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New Illinois Laws for 2017

Author: Jacob D. Caudill
November 29, 2016

Since the start of 2016, the Illinois Legislature has successfully passed 408 Public Acts. Many of these acts became effective immediately, while others will not become effective until the beginning of 2017 or even later. With 2017 quickly approaching, it is worth a look into some of the more interesting laws that will become effective on New Year’s Day.

As of the New Year, covenants not to compete will be unenforceable against “low-wage” employees under the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (Public Act 99-0860). The Act defines “low-wage” employees as those earning less than $13.00 per hour.

With regard to public health and safety, Public Act 99-0732 amends the Illinois Egg and Egg Products Act, allowing retailers to perform “lot consolidation.” Lot consolidation is the removal of damaged eggs from consumer labeled cartons and the replacement of those damaged eggs with eggs of the same grade, size, sell-by date, brand, lot, and source. With further regard to public health and safety, the Illinois Legislature also saw fit to pass the aptly named Bath Salts Prohibition Act (Public Act 99-0585), which will prohibit the retail sale of bath salts as of January 1, 2017.

In more light-hearted news, Public Act 99-0817 creates the Police Dog Retirement Act (PDRA). Under the PDRA, police dogs that are no longer fit for service will first be offered to the employee or officer who had custody and control of the animal during its service. If that person declines, the dog may be offered to another officer, a non-profit organization, or a no-kill shelter.

In further legislation, the pirogue (a canoe used by Illinois Native Americans) will be the official state artifact under Public Act 99-0545.

Author: Jacob D. Caudill