State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia)is reminding residents about more than 250 new laws that go into effect on January 1st. One of those new laws (public Act 101-55) is the doubling of fines on violators who drive around stopped school buses. First offense fines would be increased from $150 to $300 and second offense fines will be increased from $500 to $1,000.
“I am proud to be the sponsor of this increased fine for people who illegally pass stopped school buses while they are stopped to pick up or drop off our children and grandchildren,” commented Rep. Bailey. “We believe that the possibility of higher fines for these moving violations will help deter people from taking dangerous chances and help stop accidents and putting the lives of students at risk.”
Other new laws impacting schools and education beginning in 2020 include extending the time school districts have up to 60 dayswho have difficulty finding a replacement of school board members and requiring the topic of ‘consent’ in age appropriate material for sex education.
Another bill that residents may find useful is a law to increase the eligibility pool of applicants for the Illinois State Police by accepting associate degrees or 60 hours of accredited college in other subject areas besides law enforcement studies.
Additional new laws address improvements to the Children and Young Adult Mental Health Crisis Act, Higher Education Savings Program, Mental Health Pilot Programs, and a new law to better define “Local Farm or Food Products” and one to eliminate the farm fertilizer spreader registration fee to help Illinois agriculture.
“Beginning January 1st, it will be a requirement to teach civics to soon-to-be released people from the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice by non-partisan civic organizations about things like current affairs, governmental institutions, and voting and democracy,” added Rep. Bailey.
More information on thesenew laws can be found at a link at repbailey.com.
