Changing the rules: New state laws go into effect today

SPRINGFIELD - Parents of chronic vandals could be liable for up to $30,000 in damages, grade schools must begin teaching Internet safety, high schools and colleges must add sexual-assault awareness, and eating disorders will now fall under health coverage.

Those are just a few of the more than 100 new state laws that hit the books with the start of 2009. The Daily Herald trolled the General Assembly's records to find new laws th at might affect you in the New Year.

Stronger DUI, ethics laws

Starting today, first-time convicted DUI offenders will be required to install an ignition interlock device that renders your car unstartable unless you blow into it to demonstrate you're not drunk. Also, a new state ethics law targets 'pay to play' politics. See related stories.

Internet safety

Schools are now required to teach Internet safety at least once a year to all students in grades 3 and higher. In addition, another state law requires Internet gambling service providers that automatically re-enroll subscribers to offer a secure method for canceling that subscription on the Web site.

Parental payments

Parents can now be held liable for up to $30,000 in damages for a child who's a serial vandal. Parental liability from a first offense of vandalism remains at $20,000.

Underage smokers

Apparently, no one ever made it illegal for minors to use fake IDs to buy cigarettes. So that prohibition now hits the law books. Of note, there are no explicit penalties for offenders spelled out in the law.

Employment physical

Employers are prohibited from hiring, firing or making other employment decision based on someone's genetic information. They're also banned from asking employees to submit genetic information, which can be used to determine health risks.

Sexual assault

High schools, colleges and universities must add sexual assault awareness lessons.

Rental cars

Rental car companies must provide an emergency number that drivers can call for roadside assistance.

Insurance coverage

Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa will be considered "serious mental illness" and covered under health care policies.

Knuckle buster

New laws will prohibit carrying billy clubs in government buildings and outlaw the sale, manufacture, purchase and possession of brass knuckles and similar devices.

Tracking suspects

People who violate orders of protection could be tracked with electronic ankle bracelets under a new law passed in response to the murder of a suburban woman killed by a former boyfriend who had been told by the courts to stay away from her.

Cindy Bischof of Arlington Heights was shot and killed in Elmhurst by Michael Giroux, who then killed himself.

The new law lets judges order abusers to be electronically tracked via ankle bracelets transmitting their whereabouts to police.

In addition, an order of protection can remain in effect until a judge removes it. Previously, they expired automatically after two years.

Election judges

Sex offenders now cannot serve as election judges. Keep in mind, many polling places are inside schools.

Sprinkler restrictions

Ever drive past some patch of grass in the midst of a rainstorm with its automatic sprinklers on and marvel at the waste? That might begin changing in 2009. A new state law requires automatic sprinkler systems to be equipped to stop operation when there's been enough rain. It does not apply to golf courses or agriculture settings. And it's only for irrigation systems installed after Jan. 1.

Popular vote

Illinois is doing its part to ensure future presidents are elected by the national popular vote rather than Electoral College votes. A new law says that Illinois' electoral votes will be awarded to the candidate who gets the most votes nationally. Supporters view this as a way to get around the Electoral College without needing to amend the U.S. Constitution. However, the law doesn't really take effect until it's been enacted by states representing a majority of the electoral votes - 270. As of September, only Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Hawaii had passed such laws for a total of 50 electoral votes.

Going green

State-owned or leased buildings of more than 1,000 square feet must now consider using LED lighting in addition to other Energy Star options as lawmakers attempt to force new efficiencies on state properties.

School bus

School bus drivers must open the bus door before crossing railroad tracks.

Feces flingers

Here's a happy holiday new law.

Inmates who throw feces, urine or other fluids or materials on prison workers face harsher penalties. Flinging feces or fluids had been a class 3 felony. It now gets bumped up a notch to a class 2. And that means three to seven more years in prison rather than two to five.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=261630">Get a DUI, take a breath<span class="date">[1/1/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=261628">New state ethics law targets 'pay to play' <span class="date">[1/1/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>