Several new Illinois laws took effect Wednesday bringing changes for senior drivers, schools, restaurants and animal welfare.
One of the most significant changes raises the age at which most drivers must take a road test to renew their license. Drivers age 79 and older will still renew in person but are no longer required to take a driving test. Road tests are now required for commercial driver’s license holders age 75 and older and for all drivers age 87 and older.
Schools will also begin operating under an expanded definition of cyberbullying for the upcoming school year. The updated law now includes the unauthorized posting or sharing of digital images and videos.
Another new law makes cocktails-to-go a permanent option in Illinois, allowing bars and restaurants to continue selling alcoholic beverages in approved to-go containers to customers age 21 and older.
Other changes include replacing the term “daycare” with “early care and education” in state licensing language and expanding Illinois’ ban on the use of certain animals in traveling circus performances to include non-human primates and large cats.
In all, 19 new Illinois laws took effect July 1st.