Nearly 300 new laws are set to take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2026.
Among the most notable changes, the state’s 1% grocery tax will be eliminated. However, more than half of Illinois’ cities and towns have already enacted their own local grocery taxes, meaning many residents will continue to pay the tax at the municipal level.
According to data from the Illinois Municipal League, 656 municipalities—representing about 56.5% of the state’s population, or 7.2 million people—have passed ordinances imposing their own grocery tax. In addition, three counties—Washington, Wabash, and Moultrie—have approved countywide grocery taxes.
Other new laws include a ban on small single-use plastic toiletry bottles in hotels, new authority for police to remove squatters from residences without a court order. Throughout the past year, the Illinois General Assembly passed several measures, all signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. Here are some highlights of changes coming to Illinois in the new year:
Safe Gun Storage Act (Senate Bill 0008):
This law strengthens requirements for storing firearms, aiming to prevent access by minors, “at-risk” individuals, or those prohibited from having guns. It introduces stricter storage rules, civil penalties for improper storage, and requires gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours instead of the previous 72-hour window.
Expanded SNAP Benefits for Veterans (Senate Bill 0032):
Eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now includes households with veterans or armed forces members, provided their gross income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
Student Immigration Privacy (House Bill 3247):
Schools are now prohibited from disclosing or threatening to disclose a student’s immigration status or that of associated individuals. The law also mandates procedures for reviewing law enforcement requests to access school property.
Pipeline Property Compensation (Senate Bill 1697):
Landowners whose property is damaged by pipeline construction are now entitled to compensation.
PFAS Warning in Firefighting Equipment (House Bill 2409):
Entities selling firefighting protective gear must inform buyers if the equipment contains PFAS chemicals and state why they are included. By January 1, 2027, sellers will be prohibited from offering gear with intentionally added PFAS chemicals.
Carbon Sequestration Restrictions (Senate Bill 1723):
Carbon sequestration projects cannot pass through a sole-source aquifer, and the Mahomet Aquifer Advisory Study Commission has been established.
Fees for Lift Assists at Living Facilities (House Bill 2336):
Fire departments and municipalities can charge a fee for each lift assist at living facilities or nursing homes after the sixth assist in a year, covering only the cost of personnel and equipment.
Rooftop Safety for First Responders (Senate Bill 1742):
New safety requirements for rooftops—including parapets, extended masonry, and specific skylight guidelines—apply to existing and new buildings. By January 1, 2027, municipalities must survey buildings and share findings with police and fire departments.
Hippotherapy Coverage (Senate Bill 0069):
“Hippotherapy,” therapy involving a licensed professional and a therapy horse, will be covered by insurance policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2027.
CPR Training for 911 Telecommunicators (Senate Bill 1295):
All 911 operators are now required to be trained in telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR), ensuring they can recognize cardiac arrest and instruct callers on CPR procedures.
These new laws reflect Illinois’ ongoing efforts to address public safety, health, and environmental concerns as the state enters the new year.