Powdered Alcohol, Police Body Cameras, DUIs, and Pumpkin Pie? Read about the new Illinois laws that could impact you.
Last Thursday and Friday, as we all celebrated the New Year with family and friends, over two hundred new Illinois laws took effect. These new laws, despite little fanfare or publication, could have a significant impact on your life. Here are just a few of the new laws that took went into effect last on January 1, 2016:
- Powdered Alcohol: Palcohol, or powered alcohol, a substance regularly used to spike drinks has been banned in the state of Illinois.
- DUIs: State residents who have been convicted of four DUIs or more will be required to use an interlock device, a breath-testing apparatus that will estimate the driver’s blood alcohol level before the vehicle can be turned on, for the rest of their lives.
- Police Body Cameras: While police departments are not required to use body cameras, there are now statewide regulations for those that do. Notably, officers will have to keep their cameras on while conducting most law enforcement activities. There are certain exceptions regarding confidential informants
- Underage Drinking: Anyone underage drinker who calls 911 for a friend in medical need will have immunity from any criminal charges.
- High-School Concussions: Illinois schools are now mandated to have concussion-oversight teams to develop protocols for student athletes who suffer a concussion.
- Synthetic Marijuana: Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, is now illegal and one may not possess, distribute, or manufacture it or any chemical analogs.
- No-Fault Divorces: All fault-based grounds for divorce have been eliminated so that the only divorce available is a no-fault divorce.
- Grandparents and Adoption: The Illinois Adoption Act has been amended to give birth grandparents access to the adoption registry and a confidential intermediary.
- 911 Prank Calls: Calling 911 without a legitimate reason can now cost up to $10,000 in fines.
- Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pie is now the state’s official pie because we produce more pumpkin pies than any other state in America.
These are just a few of the hundreds of laws that changed in Illinois on January 1, 2016. State and federal laws are constantly evolving and it is important to stay cognizant of any changes that may alter the way you live your life or run your business.
If you have a question about any of these changes or any other potential legal issues, contact us immediately for a FREE consultation and you will have the opportunity to speak with one of the experienced attorneys at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC. Contact us today at: 618.641.9189 | 314.242.2930 | info@www.hm-attorneys.com
Category: