More than 300 new Illinois laws will go into effect in 2025. From offering mental health counseling coverage for first responders to improving traffic safety near O’Hare, Illinois residents can expect changes that could significantly improve their lives in the coming year.
Keep reading to learn about the new rights and protections for Illinois residents.
New Illinois Laws Coming 2025
Safety protections for coal miners, distribution of fentanyl tests to prevent overdoses, and expanded rights for nursing home residents — here are a few new Illinois laws coming in 2025 that stand out.
Labor & Employment
Whistleblower Protections (HB 5561). Safeguards whistleblower employees who speak out in good faith, making it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report or threaten to report unlawful or unsafe practices. It clarifies key terms, increases penalties for violations (including up to $10,000 in damages and a civil penalty), and allows the Attorney General to intervene in cases of prohibited practices.
Mental Health Coverage for First Responders (SB 3538). Counties or municipalities that provide health insurance coverage for their employees must include mental health counseling in that coverage for first responders without imposing any cost-sharing requirements.
Worker Freedom of Speech Act (SB 3649). Protects employees from facing negative consequences for not attending or participating in meetings or communications about an employer’s religious or political views.
Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities (HB 2161). Amends the IHRA to protect employees from discrimination based on their family responsibilities, such as caring for a family member. That includes unfair hiring, promotions, or work conditions due to these responsibilities. Employers, however, are not required to make special accommodations related to family care, such as flexible leave or changes to work performance policies.
Non-compete for Mental Health Professionals (SB 2737). Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act making it illegal for any non-compete or non-solicitation agreements to be enforced against licensed mental health professionals who provide services to veterans and first responders if enforcing such agreements would make it harder or more expensive for these individuals to access care.
Union Workers
Protecting Coal Miners (HB 4954). Improving miner safety by implementing requirements of mine rescue stations and rescue teams to handle emergencies in Illinois coal mines.
Non-Compete in Construction Industry (SB 2770). The Construction Industry Employment Freedom Act makes non-compete and non-solicitation agreements illegal for construction workers, whether or not they are part of a union. Employers who violate this law could face fines, and workers can take legal action to seek damages or stop the violation.
Public Health & Safety
Pesticide Application Notice (SB 3342). Ensures residents are given 24 hours’ written notice before pesticides, including mosquito abatement, are applied to public spaces near their homes. Exceptions exist for urgent health risks like disease-carrying mosquitoes or natural disaster recovery.
Fentanyl Test Strips (SB 3350). Aims to reduce overdoses by expanding access to fentanyl tests and allowing the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to distribute test strips through hospitals and other approved organizations as part of a drug overdose prevention program. Additionally, when feasible, these test strips may be included in harm reduction programs, such as those providing clean syringes.
Mold Remediation (SB 1087). Enhances protections against mold by requiring the IDPH to launch a public awareness campaign about the health risks of mold and how to address it. Mold remediation providers will be required to register with the state, show proof of certification, and demonstrate financial responsibility. The Department will also report annually to lawmakers on health impacts and relevant regulations.
Civil Rights
Extended Time to File a Civil Rights Complaint (SB 3310). Extends the statute of limitations, or the deadline to file a complaint, for bringing a civil rights violation complaint from 300 days to 2 years. It also allows the Human Rights Commission to award broader damages, including punitive damages, if the case meets legal standards.
Reproductive Health Decisions (HB 4867). Amends Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) to include protections from discrimination based on personal reproductive health decisions, such as using contraception, fertility treatments, or pregnancy care. Reinforces the right to make these choices free from judgment or bias.
Prisoner Rights
Incarcerated Pregnant Individuals (HB 5431). Limits the use of restraints on pregnant and postpartum individuals, and requires sheriffs to report on the number of pregnancies and outcomes in custody each year. The law also ensures access to supplemental nutrition, informational materials about laws, and resources for guardianship or adoption. Additionally, all incarcerated individuals with a uterus must be offered a medical screening and pregnancy test within 14 days of commitment.
Traffic and Driving
O’Hare Driver Safety Act (HB 5408). Creates the O’Hare Driver Safety Act, which prohibits people from stopping or standing their motor vehicle on the shoulder of a highway within a one-half-mile radius of the eastern entrance of O’Hare Airport or the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 294, unless otherwise permitted.
Total Loss Disclosure (HB 5559). Requires auto insurers to provide the insured individual with a detailed explanation of the total loss determination, including repair estimates, estimated salvage value, assessed market value, and any other costs or calculations considered, once a total loss is determined.
Nursing Homes
Medicare Coverage Notice (HB 5095). Requires nursing home facilities to give at least five days’ notice (or two days in certain cases) to both the resident and their representative if their Medicare coverage is ending before the full 100-day benefit period. The resident will not be required to move until those five days have passed.
Tenant Rights
Third-Party Payment Portals (HB 4206). Landlords who use a third-party payment portal to collect rental payments must allow tenants to pay by paper check if the payment portal collects a transaction fee or other charge.
Landlord Retaliation Act (HB 4768). This bill makes it illegal for landlords to punish tenants for things like reporting code violations or asking for repairs. If a landlord retaliates, the tenant can take legal action and recover damages, up to two months’ rent or the actual damages, along with legal fees.
Disability and Veteran Rights
Accessible Parking Space for Condo Owners (SB 2740). Requires condominiums to provide an accessible parking space to a unit owner with a disability. Grants the private right of civil action to compel the condominium to prioritize accessible parking space.
Waived Building Permit Fees for Veterans with Disabilities (SB 2751). Prevents a veteran with a disability or their caregiver from being charged a building permit fee for home improvements needed to accommodate the veteran’s disability. The County or Municipality is in charge of verifying proof of status.
Students
NIL Student-Athlete Rights (HB 0307). Updates the rules around student-athletes rights to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). It clarifies that student-athletes aren’t considered employees of their schools or athletic associations and exempts NIL agreements from public records disclosure. Additionally, schools can offer non-monetary incentives to encourage outside support for NIL student-athlete opportunities.
Corporal Punishment in Schools (HB 4175). Bans corporal punishment in all schools, including public, charter, and private ones. It ensures that discipline policies allow only reasonable force in specific situations, such as safety or emergencies, while explicitly prohibiting any form of corporal punishment under any circumstances.
Click here for a full list of new Illinois laws 2025.
Chicago, IL Personal Injury FAQs
If you were hurt in an accident in Illinois, recent law changes may impact your case. Whether you’re facing medical bills, insurance claims, or court deadlines, having the right information—and representation—matters. Founder of Disparti Law Group, Attorney Larry Disparti earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of South Florida and his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. He is licensed to practice in Illinois, Florida, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. Since our opening in 2004, our firm has successfully recovered over a billion dollars for clients. If you are looking for a Chicago, IL personal injury lawyer with all of these credentials and more, contact us today.
How Did Illinois Change Comparative Negligence Law In 2025?
While the core comparative negligence rule in Illinois has not changed—where a person cannot recover damages if found more than 50% at fault—there is growing concern over how insurance companies apply these rules. In 2025, insurers have expanded the use of digital analysis tools to argue that injured parties share more responsibility than they may actually deserve. That means fault disputes are becoming more common, even in straightforward accident cases. It’s important to understand how fault can directly impact the compensation you receive.
What Is The New Medical Debt Protection Law In Illinois 2025?
Illinois enacted new protections under Senate Bill 2933. This bill focuses on the impact medical debt has on people after an injury. Starting in 2025, medical debt can no longer be reported to consumer credit agencies. This means unpaid hospital bills related to a personal injury won’t automatically damage your credit score. For those waiting on a settlement or judgment, this law removes one of the pressures that hospitals and insurers previously used to force early or unfair agreements. It gives injured people more time to resolve their claims without added financial harm.
What Is Scott’s Law Update And How Does It Affect Personal Injury Accident Claims?
The updated version of Scott’s Law strengthens existing rules requiring drivers to move over or slow down when approaching emergency or roadside service vehicles. These changes increase the penalties for violations and can serve as clear evidence of driver negligence in crash claims. If a driver fails to follow the law and causes an accident, that violation may support your claim for compensation. The law is especially important for roadside workers, first responders, and anyone pulled over during an emergency.
What Is House Bill 3313 For Small Injury Claims?
House Bill 3313, introduced in Illinois in 2025, proposes limits on formal discovery for certain low-dollar injury claims. That means plaintiffs may not have the right to conduct depositions or request key evidence in these cases. While aimed at speeding up the legal process, many believe it could reduce the fairness of the system, particularly for those without legal representation. If passed into law, this bill could change how small injury claims are litigated and may increase the risk of low settlement offers.
Are There New Caps On Damages In Illinois Personal Injury Cases?
As of 2025, Illinois does not have new caps on damages in personal injury cases. The state continues to allow full recovery of both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. However, the topic of damage caps continues to be debated. It’s critical to work with a Chicago personal injury lawyer who follows proposed legislative changes and knows how to pursue the full value of your claim, especially if lawmakers revisit this issue in future sessions.
Support You Can Count On
Laws affecting personal injury claims are always changing, and knowing how they apply to your situation is critical. We stay current with new legislation and how it impacts those we represent. If you are looking for a Chicago personal injury lawyer who was raised in a union family and motivated to create a firm dedicated to fighting for seriously injured individuals, injured workers, employee rights, and disabled individuals, Disparti Law Group is here to help.
Win in 2025 with Disparti Law Group
Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers handle a wide range of practice areas in Illinois including personal injury, car accidents, Social Security disability, labor and employment, civil rights, sexual abuse, and more. We keep our ears to the ground regarding new legislation so our clients know they are getting the most knowledgeable and skilled representation in the state.
For a FREE case review, call (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say… Larry wins!
