Big changes are coming to Illinois laws in 2025–you’ll want to know this list

Legislative changes are coming in 2025 for Illinois as a series of new laws are set to take effect. From personal rights to business operations and public safety, these changes reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address emerging challenges, update policies and respond to the needs of its residents. Although Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed 300 new laws to begin taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025, there are a few laws that are essential to understand how they may affect your daily life. This guide is a brief overview of the laws that will have a direct impact on Illinois residents. For a complete list of all new legislation for Illinois for 2025 visit the Illinois General Assembly website or check this list. 

Minimum wage increase

In 2019, Gov. Pritzker signed legislation that would gradually increase the minimum wage each year until 2025. The final minimum wage would reach $15/hour and no other wage increases are set to take place once the threshold is met.

Minimum wage will be increased from $14/hour to $15/hour. Tipped workers who are currently being paid $8.40/hour will see an increase to $9/hour.

Employees under age 18 who work 650 hours in a year will see an increase in pay to $13/hour.

Pay transparency

Establishments with 15 or more employees will be required to include a pay scale and full list of benefits being offered on all job postings. Employers will also be required to post job openings to current employees so they can choose to apply.

Digital driver’s license (HB4592)

The secretary of state will now be able to issue digital versions of licenses and state identification cards to those who are eligible for a physical version. The digital versions will not replace physical identification cards, and residents will still be required to present a physical ID if requested to do so by law enforcement. Agencies and private entities will have the ability to choose whether they want to accept the electronic identification cards.  

Enhancing ‘Move Over’ Law ( HB5370)

In 2001, Scott’s Law required a driver to slow down and change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing on the side of the road. But as of Jan. 1, 2025, motorists will not only be required to change lanes when it’s safely possible. The new law says that motorists must also slow down when approaching an emergency scene; a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle; or a construction or maintenance area or zone.

Worker freedom of speech act (SB3649)

The Worker Freedom of Speech Act prohibits employers from penalizing employees who choose not to attend or participate in meetings or communications related to political or religious matters. Employers cannot threaten employees with retaliation to make them attend the meeting or listen to communications that share said political or religious matters. If an employee feels that their employer violated this law, they will be able to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor. Employees can sue their employer to have any job termination action reversed. According to the new law, employers cannot retaliate against an employee who has reported a violation.

Changes to employment eligibility verification (SB0508 )

As an amendment to the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, employers cannot ask employees to prove they have permission to work more than the federal government requires. Programs like E-Verify are prohibited unless the law requires it. If an employer requires the use of a program to check employment eligibility and they find a discrepancy with the worker’s information, they cannot punish the worker. They must also share all the paperwork in relation to the discrepancy to the employee in question.

Prescription coverage changes

New legislation has been introduced that will help make some medicines easier to get and less expensive.

A new law says that if a cheaper version of a medicine is not available because of supply problems, insurance must pay for the brand-name medicine until the cheaper version is available. (SB2672 )

New legislation means that EpiPens cannot cost more than $60 a pair, no matter what brand is available.(HB3639 )

There is also a law that makes sure that insurance will always cover inhalers for people who need them to assist in better breathing. The cost for a monthly supply cannot exceed $25. Some parts of the law will not go into effect until 2026. (SB3203 )

Hearing assistive devices, such as hearing aids, must be covered by insurance no matter the age of the patient. (HB2443 )

Autism-informed training for law enforcement (SB3201)

New legislation will also go into effect for police training requirements. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board must create or approve a program to help officers recognize and properly respond to people with autism.

The training must be ready for police departments to use by Jan. 1, 2027. The groups will also update the training as needed to keep up with the best practices and new information.

Recycled metal dealers must keep records on catalytic converters (HB4589)

A report says that Illinois had the fourth most catalytic converter thefts in the country from 2020 to 2022. To help stop stolen converters from being sold, a new law requires metal recycling businesses to keep records when people sell catalytic converters.

The records must include the vehicle’s identification number, any special numbers or labels on the converter, and proof that the seller owns the vehicle the converter came from.

Other notable laws for 2025

• SB3779: Extends legal protections to licensed social workers for administering and possessing naloxone, the generic form of Narcan that helps reverse overdoses.

• SB2872: School districts will be required to provide students at least 20 minutes a week for relaxation activities, in addition to and not in substitution for recess.

• HB4768: Creates the Landlord Retaliation Act; Extends legal protections to renters and declares that landlords cannot take retaliatory action against tenants for protected activities outlined in the law.

• SB3471: Allows the secretary of state to issue a new set of license plates and/or registration stickers at no charge to residents who had the plate(s) or sticker(s) stolen.

• SB2662: Amends the Preventing Youth Vaping Act; "Provides that a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may not advertise, market, or promote an electronic cigarette in a manner that is likely to cause a person to mistake the electronic cigarette for a product that is not a tobacco product."

• HB4350: Creates the Child Abuse Notice Act; Requires certain establishments (i.e. daycares, schools, bus stations) to post a notice created by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about child abuse, including what it is and how to report it. The information will be aimed toward those under 18. 

• HB2363: Amends the Environmental Protection Act; "Prohibits offering for sale, selling, or distributing as a new manufactured product 1) a screw-base or bayonet-base compact fluorescent lamp on or after Jan. 1, 2026, and 2) a pin-base compact fluorescent lamp or a linear fluorescent lamp on or after Jan. 1, 2027"

• HB2350: Amends Illinois Insurance Code to get rid of gender-specific terms concerning physician-recommended pap tests and prostate screenings.

• SB2764: Any businesses or organizations that offer a free trial or promotional period thatwill automatically renew must notify consumers via email at least three days before the cancellation deadline; Applies to promo periods lasting longer than 15 days.

• SB2743: Establishes the Water Plan Task Force Act. Task force will work "to identify critical water issues, to develop and implement recommendations that address the critical water issues, and to reevaluate critical water issues and needs."

(List courtesy of  WQAD8 ABC News.)