New year, new laws. On Jan. 1, 2019, 253 new laws took effect in Illinois, covering everything from child car seats to hunters’ wardrobe choices. Here, McNabola Law Group founding partner Mark McNabola takes a look at some of the biggest changes.
Children in rear-facing car seats
All children under the age of 2 must now be secured in a rear-facing child-restraint system unless the child weighs more than 40 pounds or is taller than 40 inches. State law previously only required motorists to provide an “approved safety seat” for children under 8 years old. (HB 4377)
Waiting period for gun purchases
Illinois now requires a 72-hour waiting period for all gun purchases, including those made by nonresidents at recognized gun shows. The 72-hour waiting period is not new — but it previously only applied to handgun purchases; assault weapons could be obtained following a 24-hour waiting period. Stun guns and Tasers can still be purchased following a 24-hour waiting period. (SB 3256)
Hunters may wear pink
Hunters have long been limited to one color when tromping through the woods: blaze orange. It’s a color that deer don’t register, but the human eye can’t miss — making it ideal for hunter safety. Now, sartorially-minded hunters will have another choice: blaze pink, which is similarly invisible to deer. (HB 4231)
Workers must be reimbursed for using private devices
If your job requires you to use your personal phone or computer, you can get reimbursed. Starting in 2019, employers are required to have a reimbursement policy for authorized or necessary expenses, including phone plans or internet access. A note to the clumsy: Employers are not responsible for normal wear and tear to private devices; loss or damage due to an employee’s own negligence; or theft (unless the theft was a result of the employer’s negligence). (SB 2999)
Help for animals in distress
Law enforcement officers may now take temporary custody of pets suffering from extreme heat, cold or other life-threatening conditions. Under this new law, an officer may seek veterinary care for the rescued animal and must attempt to contact the pet’s owner — who will be responsible for any veterinary costs. (SB 2270)
