As Jan. 1 comes and goes, Illinois residents usually see a dozens or even hundreds of new laws at the beginning of each new year.
But Jan. 1, 2021 only brought three new laws to Illinois residents after the pandemic of 2020 canceled much of the legislative session.
Senate Bill 667 (Public Act 101-0625) amends the Illinois Insurance Code and caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state regulated insurance plan. The bill also states that the Illinois Department of Insurance, along with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services will create a public insulin pricing report, including a summary of insulin pricing practices and public policy recommendations to control and prevent the overpricing of insulin prescriptions.
House Bill 2708 (Public Act 101-0266) allows law enforcement agencies to obtain a DNA sample of a missing person or a DNA reference sample from family members’ DNA, once a missing person report is made. Those samples cannot be retained by law enforcement agencies after the missing person has been found.
Through the bill, law enforcement will also be able to use the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, a national information clearinghouse for missing persons, to find a missing person.
Sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking victims can find additional protection from their abusers through House Bill 2818 (Public Act 101-0270), which amends the Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence Act to include victims in the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).
By applying to the ACP through the Attorney General’s Office, survivors will find protection from their abusers through a substitute mailing address rather than their real address for public records and documents, such as driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards.
The Illinois House of Representatives will meet for a “lame-duck” session on Jan. 8. Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has indicated the session could last until Jan. 13.
A vote in May to allow committees and the General Assembly to meet virtually failed by one vote, but Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Sen. Rob Martwick, (D-Chicago) filed legislation in Dec. to allow the Illinois General Assembly to meet, conduct legislative business and vote remotely in the event of a pandemic or other emergency which renders it dangerous or impossible to meet in person. It’s unclear when that proposal might be considered or take effect.
