Several Laws to Go into Effect Jan. 1: Part 1 – Consumer Safety, Education & Employment/Workplace Rights
It's almost time for a new year and with that comes numerous new state laws going into effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Community News Brief will highlight some new laws in the coming issues of the paper, and after the first of the year, we'll focus on more in-depth stories when we talk to area hospitals, pharmacies, law enforcement and educational entities to see how these new laws will impact their respective organization.
Consumer Safety
From data privacy to lease transparency, a few new laws on the books will create the new Illinois Data Privacy and Protection Act, and mandate that landlords place non-optional rental fees on the first page of the lease, which is a new addition to 765 ILCS 705. Another bill, Senate Bill (SB) 0727 requires Illinois to adopt federal PFAs drinking-water standards and mandate sampling for 1,4-Dioxane in water supplies. Long-term exposure to high levels of the synthetic, colorless liquid used in solvents may increase the risk of cancer and cause liver and kidney damage. It can contaminate groundwater because it moves through soil easily and is not effectively removed by conventional water treatment processes.
Education
Dual credit programs allow high schoolers to get a head start on their college education, and now, through HB 3039, seventh and eighth graders can get a jump on their high school academic career by enrolling in high school-level courses for credit. Artificial intelligence continues to have prominence in laws, including the educational sector.
With SB 1920, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will be required to develop statewide guidance on AI use in schools. The ISBE will also have a new requirement: publishing a list of externship and internship opportunities for students under HB 2801.
At the college level, universities will be required to support a smoother process for transferring credits between higher ed institutions (SB 1958).
Employment/ Workplace Rights
Hey ChatGPT, what House bill makes AI in hiring that discriminates based on protected classes a civil rights violation?
Researching, thinking …. here's the answer: HB 3773.
This amendment to the Employment Article of the Illinois Human Rights Act states, beginning in the new year, makes it a a civil rights violation for an employer to use artificial intelligence (AI) that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination. In other workplace rights, the Workplace Transparency Act (IWTA) will expand restrictions on confidentiality/arbitration clauses in employment agreements.
Under SB 1976, the Worker Safety Act will freeze worker protections at 2025 federal levels and prevent state agencies from weakening the safeguards. Through HB 1278, employees can no longer be retaliated against for using employer-maintained devices (e.g., a company-issued cell phone) to record violence against them or a family member.
For a full list of new laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, including how your representatives and senators, visit ilga.gov.
