Pritzker Enacts New Laws on Environment, Tuition, and Consumer Protection

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Pritzker Enacts New Laws on Environment, Tuition, and Consumer Protection

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed more than 60 bills into law since last Friday, addressing a range of issues from environmental protection to consumer rights and education.

One significant piece of legislation, House Bill 5070, prevents the Illinois Pollution Control Board from adopting federal environmental rules that are less stringent than current state standards. This measure aims to maintain robust environmental protections in Illinois, particularly in light of potential rollbacks of federal standards.

In the realm of consumer protection, House Bill 3564 targets “junk fees” levied by landlords. This new law, effective January 1, 2027, prohibits landlords from charging fees for lease modifications or renewals, eviction notices, after-hours maintenance requests, and routine maintenance. It also caps application and background check fees at $50 and requires all non-optional fees to be clearly listed on the first page of a lease agreement.

Another notable bill, House Bill 4472, establishes a statewide “Blue Envelope Program” to assist autistic individuals during traffic stops. This voluntary program, taking effect January 1, 2027, will provide blue envelopes for drivers to carry essential documents, communication preferences, and instructions for law enforcement, aiming to reduce stress and improve interactions.

Furthermore, House Bill 5093 expands eligibility for in-state tuition at Illinois public colleges and universities. Starting with the 2027-2028 school year, students who attended an Illinois high school for at least three years can qualify for in-state tuition, even if they established residency outside the state before enrolling. Non-citizens would need to begin the process of becoming a permanent U.S

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