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Happy New Year! As we welcome the new year, Illinois is ushering in several new laws that will take effect on January 1, 2026. Changes designed to strengthen protections, expand opportunities, and improve quality of life for residents across our state. These new laws reflect ongoing efforts to respond to the real needs of our communities, from supporting working families and seniors to promoting safety, fairness, and economic stability. Below, you’ll find a clear and accessible overview of some key updates that may impact you, your family, or your household in the year ahead. New Year, New LawsHealthcarePrior Authorization (HB4055): Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of the law, a health insurer may not require prior authorization for drug therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hereditary bleeding disorders any more frequently than 6 months or the length of time the prescription remains valid. Menopause Coverage (HB5295): Requires coverage for medically necessary hormonal and non hormonal therapy to treat menopausal symptoms, including all FDA-approved modalities. Keeps the hormone therapy requirements under Medicaid the same. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (HB1697): PBMs are prohibited from engaging in spread pricing and steering covered individuals to specific pharmacies, while they must remit 100% of rebates to health plan sponsors or individuals. Requires PBMs to pay a $15 fee per covered individual to contribute to the Prescription Drug Affordability Fund. This fund will support access to pharmacy services in underserved areas. Healthcare Protection Expansion (HB3019): Expands prior authorization prohibitions for medically necessary treatments of mental, emotional, or nervous disorders to outpatient services. Dispensing Contraceptives (HB3489): Authorizes pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraceptives. Vaccine Guidelines (HB767): Mandates that state-regulated insurance plans cover vaccines recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Consumer ProtectionAnti-Squatters Law (SB1563): Clarifies the process for law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants from homes, making it easier to remove squatters. Baby Foods Testing (SB73): Manufacturers of baby food in the state must test each production batch for toxic, heavy metals using accredited laboratories. Grocery Tax Repeal (HB3144): Repeals the statewide 1% grocery tax. Allows for local municipalities to impose their own 1% grocery tax. Workers RightsOrgan Donor Leave (HB1616): Expands eligibility to part-time employees, in addition to, full-time employees for up to 10 days of leave within a 12 month period to serve as an organ donor. Part time employees must get employer approval first, and they are to be compensated based on the average daily pay over the previous two months. AI Use in Hiring (HB3773): Provides that employers cannot use artificial intelligence (AI) that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes. Requires employers to provide notice to employees when AI is used for employment purposes, explaining its purpose. Public SafetySafe Schools for All (HB3247): Requires public schools to develop a plan for ICE encounters at schools. No schools can deny a child public education, programs, or activities based on their or their parents immigration or citizenship status. Schools cannot disclose information regarding immigration status to any person, entity, or law enforcement agency. Illinois State Police Trainings (HB2586): Gives the Illinois State Police’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces. This is meant to close jurisdictional gaps and improve response times to protect children. Safe Gun Storage (SB8): Establishes requirements for safe firearm storage in homes and vehicles. Mandates guns to be stored in a secure, locked box, where a minor without permission to access a firearm, or someone who is prohibited from accessing a firearm, cannot access the weapon. Coming Later in 2026Road Safety and Fairness Act (HB1226): Raises the mandatory road test age from 79 years old to 87 years old. Adds provisions for reporting family members with medical conditions affecting driving ability. Takes effect July 2026. Medical Aid in Dying (SB1950): Allows mentally capable adults with six months or less to live to request life-ending medication. Establishes safe guards for participating health care providers. Takes effect September 2026.
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