CALHOUN: Over 100 public acts taking effect in 2023

By Editor | January 3, 2023 |

By Steven Spencer

The new year means new laws in the State of Illinois with 185 total public acts taking effect at the start of 2023.
While some new public acts have been the topic of more discussion, like the SAFE-T Act, there are several others including a new a state snake and lower license plate registration fees for certain residents.
The State Designation Act has been amended to include the Eastern Milk snake as the designated state snake and dolostone as the Illinois state rock.
“Sweet Corn Appreciation Day” will be recognized on Aug. 1 every year in the state. According to Public Act 102-1068, the day is to be observed “throughout the state as a day to celebrate the importance of sweet corn to Illinois agriculture, and in recognition of family farmers.”
“Many family farms plant sweet corn to see in local farmer’s markets across the state, providing high quality, nutritious produce at fair prices. Sweet corn, and its importance to Illinois agriculture and family farmers, deserves recognition and appreciation,” the act states.
The use of latex gloves for food preparation will be prohibited throughout the state with Public Act 102-1095 taking effect.
The act, concerning health and allergies, states “a food service establishment may not permit employees to use latex gloves in the preparation and handling of food. If latex gloves must be used in the preparation of food due to a crisis that interrupts a food service establishment’s ability to source non latex gloves, a sign shall be prominently placed at the point of order or point of purchase clearly notifying the public of the temporary change.”
Licenses plate renewal fees will be reduced for residents at least 65 years old or 16 years old with a disability. Public Act 102-0807 states that “the registration fee paid by any vehicle owner who has claimed and received a grant under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act or who is the spouse of such a person shall be $10.”
The One Day Rest in Seven Act has been amended clarifying the day of rest requirements for workers whose schedules don’t align with a Sunday to Saturday calendar week. The act states “employees be given a 20 minute break if working a 12 hour shirt or longer, and at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every consecutive 7 day period.”
The State Commemorative Dates Act was also amended to include “emergency medical dispatchers” in the phrasing for First Responder Mental Health Awareness Day, including them with firefighters, police officers and other first responds “who have lost their lives due to and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health issues.”
A full list of laws that will take effect in January 2023 can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website ilga.gov on the legislative reports page.