Most new laws in Illinois take effect at the start of the year, but there are a handful of bills that will actually take effect in the coming weeks.

According to the Illinois General Assembly, most of those laws are technical changes to preexisting laws, but there are a handful that could end up impacting residents or their loved ones in the coming years.

Perhaps the most noteworthy of the bunch was House Bill 1226, which officially goes into effect on July 1.

The bill will now require Illinois residents who are aged 79 or older to renew their driver’s licenses in-person at a Secretary of State’s Office location.

In addition, residents who are 87 or older, or who are 75 or older and seeking to obtain or renew a commercial driver’s license, will be required to take a driver’s test in order to keep their license.

Finally, the bill will also allow family members to the Secretary of State pertaining to the medical condition of their loved ones, though the office will not be able to act on anonymous reports.

A handful of new laws will also impact Illinois schools, including House Bill 3851, which will change the definition of “cyber-bullying” in the state to include the posting or distribution of unauthorized digital images or replicas by electronic means.

Those changes will go into effect for the 2026-27 school year, according to officials.

Senate Bill 0408 also impacts students, providing that a student’s permanent record can include a summary of performance within special educational programs. The bill will also allow the Department of Education to provide that information to the Department of Human Services for the purposes of assessing whether a student is eligible for Medicaid.

Finally, House Bill 2962 will require drivers of school buses or school activity buses that can transport up to 15 people to obtain a school bus driver permit.

One Illinois law that typically is altered on July 1 will not be this year, as the state has opted to forego its annual increase in the fuel tax. That tax increase, indexed for inflation, takes effect on July 1 every year, but will not in 2026 under provisions of the fiscal year 2027 budget passed at the end of the spring legislative session.

A full list of laws that are going into effect on July 1 can be found on the General Assembly’s website.

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By WMBD TV

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After a very dry start to June, a stormy and humid weather pattern takes hold for the next several days.

Key Takeaways

• Flood Watch through Monday Evening
  • Localized pockets of 2 to 3+ inches of rain may lead to flooding
  • Rain totals will vary widely from one spot to another
• Oppressive heat and humidity midweek
  • Heat index near 100 degrees Tuesday through Thursday
• Severe Storm Chances
  • Highest risk Thursday, some severe weather potential Wednesday evening

The highest rain coverage for Monday will occur during the afternoon. Some funnel clouds may develop, but the risk of a tornado remains low. The main concern will be pockets of very heavy rain that can quickly lead to flash flooding where they develop. The showers will decrease and gradually end overnight.

With lower storm coverage during the daytime Tuesday and Wednesday, we will crank up the heat! While actual highs will “only” be in the upper 80s to lower 90s, the air will be very humid. This will push heat index values toward the triple digits. If possible, limit any strenuous outdoor activities to the early part of the day. The oppressive humidity will stay in place through Thursday.

The best chance for severe storms will come our way mid to late week, with all severe hazards on the table. While the highest severe threat is to our north and west Wednesday, severe weather could work in during the evening. The highest chance will be west of the Illinois River.

Thursday brings the highest threat for severe storms areawide. Timing of the greatest potential looks to be from mid-afternoon onward through the evening.

Rain amounts will vary greatly, on on average, 1 to 3 inches of rain can be expected through the week.

WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.