To some, Monday, July 1 may just be another day on the calendar. But in Illinois, a number of things on that date are set to change for residents, thanks to new laws going into effect.
Some of those laws come in the form of big changes to your paycheck or wallet.
From paying more at the pump to minimum wage going up, here are a few new laws going into effect July 1.
Illinois gas tax, prices to increase
Illinois motorists will notice a small increase in their gas prices beginning next month, as the state’s fuel tax will increase by more than 3%.
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the tax on gasoline will rise from $0.454 cents per gallon to $0.47, an increase of just over 3.5%.
The taxes on diesel fuel will also rise from $0.529 to $0.545 per gallon, an increase of just over 3%, according to the state’s website.
Since a brief moratorium was placed on the increases amid increases in inflation in recent years, rising twice in in 2023 and now for a third time in July 2024.
Paid Leave for Chicago workers
Chicago workers will also have increased access to guaranteed paid leave, with employees who work at least 80 hours within a 120-day period eligible for up to five days of paid leave and five days of paid sick leave.
According to the city, employees accrue at a rate of one hour of sick leave for every 35 hours worked. They must be allowed to use accrued sick leave no later than on the 30th day of employment. Employees can carry over 80 hours of leave between 12-month periods.
Chicago Minimum Wage Increasing
While Illinois’ minimum wage will not go up, residents in Cook County and Chicago will see higher minimum wages starting on July 1.
According to city officials, the minimum wage in Chicago will rise to $16.20 an hour, up from $15.80. That number increases annually according to the Consumer Price Index or a rate of 2.5%, whichever is lower, according to officials.
What’s more, the minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $11.02 an hour, and over the next five years will continue rising until it is equal to the regular minimum wage, according to the city.
In suburban Cook County, the minimum wage will rise to $14.05 for non-tipped workers, according to officials. The rate will remain $8.40 per hour for tipped employees.
In the rest of Illinois, the minimum wage rose to $14 an hour on Jan. 1.
Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance, set to take effect next month, will increase the minimum wage for thousands of service industry workers currently earning sub-minimum wages. Over the next five years, these workers will see their base pay rise to $15.80 an hour, with additional earnings from tips.
Other new laws coming to Illinois July 1
Several changes are coming to Illinois on July 1, including a program that will offer driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
According to the text of HB 3882, individuals seeking a license must pass a driving test, have valid car insurance, be able to present identification documents, and must be able to prove residency of at least one year within the state of Illinois.
Another change will come via the Freelance Worker Protection Act, which obligates companies to pay freelance workers in a timely fashion, among other requirements.
The bill also enhances protections for freelance workers against threats and intimidation, and codifies ways to report violations to the Illinois Department of Labor.
Finally, a new bill will protect “child influencers” who become popular on social media. The legislation, SB 1782, entitles children under the age of 16 to receive a portion of their gross earnings, with parents required to maintain records of children’s appearances on social media. Those earnings must be set aside in a trust fund until the child turns 18, according to officials.