While Illinois motorists will avoid a scheduled gas tax increase on July 1st, several new state laws will take effect alongside the state’s new $55.9 billion budget.
Among the most notable changes is Senate Bill 1950, known as Deb’s Law, which allows terminally ill patients to request medication from a physician to peacefully end their lives under specific circumstances.
House Bill 3851 expands Illinois’ anti-bullying laws in schools. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, cyberbullying will include the posting or distribution of unauthorized digital replicas and sexually explicit images that cause harm, fear, or interfere with a student’s education.
House Bill 2962 creates a specialized school bus driver permit, allowing qualified drivers to operate smaller vehicles carrying up to 15 passengers for school-related transportation, including field trips and vocational programs.
House Bill 1226 raises the age for mandatory in-person driver’s license renewals from 75 to 79. Drivers age 87 and older, or age 75 and older with a commercial driver’s license, must still demonstrate their ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Also taking effect July 1 is Senate Bill 1, which creates the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. The new agency will oversee programs previously managed by multiple state departments in an effort to streamline early childhood education and care services.
The laws are among numerous measures approved by lawmakers during recent legislative sessions and will officially take effect at the start of Illinois’ new fiscal year.