A listing of all new laws scheduled to go into effect on January 1, continues.
The Senate side of the State Capitol as seen from the Northwest.
Not all measures approved by the General Assembly go into effect on the first of the year. Bills which contain a specific effective date within the language of the measure and bills that carry an “immediate” effective date can go into effect at other times of the year.
The State Senate meets on the third floor of the north side of the Illinois State Capitol.
However, January 1 is the default date for a new law to become effective if there is no specific language specifying when it will become effective.
Under the Illinois Constitution, the legislature must set a “uniform effective date” for laws passed prior to June 1 of a calendar year. That uniform effective date, which is January 1, applies if the legislation does not otherwise specify when the law becomes effective.
A listing of all new laws scheduled to go into effect on January 1, follows.
Not all measures approved by the General Assembly go into effect on the first of the year. Bills which contain a specific effective date within the language of the measure and bills that carry an “immediate” effective date can go into effect at other times of the year.
However, January 1 is the default date for a new law to become effective if there is no specific language specifying when it will become effective.
Under the Illinois Constitution, the legislature must set a “uniform effective date” for laws passed prior to June 1 of a calendar year. That uniform effective date, which is January 1, applies if the legislation does not otherwise specify when the law becomes effective.
Education continued
Sex Education (HB 2675/ PA 98-0441) This bill requires that all school districts that provide sex education courses must use an approved curriculum chosen by the State Board of Education. School districts have the option to not offer sex education, but if they do, it must be “comprehensive” and approved by the state. Opponents raised concerns that the decision as to what is an appropriate curriculum would be taken away from local school boards and given to the state. Concerns were also raised that this would actually discourage some school districts from providing sex education because the state-mandated curriculum may not be considered appropriate by the local school district.
Training to Identify Mental Illness (HB 3070/ PA 98-0471): Requires that school guidance counselors, teachers, school social workers, and other school personnel who work with pupils in grades 7 through 12 be trained to identify the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior (instead of just suicidal behavior).
Bacterial Meningitis Immunization (HB 3190/ PA 98-0480)): Requires DPH to adopt a rule requiring students to receive a bacterial meningitis immunization upon entrance of 6th and 12th grade.
School Board Evaluations/Dismissals (SB 1762/ PA 98-0513): Amends the School Code and Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act consistent with the language, intent and implementation of SB 7 by clarifying
- the collective bargaining public posting process under which each party’s latest proposal is posted for public view
- attainment of contractual continued service for a teacher in a new school district
- date when school district waivers from statutory evaluation ratings terminate
- establishment of list of teachers, placement of part-time teachers and required annual meeting of district committee regarding honorable dismissals through reduction in force
Also makes several grammatical changes.
Election Issues
17 Year-Olds Vote in Primary (HB 226/ PA 98-0051): Allows a 17 year-old who will be 18 years old by the general election to vote in the preceding primary election.