More than 200 new laws took effect in Illinois Jan. 1, 2026, and that means a number of things will look different for residents when it comes to healthcare, insurance, employment and more.
Some laws will change how much some prescription drugs may cost, while others make cocktails-to-go permanent in the state. One law designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois, and another gives police more authority to treat squatters like trespassers.
Here's a full list of new Illinois laws for 2026, and below is a list of a few to look out for.
SB 0212: Will require employers to provide paid breaks for nursing mothers to pump breast milk.
HB 0297: Creates a mandatory interest arbitration procedure for educational supervisors in CPS when a collective bargaining impasse occurs.
HB 1278: Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who use company equipment to record crimes against themselves or their families.
HB 3094: Extends pre-tax commuter benefits to part-time workers.
HB 3638: Expands employee protections around confidentiality agreements and no-rehire clauses.
HB 3773: Prohibits discriminatory use of AI in employment.
HB 1616: Extends paid organ-donation leave to part-time employees.
HB 1787: Updates safety drill requirements for substitute teachers.
SB 1295: Requires CPR-training blocks for medical dispatchers to assist 911 callers over the phone.
SB 0773: Requires group insurance plans to cover IVF services...
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