As the new year approaches, Illinois residents will see 292 new laws take effect on January 1, 2026. These laws address a range of topics, including education, public health, insurance, support for veterans, women’s health, and human trafficking.
Illinois State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) highlighted several of these measures in a recent update. “These new laws cover a wide variety of topics, including policies that impact students, enhance educational opportunities, improve public health and healthcare access, support veterans, and more. They are all bills that I supported and championed for the people of Illinois,” Wilcox stated.
In K-12 education, House Bill 2801 requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create a list of approved career pathway opportunities related to Career and Technical Education. House Bill 2802 allows students excused absences for participating in supervised career development experiences not directly overseen by teachers. Senate Bill 1920 encourages schools to gather resources to implement American Sign Language (ASL) course standards and expands access to ASL as a recognized language option.
Parents and guardians of special needs students will benefit from House Bill 1366, which strengthens notification requirements about special education services and meetings. House Bill 3500 ensures families receive information about ABLE savings accounts for students with 504 Plans.
Classroom safety is addressed through Senate Bill 1329, allowing the State Superintendent to notify schools when an employee is under investigation for alleged misconduct threatening student safety. House Bill 1787 mandates basic school safety drill training for substitute teachers.
At the higher education level, House Bill 3385 requires public universities and community colleges to provide licensed mental health professionals either part-time on campus or full-time on or off campus.
Insurance changes include House Bill 2464 requiring coverage for neonatal intensive care at nonparticipating providers at no greater cost than participating ones during emergencies. House Bill 3328 sets cognitive assessment requirements before admission to assisted living facilities with Alzheimer’s units. Senate Bill 69 mandates insurance coverage for therapeutic horseback riding services for qualifying individuals with disabilities.
Public health improvements include House Bill 57 allowing individuals with disabilities in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) to designate essential support persons who may visit during public emergencies. Long-term care facilities must now maintain accessible automated external defibrillators under House Bill 1287. Organ donor leave protections are extended to part-time public employees through House Bill 1616.
Dillon’s Law (House Bill 2462) permits trained individuals to carry and use epinephrine auto-injectors in emergencies involving severe allergic reactions. Regulations on ephedrine-related product sales are tightened by House Bill 2874 to combat illegal drug manufacturing. Opioid overdose tracking is enhanced by requiring EMS providers to report incidents in a standardized format via House Bill 3645; Senate Bill 1238 promotes non-opioid pain management options by requiring medical providers inform patients about alternatives.
Guardianship training is expanded under House Bill 2562 for those responsible for adults with disabilities. Hospice patients will have easier prescription access due to House Bill 3849 permitting authorized hospice staff to collect medications on their behalf.
Senate Bill 73 increases transparency around heavy metals in baby food by mandating batch testing for toxins such as arsenic and lead.
Veterans’ issues are addressed through several new laws: Senate Bill 32 makes it easier for households including veterans or armed forces members to qualify for SNAP benefits if their income is at or below twice the federal poverty guidelines; Senate Bill 2175 grants employed veterans four paid days per year for medical care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and House Bill 2572 expands scholarship eligibility for dependents of veterans.
Women’s health measures include improved maternal health protections under House Bill 5282 by extending certain pregnancy- and postpartum-related healthcare coverages; broader insurance coverage for menopause hormone therapy via House Bill 5295; required insurance coverage for enhanced breast imaging in high-risk women through House Bill 4180; and increased maternity care access through expanded scope-of-practice rules for certified midwives under House Bill 2688.
To address human trafficking crimes, Senate Bill 1422 enhances frontline worker training; House Bill 2602 extends statutes of limitations on trafficking-related offenses; Senate Bill 2323 streamlines victim support services among state agencies; and House Bill1302 improves victim rights reporting procedures in sexual assault and domestic violence cases.
Wilcox noted his ongoing commitment: “As always, it is my privilege to serve you in the Illinois Senate…From all of us on Team Wilcox, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!”
Wilcox was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 32nd District in2018 after succeeding Pamela Althoff.
