The new year will bring with it more than 200 new Illinois laws affecting alcohol, pie, pets, and children’s safety at school.
Here are 10 of the laws that will take effect in 2016:
1. Powdered Alcohol Banned
Illinois will prohibit the sale of powdered alcohol products, according to the Illinois Senate Democrats’ website. Sen. Ira Silverstein, the Chicago Democrat who sponsored the legislation, said he was worried it could be used to drug someone or sprinkled surreptitiously on someone's food. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 will be prohibited from buying powered caffeine.
2. The Official State Pie is…
Pumpkin pie. Republican state Rep. Keith Sommer of Morton sponsored the legislation as a tribute to how much pumpkin is produced in Illinois. About 85 percent of consumed pumpkin in the U.S. comes from Illinois, according to the Associated Press.
3. Gay Conversion Therapy
A new law will prohibit gay conversion therapy for anyone younger than the age of 18, according to the Illinois Senate Democrats’ website. The measure will also ban referring to homosexuality as an illness when advertising conversion therapy service.
4. Pet Protections
Starting in the new year, Illinois will have stricter rules to prevent pet abuse and neglect, according to state Senate Dems. Owners who leave pets outside in extreme cold or heat could face misdemeanor charges; Pets will be impounded if the owner is arrested for cruelty; Enhanced penalties for abusing a pet in the presence of a minor; New requirement for shelters to scan lost pets for microchips within 24 hours.
5. Deadly Gas Detection in Schools
Illinois schools must have carbon monoxide detectors starting in the new year, according to the Illinois Senate Democrats’ website. Earlier this month, more than 100 students and staff members from a Chicago school were taken to the hospital after a carbon monoxide leak.
6. Alert System for Missing Adults
Starting Jan. 1, a new law will create a “Silver Alert” system for missing adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive impairments, according to the Illinois General Assembly’s website.
7. Body Cameras for Police
Illinois is one of the first states to establish body camera guidelines, according to Illinois Senate Democrats. A new law creates regulations for the use of body cams, data storage, and the release of video to the public. The legislation also largely bans police use of chokeholds.
8. Punishment for Fake 911 Calls
In the new year, people who intentionally make a fake call to 911 will be required to reimburse the local government for all costs up to $10,000, according to the Illinois General Assembly.
9. Dedicated Breastfeeding Rooms at Airports
Mothers will have a private space at O’Hare International and Midway International airports to breastfeed starting in the new year. The new law will require both airports and newly constructed airports to create breast feeding rooms, according the Chicago Sun-Times.
10. Trying New Treatments
Terminally ill patients will have the right to try experimental treatments after Jan. 1, according to the Illinois General Assembly. Patients must first have considered all other FDA-approved treatments.
