From a gas tax increase to wage changes for many, Monday marks several major changes in Illinois and parts of the Chicago area.
Although January 1 is often considered the start of new laws, a number of them actually take effect on July 1 – and this year is no exception.
Some of these laws will result in financial changes, while others will mark a major shift.
Here’s what’s new in Illinois on July 1:
Illinois Gas Tax Increased
Illinois motorists will notice slightly higher prices when they fill up their tanks starting Monday, as the state’s gas tax rises as part of its annual increase.
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Illinois gas pump tax rate will increase by just over 3.5 percent, from $0.454 per gallon to $0.47.
Those who fill up with diesel fuel will also see an increase, with prices rising from $0.529 per gallon to $0.545, an increase of just over 3 percent.
After suspending tax increases in 2022 due to inflation fears, the state has now raised the tax rate three times, officials say.
Illinois motorists must also pay fuel excise taxes, which are assessed by the federal government, and state sales taxes, which are applied after the state fuel tax is included in the price, officials said.
Paid vacation for Chicago workers
Chicago workers will also benefit from increased access to guaranteed paid leave, with employees who work at least 80 hours in a 120-day period eligible for up to five days of paid vacation and five days of paid sick leave.
According to the City, employees accrue one hour of sick leave for every 35 hours worked. They must be authorized to use accrued sick leave no later than the 30thth work day. Employees can carry over more than 80 hours of leave between 12-month periods.
Minimum wage increase in Chicago and Cook County
Although Illinois’ minimum wage will not increase, Cook County and Chicago residents will see a higher minimum wage starting July 1.
According to city officials, the hourly minimum wage in Chicago will increase from $15.80 to $16.20. That amount increases each year based on the Consumer Price Index or a rate of 2.5 percent, whichever is lower.
Additionally, the minimum wage for tipped workers will increase to $11.02 per hour and, over the next five years, will continue to increase until it equals the regular minimum wage, according to the city.
In suburban Cook County, the minimum wage will increase to $14.05 for non-tipped workers, officials said. The rate will remain at $8.40 an hour for tipped employees.
In the rest of Illinois, the minimum wage increased to $14 an hour on January 1.
Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance, set to take effect next month, will raise the minimum wage for thousands of service industry workers who currently earn less than minimum wage. Over the next five years, these workers will see their base pay increase to $15.80 an hour, with additional income coming from tips.
More new laws coming to Illinois on July 1
Several other changes are planned in Illinois starting July 1, including a program that will provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Driving Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Starting July 1, undocumented immigrants living in the state of Illinois will be allowed to obtain driver’s licenses, a move officials say will help reduce stigma and increase safety on the region’s roads.
“This law is an important step in eliminating the barriers that many undocumented immigrants face,” Governor JB Pritzker said in his signing statement. “We are ensuring that every eligible person can get a driver’s license, making our roads safer, reducing stigma and creating fairer systems for everyone. »
According to the text of the bill, people seeking a license must pass a driving test, have valid automobile insurance, be able to present identification documents to obtain the license and be able to prove at least one year of residence in the State of Illinois.
The licenses will comply with requirements set forth in the federal REAL ID law, according to Illinois lawmakers.
Self-Employed Workers Protection Act
Enhanced protections for independent workers in Illinois will also go into effect July 1. Chief among them, the bill requires businesses to pay independent workers no later than the date their contractually agreed-upon payments are due.
If the contracts do not specify a payment date, compensation is due no later than 30 days after the completion of the work, according to the text of the draft law.
The bill also strengthens protections for independent workers against threats, intimidation, discipline, harassment and discrimination, and codifies ways to report violations of the law to the Illinois Department of Labor.
Child Labor Law Now Protects Social Media Stars
A bill offering enhanced protections for “child influencers” will go into effect, specifically targeting children who have appeared in viral content on social media, as opposed to child actors and musicians.
The bill will allow children under 16 to receive a portion of their gross earnings, with parents required to keep records of their children’s appearances in social media content. These earnings must be set aside in trust accounts until children reach the age of 18, according to the law.
Additionally, the bill allows people now over the age of 18 to take legal action if they appeared in monetized social media videos as children and were not properly compensated at the time.
Modification of the school code for the administration of assessment tests
The bill requires school boards to hold public votes before approving new contracts for district-administered student assessment tests. Those meetings must be made public and be held in public, the bill says.
For a full list of bills that will take effect July 1, including the creation of a “Creative Economy Task Force” and updates to student loan repayment programs for those working in mental health fields, you can visit the Illinois General Assembly website.
News Source : www.nbcchicago.com
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