Here’s State Rep. Mike Tryon’s end of December letter to constituents. It lists new laws taking effect on New Year’s Day:

Friends:

Warm wishes to you and your family for a very safe and happy Holiday Season. As we finish 2010 and prepare to usher in 2011, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about some of the new laws that will take effect January 1. Many laws passed by the General Assembly take effect at the start of our fiscal year on July 1, but below is a list of new laws that will be effective at the start of 2011:

HB 1801: Makes a minor change to the Illinois Public Aid Code to allow recipients to utilize an office that is most convenient for them rather than requiring they utilize the facility closest to their home address.

HB 3762: Provides that active members of the military who are serving overseas will receive a “stay of proceedings” of 90 days for foreclosure proceedings.

HB 3785: Creates common language for all municipalities regarding political yard signs. States that no municipality may prohibit the signs on residential property for 45 days prior to any election.

HB 3869: Increases the penalties for those found guilty of a second or subsequent violation of the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act.

HB 4580: Stiffens penalties for persons convicted of an offense that involves the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle which causes the death of another person, by immediately revoking their driving privileges.

HB 4583: Makes it illegal for a minor under the age of 17 to disseminate or knowingly receive any nude or sexual material by phone camera, e-mail or other electronic device.

HB 4587: Creates the Lupus Education and Awareness Act.

HB 4647: Requires the Chicago Anti-Crime Advisory Council to advise and assist with the Chicago Police Department with calls made to the Violence Prevention Hotline. Also requires the Chicago Board of Education to establish a similar hotline that is answered by the CPD.

HB 4658: Prohibits employers from inquiring about or using an employee’s or prospective employees private financial information as a basis for employment, recruitment, discharge or compensation with the exception of those employees working in the banking or financial industry.

HB 4673: Mandates that all construction contractor or subcontractor vehicles must have displayed on the side of vehicles or trailers the name of the company.

HB 4691: Requires all companies issuing car insurance policies to grant a 5% discount for the proper completion of a course in the installation of a child restraint system. Also increases the penalties for motorists who transport children and are found in violation of the Child Passenger Protection Act.

HB 4715: Makes it illegal to knowingly sell burglary tools, including keys or other devices used in burglaries.

HB 4721: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code to allow people on active duty with the Armed Forces to fish and hunt without a licenses within the guidelines and time restrictions of the Codes.

HB 4738: Stiffens penalties and sentences against people who knowingly commit murder, assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated batter, robbery, armed robber or aggravated robbery against a veteran who was performing duties as a representative of a veteran’s organization.

HB 4755: Requires the State Board of Education to award need-based grants to applicant school districts to facilitate enrollment, attendance and success of homeless youth.

As always, do not hesitate to call or email me if you have additional questions on these or other new laws. I can be reached at (815) 459-6453 or via e-mail at mike@miketryon.com.

Best Regards,

Michael W. Tryon
State Representative
District 64