2022 kicks off with debut of new laws

More than 300 new laws took effect in Illinois on Jan. 1, the influx of fresh statewide rules and regulations for citizens, businesses and governmental entities to adjust to each year.

Many of the measures will have little to no effect on average Hinsdaleans’ lives, but a few are worth highlighting as 2022 begins to unfold.

Residents in the market for a new set of wheels will pay more in sales tax this year due to an increase in the private vehicle tax. Buyers will pay $75 more for each model year if the purchase price is less than $15,000 and $100 more for vehicles priced above that amount. Trailer owners can rejoice, however, as the registration fee for trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds will drop to $36 from $118.

Minimum-wage workers got a $1 boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour this year. The increase is the latest step-up as part of the 2019 law requiring a $15-an-hour minimum wage to be phased in by 2025.

Observing the importance of mental health, students are now able to take up to five excused absences to attend to their mental or behavioral health without providing a medical note.

The Higher Education Fair Admissions Act forbids public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit SAT, ACT or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process.

On the medical front, Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-47, Elmhurst) highlighted expanded coverage for certain patients in her overview of new laws.

“Insurance companies will now be required to cover comprehensive testing for cancer predisposition, pancreatic cancer screenings and tests for diabetes and vitamin D deficiency.” Mazzochi stated.

Additionally, pharmacies are under new requirements for reporting retail prescription costs to consumers, including when the retail cost is lower than the pharmacy’s cost-sharing amount.

The Body Camera Act mandates that all police departments across the state outfit their officers with body cameras by the start of 2025. Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King said the village is well ahead of that deadline.

“Hinsdale already complies with the Body Camera Act,” he said.

King also cited the new requirement that officers complete annual training on law updates, officer wellness and mental health, crises intervention and emergency medical response.

“The Hinsdale Police Department already subscribes to a monthly training consortium to ensure officers complete their mandatory trainings each and every year,” he said,

Officers must now also participate in annual mental health screenings, guided by mental health standards furnished by the board, which is remains a work in progress, according to King.

“We are also waiting, like every other Illinois law enforcement agency, for the database and mental health standards required for the annual screenings.” he said.

The renewal process for Firearm Owner Identification cards and Concealed Carry Licenses has been streamlined for people who voluntarily submit fingerprint records. The Illinois State Police may also issue a combined FOID card and Concealed Carry License, and a new Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force can take action against people with revoked FOID cards.

And kids’ lemonade stands got protection from lawmakers. who prohibited public health authorities from regulating or shutting them down when operated by children younger than 16.

Here are few other notable laws added to the books:

• Utility, phone, cable and other service providers can no longer impose a fee for termination or early cancellation of a service contract due to customer death.

• Schools cannot ban hairstyles like dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros historically associated with race, ethnicity or hair texture.

• Expectant mothers in their third trimester can now obtain a free vehicle placard from the Secretary of State’s office valid for 90 days permitting them to park in handicap-designated spots throughout Illinois.

• June 19, or “Juneteenth,” has been established as an official state holiday commemorating the end of slavery.