New 2026 Laws: Part 2 – Health & Wellness & Immigration
With the new year comes new state laws going into effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Community News Brief is highlighting a few of the new laws, and will focus on how some of the laws will impact local organizations and agencies.
Health/Wellness
From overdose assistance to light bulbs to epi pens to colonoscopies, several health and wellness laws will begin Jan. 1.
House Bill (HB) 2363 bans sales of the most common screw-base Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to reduce mercury and promote efficiency under Illinois' Clean Lighting Act. Illinois HB 1910 requires all Illinois libraries to stock opioid antagonists and ensures trained staff are present, while HB 2462 allows trained individuals to carry and administer epi-pens.
Insurance must begin covering medically necessary colonoscopies under HB 2385, and pharmacists will be allowed to dispense contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives and require Medicaid coverage, under HB 3489. Insurance companies will be required to cover, via SB 0773, in vitro fertilization (IVF) services for most women and annual menopause visits for women over the age of 45, and with SB 2672, they'll be required to cover brand-name drugs when generics are unavailable due to shortages. SB 3203 is the key Illinois legislation for capping inhaler costs. The new bill limits monthly inhaler costs to $25 for most insurance plans starting in 2026.
Immigration
Student and employees are afforded more protection through a few new statutes, including House Bill 1312, which prohibits schools from threatening to disclose the citizenship or immigration status of any employee or student. The bill also protects residents from civil arrest at courthouses, requires hospitals to establish protocols for immigration agents' interactions with patients and doesn't allow immigration enforcement agents from entering daycares without a signed warrant from a judge. HB 3247 will guarantee access to public education to all students regardless of their status.
For a full list of new laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, including how your representatives and senators, visit ilga.gov.
