year, countless lives are lost because of car accidents that are due to diverted attention. About 3,000 people die in crashes in the United States involving a distracted driver every year. The banning of videoconferencing while driving is hopefully set to reduce the ever-growing statistics of deaths due to distracted driving.
The law also signifies a shift in addressing privacy concerns and safeguarding individuals’ rights in the digital age. It aims to protect users from potential surveillance, data breaches, and invasive monitoring Meanwhile, Illinois’s new paid leave law is a stride toward enhancing workplace fairness. Its significance lies in its scope, offering paid leave to all employees regardless of the reason. This is a departure from traditional policies that restrict such benefits to situations like illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other laws are changing in Illinois?
Vaping or smoking electronic cigarettes/cigars in public indoor spaces. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act of 2008 now has electronic smoking devices banned as well. Another law that is changing is related to guns and arms, wherein, any person who manufactures or imports non-serialized handgun ammunition into the State for sale or personal use is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Illinois?
Victims have a two-year window to file a lawsuit for any incident that resulted in personal injury. The date of the accident is the start date from which you have two years to file your lawsuit. However, there is a ‘Discovery Rule’ that protects people in situations where their injury is undiscoverable until much later.
What Could Affect Personal Injury Compensation?
Some factors include the personal details of the victim i.e. their age and health conditions. The severity of the victim’s injuries is an important factor as well. The known impact of the injuries on the victim’s day-to-day operations and their ability to lead a normal life is also considered.
Enacting these legislations, thus, brings many advantages to both individuals and organizations. They guarantee the privacy of sensitive information exchanged during video calls, protecting against unauthorized interception. Additionally, trust and transparency are promoted among participants. The legislation is also a significant win for workers, giving them much-needed flexibility and financial security. All workers now, regardless of their position, have access to the benefits.
By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, Illinois demonstrates its commitment to a fair environment for all its residents.
