CHICAGO (CBS) — The state of Illinois starts a new budget year on Monday, with nine new laws going into effect.
From an increase in the minimum wage to new protections for young social media stars, these laws impact thousands of state residents.
One of the most notable laws going into effect will allow illegal immigrants who have not yet applied for legal residency and are currently living in Illinois to obtain a driver’s license from the state.
Applicants must pass the driving test, obtain valid insurance, and prove they have lived in Illinois for at least one year.
The minimum wage will also increase from July 1.
In Chicago, the minimum wage will increase from $15.80 to $16.20. Statewide, the minimum wage will increase by a dollar to $15.
A big change for Illinois’ workforce: new paid leave benefits, giving workers across the state at least 10 days off each year. Employees who work at least 80 hours in a 120-day period are guaranteed five days of paid leave and five days of sick leave.
There will also be new laws against child labor for social media influencers.
The law specifically targets children who appear in viral social media content. It gives them a right to a share of the gross revenue. Parents must also keep records of their child’s online appearances. Another part of the law gives child influencers the right to take legal action when they turn 18 if they appear in monetized content and have never been properly compensated.
The list also includes a bill requiring school boards to hold a public vote before approving contracts for district-organized testing, a bill requiring companies to pay freelancers on time and a new law increasing subsidies for higher education .
Finally, the state’s gas tax increase will go into effect. The tax on gas will increase to 47 cents per gallon and 54 cents for diesel — which translates to about $184 dollars more per year for drivers in Illinois.
