Metro East Sun

Illinois is set to introduce a series of new laws impacting various sectors, including education, environment, and taxation. These changes come alongside the state's record $55.2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget passed by Democrats earlier this year.

A notable adjustment is the increase in taxes affecting sports betting, short-term rentals, and tobacco products. The sports betting tax will see a per-wager increase from $0.25 for the first 20 million bets to $0.50 thereafter. Services like Airbnb and Vrbo will now fall under Illinois' Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax, potentially increasing travel costs for families within the state. Additionally, the wholesale tax on tobacco products will rise from 36% to 45%.

Among other legislative measures is the Small Single-Use Plastic Act which bans hotels from stocking rooms with small plastic bottles of personal care products unless requested by guests. This law currently applies to hotels with 50 or more rooms and will extend to smaller establishments by January 1, 2026.

Public schools are mandated to incorporate climate change education starting in the 2026–2027 school year as part of efforts spearheaded by the State Board of Education pending legislative funding.

Healthcare reforms include a significant reduction in insulin costs through the Access to Affordable Insulin Act, lowering out-of-pocket expenses from $100 to $35 per month.

Employment data reporting requirements have been updated under Public Act 103-0304, ensuring inclusion of non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals' data in employment records.

The Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act has expanded eligibility criteria for assisted living facilities, now accommodating individuals requiring non-routine catheter care.

In opioid overdose prevention efforts, Public Act 103-0845 mandates state agencies provide opioid antagonists like Narcan and train staff in their use while offering legal protection under the Good Samaritan Act.

Judicial procedures have also evolved with Public Act 103-1056 guaranteeing free foreign language interpreters for certain court participants across at least 13 languages.

The new law addressing sexual exploitation redefines related legal terms and requires automatic sealing of eligible prostitution-related convictions while mandating policy updates for law enforcement conduct during investigations.

State Representative Schmidt highlighted his co-sponsorship of HB1697—the Prescription Drug Affordability Act—aimed at reducing prescription drug costs while maintaining independent pharmacy operations in Illinois. "This is a great bill," Schmidt stated upon its signing into law by Governor Pritzker.

Residents are invited to attend a free Shred Event on July 12th in District 114 for safe disposal of sensitive documents such as medical records and financial statements.

Community organizations continue their outreach work supporting local food pantries—a cause Schmidt supports financially each month through donations derived from his pay raise.

Property tax reform remains an ongoing discussion point as Governor Pritzker emphasizes addressing what he calls Illinois' 'property tax problem.' However, Schmidt criticized past Democratic efforts saying they "have done nothing" despite numerous proposals aimed at reducing property taxes over recent years.

Schmidt invites constituents to complete his legislative survey expressing views on key issues ahead of upcoming sessions in Springfield.

As Independence Day celebrations approach marking America's founding moment nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago—July Fourth remains emblematic worldwide as a testament to freedom and democracy's enduring spirit according to historical accounts available via History.com/articles/july-4th.