“2024 Legislative Changes: Increased Minimum Wage, Indoor Vape Prohibition, and Relaxation on Rearview Mirror Decorations”

The new year will bring impact for Illinois residents as more than 300 new state laws are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023. These laws will affect various aspects of life such as education, criminal justice, employee benefits, and indoor vaping. The majority of these laws reflect the priorities of Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his allies in the Democratic-controlled legislature.

Some of the notable laws that will come into force include the mandatory registration of now-prohibited high-powered guns, minimum wage increases, paid leave for employees, and restrictions on law enforcement’s use of license plate reader data.

Under a statewide measure signed by Governor Pritzker, all workers aged 18 and older will see an increase in the minimum wage by $1, to $14 per hour. This increase is part of a gradual process set to reach $15 per hour by 2025.

The rise in the minimum wage is not the only change for workers. Under a newly signed law, employees who are not currently eligible for paid time off will be entitled to one hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked, up to at least 40 hours per year. This measure is expected to benefit around 1.5 million workers who are currently without paid leave.

Other significant changes include the prohibition of police stops for minor infractions such as hanging objects, restrictions on the removal of books and materials from public libraries for “partisan or doctrinal” reasons, and the introduction of new measures to protect victims of online harassment and human trafficking.

These new laws reflect efforts to address various social and economic issues in Illinois, with the goal of improving the well-being of residents across the state.

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