Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Hundreds of new Illinois laws taking effect in 2026 focus on gun safety, crime reporting, and victims’ rights. One major change requires gun owners to securely store firearms when minors or prohibited individuals are in the home, with penalties funding mental health programs.
Other laws expand protections for victims of sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, streamline missing-persons reports, and make it easier for police to remove squatters. Among other changes, the state will eliminate its 1% grocery tax, though over half of Illinois’ cities and towns have moved to establish their own local grocery taxes. Additionally, carbon sequestration will be prohibited in areas over a sole-source aquifer, aiming to protect drinking water supplies.
Nearly 300 new laws are set to take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2026.
They include:
Road Safety and DMV Modernization
New multi-pronged legislation provides clarification on cheating on DMV exams, allows the office to administer written tests online and enhances bicycle safety.
The measure clarifies that any attempt to have someone else provide answers to an individual taking a DMV exam, including attempts to use a hidden microphone or cell phone, constitutes cheating.
It also enhances the office’s Rules of the Road publication to include information about the laws and best practices for safely sharing the road with bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition, it requires that before passing a cyclist, a driver of a vehicle must make a lane change.
HB 2983 was sponsored by State Representative Edgar González Jr. (23rd District – Chicago) and State Senator Steve Stadelman (34th District – Rockford).
Enhancing Library Security
Amid an alarming increase in threats of violence to libraries and librarians across Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office can now issue security grants for libraries throughout the state, ensuring their ability to provide a safe environment for patrons, employees and the community.
Under the new law, grant applicants have the ability to request funding to install equipment, including security cameras, silent alarms or security checkpoints.
SB 1550 was sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (28th District – Des Plaines) and State Representative Michael Coffey Jr. (95th District – Springfield).
Cracking Down on Rogue Towers
This legislation, which the office supported, strengthens oversight of towing companies to protect Illinoisans from predatory practices.
The law empowers the Secretary of State’s office to suspend tow truck registrations for companies that fail to pay Illinois Commerce Commission fines or penalties. It also improves consumer protections during towing and vehicle impoundment, including clarified rules around personal property left in towed vehicles.
SB 2040 was sponsored by State Senator Celina Villaneuva (12th District – Chicago) and State Representative Will Davis (30th District – East Hazel Crest).
Enabling Court of Claims E-Filing
A new law will modernize the way the Illinois Court of Claims operates, transforming it from a court currently reliant on paper filings and in-person sessions that can cause delays.
The measure will save time and create new conveniences for Illinoisans by enabling the court to hold sessions remotely and allowing the public to file claims, provide evidence or testimony, and pay fees electronically.
HB 1576 was sponsored by State Representative Terra Costa Howard (42nd District – Lombard) and State Senator Michael Halpin (36th District – Rock Island).
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