Metro East Sun

Illinois is set to implement a range of new laws starting July 1, addressing issues from education to environmental concerns. This comes alongside tax increases as part of the $55.2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget approved by Democrats earlier this year.

One notable change is the sports betting tax increase, which introduces a per-wager tax of $0.25 for the first 20 million bets, rising to $0.50 thereafter. In response, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel have already increased costs for users.

Additionally, short-term rental services such as Airbnb and Vrbo will now be subject to Illinois' Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax, potentially increasing travel costs for families within the state.

The wholesale tobacco tax will also see an increase from 36% to 45%.

Among the new laws is a ban on small single-use plastic bottles in hotels with more than 50 rooms, expanding to smaller hotels next year. Violations could result in fines after an initial warning.

Under Public Act 103-0304, state agencies must include data on non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals when reporting employment records.

The state will also see changes in education with climate change becoming a mandatory subject in public schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year. The State Board of Education is responsible for developing resources and training educators pending funding approval.

Healthcare measures include the Access to Affordable Insulin Act, which caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 and offers discounts through a rebate program. The Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act has been amended to broaden eligibility criteria for assisted living facilities.

Public Act 103-0845 mandates that opioid antagonists like Narcan be available at state agencies and provides civil liability protection under the Good Samaritan Act for trained staff using these medications.

Language access improvements in courts are introduced under Public Act 103-1056, ensuring interpreters are provided at no cost for those needing assistance during legal proceedings.

A law addressing sexual exploitation and prostitution updates several terms used in statutes and requires automatic sealing of certain eligible conviction records. Law enforcement must establish new conduct policies related to prostitution investigations.