Starting in 2024, Illinois will be implementing a number of new laws that will have an impact on parents and guardians across the state.
Starting in 2024, House Bill 1155 will introduce a new measure that expands the scope of lawsuits against adults who provide alcohol or illegal drugs to minors. Under this bill, legal action can be taken against these adults regardless of the location where the substance was provided. The bill specifically targets situations where a minor, after consuming the substances, causes harm or even death to someone outside of the premises where the substances were provided.
A new Senate bill has been passed in Illinois, which mandates that hospitals provide the required paperwork to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services when a newborn is relinquished.
State Senator Karina Villa, a Democrat from West Chicago, recently addressed Senate Bill 2034, also known as The Child Bereavement Act, during a Senate debate. The bill aims to offer parents additional paid time off in the event of the loss of a child.
“The legislation aims to provide support to grieving families by granting them the necessary time to mourn their loss,” stated Villa. “Senate Bill 2034 introduces the Zachary’s Parent Protection Act, which is commonly referred to as the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act.”
State Senator Maurice West, a Democrat from Rockford, expressed his views on the measure, emphasizing that no parent should face the possibility of job loss following the tragic loss of a child.
Also Read: New US Laws 2024: New Paid Sick Leave Laws Take Effect
“I have spoken with parents who have experienced the tragic loss of a child, and as a result, have also faced the additional hardship of losing their job due to their performance being affected by their grief,” West shared. “It is a tragic and heart-wrenching experience for any parent to have to bury their own child. Therefore, it is crucial that we implement additional precautions and allocate more resources to support these grieving parents.”
Will County has recently implemented a new law known as House Bill 780. This law aims to establish a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program. In August, Governor J.B. Pritzker officially signed the pilot program into law. The program is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2024, and will continue until January 1, 2027.
“I am dedicated to improving Illinois and making it a top state for families,” stated Governor Pritzker. He emphasized the importance of supporting parents, guardians, grandparents, and the youngest residents of Illinois. A new pilot program in Will County aims to connect grandparents raising grandchildren with important resources and services offered by state agencies. Additionally, a public awareness campaign will be launched to ensure that all Illinois grandparents are well-informed.
