New Illinois laws on July 1st include gas tax increase, child labor law changes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — On July 1st, new laws will go into effect in Illinois that raise the motor fuel tax, alter the child labor laws regarding social media, and grant driver’s licenses to undocumented migrants.

Gas tax increase

Currently, the tax stands at 45 cents a gallon. On July 1st, 2024, it will increase to 47 cents a gallon.

Illinois is behind only California, which charges residents 60 cents per gallon in gas taxes.

Before 2019, the state had a 19 cents per gallon gas tax. It was doubled that year to 38 cents to help fund a $45 billion infrastructure bill. At the same time, lawmakers set the tax to increase each year to adjust for inflation, sparing a public vote on a tax hike.

A bill that would suspend the automatic Illinois Motor Fuel Tax for two years was proposed in May to help residents suffering from high inflation. House Bill 5252 was referred to the Rules Committee, awaiting further action.

In July 2022, the state put a freeze on the gas tax for six months as part of a package of tax relief legislation as the economy recovered from government-mandated COVID-19 shutdowns.

Electric vehicle (EV) owners, who are exempt from the gasoline fuel tax are charged a flat $100 a year, on top of their annual registration fee, to make up for lost tax revenue.

Driver’s licenses available to undocumented immigrants

On July 1st, undocumented immigrants will be allowed to get a driver’s license.

House Bill 2883 would allow noncitizen residents to receive a standard driver’s license with the wording “Federal Limits Apply” printed on top. These licenses would replace the current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL), which undocumented immigrants can use legally today, according to the Illinois Secretary of State.

“This legislation is a significant step in eliminating the barriers to opportunity that many undocumented immigrants face,” said Gov. JB Pritzker upon the bill’s signing. “We’re ensuring every eligible individual can obtain a driver’s license, making our roads safer, decreasing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all.”

Those eligible for a TVDL must have lived in Illinois for more than a year and do not have a Social Security number. Individuals must provide their U.S. immigration documentation, a passport or a consular card – requirements that remain the same under the new proposal.

Applicants for a standard driver’s license would be required to follow the same process as applying for a TVDL. Still, the license they receive would be the same as one issued to any other Illinoisan whose ID does not comply with federal REAL ID guidelines.

Illinois will join numerous states with similar processes, including California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Colorado.

Child labor law change protects children from social media influencer parents

The law is designed to set up protections for children whose parents are social media influencers.

The law requires parents to set up a trust fund for their child if they earn income from their child’s likeness.

A blogger on YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, or another platform who features a child in 30% or more of their online content would be required to set aside 15% of the gross earnings from the video content into a trust, which would be held in the child’s name until they reach 18 years old.

The law also allows the child to request the deletion of any content they were featured in upon turning 18.

Child actors have been protected under the Child Labor Law. The new measure alters the language of the law to now include social media influencers.

Freelance Worker Protection Act

The law adds protections for independent contractors against threats, intimidation, discipline, harassment, and discrimination.

The law requires companies to issue full payment for the services by the due date in the contract, or if the due date is not specified, within 30 days of completing the services outlined in the contract.

Changes to how school assessments tests are administered

Illinois school boards must hold a public vote at a regular meeting prior to approving a new contract for any district-administered assessment tests given to students.

The minimum wage in Chicago increases from $15.80 to $16.20 an hour

Beginning July 1st, the minimum wage in Chicago will rise to $16.20, up from $15.80.

Statewide, the minimum wage is currently $14.00 an hour, which will increase to $15 an hour by January 1st, 2025. Tipped workers currently receive a minimum wage of $8.40.

Chicago workers receive more time off

Chicago workers will receive at least 10 days off each year, thanks to the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave ordinance.

Under the ordinance, workers who work at least 80 hours within a 120 day period are guaranteed five days of paid leave and five days of sick leave.

Other laws going into effect require the creation of a Cultural Empowerment Program, and rules governing how local taxing jurisdictions collect local sales tax on general merchandise.

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