JANUARY 3, 2024
Vol. IX No. 1
Slew of new laws took effect Jan. 1
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More than 300 statutes became law this year By Peter Hancock
More than 300 new laws took effect on Jan. 1, ranging from a ban on book bans to the regulation of “deepfake porn” and prohibitions on videoconferencing while driving. Thanks to a law signed in 2019, workers at the lowest end of the pay scale will see a pay raise with the new year as the state minimum wage increases by one dollar, to $14 per hour. Gov. JB Pritzker championed and signed that law after it was approved by lawmakers within his first two months of office. The law gradually phases in a $15 per-hour minimum wage starting in 2025. The minimum wage applies to most workers 18 years of age and older. Teens who work less than 650 hours in a calendar year are up to $13 an hour while the minimum wage for tipped workers increased to $9 an hour. Also starting Jan. 1, Illinoisans who own guns, ammunition and accessories prohibited under the state’s “assault weapons” ban are in violation of the law if they don’t register them with the state. A federal judge in December chose not to temporarily halt the law’s enforcement while a broader legal challenge plays out. The U.S. Supreme Court also recently declined to stay the law. While permanent administrative rules regulating which guns and ammunition must be registered with the Illinois State Police See NEW LAWS on page 4
MICHAEL ROMAIN
Capitol News Illinois
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SHANEL ROMAIN
MICHAEL ROMAIN
1. Thousands of people attended the annual Hispano Fest held Sept. 8 through Sept. 10 in Melrose Park. The Fest featured carnival rides, soccer and food vendors. 2. Bears quarterback Justin Field helps feed families in need in Broadview on Nov. 22. The quarterback partnered with Rev. Teddy Matthews and Empowerment Church to host the food giveaway. 3. Members of the Proviso East Marching Band walk east on Washington Boulevard in Maywood during the homecoming parade.