More than 300 new Illinois laws will go into effect in 2025. From offering mental health counseling coverage for first responders to improving traffic safety near O’Hare, Illinois residents can expect changes that could significantly improve their lives in the coming year.
Keep reading to learn about the new rights and protections for Illinois residents.
New Illinois Laws Coming 2025
Safety protections for coal miners, distribution of fentanyl tests to prevent overdoses, and expanded rights for nursing home residents — here are a few new Illinois laws coming in 2025 that stand out.
Labor & Employment
Whistleblower Protections (HB 5561). Safeguards whistleblower employees who speak out in good faith, making it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report or threaten to report unlawful or unsafe practices. It clarifies key terms, increases penalties for violations (including up to $10,000 in damages and a civil penalty), and allows the Attorney General to intervene in cases of prohibited practices.
Mental Health Coverage for First Responders (SB 3538). Counties or municipalities that provide health insurance coverage for their employees must include mental health counseling in that coverage for first responders without imposing any cost-sharing requirements.
Worker Freedom of Speech Act (SB 3649). Protects employees from facing negative consequences for not attending or participating in meetings or communications about an employer’s religious or political views.
Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities (HB 2161). Amends the IHRA to protect employees from discrimination based on their family responsibilities, such as caring for a family member. That includes unfair hiring, promotions, or work conditions due to these responsibilities. Employers, however, are not required to make special accommodations related to family care, such as flexible leave or changes to work performance policies.
Non-compete for Mental Health Professionals (SB 2737). Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act making it illegal for any non-compete or non-solicitation agreements to be enforced against licensed mental health professionals who provide services to veterans and first responders if enforcing such agreements would make it harder or more expensive for these individuals to access care.
Union Workers
Protecting Coal Miners (HB 4954). Improving miner safety by implementing requirements of mine rescue stations and rescue teams to handle emergencies in Illinois coal mines.
Non-Compete in Construction Industry (SB 2770). The Construction Industry Employment Freedom Act makes non-compete and non-solicitation agreements illegal for construction workers, whether or not they are part of a union. Employers who violate this law could face fines, and workers can take legal action to seek damages or stop the violation.
Public Health & Safety
Pesticide Application Notice (SB 3342). Ensures residents are given 24 hours’ written notice before pesticides, including mosquito abatement, are applied to public spaces near their homes. Exceptions exist for urgent health risks like disease-carrying mosquitoes or natural disaster recovery.
Fentanyl Test Strips (SB 3350). Aims to reduce overdoses by expanding access to fentanyl tests and allowing the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to distribute test strips through hospitals and other approved organizations as part of a drug overdose prevention program. Additionally, when feasible, these test strips may be included in harm reduction programs, such as those providing clean syringes.
Mold Remediation (SB 1087). Enhances protections against mold by requiring the IDPH to launch a public awareness campaign about the health risks of mold and how to address it. Mold remediation providers will be required to register with the state, show proof of certification, and demonstrate financial responsibility. The Department will also report annually to lawmakers on health impacts and relevant regulations.
Civil Rights
Extended Time to File a Civil Rights Complaint (SB 3310). Extends the statute of limitations, or the deadline to file a complaint, for bringing a civil rights violation complaint from 300 days to 2 years. It also allows the Human Rights Commission to award broader damages, including punitive damages, if the case meets legal standards.
Reproductive Health Decisions (HB 4867). Amends Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) to include protections from discrimination based on personal reproductive health decisions, such as using contraception, fertility treatments, or pregnancy care. Reinforces the right to make these choices free from judgment or bias.
Prisoner Rights
Incarcerated Pregnant Individuals (HB 5431). Limits the use of restraints on pregnant and postpartum individuals, and requires sheriffs to report on the number of pregnancies and outcomes in custody each year. The law also ensures access to supplemental nutrition, informational materials about laws, and resources for guardianship or adoption. Additionally, all incarcerated individuals with a uterus must be offered a medical screening and pregnancy test within 14 days of commitment.
Traffic and Driving
O’Hare Driver Safety Act (HB 5408). Creates the O’Hare Driver Safety Act, which prohibits people from stopping or standing their motor vehicle on the shoulder of a highway within a one-half-mile radius of the eastern entrance of O’Hare Airport or the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 294, unless otherwise permitted.
Total Loss Disclosure (HB 5559). Requires auto insurers to provide the insured individual with a detailed explanation of the total loss determination, including repair estimates, estimated salvage value, assessed market value, and any other costs or calculations considered, once a total loss is determined.
Nursing Homes
Medicare Coverage Notice (HB 5095). Requires nursing home facilities to give at least five days’ notice (or two days in certain cases) to both the resident and their representative if their Medicare coverage is ending before the full 100-day benefit period. The resident will not be required to move until those five days have passed.
Tenant Rights
Third-Party Payment Portals (HB 4206). Landlords who use a third-party payment portal to collect rental payments must allow tenants to pay by paper check if the payment portal collects a transaction fee or other charge.
Landlord Retaliation Act (HB 4768). This bill makes it illegal for landlords to punish tenants for things like reporting code violations or asking for repairs. If a landlord retaliates, the tenant can take legal action and recover damages, up to two months’ rent or the actual damages, along with legal fees.
Disability and Veteran Rights
Accessible Parking Space for Condo Owners (SB 2740). Requires condominiums to provide an accessible parking space to a unit owner with a disability. Grants the private right of civil action to compel the condominium to prioritize accessible parking space.
Waived Building Permit Fees for Veterans with Disabilities (SB 2751). Prevents a veteran with a disability or their caregiver from being charged a building permit fee for home improvements needed to accommodate the veteran’s disability. The County or Municipality is in charge of verifying proof of status.
Students
NIL Student-Athlete Rights (HB 0307). Updates the rules around student-athletes rights to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). It clarifies that student-athletes aren’t considered employees of their schools or athletic associations and exempts NIL agreements from public records disclosure. Additionally, schools can offer non-monetary incentives to encourage outside support for NIL student-athlete opportunities.
Corporal Punishment in Schools (HB 4175). Bans corporal punishment in all schools, including public, charter, and private ones. It ensures that discipline policies allow only reasonable force in specific situations, such as safety or emergencies, while explicitly prohibiting any form of corporal punishment under any circumstances.
Click here for a full list of new Illinois laws 2025.
Win in 2025 with Disparti Law Group
Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers handle a wide range of practice areas in Illinois including personal injury, car accidents, Social Security disability, labor and employment, civil rights, sexual abuse, and more. We keep our ears to the ground regarding new legislation so our clients know they are getting the most knowledgeable and skilled representation in the state.
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