New Illinois Laws to Take Effect Starting July 1st

Several Illinois laws are set to take effect starting July 1st, including changes in health care, education, transportation, driver’s licensing, and early childhood services. Many of these policies were signed into law over a year ago, but the implementation marks the next chapter in legislative change approved in previous sessions of the Illinois General Assembly.

Among the new laws taking effect in Illinois is the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, also known as “Deb’s Law.” Effective September 12, 2026, the law allows eligible terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request a prescription for aid-in-dying medication from an attending physician, with eligibility confirmed by a consulting physician and subject to specific legal requirements and procedural safeguards. The legislation has generated significant public debate, and on June 11, 2026, several disability rights organizations, patients, and a physician filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the law before it takes effect. The plaintiffs argue that the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by discriminating against individuals with disabilities. Supporters of the law maintain that it provides terminally ill patients with an additional end-of-life care option while including safeguards designed to protect patient autonomy and ensure informed decision-making. The lawsuit remains pending, and no court has issued a final ruling on the law’s legality.

Illinois schools will also see a change beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with a broader definition of what constitutes “cyberbullying”. Under House Bill 3851, posting sexually explicit photos will be considered a form of bullying. The bill goes further and adds that any unauthorized replica created by electronic means, artificial intelligence, digital replica, or any generative AI that causes physical or mental harm to the student, interferes with a student’s academic performance or participation in school-sanctioned activities, will be classified as bullying. This legislative expansion of the cyberbullying definition addresses concerns for new and emerging forms of digital harassment.

School bus drivers will see a new type of permit available to them. Under House Bill 2962, the types of motor vehicle permits will be divided from two (2) to three (3), with the third division classified as a multifunction school-activity bus carrying up to 15 passengers. This includes transportation between home and school, vocational school, and field trips. This new permit division will provide a separate classroom or refresher course for drivers operating under it. The bill aims to provide additional flexibility for school districts regarding academic transportation, while helping maintain proper safety standards.

Driver’s license renewal rules are also being updated. House Bill 1226, amending the Illinois Vehicle Code, raises the age at which drivers must renew their licenses to seventy-nine (79), up from seventy-five (75). Amending the code further, drivers over the age of eighty-seven (87), or seventy- five (75) if they hold a commercial driver’s license, will need to prove “by actual demonstration” that they can safely operate a motor vehicle with reasonable care. Continuing to add safeguards for drivers, the bill will allow any immediate family member of a relative to submit a report to the Secretary of State if a family member’s medical condition might impair their driving ability. This law not only updates licensing renewal requirements but also introduces new safety measures to help ensure drivers’ safety.

The final law taking effect is forming an Early Childhood Department. Senate Bill 1 will consolidate programs and services administered by multiple state agencies into a single entity to oversee early childhood education and care. Programs include home-visiting services, early intervention services, preschool services, childcare services, licensing for day care centers, day care homes, and other early childhood education and care programs. The reorganization of these programs is intended to streamline services, improve coordination, and simplify access to early childhood resources for Illinois families.

Together, these new laws represent a broad policy shift focused on the safety and care of Illinois citizens and families. As Illinois implements these new laws, local governments and bureaucracies will be responsible for carrying out the requirements and ensuring compliance, as they take effect statewide starting July 1st.