Chicago: Numerous new laws will come into effect in the state of Illinois starting January 1, 2027. These laws, directly impacting the everyday lives of residents, include regulation of unnecessary additional fees in rental housing, guaranteed pay for employees serving jury duty, restrictions on mandatory driver's license requirements in job advertisements, and changes in consumer rights.
Most of these laws will be effective from January 1, with some enforcement beginning July 1, 2027. The law controlling extra fees in rental housing will impose limits on hidden fees and unnecessary charges linked to rental properties, effective January 1. All mandatory fees must be clearly listed on the first page of the rental agreement; any fees not specified there cannot be charged to the tenant. It must also be clearly stated whether utility charges such as electricity and water are included in the rent.
For rental applications and background checks, landlords can generally charge a maximum of $50. Additional fees may be collected under specific conditions if the actual cost of third-party screening exceeds this amount. Charging special fees for lease renewal, amendments, requesting routine maintenance, or after-hours maintenance services will be prohibited. However, certain exemptions apply to buildings with six or fewer units where the owner resides.
A new law will require employers with more than 25 employees to pay full regular wages to employees who must attend jury duty. This mandatory wage provision will not apply to organizations with 25 or fewer employees. Employees are required to notify their employers when they receive a jury summons as per legal obligations.
Regarding employment, private employers with 15 or more employees will face restrictions on mandating a valid driver’s license in job postings. A license can only be required if driving is an essential job function and necessary for business purposes. The reason for such a requirement must be briefly explained in the advertisement.
The state will introduce the Blue Envelope Program to aid communication between autistic individuals and law enforcement. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder may store their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and related paperwork in a special blue envelope. When the envelope is presented during police vehicle checks, officers will be alerted that the individual might require special communication assistance or additional time. Participation in this voluntary program will begin January 1, with free envelopes available at DMV centers and the Illinois State Library.
A consumer protection law effective July 1, 2027, enhances rights related to product returns. If a business agrees to accept the return of a product that is unopened or unused, it cannot impose a condition limiting the refund strictly to store credit. However, the law does not mandate that all products be accepted for return. Businesses may maintain reasonable return policies and are allowed to request proof of purchase or refuse returns when fraud is suspected. This law excludes medications, medical devices, and food or beverages.
New laws regulating electric bicycles and scooters will introduce classification rules and usage restrictions covering electric scooters, skateboards, unicycles, and other small electric vehicles. Certain electric motorcycles with power between 750 watts and 8,000 watts will face special vehicle ownership documentation requirements. Smaller electric vehicles may be exempt from standard motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, and auto insurance rules.
Under the Tammurra’s Act, institutions such as hospitals, public libraries, government colleges, universities, and some childcare centers must prominently display information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to raise awareness and provide mental health crisis assistance.
The Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act will impose new security requirements on large companies developing advanced AI systems. Responsibilities include risk assessment of major hazards, cyber security assurance, independent audits, and mandatory reporting of significant security incidents. The law specifies that events causing death or serious injury to more than 50 people or financial losses exceeding $100 million qualify as extremely serious risks.
Illinois will officially recognize the species Bombus auricomus, known as the Black-and-Gold Bumblebee, as the state’s official honey bee beginning January 1, 2027.
The new laws also prohibit emergency medical services from refusing to transport mental health patients directly to authorized treatment centers solely on the grounds that the patient is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. EMS personnel will be permitted to make such transports under specified conditions that prioritize patient health and safety.
With these laws coming into force, tenants, workers, and consumers are expected to gain additional legal protections, while employers, business operators, and property owners will need to update their policies in compliance with the new regulations.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
