While most new Illinois laws typically go into effect at the beginning of the year, there are some new bills that actually take effect at mid-year.
Among those laws will be a change to how senior citizens take driving tests, the definition of cyber-bullying used by Illinois schools, and a law making a COVID-era change permanent.
Here’s a selection of new laws that will officially go into effect on Wednesday.
HB 1226
Under provisions of this law, Illinois drivers who are 79 or older will still be required to renew their licenses in-person at Secretary of State’s Offices, but those drivers will no longer be required to take a driving test in order to renew their license.
Instead, that requirement will be in effect for those 75 years or older who have commercial driver’s licenses, or for drivers who are 87 or older, according to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
HB 3595
This law makes some changes to the way daycares and other childcare service providers are licensed, and notably changes the term “daycare” to “early care and education” in official state literature.
HB 3851
This bill will expand the definition of cyber-bullying to include the posting or distribution of unauthorized digital images or videos by electronic means, beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
HB 4255
This bill, which was signed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this month, will add numerous animals to a state law banning specific types of animals from participating in traveling circus shows.
Originally the law only included elephants, but it has now expanded to include non-human primates and multiple types of large cats, including cougars, jaguars, leopards, lions and tigers.
SB 618
The state of Illinois’ law allowing bars and restaurants to serve to-go cocktails will now become permanent under provisions of this bill.
Originally passed during the COVID pandemic, the “to-go cocktails” bill proved to be popular, and now state businesses can continue to offer those beverages to customers who are 21 years of age or older.
You can find a full list of bills going into effect on July 1 here.
