New Laws Hitting Illinois as of July 1

We have officially reached the halfway point of the year 2024 and as we enter July 1^st, we can expect some new laws to take effect in Illinois. Traditionally, new laws would primarily go into effect at the beginning of the year on January 1^st; however, more and more commonly we see laws go into effect at the halfway point on July 1^st, like these new laws do. These new laws are for a variety of issues, with some relating to taxes and income while others relate to immigration and child safety.

One major law applies to gas tax.

As of today, the gas tax in the state of Illinois has increased. The tax rate will increase by around 3.5%. This percentage will bring the tax to around $0.47 per gallon at the pump. Currently, the price per gallon is $0.454. This means the actual tax itself is only increasing by pennies; however, the increase will be felt at the pumps, nonetheless. This is the easiest way to make moves when you need help.

Additionally, some parts of Illinois will see some changes to income.

In Chicago, there will be a minimum wage increase. Previously, the minimum wage for the area was $15.80, but as of today the new minimum wage for the county will be $16.20. This increase is happening as a part of the annual wage increase, which bases the increase on the Consumer Price Index or raises the wage by 2.5%. The official basis for the increase is based on which of these two contenders is lower. In other parts of Cook County that are suburbs of Chicago, minimum wage will increase to $14.05. Tipped workers, who do have a different minimum wage in the state will see a gradual increase over the next five years in Chicago, eventually reaching 11.02. For tipped workers outside of Chicago, the minimum wage will continue to be $8.40. The rest of Illinois will have a new wage of $14.

Immigrants can now legally drive as well.

Undocumented immigrants will soon have the ability to drive legally in the state as they are now able to obtain their driver’s licenses. The rules are the same for undocumented immigrants to obtain their licenses. They must first pass a driving test, have active car insurance, have a form of identification, and have proof of residing in Illinois for at least one full year.

One last big law applies to children social media stars.

As more and more social media platforms take off, children are more easily exploited online, with their work being passed off as “social media influencer” work. Now, children working in this sphere have protections in place to protect their earnings. For those under 16, a portion of their earning must be put in a specific fund to then be given to them when they turn 18.