Whether you have never gotten in trouble with the law or currently face allegations of criminal activity, changes in the law can affect any part of your life. However, not everyone is aware of the policy changes that could affect them, starting this year.
Five new Illinois laws that may be of interest to you include:
Construction zone penalties
You could face up to $1,000 in fines for failing to obey a traffic-control device. Penalties for hitting a construction worker may be as high as $25,000, rather than the $10,000 maximum penalties in previous years.
Sexual assault
There is no longer a 10-year statute of limitations for criminal accusations related to sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Consumer privacy
Company data breaches that involve more than 500 state residents must be reported to the attorney general. As for genetic testing, written consent is necessary for sharing results with insurance companies.
Recreational cannabis
State residents over age 21 may now purchase 500 milligrams of THC products, five grams of cannabis concentrate and 30 grams of cannabis flower from licensed dispensaries for home use. While growing marijuana is now legal for medical-marijuana patients, there is a maximum of five plants allowed.
Also noteworthy is that there is increased attention on expungements for non-conviction marijuana arrests. There is also a new social equity program for those who experienced a disproportionate impact by the state’s previous drug laws.
Learning about legislative changes is the first step toward protecting your rights. Depending on your circumstances, this may include defending yourself against allegations formed against you.